TOTD Turn Five- Exile pt.2

Qilteral looks Evilyn dead in the eye. "I am not able to cast from the third circle. My mentor has written these to give me something to teach myself." She continues to look at the other spellbooks

At Qilterals expression, Evilyn smiles as she looks over the pleasing visage of the other woman. "I meant no offense. Tell me, who among the walls of Zaktifar was your mentor? In my stay, I saw only a few teachers and not a single fellow student."

Qilteral shakes her head to the apology. "I mainly studied with the House Mage, Ogelendar."

Sethoroth and Melrinthy also offer up their spellbooks to be shared by the others. Qilteral looks up at Sethoroth with a gleam in her eyes. "Shield and BloodBoil are interesting. Care to look at my spell book for a Trade? Or I can purchase the spell from you?" The woman smiles. "We trade equally here. I will take two of yours for my two."

Gareett also peruses each of the books in turn, hungrily copying all those he is able. He shows no fear or doubts attempting the third circle spells. "My mind is everything. I must test it with these wonderful works."

Finally Evilyn follows the lizard riding class as instructed, giving her complete attention to the giant versions of her familiar.

Jarkeena wrinkles her nose as she looks at the scaly creature, which flicks its tongue at her. "You expect me to climb on that smelly, dirty thing? It doesnt even have a houda on it!" Meanwhile, the lizard throws its head back as if in disgust at her and snorts. Another one visibly tries to shove its nose into Volgaths pockets and see what she has to eat.

After the riding lessons are finished and spell books exchanged, the group sets off once more on its long trip. About noon, the group stops for lunch, but quickly are done, mount and start moving. Several hours later, the hard stone gives away to coarse sand, which eventually lessens into fine grains of dirt, the results of thousands of years of the Sunless Sea washing over the basin it resides in. As far as the eye can see, the great sea stretches outward from the group, while a long narrow beach stretches to the left and right. Miles to the right, a large amount of heat can be seen rising up from the ground, while to the left, what appear to be the remnants of old buildings lie upon the shore.

Chesir looks off to the left. "It may take a while for us to make a plan for crossing the sea. I think we should secure those buildings and use them as a base camp until were ready. Even if we decide not to stay there, we should check them out for safetys sake. Since Solomoriah, Evilyn, and I were ordered to assess each camp site beforehand, we might as well scout ahead here." Looking at the other two, he says, "Are you ready?" Chesir then waits for permission from Zaltar to go ahead.

Olerathiel speaks up as well, pleased that on this part of the journey, Carafnir did not have to be lashed to the mount. "I agree, commander. It is always best to know what is around you, and I have my doubts that many sentient beings have come through here much since these buildings were abandoned. Who knows what a scouting party could find?" As she speaks, the Yathrinshee checks over her partners wounds, noting with no slight pleasure the well toned body he does not cover foppishly. She carefully changes the slightly numbing poultice, knowing that even though Qilteral healed him, hes still going to be hurting for some time.

Evilyn stands gazing wondrously at the scene before her. "Commander, does you map show any path around the Sea or must it be crossed by vessel?"

Loading the mithril-laced crossbow with a bolt of ebony fletchings and poisoned tip, Evilyn takes a position with Sol and Chesir. "We will only spy and report back. No combat that can be avoided by our efforts. If an unavoidable confront occurs, Razark will alert you. While unable to speak, assume his hissing and irritation is a sign we need assistance."

With her stony lizard crawling a few feet to her flank, Evilyn moves to take the center of the formation. "We stay together, ten paces between one another. Hand signals only. If a fight breaks out," Evilyn gestures to her lizard friend, "Razark will alert the patrol. I will need the two of you to engage any melee combatants, that I can remove any spell casters. Then I will happily join the fray." The last is joined with a gesture to her blades. "As I told Zaltar, combat is the last choice and only if confronted with violence. If we need to withdraw will cover our escape with an illusion to distract." Once everything is settled, Evilyn says nothing further and moves to scout with the pair of capable warriors.

Zaltar looks at the women for a moment. "I dont remember giving you the ability to order people around." He address the group as a whole. "The next time one of you wishes to overstep the power you have been given you will be punished. Vol, I want a report of that village within two hours."

Chesir growls orders at his orcs and points at Zaltar. Then he speaks to the party. "The orcs will stay here. Ive told them Zaltar is their commander until I return. They understand our speech reasonably well as long as you dont wax too poetic. Battle orders should be no problem. In a life and death situation, I will use a fire bolt to signal for help." That being said, Chesir takes Evilyns right flank, closest to the beach and loads his light crossbow with a standard sleep dart. When Evilyn and Sol are ready, he moves out across the beach toward the ruins.

Qilteral sits comfortably in her mount, cowl of her cloak hiding her face as she sits judging, taking in all that it is said. Her two orcish slaves flank both sides of her mount. She watches.

As Evilyn blurts out her commands to both Chesir and Sol, a rather resigned look comes over the scarred womans face as the expected rebuke to Evilyn comes from the Patrol Commander. ~Evilyn of Brakx will soon be punished if she continues in this reckless manner,~ Vol thinks to herself. As Zaltar commands Vol to prepare a report within two hours, Vol bows with respect to the commander. "Patrol Commander, please forgive Evilyn of Brakx for her impertinence for assuming a position she was not commanded to. I am sure we could put this down to over exuberance rather than a deliberate overstepping of rank. Please allow me to deal with the issue." Then she takes some time the others of the Patrol. Firstly, she calls the warriors to a quick meeting. Appraising her charges and their obvious over exuberance to get started, she firstly calms them down.

Firstly, she speaks with Evilyn, rather unexpectedly in rather light tones, despite the warriors political gaff. "Evilyn of Brakx, I am willing to put your rather rash outburst to over enthusiasm. Do not assume that you have a station outside that has been given to you again. If you fail again in this respect, you will be punished. Is that clear?" Then she begins speaking to the other warriors. "This is how I see the immediate situation. The two areas of immediate possible danger are firstly the large heat source which lie to the right several mile away. If we can detect the creature from this distance we can deduce firstly that it is alive and secondly, it is huge. If we can see it, it may be able to see us. Which leads me to the second area of interest, those building to the left. Evilyn is correct in her assumption that we need to investigate this area but we must do other things first. This is what I want done."

"Sol and myself will check for tracks within this area to determine whether we are the only group to have used this area for some time, what other creatures have been here and when. Obviously the water laps up to the shore, removing most of the shoreline marks, so we will look mainly above the tidal line."

