3. INTO THE KINGDOM OF THE ROHIRRIM

It pained Jin to hit Tiphereth the way she did but she showed no outward signs of her true feelings. Narrowing her eyes at him, she hissed threatening words at him.

”Ajak dosst k'lar, auflaque” (Remember your place, dog)

As Tiphereth presumed his role, Jin stepped before him and saw the glow from the spires base. She walked confidently but her eyes were darting all around, looking, waiting for the moment something would appear to strike her down as her hand remained closed around on of the hilts of her daggers beneath her cloak. It was the typical approach for a Drow in unfamiliar territory.

As Jin and Tiphereth began to move they noticed the spire was moving closer, unlike before. Jin felt a small sense of relief that was the case. But her relief wouldn’t last for long. She was certain of what she may find when she approached the glowing light and as the got close enough where her subterranean eyes could see, she groaned slightly.

There was a large archway that led to a large chamber. On either side of the archway were nearly bald, completely blind, and salivating hounds snapping and snarling. Their over sized noses were steady sniffing the air in the direction Jin and Tiphereth approached. The small amounts of hair they had acted like sonar as their sensitive fur picked up on vibrations as well as their clawed, nearly flat paws. Jin whispered softly to Tiphereth to warn him of their presence although she knew he was well aware of them already.

”Do not look at the hounds. If they nip at you, cower but do not try to defend yourself against them. It is the natural reaction for you to be fearful of them and you must make them think you are fearful so try to think of something that frightens you. Like spiders. It is your scent of fear they will be looking for.”

No sooner had Jin whispered this warning to him did her sensitive ears pick up on a noise behind them. Glancing behind her she saw two more of the snarling beasts approaching. Sent to corral the visitors, Jin clenched her jaw then turned around and kept walking forward. As they approached, one of them nipped at Tiphereth’s heels but didn’t grab hold. They were well trained for their task and were making sure their mistress would be well protected.

When they reached the arch, Jin’s eyes studied it closely. The architecture of the arch was the same ancient architecture in the Drow burial grounds they had traveled through a while ago. Carvings of spiders and webbing adorned the arch while runes and words of warning filled in the other parts. Jin stopped before entering the chamber inside the spire and reached back grabbing Tiphereth by the collar and roughly shoving him to the ground so he was forced on his hands and knees then shoved his head down so he was prostrated before the entrance. When she was satisfied he was properly displayed, Jin stood over him, her legs on either side of his torso, and bowed her head. The snarling, slobbering beasts circled all around them and nipped at Tiphereth on occasion but again didn’t grab hold of him.

”Mzil g'rftte whol dosst elamshinae, Ilhar” (Many thanks for your grace, Mother)

The female voice from the chamber spoke again, her voice seductive and husky.

”Sultha, dalharil, jous uns'aa vel'bol dos sila xuil dos.” (Enter, daughter, show me what you bring with you.)

Jin stepped to the right of Tiphereth then gruffly hoisted the Deithir to his feet. She exchanged a glance with him and in that one small glance he saw she was taking no pleasure in what she was doing. Turning to face the chamber, Jin stepped forward and the hounds backed away and let both of them pass. If Tiphereth was thinking of spiders to help him produce a sense of fear for the hounds, he would have no trouble producing that sense of fear now.

The chamber was adorned with live spiders of all kind. Webs decorated the chamber in every open corner and then some. Many of the spiders moved about freely showing they were very much alive. They were as small as a pin head to as large as a rat. Jin admired their webbing before she let her eyes cast about the chamber.

The floor was made of a polished, onyx colored stone. The red glow was produced by several torches set ablaze within the chamber concealed by red fabric in front of them. Several statues made of the same highly polished, onyx colored stone stood around the place. Some of them seemed to be enraptured with something while others seemed to be terrified. As Jin walked slowly past the statues a sickening realization settled in the pit of her stomach. These statues were at one time real souls and were now forever trapped in their last moments of life within Kalus’ chambers.

Towards the back of the chamber a set of steps rose out of the floor. The front of the steps were adorned with the runes Jin saw on the archway. The steps led to a platform where a throne sat. The back of the throne looked like a giant spider web and in the very center was the carving of a large spider. Behind the throne were several sheer curtains that fluttered gently as the breeze passed through them. Jin came to a rest at the bottom step as she glanced around.

"Vendui' " (Greetings)

A voice from the throne made her snap her attention in that direction and Jin couldn’t help but stare in amazement at the woman the voice belonged to. She was beautiful. Standing to the right of the throne, she looked to be no older than a woman of 40. She still had a curvaceous body that was barely hidden beneath the gossamer fabric of the dress she wore. That too looked to be crafted of spider web that clung to her upper body with a deep V in the front and when she turned to walk to the opposite side of the throne Jin noticed there was no back until it reached the extreme lower part of her back. The skirt flowed out from the hips to the floor and when she finally sat on her throne, Jin saw the skirt was nothing more then strips of material that allowed her legs to peer out from beneath. Her dark skin was a stark contrast to the nearly white of the dress.


Her red eyes seemed to bore into Jin before they drifted behind her and looked at Tiphereth. With a slight gesture of her hand, Jin stepped to the side then reached to snap Tiphereth’s head up so the woman could see his face. When the woman saw his face she suddenly stood from her throne and descended the stairs as though she were floating. When she reached where Tiphereth and Jin stood, Jin bowed her head.

The woman was not much taller than Jin and she held herself with a grace and poise that spoke volumes of her status. With another gesture of her hand, Jin stepped away to allow the woman the chance to walk around Tiphereth as though she were assessing livestock. Finally she stood before Jin and Tiphereth and spoke using the common language. Her seductive, husky voice seemed to caress them.

”A beautiful specimen, daughter.”

Turning, she ascended the stairs as gracefully as she had descended them and sat back down on her throne once more. Holding her left hand out, a hound appeared next to her and she began to affectionately scratch its head.

”You have journeyed far. Speak your need.”

Jin lifted her head and began to speak.

”Mother…we come see….”

Kalus sat forward and the hound immediately snarled menacingly. Lifting her free hand, she pointed to Tiphereth.

”Not you. Him.”

Jin blinked then swallowed hard and looked to Tiphereth. With a nod of her head, Jin gestured for Tiphereth to tell Kalus what they needed.

Jalisa stayed with the funeral pyre as the flames roared and consumed the bodies within. As the flames finally began to grow smaller, she let her gaze linger upon the ashes within the center for a moment longer. She was filled with dread right now and she really didn’t know what she was going to do. Hopefully, she would be able to retrieve the earrings from those who possessed them. It was the only way she could be assured she wouldn’t do something to harm these people and cause trouble for them.

As the flames from the pyre became nothing more than smoldering embers, Jalisa decided to seek privacy as well as stay watchful. Remembering the mountain she discovered Tiphereth on she glanced around to make sure no one was there then vanished from sight. When she reappeared again it was on that same ledge she had been on earlier with the Deithir.

The night air moved freely over this peak and she felt the cool wind wash over her. Her dark hair moved like a black curtain around her face as her eyes looked out at the land of Rohan. Her enhanced sight allowed her to see further than the others.

The Gorrinvul were creatures being driven by something other than sheer revenge. And the way their bodies dissipated into the ground was unnatural. She’d never seen anything like that in all of her years. Something about that fact nagged at her but try as she may, Jalisa couldn’t unblock that particular knowledge from it’s origin to get more information about it.

Sitting down in the darkness as the moon shone high over head, Jalisa began to meditate and try to see if she could possibly retrace her ancestor’s and discover what she needed to know about these creatures.

A few miles away and several hundred feet underground in the dark and stench filled gathering place of the Gorrinvul...

Many of the Gorrinvul were gathered, maybe hundreds, they stood in the darkness crowded together. Although undead in nature the creatures still had a good grasp of their minds, they pushed close together in the dark, they wanted to be as close as possible to hear their leader speak.

