New Note (2007): I did not write this text. Not a word of it. I got invited to write a character for this collaborative story, and since there was so much back-story to it, I created an archive of the events that happened BEFORE my character showed up. This is that archive.

Original Note: Posts from the [Styxx] thread on Alt.Dragons-inn. My Kultra character is a new member of this thread, so here is the backround... There are a few parts missing, and I tried to make a note of these.

Styxx

[Hellina Furi]
She rubbed her head were it had hit the floor, and listened to Pelnar.
"All I know is that I would do just about anything to get out of this damn
place.  Let's go see if that cursed book does something useful."  She walked
towards the sealed door.

[Pelnar]

Looking a little annoyed he says "Do you want this stuff Hellina?  It may
come
in handy, but if you have no desire for it I will take them."  He looked at
her
with some disbelief and wondered if the fall and the knock on her head had
made
her as dumb as Razal had been?

[Hellina Furi]

She stopped, "Stuff?  Was there something else..." She touched her waist and
tuen looked from there to the belt by Pelnar.  A confused expression
crossed her
face.  "But I already... How did that get back over there?"  The beautiful
woman
blinked in sheer disbelief and slowly walked over to collect the belt and the
sea horse neacklace.

She felt the back of her head again, checking for injury and bleeding, and
found
only a small lump from hitting the floor.  "This place is getting worse by
the
minute. I hope that book works and there's a way out behind that door."

[Jor B'ral]

Many months had passed since his son Pelnar had used a teleport spell
and still he could not find him with his scrye spells.  There was one more
person
who could find him, as this person was his son's magic teacher.  Looking over
his books, he could see that it was almost time for the transfer anyway.
Standing up, he walked down the galley of the ship and noded towards the
drow warriors that saluted him as he walked by.  Stoping at the last door
at the end of the hallway, he walked past the two sentry gaurds.

Upon entering the room he saw the two mages preparing the pentagram on
the floor.  He smiled to himself, it had been a long time since he
personaly talked to Lord Umbra.  He looked over the human cargo in
the cage which sat in the middle of the pentagram.  Walking over to it,
he chuckled at what Lord Umbra would do with such supple female flesh.
He heard the begining of the spells being cast and turned around to
watch his mages at work.  As they spoke the words of power, the room
filled with sulfurish smoke and the candles in the room, dimmed
considerably.  He shouted out and said "Hello Lord Umbra! It has
been long time since we last spoke.  How fares the last shipment?"

[Lord Umbra]

It had been sometime since he had last heard that voice....turning his head,
he could see it was Jor B'ral.  "Yes it has been a long time my freind,
and as for the shipment, some are still alive and serving me well.  The
others I cannot say, but they served their purposes for the time they
where here." he let out a chuckle which reverberated in the room.

[Jor B'ral]

Jor B'ral smiled at the last comment.  He knew the hunger for innocent flesh
that Lord Umbra had.  It was his one weakness.  "I have a favor which I ask
of you." he spoke up. "Pelnar has used a teleport spell and
he is in need of help.  His cry for help came to me whilst I was
sleeping the other night.  I cannot find him, and you are the expert at
finding him." he paused for a breif second, distracted as the women in
the cage screamed at the visage of Lord Umbra's face.  "Remember the time
my son got lost in the Tangled forest?  I was sure he was dead, and
still you found him.  A favor for an old freind is all I ask."
He looked at Lord Umbra and hoped he would hear his urgency.  Since
that night that he heard his son's cry of pain and fear, he could not
rest.  He had prayed many nights to Loth that he was ok.

[Lord Umbra]

Reaching out with his hand, he grabbed ahold of the cage in the middle of the
room and pulled it to him.  He heard the females scream for mercy and roared
out in laughter, as the cage landed in the castle floor.  Their screams became
louder as they saw the kind of beings he was using for servants.  With a
slight flick of his hand, a silence spell incased the cell and he
could think once again.  "So young Pelnar was in trouble again?  He always
had a knack for getting into things didn't he? Ahh, to be young again.  I
will look for him Jor B'ral.  For as long as I have known you, you have
never asked me for anything except for the time you asked me to teach
Pelnar magics.  That was well over 100 years agao.  I will have Pelnar contact
you when he is here.  May Loth be with you my freind." he smiled at
Jor B'ral andclosed his fist.  The candles flared in both rooms and then
the spell had ended.

[Jor B'ral]

"I thank you my freind, and may you live long enough to kill those who
oppose you." he laughed back at him.  He knew his son's life was in
good hands, and walked away from the room.  Walking in a steady pace
he headed towards the breifing room.  Upon entering the captains of his
army stood up and saluted him.  He waved them to sit down and he began
to tell him how he wanted the attack on the planet to go.  While he showed
them tactical maps, he thought of his son Pelnar and how good it would be
for him to see and hear his voice again.

[Lord Umbra]

He watched as the zombies carried off the cell out of the room in silence.
One of the zombies lost his left leg, and fell down.  He let out a loud bellow
of laughter and watched as another came and carried him off to the feeding
pits.
He walked to his scrying ball and began to chant a spell.  Looking into the
ball,
he could see Pelnar, and a two females with him.  He let out a chuckle, Pelnar
had always been a ladys man. He cast another spell and reached into the
crystal
ball, his hand appeared next to Pelnar as a cloudy shapped claw.  He smiled
and laughed again, as he closed his hand around Pelnar.  Jor B'ral never said
anything about anyone else.  He wondered what they would do when Pelnar
just disapeared?  He let out a loud chuckle again thinking of what would
happen to them.

[Pelnar]

While walking next to Hellina he saw a cloud appear next to him and a large
claw
shapped hand come towards him.  He jumped a little and then immediately
recognized
it as Lord Umbra's magic.  He has found me somehow! He thought to himself.
He
saw the hand begin to encirlce him and he grabbed Hellina's arm and pulled
her
towards him, till he had both of his arms around her.  He felt the cloud
hand go around them both and then felt the stomach wrenching jump from the
teleport spell being used on them. His eyes could not focus on the
images that passed his eyes, though he could hear things hitting the floor
as they were teleported out of the room.  The treasure they had just found,
fell to the floor. All of it, they just fell off of both Hellina and Pelnar,
the ringing of metal on the floor echoed off the walls.  In an instant
they were gone.  He could hear loud laughter and wondered what Dajaara
was doing right now?

The movement stopped and when his vision cleared, he could see he was in a 30'
by 60' room.  There were large tapestrys hanging on the walls showing devils
killing off humans and valley elves.  The middle of the room had a large
table,
with three chairs around it.  Turning around, still holding Hellina, he
squinted
his eyes, till they adjusted a little better.  He saw a large form and he
smiled and bowed to him slightly with Hellina still in his arms.
"Greetings Lord Umbra." he said. Looking at Hellina he said to her "Are you
alright? You are safe here, he is a freind."

He let go of her, but held onto one of her arms.  Standing before them was a
twelve foot tall humanoid, with large wings which have a talon on the top
of each wing, 8" fangs coming down from the top of its mouth, and glowing
red eyes,
and small bat like ears, including a burnt umber colored hide, with soft fur
covering all of its body, but his wings.  There is a large amulet worn around
its neck.  The creature smiled at them and laughed outloud.

[Lord Umbra]

It is good to see you again my child! I see you haven't changed in all these
years! Always getting into trouble!" he said while laughing at him.

[Pelnar]

His face turned red at the comment of his childhood.  Lord Umbra was sharp
with his words, and he would not let one forget the past mistakes.  He smiled
a weak smile in response to his words.  "I thank you Lord Umbra.  I was sure I
was going to perish in that damn dungeon I was traped in." he said.


[Hellina Furi]

She blinked in surprise and shock from the sudden teleport and the fearful
presence before them.  Hellina's training was far from complete, but even she
recognised a powerful devil when she was faced by one.  Following Pelnar's
greeting, she bowed low and said quietly, "I am also quite grateful for your
intervention."

[Lord Umbra]

He smiled evilly at her, she would make for a tasty morsel in his harem, but
she was Pelnar's property and he respected that fact.  "Frankly my dear,
the person you have to thank is Pelnar.  I was rescuing him and not you!
Also my name is Lord Umbra, remember this or you may have wished that Pelnar
had left you behind." he responded in a dry note.  Turning his back to her,
he walked over to the table and sat down. He clapped his hands together two
times.  "If your hungry you may join me Pelnar, and so may the female with
no name." he said.

[Pelnar]

A silent chuckle went into his mind and passed very quickly. He needed to
teach Hellina how to speak with devils or she would be dead soon and there
would be nothing he could do about it.  He saw Hellina about to respond to
Lord Umbra's statement, so he grabbed her arm and firmly squeezed it till
she looked at him. As Lord Umbra walked away, Pelnar moved his head from
side to side and silently said "No. No"

"Lord Umbra, we would honored to join you in sharing of a meal.  The female
is  called "Hellina Furi", I apologize for her poor speaking manners.
She does not know the ways and mannerisms of this plane." As he spoke he
ushered Hellina to a chair, which he pulled out for her to sit into. When
she sat down, he also sat in the chair next to her.  Both of them faced
Lord Umbra, they were dwarfed by his presence.

[Servants]

A few seconds latter brought the sounds of bare feet moving on the stone
floor. Several naked human females wearing only black collars came into
the room bearing large platters of food, and one was carrying two bottles
of wine. They layed them on the table and served Lord Umbra as he watched
and nodded if he wanted something or not.  As they layed his plate and
goblet next to him, they bowed towards him, eyes lowered and exited the
room, except for one who's collar had a large diamond in it.  She stood
next to him, eyes lowered.

[Lord Umbra]

He began to eat in earnest and with a mouthful of food said "You better
teach this Hellina the ways of this land, or she may find herself in one
of my harems learning what it truly means to be a female in service." He
swallowed the food and took a large swig of wine.  He watched as the
remaining servant girl poured him some more wine.  He smiled at her, such
beauty she was, he had enjoyed breaking her spirit. One of the older
shipments from Jor B'ral.

[Pelnar]

As he filled his plate with food he said "I will Lord Umbra, I surely
will." He breathed a sigh of relief, Lord Umbra was in a good mood.  He
looked sternly at Hellina and prayed she would not speak until he talked
to her latter.  He poured himself some of the elven blood wine, and tasted
it.  "Ahh, this wine brings back memories." he said more to himself.
Pelnar looked around and could see two exits from the room, a open archway
to the south, which the naked female servants came from, and one to the
north which was closed off with large oaken doors.  To the right, he saw
a large book shelf, and he wondered if Lord Umbra was still the book
collector.  That book he found in that damned dungeon would have pleased
him but for some reason they fell off of him and Hellina, as did
the other items they had found.  Must have been the spell or something
to do with the dimension they were in at the time.  He reminded himself
not to anywhere again without first checking out the person you are with.

[Hellina Furi]

She sat quietly at the table eating and drinking.  She listened carefully
to the conversation between Lord Umbra and Pelnar, but stayed silent.  Her
eyes drifted about the room, taking in the furnishings and the others.
Pelnar looked comfortable, which meant that they were safe enough for now.
Lord Umbra was without a doubt the most impressive being she had ever seen.
Carefully she glanced over at the remaining servant as well, the woman was
most definitely beautiful.  Hellina smiled to herself.  She had left her
father's training for Razal, but this was a far better place to discover
the darker aspects of magic.  Hellina sipped the wine, and continued to
wait quietly.  For now, she was content to watch and learn.

[Lord Umbra]

After finishing his meal, he drank some more of the elven blood wine, and
had it refilled by his favorite slave servant.  Taking up the goblett he
looked at it for a second and then looked at Pelnar with a sideway glance.
"So tell me something Pelnar?  Is that bastard son of your father still
alive?" a wicked smile played across his face.  He knew how much Pelnar
hated his half brother and how much he wanted him dead.  Ahh, these
mortals are so petty in their lives, he tried to get alot of it out of
Pelnar, but some things just are inherent with these creatures.

[Pelnar]

He was already finished with his meal when Lord Umbra spoke again.  He
gritted his teeth at the mentioning of the man who he wanted dead more than
anything he ever wanted.  He knew Lord Umbra loved nothing more than watching
him get riled up.  Pushing down the urge to hit him, as it would mean his own
death, he replied "About as much as Duke Camajian is alive." He smiled back
at Lord Umbra like the cat who ate the bird.

[Lord Umbra]

As he heard the reply he let out a loud laugh. "Boy you got some nerve
mentioning that piece of offal at my table, but touche to you!  You
are as sharp as ever Pelnar, I am glad you haven't lost your sharp
tongue." He paused for a second and then said "I see you carry no
weapon on you, if you remember where the armory is at, you may find
your old weapons there. I grow tired, your old room stands ready for
you young one." Lord Umbra drank the last of the wine and walked to
the oaken doors.  Turning to look at Pelnar, he smiled once and then
opened the doors and walked in, with the slave servant following behind
him.  As he heard the doors shut automatically, he felt almost at peace
for what has seemed along time.  Pelnar's visit has brought back many
good memories of better times.  Jor B'ral can wait a little more to
hear from his son. Lord Umbra began to cast his usual protection
spells before going to bed.

[Pelnar]

He smiled at Lord Umbra's remarks.  He had taught him how to reply
with wit and a sharp tongue.  It was a skill needed in the planes
of hell. He also noticed that there was no mention of a room
for Hellina, he would have to share his with her. He smiled
back at Lord Umbra "Thank you Lord Umbra, I will take a look
at the armory in a bit, I lost my sword in the other plane.
See you in the morn." he replied.  He watched Lord Umbra and his
female slave follow him into and past the oaken doors.  As they closed
he heard some spells being cast and knew he dared not enter that
room, nor would he want to, even if there was 100 vorlak hounds
chasing him.

Turning towards Hellina he said "Well are you finished eating? I'm
bushed and want to get to my...um, our quarters. It seems you and
I will be sharing the same space that was mine once long ago.
I also want to pick up a blade, and I will feel alot better
as well." He smiled at her, he did not mention exactly
how big his room was.  He wanted to see the expression in
her face.

