《The Dungeon Seed》
Chapter 1 - The Dungeon Seed
This is not a happy story. This is a tale about the Legendary Dungeon of Ao-Dranoth. The source of corruption, greed, and temptation for generations of heroes. It''s history would add a new chapter today. The heroes gathered while the dungeon watched and waited.
The forest outside of the village of Morristown was lush and temperate as the summer was transitioning to the fall. The sounds coming from its depths broke the tranquility. A confrontation was brewing in the quiet woods.
¡°Flee or die, Goblin Scum! The Vanguard of Valus must pass. If you oppose us, you shall surely perish!¡± Darius boomed across the glade. The goblins had crept ever closer to the edge of the forest, blocking the group¡¯s path. The goblins waivered, hesitant despite their score of fighters, they knew they weren¡¯t as tough as the fighters before them, one-to-one.
Darius thought perhaps his warning was sufficient to route the miscreants, but then a larger Hobgoblin arrived, and his presence emboldened the goblins. He forced the cannibalistic creatures forward. With screeches and screams, the deformed humanoids charged.
¡°Damn it all, Darius! We don¡¯t worship your god, Valus. We voted on this already. We are just called the Vanguard. You¡¯ve got to stop that! I could have used stealth to take some Goblins down before they even knew we were here. If you would stop with your egotistical posturing, I could be more effective!¡± The team rogue, Goslar, hissed as he dove into the brush to the side. He knew his chances in a straight-up fight were poor. He was an opportunist, who used stealth and surprise as part of his arsenal.
¡°Don¡¯t worry, Darius. At the least, I will have your back!¡± Kelsana spoke urgently. She was a ranger, skilled with a short sword and bow, but more importantly, she was also his fianc¨¦.
¡°Stay behind me, my love! Your heart curse is too deadly. Use your bow and don¡¯t let them close to you.¡± Darius bellowed. He pulled his long sword and banged it against his shield to ensure the charging goblins focused on him.
¡°Please. Goblins are little enough threat, Darius. Deal with that Hobgoblin and we can deal with this rabble.¡± The mage, Everdale, said contemptuously. He flicked his wrist and a pair of goblins tripped. The one on the left was exceptionally unlucky, as he fell disastrously on his blade. Everdale¡¯s telekinesis was weak, but he used it very creatively.
The battle was joined! Darius, as always, was a focus for the goblin hoard. His sword harvested seven goblins as he charged forward and clashed against the Hobgoblin. Kelsana kept close behind sniping targets with her bow.
On the outskirts of the fight, Goslar would jump from the brush with the occasional surprise blade across the throat or backstab as the focused goblins circled the very visible and dangerous Darius. The mage Everdale was a mere blurred outline. The goblins could not focus on him while his enchantments were active. He continued to foul their attacks and movements with slight telekinetic pushes.
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Darius traded several blows with the hobgoblin, his wide-sweeping sword strikes kept the pack of smaller goblins away. Kelsana would snipe targets when they presented themselves and used her bow as a bludgeon when one goblin came too close.
A group of three goblins surrounded Everdale¡¯s flickering image. The beasts always chose to go after the weakest prey, and Everdale had yet to show any visible abilities to fight. The mage, cornered, dropped his imperfect masking spell.
The goblins howled with glee at finally fully seeing their target and charged. Everdale smiled and shouted a new spell.
¡°Geister-flinken!¡± he shouted as the charging goblins were almost upon him. In a blink, he vanished and the goblins collided. Goslar descended upon the disoriented creatures before they could regain their wits. Everdale laughed from above, safely perched upon a tree limb some ten feet overhead.
Darius was cut and bruised, with several serious dents on his shield, when he finally threw down his sword and grabbed the beast¡¯s arms. With a yell to his chosen God, Valus, he headbutted the Hobgoblin leader - knocking him out cold.
The goblins sensing the quickly diminishing chances of victory scattered away from the group. The beasts were routed. Kelsana killed two as the creatures fled and Goslar tackled one and slit its throat. Darius picked up his sword and dispatched the Hobgoblin as Everdale reappeared amongst the group.
¡°Well done, as always, Darius. Take this potion for your wounds. The dungeon lies just over that rise. It wouldn¡¯t be prudent to enter with injuries. We can save your lady, as long as your courage holds.¡± Mage Everdale said with a sardonic tone. He had a history of criticizing Darius¡¯s past feats as mindless, but nevertheless effective brawn. Goslar scoffed immediately and rolled his eyes.
¡°Pardon my lack of faith, Darius. The town¡¯s Chief was a dithering moron. He would have said anything to hurry us along and out of his town. This legend about a seed of immortality is a myth for rubes and peasants, guys. We are wasting precious time when we should be looking for a priest to break that curse! Kelsana¡¯s life depends upon it.¡± Goslar pled.
¡°We don¡¯t have time for other options, Goslar! Everdale had already concurred with the town chief. He thinks that, with this Dungeon Seed, he can brew a life-saving elixir. We must press on and make haste.¡± Darius proclaimed.
Kelsana, for her part, did not look very hopeful but rather tired to death. The necromancer¡¯s death curse was draining her vitality, more and more every day. She summoned what little strength she had left and spoke.
¡°I¡¯m sorry, guys. You warned me not to land that killing blow on that blasted necromancer. This is all my fault. I should have listened. I went for the kill and his death curse landed on me. I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Kelsana moaned.
¡°Nonsense, my love! You did what heroes do, what you needed to do! Now, we shall fulfill our pact as a team and assist you in your time of need. The dungeon lies yonder. The solution to your dilemma is certain and within our grasp. Both the village chief and our very own mage have concurred. The seed of the dungeon of Ao-Dranoth contains your salvation. Let us waste no more time in useless discussion! We must make haste friends! Onwards!¡±
Darius charged forward. Goslar looked with concern to Kelsana and then over to Everdale. The mage lifted an eyebrow with a firm frown. Goslar rolled his eyes but followed the team¡¯s leader. Everdale¡¯s eyes narrowed with calculation and finally nodded. He beckoned the tired Ranger on. The team that called themselves The Vanguard entered the dilapidated entry to the subterranean ruins of Ao-Dranoth.
Chapter 2 - The Failed Paladin
Darius strode forward with determination. He would lead the team to victory. Kelsana would finally relent to marry. As her continued excuses to delay the ceremony grew more numerous, Darius began to wonder about their relationship.
Darius for all his outward certainty was plagued by doubts. He had always dreamed of becoming a Paladin for Valus, the god of mercy, like his father before him. His father had been a legend larger than life, a town savior, a healer, a warrior, and a perfect representation of everything Darius wanted.
His Faith Confirmation Day should have been the start of his glorious career as a Paladin of Valus. The event went awry almost immediately. Darius had given his full faith and trust in Valus¡and Severus the god of justice had answered.