The white eyes of the creatures seemed to glow in the gloom, they ceased their grunting and groaning when a large black skinned Gorrinvul stood and began to 'speak'. The sound of the thing 'speaking' was a collection of grunts, groans and other guttural sounds, it was not language as you and I understand language to be, it was something unique to these creatures.

The mass of decaying humanoids listened as their master spoke, he did not speak for long, his intentions were clear, he wanted his army to destroy the last of the Rohirrim.

The black skinned thing stood and eyed the large crowd in front of him, he nodded to them and pounded on his chest, a few black chunks of flesh fell from his torso and fell to the ground. At the end of his 'speech' he threw some ancient soiled rope and a small length of mildew covered lumber at the feet of the throng of Gorrinvul in front of him. He pointed at the items with his bony claw of a hand and beat his chest again.

All the creatures present understood the challenge, somewhere in the back of their clouded minds they remembered this ancient tactic. In another time when the creatures had clear eyes and still lived in sunlight they had used the rope and the wood to create something to destroy an invading enemy. They would come together with rope and wood and make themselves into a god of war. They would bind themselves together, lashing with the ropes and using the wood to make a framework that would support their bodies, they would become a single gigantic warrior.

<Translated from the broken language of the Gorrinvul>
"Search your memories my people, remember in another life we lashed the ropes and wood about our bodies and together in great numbers we became like titans, giants of war. No one could stand against us, we crushed our enemies beneath our massive heels. It has been a long time but I command you to make the giant again, gather rope and wood, your hands will remember what to do."

The creatures grunted and howled, they moved in all directions of the massive cave system that was their home, they hunted for rope and wood and they found plenty of both. In the central cavern, a huge, vast chamber they began to build their juggernaut.

Lunazul sat on the floor of the Drow home, a small fire burned in a modest fireplace. The woman was sitting cross legged on a comfortable black mat decorated with embroidered spiders.

"That was a fine meal kaoveh, my thanks." Verin said as stood behind the taller Drowess. Pytha was in the next room cleaning up the last of the dinner mess. Lunazul was breathing deep and holding the breath for some time before letting it out.

"I am preparing to pray to our goddess cousin, will you sit and join me?" The long haired drowess said with a slight grin.

"I will not waste my time Lunazul, I imagine you will sit at your reflecting pool after your prayers, is this not your habit?" Verin asked.

"You know it is Verin, If you will not sit with me then let me be I must meditate and then I will look into the waters." The woman said seriously.

"I will pester you no more cousin, do what you must." Verin said as he held the earring tight in his fist.

Tiphereth hesitated before raising his head and for only a moment did he allow his black eyes to memorize the beauty of the prophet before him. She was nothing of what he had expected to find in these dank, dark caverns at the edge of Drowdom and though he would have liked to study her features longer felt that she would hardly accept his lingering stare as a compliment.

The Deithir rose, but his knees never left the ground. He kneeled before the most auspicious Drow, his head bowed and long hands leaning upon his powerful thighs. It was not the first time Sorrelwind had been in the presence of a such being and knew well the protocol, although for him to even be allowed to speak was strange turn of events. As a slave and a male his voice might have been compared to the chatter of a rat, but it would seem that this powerful seer had interest in what this rat had to say.

"Most reverent Lady of the Under Dark, we have come seeking your counsel." Sorrelwind began and as he spoke the prophet Kallus looked upon him with a strange anticipation, as if she were re-reading a book and trying to remember the events of the passage.

"The Gorrinvul march upon the plains of Rohan once more and we seek your knowledge so that we might assist Rohirrim in ridding this plague upon their lands." He humbly requested, "Please share with us the location of these foul creatures and how we may be able to defeat them."

Kallus stared for a long moment at the outlander. In the red light of the chamber his hair seemed to blend into his pale skin and her Drow eyes could not appreciate the luster of his locks as they appeared by day. Her eyes studied the strange tattoos upon his face and those that trailed down his neck, all the while her lips pursed with a diabolical smile. She then ran a hand through her silvery white tresses and laughed.

"And why would I consider to give aid to the 'yellow-hairs' of the sun-lit realm? Why do you, an outlander and a most esteemed sister of the Under Dark even bother to meddle in the affairs of Men?" She argued.

Tiphereth nodded. "You speak true, m'lady, but I truly care not to meddle in the affairs of Men, rather I seek to stamp out yet another force spawned by the Dark Lord, himself. Morgoth has risen, and all of us must be vigilant for not even the Drow are safe from his wrath."

Kallus offered her trilling laughter once more and rose from her throne. Raising her hand slowly, she pointed toward a large mirror and as she stared into it, the surface began to shimmer and move like water. Then images began to flash by, chaotic at first but then both Jin and Tiphereth could make out certain sights that were familiar to them.

"You offer a compelling argument, Tiphereth of the Sorrow Wind. I too do not wish to see Him reclaim his black throne and so I shall grant you a boon." Offered Kallus as she walked toward the tall kneeling man, running one of her long finger nails along his shoulder and up his neck, playfully.

"You have done well, Ssinjin, to ally yourself with an honourable being, but make no mistake, his nobility will lead to his demise." Kallus said to her sister then turning back to the mirror shared her wisdom.

"The Gorrinvul dwell where once they lived. You must find this place and seek out and kill their queen. It is she that perpetuates their lives but there is also a king, he you must destroy also for only after his demise will they break rank. She is the mind and he, the heart. You must destroy both to defeat this monster."

The shimmering mirror, showed visions of the Gorrinvul in their lair and they were building something, something huge. It did not reveal where they could be but Sorrelwind was already ponder what she meant when she said, 'they dwell where they once lived'. Who were these Gorrinvul in life? Where did they once dwell? Tiphereth would need time to lore and attempt to extract the stories of the vast land.

Jin gave a puzzling look at Kallus when she said ‘his nobility will be his demise’ but she didn’t question what the Drowess meant. Jin was well versed in the way of the row and a Drowess od Kallus’ status chose her words carefully. There was always a hidden meaning within them and it would be up to Jin to figure out what they meant. Hopefully before it was too late.

As Kallus walked past Tiphereth, Jin saw the way the Drowess slid her nails over the Deithir’s skin. Prickles of warning made the hairs on the back of Jin’s neck stand on end but she knew she dared not try to stop the woman. This was, after all, Kallus’ home and she could do what ever it was she saw fit to do. What bothered Jin the most was that Kallus, at any moment, could claim Tiphereth for her own, and Jin would have to bend to her will. Or fight her for the right to keep the Phariekin.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Jin furrowed her brow as she studied the images in the mirror. Her focus, at first, was on the Gorrinvul themselves but soon her focus took in details of their surroundings. Earthen walls primarily shrouded in darkness lit only with an eerie ethereal glow surrounded them. But Jin looked closer and she saw the thick, wooden support beams that littered the area. Realization struck the younger Drowess like a slap in the face. They were within the earth but not in a natural made cavern.

Kallus’ smile grew even more devious when she saw the realization on Jin’s face. Once more she walked around Tiphereth and let her fingers ease over his cheek before she ran her fingers through his hair and closed her fingers around a handful of it. Gently forcing his head back as she stood so close to him he could feel her warmth and smell the sweet scent of jasmine on her skin. She leaned down and whispered into his ear as her red, glowing eyes held Jin’s. Kallus’ delicate nails once more moved around his neck tracing the tattoo’s.

“Ah, but where is the real question, is it not? And what payment do you think I should receive for the knowledge I have shared with you? Tell me, Ssinjin…..is he a good sport? Worthy of pleasing a healthy appetite?”

Those prickles of warning crept up Jin’s spine once more and she watched Kallus toy with Tiphereth. This was the moment she was dreading and as she saw the way Kallus reacted to the closeness of Tiphereth’s body, Jin knew the Drowess had already made up her mind as to what the payment would be. Jin also knew she had to choose her words carefully as well. If she played Tiphereth down Kallus would question why she still kept the Deithir around and if she played him up too much Kallus would know they had never had any sort of physical relationship.