[Hellina Furi]

Hellina had noticed Lord Umbra's omission of a room for her, and the
smile on Pelnar's face as he pointed it out to her was infuriating.
However, she tried to keep her features neutral as she replied, "Anywhere
is better than that dungeon we were stuck in."  Then an uncomfortable
thought hit her.  Pelnar had pulled her out of there, and that meant
she owed him her life.  It also meant that Pelnar had chosen to save
her and bring her here.  Hellina looked back up at him, "And I do owe
you for getting me out of that hellhole."

[Pelnar]

He smiled wide grin at her. He had saved her for more than one reason alone.
She had touched something in him, that had long been asleep, though he was
young and never in love.  She was a beautiful girl and her body was
firm and a delight to look at.  "The only thing I want in return is
for you to help me if I need it. Besides I have grown quite fond of
you." he said.

Pelnar stood up and walked over to Hellina's chair.  He pulled it back
so she could get out of the chair.  "Lets get going, its late, and I want
to check up on something in my room." He watched her stand up and then he
walked out of the southern exit.  The hallway was 20' wide, by 60' long,
and 30' high.  Every 15' to the right or left was a door, at the end of
the hallway was a large oak door with an silver hand impression in the
middle of it.

Pelnar walked to the last door on the left and opened the door. The
room was 10' by 20'.  Racks of swords, daggers, and many odd
and unusual weapons were arrayed here.  Pelnar smiled and walked
to the swords.   Looking at the last rack which was incased in glass.
These had been some of his favorite swords.  He opened the case,
and took out a katana with a bone ash colored sheath.  He let it
rest on one finger and it balanced there perfectly.  Pelnar
pulled out the blade and looked at it.  Over a 100 years had
passed since he used the blade, and it still looked like new.
He put the blade back into its sheath and strapped it to his side.
As he stood there looking at Hellina he felt as if a thousand ton
load had been lifted off his mind.  Nothing like having a weapon
by your side he thought to himself. "Is there anything you
want to take?" he asked Hellina.  He reached back into the case
and pulled out some very large throwing stars, which he secreted into
his upper sleeve, and a dagger which went into his left boot.

[Hellina Furi]
She looked over the weapons as quietly as she had followed Pelnar.  While her
training so far had covered most basic magics, she knew very little about
weapons.  Hellina walked over and selected a simple dagger to add to her
belt.

"Nothing big enough to hurt myself with," she said to Pelnar. "I haven't had
much training with weapons."

[Pelnar]
He waited for her to pick a weapon.  When she was done, he left the room
and headed towards the door in the end of the hallway. He made no comment
to her about the lack of weapon training she had.  In time she
would make a great warrior and mage.

Pelnar walked up to the door, he smiled and turned towards Hellina, as
he put his right hand on the impression.  His hand fit perfectly into
it, and a slight click could be heard in the hallway.  Pelnar
could see that the 10' by 10' hallway was dusty, and had not seen
anything living in many years.  Pelnar said "Lights On.".  Several
crystal stones in the hallway became aglow with soft light.  At
the end of the hallway was another door.  He let Hellina go first
"After you my dear." he said.  As she went past him he shut
the door and heard the door lock by itself.

Walking past her to the other door, he put his hand on another
silver imprint and opened the door.  The room was 20' by 20'
with shelves brimming over with books, scrolls, and folded
paper along each wall. There was a table with some scrolls
on it, a lantern which glowed like the hallway, and two
chairs next to it.  There was also a bed to the right against
of the wall, next to a window.  The sound of an enormous waterfall
could be heard.

Pelnar looked at Hellina and smiled at her.  "This is where I
will sleep tonight, your quarters will be in here." he walked to
a spot which looked like a bookshelf and opened it like a door.
Stepping through he saw his old room.  It was not dusty at all,
the cleaning spell he had placed many years back was still working
just like it did when it was just cast.  The room was 15' by 15'
and 15' high.  To the right was fireplace, with wood next to it,
to the left was the bed, large mahogany pillars rose up from the
four ends of the bed, ending in curved pointed spikes.  To the
north was a small table with one chair and a lantern on it
aglow like the other in the other room.  There was a small
bookshelf next to the right of the bed, crammed full of books.
And to the left was table with another lamp on it.  At the end
of the bed was a large mahogany chest.  All three walls
had barred windows, with silver silk drapes.  The rhythmic sounds
of water could be heard from them.

Pelnar felt an inner calm come over him. He was home, his second home
that had kept him for so many years. His face softened a little
and he said "This is hopefully more to your tastes." Pointing
towards the lanterns, he said "All you have to say is
"Lights On or Lights Off", if you have anything else you need
I will be in the other room.  Don't fear for creatures coming
through the windows.  This is an sub-dimension created for me
by Lord Umbra, there is no creatures except for any I brought
in." he smiled at as he said that.

[Hellina Furi]

She looked about the room and relaxed a bit.  She was, she had
to admit, at Pelnar's mercy if he had chosen to take advantage
of the situation.  Hellina looked over and saw from Pelnar's
lingering gaze that his decision was not motivated by a lack
of interest in her.  "Thank you Pelnar," she said. "It's a
perfect room." She paused.  Things were going too smoothly and
easily for her.  Somewhere in all of this was a price to be paid,
but she would deal with it when it came up.  Hellina glanced down
and frowned at the condition of her robes.  "Before you go, Is
there something else for me to wear?  These robes have seen
better days."

[Pelnar]

He looked at her and finaly the thing hit him.  Looking down at
his own outfit he saw his chainmail and below that a blood soaked
mess.  He wondered what Lord Umbra was thinking, and why he said
nothing?

"I think I have something that will fit you." he said to her, while
walking over the chest by the bed.  He looked at her one more time,
his forehead squinched a little and then he opened up the chest.  He
reached into what seemed blackness, and then pulled out a radiant
purple silk shirt with long sleeves, with brown suede pants, and
matching belt, and a pair of black knee high boots. He  smiled at
her as he laid these on the bed, and then reached in again.  This time
he pulled out a silk silver short sleeved shirt, with black leather
pants, and knee high black boots with laces from the ankle to the top.
Standing up he closed the lid to the chest and took the clothing he just
pulled out of the chest and held it with one arm only, resting them on
his hip.

"There is one more thing I will show you as I will be using it if you
dont need it, also I hope the clothes fit your tastes." he said to her,
as he walked over to the corner of the left wall.  Pressing on the wall,
a small stone went slight in, and a slab of the wall slid back.  A
room was revealed.  It was 15' by 15', and 15' high. To the immediate
right was a sink with flowing water, a mirror with a glowing crystal
stone over the mirror.  There was several drawers built into the wall
and small waste basket.  To the left was a sunken bath tub,
with fixtures colored red or blue.  To the north was a smaller room,
it was 5' by 5' and 10' high, the most notable feature of the room
was the all walls were made of a glass like substance, except for the
entrance.  Even the ceiling was made of glass.  Including the fact
that you could see that it was daylight out.  There was a
fixture overhead with a silver chain attache to it.

Pelnar walked over into the room and looked out, he smiled as he saw
the magnificent sights he had so much loved when he was learning
magics and living here.  Not as much as 100' away from where he was
standing there was a water fall.  Looking to the right or left showed
him the same thing.  Nothing could be seen past the water fall, but
blue mists and rainbows flashing here and there as the sunlight
played on the mists from the waterfalls.  His father could not
understand how he loved the light, when he was of drow birth.
He guessed it was his mother side, all he knew was that
sunlight made him at peace.

Turning around he said "Hellina come over here and take in this
grand site.  Never will you see such a thing as in this place."
He moved a little back to make room for her. "

[Hellina Furi]

"Those clothes look fine," she said as she walked over to the washroom.  As
she
stepped into the glass room with Pelnar she gasped at the magnificent sight.
"Such a beautiful view.  I've never seen anything to compare with this
place."
She stared at the scene before her for several minutes before she
remembered why
Pelnar had entered here.

"I should leave you to get cleaned up..." she said as she moved to leave the
washroom.

[Pelnar]

He looked at and smiled. "Why do you have to leave?" he said as he patted
her on her butt. He let out a slight laugh and then put his clothing on the
bench by the sink, and started to unbutton his shirt. "Oh yes, this.." he
walked
over next to the sunken tub and pulled down on a rod on the wall. A small
5' by 5' room with a granite toilet and a light in it. "This is for
other things, i hope you can figuire it out." he giggled slightly
and then left the room.  Standing by the entrance of the room, he
leaned against it and leered at her smiling all the while.

[Hellina Furi]

As Pelnar touched her unexpecedly, Hellina jumped and whirled around.  She
said nothing, but watched the drow with narrowed eyes.  She watched him
open the toilet, and then block the exit.  Hellina forced herself to calm
down. "Unless you're going to keep me in here by force, I would prefer
to leave you to your bath and get some sleep." She answered him with as
calm a voice as she could muster.  Hellina couldn't deny the fact that
he was certainly handsome, and under the right circumstances she could
very well see herself with him.  But not here and now, he was too much
her better here for Hellina to control him. And too strong for her to
resist if he chose to impose his wishes on her.  She had spurned many
who believed they could order her because they were men, and they
had given up when she rejected them.  But she was unsure about the man
who stood before her.  He could overwelm her if he chose to, both
physically and magically, and claim her as his if he wanted to.

What scared her the most was that some small part of her found that idea
arousing.


[Pelnar]

He looked at her seriously.  She could probably put up a fight, but he
knew he could have her if he forced the issue.  He smiled at her
and said "Go ahead, it was only a suggestion." Pelnar moved out of
the way and then started to take off his shirt.  He watched her go
and spoke up one more time "Don't leave without me or you may meet
something that might eat you up."  His face was serious, he knew
that Lord Umbra had servants and those that worked for him that would
make a meal of him, though they dared not to, since they knew
he was Lord Umbra's freind, and then more.

While walking over to the shower room he dropped his pants and took off
his undergarments.  Steping in the shower, he did not care if Hellina had
left the room or not...tiredly he turned on the water and felt the
warmth flow into him, and wash away the filth from the dungeon
they had been in.  Steping closer to the glass, he looked out into the
sunlight and his mind wandered.  He just wanted to stay here for awhile,
to be just like he did when he was a kid.  To sit in the sunlight
and learn magics with uncle Umbra.  He smiled at the thought, of the
times Umbra taught him magics and of the times he had said "Boy! You
will not amount to nothing but a court magician!". Now it would be Hellina's
turn to learn.  He lathered up the soap again and washed behind his neck,
and then began to rinse off.

[Hellina Furi]

Sleep had overtaken her by the time the shower stopped.  Hellina lay
huddled in the large bed, sleeping soundly after the ordeal of the
dungeon.  She dreamed of her peaceful home, her father had been a
wealthy mage.  He had been the master of the guild, and respected.  But
for all the comforts and diversions, it had been so dull.  And Hellina
had always thirsted for answers to questions her father would not
answer.  The dark side of the art called to her, so she had twisted the
spells she did learn from him.  Hellina had enjoyed being pampered and
especially enjoyed ordering people around.  That is what had led her to
abandon her home for the promised teaching of Razal.  Hellina tossed and
her dreams shifted back away from Razal and the recent troubles.  She
resumed her untroubled sleep.

[Pelnar]

The shower had taken out some of the past days troubles from his mind.
Walking over to the sink, he dried off and looked at the scar on his arm.
There was a pinkish spot where the armor had burned his arm.  Damn
that Razal!  He wondered if Lord Umbra could track down the soul
of Razal? A slight smile played on his face as he thought of the delicous
totures he would do if he found Razal.  He put on his undershorts on, scooped
up his other clothes, and his sword. Before leaving the room he looked
into the mirror and looked for a long time at his reflection.  He could
see some worry lines that had not been there before.  This last adventure
had put a large strain on him.

He walked quitely out of the room and saw Hellina sleeping.  He could hear
her murmur in her sleep, and he smiled at her.  She was a beautiful thing
to look at.  He had enjoyed the fruits of Lord Umbra's harrem, and knew he
had the privileges to do so now.  But his desire was for Hellina and not
for any of the many females now kept by his uncle.  He crept out of the room,
leaving a slight trail of water as it dripped from his body.  He opened
and closed the door quietly.  Once the door was closed he put his clothing
on one side of the bed and layed down.  He had left his chainmail on the floor
next to the bed.  He doubted if it still held the magical defenses it once
had.

He would pick some up from Uncle Umbra tommorrow he thought to himself.
Slowly he laid down and began to drift off to sleep.  A few times in the
night, he awoke with a jump, his sword was out of it's sheath, as he heard
the
skittering of fire beetles on the floor.  When the lights were on,
he could see not a thing.  Cursing, he went back to sleep, but left one
of the lights on.  He hoped the nightmares of the dungeon he had been in
would go away soon.  Slowly he fell back to an uneasy sleep.

[Pelnar]

Pelnar awoke with a start, his mind swimming in darkness.  He tripped
over his boots by the bedside and fell down to his knees.  The
sudden pain from the fall, brought him out of his dolor.  Pelnar cursed
outloud, and stood up with the help of his sword.  He rubbed his knees,
and then stretched with his arms outsprung.  Yawning he got dressed and
sat on the bed to put on his boots.  Walking over to his chainmail, he
picked it up and it felt heavier than it should.  He cast a detect magic
spell, and there was no magic left in the chain at all.  Disgusted he
threw the chain to corner of the room, watching it as it hit the wall
and slid down.  "Damn you Razal! Damn your hide!" he muttered to
himself.

Fastining the sword to his side, he picked up the chamber pot below his
bed and knocked on his bedroom door where Hellina slept at.  Peeking
his head into the room he see she is still sleeping. Pelnar smiled at
her and walked into the bathroom.  Once inside he emptied the chamber
pot and cleaned it out.  Puting the pot down on the floor he relieved
himself as well.  He walked over to the sink and washed his hands, then
he splashed cold water over his face.  Taking a towel from a rod on the
wall, he dry it off and then took one of the many small sticks in a cup,
which had tiny bristles on the end of it.  He put some water in his
moutch and used the stick to clean his teeth.  Taking a swig of water
he rinsed his mouth out and dried his face once more.  Looking in the
mirror he smiles and then walks out of the room.