It made no sense! He hadn¡¯t reached for Severus, he wanted Valus. Now his alignment and the powers bestowed by his faith wavered. His desire for Valus'' gifts of courage and healing went unrequited. Adding to the dilemma, Severus¡¯s gifts of seeing truth and unstoppable resolve were lacking due to Darius¡¯s complete dedication to the god. His god¡¯s given power was infrequent and undependable.
Darius tried to shift his desire and make peace with Severus, but his heart and dreams still held onto the promise of Valus tightly despite his intentions. Darius became known in his homeland as a tragic figure¡the Failed Paladin. He was a cautionary tale to all as an example of misaligned faith. Darius burned to be better, but he didn¡¯t know how.
Darius kicked the rotten but ornate door in. His powerful kick blasted into the wood and twisted the rusted latches and hinges.
¡°Hah! The followers of Ao-Dranoth should take some lessons of enduring building materials from Valus. This is a disgrace!¡± Darius boomed, looking into the gloom. He hesitated, for all his brash mannerisms, Darius was no fool to go charging into the dark.
¡°Magus, come hither! Your skills are most necessary. We shan¡¯t find our treasure if we are crawling about like blind mole-men.¡± Darius said, too loudly.
Everdale stepped lightly up to the threshold, inspecting the runes on the doorframe with a studious expression. With a slight nod, he cast the spell Darius desired.
¡°Lumi-Luxor!¡± Everdale said with a focused look at Darius''s presented longsword. Motes of light coalesced in the air and concentrated upon the blade until it was glowing with a power far outstripping a mere torch.
¡°Good man! Well done. You mentioned a familiarity with this dungeon¡¯s legends and treasure, Everdale. Has your research uncovered what we might face? Most true dungeons seem to have a mind of their own and protect themselves from treasure hunters like us.¡± Darius asked.
¡°Ah yes. The Order of Ao-Dranoth favored nature and fertility, as can be seen by the murals venerating growth, trees, and roots. But be warned, oftentimes even such a sacred place can become corrupt by time and fell influences. The Guildhall of Stone Haven¡¯s Society of Magi recorded several hero¡¯s tales about this place.¡±
¡°Information is scant, but it is known that some manner of Treant creature guards the upper levels. We need to be extremely cautious. I can already see the walls are quite dense with roots, a perfect camouflage for it to use for ambush. Although it resembles the living, it is a creature of corruption. We must be careful lest it extend its rot to us. Healing magic from Valus would be ideal.¡± Everdale said, with a slight smirk.
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Darius frowned at the dig. Everdale knew very well that Valus was not his patron. He was about to retort when Gareth pushed past them both throwing a sack on the ground.
¡°Your prissy little glow light might be fine and pretty, but good old fire is the cure for a wooden rotter. You should all be glad that I insisted upon bringing these torches along, eh? Kelsana, do you have the flint rod and tinder? A little help, my lady?¡±
Gareth¡¯s eyes were bright in the glow coming from Darius¡¯s sword. Darius ground his teeth at the presumptuous familiarity with his fianc¨¦ but kept his silence. Gareth¡¯s attitude frequently triggered Darius, but he was a trustworthy teammate. Darius had to admit that fire was a good idea. Purification with fire was very much in line with Valus¡and Severus.
The heroes crept carefully into the ruined halls. Roots from the encroaching forest wound throughout the rooms, breaking in threw the ceiling and walls and lining the rooms. The glare of Darius¡¯s ensorcelled sword fought with the flickering lights of the torches, casting dancing shadows about.
Everyone except for Everdale carried a flame. He begged off, declaring that he needed his hands to perform his spell work. Gareth had shrugged and carried two of the torches.
Twice the team had been startled when rodents or bats burst past them. The silence of the ruins was deafening, save for their missteps and curses. Kelsana noticed it first.
¡°Darius, Watch out!¡± Kelsana threw her torch at the wall. A large root had concealed a gnarly man-shaped abomination. Darius had nearly stepped into the trailing roots coming from the thing¡¯s lower section that lined the floor.
Darius, ever the man of action, wading in swinging his sword. His bladed landed with a solid hit and stuck fast. The creature grabbed hold of the bare blade with rootlike tentacles.
¡°Vile monster, let it go!¡± Darius gasped, fighting to keep possession of his blade.
The roots began to circle his sword arm and then to his shield. Gareth bashed the thing with his torches, but it refused to release Darius or even turn to face him. The rogue hesitated to force his flame to light it afire. Darius was entangled with it and would be in danger of burning as well.
¡°Darius! No!¡± Kelsana screamed.
She too hesitated, her bow presumably useless against the foe made of wood. Darius screamed as the roots tightened and drew him in closer. He roared in defiance.
¡°Foul fiend! This isn¡¯t right! It isn¡¯t fair!¡± Darius said as he felt the hairs on the back of his neck raise¡an energy coursed through him. A foreign thought niggled in the back of his head.
It is not just. A voice in Darius¡¯ head intoned.
Severus? Darius thought.
His limbs filled with power. He pulled back¡and succeeded in it. He yanked free his shield and then his sword as power coursed through his frame. He was about to renew his attack when a large flask impacted the creature''s head.
The golem of corrupted roots thrashed; its mouth wide but no screams issued forth. Smoke poured off it where the liquid had splashed. Gareth wasted no time, as the monster flailed about, he pressed his torches forward, slotting them into its gnarled roots. Soon the creature¡¯s woody skin and roots were smoking from the potion as well as the fires coming from the torches.
The wooden monstrosity ran. Two paces¡three paces¡then on its fourth it stumbled. The fifth pace forward and it fell. It was aflame smoking. Darius and Kelsana added their torches to the conflagration and stepped back as the beast was consumed in a hot bonfire.
As the creature''s struggles subsided, the flames continued to burn brightly. The staircase to the next level was illuminated in the flow as if in invitation. The trio focused on the mage and Darius asked.
¡°What manner of potion was that to disturb it so greatly?¡±
¡°It was the last of my holy water. Not quite my normal alchemical forte, but I was hopeful it would serve. I make a point to always carry some for vampires and such. I¡¯m surprised that it worked...if I must be honest. Its corruption is perhaps divine or infernal in nature.¡± Everdale said grinning.
¡°Too right! Thank you ever so kindly, mister mage.¡± Gareth said with enthusiasm, then with an ominous afterthought asked.
¡°So, do you have any more?¡±
¡°Ah¡no. Sorry. That¡¯s the totality of my supply. I do hope we can adequately deal with any further threats.¡± Everdale said grimly.
¡°Indeed.¡± Darius muttered. Despite his misgivings, he felt confident. Despite his wavering faith, Severus had granted him that boon. He hoped he would be deemed worthy of more.