”His endurance is none like I have ever met, Mother. He is capable of tending to ones needs but he does lack imagination. I am still trying to teach him this particular trait.”

Kallus grinned and finally looked down at Tiphereth’s face. Her fingers slid low around his neck and she was about to say something when she felt the string about his neck. Curious, she hooked her nail around the string and slid the end of it up from beneath his tunic.

“What have we here…?”

As the dragon earring came into view, Kallus immediately blinked. Letting the earring rest in her hand, she gasped softly and released Tiphereth’s hair so she could stand before him. Her eyes snapped to his.

“This is older than even me. And the owner wears many faces. The one right now is pleasing but the true face is nothing like what is being shown.”

Kallus’ eyes narrowed.

“You know. And now that you know, you hold the strings to the puppet. How will you make it dance?”

She glanced down at the earring again and furrowed her brow then slowly let her gaze slide up to Tiphereth’s as a slow, devious grin slid into place.

“A matched pair means there are two. Which one will win is totally up to you. Do not think too hard for the prize is a hand, on a creature of lore that once ruled the land. The power you hold will be but a drop, in an ocean of treasure that will never stop. Beware the lure of such power you are using, for the suffering you cause will be your undoing. The Puppet Master will rise from the ashes of doom, but what face the Puppet Master wears could be one of two.”

Lac toasted the fallen, then lowered his mug of ale and looked down momentarliy. The as the others toasted and talked of the noble deeds of the fallen, Lac moved slowy to a corner of the great hall. There he sat alone and smoked his pipe. He was deep in thought, his mind on the Drowess Ssinjin and the Pharie Tiphereth wondering how they faired in the recesses of the earth. Then his mind shifted to Jalisa and how she had come to know Loki and come into pocession of the necklace. Many questions filled his mind, questions that needed to be answered......... But the more pressing question right now was not if the Gorrinvul would strike again but when.

Lunazul had finished her prayers, she stood and stretched her legs. Verin watched as she rose from her meditations, he was struck by how comely his cousin was, as far as he knew she had not chosen a mate yet Verin wondered what lucky Drow would have the responsibility of sharing her bed.

Lunazul walked across the room for her hairbrush, taking it in hand she brushed her waist length white hair. Pytha had finished her chores and came back into the room.

"How long will you stay cousin?" The young woman asked.

Verin smiled but before he had a chance to answer Lunazul spoke.
"He cannot stay long Pytha, he has enemies to look after." Luna said as she completed the brushing of her hair.

"Your wise sister is correct Pytha, I will not impose for much longer, I must move on." Verin said shooting Luna a cold look.

"However, I could always use some company on my...travels." Verin shifted his gaze back to Pytha. The young black elf's eyes grew wide.

"She will not accompany you, your obsession shall not become hers. Let this madness remain yours alone cousin, she cannot go with you." Lunazul said looking at Pytha as she spoke.

"Luna I..." Pytha began.

"I am the head of this house Pytha, the responsibilities that our mother had passed to me when she died and I will not dishonor her and neither will you." Luna snapped at her sibling.

Verin wanted to laugh, how easy it was to plant the seeds of dissent. He had Pytha where he wanted her, she had always looked up to him and would not be difficult to separate her from her self righteous older sibling.

"Of course Luna is right kaoveh, perhaps it is best you stay here and wash dishes and tidy up, the world beyond Under dark is cruel and dangerous. It is better that you stay here and keep your sister company and do her bidding." Verin said quietly.

Anger was burning in Pytha's eyes but she held her tongue.

"Enough of this bitterness, I will sit before the reflecting pool and see what the goddess would have me see. You may sit with me if you desire." Luna said as she twisted her long hair into a ponytail. She did not wait for a response, she walked into her private room and sat and knelt before the black trough of water. The trough looked like it was made from Onyx or black marble, it was not very deep. It was about 4 feet long and about two feet wide. Lunazul closed her eyes and cleared her mind. The drowess leaned over the water and opened her eyes.

Dark colors danced across the waters, abstract shapes and shadows moved and wiggled across the dark water. Luna stared into the trough, Verin could feel her magic beginning to flow from her, it filled the room. Pytha stood in the doorway just behind Verin, her arms were crossed over her chest.

"What do you see?" Verin asked.

"I see horses..." Luna said clearly surprised.

"Just horses, no one rides them. They are standing in a field, a terrible fire burns nearby..."

Luna was looking wide eyed into the water, a dull glow was rising from the trough.

Verin stepped forward behind his cousin, in his hand he held the earring. He came very close to the back of Luna, he opened his hand and pressed the earring onto the flesh of her exposed shoulder. Pushing it hard against her black skin he put his other hand on her other shoulder.

"What do you see now kaoveh." He sneered as she jerked and went stiff.

Lunazul saw Jalisa's blue eyes, her false eyes. She saw the dark mountains and the great flying dragon. The vision was an assault on Luna's senses she began to tremble, Verin held her in place.

Luna saw the Phariekin standing on the mountain's summit, she recognized him from her earlier vision (one Verin was unaware of). Lunazul could see through the dragon's eyes as it flew over land, she could see the rocky foothills of Rohan, a land that was not far from her part of Under Dark. As the dragon flew she saw the Gorrinvul as they did battle with the Rohirrim.

Verin squeezed Luna's shoulders.
"Tell me what you see." Luna seemed unable to argue, she began to speak of what she saw.

"It is Rohan that I see. The men that dwell there still do battle with the Gorrinvul. There are so few Rohirrim that fight the Gorrinvul, only a handful of these men stand against the creatures...there are so many." She stuttered.

"Among their gold helmets I see others fighting with them. I see a dwarf, a warrior who wears the colors of Oron-D-Narr, there is a holy man, i see his dark robes. I see a dark haired woman who fights like they do, she wears the armor of the Rohirrim. By the goddess, I think the dragon is with them..."

Lunazul eyes wear frozen wide, tears were streaming down her face as she could not blink. She was shaking as Verin still held her still, his magic influencing her.

"Do you see the Deithir? Is this foul being with them as well?"

"I have seen him, he is near them, it is unclear." Luna whispered.

The vision shifted, Luna was now seeing the Pharie and a drow woman traveling through dangerous spider filled passages. Luna did not recognize Ssinjin as she appeared now, she did not desire to tell Verin anymore but his dark influence poured from his hands onto her skin.

"Now I see the Deither and a drow woman, they are traveling to a sacred place deep in our world."

Pytha had come into the room, she was worried about her sister, she could see her discomfort.

"Verin..." The black haired girl said.

"It is almost over, you must trust me."
Verin said without looking at her.

Verin began to withdrawal his magic, his hold on the drowess was receding.

Luna stood up abruptly and turned to face Verin. the images began to fade and dull in the waters.

"How dare you!" She snapped. She was livid but her look of anger was quickly replaced by one of shock and pain.

Verin held the delicate handle of a glossy black drow dagger, the blade was treated with the customary deadly poison. The blade was deep in Lunazul's abdomen just beneath the last of her ribs. The woman fell to the floor in silence, her eyes still open wide.

Verin turned to Pytha as she had only begun to react to his crime.

"You are the head of this house now mistress, I am your humble servant."
The dark elf said as he cleaned the blade and slipped it back into it's scabbard.

Sorrelwind grew nervous as Kallus ran her fingers through his hair and Jin's lies were rather embarrassing to the bard to say the least. As an empath he could feel the carnal desires the burned within the Drow women, it was simply their nature he had come to understand but he had to admit it was a little overwhelming. Were he a Man he doubted he would charge down that lusty path, but he was Phaerie. His kind had to be wary of 'Naturals', their name for beings such as Men and Elves who could move about the physical world unhindered by charms, talismans, and the will of others. Sensuous pleasures exchanged more than passion, they shared the essence of a Phaerie and a malicious individual could easily take advantage of this, so Tiphereth recoiled from the Drowess' touch.