"Evilyn and Chesir will investigate the ruins to the left. Chesir, take one of your ShaurakHai orcs along with you and Evilyn, take Razark with you. He may be able to determine things which both of you fail to see with his lizard senses." Rummaging within the Patrol equipment, Vol pulls out a small vial of green colored liquid and two sets of small plug-like items, giving them to Chesir. "Chesir, this is a vial containing liquid which will produce a sleeping gas once the vial has been broken. Use it as a grenade if you are in trouble. These are nasal filters which will allow you to breathe within the gas should you require them. Do not get caught up in a skirmish if you can help it. Just scout and report back here with your findings, especially if you feel that the ruins are a defensible position if that being to the right, or an attack from the sea should arise."

"Slaveriin, I want you the monitor the position of that heat source to the right. I have a suspicion that the creature actually lives in the water and just attacks land based prey. If it moves into the sea, I want to know immediately. I will ask Gareett if the mages can come up with something to enable us to get a better look at it."

"When Sol is finished looking for tracks within this area, I want him, in conjunction with one of the sisterhood to secure the tunnel behind us, making sure that any danger from behind is minimized. I will request permission for this from both the Yathrinshee and the Patrol Commander. Now, do any of you have any questions or thoughts? And Evilyn, do not break the chain of command again. If you have nothing to say, then go to your tasks warriors, sarg leuth kyona phuul droxundus."

Then, approaching the Patrol Commander, Vol present her orders to see if they meet with approval. He nods. "Excellent plan. I have two amendments. You will take Qilteral and her partner with you, to be on the safe side. Slaveriin and his partner are to take two lizards to investigate the heat source."

As the scarred woman departs, he spurs his lizard mount over to where Carafnir stands. Leaning over, the two begin to converse in whispered tones, every now and then glancing over at the priestess in training, Jarkeena. Zaltar says something and makes an unseen gesture with his hands. Carafnir responds by shaking his head and pointing at Vol, then to Thiel. Zaltar nods and adds something before separating.

After the orders have been accepted, Vol approaches the Yathrinshee to request the help of the clergy in protecting the tunnel behind the Patrol Group. Bowing low to the Priestess, she speaks to the woman is reverent tones. "Yathrinshee of the Unholy Mother, as you have heard, I have taken certain precautions to secure and scout the area. However, may I request the help of the sisterhood in securing the tunnel behind us, possibly with the use of the spell you suggested previously? After Sol has finished with his immediate duties, he will assist you in any manner you see fit." Bowing, Vol leaves the Yathrinshee to finally approach Gareett. Nodding to the leader of the mages, Vol speaks with the male. "Gareett, I have made some plans to secure the immediate area but I am concerned with the large heat source to the left. Is there any way to get a closer look at the creature through the magics that the mages have at their disposal? I would like to both define and quantify the danger, if any, that this heat source presents." Vol waits for an answer before helping Sol in his tracking duties.

After observing the rather large heat source to the right for a few moments, Slaveriin shifts to examine the buildings to the left briefly before focusing on the discussion at hand. Running a hand through his rather short hair, he pointedly waits for Zaltars orders, with a quick grin at Evilyns beratement.

Moving closer to Vol as she speaks with the gathered warriors, he listens to the outline of her plan in detail before speaking. "What makes you think the rising heat to the right of us is alive? It could very well be some sort of natural occurrence, but I will watch it incase it does happen to be some creature of immense size." After listening to any other comments, Slaveriin loads a bolt in his crossbow while moving away from the gathered warriors.

Moving as close to the water and heat source as he can, he strains his eyes towards the source of the heat to try to determine its nature, kneeling with one knee in the sand and with occasional glances at the group heading towards the ruins he waits.

Vol considers the warriors comment. "A good question. Nothing as yet, however, kyrol jal bauth kyone lueth lil Quarval-sharess xal balbau dos lil belbal del elendar dro (watch all about, wearily, and the Goddess may give you the gift of continued life) as we say. If it moves, I want to know immediately- when, how fast, and where. If it doesnt move, Ive requested the help of the mages via Gareett to try and work out what it is. For now, dont go too near the edge of the shoreline."

After having had all discussion, Vol finally approaches Carafnir. Noting that the warrior has overcome much of the punishment he sustained at the Arena, Vol speaks to the warrior. "Carafnir, I havent given you any direct duties considering your recovery; however, could you be mindful of the lizard mounts in case we need to escape quickly. Have them assembled in one place and ready for riding at the slightest notice." Nodding to the male warrior, Vol continues in the search for traces of activity and tracks within the area.

He nods. "Yes, we wouldnt want to overwork me," he says in a slightly irritated voice. He barks out to the kobolds in their own language, and they grab the reigns of the lizard mounts and begin to move them into a group.

Olerathiel notes with amusement Evilyns words and subsequent chastising, then Vols swift command of the group. She listens interestedly as the new male points out that the heat source might not be a living creature. She quickly casts the spell wyvern watch on the entrance the group came from, then looks at the other priestesses. "We might be here a while, but we shall wait to set up the altar till we know for certain." She turns to Jarkeena. "It is time for your lessons in how the clergy works. But first of all, I would like know the areas you are strong in spell wise. You say youve had some problems with fire and explosives? Well, first, you will learn control." The Yathrinshee stands tall, looking so sternly at the younger drow that the acolyte knows she is in charge. "What exercises have you been taught before you... came with us?" the older drow asks. She then turns to Qilteral. "Feel free to point out anything that you may notice, it has been some time since I was a part of the regular clergy," Thiel adds smoothly.

Evilyn looks to Volgath at her instructions, "Second Commander, may I humbly request that the orc remain behind? As their master, Chesir, has noted they are infantry, not scouts, and best kept together. With the focus of our mission upon stealth and reconnaissance, surely any physical support the warrior would provide, would be put to the test by our loss of collective stealth."

As Vol continues with her duties, she smiles inwardly at the education the Yathrinshee is about to unleash on the acolyte Jarkeena. Vol felt sure that if the young priestess managed to survive this whole ordeal (and Vol would make sure of that, as she had been entrusted into her care), Jarkeena would return to Velddrinnsshar much more of a true drow priestess then when she had left. Making sure that the rest of the group were aware of the spell the Yathrinshee had cast in the tunnel behind them, Vol finished scouting for tracks, waiting patiently for the scouting crew to return from their reconnaissance of the disused buildings.

Qilteral takes her eyes away from the departing group, the live heat source, and Zaltar, dismounts and glides over with a grin. She folds her hands in front of her and listens, both learning and watching.