Chapter 3 - The Unlucky Rogue
Gareth¡¯s eyes tracked down the stairs, alert for mundane traps and potential foes. He could feel the attention of the dungeon on him. Nobody knew why some dungeons came alive, but when they did, the ruins they inhabited became both tempting and deadly to everyone.
Dungeons drew in adventurers like flies were attracted to shit. The challenge, the glory, and most importantly¡the loot. A dungeon was a focus of magic and sometimes divine or infernal influences. That miasma of power affected everything in the dungeon and could imbue even mundane items with powerful enchantments.
Gareth could care less about the challenge, or glory, but the loot was a different story. Loot was not the root of all evil to him. It was the answer to his every problem. Money made everything better. Gareth had done a lot of bad things in his life. His driving need to answer the obvious imbalance in his means against the unfair providence of everyone else motivated his every action.
The rogue had a good thing going here with this bunch of goodie-two shoes. They didn¡¯t realize he was not just a stealthy rogue class. Before he met them, he was a very capable assassin. Killing for a price, no matter the target. A master of stealth, poison, traps, and much more.
Gareth had never had ¡°friends¡± before. This bunch had accepted him in, no questions asked. Treated him with kindness and as an equal. Gareth sneered internally at it all. Should he ever be so naive, his old bosses would have slapped him silly.
Still¡working with this crew; he now had more money than ever. He didn¡¯t want to lose it. If they ever did realize just how infamous he was in the seedier areas of the land, he would be shunned again. He was nothing if not greedy, now he was greedy for even more. Acceptance, trust, maybe even¡love. Things that had always escaped him.
Gareth subconsciously lowered the torch and pulled his left sleeve down. His Blood Circle tattoo marked him as an elite killer. He doubted his team would know its meaning, but questions about it were best avoided. He cleared his throat.
¡°Mage. Stop hoarding your thoughts about this dungeon. Every time you start to spill, I¡¯ve noticed you¡¯ve stopped yourself short. If I¡¯m to take the lead, I want more. Even a rumor might save us from this death trap. Give!¡± He growled.
¡°Very well, Gareth. Some of my research is unsubstantiated, so don¡¯t hold me to account if these details prove inaccurate.¡± Everdale said.
¡°Very few adventurers who have taken quests to clear this dungeon have returned, and those that do are usually single survivors. This is a grim statistic, but I doubt that they would have enjoyed the depth of our experience and teamwork.¡± He said.
¡°I¡¯ve enough butter on my bread, Everdale. Cut to the chase already. What dangers lurk? Monsters, traps, whatever. Huh?¡± Gareth chided.
¡°Very well, sir. Some of the survivors disagree on the types of creatures, some describe snakes, and some talk of insects of several different types. But all tales expressed concern regarding the poisonous nature of the inhabitants.¡± The enchanter said evenly.
¡°So, don¡¯t let¡¯em stick you. Aye? Good to know. You got anything in that alchemy bag of yours to help?¡± Gareth said. The man always carried a satchel filled to the brim with ingredients and clinking flasks. His casual attempts to look inside always failed. Everdale was always extremely protective of his bag of tricks. He even used it as a pillow at night.
¡°Well, I would not wish to sound like a braggart, but I have concocted several potions to improve health, unguents for wounds, and antidotes for mild rock snake venom and swamp scourge fliers. They might prove helpful if we encounter something along those lines.¡± Everdale said airily.
¡°Right. Hey Darius. Maybe you should take the lead. Your armor''s plating is a good counter for this type of attack, yeah? I need to stop for a second and get my cloak out of my pack.¡± Gareth said, stopping and pulling his pack off. Without a word or concern, Darius took the first position.
Gareth hid a smile; the fool was convinced of his invulnerability. He quickly pulled on his cloak and gloves and increased his layers of protection as the team filed past him. He discretely pulled a flask of his own and put it in his cloak''s inner pocket.
A master poisoner, he always had at least one of the most powerful universal antidotes. Handling poison was dangerous and those that used them had insurance or they were dead. He would keep this to himself. Questions about why he had it might lead to more questions he had avoided this far.
He slung the pack back on and hoisted his torch. He took up the rear-guard position where he could enjoy the view of Kelsana¡¯s shapely form in front of him. Gareth smiled remembering the night before the assault on the Necromancer¡¯s lair.
Gareth and Kelsana had shared a watch the night before the assault on the Necromancer¡¯s stronghold. Several other teams of adventurers had joined the effort and had camped nearby. The roaming skeletons in the area were not powerful, but they couldn¡¯t be allowed past. They would warn the evil mage or the gather opposition of heroes.
Gareth, ever paranoid, had moved from his assigned watch on the south side of the camp to circle the camp to the northern position. It wasn¡¯t as if he didn¡¯t trust Kelsana, but he couldn¡¯t relax without verifying her watchfulness. He knew everyone was weak when it came to staying alert. Many of his successful kills were helped due to slumbering guards.
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He crept upon her position intending to test her. She wasn¡¯t asleep, but Gareth heard her stifled gasps. She¡was sobbing. Gareth was far from a master of soothing; he backed up to slip away when his stealth failed him. A snapped twig and Kelsana jumped up with a hiss.
¡°Gareth? Is that you?¡± She whispered. He stopped his retreat and joined her quietly.
¡°Sorry Kel. I was just checking up on you. Are you ok?¡± Gareth asked, willing her to say yes and let him go.
¡°No Gareth. I¡¯m not. Darius is insisting we finish our vows after this mission. I¡don¡¯t know if I can do it.¡± She spoke.
¡°Is the big dummy treating you badly? I know he¡¯s kinda egotistical, but I thought he worshipped you.¡± Gareth asked tactlessly before he could stop himself. He bit his lip. He did not want to get involved.
¡°No, he is overwhelmingly perfect to me, annoyingly so. Too perfect! I can¡¯t be like him. I know I¡¯m going got let him down. He¡¯s such a courageous man, and I can¡¯t always be like that. Not like he wants. It¡¯s too much to live up to.¡±
¡°You¡¯re talking to the lord of imperfect. I know all about it. Don¡¯t let him push you. If he¡¯s really such a great guy, he¡¯ll respect your need to go slow.¡± Gareth said slowly, with perhaps a bit too much feeling. He almost jumped when she reached out and grabbed his hands. Before he could move, she pulled him into a hug.
¡°Thank you, Gareth. Thank you. I think I needed to hear that. After this mission, I¡¯ll talk with him. It¡¯s good to be surrounded by such friends. Now get back to your position, the south is unwatched.¡± She landed a quick kiss on his cheek and pulled back to her assigned position. When she turned around, Gareth was gone.
Despite her words, Gareth didn¡¯t return to the south. His stealthy nature hid him well as he continued to watch her. Occasionally touching his cheek, he couldn¡¯t help but think that he deserved more than had been allowed him. Maybe he could have more. The unfairness of the world was always around him, he wanted more. Gareth was a patient hunter, and this was a new type of hunt for him.