Thankfully, Jin's ruse worked and he could feel the older Drowess concede to her younger sister's rights over him. If such were actually the case, the Deithir could think of far worse things to endure than being the object of desire for a Drowess of Jin's likeness. He would have to thank her for the intervention and later time, but now it was time to find the Gorrinvul and he too had spied the recognition in, Jin's eyes. She knew where to find these creatures and so their quest would continue in the Under Dark.

The bard was beginning to tire of Kallus' advances and was considering ending the charade when she spied the Dragon earring that hung round his neck. Immediately she knew what it was and her conclusion left Tiphereth with little doubt of what he held. By the end of her riddle, much became clear and it dawned on him that the earring he carried naturally had a twin and the connection he had felt with Verin could only mean on thing. He had the other earring!

Kallus then went rigid and stared blankly. "Who dares to look upon me uninvited!" She screamed as she detected Luna's scrying. Quickly she began to cast a spell that would blind the spy for a time, but then the scyer ceased to exist, as if she had been either rendered unconscious or killed.

Tiphereth had felt it too, but his senses hardly compared to the prophet's. All he knew was that someone had used the 'sight' to view them and they knew now where they were.

"We are in your debt, Kallus." Thanked the Deithir with a bowed head, "I am, however, but a humble servant and have nothing to offer."

Kallus' mouth twisted in a wry smile. She was quite aware that the Deithir was no servant but she was unable to determine whether or not the two shared one another's warmth. It hardly mattered to her. If she had wanted the Phaerie should could have took him and there would not have been anything, Jin could have done as her power was far greater than any imagined. Despite knowing the Deithir actually bore status, they were in the Under Dark and he had to know his place.

"Be off with you both now." She told them and gestured to a corridor that spiraled upward, "Climb it to where the two great spires meet then carry on to the ceiling of the cavern. You will then find the passages of the Drow kingdom once again."

Tiphereth did not move as he was awaiting the commands of the Drowess. Only when she commanded him would he move, and only then.

Augustine awoke to a rather loud rumbling, it would grow quiet for a few seconds and then continue. The sound was unlike anything the druid had heard before. Augustine opened his eyes, the druid had slept on a large pile of hay in the great hall in the keep. Many of the men of Rohan were sleeping nearby, their celebrations had gone on long into the late hours of the night.

There was that sound again, the druid looked to his right and soon discovered the source of the loud rumbling. Orthagren the master dwarf was sleeping a few feet away from the druid and his loud snoring reverberated around the drinking hall. The druid sat up and took note of his aching head, the fine honey wine of Rohan was something the druid was not used to. Walking quietly across the room Augustine went and fetched himself some cool water from a barrel. The druid drank the water down, already his head was growing less clouded.

Augustine passed by a half dozen of the sleeping warriors. He passed Jorneff who had celebrated the most, the tall horse master was lying face down on the stone floor, his beard still soaked with the sticky mead. The sleeping man still had a slight smile on his face as he snored onto the cool stone of the keep's floor.

The druid exited the great hall and walked into the wide corridor, several of the Rohirrim were standing guard here, they bid Augustine good morning as he walked past. It was still very early, the sun had not yet reached the horizon, it was a perfect time to once again climb the rampart, find a quiet spot and do some meditating. Augustine climbed up the wooden ladders and walked out to a shelf of stone that faced the front of the keep. The sky was a deep dark blue with just a sliver of orange as the sun began to peek over the horizon. Augustine sat, got as comfortable as he could and began to let his mind rest, he always thought of the monastery, affectionately known as Columba by the lake, named after one of it's first master druids that co founded the place and taught there for many years (generations before Augustine had arrived there). The druid's eyes were closed tight as he recalled the wealth of sacred and secret tomes there, all very powerful teaching aids, all one of a kind hand written by druids that had lived before him. Augustine had read them every day to learn about the growing world around him.

Augustine had memorized many of the books, he knew them well and it helped him to replenish his connection to the plants and trees to picture the brightly colored pages of the hand decorated tomes. As the sun stepped up from the edge of the world to finally show itself Augustine was deep in thought.

Lac watched as Augastine rose and walked from the hall. Silently he rose and followed the Druid quietly. As he passed the two Rohiriam guards be bade them a soft good morning, then followed behind Augustine up the the rampart. The sun rose showing a red sky with a scattered clouds above.

He gaved out over the plains to the east and said softly "Rayestada sirkayyid isanar tarhiemeld mirosraynorithnorglin ......... Ithnarnelonceleldnaetae borlorosoldil hamalstar beleldaestanor sayperninalonlisethadel tirhilinasor naeithgulhiltil." ( TRANSLATION: Red sky in the morning......... innocent blood has been spilled this night.) A cold wind of warning, seemed to brush across Lac's face as he wrapped his Elnen cloak tighter around him and gazed, trance like, out across the plain.

Pytha stood near her fallen sister, Lunazul was lying on her side, her eyes still open, a look of shock frozen on her delicate dark face. Verin had his back to Luna, he slid his small dagger into his belt and and faced Pytha.

"There comes a time in all of our lives that we outgrow our elders kaoveh, one must sever the ties that bind, one must refuse the burdensome yoke of obligation." Verin said casually.

"Do not grieve young one, no doubt your pious sister has gone to be with Lolth now that she has been freed from the flesh."

"What have you done?!..."
Pytha said quietly in utter disbelief.

"You will pay for this Verin."
She hissed through clenched teeth.

"You cannot begin to understand the choices I have made my young cousin..." The drow said with no sense of guilt.

Pytha looked to her sister again, Lunazul was moving!
The drowess stretched an arm out towards verin, his back was still to her. Her lips moved but no sound escaped from them, Pytha watched but did not let on.

The water in Luna's trough grew bright, the surface of the dark fluid bubbled and rippled. Two forms broke the surface of the water and emerged quickly from the black water.

The two beings stepped from the trough, they were dry as if unaffected by the water. They appeared to be drow but their faces were covered. The two beings wore black sacks over their heads, each one had a single eye hole cut roughly into the sack. The sacks were tied at the neck of each creature with a thick black rope, a single glowing red eye looked out from each hole.

Sensing movement Verin turned to face the things. As he turned a look of true fear crossed his face.

"We are the servants of the great Goddess, we have come to set the unbalanced scales, we are those that are tasked to punish those that do great insult to the Spider Queen."
The two beings hissed.

Verin stumbled back towards Pytha. The black haired woman had dropped to her knees when the creatures appeared she was now low to the floor and she did not dare look upon the two things.

"Your blasphemy has grown expensive and payment is due." The two figures said as they pointed at Verin. They moved forward, their arms outstretched. Verin backed up, he was now just in front of Pytha.

"How many of the great Goddesses fine priestesses have you destroyed? Did you think that your insults have gone unnoticed?" They continued.

Verin reached behind him and grabbed Pytha, he pulled her from the floor and now held her in front of him like a shield. The drowess turned away from the two immortals she did not look upon them.

"Touch me and I will kill this child." Verin said in desperation.

"Killing another of your kin will only compound your suffering blasphemer." The dark figures said.

Pytha drove her elbow into Verin's stomach, her armor was covered in sharp spikes, she felt several of them pierce his armor and cut into his flesh. He leaned forward as they cut into him. The young woman elbowed him in his face, the deadly spikes tore at his cheek. Pytha pulled Verin down, she clutched his white hair almost pulling it out. The drow was on his knees Pytha still held her eyes closed tight, she feared the consequences of looking at the great Goddess's avenging shadows.

"I humbly ask the Goddess's permission to destroy my cousin, it is my right and I would be pleased to play my part in his punishment." Pytha said as she held Verin in place by his hair.

