It had been a while now since the return to West Bridge. Many things had changed, but the objective remained the same.
Though he had much to attend to, and could not personally maintain the observation of the young woman, the task of keeping an eye on her was being carried out, nevertheless. And though they had apparently "disappeared" once or twice, fortunately picking-up their trail again soon after had not proven very difficult; especially given the "distinctiveness" of her companion.
Even so, Xarkuss would, on a constant basis, do his own bit of observation and reconnaissance. And on more than a few occasions was set to take-off behind the couple on their journey; though for one reason or another it would be put-off every time, and by the looks of things, was not likely to take place anytime soon.
There were too many entities involved now, and even more affected. Too many different parties, with too many different agendas...
Xarkuss knew that only sensible thing to do now, was to sit back, watch, and just wait and see. "I wonder who'll be making the next move..."
No Stone Unturned (Part I-II)
He awoke with a start. Sweat clung to his chest, gleaming from him in the low lantern light like that of a madman. Throm rolled out of his bed, the cold contact of his bare feet upon the floor bringing him to full awareness. His tides of rage ebbed as did the most vivid of details of his dream, leaving a hollow chill to run it's course through his very core being. Walking slowly through the door of the bathroom which ran adjacent to his chambers, Throm breathed a soft word and dipped his hands into the cool water which now gurgled from a silver basin. Bringing the water to his face, he sighed as it ran down his cheeks as if washing away the harsh realization of the dream. "My list of enemies grows larger these days..." he muttered to himself. Throm returned to his chambers, reaching into his wardrobe to pull a loose black shirt about his torso. Stepping into a pair of equally black pants, he gazed out of the window judging the time to be late of night by the looks of the total lack of sunlight in the sky. Throm considered the possibility of notifying Sanria as he threw his cloak about his shoulders. He shook his head at once, chasing such thoughts from his head. It was early, and it would only serve to worry her further. No...he would handle this now and then inform Sanria in short order once Emalia was fine. After all, though the daughter of Sanria was no longer officially within the ranks of the Crimson Guardians, Throm had always felt it's members bound by far more than formality. As such, if Emalia or Colin were in danger he would see to it that such a danger were put to rest. Not to mention the fact that he would not watch another plague run rampant across the Realms. A brief flash of anger shot through him at the thought of Grobnak using a living being...one carrying a child no less as a vessel for his insane plots. And within that brief flash he desired no less than to unleash hell upon the Jihad Compound. To put an end to the latent threat that had plagued the Great Realms for so long. Slowly his demeanor calmed, and only then...when the red had faded from his vision, did he allow himself to think freely. No...he in fact would go to the Jihad Compound, but only to retrieve the Black Makou which Grobnak had originally used to infect Emalia. Tonight there would be no vengeance...such wasn't his style. Tonight he would be nothing more than a whisper upon a dark breeze.
The rain pattered lightly upon the ground, soothing even Throm's nerves after the traumatic message he had been given. In the near distance, he could spot the lights of the Jihad Compound. They were dim, though easily spotted among the darkness of the night. Deciding that a simple spell of concealment would not suffice, he instead took a deep breath and concentrated. Concentrated on nothing short of the removal of his being from reality itself. At once he was enveloped in a warm feeling that seemed to eject him into all directions at the same time. Opening his eyes, the world now appeared black and white. Devoid of color he knew now that he was no longer a participant, but now a spectator within the world he called home. Raising a hand in the direction of the Jihad Compound, Throm willed time itself to slow down...or was it him who would live faster? Regardless, he allowed the deep breath to escape his mouth as the rain drops suddenly began falling as if someone had suddenly cut the throttle threefold. He looked to the tip of his hand where the rain fell straight through what would have been flesh...were he a member of linear existance. In the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of the two guards who stood to either side of the entrance to the grove in which lay the headquarters of the Jihad. He had observed these guards before on routine surveillance excursions. Tonight was different though. Not just due to the fact that the insubstantial world about him had all of a sudden slowed to a crawl. The mannerisms in which the guards went about their ways were different tonight. One sat nearby the other one, seemingly locked in conversation. Thinking no more of it, Throm brushed past the two, finding himself at the downward entrance into the Compound. Flitting around a passing Jenovese, Throm soon found himself inside the large lab of the Jihad, looking upon a huge vat filled with a black substance which seemed to move of it's own accord. He reached down and filled two vials from a spout at the bottom of the vat.
"One for you...one for me. Time to find out exactly what this stuff does." he whispered to himself.
Quickly he moved towards the exit of the Compound, pausing only once near a statue of a Rok demon bearing the likeness of Grobnak. The one who had started this all.