Pelnar stops by the bed and looks at Hellina and wonders what she
tought of him?  "Time to get up sleeping beauty.  Rise and shine."
he said in a soft but loud voice.  He nudged the foot of the bed
slightly.  He heard her groan softly. He snickerd and kicked the
bed harder.  He grined at the face that looked at him.

[Hellina Furi]

She sat up and glared at his grin.  A lock of disheveled red hair
concealed the left side of her face.  "I am awake.  You can stop kicking
the bed any time now," she muttered.  She pushed the errant hair away
from her face and looked at him seriously.  "So what happens today?"
Hellina asked him.

[Pelnar]

He let out a laugh as he saw her look at him.  Indeed she was a beauty,
and he was sure Lord Umbra had his eyes on her as well.  Putting his
foot gently on the bed with his hands on his hips he spoke up to her
query.

"Well I suggest you get your clothes on and maybe freshen up a bit, your
breath reminds me of some of the undead servants Uncle Um....I mean Lord
Umbra uses for cheap labor.  Then after than I thought we could get
something to eat, then its off to the armor room to pick us some armor
and other little goodies.  After all this is done, we shall travel to a
shadow world, where I will teach you some combat tactics, as well how to
fight.  We will be there for awhile and will need to pack some stuff for
the trip." he paused for a second and grinned at her. "We will stop here
before we go on the trip.  I know how much you like traveling to
different planes.  I can promise you one thing, this place you will
enjoy alot better than the last plane we were on the fornight." he said
with an evil grin on his face.

Steping towards the door, he stoped halfway out of the door. "I will be
out here waiting for you." he said to her.  Closing the door, he walked
to the shelfs of books and found the book he wanted.  Opening it, he
found the shadow plane he was looking for and began to refreshen his
mind of the place.  It was a dingy place, but had some of the best
fighters he knew there as well as trainers.  He wondered how that old
grizzled Gerono, and his brood had fared all these years?  Well he would
find out soon enough. He laughed a little remembering old times with
the master swordsman and knew that Hellina would soon learn enough
to become the true warrior that was hidden inside of her.  Pelnar
sat on the chair and rested the book on the table as he read.  He
also looked up a mage of renown almost to Lord Umbra's ability for
magic.  Of all magics Demon magic was his favorite, besides that of
Devil magics was second.  The demons were the most cruelist of the
bunch and he enjoyed their company most of all.  Hellina was going
to learn alot in the following weeks, and by the time she was
finished she would either become a master of the sword and magic,
or become worm food, as the training was going to be tough and
only those that tried their hardest would survive the training.
Surlon, would surely be glad to see him.  He had to remind himself
of his promise to him.  Before he left this plane, he would have
to bring the box he aquired for him. He let out a laugh and closed
the book.  Leaving it on the table, he stood up and looked out the
window.  The sun was shining as it always did.  He watched the
water fall over the edge of his private world and watched the mist
slowly rise up.  It had a calming effect upon him.

[Hellina Furi]

Once Pelnar had left, she rose from the bed and streched.  As much as
she hated to rush, she used her magic to clean and refresh herself.
Then she grabbed the clothes Pelnar had found for her last night and
dressed.  The boots and black paints fit surprisingly well, as did the
silvery shirt.  The sleeves were flowing and airy, but it fit her torso
snugly.  Hellina examined her reflection after pulling her hair back and
smiled to herself.

She opened the door and saw Pelnar looking out the window.  "Alright,
I'm ready," she said.

[Pelnar]

Turning from the window, he looked at Hellina.  Her contuours fit the
outfit he had given her.  She was a goddess for a  moment.  He gave
her a moment of silence and then spoke up. "Nice indeed, make sure
you address Lord Umbra as such.  Titles are very important here." he
bowed towards her and walked over to the exit door.  He opened it and
walked out.  He felt the slight shift as they were teleported to Lord
Umbra's castle, that he failed to notice last night.  He must have
been realy tired last night.  He opened the door and waited for Hellina
before he closed the door.

He could see a naken human female running towards the dinning hall
with a bottle of wine.  He could hear the pounding of a fist on the
table and the shouts of laughter echoing on the walls.  Walking towards
the north he could see a large table with Lord Umbra at the head
of the table, the diamond collared female next to him.  Lord Umbra
was laughing and talking to someone, but he could not tell
as the person's chair back could only be seen.

As he walked up to the table he bowed towards Lord Umbra
and said "Good morn Lord Umbra, I thank you for
allowing me and my friend to stay here again."  He
looked up and hesistated for a minute as he recognized
the person at the other chair.  He pulled out a chair
for Hellina to sit at, and sat next to her, making himself
the buffer between her and Lord Umbra.  Ragnarok did not
look so bad after all these years, his 7' tall frame was
muscled alot more than it had been in his youth, but the
scales on his skin had grown much greener, and larger.  The
two small horns coming from his head, and the fangs in his
mouth were now fully developed.  He was wearing arm and
shoulder armor, with metal spikes coming out of them.  His
dark hair seemed to gleam in the candle light of the room.
The most notable feature of the man was the yellow eye
patch he wore on his right eye.

Pelnar could see the man reaching for his dagger by his side,
he laughed a little then in a low snarl sayed "I'd watch
what you do in this place Ragnarok, or you may loose
more than just an eye."  His hand was now resting on the
hilt of his katana.  He had slipped off the sword catch
with his thumb after his last statement.  He had taken
the missing eye, in a duel for honor.  He had moved up
in the ranks of Lord Umbra's favor, while Ragnarok sliped.
Pelnar had not wanted the duel, but to back from a fight
meant loosing just as much.

[Ragnarok]

He stiffened as he saw Pelnar and the female sit down.  He had
sworn to himself to kill him if he ever had the chance.  He
stoped his movement to his dagger at Pelnar veiled warning.
"Yes one has to be careful Prince Pelnar, and who is the
lovely dish siting next to you?" he smiled back at him.
Time is on my side Pelnar, and when it comes you will
find my dagger deep in your bowels he thought to himself.

[Lord Umbra]

He watched the children bicker.  He knew of their long hatred
for each other and wanted to see if being among non-devils had
softened Pelnar up any.  Apparently it did not.  "I am glad
to have you and your lovely friend at the table again.  You
remember your old friend Ragnarok?  He is doing some work
for me. I will be leaving the castle for a time, you have run
of the castle."

[Pelnar]

"Well I was thinking of taking Hellina to some of my old haunts,
so we will be gone also." he said in a laugh.  He saw a flash
of light in front of his plate, as two pendants with the sign
of Lord Umbra on it appeared out of thin air.  He looked at
Lord Umbra and smiled.  He knew what they were, and what
power they gave also.

[Lord Umbra]

Getting up he looked at Pelnar and said "You know what those will do
for you, just don't loose them or you will find the dungeon you
were at the night before a safehaven." He began to walk from the table,
the female slave following behind him. He stoped but did not turn
around. "Come Ranarok! We have business to take care of!" He then went
into his room to the north.

[Ragnarok]

Getting up he noded to the lovely lass and whispered to Pelnar as he
walked by "Watch your back, for you will find my dagger soon, son
of Jor B'ral."  Walking into Lord Umbra's chambers, he closed the
door and all was silent.

[Hellina Furi]

After watching the scene quiety, Hellina turned to Pelnar and smiled
slightly. "Are all of your old friends so cheerful?" she asked
lightheartedly.  She took one of the pendants and examined it carefully.

[Pelnar]

He looked at her for a moment, thought about saying something snide,
then said "No, he is not a friend.  Once maybe, but now if I find
him out of this castle he will die.  And I know he feels the same
way.  In the planes, you will learn to trust very few, for if
you don't learn this, you will die early."

He looked at the pendants.  Silver twisted links, with a large onyx
circlet the size of a childs fist, with the sign of Lord Umbra engraved
upon it.  He was glad to have them, but also knew that with it came a
price.  He could see Hellina's interest in the pendants.  He looked at
the one Hellina had in her hand and said "Put it on, and don't loose
it, or you may regret it.  These are passports and signs of power.  The
other races that live in the planes will respect them and leave us alone."

He put his on, and then added "Lets eat and get going. I don't want to be
around while Ragnarok is here.  Pelnar began to fill his plate and
eat in earnest.

[Hellina]

She placed the other pendant around her neck, and joined Pelnar in
eating.  Hellina knew that what the drow told her about this place was
true, and she had desire to end up dead.

After she had eaten, Hellina sat back and looked over at Pelnar.  "Shall
we head over to the armory now?  I'm curious to see this shadow realm
we're headed for, " she said.

[Pelnar]

He had just finished some meat, and pushed back the plate when Hellina
spoke up.  It was time to leave, and the quicker the better.  Standing
up he smiled at her and said "Yes lets go."  He began to walk to the
southern exit and head to door to the right.  Opening it, he could see
that Lord Umbra had updated the stock from the last time he had seen
him, though of course he must have, as it had been over 100 years since
the last time he saw this room.

He watched Hellina walk past him as he let her into the room first.  She was
a fine catch and he meant to be the catcher. "I think you will enjoy the
shadows, though some of the places are somewhat like hell." he laughed
in a low tone.  He remembered a few that he had barely escaped with his
life, and still had the scars to prove it.  He followed her into the room
and looked at the armor on the racks.  Walking over to one of the racks
he turned around and motioned for Hellina to come to him.  The chainmail
was the best he had ever seen, and he knew Lord Umbra only collected
the best.  Picking it up, he could feel its lightness.  Yes this would do
nicely.

"I think this is what you could use for armor.  Its light and will enable
you to cast spells without affecting your magics." he said.  He put the
armor on the rack and picked up another of the same kind and doned it.
It felt good to have some on, and he walked over and found some leggings
and arm bracers as well.  He picked a pair each for both of them,
and handed her a set.  Pelnar walked towards the door but stoped at one
rack and opened a drawer, pulling out four yellow opaque pyramid crystals,
which he put into his belt pouch with a flourish and a smile.  "Ready to go?"

[Hellina]

She donned the chainmail Pelnar handed her as quickly as she could,
finding it's weight to be only slightly uncomfortable.  She was in the
process of adjusting to the weight when he handed her the bracers and
leggings.  She was just finishing up strapping them on when he took the
crystals.

She buckled the last strap and rose to follow him out of the room.  "I'm
ready," she said.  The armor was unfamilar to her, but comforting in
it's own way.  The thought of having both magic and weapons for defense
was starting to grow on her.  "Let's get out of here," she said.  "By
the way, what kind of accomodations will we have in the shadow realm?"

[Pelnar]

As he finished putting on the rest of his armor on, he looked at Hellina
and smiled at her new look.  The armor made her look all the more better
in his eyes anyways.  "The accomodations will be somewhat less than what
we have here, though not all that bad. I have a regular
hangout that I go to."  Pelnar closed the door as Hellina walked
out of the room. He headed back to his room, placing his hand again
on the door to allow his entry.  He was carefull to make sure the door
was closed, as there was those in the castle who wish to do him harm,
mainly Ragnarok.  He wondered who was working for him now?   Shrugging
his shoulders, he knew only time would reveal who the others were.

Walking into his bedroom, he noticed a scroll on his bed, that had not
been there this morn.  He took it and opened it up. It was from Lord
Umbra telling him that his father is the one who is half responsible of
getting him out of the problem he was in, and that Jor B'ral was wanting
to hear from him.  Lord Umbra went on to say that he felt it up to him
to contact his father, as it was not his affair.  He had other souls to
fry at the moment.  Pelnar laughed out loud and put the scroll back on
the bed.  So dad was realy worried about me?  He knew that his father
loved him, but not as much as this proved to him.  He felt his heart
grow warm and a new confidence flowed into him.  He would contact his
father when he reached the shadows.

Pelnar opened the chest by the bed and pulled out a leather, and then a
red dragon skin backpacks.  He took the leather one and gave the other
to Hellina. "This is for you, as your beauty brings out the colors of
this pack." he said to her.  He pulled out a few days of rations, some
rope with grappling hook, two flint and steel, some candles, some light
sticks, and two red bags, and one blue bag which clinked like glass as
he pulled it out.  Also two large leather
belt pouchs and two small ones. He split up the items between them and
kept the rope for himself.  Opening up the blue bag and handed Hellina
two 50 gp. saphires,a 200 gp. ruby, and a 1,000 gp. diamond.

"Take these and use them for cash, it is the one constant in the shadows
no matter where you may travel to. Whilst coins seem to loose or gain
value." He paused for a second then continued as he pulled out the rest
of the jewels in the bag and began to place them into his belt, which
had hidden pouches for the jems to be placed into.  "The red bags are
used for potent spell components that are needed for spells of high
power.  You will be needing it and I have use of them now.  As for
these," he pulled out two of the yellow opaque
pyramid crystals and handed them to her. "these will protect you from
physical attacks of any kind including missiles.  The way you use them
is to release them into the air with you thinking of protection.  They
will take so many hits before dropping to the ground useless and burnt
out.  Like this."

He pulled out of one of his and let it drop from his hand.  The crystal
began to glow and it circled around his body.  The pale glow surrounded
his body. Pelnar smiled at her, and reached out and grabbed the crystal,
and put it back into his left side pouch.  The glow stoped once he
grabed the crystal.  He smiled once more to Hellina and then packed the
rest of ths stuff into his backpack.  He put on the pack and waited for
Hellina to finish her packing as well.

[Hellina Furi]

She packed her portion of the supplies carefully.  Hellina sliped the
pyramid crystals into her belt pouch, and the pack onto her back.  "Ok,
lead the way," she said to him.  "I'm ready."  She was anxious to see
this shadow realm for herself.

[Pelnar]

"Stay close to me and follow any orders I give you while in the shadows
no matter how silly or strange they may seem." he said to her.  Reaching
into the blue pouch he pulled out a dried peice of flesh and began to
mumble a phrase, with a gutteral word, the dried flesh flashed with fire
and was gone.  A swirling circle appeared in front of them, and Pelnar
reached for Hellina's hand with a smile.  The circle had within a few
seconds grown to be as large as they were.  Pelnar steped forward and
felt the coolness of the shadows, like the early morning chill.