Jarkeena looks at the older woman. "I never said that. Wasnt _my_ fault the damn tapestry caught on fire. They said light the candle, I lit the candle. And the next thing you know, its going up in flames! As for lessons& Lets see... How to run around the arena, how to polish armor, how to dust books and jars, scrub floors and robes, make beds, hmmm... Thats about all," she says in a sarcastic voice.

Chesir waits with his arms folded across his chest, tapping his foot in the sand impatiently. He says nothing, but shares an exasperated look with Sol. "If I may be so bold," he finally puts in. "We three were chosen as scouts. I assumed this meant we were to choose our own procedures for completing that task. When I go about setting up the defenses each night, should I expect to have all my decisions countermanded? I mean no disrespect, but we all have our specialties. I do not tell wizards how to coordinate their spells, nor do I try to officiate at religious ceremonies. In return, I think the soldiers should be relied on to handle their own area of expertise."

Zaltar looks up. "Your command is, as you say, to setup defense of our camp at night. As we are not camping, you will follow orders laid out by Vol. I ordered your partner to join you just incase you run into trouble. When we make camp for the night your orders will be followed just as Vols or mine are followed during the day."

As the Patrol Commander finishes speaking to the young warrior. Vol approaches the male taking him to one side. "Chesir, once you have left this vicinity in order to investigate the ruins to the right, I will give you the opportunity to use your expertise to explore the area as you see fit. However, you must obey the Patrol Commanders orders as directed. The Commander has ordered you to take your partner- you must do so. As ordered, I will accompany you to the ruins. We will take with us the vial of sleeping gas plus the nasal plus in case of trouble. Sol will be busy here for now in looking for traces of activity; then he will join us at a later stage in the ruins when we have secured them. Evilyn of Brakx will now accompany her partner, Slaveriin to investigate the heat source. Lets move swiftly to accomplish our tasks." Finished with the talking and quickly checking her equipment, Vol prepares to lead her small group to investigate the ruins.

As the Patrol Commander amends the plans, Vol relies the amendments to her charges. "Evilyn, the plans I suggested have been amended by the Patrol Commander. You will accompany your partner Slaveriin on lizard mounts to investigate the heat source; I will be accompanying Chesir and his partner Qilteral to investigate the village ruins. Let us go to our tasks so they may be completed quickly.

Evilyn raises a curious brow at Volgath. "I am not Slaveriins partner, unless you wish to make that change. Zaltar named Sethoroth as mine." Hiding well her impression of this better unity, Evilyn comments, "Where do wish my talents to be utilized best?"

"As Zaltar has not specifically given you a command to stay, then I guess youll be accompanying myself, Chesir and Qilteral to the ruins as I had previously ordered. If you consider that Razark might be useful, take him with you. Gareett will then be accompanying Slaveriin to the heat source."

As the preparations are made to carry out the Patrol Commanders duties, Vol notices the interaction between Zaltar and Carafnir, particularly Zaltars indication toward the acolyte from Andar-ros, Carafnirs hesitation at what was being said, and his subsequent gestures towards the direction of both herself and the Yathrinshee. Making an excuse to speak with the Yathrinshee alone, Vol speaks with the Yathrinshee of GimethDiran, ensuring that her claws are hidden from view. The Deathclaws of Kiaransalee seemingly produce an accent as the adamantine blades click together to form her sentences. "Yathrinshee, I know not whether you caught the interaction between Carafnir and the Patrol Commander but something within tells me there is something else on the Patrol Commanders agenda concerning the acolyte from Andar-ros which we know nothing about. Despite the fact that Jarkeena is somewhat limited in her education as a priestess of the Unholy Mother, she is nevertheless of the sisterhood. I humbly urge additional vigilance whilst I am away on other duties to ensure your safety and that of the other priestesses."

Olerathiel nods. "Indeed, I noticed them. I am well assured of the abilities of my bodyguards, both seen and unseen. They will stand extra vigilance. I have to say I am most impressed with your skills of observation. Perhaps tonight, after we break for camp, you and I should talk. I am most concerned about the acolyte, for her heart is not dedicated to the Lady of the Dead. My hopes are that we can find something useful to do with her while she is with us, and at least turn her into a better drow than she is now." The priestess chuckles wryly. "Anything would be an improvement." Then she looks around. "You should be going, I wish for news of the exploration as soon as possible."

Vol listens intently to the Yathrinshees words, her face darkening as the Yathrinshee mentions her suspicions that the acolyte is not as dedicated to their Unholy Goddess as she should be. "If that is the case Yathrinshee, then perhaps she would be better of dead (or undead). As you are well aware, most revered priestess, I am sworn to protect the clergy of Kiaransalee with my life. Conversely, I am dedicated to destroy any who do not truly follow her ways. If Jarkeena of Andar-ros is not what she feigns to be, then I pray to the Unholy mother that she will be slaughtered by my own hands!" Bowing to the Priestess, Vol moves towards Chesir and Qilteral to lead them towards the ruins.

"Never fear, Volgath," Olerathiel says quietly before the woman leaves. "This brat _will_ become something, for she would not have willingly joined the temple. Of that I am certain. She might actually follow the ways, but the clergy is not for all. You and I will forge her into something useful, and perhaps we can teach her how to deal with these... abilities of hers." She watches Volgath join her group then moves back to Jarkeena, motioning for all of the shadows to be extra vigilant, as well as her two zombies.

Evilyn looks to her feet at the well behaved lizard and then to Volgath as the warrior woman appears pleased to join this group, "His senses are mine. I can see further and hear better as can he."

With eyes of red, Evilyn looks over the scarred visage of Volgath and asks in a very pleasant tone, "Shall we make combat preparations now or, as the surface slugs say, play-it-by-ear? I suggest, a default strategy to withdraw using your sleep gas and my illusion." She looks very ready to move out.

Qilteral looks at Chesir. "I will take my lizard mounts as well as my slaves to begin with."

Evilyn flashes a look to the womans suggestion. "And just how would you plan to stealthily approach with a lizard mount and a mess of clumsy slaves?" Qil'teral looks at the distance and then grins to her mistake.

Chesir, glad that his own mistake earned him only a slight rebuke from Zaltar, quickly speaks up in order to avert attention from Qilterals mistake on House rank.

"Alright, now I understand where we are all going. I suggest we approach the ruins spread out in a line, with Vol in the middle and one of the soldiers on each flank, more or less like Evilyn proposed for herself, Sol, and me a moment ago. We can converge on the same point at the edge of the ruins. In the streets or buildings, we should always have one person round a corner or enter a room while the others cover him or her with spells and crossbows. Then when that position is clear, the lead person can signal the others forward and the next person in line can take the next position." Chesir waits for the final word and then moves out with the others.