"You raving fool....what have you done now?"
The rain pattered lightly upon the ground, soothing even Throm's nerves after the traumatic message he had been given. In the near distance, he could spot the lights of the Jihad Compound. They were dim, though easily spotted among the darkness of the night. Deciding that a simple spell of concealment would not suffice, he instead took a deep breath and concentrated. Concentrated on nothing short of the removal of his being from reality itself. At once he was enveloped in a warm feeling that seemed to eject him into all directions at the same time. Opening his eyes, the world now appeared black and white. Devoid of color he knew now that he was no longer a participant, but now a spectator within the world he called home. Raising a hand in the direction of the Jihad Compound, Throm willed time itself to slow down...or was it him who would live faster? Regardless, he allowed the deep breath to escape his mouth as the rain drops suddenly began falling as if someone had suddenly cut the throttle threefold. He looked to the tip of his hand where the rain fell straight through what would have been flesh...were he a member of linear existance. In the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of the two guards who stood to either side of the entrance to the grove in which lay the headquarters of the Jihad. He had observed these guards before on routine surveillance excursions. Tonight was different though. Not just due to the fact that the insubstantial world about him had all of a sudden slowed to a crawl. The mannerisms in which the guards went about their ways were different tonight. One sat nearby the other one, seemingly locked in conversation. Thinking no more of it, Throm brushed past the two, finding himself at the downward entrance into the Compound. Flitting around a passing Jenovese, Throm soon found himself inside the large lab of the Jihad, looking upon a huge vat filled with a black substance which seemed to move of it's own accord. He reached down and filled two vials from a spout at the bottom of the vat.
"One for you...one for me. Time to find out exactly what this stuff does." he whispered to himself.
Quickly he moved towards the exit of the Compound, pausing only once near a statue of a Rok demon bearing the likeness of Grobnak. The one who had started this all.
"You raving fool....what have you done now?"
Master of Puppets (Pulling Strings)
Seventy Seven had told him of the Cetra who had caused the Church so much grief, just as Grobnak had spoken of the Stream Woman, Emalia and her search for the Temple - and how her Faith was ailing. Halethiel found these things distasteful: The woman had abilities that posed a threat to their plans, and the Cetra had proven to be an irritant in an otherwise flawless system. He had no patience for liabilities - it was time they became assets.
The Cetra had recently arisen to prominence amidst other foes: The Guardians. The Stream Woman was with child by one of these Guardians, and surely the child would share her abilities. The zealotry of the Cetra was well-known to the Church. The time had come to turn it into a weapon in his own hands.
These were the thoughts that went through Halethiel's mind as he cast the spell that would bring the dreamer to him. The Cetra arrived on cue in his wonderland, eyes wide with curiosity and wonder at the world he now found himself in. Hovering in the air, he levitated the puppet-woman towards his target. Mystra herself had a message to deliver to this... Throm, whom had been so disruptive to his plans.
At the sight of his goddess gliding before him, Throm knelt in awe. She glowed, ethereal tendrils of power emanating from her body, her eyes glowing, as she spoke to him, "My worthy servant, Throm," she said, "I have summoned you to perform a task."
"You need only ask, Lady," Throm replied, looking up at his goddess as she floated before him. She seemed almost plain, for a goddess, but the description fit. He felt a little skeptical, but some portion of his consciousness came to the realization that this was a dream, and only a true goddess could contact him in this manner.
"There is a woman, Emalia, who has been contaminated by agents of the Lady of Poison. Soon, all of the Realms will be engulfed in virulent plague at her touch. She must be saved, Throm. She has been infected by a mad man called Grobnak. Only you can save her and stop this disease from spreading."
Throm felt anger stirring in his chest and his stomach tightening as she spoke. It made sense. He didn't know Colin very well, but he had seen the pair. He knew that she had left Grobnak's mad circle of friends, just as she had left the Guardians. He knew also that a man like Grobnak had no conscience - she would be the perfect subject for experimentation to him. Already he knew that he would do whatever he could to help. He could not let this pass - that snake was a threat to humanity, and to the planet itself.
"There is a substance called Black Makou that was used to make this disease. It must be used to cure it, as well. You must find some of this substance, Throm, and deliver it to Emalia's lover, Colin. He will not know what to do with it yet, but the time is soon coming when he will." As she spoke, the woman's form began to change, dissolving into a glowing white orb that pulsated from its center. "My faithful steward, will you do this?" the voice of the woman asked, still speaking from within the will o' wisp.
"I will," Throm replied, anger lending conviction to his words "and I will not rest until it is done."