There light was dim, and off in the distance could be heard some beasts
fighting amongst themselves.  Pelnar tightened his grip and walked with
a quick,brisk walk.  After 15 minutes of walking, he stopped and
spoke in a gutteral tone, and moved his free hand with his finger
pointed in a quick slash down.  A tear appeared and he steped through
with Hellina in tow. The light was brighter here, and the sounds of a
town could be heard just ever so.

"We will be there soon." he said to her.  He listened to the sounds
as he walked towards the final shadow door.  Stoping, he opened the
door with a word and a downward slash of his hand.  He was about halfway
through when he heard something behind them.  He cursed outloud and
forcefully pulled Hellina through the portal, not caring how she landed
on the other side.  He saw the orc come out of invisibility and shout
"Prince Pelnar! Ragnarok sends his greetings!" As he ran towads him,
with daggers in both hands.

Pelnar pulled out his katana and steped back out of the portal, just
as the orc caught up to him.  A strong downstroke by the orc pushed
him back through the portal.  Pelnar landed hard on the cobblestone
pavement, and looked up as the orc began to step through. "Tell you
master, that I will find him and Lord Umbra will not be able
to protect him!" he said.  With a feeble hand movement the closed
the shadow door.  The orc screamed out in pain as its arm and leg
was cut off at its joints.  Pelnar smiled at the scream,
and then fell back on the ground.  Damn that Ragnarok, and damn
himself for not detecting the invisible orc to late.  How long had
he been there?  He sat up with a groan.  He felt his head and looked
at the blood filled alley way they were in.  Good thing he had picked
one of the side entrances and not the main access doors he knew of.

[Hellina Furi]

She had managed to retain her footing and turned in time to witness the
fight's conclusion.  Returning the dagger she had drawn, she smiled down
to Pelnar and held out her hand to him.  "Why don't we get settled in
first?  I'm sure you'll have plenty of chances to put Ragnarok in his
place."

[Pelnar]

Standing up he dusted off his clothes and picked up his katana that had
falled while he was trying to escape the attacker.  Speaking in a low
tone he said "We have to be carefull for now on, if the orc is able to
live without its leg and arm, and survive the beasts in the shadows long
enough to get word back to Ragnarok, I for one will be in great danger,
though you may escape harm, as I will be the main target.  Be aware
and don't trust anyone in this land unless I tell you to.  I am glad
you were not hurt from me pushing you out of the way." He let his
hand slide up against hers for an instant and then rested his right hand
on his sword pommel, and his left dangling to the side of his pouch.

As they walked, the alleyway ended and there was quite a bit of traffic
going on here.  Humanoids of all types and sizes, doing their business.
Some shouted their wares, while others were shopping.  Pelnar smiled,
it was market day, and he had lucked out.   He saw a stand with a small
gray elf female with chain mail and long red hair selling Gonjo sticks.
Walking to the stand he picked up two sticks and handed one to Hellina,
while he began to nibble on the one in his hand. "These will refreshen
you and picked you up. Kinda like a alertness food." he said to Hellina.

[Gonjo seller]

The propreiter finaly noticed them and screamed out in a loud shrilly
voice. "What the hell ya think ya doing darkling? You better have
moeny to......" she stoped speaking in mid sentence and eyed Pelnar with
a squint.  She leaned over the table and looked at him again.

[Pelnar]

Smiling at her, he had to laugh at her.  She had almost killed him once
to many times in his youth, when he was caught stealing her Gonjo
sticks.  She had not aged one day since the last time he had been here.
Turning to face her fully, he palmed a 250 gp. ruby and said "Pay? Why
of course I will pay for such wonderful Gonjo sticks this side of the
Shadows!" he put the ruby into her upheld hand and watched her shock
when she saw the size of the ruby.  He had stolen about 100 gp worth
of the sticks when he was young, he figured the rest was interest.
"Is that enough Allergan?  I am paying you my old debt." he said.

[Allergan]

She looked at the young man speaking to her and almost jumped out of her
skin when she saw the size of the ruby in her hand.  She immdediately
closed her hand again and pocketed the gemstone.  The voice was so
familiar and the stranger knew her name.  She looked at him again
and spoted the symbol from Lord Umbra's house.  A warm glow took
over her face and she said "I am glad your not stealing from me
now, I would hate to spank you in front of your lovely freind here.
So what brings you to the shadows Prince Pelnar?  Looking for some
action, or are ye gonna show the lovely lass a good time?"

[Pelnar]

"Oh yeah, but it was so much fun, especialy when I got away with it,
and the expression on your face." he said as he wrinkled his face at
her.

Turning towards Hellina he said "This is my freind Hellina" And pointing
towards Allergan he said "This is my old nemesis of childhood fame
Allergan,  she is a wiley sales person and can get you most anything
legal or not in the land of shadows for the right price."

Leaning over to Allergan he said "I need to get in contact with Methrin.
Tell him I will be at the place we first met."  He waved goodbye to her
and left the stand.

[Allergan]

"I will do as you ask, be carefull, as this place is on edge for some
reason of late." she answered back to him.  What did he want with
Methrin?  He was surely doing well she thought to her self as she
felt the large lump in her pouch, which was the ruby. This was a
years pay for her, tax free to boot.  She smiled to herself, it was
good for Pelnar to be back in town.  He had many freinds here, and
a few enemies as well.  She turned her attention back to the market
place, she still had sales to make.

[Pelnar]

He felt alot more refreshened as the gonjo sticks affects began.  It was
just the perfect mixture of alertness, with a heightended hearing sense
and smell also, with a touch of narcotic affect.  Gonjo sticks were
expensive and only the rich or poor who stole them could enjoy the
benifits of the sticks.  He looked at Hellina and smiled to her.
"How do you like it here so far?" he said as he walked.  The street
began to widen and near the center of it, was a large fountain, with
a large unicorn statue in the middle of it.  There was 12 roads going
off in different directions from the fountain.  Pelnar found the one
he wanted and grabed Hellina's hand, as the foot traffic here was
so great it would be easy to be seperated.  When they had walked
another 10 minutes down the street, he found the place he was looking
for.  Over a door a sign read "Gurloks Inn".

He smiled at himself and walked in.  The room was well lite in the
middle, but gloomy on the edges of the room.  He walked over to a
table near the gloomier edge and pulled a chair back for Hellina to
sit in.  Once she was seated, he also sat down, and looked over at the
patrons of the bar.  Drow, orge-magi, orcs, a mindflayer, and others
he did not recognize where in the bar drinking and cussing at one
another.  He motioned to the bartender and waited for him to come
over so he could order some food and drink.

"Are you hungry Hellina? I am famished from my spell casting I did
while travelling the shadows.  You will find in time that some
spells make you hungry while others make you tired.   Also it depends
on which type of energy you use to cast the spells.  I had to use some
of my inner energy to close off the door when that creature attacked
us."  he smiled at her.  She was a radiant beauty and he wondered how
long she would make him chase her, before he could bed her?

[Hellina Furi]

She smiled at the drow beside her.  "I'm fine, that Gonjo stick was
plenty.  I must say, this place is interesting so far," she said.  She
felt certain they were here to meet with Methrin, whoever that might be.
She was also smart enough to not say anything about it in a place this
dangerous.  "So, " she asked, "what's next?"

[Pelnar]

"Well I'm gonna have a drink of elve blood wine, and relax, I suggest
you do the same." he eyed her and winked at her.  A glass of reddish
fluid in it landed on the table in front of him and one in front of
Hellina as the bartender droped them there.   A plate of cooked
meat and potatoes landed on the table as well, a few of the potatoes
fell off the plate.  Pelnar payed him a few silver and the bartender
swaggered back to the bar.  Pelnar picked up the potatoes and put them
back on the plate.  Taking up the glass he drank a sip of the wine
and felt its cool thickness slide down his throat.  "Nothing like
elven blood wine.  Its one of my favorite drinks." he said more
to himself.  He began to eat the food in front of him, not the
beast grub around town, but he was here for something else, than
for the cusine.  As he put another peice of meat into his mouth, as
the door of the inn opened up.  Looking up he saw a cloaked figure
enter the inn.  He chewed the meat and watched the fellow with his head
lowered to his plate.

[Hellina]
She was sipping cautiously at the blood wine when she noticed Pelnar
watching the new arrivial.  Slowly she sat her glass down and prepared
to follow the drow's lead.

[Pelnar]
Pelnar took another sip of wine, and watched the figure approach them,
he slowly slid his right hand to his boot dagger, slowly pulling it
slightly out of it's sheath.  The cloaked figure stoped at the
table and just stood there for a few seconds.  By this time his
dagger was out and he was ready to use it, when a gruffy voice came
from the figure in front of him.  "Hello Pelnar, so ready to kill
me?"

Pelnar instantly recognized the voice and relaxed.  Smiling he placed
the dagger back in its sheath and he watched Methrin sit down in the
chair next to him.

[Methrin]

Sitting down between Pelnar and his female freind, he did not take off
the hood from his head, only pushing it back some so he could see a
little better.  Pelnar had grown into a goodlooking man, and from
the looks of him was more sure of himself.  He yelled at the
bartender "One ale!"

"So what brings you back to the shadow lands? And who is this
most lovely lass you have beside me?"

[Bartender]

He placed the mug of ale on the table with as much zest as he had placed
the food and wine at the same table.  "That will be one silver." he
said and held out his hand.

[Methrin]

He laughed outloud at the man and said "Here! And if you push it, you
will find the guild not very happy with your greed!" He placed a few
copper in the man hands.  He took a pull from the ale and wipped
his lips with the back of his hand.  He smiled at the female besides
him.  She was a beauty indeed.

[Hellina]
She relaxed since the man was one of Pelnar's allies here.  When the man
smiled, she returned the gesture.  As they talked, she took another sip
of the blood wine.  It was quite nice.

[Pelnar]

Smiling, he looked at Methrin.  There must be some trouble brewing,
for he was not usualy this secretive most of the times. "This is
Hellina, an freind of mine. And Hellina this is Methrin.  A old freind
of mine."  Pelnar paused to take another drink of wine, and then
continued. "What has been going on in this town? Any of my old freinds
in town?  I am looking for Surlon, and Geron."  He sat back and studied
Methrin, then took another drink from his glass.

[Hellina]

"It's nice to make your aquaintance, Methrin, " she said quietly.

[Methrin]

He smiled at her, as her manners told him she was not of common blood,
but from something finer.  He wondered how Pelnar had met up with her?
"I am glad to meet you. Any freind of Pelnar's is a freind indeed. I
hope you enjoy your stay here at Ailekur, it is what we call this
shadow town."  He finsihed and took a large swig of ale.  Looking at
Pelnar he grinned at the man. "Well Pelnar, it seems that the ones you
are looking for are in there usual places, and I hope your memory serves
you well.  As for the goings on, well old Drog was killed a few weeks ago.
Seems to be professional work, maybe assasin or ninja.  There was no marks
on his body, he was found in his room stiffer than a door.  The guild
thinks its a take over from another competing guild, but I don't think
they could afford the type of work that was done here.  I thought of you
when I saw the body." he said with an evil grin.

[Pelnar]

Laughing at Methrin, he said "I am honored you pay me such high regard
in my skills.  Though I have not done a hit in a long time.  What
about Drog's room?  Was it gaurded by anything? I suspect it could
be two things."  Pelnar looked at the man who he had learned the
skill of silent travel, as well as that of theivery.

[Methrin]

"Well yes he had magical gaurds that would activate upon his command.
He even had a gaurd dog, which was killed the same way he died.  Very
strange indeed.  And no there was no windows into the room either. Just
one way in and out.  You knew how paranoid Drog was.  Hell, he even had
the rooms walls permanently imbeded with an anti-magic spell.  Nearly
broke the guild paying for that one."  He slamed a fist into the talbe,
making the drinks bounce a little.  "If I ever find who was responsible
I will kill him with my bare hands!" he grumbled.

[Pelnar]

He looked at the man and pushed back on his chair.  He thought he knew
what it was, but it was only an educated guess.  "If the room has not
been touched or changed, I would suggest you look for candles.  Take them
to an alchemist.  I bet you a gold peice that it has something besides wax
in it.  I know of only a few of my kind that use this method.  You introduce
a two step poison into the target.  The first can be enjoyed by the killer
and target in say wine or food.  The second is in the cadle.  When the target
breathes the last part of this posion he dies.  Very simple and there is
not sign of foul play as it usualy always affects the heart, simulating
heart attacks. And as for your assumption you may be right, but Drog was
so careful another guild may have been willing to pay a high price to see
him dead."

Pelnar stood up and said "I thank you my freind again for your visit. I
shall see you soon enough.  He shook Methrin's hand and did not release
it till Methrin had ahold of the small saphire in his hand.  He could
see his smile, knowing that payment in the open was not a good thing.
Pelnar sat back down and watched Methrin leave.   So he knew that things
were underfoot, and that his masters were still here.  Very good he
thought to himself.  The next item to do was to find a better place to
stay than this flea bag inn.

[Methrin]

He stood up as well and shook Pelnar's hand. He felt something in his
palm as they shook hands.  He palmed his hand and withdrew it from the
shake. Slipping his hand his pocket, he left it there.  With a formal bow,
he said "Farewell me lass, we shall meet again." With that he grinned
at Pelnar, pulled his cowl from the cloak over his head, and left the bar.

---------parts missing-------------

[Ottokar]

"A vile creature, bent on chaos and entropy, has usurped the throne.
His minions, the Gyre, are a horrible and alien breed of creature.  They
have annihilated most of the inhabited regions of the realm, and
slaughtered countless millions.  When my land submits to his reign, he
will utilize it to expand his borders."  Ottokar paused momentarily.
"I, myself, am currently being hunted by the Gyre.  I am, I suppose,
believed to be a threat to his control."  He looked around and noticed
several patrons of the Jackal's Inn watching him.  "Perhaps our scuffle
here with the gentlemen has attracted some undue attention..." he
glanced around once more, slightly more nervously this time.