"Do what you will youngling but the blasphemer is coming with us..." They answered.

Pytha turned her back to the two creatures and faced Verin. She rasied her elbow and drove it hard into his face, the spikes piercing his black skin and destroying his left eye. Verin howled in pain, he brought his hands to his face only to find that the damage was severe.

The creatures were slowly moving towards he and Pytha, they watched the young woman as she struck him again. They offered no words and no opinion.

The situation was bleak, Verin brought his hands together, for a second Pytha thought that he was going to pray to the Goddess but no, he touched onto one of his rings and a wave of violent energy shook the room.

A powerful shock wave shook the room, the stalactites on the ceiling could be heard to crack as they broke from their rocky roots. They fell down like giant spear heads, they crashed to the floor, the two beings stopped their movements and watched for the falling shards. A small shard of the splintered ceiling struck Pytha and she fell limp to the floor.

"We cannot be destroyed." The things said almost angrily.

A large piece of jagged rock fell and smashed into the center of Lunazul's scrying trough, the black stone of the trough shattered and splintered as it broke apart. A black mist flowed from the broken trough, the mist traveled to the two beings and covered them like a cloud. The mist began to dissipate, as it faded the two creatures faded with it.

"You cannot escape Verin, the scales must be set..." The things hissed as they vanished from view, the mist was gone now. The last of the of the falling stones settled to the ground and the room grew quiet again.

Verin stood up, dark blood rushed from his missing eye and flowed onto his black armor. Much of the dark blood was flowing from his midsection as well.

"I still live Goddess! Your frightening spirits have not claimed me!" He yelled into the quiet room.

Verin looked down at Pytha, her breathing was shallow and a large gash was open on her head.

"It's just me and you now kaoveh." He said with a grin.

Jin saw the change in Kallus when she screamed at the unseen intruder and instantly became defensive. Taking a step towards Tiphereth she placed herself close to him in case something happened that required her to protect him. Kallus, she figured, was powerful enough to take care of her own self.

As the Drowess dismissed them, Jin wasted no time in hauling Tiphereth to his feet and practically dragging him out of the chamber. Not one word was spoken between them as they both climbed the corridor to the top of the spires as quickly as they could. Jin knew Tiphereth wouldn’t have any trouble scaling the height and to make sure she scaled it to keep up with him, she cast a quicken spell upon herself.

Once they reached the top of the spires, Jin slowed their pace until they reached the opening that would take them from Kallus’ realm and into that of the Drow. Gesturing for Tiophereth to remain quiet, she scoped out the opening and checked to make sure the coast was clear. With anther gesture, she had Tiphereth follow her a little further. When she was satisfied they were far enough away from Kallus and in no danger from passing Drow, Jin took a moment to rest and catch her breath.

”Forgive my actions with you, Tiphereth. It was the only way. She would have clearly taken you from me and I would have had no choice but to relent to her will. Unfortunately, the charade will have to continue until we are well out of danger in these underground caverns and tunnels.”

The look in Jin’s eyes were sincere and it was clear she did not take any pleasure in the way she treated the Deithir. Pullingher water skin from her person, she took a long drink then handed it to the Pharie. Her brows furrowed then as she looked up the tunnel.


”The Gorrinvul are driven by the desire for revenge, my friend. And from what Kallus has said, we have to remove the king and queen if we are to prevent them from ever returning to Rohan again. The place I saw them was a man made tunnel. Not one of these. Although I believe they are using these tunnels to move under Rohan. Most man made tunnels are closer to the surface here. I have a feeling we will pick up on their trail when we get closer to the surface ourselves."

Jin was quiet for a moment before she turned her gaze upon Tiphereth again. There was confusion in her red eyes as she thought about something.

”What is that around your neck, Tiphereth? And what did Kallus mean by what she said about it?”

Jalisa remained vigilant on the top of the cliff side that jutted out over the top of the keep. Late into the night she could hear the celebration of victory and honoring of the fallen. Different times during the night she could see and feel things that were not of this place. One she knew to be the Deithir and she felt another’s presence whose power was great for a moment only to feel the heartbeat of the Deithir strongly once again.

But it was the male Drows influence she felt most disturbing of all. He was as cruel as the day was long and he reveled in his cruelty of others. What disturbed Jalisa even more was the fact she wasn’t repulsed by it. In fact, because of her nature, she knew she could easily learn to like being just like that and there was little anyone could do to stop her.

The only thing that kept her in check now was the fact she had spent time with Loki and he had taken it upon himself to show her there was an entirely different world seen when you let yourself shake the bonds of perception and learn to change. What would he think of her now that she had let her earrings fall into the hands of others? He would tell her to find a way out of it without causing undo harm to others.

”Easier said than done sometimes…”

Jalisa grumbled to herself as she watched the sky grow from obsidian darkness to the palor of daybreak. Standing, Jalisa stretched her human legs and gazed out at the eastern sky. She was about to leave her vantage point when she saw two figures below. Moving as close to the edge as she could, she watched the Druid as he sat and meditated then watched Lac as he greeted the rising sun.

Her eyes remained on Lac’Nala as she heard his voice say the words about a red sky and innocent blood shed. Jalisa’s eyes moved back to the horizon again and she furrowed her brows. Hopefully she wouldn’t shed any innocent blood but somehow she had a feeling her wish might not come true.

The Drow and the Deithir found when the reached the top of Kallus' great stalagmite tower that the tip of it nearly touched another equally massive stalactite. A roughly made stairway, exited the spire, spiraling upward, leading to another portal through which they continued their upward journey. There at the above the ceiling of the great cavern they found themselves within an ancient chamber. It was round and several passages linked to it and were the Drowess to use her magic to reveal the passing of any creatures, would find none as very few knew of their existence.

Tiphereth acknowledged, Jin's apology with an understanding nod. "Your customs are not mine, little one, but this is your world and I respect your ways." he told her. He then listened intently as she explained her theory as to the whereabouts of the dreaded Gorrinvul.

"Here we diverge from our companions." The bard stated, as if he his black eyes gazed into the future, "Our path lies with the Black Queen and it is the fate of our friends to stand before the Gorrinvul King."

The Deithir's black eyes fell upon the Drowess and he explained his certainty, "This I know. Fates are known to me." he told her without any ego, in fact he almost sad to speak of it.

"This crafted tunnel you speak of may very well be within a mountain." Tiphereth added, "The lore of the creatures which has been made known to me, tells that they were once a race of cave-dwellers."

Tiphereth then moved slowly about the chamber, inspecting the etching upon the walls, weathered by moisture and time. When, Jin made mention of the token that hung about his neck he continued to examine a relief of the Drow Goddess, feigning interest in order to avoid the question. He was leery about discussing the artifact with her, but he was not exactly sure why? The Drowess had proven she was trustworthy and he saw no reason not to reveal what is was that he carried and yet he had an overwhelming urge to protect the earring. A covetous desire was infecting him and the bard could feel it. He was not a weak minded fool to be swayed by the power of a relic, but his awareness of the control was not enough to countermand its influence. His kind was vulnerable to the power of such items and already it had entwined it's black magic about him. The Phaerie could feel its dark energies surging through him and his heightened sensitivity pulled him closer to the possessor of the second earring. A Phaerie could not match the will of a being born of the 'Natural World', and Verin power was already corrupting his essence.

Tiphereth countered, Jin's question by stating, "Kallus is mad. The token about my neck is not but a gift of Galadriel."

Before he turned to face the Drowess, Tiphereth had utilized a talisquetric ability, that allowed him to absorb magical items into his skin, turning them into ornate tattoos that he could in turn be summoned when needed. Reaching into his jacket he drew out the amulet of petrified birch upon a braided vine necklace and held before, Jin. The words, 'Sorrowful Wind', written in Elvish were inscribed upon it.