The Cetra had recently arisen to prominence amidst other foes: The Guardians. The Stream Woman was with child by one of these Guardians, and surely the child would share her abilities. The zealotry of the Cetra was well-known to the Church. The time had come to turn it into a weapon in his own hands.
These were the thoughts that went through Halethiel's mind as he cast the spell that would bring the dreamer to him. The Cetra arrived on cue in his wonderland, eyes wide with curiosity and wonder at the world he now found himself in. Hovering in the air, he levitated the puppet-woman towards his target. Mystra herself had a message to deliver to this... Throm, whom had been so disruptive to his plans.
At the sight of his goddess gliding before him, Throm knelt in awe. She glowed, ethereal tendrils of power emanating from her body, her eyes glowing, as she spoke to him, "My worthy servant, Throm," she said, "I have summoned you to perform a task."
"You need only ask, Lady," Throm replied, looking up at his goddess as she floated before him. She seemed almost plain, for a goddess, but the description fit. He felt a little skeptical, but some portion of his consciousness came to the realization that this was a dream, and only a true goddess could contact him in this manner.
"There is a woman, Emalia, who has been contaminated by agents of the Lady of Poison. Soon, all of the Realms will be engulfed in virulent plague at her touch. She must be saved, Throm. She has been infected by a mad man called Grobnak. Only you can save her and stop this disease from spreading."
Throm felt anger stirring in his chest and his stomach tightening as she spoke. It made sense. He didn't know Colin very well, but he had seen the pair. He knew that she had left Grobnak's mad circle of friends, just as she had left the Guardians. He knew also that a man like Grobnak had no conscience - she would be the perfect subject for experimentation to him. Already he knew that he would do whatever he could to help. He could not let this pass - that snake was a threat to humanity, and to the planet itself.
"There is a substance called Black Makou that was used to make this disease. It must be used to cure it, as well. You must find some of this substance, Throm, and deliver it to Emalia's lover, Colin. He will not know what to do with it yet, but the time is soon coming when he will." As she spoke, the woman's form began to change, dissolving into a glowing white orb that pulsated from its center. "My faithful steward, will you do this?" the voice of the woman asked, still speaking from within the will o' wisp.
"I will," Throm replied, anger lending conviction to his words "and I will not rest until it is done."
Master of Puppets (Preparations)
Once there, he retracted his spidery legs back into his robes and began focusing his mind once more. A shape began forming in the air before him, the air subtle and rippling as it became first solid, then visible, and then almost alive. The woman the man had killed stood before him, her eyes lifeless. Attaching many gossamer strands to her extremities, Halethiel chuckled to himself at the scene to come. He grinned wickedly once more as he pulled the man's heart from the folds of his robe and thrust it into the woman's vacant chest cavity.
Almost instantly, she came to life. Halethiel tested the strength of his spell by lifting his left arm. The woman's left arm went up in an exact mockery of his own movement. He spoke, and she spoke. His face erupted in an evil leer, and hers did, as well.
The illusion was nearly complete. Willing the landscape around him to change, he brought a cavern of blue crystals into existence - one of the many dream variations he had catalogued for future use from his countless victims. Here he would be able to see and remain unseen. Clothing the puppet in Mystran robes, he nodded to himself. The time had come to summon the Guardian.
Almost instantly, she came to life. Halethiel tested the strength of his spell by lifting his left arm. The woman's left arm went up in an exact mockery of his own movement. He spoke, and she spoke. His face erupted in an evil leer, and hers did, as well.
The illusion was nearly complete. Willing the landscape around him to change, he brought a cavern of blue crystals into existence - one of the many dream variations he had catalogued for future use from his countless victims. Here he would be able to see and remain unseen. Clothing the puppet in Mystran robes, he nodded to himself. The time had come to summon the Guardian.
Master of Puppets (Feast or Famine)
Halethiel watched as Colin and the shade faded away in a vortex of swirling purple colors, letting his concentration slip only a little. Wearily, he let his limbs slide out from beneath his robes: reveling in the sensation of the silken fibers tearing as his chitinous legs broke free and he stood at his full height. There was still quite a bit of work to be done.
First, he was hungry. Reaching out a limb, he touched the surface of the Dreaming, puncturing a small hole into the substance of this reality, and peered into the Dream Heart. The maelstrom whirled as an array of dreamstuff flew madly about between one dream and another. Softly uttering a few arcaic words, Halethiel encapsulated himself in more of the silken strands to form a cocoon about his body, and launched himself through the hole.
He passed seamlessly through the dreamstuff - he had learned long ago how to navigate through the chaotic and treacherous territory of the Dream Heart - and landed on the outside of a dream bubble. Breaking a spindly leg through his cocoon, Halethiel slit a hole through the dream and peered inside. A woman lay nude in some tall grass, a man on top of her. Two moons rested in the sky of this reality, visible in the light of the purple sun.