Qil'teral listens, planning on where she can best aid the scout party, where her skills and magic would do the most damage.

Vol considers the males plans for approaching the ruins and nods in agreement. "So be it. Lets move with speed but also with due caution." Then turning to Qilteral, bowing slightly, she says, "Priestess of Unholy Kiaransalee, Evilyn of Brakx is correct in her comments on the lack of stealth using the lizards, although her TONE is perhaps slightly unbefitting that addressed to a priestess of the Unholy Mother." She addresses the group in general. "There are four of us investigating these ruins. We only have three sets of nasal plugs if the gas vial is required. I am allocating these to myself, Chesir and Evilyn. I suggest that the priestess should remain outside the gas area to cast spells and be in reserve should we require the use of this." She holds up the vial. "Remember, try and avoid full blow confrontation should we encounter resistance; if combat is unavoidable fight like true warriors of the drow. Do not fail me. Chesir, lead on."

Evilyn accepts the nasal plugs placing them in one of a few tucked belt pouches. Nodding to Chesir, Evilyn comments, "A bounding over-watch. Good plan. I suggest that in our approach we stay near the cavern wall for cover and ledges to maximize our levitation if we have to withdraw. Before setting off, what spells have we among us mages, that we may plan for a greater success? After all we are drow." Her last is accented with an evil smile.

"I have a trio of magics from the first circle. One as the already described alarm, another to summon and invisible servant, and the last to manifest a field of stunning beauty and lights. Of the second circle, I can summon the vermin of the caves to pester any within a ten pace area and to aid in the defense or to deceive, I can focus the powers of the mind to generate an illusion. The latter takes most of my concentration and will fail shortly after I stop the mental focus."

Qilteral listens and takes note like a battlefield general. "If the fight gets thick, .I will cover our back track with the blinding light." She grins again. "I will shout a warning before I do, though. I have one spell of magic missile and then the same color spray as Evilyn. I am also able to magically silence a small area."

Vol appraises what the female drow has to say as the group make their way cautiously towards the ruins, wondering how her other warrior Slaveriin and the mage Gareett are getting on in their investigations of the large heat source. "I have received also received mage training although slightly more unconventional as much of the magics I have are to do with my Deathclaws. However, I do have the spells for creation of magical bolts of energy and the creation of a shield of force of the first circle; also spells which will duplicate my image several fold, blur my form and increase my strength from the second circle. Now, as we are near the ruins, I want you all to focus to the task at hand - communication only in the silent tongue."

Chesir checks to make sure his crossbow is properly poisoned and that his spears and swords are in place. Then he fastens his piwafwi around him and pulls up the hood. Taking the right flank, Chesir sets out at a slow jog in the direction of the ruins. As he goes, he scans the area for movement or heat sources, especially ahead of the scout patrol.

Qilteral sprints off as well, staying in the middle and slightly behind the rest with her Piwafwi secured and her hands ready for spell, melee or missile. Her eyes scanning, searching for anything that does not look right- heat, movement, odd rock formations and so on.

Taking the middle of the formation with Chesir to the right and Vol to the left, Evilyn signs to Qilteral in a professional manner, *You should not be so close. One spell would hit us both, priestess. It is for your safety.* Evilyn forces the issue no more as she silently pads into a trot, staying upon the balls of her dark-elven booted feet. Qilteral backs up to ten feet behind the advancing line, flanking them.

Dashing across the fine sand, the band can find no evidence of previous passage to the ruins. As they grow closer they see that many of the buildings have tumbled to the ground and are nothing more than heaps of rubble. Entering cautiously, they glance into some of the remaining doorways and rooms. What they see tells of a simple life once led here. A slight moaning begins, growing steadily louder. Vol can just barely make out voices screaming for vengeance and blood. Without warning, the ground erupts near her, and the fleshless skeleton of a Kuo-toa reaches up bony hands for her. Similar skeletons begin to burst through the ground in other places. However, a slight hissing is borne across the air to the groups ears, sounding like tearing parchment. The flitting forms of eight black shadowy creatures bearing eyes of burning red hatred snake their way through the ruins up towards them.

Qilteral stands her ground with confidence. "Kiaransalee your slaves come before your children. To aid in our journey...to aid your glory! I humbly ask you to grant control of these undead creatures to me!" Evilyn moves in to protect the defenseless priestess, while Volgath and Chesir check the surroundings to see what else, if anything, is coming to attack the small party.

As the skeletons continue to pull themselves from the sandy ground, Qilteral cries her chant to the dark goddess. Four of the skeletons are lined in a dark light and stand awaiting orders from their new mistress. Making a quick count, Vol makes it out to be sixteen remaining skeletons, while the inky shadows of darkness glide towards them, crying for vengeance. As Chesir scans the area, he makes out what appears to be an island far away from the shore, housing what appears to be more ruins and a single tower with a light burning in it.

After a quick appraisal of the scene, it becomes obvious to Vol that the small scouting party have been severely overmatched, but feels a small sense of victory as both Evilyn and Chesir seem to automatically move to protect the priestess. The scarred woman frowns in fury, her scarlet eyes gleaming with hate as only a few of the undead skeletons bow to the will of her Unholy Queen. Spitting with disgust onto the floor, she quickly makes her decision. "Priestess of Unholy Kiaransalee, it is obvious that these other undead are driven by another power. We will return to either control the rest of them or to destroy them but it is obvious to me that for now we are overmatched- these are my orders. Priestess, command three of your skeletons to defend our retreat. They wont last long but will buy us some time also as we move cast your light spell to blind any pursuers. Chesir, you, Evilyn and myself will guard against any that manage to come through. Chesir you will team up with Qilteral and her other skeleton; Ill team up with Evilyn should it come to a skirmish, but speed is the key here- now RETREAT with haste!"

As the scouting party begins to retreat from the rather unusual tomb, Volgath ponders at the feelings of vengeance and blood emanating from the undead present within the ruins. ~There must be a key to this place buried either within the memories of the undead or here within the sands.~ Snapping back to reality, she speaks quickly to both Chesir and Evilyn, "Warriors, as we retreat, look for places which are defensible in case we cannot escape and have to make a stand against the undead- possibly something atop one of the fallen ruins. If the worst happens, we could always levitate out of harms reach and attract the attention of the others. We will retreat in the same manner we came in- two covering, two retreating at all times. The remaining skeleton stays with the priestess at all times. Controlled retreat is the key; the two covering should provide background fire only- try not to engage in a skirmish. If one of us gets caught up in a fight, I want the others to move in and aid. Ill not have a single failure or a death while any of you are in my command. Hopefully the three undead left behind will buy us some breathing space, but I would not bank on much time. Any suggestions, talk quickly as you move."