[Pelnar]

Pelnar glanced around and saw a few patrons looking at them, then
looked back at Ottokar. "I see that you indeed have a problem,
and I would be willing to help you out, as for my friend
Hellina she has to decide this.  Lord Umbra, I think would
be interested in helping out if you made the stakes interesting
enough for him to help out.  But first Hellina must
complete some training, but from the looks of it,
she is doing well as each encounter we experience."

He looked at her and smiled at her.  She indeed was doing better
than he had expected.  He heard the door open and saw Methrin come
in.  He grabbed another chair from an empty table and pushed it
next to him.  He smiled at Methrin as he stopped at the table.

[Ottokar]

"I thank you for your generosity, and understand you concerns." he
replied.  He watched intently as the stranger approached their table and
sat down.

[Methrin]

It had been an odd night, there was those fellows killed in such
a manner that he knew of only three who could do such.  He figured
it had been Pelnar, but it might have been another who had learned
the dark arts.  Then to the side of the Jackal's Inn was three
human bodies striped of all clothing, with various wounds.  Only
the rats were feeding on their bodies now.  He figured another
fight in the bar had turned out bad for some and good for others.
He laughed out loud, the inn was notorious for its fights,
as well as its brew.

He opened the door in front of him and saw Pelnar sitting towards
the rear, he recognized the woman next to Pelnar, but not the
two men next to them.  Maybe a new friend or some contact Pelnar
was working with.  He had several reports from some of his
people as well as contacts that the whole town had rumors
of Pelnar coming into town. Also rumors of a demon from
shadow towns past history, which had the power to turn its
victims inside and out.  Methrin smiled as he knew
that both were one and the same.

Stopping at the table he smiled and said "Greetings Pelnar, and
Lady Hellina. As for your new guest I am Methrin." Sitting down
on the chair Pelnar had moved for him, he leaned over to Pelnar
and whispered "Surlon is in the last level of Elocon town.  He
has been notified that you are coming. By the way nice
handy work you did to those thugs."  He leaned back and smiled
at him.

[Pelnar]

He listened to what Methrin had to say, then replied "Thank you
my friend. But in his mind he was cursing the news.  Elocon
town as the toughest part of the town, he would have to
ask those with him now if they wanted to go or not.

"I have located an old friend of mine, I have to ask
each of you if wish to come with me, as it is very
dangerous.  Hellina and I, are headed for Elocon,
it is deep in the heart of Shadow town, and of all
its 30 levels into the ground, the worst being the lower
portions, my friend is at the lowest level.  Though
my friend has some powers there and he had let out
the word that I am coming.  So it might not be that
rough, but I make no promises." he said.

Turning towards Jack he says "I think that its best you stay
here, topside and get the information I asked of you, as I
doubt you could protect yourself very well.  Methrin
will help arrange for a contact which you will report
to when you find something." Pelnar looked at Hellina
and winked at her.  He was excited to find his old
master.  It had been to long since he had seen him, and
wondered if he was still as ugly as before?

[Ottokar]

"I believe that this would be an excellent opportunity to...what is it
the humans say...lay low? for a while.  I will go with you to assist in
the rescue of your friend."

[Pelnar]

He laughed at Ottokar, then said "No my friend is in no need of help,
we are visiting him for his services.  He is one of the greatest mage
teachers in this plane or any other.  It is rumored that even Lord Umbra
learned some things or two from Surlon."

[Ottokar]

He chuckled as Pelnar explained his mistake.  "Oh, I see.  No matter!
Anything to throw the Gyre off course is welcome."

[Hellina Furi]

She sat quietly in her chair, silently absorbing all of the events at
the table.  Whatever Ottokar was exactly, his problem sounded
interesting.  And if Pelnar was involving himself, she saw no reason not
to join him.  At least once she was ready.  The woman sipped at her wine
and then said, "How soon do we leave?"

[Pelnar]

Pulling out a soft brown cloth, he wet it with some water from his pack
and wiped the blood from his face and hands.  He rinsed out the cloth a
few times with the water and then looked at Hellina and then
looked back at Methrin. "Set up a contact for One-Eyed Jack here please.
We are leaving now." he said as he stood up from the chair.  He looked
sideways and could see the patrons at the one table still watching them,
he knew trouble would follow them when they exited the inn.  He put out
his hand and shook Methrin's hand.  "Until we meet again, use the next
meeting place in a few months or so. Oh yes, Jack I guess we will either
see you also in a few months or you won't have to worry about us
anymore."  He smiled evilly at Jack.

Looking at Ottokar and Hellina he said in a whisper "Ok, lets go and be
sharp, I think we will be having company when we leave the inn." He
nodded his head towards the others watching them at other table.  Seems
stupidity and greed abounded this night.  He waited for the others to
stand, as he kept an eye on the others.  His hand was now resting on his
sword pommel and it seemed that this would be where it would reside for
most of the journey towards Elocon.  He had still not put the safety
thong back on the sword from the last fight.  He smiled at this, and
decided to leave it off for now.

[Ottokar]

Rising from his seat, he surveyed the room.  Slowly and purposefully, he
headed for the door, being sure to continue watching the crowd.  He
exited the Jackal's Inn and waited a moment for Pelnar and Hellina to
emerge from the place as well.  "Surely, as you said, we should be on
our guard." Ottokar said as he scanned the uncrowded street.

[Hellina Furi]

She rose next and followed Ottokar.  This batch of assassins made her a
bit more nervous than the previous one's had.  Not that she could put a
finger on what it was that bothered her, but she simply had a bad
feeling about them.  "Yes, we should be careful," she answered him, "But
from what I've seen that's always true around here."

[Pelnar]

He was the last to go, he nodded towards Methrin and Jack.  On his way
out he enjoyed watching the slight swish that Hellina made as she
walked out the door.  He smiled at the thought of him taking her,
but that would have to be at a latter time.  Pelnar opened the door
and stepped out into the chill night air.  As the door was closing he
could
hear the sound of chairs being pushed back on the wooden floor.
Pelnar knew what was coming and his heart began to race.  Stepping
back he found the spell he was looking for.  Nothing fancy as this
was something on the fly, but something that would slow them
down some if anything he hoped.  He mumbled some words, and
pointed his finger at the door, which glowed a sky blue and then
faded.  Looking at Hellina and Ottokar, he said "Ok, that hold door
spell won't stop them long if they're any good, lets get going!
Keep your weapons out, as where we are going there is no
such thing as the law. Only the law of might makes right.
Hellina, you will follow me with Ottokar taking up the rear."

Pelnar took out both of his swords, and ran down the street.
He could hear loud shouting and pounding on the door that
he had just put the spell on.  If they were smart ones,
they would abandon the door and use one of the windows to
exit the inn, that is if they were smart ones.  Jacks had
been stupid, and Pelnar had hopes that these were the same,
but something told him that if they were at the Jackals Inn,
then they were better than the usual thugs for hire.

He kept on running down the whole length of the street,
making a sharp turn to the left, and then a turn to the
right.  To the side of the street he could see a group
of thugs beating up some old human.  They all looked up
at him, drawing their swords in defense.  Pelnar saw one
of them point at him and then he watched them back away
from him.  Pelnar smiled and kept on running down the street.
He hoped he had lost the hired assassins.

[Ottokar]

He watched carefully as Pelnar preformed the barrier magicks on the door
of the inn.  He sighed, knowing that the Gyre were far too intelligent
to be fooled by a mere holding spell.  It would, though, block the mixed
humanoid rabble from pursuing them.  He followed Pelnar as he sprinted
through the winding streets.  As they rounded a corner, Ottokar stopped.
"Pelnar! Hellina! Stop!  They are all around us..." as he trailed off,
several ogres slowly stepped out of the shadowy alleyways which branched
off the street.  Behind them, glowing yellow eyes could be seen,
watching from the darkness.

"We are surrounded!" Ottokar growled through his teeth.

[Hellina Furi]

She turned slowly as the ogres moved in.  He hand found the yellow
crystal Pelnar had given her before they arrived here.  She pulled it
free and activated it's magic.  Then she began to recite a spell,
drawing on what magic she knew to fight.

[Pelnar]

He saw the ogres and knew at least some of their abilities, though if
they were enough to make a fire elemental worry, then these guys
were gonna be a tough fight.  Though they reminded him somewhat of
his half brother Anthrax, as he was part ogre also.  He grinned at
the thought and could see the yellow glow from the pyramid that he
had given to Hellina.  Good girl, she would be protected hopefully
from these creatures somewhat.

Pelnar thought about pulling out his, though he would have to release
the other sword in his hand. Instead he began to recant a spell, as he
slowly
advanced on the ogre to his right. As he walked he moved both of his
katana's in a slow hypnotic dance.  It would have graceful to watch
had it been another time, but now it was time to do killing.

The ogre was only seven feet in front of him, when he finished his
spell.
With a soft command word, a soft reddish glow came over him. Nothing
else
seemed to happen to him, until he moved again.  It was a blur of
movement,
Pelnar's form seemed to zip about now, and with swords dancing, he went
in
low for a double sided cut to the beast.

Ducking and tumbling his first sword meet flesh and he heard the beast
howl in pain, though his second sword, meet something hard and it
bounced
back from the blow.  Coming up to a standing crouch, he looked at the
beasts
eyes for a moment and then zipped in for another cut.  Pelnar felt his
pendant pulse warm for a second and knew that Lord Umbra was now
watching
the fight from his plane of exitance.  Pelnar thought he heard Lord
Umbra's laughter, though it could just have been his imagination.

[Ottokar]

*This battle should be quite interesting* Ottokar thought to himself.  A
single thought was necessary to drop his human facade.  Ottokar leaped
towards one of the ogres as his flesh exploded into an inferno of
magical fire.  He landed over the ogre's shoulders, engulfing it in the
flames which composed his true form.  Ottokar allowed his body to flow
over and past the ogre, and he landed on his feet behind the beast.  The
creature howled from the biting flames and spun around to attack the
source of it's pain.  Ottokar was concerned little with the ogre,
however.
	"Just as I thought..."  he groaned as he illuminated the alleyway,
revealing a Gyre.  The hideous beast was about 7 feet tall, and wore
strange, alien armor.  It gripped a long, thin-bladed sword in one hand,
and a stave in the other.  Several large tentacles surrounded it's
mouth, and several more protruded from it's back. Small tentacles
emerged from seemingly random places on the Gyre's body.
	"Yoou haave eeleoooded usss for toooo loong, elemeentaal," the creature
said slowly.

[Pelnar]

As he came towards the ogre for another attack, he heard the strange
words spoken behind him.  He knew that this must be the one leading
these mindless brutes and that this was more than likely one
of the Gyre that Ottokar was talking about.  It was time to make
haste with his attack and stop playing with the beast.

Pelnar ran towards the now limping ogre, he could hear its
death cry as it ran towards him also.  Pelnar's form was
nothing but a blur as he moved.  A high pitched buzzing
could be heard when he moved.  He knew that this spell would
age him one or more years, but what did this matter to a
drow elf?  He prepared for his next manuever, and at only
three feet in front of the raised sword of the ogre, he jumped
into the air, up and over the ogre, while slicing from both sides
at its head.  Pelnar felt the warm fluid of blood splash on him
as his swords found their targets.  He landed behind the ogre,
lightly on his feet and turned around to finish it off with a
downward thrust towards its lower spine at its hip.  Pelnar
felt the backbone crush and steped back to watch the beast fall
to the ground. It moaned in pain, and tried to attack him
even if its lower quadrants were now paralyzed.

Pelnar assasin skills were now being used for other things,
and he was thankfull that he had kept up the pratices all these
years.  He turned around to see what was going.  He saw a ogre
with flames on his back turning around and he could see
a strange beast with tentacles and holding a sword and a staff.
Pelnar advanced on the ogre that was trying to take Ottokar.

[Hellina Furi]

As Pelnar and Ottokar battled at one end of the street, Helina found
herself at the other end with a pair of ogres quickly closing.  She cast
her best combat spell at the two of them, peppering the pair with
magical bolts.  The ogres snarled in pain, but did not stop their
advance.  She then hurled her dagger at the nearer one.  The weapon
struck the massive creature in the chest, near it's shoulder.  The ogre
grunted and stumbled, but then continued to lumber towards her
unhindered by the dagger buried up to it's hilt.

Hellina began to backpeddle, she was quickly realizing that she didn't
have the power to stop the creatures she faced.

[Mysterious Figure]

She watched the battle unfolding closely from her rooftop.  She had been
surprised to discover that after all her searching the one she sought
had been brought to her.  But something was wrong below, the child was
having trouble defeating a pair of ogres.

[Ottokar]

    "You will die, beast!"  He spat at the Gyre which stood before him.
With those words, Ottokar directed a blast of magical fire at the alien
creature.  It crouched and writhed as the flames swept over it.  The
Gyre slowly stood up, glaring at Ottokar through it's three, glassy
eyes.
    "Yoooouurrr deaathhh wiillll beee paaaiinffulll, elleemenntalll...,"
it said.  The Gyre began to walk forward, it's pace quickening with
every step.  As it drew closer, Ottokar stepped backwards, waiting for
the Gyre's incoming attack.  The Gyre leapt and brought it's sword down
across Ottokar.  He dropped to his knees, stunned momentarily from the
horrific bite of the magical blade.
    "Yooooouu hhaaavve nottt prroooovvenn tooo beee thhhheeee
chhaallenggee I exxxpeccteddd,"  As the Gyre spoke, the flaming ogre
lumbered up behind Ottokar.  "Taake hhiimmm, huuummaannoiddd!"  The Gyre
commanded the ogre.  The massive beast reached down and grabbed Ottokar
by the arms, and pulled him to his feet.  The Gyre looked past the ogre
to see Pelnar advancing.
    "I'llllll deeeeeall wiiithhhhh yoooouu shhoortttlllyyy,
elleemenntalll,"  it muttered as it prepared to face it's new adversary.