Halethiel grinned as the man unexpectedly lashed out with a dagger, coating himself in the blood of the woman as he stabbed her time and again. He had found his prey. Sliding through the rift, Halethiel entered the human's dream. He crept towards the man, his legs gliding soundlessly across the grass as he drew closer. Then, with a single lash, the dreamer was in the clutches of Halethiel's spidery legs, slashing harmlessly at him with his knife.
"Petty man," Halethiel intoned, "your ambitions have come to an end." Lashing out with a free limb, he quickly snapped the man's neck and plunged yet another through his chest. Pulling the man's heart free from its cage, he calmly wrapped it in the threading of his robe. Then, placing his fingers over the man's vacant eyes, he inhaled deeply as he focused on his desires.
A few moments later he dropped the dead and dried carcass, feeling younger and invigorated as he watched the fabric of this reality beginning to fall apart and shrink. Wrapping himself once more in the silken threading of his robes, he launched his spidery body through the rift and back to the demiplane he called home.
First, he was hungry. Reaching out a limb, he touched the surface of the Dreaming, puncturing a small hole into the substance of this reality, and peered into the Dream Heart. The maelstrom whirled as an array of dreamstuff flew madly about between one dream and another. Softly uttering a few arcaic words, Halethiel encapsulated himself in more of the silken strands to form a cocoon about his body, and launched himself through the hole.
He passed seamlessly through the dreamstuff - he had learned long ago how to navigate through the chaotic and treacherous territory of the Dream Heart - and landed on the outside of a dream bubble. Breaking a spindly leg through his cocoon, Halethiel slit a hole through the dream and peered inside. A woman lay nude in some tall grass, a man on top of her. Two moons rested in the sky of this reality, visible in the light of the purple sun.
Halethiel grinned as the man unexpectedly lashed out with a dagger, coating himself in the blood of the woman as he stabbed her time and again. He had found his prey. Sliding through the rift, Halethiel entered the human's dream. He crept towards the man, his legs gliding soundlessly across the grass as he drew closer. Then, with a single lash, the dreamer was in the clutches of Halethiel's spidery legs, slashing harmlessly at him with his knife.
"Petty man," Halethiel intoned, "your ambitions have come to an end." Lashing out with a free limb, he quickly snapped the man's neck and plunged yet another through his chest. Pulling the man's heart free from its cage, he calmly wrapped it in the threading of his robe. Then, placing his fingers over the man's vacant eyes, he inhaled deeply as he focused on his desires.
A few moments later he dropped the dead and dried carcass, feeling younger and invigorated as he watched the fabric of this reality beginning to fall apart and shrink. Wrapping himself once more in the silken threading of his robes, he launched his spidery body through the rift and back to the demiplane he called home.
Strange dreams (Pt. 1-4)
Visha lay in bed with Emalia huddled in his arms. They had retired to the bedroom for the purpose of taking a nap, a decision Visha had no part in. He was simply an observer. Trapped within his own little prison. It was not without it's moments though, as he had taken some pleasure in the actions which had followed their arrival in the bedroom, but not nearly as much as if he were in control. Here he found himself, Colin as contented as could be and consequently supressing him more than ever, as they drifted off to sleep.
He soon found himself in a lush, beautiful paradise. However, Visha was not really interested in the wondrous, invigorating colors which showed this place to be more than than real. He was instead more intrigued to find himself fairly seperated from his body, existing as his own shadow.
Apparently Colin was still in control of his body since he was holding a conversation with one who called himself Halethiel. Visha simply observed the exchange from over his body's shoulder, the content of the conversation of no perticular interest other than the fact his unborn daughter was mentioned. His mere observation was not for long once Halethiel addressed him directly. "State your name and purpose, creature."
They exchanged a few words, Colin finally noticing Visha but obviously not comprehending his signifigance. All for the better, Visha thought, subversion is much easier accomplished when unnoticed. Soon it was apparent that Halethiel was done speaking to Colin as he enclosed him within the walls of a doorless cottage. Visha found himself relatively free of of Colin for the first time in what seemed to be ages, yet his form still tapered off underneath the cottage walls.
Halethiel spoke directly to him, "He is a fragment of you, you say? And what are you... Visha?" Visha hesitated. He had no idea who this individual was yet he obviously commanded some power here. He decided to see where this would lead. "I am Visha, as I said and that is but a fragment of me. One that has grown far too strong."
"How did you come to be trapped this way?"
One word. "Sandorin." The seething anger that filled Visha at the simple mention of the name was immediate.