Unfortunately, drawing the earring into his flesh had a profound effect on the Phaerie, but his face which betrayed little emotion did not reveal anything. He in fact felt just the same, but he knew what Verin had done. He had seen, how he slaughtered his cousin and avoided the judgment of his own Goddess. He was a despicable creature, but he found himself sympathizing with his cause and this was something he knew not to share with his sister. He too was plagued by the influence of meddling gods, he had been in the service of the Aelaeydium for more years than he could remember and he felt for the Dark Elf sorcerer. He was much closer to the other earring now and it sought to be with its twin. Tiphereth could feel the pull and though he knew to avoid bringing them together was helpless to refuse the will of the earrings and of Verin.

"It is safe here." Sorrelwind said, changing the subject. He then took out of his pocket a small time piece. If fit within the palm of his hand and was made of a lustrous metal. He opened the ornate watch and read the intricate dials and rotating pieces beneath the glass. "Morning is near and the Gorrinvul will already be retreating from the sunlight. We should rest and decide later whether we should approach their den during the hours of night or not waste time and seek them out by day."

Jin watched Tiphereth as he moved about the cavern after the mention of the trinket around his neck. There was something….different….about the way he moved but what Jin couldn’t put her finger on just yet. When he produced the petrified wood with the elvish scroll on it, she studied the gift for a moment then leveled her gaze to his.

”A fine gift indeed. You are lucky it was nothing more than this. Kallus would have most likely taken it for herself if it had been.”

Jin wasn’t sure she liked the idea that the others would have to face the Gorrinvul King by themselves but she did take some comfort in knowing she would be facing the Queen with Tiphereth. While he seemed saddened to tell her the news, Jin smiled knowingly and nodded.

”Fate is a fickle bitch, Tiphereth. And she never shows you her entire hand. There is always something she keeps concealed form view for her own twisted purposes.”

When he gave her a puzzling look, Jin waved it off.

”I shall explain at another time.”

When the Deithir looked at the intricate time piece and let Jin know what time of day it was, she chuckled softly and shook her head. When he gave her another strange look, she gently touched his shoulder with her gloved hand.

”I know, Tiphereth. I know. But it was good to hear that you know as well.”

The mention of rest did sound inviting and as Jin looked around, she found the perfect place for just such rest to take place. Reaching into the folds of her cloak she produced a bed roll then walked over to a flat part of the floor and unrolled it. With a few pats and smoothing out, she turned to look at Tiphereth.

”There is room for both of us, Tiphereth, if you wish. I promise I shall not make any unwanted advances upon you. I give you my word. I will be alerted should one come near so if you wish to rest with me, I would not dismiss your company.”

With her invitation given, Jin didn’t wait to see what the Deithir’s answer would be. She would know when he laid down beside her or not. Stretching out on the bed roll she wrapped her cloak around her closing her eyes. Rest she needed and rest she was going to get.

Brianna had slept very little, only dozing periodically. She'd definately drunk more than she should have, but not enough to completely numb her anger and pain. Her green eyes had darkened with her emotions and this morning was no different. She watched as first Augustine, then Lac left the Hall. She looked around her and saw that most of the men were still in deep slumber and she could heard Orthargen snoring. Feeling the urge to need to relieve herself, she rose and quietly left the Hall, biding the guards a good morning.

She found a privy to do her business and looked up to see Augustine and Lac up on the ramparts. She looked back at the hall and remembered how they'd called for her to sing about her kin, which she'd done only to be swiftly ignored. Such was their way, she supposed and something she was used to, which was why she'd gone back to her corner once she was done. But, she was also grateful for the warrior who'd called out for her to sing for it had lightened her heart some.

Once done, she wandered around the keep, finding herself at a large shed.

"Fate is a fickle bitch..." The Drowess had remarked.

Tiphereth pondered the simile. It made little sense to him and considered debating the statement with the Drowess but when she made mention that she would explain it another time he was content to wait. They needed their rest and there would be time enough for talk in the morning. As he tucked away his watch he wondered for a moment how the Drowess was aware of the time, it made little sense that under-dwellers would be so in tune with night and day, but then again as they were nocturnal the awareness made sense. He himself had little sense of time. One day more or less blurred into the next and he was quite reliant upon his time piece to remind him of even the day of a Ranslathian week.

Leaning against the wall he watched the Drowess prepare her bed and smiled broadly at her invitation. A tempting offer, but one that he would have to decline out of respect for Lac'Nal. While his kind held no store in monogamy he understood that the Men and more so the Elves in particular mated for life. It was quite apparent to him that the Drowess' did not subscribe to this philosophy. No doubt they were accustomed to having many lovers at one time.

As, Tiphereth turned away and found a suitable place to retire, Jin would never know the personal triumph he felt in refusing such an opportunity. The very nature of the Phaerie was promiscuous. Once upon time, the desire to experience the sensations that the 'Naturals' took for granted ruled them, and even after they too became 'flesh' those basic qualities lingered on. At the Temple of the Falling Leaves abstinence was required for much of his training and living among the disciplined bards he had found his center and was no longer ruled by the carnal. Although from time to time he still catered to it.

Tiphereth reached into his satchel of many compartments and procured a small role of shimmering blue fabric not unlike silk. He unrolled it, and the tiny amount of material unfolded to a size well beyond its original mass. He noted, Jin's observation and while the Phaerie weave, known as 'aushmir' was uncommon even in his world, Tiphereth felt that it's magical properties were obvious and required no explanation.

The secret room had proved a safe haven and the Drow and the Deithir slept soundly, well as soundly as one who was on guard would sleep. Tiphereth and the Drowess had risen at the same time, but Jin had continued to rest while he took the time to perform a morning exercise.

The Deithirin bard had awoke as if he had only just closed his eyes for a moment. His senses were clear and his movements fluid as he folded and re-rolled his bedding and tucked the shimmering fabric back within his satchel. He checked his time piece once more then tucking it back within the pocket of his ornate, lavender coloured jacket, removed it and his billowing embroidered shirt and placed them beside his pack. The shirtless, Phaerie then moved to the center of the large round chamber and moved his arms slowly while taking deep breaths. He did this for several minutes, flexing and relaxing his powerful muscles as he moved in and out of various fighting stances, some of which the Drowess was able to compare to her own style of fighting. Naked, one could see the many elaborate tattoos that adorned his porcelain body. The vibrantly coloured symbols and images seemed to move across his skin and change location as he twirled and leaped. The dragon earring was at the centre of his chest, and even the chain upon which it had hung was now an ornate semblance of what it was in the physical world. It, however, stood out no more than any of the other fantastic designs that ran along his back, abdomen and arms.

Striking a pose that reminded, Jin of a bird, Tiphereth then swept a hand down, scooping up a fist full of dirt and tossed it into the air. Before his eyes the the dust began to slow as it fell back down to earth. The onlooking, Drowess then saw the Deithir move with such incredible speed that her eyes were unable to follow his movements. She could only see a blurry image and flashes of what she thought were his hands generating currents of air that prevented the cloud of fine earth from falling to the ground.

The cloud of dust then fell to the stone floor and the Deithir was standing on the other side of the room, his back to the Drowess. He extended his right arm and the tattoo of his sword-staff that entwined it, writhed it's away toward his hand and became physical. He swung the blade about and a flash of blue light illuminated the darkness. As he performed a series of acrobatic movements with his most proficient weapon, a blue aura of faerie-fire licked across his body. As the Phaerie spun about the room performing his magical dance his origin was evident and for a moment the radiance grew so bright that the entire room was bathed in bluish light then all went black once more.

Tiphereth stood still, his hands clasped before him, his spear-like weapon laying across his arms. His talisquetric tattoos began to radiate a faint glow, that to the eyes of the Drowess was brilliant. He breathed deeply and without thought his hand wandered and touched the necklace about his neck, but though it was difficult to see, his fingers did not touch upon the amulet of petrified wood but the dragon symbol beneath, the tattoo that seemed to burn brighter than all the others. With a long exhale the luminescence faded and Tiphereth quietly walked back over to where he had left his shirt and jacket and dressed.