As the group makes its hasty retreat, three of the skeletons shamble back towards the others and are ripped apart. But their destruction gives the group the much needed time to escape. Sensing this, the shadowy creatures zoom forward. Qilteral, holding the stone aloft, cries out her prayer to the dark Goddess, and it springs into a bright light, sending lancing pain through her skull. Holding it behind her, she half stumbles, half runs behind the others. Her skeletal minion, sensing her distress, snatches the stone from her and holds it aloft, walking behind the group at a slower pace. As the group passes the last of the ruins, the undead chasing them halt. They send up wails of despair and melt into the darkness. Glancing to where they left the group, they see a pitched battle raging along the shores as eight humaniod creatures wielding crude spears are thrusting and slashing at Zaltar and Carafnir, who are attempting to keep them at bay. Sols withering body stands behind the creatures, two of the weapons protruding from his chest and stomach.

Qilteral turns to her companion, "Chesir." She raises her hands up, along with the symbol of Kiaransalee, "Oh most powerful Goddess of mine. Your children are in need of help! BLESS the drow warrior and aid him in combat! FOR YOUR GLORY!" Turning to the combat, she moves in close enough and casts a magic missile at the opponent who seems to be beating one of the drow.

Chesir grins excitedly at the opportunity to fight while blessed. He charges right for the group, firing a standard poisoned bolt at one of the humanoids as he sets out. Then at closer range he hurls a non-magical spear. Finally he enters melee with his two longswords. He saves one swing each round for a parry, leaving him one the first round and two the second round for attacks.

As Chesir and Qilteral spring into action to aid Zaltar and Carafnir, Vol tries to take stock of the situation, concerned as to where the rest of the Patrol group are. As Chesir moves forward, firing crossbow and hurling spear, Vol quickly barks out orders. "Evilyn, you and Chesir will engage with the humanoid creatures; priestess, try and get to Sol, he will die soon unless aided. I will try and find out where the others are. I cannot see where the Yathrinshee or Jarkeena, are which makes me suspicious of this situation. Chesir, where are your ShaurakHai orcs? Surely they should be aiding the patrol Commander? There is something strange going on here- be wary my warriors, think before you act!"

Following the instructions of the commander, Evilyn breaks from her position at Qilterals side and moves away with Volgath. As the pair closes back to the patrol and spies the ensuing battle, Evilyn alternates between watching Vol for instruction and the behavior of the humanoid attackers.

With Vols command to attack, Evilyn nods in acknowledgment as she takes a knee within range of her hand crossbows, setting either blade at her feet. Flashing to Vol in the silent tongue she says, *My fire bolt can enflame a number within two paces of one another.*

Drawing her mithril-laced crossbow, she loads it as a practiced archer would with an enchanted dart of crimson fletchings. Knowing that all eight attackers cannot fight the pair of drow at once, she takes aim at those unengaged from her comrades and lets the dart leap free like a startled bat.

Olerathiel rushes up, followed by Jarkeena, Melrinthy, and her two zombies. She scowls fiercely at the ensuing battle, noting that her partner, Carafnir, is busy occupied with battling the creatures. "Qilteral, to me!" she calls. She turns to Jarkeena. Since you are not controlled enough to cast spells, make sure that I am not disturbed. If necessary, break me out of my spellcasting that I might be able to escape with you." She glares sternly at the young acolyte. The first thing she does, however, is sends her two zombies in to the battle, expecting a full report of how they did later, to attack the creatures fighting her party. Then she signals for her shadows to guard her closer. "Dark Lady most unholy, fill me with your strength. Let me shape this stone at will to trap our foolish foes." While she casts her spell, her zombies move in to attack the creatures and her shadows move in closer, protectively.

Jarkeena pouts and sticks her tongue out at the Yathrinshee. "Wait till Mother hears what youve done to me. I bet shes gonna hurt you all for being so mean to me." She looks at the creatures. "You better not want me to fight them. Theyre so gross and ugly, and I dont like blood. Itll mess up my clothes. I hope they kill all of you meanies, and then leave me to be able to go home. Once I finally get them to listen that the fires werent my fault, Ill be able to go to all the parties and everything again!" At Olerathiels insistence, she pulls out her flail and plays with it idly, ready to run the instant the creatures start coming near her instead of attacking.

As the group converges on the battle Vol draws back to throw the vial of sleeping gas, but is halted when Evilyn calls, "They are undead!" Indeed they are. The closer people get the more readily they spot the tell tale signs, for once in life this beast were Kuo-toa but now their skin hangs on them and is spotted with decay. Realizing his bolts will have no effect, Chesir launches the spear with all his might. The spear arcs through the air and catches one of the things in the chest and lifts it clear of the sandy ground, taking it back into the water with a splash. Meanwhile, guttural chanting rings out as Seth, Qilteral and Melrinthy all cast the same spell sending bolts of energy flying through the air to strike one of the monsters, it staggers under the assault. Evilyn, taking the time to position herself, fires her flame bolt that spirals through the air. It connects with one of the zombies wet body and explodes in a ball of flame, melting the flesh from their skeletons. When the fire dies the bones are not yellow or white as they should be but are steel. Both Carafnir and Zaltar seem caught off guard by this fact and pay for it as the beasts club them with their spears. The two warriors launch their own attacks and drop two of the foes. Then Thiels voice is heard ringing out in prayer to the Dark Lady, instead of casting her original spell, willing her to give control of the undead to her, and without warning the creatures stop and stand still as if waiting for orders.

Noting the success of her spell, Olerathiel breathes a sigh of relief, and moves cautiously over to the group. "Put down your weapons," she commands the undead, to see which ones actually are in her command, and which, if any are capable of it, are feigning it to lure the band in closer. Her shadows follow her, and she impatiently motions for Jarkeena to follow.

"Do this, do that! Im not a slave, you know," Jarkeena pouts impetuously. Nevertheless, she follows the older drow. She looks at the zombies. "Eew! What kind of thingies are they? They stink!" She looks around at the group defiantly as if daring one of them to challenge her.