"Sandorin? Who is this, Sandorin?"
"An ungrateful vermin."
"Is this child of your... fragments, yours as well?"
Visha's rage was immediate at the audacity of the question. "His child!? HIS!? That is my child! MINE!", Visha seethed, "They are both mine! He is but a weakling allowed to gain power... but make no mistake, I am Visha. HE is not me!"
Halethiel simply observed Visha's outburst, only showing mild interest.
"You said that Sandorin put you in this state."
"Yes... Sandorin. That vile betrayer. After all I showed him... HE was the one who came begging to ME!"
Visha was consumed by his own rage. His thoughts swam between the incredulous idea that Colin was anything more than an insignificant obstacle and what he would do to Sandorin if only given the chance. He was so consumed he barely noticed as Halethiel punctured his own wrist and allowed some of his blood to drain into an object he held mostly concealed within his other hand. Soon a faint palpitating sound could be heard emanating from the object. "And how did he do this to you, that you should be the shadow and the fragment the master?"
Caught up, Visha found himself relating the events. "He only had to do one final task for me. It was to repay me for everything I had shown him. Simply create my new body. A new vessel for me to inhabit. But he did... something. Once I entered it I could not leave and I was imprisoned. The betrayal. Almost every thought I had was countered. In the end, it was him left."
"Intriguing."
"NO! Unthinkable!"
The conversation then turned to matters of little consequence like how Visha died, the need for balance, and how Visha had allowed Sandorin's betrayal to come to pass. Then Halethiel posed a question, "Would you like your revenge?"
To Visha the question was ridiculous, "Oh, have no doubt, I WILL get my revenge."
Halethiel said nothing. He lifted his left hand in the air, the blood from his wounded wrist trickling down his arm, and a shaft of pure light streaked from the sky, severing a small portion of Visha's shadow form from the rest. Visha howled in pain and lashed out at Halethiel with a strike intended to kill yet his insubstantial form passed right through the man. Halethiel paid the attack no heed, simply picking up the fragment of shadow that had fallen to the ground and placing it in his palm with the pulsating object. Visha seethed with fury. "How dare you!"
Halethiel spoke to him calmly, "Calm yourself, Visha. In pain there is salvation. As long as your friend controls you, how will you ever know the joy of possessing your woman? Or raising your child to be a truly great wizard like yourself, to do your bidding?"
His child. This led to conversation about Visha's late son and why he had had his current body created. They then degenerated into arguing about how Visha had allowed Sandorin's betrayal. "Some part of you desired to be reborn in this state, or else Colin would not be here in this manner."
"No! Don't you listen! It was Sandorin who did this you idiot!" Visha was almost entirely out of patience with this man. "This is ridiculous."
Halethiel paused a moment before asking, "What would it take to free yourself from Colin, Visha? To make him the fragment once more, and you the master?"
Visha thought the question moronic. "If I knew that it would be done, don't you think? I don't know how this happened... somehow with the spell... and then me becoming alive."
"You have never had a moment of control since the fragment has taken control of the soul?"
"Yes.. .when he is under stress he weakens. He can be influenced. But I cannot gain control... at least, not yet."
"Then you must ask yourself how best to put him under stress."
Visha thought on this for a long moment while Halethiel watched him patiently. "My family... Emalia and the child..."
"What of it?"
"They are his closest attachments. But they are mine." Visha found himself at a loss for how to bend this to his advantage without harming what was his.
"There is something I want from you, Visha.", Halethiel stated plainly,
"If you grant it, you will be rewarded with your freedom."
"How can you promise me my freedom? You know less than I about my situation." Visha scoffed outwardly at the offer yet could not help but be intrigued.
"If your family were to disappear and Colin did not know where they were, but you did, Visha, would that not put him under stress? Would that not free you to influence him?"
Visha's interest was growing. "Perhaps... You can make that happen?"
"I can, but only with your help."
"Go on."
It was then that Halethiel divulged his plan. He revealed the object he held in his hand - a black, beating heart. It was the dream symbol of an enchantment that would be placed within Colin/Visha's body. Immediately upon the next time they fell asleep the enchantment would trigger, simultaneously waking them and creating an illusion of dreaming sleep. However, Visha would be exempted from the illusion, leaving him temporarily in sole control of his body. He could then lead Emalia through a waiting portal back to this place where Colin would be unable to find her.
The plan seemed surprisingly viable yet Visha was doubtful, after all, what motivation did this stranger have in helping him. It was then that his fee was revealed. Visha needed return with not only Emalia but black makou as well. It would be delivered to him and he need only bring it through.