The dungeon¡¯s air grew warmer as they descended.
The shrine¡¯s ruined walls were partially collapsed, filled with winding roots and stone rubble. The descending floors got progressively more decayed. They had found some bones and armor, telling tales of the previous adventurers'' fates. The bones didn¡¯t reveal the cause of their deaths.
The main passage was blocked but Kelsana had found a narrow passage, a cave tunnel. Without another way forward, the team squeezed through one after another. The natural pathway widened into a larger cavern which led further down.
¡°There seems to be more sign of the shrine building materials on the right side of the cavern. Let¡¯s focus our attention there. Perhaps, we can find a detour into the lower portion of the dungeon if it loops back to the ruin.¡± Everdale said.
¡°Sound advice, Mage. I am ever thankful for your council. We wouldn¡¯t have come to this place without your research. Once we have secured Kelsana¡¯s cure, you may count upon my share of any loot as my thanks.¡± Darius declared. He looked worriedly at Kelsana. In the dim light, she looked paler than before and was moving very slowly and unsteadily.
¡°Never you worry, Sir. It is my pleasure to assi-.¡± Everdale¡¯s response was cut off as Gareth exclaimed.
¡°On your guards! I hear something.¡± The rogue said tightly but loud enough to be sure of its urgency. The team readied their weapons and froze to listen. There was indeed a grinding, clattering sound coming down the passage.
¡°Gods damn it. I feel like a sitting duck. Should we douse the lights? I can¡¯t see what¡¯s coming past the glow and flames.¡± Gareth hissed. Everdale scoffed.
¡°Can you see in the dark then, thief? The rest of us can¡¯t.¡± The mage said.
In response, Gareth hefted his spare torch and threw it down the dark passage. He almost wished he hadn¡¯t as the flickering flame revealed a massive Scorpion. Its size was larger than a war horse and it rapidly climbed the rocky tunnel up to their position. He spied a trio of babies clinging to the monster''s back. Before he could warn everyone, Darius charged bellowing a war cry.
¡°For Valus and the Vanguard! Rraaaagh!¡± Darius screamed and thundered down the passage. The light of Darius¡¯ ensorcelled blade swung and shifted as he charged. The team''s feeble torchlight left them with much less illumination.
¡°Blasted Paladin! Blundering forward as usual. Kel and Everdale, focus on the small ones! We can¡¯t lose track of the buggers.¡± Gareth yelled.
He ran after Darius as the mage yelled a spell. One of the small scorpions had started to glow like Darius¡¯s blade. Gareth smiled, at least someone besides him had tactical sense.
Darius crashed into the big monster shearing one of its smaller legs right off at the joint. He dodged its claws and deflected the thing''s massive stinger strike with his shield. Gareth¡¯s blood pumped as he charged forward.
At least the big lug can fight. He thought. A whistling past his ear made him duck into a lower run. Kelsana¡¯s arrow skewered the glowing target.
¡°One down!¡± She yelled, her voice trembling with the effort. The mage cast again and another of the small insects began to glow. Gareth skidded and rolled sideways as the huge monster almost fell on him. Darius had removed another of its legs!
The giant insect rolled and thrashed. Gareth dove to the side again. He stumbled and reared back as the smaller glowing scorpion skittered towards him lashing out with its stinger.
Gareth had extremely good reflexes. He would never be so bold to claim to catch arrows, but he liked to think that he stood a good chance if he found himself faced with such a challenge. He grabbed the scorpion¡¯s tail just behind the stinger, stopping it before it could stab him. With his other hand, pulled his favorite knife and spiked the nasty thing through the head.
Gareth flung the dead bug away as Darius delivered a powerful downward strike, lopping the larger monster''s head off. Gareth noticed the massive tail was already removed and twitching behind the beast. Kelsana and Everdale rushed up, but the fight seemed to be done.
Gareth twitched; he felt a tugging at his cloak. He spun as a dark shape hurtled forward directly at Kelsana. Her pale face was shocked as the last scorpion dove at her. Before he could think, Gareth moved. He stumbled into Kelsana, looking up as pain blossomed between his shoulders.
Darius roared and pulled the scorpion from the rogue¡¯s back and threw it against the wall. It impacted hard enough to shatter the thing into several large pieces of chitin. Gareth fell sideways, fumbling in his cloak as the burning pain in his back spread up and down his spine.
Gareth gasps were choked off as his mouth filled with foamy spit. He found the cloak pocket¡but it was empty! No longer capable of speech he trashed on the ground in pain. His last view was Kelsana¡¯s despairing look and Everdale over her shoulder viewing Gareth with a calculating stare.
¡°Quick! Everdale, save him with your¡.¡± Kelsana¡¯s yells faded as his hearing followed his already flagging vision. He felt hands on him, pushing him over onto his back. Then he felt¡and thought¡no more.
Chapter 4 - The Cursed Maiden
Kelsana was devastated when Everdale had been unable to save Garett. The rogue had taken the sting meant for her. Garett was the only one who ever showed any real sympathy in the group. Darius displayed his gruff stoic demeanor and Everdale only frowned and shook his head in disappointment. Neither even seemed to care!
She cursed under her breath. Darius might be the soul of the group and Everdale the brains, but Garett had been the heart. The others had ventured further down the dark passage to ensure no more monsters lurked while she built a crude cairn for her friend.
¡°Goodbye, Garett. Thank you for everything you¡¯ve done, and I hope you find better friends than us in the next life. I wish I had met you before Darius, maybe things would be different now.¡± She stopped crying as the pain in her side started to throb more painfully.
She could feel blood leaching through her bandage. The cursed blade the Necromancer had stabbed her with was getting worse. She quickly changed the wound¡¯s dressing and tightened the wrap. She staggered as her vision dimmed momentarily. She staggered to her feet unsteadily and hefted her bow. Darius soon came tromping back waving to her with his glowing sword.
¡°Everdale has found a passage into the lower level. Let¡¯s go, my dear. We mustn¡¯t waste this opportunity. Garett paid for it with his life.¡± Darius¡¯s loud voice echoed around the cavern. Kelsana frowned but said nothing and followed her fianc¨¦.
Everdale led the pair to an ornate archway. The passage was obscured by swirling grey mists. He stopped them with a pained expression. He steepled his fingers and spoke.
¡°Ah, I was hoping that the account regarding the Hall of Reflection was an exaggeration. Unfortunately, it appears I was wrong. The dungeon is going to test us individually. There is a potential that we will see reflections of our future. We may need to make a choice. I¡¯m not sure what the dungeon''s goal is, but if it likes your choice, it will give us a key to the final room.¡± He said.
¡°Sounds simple enough, between my faith and your cleverness perhaps Kelsana won¡¯t need to face the trial.¡± Darius said confidently. Kelsana flashed a wary look down the hall.
¡°Is there a way around for me?¡± She asked.