Gathering up his satchel, Tiphereth walked over to Jin and sat beside her.

"So you do not receive the wrong impression." he joked in reference to his now clothed body. He then opened the leather flap on his satchel and from a compartment produced a silver disk or a pentacle and placed it upon the ground. Placing his hand it over it, he nonchalantly spoke a few words and a blue fire ignited and burned bright. He then removed many of items of which could not of have actually fit within the bag, but it was already apparent to all by now that Tiphereth's satchel was far from ordinary.

Methodically he had placed a concoction of herbs and grains in to a small pan which he had taken from bags and jars he placed back within his satchel when he was done with them. He also assembled a small stand which he put over the fire then placed a small kettle upon it. He filled it with water from an ornate decanter then dropped in shiny metal tea-ball into it which he had filled with sweet smelling leaves. While the water boiled he placed his hand over the herbs in the small brass frying pan and once more spoke some words in an incomprehensible tongue. The concoction shimmered then in its place was a slab of bacon and four eggs.

"I knew, Alrick for only but a moment in time, but I miss his company." Sorrelwind said as he sliced up the meat into strips in the pan. He then removed the boiling kettle and placed it beside to ornate metal cups and placed the pan and it's contents over the fire. The Phaerie sprinkled a mixture of powdered onion and salt over the food and breathed in the savory aroma. "I lack his culinary expertise but this should be palatable." he said with a smile.

"Tea?" The Deithir offered and even if Jin had thought to deny a cup he poured her one anyway as he couldn't imagine anyone not accepting a cup of the fine warm brew.

The Deithir seemed a different person that morning. More relaxed and revealing more emotion than he ever had. It was as if while he had slept someone had unlocked that expressionless masque he had worn since they first met.

"It is peaceful down here." The Deithir commented as he stirred the bacon and cracked the eggs into the mix, "My dreams are often plagued with visits from those whom I serve. They come announced and steal away my time even in my sleep, but last night they did not come. I have not slept so well in an age despite the dangers that surround us."

As the bleary eyed Rohirrim stirred in the warm morning light many were yet torn between delighting in the gift of a new day and wishing they could pass on and be with their loved ones. As Ceolwulf walked the ramparts and looked out into the golden red dawn he silently prayed that it would be the last one he would look upon in this world.

The lord awaited all to rise and wash the remains of last night's feast from their mouths before calling all to assembly before the ashes of the funeral pyre. Standing before the remains of his fallen brothers a gust of wind stirred the ash and tossed the tall warrior's pale locks about his stern face.

"I have another dream." he told his men and all grew silent and listened intently for it was know to them that their lord was blessed or cursed with prophetic dreams of the Gorrinvul. This they surmised was because it was his ancestor that originally defeated them and so they believed it was his destiny to once more rid the lands of their foul stench.

"The Gorrinvul seek to destroy us all!" Ceolwulf continued, "Even now they toil to bring to life the Golem!"

At the mere mention of the word, the seasoned warriors gasped and exchanged fearful looks. The Golem had walked across the plains of Rohan before and nothing could stand against it. It crushed town after town until its dark shadow loomed over Edoras. The knowledge was since lost how it was defeated but it was known to them all from handed down stories that Raegenharr was able to bring down the titan with a single swing of his sword. Some say he knew where to strike and others tell a tale that it was not the Golem he struck at all, but none could recall what truly happened.

"The Golem will rise!" Ceolwulf stated, "It will march across the lands come night fall but morning's light will not drive it back to the shadows. Once it has risen, it must fall by our hands and fall it will!" he assured his men who's resolve was strengthened by the confidence of their leader. "The Golem will march upon Edoras but first it thrust it's foot upon us, for it seeks to stamp out those who defy it and while all of Rohan cower about their hearths we alone will stand before the Gorrinvul!"

The men cheered heartily then grew silent awaiting further inspiring words but Ceolwulf had none. "Alone we will die," he honestly told them and his fellow warrior's hearts sunk but there was hope yet, "but not if the forces of Edoras join us."

"The people of Edoras hide behind their walls!" Scoffed a warrior.

"Aye, Jorneff." Replied Ceolwulf, "That is why you and Skajrnir will go to them and convince them to fight."

The giant warrior puffed out his chest. "I am no messenger m'lord. I seek only to crush the Gorrinvul." Jorneff said passionately.

Ceolwulf nodded. "That is why it must be you. Convince the King to join us and if he does not then you will tell him that Ceolwulf wishes him a good rest."

Jorneff and the other appointed messenger, Skajrnir, a brawny man with wild golden curls, exchanged apprehensive looks. There was no greater insult among their people than to wish a warrior a good rest. It meant simply that they were too feeble to do nothing else but lie down and die without honour.

"M'lord?" Questioned Jorneff making sure that he heard right.

"Tell him my exact words, Jorneff." Ordered Ceolwulf.

Jorneff bowed and promised to do so and right at that very moment he and Skajrnir prepared for their departure. The ride would be long and they had to make Edoras before the setting of the sun and so they had to leave immediately but before he headed for the stables, the big man sought out the druid.

"Until we meet again, in this life or the next." Jorneff said to Augustine as he locked arms with him in the traditional warrior's fashion.

Ceolwulf then addressed the rest of the warriors. "We have until the moon is high to prepare for them." he told his men and allies, "Fortify the walls and make ready fire that we can hurl at our enemies!"

The lord joined his men in cheer and prayed that the Drow and Phaerie were finding success in the underworld. He knew that it was the king of the Gorrinvul that commanded the great Golem, but the queen that never left the deep dark would also have to fall if they were to defeat the Gorrinvul.

Lac'nala listened as Ceolwulf addressed Jorneff and Skajrnir, then his men. He then approached Lord Ceowulf, bowed his head slightly in respect and said "With your permision Lord Ceolwulf, I will accompany Jorneff and Skajrnir on this task. I also respectfully suggest you prepare the lights on the watch towers. Light them as a signal for aide when the time comes.Theoden, like his namesake is a noble King ....... Edoras will answer your call. I will do all within my power to see that he does."

Lord Ceolwulf bowed his head respectfully to Lac'Nal and placed his large hand on the Half-Elf's shoulder. "Ride hard my friend. If you do not return by the mid of the night I shall see you in the next life." he said with a small smile.

Ceolwulf then gave the ranger a firm shake and slapped his shoulder hard before he turned away to see to his duties. The lord had hoped that the ranger would accompany his men but he did not have the courage to ask him. The way would be hard but even more dangerous would be addressing the king of Rohan. The man he knew as a boy had changed. He sat round his fire alone, muttering to himself and reminiscing of the old days and caring not of the future or even the present days that lingered by. Perhaps this Lac'Nal, this foreign king would be looked upon as an equal by the lord of his land who seemed sodden with a mysterious grief.

Brianna heard Ceowulf's words and shivered at the word 'Golem'. Her father had told her stories of such a creature and it filled her with dread. But, she would fight amongst her friends and her people to the bitter end if need be.

Leaving the shed, she ventured to the practicing circle where some of the men who had not partook of a great amount of mead were practicing.

"I would like to join you, if you will."

The three men nodding their approval, allowed Brianna to enter the circle. She pulled her sword free of it's scabbard and twirled it a few times. It was apparant that all three planned on attacking her at once and she simply smiled at them.

"We simply wish to see if you are as good as you seemed to be last eve."

Nodding her head, she waited for the attack to come, eager to expel some of her anger. When the first one struck, she blocked his blow with her sword and lunged, causing him to take a few steps back lest he lose his balance. The other two attacked together and she blocked them as well but not without a few nicks to herself. One of the men lifted the tip of his sword and smiled at her.