The bargain seemed fair enough and after the requisite threats from both sides to ensure loalty they agreed upon it. Halethiel cautioned him, "Know that you have one night only to reclaim your freedom. Do not waste it."
"Don't worry about that, I will do what is needed."
"This is going to hurt.", Halethiel warned, and as Visha steeled himself he thrust the dark heart directly into his chest, chanting a few arcane words as he did. "I will await your return, Visha. May your quest be unopposed." Satisfied with a successful implantation Visha nodded. "I'll make sure it is not."
The preperations complete, Halethiel dissolved the cabin seperating Colin with a single gesture. Then, with a simple snap of his fingers, they found themselves in normal sleep.
He soon found himself in a lush, beautiful paradise. However, Visha was not really interested in the wondrous, invigorating colors which showed this place to be more than than real. He was instead more intrigued to find himself fairly seperated from his body, existing as his own shadow.
Apparently Colin was still in control of his body since he was holding a conversation with one who called himself Halethiel. Visha simply observed the exchange from over his body's shoulder, the content of the conversation of no perticular interest other than the fact his unborn daughter was mentioned. His mere observation was not for long once Halethiel addressed him directly. "State your name and purpose, creature."
They exchanged a few words, Colin finally noticing Visha but obviously not comprehending his signifigance. All for the better, Visha thought, subversion is much easier accomplished when unnoticed. Soon it was apparent that Halethiel was done speaking to Colin as he enclosed him within the walls of a doorless cottage. Visha found himself relatively free of of Colin for the first time in what seemed to be ages, yet his form still tapered off underneath the cottage walls.
Halethiel spoke directly to him, "He is a fragment of you, you say? And what are you... Visha?" Visha hesitated. He had no idea who this individual was yet he obviously commanded some power here. He decided to see where this would lead. "I am Visha, as I said and that is but a fragment of me. One that has grown far too strong."
"How did you come to be trapped this way?"
One word. "Sandorin." The seething anger that filled Visha at the simple mention of the name was immediate.
"Sandorin? Who is this, Sandorin?"
"An ungrateful vermin."
"Is this child of your... fragments, yours as well?"
Visha's rage was immediate at the audacity of the question. "His child!? HIS!? That is my child! MINE!", Visha seethed, "They are both mine! He is but a weakling allowed to gain power... but make no mistake, I am Visha. HE is not me!"
Halethiel simply observed Visha's outburst, only showing mild interest.
"You said that Sandorin put you in this state."
"Yes... Sandorin. That vile betrayer. After all I showed him... HE was the one who came begging to ME!"
Visha was consumed by his own rage. His thoughts swam between the incredulous idea that Colin was anything more than an insignificant obstacle and what he would do to Sandorin if only given the chance. He was so consumed he barely noticed as Halethiel punctured his own wrist and allowed some of his blood to drain into an object he held mostly concealed within his other hand. Soon a faint palpitating sound could be heard emanating from the object. "And how did he do this to you, that you should be the shadow and the fragment the master?"
Caught up, Visha found himself relating the events. "He only had to do one final task for me. It was to repay me for everything I had shown him. Simply create my new body. A new vessel for me to inhabit. But he did... something. Once I entered it I could not leave and I was imprisoned. The betrayal. Almost every thought I had was countered. In the end, it was him left."
"Intriguing."
"NO! Unthinkable!"
The conversation then turned to matters of little consequence like how Visha died, the need for balance, and how Visha had allowed Sandorin's betrayal to come to pass. Then Halethiel posed a question, "Would you like your revenge?"
To Visha the question was ridiculous, "Oh, have no doubt, I WILL get my revenge."
Halethiel said nothing. He lifted his left hand in the air, the blood from his wounded wrist trickling down his arm, and a shaft of pure light streaked from the sky, severing a small portion of Visha's shadow form from the rest. Visha howled in pain and lashed out at Halethiel with a strike intended to kill yet his insubstantial form passed right through the man. Halethiel paid the attack no heed, simply picking up the fragment of shadow that had fallen to the ground and placing it in his palm with the pulsating object. Visha seethed with fury. "How dare you!"
Halethiel spoke to him calmly, "Calm yourself, Visha. In pain there is salvation. As long as your friend controls you, how will you ever know the joy of possessing your woman? Or raising your child to be a truly great wizard like yourself, to do your bidding?"
His child. This led to conversation about Visha's late son and why he had had his current body created. They then degenerated into arguing about how Visha had allowed Sandorin's betrayal. "Some part of you desired to be reborn in this state, or else Colin would not be here in this manner."
"No! Don't you listen! It was Sandorin who did this you idiot!" Visha was almost entirely out of patience with this man. "This is ridiculous."