¡°I¡¯m sorry. I believe all who want to pass must take the trial¡and all must face their future alone. I had hoped this trial wouldn¡¯t appear. The records show that the dungeon doesn¡¯t always present the same challenges. Please choose wisely, some reflections can be more¡dangerous than others. I¡¯m not certain, but perhaps if Darius or I can gather the key, the trial may be less strenuous for you.¡± Everdale looked awkward, explaining the unfortunate turn.
¡°Very well! I will be certain to succeed then!¡± Without a second thought or hesitation, Darius marched into the mists.
Darius walked confidently forward; his shining sword held in front of him. The mists swirled about him as he walked. He glanced back but he could no longer see his friends. He turned and turned, unable to determine his direction. He caught a shadow in the mist and pushed forward determined to pass the test.
¡
The mists parted suddenly and Darius found himself in a small room. Despite the warning from Everdale, he gasped upon seeing two perfect copies of his own face each standing within a phantasmal diorama, a tableau showing different potential futures.
To Darius¡¯s left, his duplicate tended to a child with a broken arm. His kindly face glowed as his hands healed the injury. He wore shining plate mail, and his shield carried the image of Valus.
Across to the right, his phantom image had a much fiercer look. He strode across a battlefield. His alternate wore the colors and tabard of Severus. His hard demeanor promised merciless justice. He stopped as he reached his destination, a chained prisoner being presented by jailors. It was his friend, Everdale! The version of Darius removed the mage¡¯s head with a heavy sweep of his large sword. Darius screamed to stop, but it was too late.
Both images stepped out, leaving their scenes fading from view. They soon stood to either side of a door. Both had a large key hung about their necks. The door had a large lock. No words were spoken but the room boomed with a command.
CHOOSE
Darius¡¯s heart filled with joy. A future with Valus. His father would be proud! He reached for the version with kind eyes and a smile. Darius was shocked when a harder version intercepted his reaching hand and grasped his wrist.
¡°Betrayer! You would turn your back on your Patron Severus?!¡± The battle-worn version screamed. Darius tried to pull back, but the vision gripped harder. Its great strength deformed his armor wrist bracer, the metal biting into his arm.
¡°The world needs mercy! I will fulfill my promise to my father.¡± Darius yelled back, tugging his arm. The Paladin of Severus¡¯ grip was like iron.
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¡°Pathetic! You choose mercy because you are WEAK! The world needs Justice!¡± The unkind Paladin pulled Darius¡¯s hand towards the key hanging around its neck.
Darius¡¯s eye flashed and he struck his other self with his blade. The pommel of his sword smashed into its face. It fell backward, back into its battleground scene. Darius saw red as his head thundered and a searing pain bloomed from his nose.
Quickly, Darius snatched the key from his Paladin Valus alter ego. He used the key to open the door and swiftly exited the scene with a smile on his face. He tasted blood on his lips.
Everdale rolled his eyes at Darius''s swift departure. He glanced at Kelsana and spoke.
¡°Give it a few minutes before you enter. I don¡¯t think there is any time limit, so go slow. We will do our best. I hope this will enable your trial to be easier. See you on the other side, girl.¡± Everdale backed into the mists, turning, and walking forward into the grey swirling chaos.
¡
Everdale cautiously advanced, his eyes darting all about until his challenge slowly formed. Everdale quickly assessed the scene presented to him. To his left, a familiar place. The high council¡¯s court for the Society of Magi. He saw his future. He was sitting in the Arch Magus¡¯s seat! His image slammed a gavel down, dismissing the room. Mages and supernatural beings excused themselves in casual displays of arcane power. The image was exciting; the summation of all his careful plans for power; arcane, political, and personal.
He looked across to the right. His image there was seated in a tavern surrounded by friends and family. Despite the mage¡¯s thread-bare clothes, aged complexion, and stooped figure; despite his disfigurement, he appeared quite happy. Not a single sign about him showed power or prestige. He was a joke to Everdale¡¯s eyes. A betrayal of his every desire.
Both images strode out of their fading scenes. A door with a lock appeared and they took up position on either side. Everdale quickly noticed the keys each was wearing and was very ready when the voice boomed from the walls.
CHOOSE
Everdale traced a complex mandala that floated in the air in front of him. When the spell form was complete, he fed it with his mana until it pulsed with glowing energy. Everdale smiled and spoke a word of power.
¡°Starkenschlag!¡± With the shout, he pushed the spell forward with his last burst of mana. It flashed forward, throwing the lesser Everdale back into his pastoral scene. He was surprised when the spell rebounded sending him crashing into his Magus image.
He staggered up, dusted his robes off, snatched the key from his Magus alter ego, and exited with a frown.
Kelsana waited nervously facing the mists, wary of any threat from inside the door or behind her. She coughed, holding her side. The wound from the Necromancer¡¯s blade burned. She took a series of quick breaths.
¡°Ok. Ok. I can do this. The boys will get the key and I can just sail on through. I just need to go slow. Come on. I can do this.¡± Kelsana slung her bow and palmed a skinning knife, unwilling to go into the blind without some defense. She took a deep breath and staggered into the mist.
¡
Kelsana¡¯s sharp eye detected the change in the mist quickly. She oriented upon the shadows and lights and approached cautiously. A solid door with a padlock on it faced her, two ghostly scenes played out on either side.
On the left side, Kelsana saw herself but almost two decades older. She had new scars, grey hair, and lined skin. She looked down across a ghostly land from a balcony, looking every bit a majestic lady. Royalty. She looked unhappy and pensive, like a trapped animal. Looking at her set Kelsana¡¯s guts roiling.
She pivoted to the right. This scene was worse. An older Kelsana again, but this one a withered husk. Her frail form was confined to a rocking chair where she petted a cat while slowly rocking. The woman shivered in the cold morning as the fires dwindled in her hovel. She struggled to eat the last spoonful of her porridge; with shaking hands, she placed the empty bowl carefully on the table beside her chair with a slight smile on her face.
Both women stood and took positions beside the locked door. One was sadly regal and the other stooped and frail. The whole room shuddered, and a voiceless command boomed.
CHOOSE
Kelsana frowned, then saw the keys strung about her two duplicates¡¯ necks. She held her breath and considered them. She needed to choose but with no indication of how or why. She imagined the path each must have taken. The regal lady was comfortable, perhaps powerful, but appeared like she had hard choices to get there. The frail lady was near the end of her path, it looked like her wound had never healed. The dying woman seemed¡satisfied though, not quite happy, but at least satisfied.
Kelsana decided then and there what she wanted and chose. She reached for the dying woman. Before she could touch the frail form, her Royal aspect grabbed her by the shoulder and yelled in her face.
¡°You fool! You would choose death. Are you insane?!¡± She yelled. Kelsana hyped and primed for danger reacted badly. Her palmed knife was up and between her and the aspect, its blade deep into her heart.