[Pelnar]

As he ran towards Ottokar and his new freinds, he could see the creature
shake off the effects of the fire.  He knew that this creature
would be more of a test for him, than these pityful things that
worked for it.  He knew that his blades could hit and hurt most any
creature, even Lord Umbra.  Made of the finest mythronyx, sharp
as a razor, and never would it rust.  It had the killed many creatures
and humanoids from different planes.

In only a few seconds he was past Ottokar and the ogre holding him, he
had both blades to one side and sliced at the ogre.  He heard it howl
in pain, as one of it's arm fell completely off.  He was sure Ottokar
could see only a blur and feel the wind waft his hair, also the blood
that spewed from the now armless ogre.

Pelnar looked at the foul creature running towards him and he smiled,
this would be fun. As he ran he began to chant slowly, his eyes
glowed a slight yellow, then turned towards red.  He felt the
demon magic flow into him, he let out laughter. It was loud and
not his.  He roared at the creature, in a deep brassy throaty voice
"I, Prince Pelnar, will be the last thing you see before you die!".

He moved his swords in the swirling motion his teachers had taught
him so many years ago.  He had modified it some, but still the
effects were the same.  He had nicknamed it the meatslicer.  Very
few things had avoided the blades and those that did were
the most fun to kill.

[Ottokar]

Normally, no mere sword affected Ottokar so severely.  He stumbled and
fell to his knees when the ogre dropped him.
*What wicked enchantments course through that blade?* he thought,
staring at the long, thin sword the Gyre held.

[Gyre and Ogres]

The flaming ogre, which had been holding Ottokar, bellowed in pain as
it's arm fell to the ground.  It clutched it's shoulder and shuffled
backwards.

The Gyre saw it's newest adversary cripple the ogre.
"Yoooouu aaaaarree ssssskilllfffuullll..." it commented to Pelnar.
It took a cautionary step backwards, and watched as he began his
daemonic weapon technique.

[Pelnar]

Pelnar lauged out loud at the Gyre's last statement.  His eyes still
glowed red from the spell he had cast.  The spell was called
"Grinak's Revenge", named after a demon who almost died in battle
but was saved by this spell.  Whatever damage was done to him,
be it magical or physical would be dealt in double back to the
attacker.  He advanced upon the Gyre, but he could see it
was gesturing slightly.  He could barely hear the odd, alien incantation
before a flash of light blinded him momentarily.  Pelnar moved back
quickly, as the light tore at his eyes like hot molten daggers.  He
cursed out loud at the pain it had caused.  He could see the Gyre going
through a portal with a look of distaste on its face. His eyes still
seared with pain, but he could see a little of what was around him.

[Gyre]

It watched as Pelnar completed his magick.  *This creature could prove
time consuming*  it thought to itself.  The Gyre, noting it's options,
decided to claim the elemental at a later time, rather than face these
humanoids as well.
"H'kshhlee Colue 'tu Q'ssnz!"  it hissed, reverting to it's native
tongue.  The Gyre raised the stave some, and chanted the activating
incantation.  The darkness in front of it began to ripple, and tear
open, flooding the street with an intense, magickal brightness.  The
Gyre stepped through the portal, which closed behind it.


[Pelnar]

Still dazed by the intense light, he could see the thing leave via the
teleport.  He wished that he could see well enough to get a
backstab attack, but he was barely able to make out the fuzzy
shapes in front of him.  Pelnar turned away from the light and hoped
that the darkness would bring back his sight to him.  He could see
two fuzzy shapes in the distance, one small and one large.  Pelnar
figured it was Hellina and the other ogre.

He ran towards her, at the best speed he could though his world now as
much of a blur as his movements where to others.  The irony of it
all made him laugh, before he caught himself.  He was not sure if the
ogre had heard him, as the two figures were still just blurs to him.
As he ran his eyesight became a little clearer, enough to see some
edges of things, but he still not make out details as of yet.  One
of the damn acursed throwback talents of his father side, being
afraid of the light.  Though his was only a fraction of what
his fathers was.  He had the eye protection wear in his kit,
he just did not like wearing them much.  Made his eyes feel
like they were being held prisoner.  He squinted his eyes
to see how Hellina was doing and if she was injured or not.

[Hellina Furi]

She backpeddled away from the ogre.  She had hit the thing with all of
the magic she knew, but it was still moving.  She heard Pelnar laugh
somewhere close by and smiled.  The drow's fighting talents were more
than a match for the lumbering hulk that was chasing her.  Especially
considering that her spells had slowed the creature down even if they
had not stopped it.

[Mysterious figure]

The pale woman looked over from the body of the second ogre that had
been attacking Hellina.  She watched Hellina's struggle intently,
frowning at the child's weak spells and lack of fighting ability.  Her
human father had sheltered the girl and kept her feeble.  If she
couldn't even defeat one of these brainless thugs, then she wasn't worth
aiding.  So the woman watched and waited.

[Pelnar]

As he ran up to the two blury forms, he shouted out "Come here beast!".
All he saw was some movement, and large blur, though in a few seconds
a part of the blur became two peices.  One smaller and one very large,
and it was coming towards him.  Pelnar screamed a war cry and lowered
his swords for a passing side cut.  He felt his swords cut into the
beast, but also felt something cut into him as well.  He let out an
evil laugh as he heard the beast howl in surprise and in pain.  Pelnar
stoped a short distance away and droped to one knee.  Placing a hand
over his side, he could feel it was pretty deep, and it would need
one of his healing potions he had brought with him.

Sqiunting his eyes he looked into the darkness and could see a little
more of the blur.

[Ogre]

It had heard the call, and turned around to see a speeding blur come
towards him.  Raising its sword, he ran towards at full speed,
as much as he could.  He felt the burning cuts inflicted to his gut,
felt the pain as his insides were sliced here and there.  He felt his
sword cut into the thing that had cut him.  He howled in pain, as in
the instant of cutting the darkling, his side split open and his
intestines spilled forward onto the ground.  Dumbfouned it turned
around and looked at the darkling on the ground.  Slowly it plodded
forward, each step making more his guts fall out and bleed.  Behind him
was a trail of blood.

[Pelnar]

He could see the ogre moving towards him, and could see the swords held
in its hands in a deathgrip.  Its blood flowing from gritted teeth
foamed
as its ragged breath escaped its mouth.  Damn ogres! Damn stupid and
don't know when to die! Pelnar thought to himself.  Standing up with a
slight groan, he put one of his swords away and kept his hand on his
hurt side.  The pressure was stoping the bleeding for now.  He waited
till the beast was seven feet in front of him before he moved.  By this
time
most of his eye sight had come back, though his eyes still felt like
they had been kicked from here to hell and back.

Running at full speed, ignoring the pain in his side, he ducked and cut
low with his sword.  He could feel warm fluid squirt over him as his
sword cut off one of the ogre's leg just above the ankle.  He heard it
howl in pain and fall there.  Pelnar stoped and looked at it, before
putting back his sword and walking over to Hellina.  He did have an
obivous limp.  Pelnar cursed their luck, and wondered what else they
would find before the night was over?

[Hellina Furi]

She watched Pelnar defeat the ogre and then come limping towards her.
It had been a long night, and something told her it would get longer
yet.  "Pelnar, are you going to be alright?" she asked the drow as he
neared her.

[Mysterious Figure]

She walked towards the child and her protector.  A drow, and one with
important connections for them to be carring Lord Umbra's symbol.
The pale woman stopped about ten feet away from them, her crimson hair
trailing down her back and coiling around her waist.  In her right hand
she held a sword of unfamiliar design.  It was longer than Pelnar's
katana, but no wider.  It ran extremely straight except for the last
five inches, which curved 90 degrees before comming to a point.  She
stood motionless and silent, waiting for them to speak first.

[Pelnar]

"I will survive Hellina, though I will have to do something with this
wound before we travel again." he said with a slight grimace.  He
stiffened as the pale woman approached them.

Stepping in front of Hellina and pushing her behind him, he says "I take
it if you meant to harm us, we would not be standing here right now."
Pelnar felt a twinge of pain bite at his side, and winced a little
then continued speaking. "I am Prince Pelnar, of the house of Umbra.
What do you seek?"  The wound at his side pulsed madly, and he pushed
harder on it with his hand.

Blood slowly seeped between his fingers and fell to the stone cobbled
street, adding to the blood already covering the street.

[Mysterious Figure]

She raised an eyebrow at his greeting.  "A noble linage of some repute,
prince.  As for what I seek, she cowers behind you.  I've searched quite
long for her."

[Hellina]

At this Hellina asked, "What do you want?"

[Mysterious Figure]

"Simple," the figure answered, "I wanted a child who could wield magic
like the mortal races, yet still fight.  What I got would appear to be a
snivelling human girl.  Your father ruined you.  And I will correct that
mistake as soon as the prince steps aside."

[Pelnar]

Pelnar was slightly shaken at the news.  He was ready to release a
powerful spell he had prepared while they were in the Jackel's Inn.

"Who are you to demand? What name you call yourself?
Hellina is not going anywhere with you. As for her training, I am
taking her to someone of renown that will maximize any talent she
does have, even if she does not know of it." he paused for a second.

"If you want Hellina you will have to kill me first, and
I can promise you, in doing that will put your head up
for bounty with Lord Umbra being the first inline! Now either
lower your sword or use it!" Pelnar said. Only one word needed
to be spoken for his spell to go off.  The word raced in
his mind, and he could feel the power build up inside of
him.  Pelnar pushed Hellina back some more whilst he backed
up from the threat in front of them.

[Lord Umbra]

It had only been a few minutes after Pelnar and Hellina had left
to the shadow lands. As he and Ragnarok were talking he had
been watching the progression of the two via the pendants.
Pelnar seemed to be doing well, except for now, which seemed
he needed his help.

"Excuse me for a moment Ragnarok, I have to take care of something."
he said as he stood up and walked over to the table with a crystal ball
on it. He did not wait for an answer. Lord Umbra began casting a spell,
and after a few minutes of casting walked away with a loud chuckle.

[Pelnar]

He felt the magic rise up around him, as a soft glow surrounded him
and Hellina. Pelnar felt the wound at his side heal, and the pain
disappear. Also in both hands his two katana's appeared.

[Warning]

A thunderous laughter could be heard as it echoed off the walls
of the street. "For you my child, I am watching!"

[Pelnar]

He was sure any of Hellina's wounds were cured as well. He smiled
an evil smile at the women in front of him. "Now what was your name
again?"

[Mysterious Figure-Illwhyrin]

She smiled.  "I am called by the name Illwhyrin.  Since you obviously
value my child so highly, I will intrust you with her teaching."  She
looked from him to Hellina.  "And I will return to teach you of your
lineage, Hellina."  Then she turned and walked away.

[Pelnar]

Pelnar nodded to Illwhyrin, and then watched her walk away.  When the
lady was gone, he let out his breath. It seems he had been holding
it for some time now without realy knowing he was doing so. He slowly
released the magic he had gathered inside of himself back from
where he had drawn it from.  His hair stood on edge for a few seconds
and then settled back down.

Turning around he looked at Hellina and said "Damn the nine
hells, it seems the shadow lands has more to offer you than just
lessons. Do you know this woman? And just who was your father? For
it may seem that this is your homeland after all."

He turned around to check the surrounding area, but could not see
anything else at all.  The strange female was gone, and all he
could hear was a few rats feasting on the dead ogre bodies.
"Thank you Lord Umbra for you assistance." he said softly. He knew
that it would be heard, though he realy did not have to say it,
he did anyways.  Uncle Umbra, was his favorite Uncles though
he was not tied to his blood, he acted as if thus was so.

"Are you ok Hellina? I suggest we get going before these
dead bodies attract any more undesirables of the night."
he said to her.

[Ottokar]

The Fire Elemental groaned slighty as his True physical form faded back
into the Shadowlands.  The nearly 8-foot tall humanoid walked over to
where Pelnar and Hellina stood.

  "I hope that I did not miss much.  That Gyre's blade was keenly loaded
with appropriate magicks for destroying one such as myself.  Luckily,
however, I was merely discorporated, that is, momentarily banished back
to my home plane."

  At this point he looked down at his body.  Small plates of volcanic
rock formed a "skin" over the molten lava that formed him.  Ottokar
whispered a quiet word to himself, and his body began to morph into a
more human form.  Several seconds later, he was a tall, light skinned
man, with  strong, sharp facial features, green eyes, and short red
hair.

  "Ah, an old favorite of mine; This facade will do quite nicely."

[Pelnar]

Pelnar watched as Ottokar finished his new body. It looked painful
to him, and Lord Umbra had told him about situations like the one
that Ottokar had just expereinced.  He lowered his swords, but did
not put them away.  His nerves were on edge and he was ready to kill
anyone else that bothered them.

"Well lets see, you missed me killing off that last ogre, and then a red
headed lady who had one of the most wicked swords I have ever seen,
approach us and claim that Hellina is her daughter, and .... and...
oh Hellina you tell him the rest, I need to eat something." Pelnar
put one of his swords back into its sheath and pulled out a piece of
jerky he had in his side pouch. After a few moments of eating the
jerky he felt alot better.  Using magic the way he did, or not using
it would be more appropriate, took alot out of him.  He kinda wished
the red head gave him a reason to use the magic.

[Hellina Furi]

"I... I think you covered everything Pelnar," she mumbled.  The shock of
the woman's suggestion was bothering her.  "I never knew my mother.
Father always told me she had died and refused to talk about her.
Pelnar, can your friend find out if what she said was true or not?  Can
he tell me if I'm not really human after all?"



[Pelnar]

He smiled at Hellina and said "Yes he can do that and more. Surlon is a
wise and powerful mage who has trained many mages in his lifetime. It
is said that he is undead for his long live span, but I think it is
spell based, though he will never reveal it as such.  Now lets get
going, the spilt blood on this street will attract the scum of
the city."

He turned and began walking north up the street, slowly to make sure
Hellina and Ottokar were keeping pace.  His swords were now withdrawn
and would stay such until their destination.  Things in the shadows were

a lot tougher than he could remembered or it may be that he is just
older, and his memory as a youth was embodied with romantic zeal.
Probably a little of both.