Halethiel paused a moment before asking, "What would it take to free yourself from Colin, Visha? To make him the fragment once more, and you the master?"
Visha thought the question moronic. "If I knew that it would be done, don't you think? I don't know how this happened... somehow with the spell... and then me becoming alive."
"You have never had a moment of control since the fragment has taken control of the soul?"
"Yes.. .when he is under stress he weakens. He can be influenced. But I cannot gain control... at least, not yet."
"Then you must ask yourself how best to put him under stress."
Visha thought on this for a long moment while Halethiel watched him patiently. "My family... Emalia and the child..."
"What of it?"
"They are his closest attachments. But they are mine." Visha found himself at a loss for how to bend this to his advantage without harming what was his.
"There is something I want from you, Visha.", Halethiel stated plainly,
"If you grant it, you will be rewarded with your freedom."
"How can you promise me my freedom? You know less than I about my situation." Visha scoffed outwardly at the offer yet could not help but be intrigued.
"If your family were to disappear and Colin did not know where they were, but you did, Visha, would that not put him under stress? Would that not free you to influence him?"
Visha's interest was growing. "Perhaps... You can make that happen?"
"I can, but only with your help."
"Go on."
It was then that Halethiel divulged his plan. He revealed the object he held in his hand - a black, beating heart. It was the dream symbol of an enchantment that would be placed within Colin/Visha's body. Immediately upon the next time they fell asleep the enchantment would trigger, simultaneously waking them and creating an illusion of dreaming sleep. However, Visha would be exempted from the illusion, leaving him temporarily in sole control of his body. He could then lead Emalia through a waiting portal back to this place where Colin would be unable to find her.
The plan seemed surprisingly viable yet Visha was doubtful, after all, what motivation did this stranger have in helping him. It was then that his fee was revealed. Visha needed return with not only Emalia but black makou as well. It would be delivered to him and he need only bring it through.
The bargain seemed fair enough and after the requisite threats from both sides to ensure loalty they agreed upon it. Halethiel cautioned him, "Know that you have one night only to reclaim your freedom. Do not waste it."
"Don't worry about that, I will do what is needed."
"This is going to hurt.", Halethiel warned, and as Visha steeled himself he thrust the dark heart directly into his chest, chanting a few arcane words as he did. "I will await your return, Visha. May your quest be unopposed." Satisfied with a successful implantation Visha nodded. "I'll make sure it is not."
The preperations complete, Halethiel dissolved the cabin seperating Colin with a single gesture. Then, with a simple snap of his fingers, they found themselves in normal sleep.
Strange Dreams (1-2)
Colin lay in bed with Emalia cuddled in his arms. They had retired to the bedroom for the purpose of taking a nap, but of course as newlyweds there are certain things that normally happen when you retire to a bedroom. Now he found himself as content as could be, his love in his arms. He peacefully closed his eyes and finally drifted off to sleep.
He soon found himself in a lush, beautiful paradise. He gazed about him at the wondrous, invigorating colors which showed this place to be more than than real. His eyes finally fell upon an individual who stood looking like a cancer upon this world. An ancient-looking figure, shrouded in black and white, standing in stark contrast to the vibrance surrounding.Colin narrowed his gaze. "Who are you? Where is this?"
"I have many names, Faithless."
Faithless. Colin's mood immediately soured. It seemed whenever he heard that good things never followed. "So you're one of them."
"Already you scorn me. I come to offer you a chance at peace. You have a child coming into the world, do you not?"
Colin was amazed how in such few sentences it was possible for the conversation to go so badly so quickly. "Yes... but that need not intrest you. I have no need of peace."
Apparently Colin's disdain was obvious. "I seem to be poorly versed in courtesy, by your countenance. Please forgive me. I have been forced to sleep for so very long. I do not see much of the outside world. I live in my dreams, as you can see, and dream of life. I have watched your journey to awaken me, and I'd like to offer you a chance to not lose what you hold dear to do so."
So far, Colin was allowing this man to speak in silence but his patience was wearing. "Awaken you? I don't know who you are."
The man looked about, obviously pleased. "Yes. That is as the Overlord would wish it. I am Halethiel Usurper. Some have called me an Apprentice, and others have assigned me a darker moniker. What you see before you is the world as it once was, milennia ago."
Colin looked upon Halethiel with skepticism. "You are telling me that you are "the" Apprentice?"
"THE Apprentice? There are many apprentices."
Colin sighed frustratedly. "The one the Jihad seek to return."
"I do not know of the Jihad."
Colin could see this was quickly going nowhere. "Nevermind. So what do you want with me?"
"I wish to offer you solace... here. That you may raise your child in a safe place."