Kelsana felt released and light as a feather as her alter ego fell away. She took the key from her dying counterpart and exited the challenge. As she closed the door behind her, the room pulsed, and the voice spoke again.
SACRIFICE ACCEPTED
Darius fumed in front of the massive door. His broken nose throbbed. The key had faded as he exited the challenge. He didn¡¯t understand. He assumed the choice between mercy and justice was obvious. If the challenge was to be true to his heart, he should have passed. Doubts plagued him. Was his direction and purpose flawed?
Everdale¡¯s exit forestalled any further introspection. The disheveled and battered mage revealed his empty hands and a confused expression. Darius snorted and then worried all the more. Kelsana would come through soon. He hoped she would succeed. He wasn¡¯t sure what they would do if she failed as well.
¡°If she doesn¡¯t have a key, I¡¯ll break the damn door down. I need to save her, Valus damn it.¡± He spoke.
¡°She¡¯s a smart lass. Maybe she will understand the dungeon¡¯s challenge better than us.¡± Everdale said wearily.
The door opened and Kelsana staggered through. Her pale face was calm and dreamy, as if sleepwalking. Her hands were clasped to her chest. She looked at each of the men and smiled. She opened her hands, and they gasped seeing the ornate golden key.
Before they could cheer her good fortune, an arterial jet of blood arced from her chest, where she had gripped the key tightly. The new wound was an injury shared with her future aspect. Kelsana¡¯s extreme rejection, killing her potential future self, resulted in a very serious wound. Her curse had already whittled her health down to dangerous levels and this final damage pushed her to the edge.
Kelsana gasped and crumpled to the floor. She felt so sleepy¡the boys seemed concerned...but a quick nap first and she could ask them¡why they were upset.
She closed her eyes¡a smile on her face.
Chapter 5 - The Determined Mage
Everdale visibly sweated and cursed as he went through all the necessary actions to save Kelsana. His strain was visible, and his concern was evident, as he repaired the girl¡¯s wounds as best as he could. The necromantic curse fought his every attempt to fix her. His magic and alchemy failed to make much difference.
Darius simmered at her side, frustrated and angry. The paladin cursed himself, and the dungeon, and (to Everdale¡¯s surprise) he even cursed his most dear idolized deity, Valus.
Inside, Everdale congratulated himself. Everything was going even better than he had planned. His team of ¡°friends¡± were mere chips to be gambled in his quest for power. Acquiring the Seed of Ao-Dranoth was his first and most important task to help leapfrog those damn cautionary fools that had ousted him from the Academy.
The foolish council, focused on safe magics and orthodox spell-craft, had opposed his advancement as he sought all manner of knowledge. The miserly bastards wanted to hold him back. He would show them all the meaning of true power.
He still ground his teeth in anger every time he thought about his last days at the Academy. In all the stories that he had heard while growing up; the determined mage went to the academy and he pried loose secrets from the hidden tomes in the Academy. His expulsion for doing that very same expected and rational action was an insult and surprise. The forbidden magics begged to be used and those greedy charlatans would keep them hidden.
He fumed. He had yet to learn the essential offensive magics of lightning and fire when he was forced to leave. How could those conservative bastards discard such a promising and talented student just for exercising his natural curiosity?
He seethed but consoled himself that the punishment, while severe, hadn¡¯t stopped his plan¡his path forward. When he had delved into the Academy¡¯s forbidden library, he had discovered details on no less than four objects of power. Any alone would make a man a force to be reckoned with in the circles of power. Together, the devices would propel him above his unimaginative teachers.
His so-called team had been remarkably easy to find and join. They followed the failed paladin like simple puppies. All of them entangled in their unrequited love triangle, whose obviousness to Everdale, was both laughable and ridiculous. Kelsana¡¯s curse was the perfect excuse to seek his first item.
He offered subtle suggestions and direction, pushing ever so slightly with magic to enhance the suggestibility of the team. He was glad that Darius had never come to terms with Severus¡¯ claim to his soul. The fool still pined for Valus, the god who wouldn¡¯t recognize him. He denied the god who would be his patron and give him the power to become near unstoppable and incapable of being deceived.
The idiot was incapable of change and thus susceptible to Everdale¡¯s manipulation. Simple suggestions about the healing power of the Seed soon became the whole group''s obsession. Everdale¡¯s only real surprise was how easy they were to direct. His talent for magic was barely required as he manipulated the team like a true puppet master.
The idiots never even thought to question deeper regarding his ¡°research¡± into the dungeon. None thought to seek extra advice from other adventurers or knowledgeable mages in the area. The illiterates surely saw the murals depicting chaos and corruption, but their simple brains couldn¡¯t comprehend the truth hidden in the art.
Their guileless acceptance of his cover story for a benign dungeon grown from a shrine worshiping nature and fertility was proof of their stupidity. All accounts, well known throughout the region, were that this dungeon¡¯s treasure was a death sentence for almost everyone who entered. The dungeon was a twisted and malign pretense steeped in corruption and chaotic intent. The dungeon sometimes allowed but a single survivor to spread its legend with its temptations of immortality.
Everdale¡¯s chances only improved for every one of his ¡°friends¡± deaths. He would be the only survivor. And in that critical moment when the dungeon thought itself the winner; he would snatch the Seed and escape. Everdale¡¯s magical skills had emphasized hidden movement and action.
He remembered Garett¡¯s ¡°heroic¡± last act. His sacrifice, throwing himself in front of the scorpion¡¯s sting to save Kelsana was inspired. Everdale¡¯s telekinetic push may have helped quite a bit there. He laughed internally.
Removing the man¡¯s secret antidote had been the frosting on the cake. He almost ruined his stoic and concerned act and grinned at the recollection. Schooling himself, he instead frowned and assumed a grim expression. Everdale wiped the blood from his hands.
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¡°I¡¯m so very sorry, Darius. I cannot wake her. Her soul lies on the precipice between realms. We mustn¡¯t move her, lest she slip into death. If we are to save her, we have no other recourse. We must finish this dungeon, and soon!¡± Everdale said.
¡°But¡but she looks so very pale. She isn¡¯t breathing!¡± Darius cried, tears beginning to well in his eyes. Everdale had to fight to restrain a chuckle.
¡°My magics are preserving her, my friend. As long as I live, she will have a chance. The Seed can still provide her salvation, but we mustn¡¯t delay.¡± Everdale spoke with deep empathy and concern, inside his thoughts were very different.
She¡¯s deader than that fool of a thief, you buffoon. I just need you to move along now so you can get me closer to my Seed. True immortality will make gathering all the other Forbidden Artifacts so much easier. But for now, I need my armored ¡°friend¡± to ensure it¡¯s safe to pass.
Darius put on a brave face, wiping away his tears. He stood looking angrily at the door. He picked up the golden key from where Kelsana had dropped it and made a vow.