As Volgath looks on at the melee, as it looks like the Yathrinshees calls have been answered as the strange undead stop in mid-actions. Quickly, Vol orders for the attacks to halt, least any more damage is done to the undead creatures which seem now under the control of the Yathrinshee. Speaking to her group, she calls out to them. "Evilyn help priestess Qilteral, see to Sols wounds as he appears seriously injured. Once done, help the Patrol Commander and Carafnir, and Chesir, retrieve your spear that is embedded in the undead in the water but keep on guard least the undead have not been controlled." As she says this Vol moves herself towards the Patrol Commander, ready to defend if the undead have not been controlled or to apply healing salves to wounds sustained in battle.

Qilteral rushes up and sees if anybody needs healing, then looks to the Undead. "What in the infinite layers of the Abyss kind of zombies are those! I do not know of any DROW that could take over four Magic Missiles, much less a zombie!" She summons her undead to stand with her, then goes up and inspects the zombies, especially the ones with steel bones.

Heeding Vols instructions, Evilyn clears the distance to the fallen member. Every step of the drow warrior moves in rhythm with the flowing cloak about her. It and her come to rest, standing watch over Sols body with a wary glare at the motionless undead. Not entirely sure as to the extent of their control, Evilyn stands ready with the enchanted length of mithril and another fire bolt loaded. Her gaze breaks once to regard the spear thrown by Chesir as she marvels at the drows strength.

Chesir returns his non-magical sword to its scabbard, but retains his magical one. Inching out into the water towards the zombie, he keeps careful watch on it for any hint of movement. Upon finally reaching it, Chesir slowly reaches out, grabs the haft of his spear, and tries to yank it out. For the moment, he is entirely focused on the problem at hand. Soon, however, he will want to know where his orcs are.

All of the standing undead drop their weapons upon hearing Olerathiels command. As people move to aid the injured or retrieve weapons, the undead stand still. However, as Chesir grabs the haft of his spear and pulls, the half-steel, half-rotted creature pops up and tries to slash him with wicked claws. Qilteral, standing near one, is caught off guard as it wraps both of its steel arms around her chest and begins to squeeze her. Darkness threatens to over take the women. As Evilyn, who was looking at Sol, turns to see what has happened, a cold clammy hand wraps around her arm. Spinning back around she comes face to face with the corpse of Sol, which is now undead. One eye is popped out and his swollen tongue hangs out. The others begin to slash at Vol and Zaltar.

Chesir leaps away from the damaged zombie in the water and back onto the beach. He darts past the zombie that is holding Qilteral and slashes at it in an attempt to break its hold on the wizard/priestess. He whirls his second sword about him, ready to parry an attack.

As the fighting ensues once again, Vol is amazed at the resilience of these creatures, also aware that several of the Patrol have been caught off-guard by the sudden reanimation of these creatures and the undead body of Sol. Trying to maneuver out of the way of the hacking blades, Vol tries to maneuver towards the creature attacking Qilteral, which is intent in crushing the life out of the priestess. Taking a risk of being hit, she prepares to cast a spell at the undead creature.

Wordlessly Evilyn curses her own lack of awareness, but within she realizes that she couldnt have known. Face to face with the undead drow, Evilyn shifts her mind to fight a foe that feels no pain. Where she may have slammed her head into the aggressors upper lip and nose, the drow woman is well aware that move could indeed prove fatal. Instead, the skilled combatant relies upon her prowess and the zombies poor choice to hold her. With Sols undead hand upon her arm, she brings the keen edge of Eldritch enchanted mithril blade down as she lifts her grappled arm up and away to extend his as a pleasant and unmoving target. In one fluid motion, she seeks to force him to release or have his arm severed.

Caught in the undeads vice-like grip, Qilteral tries to levitate, but realizes how futile this is with the metal skeleton attached to her. Abandoning his spear, Chesir rushes back to the shore, slashing at the metallic beastie. The blade bounces off the creatures ribs, nicking them the slightest bit. Vols hands dart through quick gestures, sending bolts of energy sizzling through the air at the creature holding Qilteral, striking it solidly. Pulling backwards, Evilyn slashes up with her sword, slicing the mindless creatures arm off at the elbow. Olerathiels blow caves in one of the other creatures ribcages, and sends it staggering, while Jarkeena, flailing about madly, almost caves in Chesirs head. But quick reflexes manage to save the man. Dashing to the aid of Qilteral, Carafnir plunges both his blades in between the metal beast and the woman, prying backwards, and the sound of twisting metal fills the air as the creatures arms rip free. Zaltar slams the flat of his blade into one of the other three, knocking it backwards, but opens himself to the other two. Fortunately, they slash ineffectively across his chain mail. Melrinthy and Sethoroth begin casting the same spells as before. Sethoroths spell melts a fist-sized hole in the beast fighting Thiel, sending it crashing to the ground, while Melrinthys burns into one of the ones fighting Zaltar. Spinning around and bringing her mace savagely down on one of the undead, Thiel reduces it to a pile of twisted metal. Between Zaltar and Carafnir, another creature falls. Chesir and Volgath dismantle the one they face. Spinning her sword so it points down, Evilyn drives the polished steel through Sols body, pinning him thrashing to the ground.

Thiel sighs, pulling her enchanted mace from her belt, having suspected that something might be amiss. She tries to attack one without doing damage to any party members, if possible. ~Kiaransalee, guide my arm,~ she thinks to herself as she attacks, for she realizes that shes almost never fought with a weapon. ~And hopefully my zombies can do something to these things!~ She cant help but look at the creatures in awe, though, marveling at the steel bones.

"Lemme guess, I get to fight too now, huh?" The alcolyte scowls. "Like I tell all of you, Im not a slave. I dont have to do anything I dont want to. Besides, those things are icky!" Nevertheless, she holds her flail and starts swinging, trying to attack the fish-like undead creatures.

Chesir continues to fight. He first of all seeks out the one that has his spear stuck in its chest. "You. I want that back," he quips, knowing it cant reply.

When there are no enemies left, Chesir looks to Jarkeena. "You have a good swing, priestess. But your aim is off." He couches his words in a pleasant smile and a polite tone, suspecting the naive girl wont catch the sarcasm that way.

"VITH!" Qilteral still levitates to ten feet above the ground, .readying her whip and remaining spells. She does not come down until ALL the so-called skeletons are smashed. "Chesir, kindly make sure none of the others will be getting up." Qilteral scans the area AROUND the group, looking for another priest or cleric. ~There HAS to be an explanation why these undead came out of being controlled,~ she thinks.

Qilteral also has her controlled skeleton cover the glowing rock so infravision may work as well. She summons all of her undead to stand under her, and commands her Orcs to bring her mount. Then she stops levitating.