"I have drawn first blood, Brianna the Dark Rohirrim."

Brianna chuckled, telling him it was merely a nick, nothing more. All three men then engaged her and she moved gracefully as she countered their attacks, rolling, dodging, and jumping as she blocked only to attack herself. A half an hour later, all four were breathing heavily and smiling to one another.

"You fight like a true Rohirrim, Brianna. Though your hair and eyes may be dark, you are one of us."

His words made her smile, her heart a little lighter because of them. She had already forgotten his name, but he took no offense to it. She bid them safe practice as she headed to the bathing house to clean up.

For nearly a full day the Gorrinvul toiled with rope and wood, the golem was coming together. The creatures had fashioned the torso, it looked much like a giant birdcage, but this cage was full with a mass of the undead creatures. 20 Gorrinvul wide was the torso, each of the moldy skinned humanoids was tied tight to the next one, thick ropes were lashed around their necks, waists, arms and legs.

To the sides of the torso armature were the arms, thin cut logs made up the long limbs, dozens of the Gorrinvul were busy tying their brethren to the old dried logs. The Golem was being constructed in parts, it was only a half day away from being completed. When the giant was complete the creatures would assemble it with ropes and pulleys in the great chamber. Long legs would be made to support the torso, the arms would be joined to the sides of the structure. When all this was done the black skinned lord of these things would climb atop the Golem and take his seat at it's head.

The black skinned prince called Breac watched his tribe as they worked building the Golem, they toiled endlessly to build it for the Gorrinvul never slept. The large creature left the great chamber and traveled deep into the tunnels, far away from the rest of the Gorrinvul. Coming to the last and deepest of the tunnels he got to his hands and knees and crawled through a small cave opening.

Within in this dark and wretched place lived the queen of the Gorrinvul, she was the eldest of them and the most feared. Breac crawled through the darkness, the queen's chamber was the darkest of all, he could hear her breathing, he moved towards the sound of her breathing.

<Translated from the Gorrinvul language>
"Is the giant complete my prince?" Her voice called from the darkness.

"It will be soon." Breac grunted.

The sound of water, or something similar could be heard, Breac could not see her yet but the queen sat on a natural piece of ancient stone that served as her throne, at the side of her stone seat was a pool of thick black liquid. The queen stirred the black pool with one of her clawed feet as she addressed Breac. The black liquid dripped and sloshed as she stirred the pool.

Breac kept his head down, the Gorrinvul did not look at the face of their queen unless told to.

"Kill or turn them all Breac, they are few of them left, finish them."
She said.

"It will be done."
He barked.
"Now come closer and look upon me, you will stay in my chamber for a while, you will lay with me and let me share your flesh."
The queen said.
Breac was only happy to submit to her will.

As the Gorrinvul relentlessly toiled so too did the Rohirrim. The three companions and the remaining eighteen warriors were each tasked to perform the work of four in order to prepare for the impending attack forseen by lord Ceolwulf. The Dwarf alone, seemed undaunted and tireless with his work, in fact Othargren seemed to be enjoying himself as he ceaselessly motivated his fellow workers. Learning the the Dwarf was a mason and experienced in fortification the lord had placed him in charge of the defenses in Lac'Nal's stead and Othargren embraced the task with determination and passion.

"Put yer backs into lads!" Roared the Dwarf as the Rohirrim hauled heavy buckets of oil up to the walls where they filled several barrels to the brim. "Ceolwulf wants fire, enough to set enough of those bastards aflame that they seen the blaze in Edoras!" Orthargren swore.


Lord Ceolwulf smiled widely as he watched and listened to the loud Dwarf bellow is commands while he assisted in fortifying the eastern wall. With so few of them, the could not allow any of the Gorrinvul soldiers to breech the bastions and so they poured crude oil over the walls which they took from a natural pit they found in the tunnels through which the Drowess and Phaerie had entered the underworld. They had more than enough to coat the stones so that even the monkey like climbing skills of the Gorrinvul would be thwarted and when the time came that battle turned in the favor (and Ceolwulf knew it would) they could set the walls on fire and blind their sensitive eyes. That would buy them some more time, but even then the situation was hopeless unless the Phaerie and the Drow had learned how to weaken them and the king of Edoras commanded their army to strike. That, however, was considering only the threat of the Gorrinvul themselves, the Golem was an entirely different matter. They had reinforced the gate to stave off it's vicious attacks but how long would it hold? The lord knew that even if Lac'Nal could convince the king to aid them, amassing the entire army would take time and arriving by mid-night was unrealistic. They had to survive until dawn's light cleared away the Gorrinvul cavalry and foot soldiers, then there would only be the Golem, maybe if they could do that they would have a chance but the lord did not dare to hope.


Sighere staggered over to a barrel of water, dipped a pail into it and poured it over his head. He shook his tangle of yellow locks about and forced open an eye which he set upon the druid who was working nearby.

"That Dwarf's a slave driver." he complained with a playful smile, then wiping the water from his face with the back of his sleeved turned and surveyed the defenses.

Still breathing hard from the toil, Sighere straightened up and reached deep to find more strength. They were all tired but they had to finish the defenses as quickly as possible so that they would have a chance to rest before the Gorrinvul army set upon them. They needed to be fresh and have their wits about them when the time came.

"I hope you yet have a trick or two up your broad sleeves my friend." Said Sighere to the druid, "We will need your magic more than ever this night. We are but twenty one against their thousand and the Golem. Were I a betting man, I'd not wager a copper on our hides." he laughed and few other warriors within ear shot joined in.

The Rohirrim had no fear of death and they all knew that their demise was a certainty. They all excepted it and were prepared to cross over this night and at last be reunited with their families that had been taken from them by the very monsters they stood against. They only hoped that they killed as many as they could before their end so that their gods would know them when they set foot upon the green fields of their after life.

Sighere's expression sobered and he drew near to the druid. "Augustine." he began in a serious tone, "You do not have to stay with us. Not a one would think you or your friends are cowards should you choose to leave and live on. We have lost everything to the Gorrinvul and have made our peace with this world. We have made our choice. You do not have to die."

Augustine was hauling an armload of long sharp spears up to the top of the keep, the druid set them up along the waist high stone wall as Sighere addressed him.

"You are honorable people and I know you would see us go and hold no ill will, we will stay and see it finished...one way or another."
One of the long spears slid from the wall and fell to the floor, the druid put it back in place.

"It would be foolish to leave so soon, there is so much good strong mead left to drink."
Augustine said with a sly smile.
The druid was well rested and prepared for what may come, the druids were not fighting men but they did not fear death, they saw it as a natural end to things, if the end came tonight Augustine would accept it and prepare himself to enter the next world.

"Keep in mind Sighere we have master Orthagren with us my friend, he is as tough as an oak, why the roar of his voice alone is enough to make the enemy think twice." The dwarf looked back to Sighere and the druid, the powerful dwarf seemed ready for war, his actions and words did not in anyway communicate the dreadful odds. In fact the dwarf seemed as if their twenty one against possible hundreds were even odds, at least if he did not Augustine could not sense it.

The odds were terrible, the outcome was assured, was it not?. With Jin and Tiphereth absent the druid was the only one with the talent for magic, the druid checked for his magic, it flowed all around him he drew it in like a deep breath. The druid was prepared, come victory or death he would give it his all.

Augustine hoped that the Pharie and Jin had found what they had sought, he hoped that they had met with success in the pits of Under Dark. Augustine was not a prophet or a seer but he had a strong feeling that his two friends would play a big part in striking a blow against these foul Gorrinvul.

Orthagren nodded to Augustine and Sighere and turned back to the Rohirrim that carried the oil.
"Keep a good pace now lads, we've almost got it now!"
The dwarf roared.

"If it comes to it Sighere, I too have brothers that wait for me on the other side, if death it is then I will be pleased to look upon their faces again."
The druid said matching Sighere's serious tone.