¡°I so swear, I will do it! Valus, the god of mercy, has shown very little of it to me today; but I will find a way!¡± Darius said and began marching forward. Everdale packed his alchemical supplies quickly and followed. He stopped briefly and smirked. Roots were already growing up around and into Kelsana¡¯s bloody side, unseen by the emotional warrior. The dungeon was eager to claim her body. He hurried away after the warrior. The woman no longer mattered. Nothing but his prize mattered.
¡°Left!¡± Everdale screamed as he ducked behind the warrior. The large minotaur¡¯s descending flaming ax was knocked to the side at the last moment by Darius¡¯ shield.
¡°Die! Foul beast, you¡¯ll get no mercy from me!¡± He screamed as he plunged his sword into its neck. For all the magical strength of the creature, the powerful blow was quite fatal. Darius staggered back as he pulled his sword free. The minotaur¡¯s leg twitched a few times but then stilled. Everdale looked forward while Darius tightened the bandage on his leg.
The massive hall was long and laden with rank after rank of large tiles making it resemble a monstrous chess board. Everdale sneered, the dungeon was not very imaginative. Every couple of rows had a life-sized ¡°game piece¡± for them, or more specifically, for Darius to fight.
Each game piece was a different monster. While Darius certainly provided the brawn, Everdale was often able to offer advice useful in defeating the foe. Everdale was also on alert for magical glyph traps and mundane traps as well. Dairus¡¯s leg wound was from an arrow trap and his whole left side was blistered and burned when a column of fire had erupted beneath his feet.
Long gone were Everdale¡¯s healing potions, and they were only halfway down the hall¡¯s massive playing surface. Darius sheathed his sword and hefted the minotaur¡¯s ax. Its blade still alight with mystical flames.
¡°Check it, mage!¡± Darius growled impatiently.
Everdale inspected the tiles carefully. There were no magic sigils evident and no obvious tripwires. He focused on the tiles as he pushed out his mana in a wave trying to elicit a magical response.
¡°I don¡¯t see anything.¡± Everdale said. Darius stared angrily at him for a moment, remembering that last all-clear that had resulted in a lightning blast tearing his right pauldron off. The dungeon was crafty with its traps.
¡°It¡¯s not my fault. That tile didn¡¯t reflect any magic. My telekinesis must not have been enough force to trigger it. Maybe you could step lighter?¡± He suggested.
Three rows further down, a trio of Kobold statues were positioned. The second Darius stepped upon the adjacent tiles, they would all come to life. He hefted the ax, confident in victory, as long as no extra surprises worked against him.
Darius slammed the axe head against the tile in front of him. He frowned and then stepped forward and repeated the action, grimacing as the burns on his left side ached. Darius was about to advance further and trigger the kobolds when behind him he heard a loud ¡°thunk¡± noise. The torches at the entryway had been extinguished, hiding their entryway in shadow. He looked to Everdale.
¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Darius said, his eyes glowing red in the torchlight.
¡°I don¡¯t know, the dungeon must be impatient and is changing its rules.¡± Everdale said, but in his thoughts he added more.
It¡¯s about time. All the adventure guild''s accounts had said the dungeon wouldn¡¯t put up with delays for long. We need to pick up the pace and get my prize.
¡°I sense that you LIE!¡± Darius¡¯s eyes flashed angrily, he turned and took a step toward Everdale. The mage blanched, sensing something new. Divine energy cloaked the paladin now!
Has he made his peace with Severus? This changes things. Everdale thought.
He cringed back from Darius¡¯s rage. He started to prepare a spell, but he was interrupted. Behind Darius, the kobolds screamed and woke. The paladin¡¯s face contorted in rage, and he whirled back to the kobold group as they drew their weapons.
¡°This dungeon cheats! I will bring it down! Too long have we played its twisted and unfair game!¡± Darius screamed and crashed forward into battle. Everdale, cautious as always, followed close. He subtly twisted and confounded the kobolds'' attacks to help his pathbreaker. He was careful to step only where Darius had stepped already. Traps could still be hidden.
Another clang and another set of lights extinguished. Screams roared and echoed in the hall as Darius advanced in a rage. The enraged paladin charged forward triggering an arrow trap that narrowly missed him and took one of the Kobolds in the throat. Darius smiled and screamed in defiance and continued his charge toward the goal. He fought forward, heedless of the traps and the growing force of monsters.
Everdale knew his relationship with Darius had just changed. Darius was distracted for the moment but wouldn¡¯t likely forget him forever. His timing would need to be perfect. He smiled, eager to walk the razor¡¯s edge. He was close.
Chapter 6 - The Immortal Dungeon
The dungeon looked upon the developments within its lower level with excitement. He savored every bit of fear and pain, every morsel of hope and determination. A shadow of feelings for it, but a reminder of what it was to be truly alive.
The remaining heroes were making good progress, but the dungeon held back the full extent of its power. These little things were no real threat. Like a cat, he liked to play with his prey.
He remembered cats. He¡had one. A long time ago¡when he was a man like those fools seeking his Seed. He had a name¡but it was long forgotten as irrelevant. He was all. Everything within his range was his to command or test.
The dungeon pondered his long wait between aspirants to his treasure. He may have been too harsh in the last few cycles of trial-takers. He should have allowed survivors. No survivors meant no tales of treasure. No tales meant no jealousy and greed for his hoard. No greed meant no food.
He was so hungry. The first two adventurers to fall were mere appetizers, only whetting his appetite for more. He watched the progress of the Paladin with interest. The man must have had an epiphany. He was charged with divine energy that he had lacked upon entry.
The duplicitous mage with his clever betrayals and manipulations came close behind. The magic user was discretely triggering traps as the Paladin charged forward. Many traps hit the warrior, as well as the growing legion of the dungeon''s fabricated monsters. Delicious deceptions, indeed. The wizard was lacking is formidable power, but he was very clever in its usage.
The dungeon shuddered in expectation. He reached out. The newest additions to his ranks arose on unsteady legs. The dead rogue, bloody with his visible veins turned jet black from the giant scorpion¡¯s corrupting poisons. He staggered down the side passage to take his place for the final confrontation.
The dead ranger maiden sat up. The fungi ran through her body, holding her together even while the necromancy continued to tear her down. She shuddered as the magical fungi shoots dug in, animating her limbs. She screamed.
The dungeon was delighted. Her soul was tenacious indeed. She too shambled forward. The dungeon took his accursed role very seriously. He wanted the final survivor to truly despair when confronted by his fallen companions. He needed to hurry. The last couple were nearing the end of the trap room.
The end game was always his favorite. If more than one survived, they would often fight for the Seed. It rested upon its raised dais in a pool of enchanted water. The Seed was submerged deep in the water. The Aqua Sidhe was a special kind of trap. It radiated no magic at all but would enrage even the wisest and most timid of humans.