As the patrol members try and gain a breather follow their exertions from combat, Vol can only marvel at the resistance that these undead produced. ~Well~ Vol thinks to herself, ~at least it looks like we know of two threats to the patrol groups safety, one of which has been dealt with.~ Then speaking to the rest of the group she says, "Chesir, Evilyn make sure that these creatures unlife has been ended for sure, then move the carcasses so that the Yathrinshee and the other priestesses may examine them. In particular, be careful with the body of Sol. Also, Ill need a report from both of you on your observations at the ruins. If anyone is injured, then speak so that your wounds may be tended to." She approaches the Patrol Commander. "Commander, after we have ensured that there is no more life in these creatures, I will be able to give you a report on the ruins which presents some kind of contained threat. As of yet, I know nothing of the heat source to the left. Also as far as I can tell, we have lost only Sol, with others possibly sustaining injuries. If you have any further orders, I am at your disposal."

Shaking the severed limb from her crossbow arm, Evilyn concentrates both on returning the mithril bow to her belt and draws a second length of Underdark steel to finish off the writhing undead drow. With him suitably dispatched, Evilyn removes either blade from the carcass and sets to her given task of ensuring the fate of the undead aggressors. "Chesir, well pair up in case they react like this again. Have your orcs set to lining them up for the Yathrinshee to examine. We will over-watch in case they reanimate."

Evilyn carefully watches for the orcs well-being with a pair of blades drawn. As she sets to this task, she utters to Zaltar, "With your permission Vol, we should not overlook security as we investigate what has transpired. Would it be in accordance with your plan for Razark to keep an eye out for the children of Kiaransalee that may give pursuit from the ruins?" The drow woman commands her familiar to stand wary and alert loudly at the approach of anything from the direction of the ruins.

Olerathiel looks around, well satisfied with her mace and the way it works. "An excellent weapon indeed," the priestess says. She kneels down next to the bodies carefully and claps her hands. Her two kobolds, who had been cowering by the lizard mounts, rush over. She barks out something in their own tongue, and they rush over to her mount, grab something, and come back to her. She empties the bag, which contains scalpels, a small bone saw, needles, thread and other various implements. "Jarkeena, you will aid me, and learn," she commands, as she begins testing the sharpness of the bone saw. "The first thing you will do is hold the creatures head, so that it does not move while I cut it open." She looks carefully at the head of the now un-animated zombie, trying to find the best place to start cutting.

"What!!" Jarkeena shrieks. "First you drag me out here in the middle of nowhere, have me fight those icky things, and now you tell me to hold one of their heads while you cut it open?! I dont think so! Get baldy or one of you other wierdos to do it- I wont!" She starts stomping off imperiously to the lizard mounts after making sure that everyone knows Volgath had been the main one she had been referring to with the "baldy" comment, a look of utter disgust sketched across her face. "Look into the smoke. Focus on it," she can be heard muttering on her way. "Freak! Like I have to do what she says. Im from the first House!"

As people search for slaves, they find that Chesirs orcs are indeed missing. As Vol gives a report to Zaltar, Thiel begins extracting the creatures skullcap with the aid of Qilteral, as Jarkeena has stalked off. After about an hour of sawing, Slaveriin and Gareett return, and make their report. The heat source is a rift filled with flowing magma, and a set of steps carved into the side of it is guarded by two fire giants. By this time, the skullcap pops off, revealing an amazing discovery. Contained within are hundreds of tiny gold wires, making a spiderweb pattern that is bolted by tiny screws to the skull. In the dead center is a sunburst ruby that glows with an eerie red light. Zaltar begins to pace back and forth. "Our choices would seem limited. We will rest here. Come morning, we will cross the wall on this side, up to the roof, and we will zigzag across to the west wall, and pray we find some place to rest before the mounts grow too tired. So you are free to do as you wish for the time." Carafnir moves slightly away from the group. He pulls something from his pocket and sets it on the ground. Kneeling down, he whispers something, and in moments, grey smoke begins to swirl. It begins to coalesce into the form of a large hunting hound with marbled colored fur.

Qilterals eyes flash red with anger. She hovers back down to the Ground, making sure her Undead are around, and stands over Jarkeena. "You will obey. Disobeying one of the Clergy is like disobeying her all-powerful HERSELF!"

Chesir curses in a jumble of drow, orcish, and incomprehensible snarls. "Adanac! Atlam! Luharra dir Mach Suhar!" Its the most uncontrolled anyone has ever seen him. It might well be as out of control as he has ever been.

Finally he speaks to the others. "Damn my eyes! Did no one see what happened to them? Theyve had fifteen years of training and drill. Of all the slaves here, they could be the least likely to just wander off! We may have just lost three of our most useful tools." Casting a glance at Jarkeena, he adds, "At least they could be counted on to handle icky stuff. And they are decent swimmers, which might have just been useful in reaching the tower off the coast with the light on over there. He motions idly to the shadowy silhouette in the distance.

Qilteral walks over from the teachings and corpse and sits by her Mount, pops open her spell book and begins to study. Then she looks up and wonders the same thing as Chesir. Silently, just loud enough to be herd she murmurs, "Zombies with metal bones and gems for brains, trained orcs leaving! Undead attacking priestess or cleric?" She closes her book and begins to pray.

As Vol takes the orders from the Patrol Commander she decides the best action would be to keep the party active. Turning to the Patrol, her eyes alight she speaks to them. "Alright warriors, you heard what the commander said. We stay here to rest. Which means we dont rest until we have some defenses in place. Chesir, Im concerned about your orcs. Youll accompany me to search for their tracks . Be prepared and calm down- I dont want you making rash judgements while youre out with me. Evilyn- youre in charge of preparing the defenses and the watch with Carafnir. Remember, the tunnel we entered is already protected with the Yathrinshees spell. Carafnir already has the figurine up and guarding. Dont forget the lizards need looking after. Use the slaves to see to them. Also, I need reports on the battle with these so-called zombies. I want to know the best way to fight them should they be encountered again. Well signal when we return. The code is ELGHINN. Silent tongue only. Anything else, shoot to kill- I dont want to you to take any chances. Any questions? Chesir, we will commence searching in five minutes."

"Yes, Vol." Evilyn nods as she surveys the area. "Commander, to better defend this area, could you tell me where these zombies came from?"

Zaltar looks at Chesir. "What tower?" He glances at Evilyn when she speaks. "I know not where they came from. Carafnir heard Sol pleading for help. The four of us went to look, and we saw them standing there. At the onset of the battle, I sent Melrinthy to fetch Thiel and Jarkeena to aid us." He then turns and confers with Slaveriin about their findings.