Pelnar looked back at Hellina and said "You ok? Come close to me, and
lets talk some.  It will help you with your newfound mother and the
fact that you are more than likely only part human.  Which will only
help in this town." He wondered what his father Jor B'ral was doing
right now?  More than likely torturing his latest conquests or making
more babies. Father was always trying to increase the family base,
since the decimation that the old family base suffered from Lord
Anthrax.  Pelnar chuckled to himself.

[Hellina Furi]

"Father always did seem overprotective," she said quietly.  "How much
farther before we get to Surlon?"  She was wondering how much she had
been shaped by her inhuman blood, and what surprises she could look
forward to from her heritage.

[Pelnar]

He looked at her and flicked his head back and laughed out loud. Then
looking down at her replied "That my child depends on if we meet any
more friends of Ottokar, your mothers, or mine, or any of the other
odd number of friends and beasts in this land. If all goes well we
will be there in about fifteen minutes or so."

Pelnar walked along the road and listened to the creatures of the night
whisper to him.  He smiled as he careful walked with swords in hand,
he saw a few goblins show their ugly face from some cracks in a wall,
but they stopped dead cold when they saw his blades or was it his
pendant?  He didn't stop to ask.

After ten minutes he could see low glow in front of him.  They were
near the lower city finally.  "Ok, guys and gals lets stick closer
together, as things are gonna get fun now." he said with a wicked grin.
He looked at Hellina and winked at her.  As they walked towards the glow

it became apparent it was a large hole in the ground, measuring five
hundred feet wide and how deep was unknown to most residents of
this city.

[Grimm]

"Har Har Har, thats a funny one Numyar! You tell the best jokes of
anyone I know." said Grimm.  He heard the sound of shoes scraping
against the ground and saw three figures approaching the entrance. A
drow, a human female and a elf.  "Hey! Wake up!" he said as he jabbed
the end of his sword crudely into his sleeping friends buttock.  He
laughed out loud as Turg jumped up holding his now bleeding buttock.
"Get ya sword, we gots company."

[Pelnar]

He had seen the guards from along ways, thanks for his excellent night
vision.  Ogres, good strong fighters, but not much in brains. "Let
me do the talking." he said in a low whisper.

As they reached the gated entrance he said "Greetings, we wish to pass
into the lower hells. Open the gate."

[Grimm]

He looked at the drow and smiled at him.  Walking up to him he clearly
was  an impressive site.  His well muscled frame standing in at
ten feet  tall, leaned over the drow. "First of all this is my gate,
second of all it will cost each of you 10gp to enter this fine city
which you call the lower hells!" he yelled at him.  He already did
not like this dark elf.  He could see his friends standing behind
him, waiting for his move.

[Pelnar]

He calmly looked up at the guard as he leaned over him.  Pelnar knew
that this tactics probably netted the guard quite a handsome profit
with others, but he was tired and just wanted to get down and see
Surlon.  He smiled at the guard and with a quick motion swinged
both arms together so each sword meet each other on the ogres
neck.  He heard them clink together as metal meet metal.  Pelnar
stepped aside as the head of the ogre fell off and rolled to
the feet of the other ogre guards, and the body fell down and
began to spasm and spew blood.

[Numyar]

He was smiling as Grimm bulled this humanoids, but his smile
faded to a grimace as his friend was cut down so quickly
without any warning.  They had made a good profit shaking
down those that wanted entrance into the city, but now
that was over for now.

Droping his sword and then backing away he says "I don't want no
problems, no problems.......don't hurt me." Numyar looked nervously
at Turg which was still holding his sword and now visibly snarling
at the drow. "Don't do it Turg! Back off! I'm leaving."

He backed into the gate release lever and turned it. When the gate
opened he made a run for it down the stairs..

[Pelnar]

He watched the ogre stumble over himself and make a run for it. The
other called Turg was still snarling at him, but made a quick stare
to the right to see his friend make a run for it.  "Drop the sword
or leave, cause I am coming through and there is not room enough for
both of us." he said in low growl.

[Turg]

His heart was racing, Grimm was one of the best fighters he knew and
this drow had taken him out so quickly. He did not want to fight him,
but the money bag on Grimm's body was a tempting site.  Turg looked
at the drow and slowly lowered his sword and then let it drop to the
floor, and slowly backed away from the entrance.

[Pelnar]

He smiled at the ogre and turned around to nod his head towards the
gate entrance.  He walked to the entrance and stopped to put one of
his swords away and then reached down to pick up the severed head of
the one known as Grimm.  It weighed a bit, but it was a good warning to
others to leave them alone.  Slowly he made his way down the stairs
to the first level of the town.  He could hear the murmurs
of people talking as the news of what had just happen spread
among level one.  Pelnar smiled to himself. Nothing like a
bang to make a entrance.

[Turg]

He waited for all of them to pass, before he picked up this sword.
For a few seconds he had an urge to run after them and back
stab them, but the swollen money belt beckoned to him.  He ran
to Grimms now limp body and began pilfering it.  Soon he
would be one rich guard.

[Hellina Furi]

She walked past the headless body without pause.  Once she had reached
the landing with Pelnar, she smiled at him.  "So, how much farther to
your friend's house?" she asked.  The area around them seemed to be even

more lawless than above, if such a thing was possible.  Hellina couldn't

decide if she liked that or not.

[Pelnar]

Pelnar looked at the scene before him, it looked like any other town,
it just had some rather strange habits and customs.  He could see
around three fights going in the streets, and the regular crowd
of merchants selling their wares.

He saw the orge in the crowd ahead of him, and could hear the hushed
whispers as they entered the street.  By now most of the lower hells
new that he was there, and not to mess with him or his party.

"No its not much farther, keep a look out for a short, fat, smelly dwarf

who should be wearing the most loudest clothing you ever saw on a
person.  It is Surlon's personal assistant." he said.

Pelnar threw the head into a group of orc children, and yelled "Play
ball!".  He watched as they all turned to him and laughed, then began
to kick the head like it was a ball down the street.  Everyone once
in awhile he would hear excited laughter from the kids, and then more
kicking.

This was the poorer section of the lowerhells. The lower you got, the
better the area got.  It was totaly backwards town.  He saw a few
vendors bow their heads to him and he nodded back to them. A few
lowered their heads in respect. No doubt from the symbols of Umbra
they wore on their necks.

[Ottokar]

The elemental, who had been following Pelnar and Hellina quietly,
grinned in amusement when the ogre's head was thrown to the children.
He watched the folk and vendors bowing, and glanced around.

"Pelnar, perhaps we should not make our presence so...well known;
No doubt the Gyre will redouble their efforts and come after me again.
A display such as this will not make us hard to track."

[Pelnar]

He started to turn to reply to Ottokar's worrys, when a flash of
crimson red, and sun yellow caught his eyes. Quickly turning
his eyes back to the crowd, he could see him clearly.  He was
talking to the orc children playing with their new found
head ball.  He could see them pointing in their direction,
and the funny looking man looking at them.  Pelnar's smile
widened as he laughed out loud. It had seemed that his plan had
gone well.  News had traveled back to Surlon and now his henchman
was here to pick them up.

"Don't worry Ottokar, in a few more moments we won't need to worry about
much, even your enemys will not be able to find us." he said without
turning his head.  Pelnar just kept on walking towards the outlandishly
dressed dwarf coming their way.

[Telca]

He saw Grimm's head being kicked around and asked the children where
they got the ball.  They pointed to a drow elf down the road, but he
could not make out the face.  Surely someone who could take out the
gaurds in such a manner was someone he needed to find out about.  As
he walked towards the drow and his group, he heard him laugh.  The
laughter was familiar, but he could not place it.  He damned his
parents for being drugar, for he could not see far, also the fact
that he only had one eye left after a battle a few years ago, that
almost left him totaly blind.

[Pelnar]

He kept a steady pace and could see that Telca was now wearing an eye
patch over one of his eyes.  Seems that his mouth finaly got him
into something more than just a scuffle he mused as he walked towards
him.  He could see the dwarf squinting at him to see who he was.
When he was five feet in front of him, he stoped.  It had been along
time since he had seen Telca and wondered if all that time had the old
timer fooled.  He looked at the dwarf again and stifled a bit of mirth
that wanted to escape his mouth.  Telca was wearing a yellow cap, with
crimson red pants that glowed like a ruby in the sunlight, as well as
purple shoes, and a red scarf, and a purple eye patch.

[Telca]

Telca wondered who this stranger was, he seemed to recognize the face
as he got closer to the drow, but Surlon had told him Pelnar was
in town, and he had heard rumors of some stange goings on in town
this night already.  Could it be that this man was Pelnar?

As the drow stoped in front of him and he saw the laughter trying to
escape the mans mouth he knew it was Pelnar.  Putting his hands on his
hips and jutting out his left hip to the right he says " Well, if it
ain't old lover boy himself! And I see you have your old flare of
creating a spectacle where ever you go also?" He gave him a glare
that would make most folks run off in haste.

[Pelnar]

He listened to the triad Telca was spewing forth and stood there very
calm like. In a sudden burst of speed he moved forward and picked
up the dwarf with both hands over his, and held him up to his face.
"Why if its old stinky himself! How ya doing old chum!" he said with
glee.  He saw Telca's look on his face and knew that he was already
getting mad.  Pelnar put him down, just in case he decided on biting
his nose.

"I need to see Surlon about some traing for me and my companion Hellina.

We need to get into the safe area soon, as my freind in the back is
being hunted by somekind of unknown beasts, even I cannot identify
their origin." he said.

[Telca]

It was to late to react as he saw Pelnar's learing form grab him and
lift him up towards his face.  He grimaced a little and then snapped
his teeth together a few times.  He laughed back at Pelnar as he
hastily put him back  down.  Guess Pelnar did not want to loose part
of his nose after all.

"Ya in trouble again.  Seessshhhh, the boss was right about after all.
Your lucky he likes you or I would just let ya rott for all I care.
You know the routine Pelnar, get with it." he said.  Reaching into
his pouch he pulled out a few handfulls of copper and silver coins
and threw them behind him.  The crowd went mad going after the coins
and soon their was shouting and fights to be heard everywhere where
the coins had fallen.  He prepared the spell and began to cast even
as Pelnar was getting his freinds ready.

[Pelnar]

"Ok link hands and don't let go till I say so." He shouted out
as he gave Hellina quick squeeze of her hand and then nodded
towards Telca in time to see him mumble some words and the sickining
feeling of falling.  He gripped both Ottokar and Hellina with all
his might.  He could hear someone screaming in fright but could not
tell if it was one of them or himself.  Pelnar never did like the
way Telca teleport spells felt.  Very abrupt and to the point, with
no finess at all.  Guess it comes from being a drugar dwarf.

Pelnar felt hard cold floor beneath him, and then passed out.  It
was one of the side effects from the spell, a very effective one, if ya
wanted to kidnap someone.

[Hellina Furi]

She had watched Pelnar and the dwarf's exchange with some interest.
Pelnar definately had some interesting friends and aquaintances.

Then the bottom fell out from under her.  Hellina hated falling.  Pelnar
was holding her hand in a deathgrip and screaming, and Hellina found
herself joining in.  Then she found herself on the ground, but without
the expected jolting impact a real fall would have had.  Her ears popped
and her equilibram rebelled against the abrubt changes.  Then her head
began to swim and her eyes rolled up into her sockets as she passed out.

[Ottokar]

The Elemental saw the dwarf approach and begin talking with Pelnar.  He
paid little attention to the conversation, as he was scanning the crowd
for any minions of the Gyre.  Ottokar suddenly felt Pelnar's grip and
the swirling magical energies of the teleport spell forming, and
quickly braced himself for the ride.

A moment later, he felt a cold stone floor fade into being underneath
him.  Ottokar looked around a moment, noticed that Pelanr and Hellina
were both passed out, and began to feel the side effect of the teleport
spell.  A moment later, he collapsed to the floor.

[Pelnar]

The first thing he was aware of was the odors of sweet perfumes
in the air, and the fact the air was rather moist.  Slowly he
sat up, and found himself on top of a very large round black
silk matress with Hellina and Ottakar on it.  The room was fairly
large, and also dark except for a fireplace which was located
to the right of the room.  It was the room's only light source.
It gave off teh same light, as you would see at dawn.
His head ached so, like a hangover.  He brought both hands
to his temples and began to rub them.

[Telca]

Surlon had told him that it was time to get Pelnar and his freinds.
For all he cared he could let that miserable Pelnar sleep
forever.  He walked into the trasnport room and saw Pelnar sitting
up and holding his head.  He smiled evily at Pelnar and
said in a loud voice, intentionaly hoping his voice bored
a hole in his head.

"Well its nice to see your awake. Surlon request for your company,
and I'm here to get you.  Now get your freinds up as the boss
don't like to wait." His smiled widened even more when
he saw Pelnar's scowl at him.

[Pelnar]

He heard the gratiting voice before he saw the face. Telca's words
tore into his head like a banshee.  He groaned and looked
at the smiling face.  That devil was enjoying it.

"Ok! Ok! Now stop shouting or I'll come over there and rip
your tounge out!" he said.  He saw the smile fade on Telca's
face.

Turning around he looked at Hellina.  She was still out, he
was used to this type of teleport spell, but she was not.
She could probably sleep for another hour, but Surlon was
not one, you let wait for long.  Grabbing her hand
he gently held and squeezed it.  "Hellina wake up. Hellina
wake up."

[Hellina Furi]

She opened one eye.  "If I ever see that dwarf again..." she muttered as
she sat up, and noticed the smug Telca.  "Cretin," she hissed at him.

[Telca]

He let out a gaffaw as he heard Hellina's comment.  "Why thank yee miss
such a compliment on such a fine day makes me feel good. Now shall we
go?  Surlon does not like to wait especialy for trolops such as you
my dear."

He smiled at her again, and rested his hand on a wand nestled in its
belt holster on his waist.  He had used the wand many times to deal
with unruly peoples and he had enjoyed turning them into frogs and pigs.

Truly the polymorph wand had been one of the better presents he had
recived from Surlon.