The aftermath of the Aqua Sidhe left those who touched it befuddled and extremely suggestible. The Dungeon would own whoever touched the liquid, mind and soul. No one would claim it''s Seed.
The stones in the walls creaked as the dungeon gathered itself to witness the final scene.
Darius strode forward, powered by his faith and the support of his patron god, Severus. His eyes glowed red with rage. His unstoppable forward progress was a testament to his will as he was blasted again and again. The very air shattered around him.
Bolts flew and were deflected off his plate mail armor. Some few managed to pierce his flesh, but he was beyond caring. One of his hands held his sword, the tip sheared off in his fierce fighting. The other held a tight grip upon the throat of a ghoul, his fingers pierced its flesh and wrapped about its spine. He dragged it forward, a poor replacement for his destroyed shield.
Everdale shifted and shimmered under a cloak of magic close behind him. The mage was careful to avoid his attention. As they approached the end of the room, a stage loomed. He could see the Seed! Everdale had begun triggering traps and deflecting arrows with his telekinesis to try and kill Darius.
Everdale was angry and afraid. He needed to do something, and he was worried. Darius had made peace with his god. The man had just waded through a sea of monsters without slowing down. There could be only one survivor! He was out of time.
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¡°Darius, my good man. Excellent work! Please take a moment to rest.¡± Everdale said, trying hard to pretend they were still on good terms. He thought very carefully about his every word. One of Severus¡¯s boons was that his Paladins could detect lies. It wouldn¡¯t do to be caught in a deception.
¡°What do you care, you liar?! What aren¡¯t you telling me, you bastard?¡± Darius yelled.
¡°I apologize, Darius. I am too used to keeping my own council. I have regretted sharing my knowledge in the past and didn¡¯t wish to burden the group. You are tired. Perhaps we can regroup, I believe the last challenge awaits. I want to be very prepared for what comes next. Here! This potion is for you. Kelsana still needs saving, yes?¡± Everdale held out a flask.
Darius, newly suspicious of the mage, eyed it carefully. It was the same type of flask Everdale always used for his healing potions. He took it with narrowed eyes. He uncorked it and studied Everdale.
Everdale shook his head mournfully. He took the potion and took a sip before handing it back.
¡°See, there. Do I look poisoned to you? Darius, I thought you knew me better.¡± Everdale said. Inside, he was already celebrating. He had anticipated this. The antidote to the Hellfire potion was already between his teeth, a sprig of Minton¡¯s Nettle. He made sure to swallow it with his small drink from the vial. He smiled past the burning sensation and gave the flask back with a raised eyebrow.
Darius looked about the room. He was tired. He could see the Seed beneath the waters in the raised pool. This dungeon was a cheat. Of course, there would be a final trap or challenge. He would need to be careful.
He downed the potion and Everdale smiled. No less than five daggers hovered low to the ground behind Darius; suspended in the air by the mage¡¯s telekinetic magic.
Darius gasped and collapsed to his knees as internal fire raged in his stomach. Even as he shot a look at Everdale, the smiling Mage blurred, and Darius shook as blades slashed past and around him, stabbing, and slashing into the gaps of his armor, drawing blood.
¡°Everdale! You, Severus damned betrayer!¡± Darius roared. The Paladin through sheer willpower, bolstered by Severus¡¯ divine boon of unstoppable resolve, regained his feet and stood tall again. He threw the ghoul''s corpse at the blurred form as daggers continued to plunge into his back and sides.
Everdale was quick and nimble, his magics fast and skilled. As the corpse flew, he yelled.
¡°Geister-flinken!¡± With the spell activation, he blinked away to safety¡and was shocked as two feet of cold steel pierced his chest. He looked into Darius¡¯s pitiless eyes. The paladin had pivoted and stabbed him through!
¡°Very dumb for such a clever mage! You ALWAYS blink behind and to the left. Predictable bastard!¡± Darius spat. He yanked the blade out of the shocked and gasping Everdale and pulled it back for an executioner¡¯s swing to take the traitor¡¯s head in Severus¡¯ name.
Everdale coughed blood, clutching his chest as blood poured out. His eyes were drawn to the Seed even as his death loomed before him. Even a fatal wound could be cure, with powerful enough magic.
He was unable to voice a spell, so he triggered his only non-verbal ability, his telekinesis. Darius¡¯s blade swung as the mage pulled with his mind¡and the Seed flew out of the water to his outstretched hand.
The walls SHOOK and the dungeon ROARED. The dungeon¡¯s last trap had been circumvented! Its new revenants and monsters charged from hidden nooks in the walls. But it was too late! The Seed was caught.
Battered, poisoned, and weak, the paladin¡¯s determination was strong. Darius¡¯s reflexes were also enhanced by divine decree. His hand shot out and grasped the large glowing treasure from the air before Everdale could claim it.
The mage fell to the ground, bleeding from the fatal wound. His eyes dimmed as dungeon¡¯s power funneled into Darius. The Dungeon of Ao-Dranoth screamed and raged as it felt all of its accumulated power draining and flowing to the upstart adventurer. The dungeon shook, rubble falling about the stage. As the dungeon¡¯s mind faded and grew weak, it began to laugh¡and Darius heard him.
Enjoy your victory today, Fool. You have an infinity of them to fill now. Immortal you will be! If you can keep it. But there comes a price. You must claim souls to keep your own.
Darius gasped as the power flooded into him. The dungeon''s powers, its perceptions, and its memories. All of it. He saw his team. All their actions, their hidden thoughts, and desires. He wept in pain at the truth, more so than any of his wounds. His body dissolved and he found himself bound to the Seed and the very walls of the dungeon.
Take heart, warrior! You won¡¯t be alone. Behold! Your companions will keep you company. Forever¡
The dungeon faded, laughing. Darius finally saw the twisted forms of Garett and Kelsana. Even Everdale¡¯s body was beginning to twitch in the large puddle of its blood. Glimmers of intelligence still lurked behind all of their deadened and pain-filled eyes.
Darius screamed¡and the dungeon began to twist and change. Darius''s imposed new additions and changes to the dungeon, so its theme would fit his style and that of his patron deity. He would have a twisted trial of justice. Stone, steel, and fire would facilitate his trap for the faithless, the deceivers, and the betrayers. Darius would live on¡and his so called friends would join him.
The previous dungeon had been miserly with its power. Darius would not! He would grow and pull forth everyone with greed and lies in their souls towards his dungeon. A compulsion rang out across the land; a siren song to entice the world with promises of immortality, treasure, and more.
Soon, they would come. They would ALL come. Darius would be waiting...and justice would be done!
A new immortal dungeon was born, and its story would be even bloodier than the last. The mythical quest for immortality was true, but far from a glorious victory for the unfortunate souls who would dare to try for it.