Evilyn strongly recommends taking to the wall, well away from the waters edge and to the side from where they entered. The cavern entrance would provide a path of withdrawal and is likewise protected by the Yathrinshees magic.

"May I humbly suggest that whichever bodies are not to be kept with us, we leave here. I can place the aforementioned alarm spell over the area. Those that created these may investigate their lack of return or if they reanimate we would be alerted. The sound generated would not affect us, as we can camp over there." Evilyn joins her last with a gesture to the immense wall.

"The watch schedule, for your approval Commander, is Chesir and Qilteral, myself and Sethoroth, yourself and Gareett, Volgath and Jarkeena. The honored Yathrinshee is not expected to partake for I suspect she will be scrutinizing the corpses, but that is by her will."

"Those casters not on watch, I highly recommend the replenishing of spent magics." Pausing, she glances to Gareett. "Unless, you had other plans for the mages, Gareett."

Provided there is no conflict, she maps out watch locations and the best placement of the Dog. If agreed she will place the Alarm around the bodies area.

Gareett approaches Volgath and speaks softly. "If you wish to wait a few moments while I ready a spell, it is possible to locate one of the items on the orcs. I would suggest one of the spears, if you would rather not waste the magic I would understand. The choice is yours."

Chesir answers his commander. "Oh. I thought everyone saw. Theres an island offshore. It holds more ruins and a tower with a light burning in it. I noticed it while Vol, Evilyn, Qilteral and I were retreating from the ruins along the beach. I would have mentioned it sooner, but there was an urgent situation here when I returned, and then my orcs came up missing."

Chesir waits for a response of some kind, then observes, "Ill wager thats where these steel zombies came from. And if theres a way across the sea, I think well find it on that island."

Qilteral looks up from her studying/praying, stretches and places her book back up. Adjusting her whip and dagger, she glances around and takes in what is going on.

Vol considers the disappearance of the ShaurakHai orcs and Gareetts suggestion of the use of spellcraft. Turning to the mage, she agrees with his suggestion. "Gareett, I think your suggestion is appropriate as it will enable us to discern where the orcs went. Ive got a suspicions that theyve been removed by the same person who has manufactured these undead creatures we see before us. If that IS the case then they will make fearsome adversaries. I also think that most of the answers will be found at the tower that Chesir saw from the ruins we investigated previously." Then turning to Evilyn and Chesir, she says, "Well done Evilyn- I want an exact description of the defenses you have prepared and where they have been located. The watch order looks good. Chesir, well find out more about your orcs after Gareett has completed his spell. In the mean time, aid Evilyn in the preparation of the defenses."

Then, as the Deathmistress considers all the possibilities, she speaks to the Patrol Commander and the Yathrinshee. "Commander and revered Yathrinshee, the orders have been given to create a defensible position as we rest from the previous attacks. Considering the situation we are in, I have this series of proposals. Firstly, we know that the ruins to the right are inhabited with true undead. The priestess Qilteral was able, through the power of Kiaransalee, to control four out of the sixteen or so Kuo-Toan skeletons which had risen from the ground. However, there were eight others, shadowy and ephemeral forms which she was not able to master. I sensed that these children of Kiaransalee spoke of revenge and blood. I think that, through the combined power of the Yathrinshee, the priestess Qilteral and the acolyte Jarkeena we could turn that situation to our advantage, both in swelling our ranks and in allowing us to question the dead to find further information."

"Secondly, having achieved our first objective, we should consider the situation regarding the magma pool and fire giants which Slaveriin and Gareett investigated. Although the Fire Giants are fearsome adversaries, the potential for gain is vast, but perhaps not in an obvious way. What we truly need is a way to get across the Sunless Sea, and here I agree with Chesir, the method of traversing this may lie at the tower of bright light which is located in more ruins slightly off-shore. However, just think of what we could do if we had Fire Giants aiding us when we arrived at the island! We could pretend to be a trading delegation from Velddrinnsshar looking to achieve mutual gains through trade for both the Fire Giant community and the City- slaves, expensive and exotic spices, magic, etc. In return for help and information, we could offer trading passes to the City attached to our Houses- we even have Jarkeena Andar-ros with us as a representative of the First House! Although the Giants may be tempted to attacks us outright, I do not think that they would want to do so, especially because of the reputation of Velddrinnsshar drow and the presence of so many undead gained from the ruins and the chance to open trading negotiations with the City."

"Finally, after we have achieved our second task, we could then concentrate on the Tower, where I think the source of these attacks comes from and where we have a debt of revenge to pay for Sol, a Velddrinnsshar warrior! With possible Fire Giants in tow along with our additional undead, we will assault the tower, both bring the culprit of these attacks to justice and possibly finding a way to cross the Sunless Sea. So, in summary these proposals will: firstly swell our fighting ranks with undead; secondly, bring us additional aid and secure future possibilities for gain with the Fire Giant community; thirdly, enable us to attack with sufficient force the tower; and finally, discover a potential method to traverse the Sunless Sea. I realize these plans are ambitious, but we are Drow and without ambition and the blessings of Kiaransalee, we are nothing. What do you think?"

Gareett nods to Vol and moves over to study his spell book and make ready the spell. After a short time he stands and moves to the perimeter of the camp. He pulls a small twig out of a pocket that looks like a divining rod and says, "Cold to hot, darkness to light, bring what is hidden to my sight." Gareett then slowly moves around the camp, staring off into nothing.

Evilyn nods to Zaltar confirming his voiced question of the tower. Then she turns to Vol and answers, "A full report will be given, Volgath, when the camp is ready."

Moving to the laboring Thiel, Evilyn asks in an emotionless voice, "Honored Yathrinshee, is it possible that these monsters were sent after us, by those of the city whom would wish to see us dead?"

After the questions, Evilyn consults with Chesir as to the camps defenses. "Chesir, in the plain of sand, we will stand out like a wound over featureless terrain. We should shore up the sand around us in a circle, with our backs to the wall. About two feet high should be enough to cover those sleeping. Shallow fighting pits can be dug for those on watch. They can provide cover for the use of crossbows while the others awaken. Carafnirs dog can guard the center of the formation, while the pair on duty survey the flanks and the rear cavern wall."

Pausing, Evilyn allows for input from the skilled warrior as she enjoys the visage of his capable body. "Sleeping will be arranged. Each will rest near their post to minimize the distance traveled at watch changes. Mages studying must lay to read, or their silhouette will be noted. If combat occurs, those on watch are illuminate the enemy with faerie fire and drop globes of darkness between the foes and the camp, but not on the camp itself. The last thing those awakening need is to be blinded to the chaos of combat."