"Thanks, but no thanks. I don't need an offer of safety from you. My family is fine and I would appreciate you staying away from them."
There was a pause as Haelthiel looked Colin over before speaking once more. "Who is it that you have brought with you?"
Colin looked at him in confusion. "What are you talking about, you are the one who brought me here."
Halethiel lifted both hands to the air. The skies quickly darkened and thunder cracked. A beam of solid blackness streaked from the sky to shine directly down upon Colin. Halethiel's gaze then shifted from Colin's face to a point slightly over his shoulder. "State your name and purpose, creature."
Colin jumped when he heard a raspy, haunting voice which eminated from right behind him respond. "I am Visha and he is but a fragment." Colin spun around to find himself face to face with his own shadow.
"A fragment of what?"
"Of me... one I cannot be rid of." Colin looked from the shadow to Halethiel. Obviously he was creating this apparition for some purpose but the point escaped Colin. "What are you doing?"
"I am speaking to your guest. As you wish, however." By this time Colin's thin patience was almost gone. He rolled his eyes in irritation. "This is ridiculuos."
"Since I cannot grant your request and continue this conversation, I will make you comfortable for your stay." With a flick of Haelthiel's wrist Colin suddenly found himself surrounded by the walls of a cottage which seemed to appear from nowhere. The furnishings were quite luxurious, but upon quick review there was a distinct lack of exits. Colin could only sat in a chair and wait for this strange dream to end.
He soon found himself in a lush, beautiful paradise. He gazed about him at the wondrous, invigorating colors which showed this place to be more than than real. His eyes finally fell upon an individual who stood looking like a cancer upon this world. An ancient-looking figure, shrouded in black and white, standing in stark contrast to the vibrance surrounding.Colin narrowed his gaze. "Who are you? Where is this?"
"I have many names, Faithless."
Faithless. Colin's mood immediately soured. It seemed whenever he heard that good things never followed. "So you're one of them."
"Already you scorn me. I come to offer you a chance at peace. You have a child coming into the world, do you not?"
Colin was amazed how in such few sentences it was possible for the conversation to go so badly so quickly. "Yes... but that need not intrest you. I have no need of peace."
Apparently Colin's disdain was obvious. "I seem to be poorly versed in courtesy, by your countenance. Please forgive me. I have been forced to sleep for so very long. I do not see much of the outside world. I live in my dreams, as you can see, and dream of life. I have watched your journey to awaken me, and I'd like to offer you a chance to not lose what you hold dear to do so."
So far, Colin was allowing this man to speak in silence but his patience was wearing. "Awaken you? I don't know who you are."
The man looked about, obviously pleased. "Yes. That is as the Overlord would wish it. I am Halethiel Usurper. Some have called me an Apprentice, and others have assigned me a darker moniker. What you see before you is the world as it once was, milennia ago."
Colin looked upon Halethiel with skepticism. "You are telling me that you are "the" Apprentice?"
"THE Apprentice? There are many apprentices."
Colin sighed frustratedly. "The one the Jihad seek to return."
"I do not know of the Jihad."
Colin could see this was quickly going nowhere. "Nevermind. So what do you want with me?"
"I wish to offer you solace... here. That you may raise your child in a safe place."
"Thanks, but no thanks. I don't need an offer of safety from you. My family is fine and I would appreciate you staying away from them."
There was a pause as Haelthiel looked Colin over before speaking once more. "Who is it that you have brought with you?"
Colin looked at him in confusion. "What are you talking about, you are the one who brought me here."
Halethiel lifted both hands to the air. The skies quickly darkened and thunder cracked. A beam of solid blackness streaked from the sky to shine directly down upon Colin. Halethiel's gaze then shifted from Colin's face to a point slightly over his shoulder. "State your name and purpose, creature."
Colin jumped when he heard a raspy, haunting voice which eminated from right behind him respond. "I am Visha and he is but a fragment." Colin spun around to find himself face to face with his own shadow.
"A fragment of what?"
"Of me... one I cannot be rid of." Colin looked from the shadow to Halethiel. Obviously he was creating this apparition for some purpose but the point escaped Colin. "What are you doing?"
"I am speaking to your guest. As you wish, however." By this time Colin's thin patience was almost gone. He rolled his eyes in irritation. "This is ridiculuos."
"Since I cannot grant your request and continue this conversation, I will make you comfortable for your stay." With a flick of Haelthiel's wrist Colin suddenly found himself surrounded by the walls of a cottage which seemed to appear from nowhere. The furnishings were quite luxurious, but upon quick review there was a distinct lack of exits. Colin could only sat in a chair and wait for this strange dream to end.
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