[Pelnar]

He winked at Hellina as she spoke about Telca.  Letting go of her hand
he jostled Ottokar and grabbed his arm as he awoke.  Time to go my
friend, Surlon has requested our presence. Pelnar let go of his arm, and
stood up.  He offered his hand for Hellina to grab and walked towards
Telca, while saying "Ok, lets go."

[Ottokar]

He felt a grip on his arm and was ready to release an attack when he
heard Pelnar's voice.  Opening his eyes, he saw that it was indeed
Pelnar.  Taking a few seconds to get his balance, he stood up and nodded
to Pelnar and Hellina.  He could feel a magical block permeating this
place, probably a protective suite of spells.  He felt a small sense of
comfort with this thought, as it would make him much harder to hunt
down.

[Hellina Furi]

She glared at the dwarf as Pelnar rousted Ottokar.  "I am NOT a trollop,
you twisted little weasel.  I am Hellina Furi," she said in a deadly
calm voice.

Seeing both Pelnar and Ottokar up she looked back at Telca.  "Show us to
Surlon," she said evenly, restraining the urge to insult the dwarf any
further.

[Telca]

He laughed at her and turned around waving his hand in a northly
direction.  "C'mon you guys, Surlon wants yee, and I'm going...you can
follow me if you wish."  He walked northward up the hallway. He could
hear them walking behind him.

[Pelnar]

He looked at Hellina and said "It's not easy to like Telca, even I have
wanted to kill the man, and he has tempted me many times in the past.
Shall we go?" He began to walk after Telca and noticed the walls of the
hallway. Still nothing on them, still as bare as they had been a hundred
years ago.  He felt the moisture in the air surround him, and he
smiled.  For he also smelt the sweet oils in them.  It brought back
memories of Surlon and his childhood with him.

He heard the low raspy voice of Surlon greet Telca as he entered
the only room connected to the hallway. As Pelnar entered the room
he saw a brilliant flash of light, as Telca teleported himself out of
the room.  He could see that the room had been enlarged and was now
forty feet by sixty feet.

Near the northwest end of the room was a large pool of water, a large
brazeir at the center of the room was the source of the sweet oil mists
in the room.  The room was not overly well lit, to the west wall of the
room was serveral glass incased book shelfs, with numerous books
overflowing the shelfs.  Mist could be seen dripping off the glass
forming puddles on the floor.  To the east was a large marble table,
with chairs made of a dark wood with streaks of grey running through it.

To the northeast of the room was a large chair with a form siting in it.
Pelnar could see the eyes starting through him as if he was not there.
He saw Surlon rise up and walk towards him with hands outstretched
for a hug.

Pelnar ran towards Surlon and gave him a big hug. "It is good to
see you Surlon!" he said as a single tear came forth from his eye.
Steping back he looked at Surlon's six foot form. His skin was slightly
darker shade of green, and his eyes still had its cold grey sheen to it.

The only clothes he wore, as a single strip of leather belt, that
was strapped over his shoulder and held one large pouch and
several smaller pouches.  Pelnar could see a ring on each of Surlon's
hands and a large silver chained amulet with a glowing red ruby in it.

[Surlon]

He watched as young Pelnar entered the room, he could see he had grown
up alot, but he could still hear the young voice of the accolyte he
had taught so many years ago.  He returned the hug one more time to
Pelnar and then stepped back. "You look well my freind, it's been
to long.  I see you finaly came through with your promise you made
when you were just a young pup.  I am curious what went through
Grimm's mind as you killed him?  Though the tales being told by
the common folk on the upper levels have grown more outlandish
each day." he said with a smile.  He looked at the two others
with Pelnar.  The female he could see that there was something
else about her.  He could not yet pinpoint it, but her aura gave
off something not entirely human.  And the other was not made
of flesh and blood, but of fire.

Surlon smiled and said "Welcome to my humble abode, come sit with
me at the table. And tell me what your here for." He walked over
to the talbe and sat down in a specialy wide chair made for
his tortoise like body.  The chair had been reinforced to hold
his 1,200 pound body.

[Hellina Furi]

She walked over to the table and took a normal-sized chair.  "Thank you
for your hospitality," she said, "I'm Hellina Furi."  She decided to
wait and let Pelnar bring up the training.

[Ottokar]

He followed Pelnar and Hellina down the hallway and into the large room.
The elemental watched as the creature, Surlon, greeted Pelnar and
invited them all to sit.  Ottokar walked forward and took a seat at the
table, waiting patiently.

[Surlon]

He smiled at Hellina and at the man with her and said "I am pleased
to meet you Hellina Furi and as well for you sir."  He looked at the man

siting across from him. He had not said a word upon entering the room,
and wondered how Pelnar had hooked up with someone from the plane
of fire?  His concentration was broken by Pelnar.

[Pelnar]

Pelnar finaly relaxed and felt his muscles twitch a little from all the
stree he had gone through just getting here.  He nodded towards Surlon,
and said "I brought Hellina Furi here for some accelerated training
to the best mage in this galaxy.  And to brush up on some higher level
spells for me as well." He finished and rested his hands on the table.

"It also seems that Hellina Furi is not all human, as we ran into her
mother while we were on topside. She was rather pale red head,
who wielded a sword like a katana, but had a wicked hooked at the
end of it.  She left as soon as she saw Hellina was in good hands,
but it would behove all of us and Hellina to find out where her
parentage hails from.

My freind Ottokarhere has joined us for the time being, and is being
chased by some kind of alien being.  I hope you may help in blocking
any kind of magical searches, as they seemed to realy want him dead."
he finished with a smile as Surlon's smile became wider and wider as
he spoke.

[Surlon]

"Well my freind!" he said with a jovial laugh. "It seems you have
brought me quite a bit this time." Looking at Hellina he said "Now
can you tell me more about you and what you remember of you past? ".
Surlon stood up and walked over to one of the glass cases.  Bending
over just slightly he began walking down the shelfs and mumbling to
himself.

"Ahh! There it is!" he said with a smile on his face.  Opening the case
he pulled out a rather old and dusty book.  He blew on it a few times
and quite a bit of dust flew off in a puff of wind.  Closing the
case, he then walked over to the table and laid the book down.

"And for you my freind Ottokar, I can tell you that I am once and
probably still hunted by a few things I don't want to meet.  This place
is so well gaurded that even Lord Umbra cannot find it.  Not unless I
want him to. So relax and enjoy the stay." he said in a low raspy
voice.

[Helina Furi]

"There's not alot to tell," she said to Surlon, "My father always told
me that my mother died when I was born.  He told me I look like her,
which does seem to be the case.  But he never even hinted that I wasn't
human."

[Surlon]

"Hmm I see." he said as he listened to her while thumbing through the
old dusty book.  Looking up he claped his hands together twice and all
in the room felt a slight shift in the air.  The next thing they knew
they were all in a dark room standing.  The room was farely dark,
and only shadows could be decerned though Surlon's glowing red eyes
could be seen.

Surlon smiled and clapped his hands again.  Several candles sputtered
to life in the room. Slowly the room was lite up, and you could see
that it was a round room about thirty feet in diameter.  In
the center of the room was a firepit, surounded by grey stones with
crimson red streaks running though it at odd paterns.  To the north of
pit, was a pentagram lined with rubys embedded into the ground, to the
west was a large bookcase full of books.  To the south next to the
table was several chests and benches similiar to a research lab.  Next
to this was a bed, and a chair and talbe albiet small.
Surlon winked at Pelnar and took the book over with him to the
pentagram.

As he walked he began to sing a song. It sounded pleasant to the ears,
though at the same time was harsh and grating as well.  Taking the book
he held it in the air, and let go.  As the book floated in place, he
turned and looked at Hellina.  With a nod and a inviting hand out, he
motioned her to join him.  But he did not stop the singing, the fire
pit grew brighter and hotter.  Soon it reached the ceiling, though
there was no exit to the room, there was still air to breath.

[Pelnar]

Pelnar felt the shift in magic and knew what was coming only a few
seconds before the teleport went through.  Surlon was so graceful in
his magic use, he was truly a master.  Pelnar did not feel ill from
this transport, nor did he feel out of place. It was if he had just
walked into this room.  He heard the anceint words of his master.

He joined in the singing with his master, his voice less rough, but
still the sweet sound hurt the ears.  Pelnar followed Surlon into
the pentragram, which was large enough to hold several beings in it.

Pelnar looked at Hellina and nodded to her. The walls in the room began
to move as if they were breathing. He smiled and kept on singing. Soon
they all were going to see what a master of magics Surlon was.

[Surlon]

Turning around he bowed his head ever so slightly to Pelnar as he joined
in his chorus of the ancients.  So Pelnar had not lost his teachings
that he had taught him so long ago.  The spetcale made him proud of
Pelnar.  Turning his attention towards Hellina he motioned her towards
him again.

His hand again outstretched for her hand.  He could hear the voices
coming to him, soon he would need to begin the main component of the
spell.

[The Summoning]

    Slowly, Hellina walked towards Surlon and placed her hand in his.
The ancient wizard drew her close to the firepit, and with a quick
motion cut her palm.  Hellina gasped slightly in surprise.

    Surlon caught Hellina's blood with a small piece of folded parchment
and then threw it into the fire.  The fire changed to an unnatural shade
of red.  The walls were moving unmistakably now, and the sound of Pelnar
and Surlon's singing seemed to grow louder and less comfortable.
Hellina's head was swirling from the sights and sounds around her.

    Then, with no warning, the fire was gone.  Surlon and Pelnar ended
their song, and the room was still.   A faint shimmer was floating in
the air above the pentagram.

    "Show yourself," Surlon commanded, "assume a corporial form."

    The shimmering became less transparent.  It sank towards the floor
and began to assume a humanoid shape.  It faded into view as a small man
with pale skin and goat-like legs.  The figure eyed them with glittering
eyes and spoke in a hissing whisper.  "What?  What does mighty wizard
want with this servant?"

     "Information," Surlon answered, "Who is this woman's mother?"

     The small creature eyed Hellina intently.  Hellina began to shift
nerviously as it stared at her without speaking for several minutes.
But Surlon held her hand and nodded reasuringly.

     Finally the being broke the silence,  "She is Jazzeria's get.
Sired by a human mage."  It smiled leeringly.  "Jazzeria is one of
the Rymorians."

     "Rymorian..." Surlon said slowly, "Yes, that would explain alot.
You may depart now.  I have no further need of you."

      The creature bowed and quickly faded away.  The tension in the air
disappeared as well.

[Hellina]

    The red-haired woman was the first to speak.  She looked at Surlon,
and asked, "So, what exactly is a Rymorian?"

[Surlon]

He smiled at her, he knew of only a few Rymorians, a rare race indeed,
great warriors as well.

"Well my dear I have had the distinct pleasure to meet a few Rymorians,
and call a few of them my freinds.  The Rymorians are a people who roam
the planes as mercinaries.  They are all females, and their offspring
are always female.  They are all female, and their offspring are
always female." Surlon paussed for a moment, then continued.

"They are some of the deadlest fighters, and are imune to anything short
of the most powerful magics." Surlon said as he paussed for a few
seconds. He was watching Hellina's reaction to his words.

"However, they have no magic of their own.  They use magical items and
weapons to travel the planes.  It is belived that they were either
created as ultimate warriors, or brought from some unknown plane.  If
the Rymonians know, they're not telling anyone.

I think that Pelnar will want to take you to see Geron, though I have
some magic items that may interest you for the right price." he
finished.

[Pelnar]

He could not beleive his ears as Surlon told Hellina Furi who she realy
was. A great fighter she will be, in the coming days as soon as they
went to see Geron and had her trained, as well as himself.  There was
always room to train old and new skills.

"Hellina would you mind if I took you to see Geron the fighting trainer
I told you about, and then leave you there whilst you train up? I need
to
work with Surlon on some of my mage skills.  I will join you in a weeks
time, which will equal to 2 years time.  The place Geron and Surlon both
use are called "Pocket realms".  No one can enter these except the maker
and whomever he is touching at the moment." Pelnar said.

"Even you will be protected Ottokar if you come with her or I.  What
do you both say to this?" Pelnar asked.

While he waited for their replys he looked at Surlon and said "I thank
yee for the favor, I will be back after seeing Geron. I want to train
up in a few of the advanced spells you have." Pelnar smiled at him.

[Hellina Furi]

She blinked and looked from Surlon to Pelnar and then back.  "I don't
mind you training here while I'm learning to fight," she finally said to
Pelnar.  The idea of him being surprised by the results of her training
instead of seeing it gradually progress appealed to her.  She smiled.
And there would be time enough to find out more about her mother's race
when she was done.  "I'm ready whenever you are, Pelnar."

[Pelnar]

He looked at Surlon for a second and noded to him as the walked over
and grabbed both hands of Hellina and Ottokar.  From the corner of his
eye he could see Telca begin to cast a teleport spell.  His heart raced
as he knew if they were to arrive topside passed out, they would never
wake up to live another day.  Letting go of his freinds hands he casted
a quick spell, and pointed his finger at Telca. A crimson red fire
shot out and covered Telca from head to toe.  There was a muffled scream
and then he just stood there immoble and still.  The expression of anger
on his face was etched into his face.

(Surlon)

With a slight chuckle he said "It is good that you are getting your
shadowlegs back.  For this town is deadly, even freinds can become
enemys in a single twist of time. I will see you shortly? Correct?"
he asked.  He knew the spell which Pelnar had cast on Telca would
ware off in time.  Surlon bowed to the party and walked off,
leaving Telca standing there like a living frozen statue.

(Pelnar)

Pelnar smiled and listened to Surlons wisdom.  He noticed the freindly
warning that things were not as they seem, though he also knew that
he could trust Surlon with his life.  Uncle Umbra was his student as
well, and their ties to his family was very tight.  Pelnar bowed back
to Surlon and grasped his friends hands.

Calling upon the incantation that would take them to the next meeting
location that he and Methrin had agree upon.  "Don't worry guys, we
will not pass out this time." he said with a evil grin.  The last
word of the spell was a angry shout, and within an instant they were
in front of the Gargoyle's Inn. There was no feeling at all, or
sickness to follow as well.