3. INTO THE KINGDOM OF THE ROHIRRIM

There was a fire in the distance and a familiar scent on the air. The sweet fragrance of clover danced on a summer night wind accompanied by the smoky smell of roasted meat seasoned with an herb so rare, that there was only one he had ever known to use it in such a fashion. It was impossible though, that person was a world and life-time ago and yet here he was walking in a beautiful autumn wood the crisp sound of leaves crunching beneath his feet.

"Who goes there?" Called a voice that he once knew well.

Without fear the Deithir approached. He tried to prevent his feet from making noise but it was impossible as every foot fall stirred and lifted the leaves into the air so that he was preceded by a parade of noise.

"Halt!" Called out another voice, "Show yourself!" It demanded.

This voice too was familiar. It was deeper and older than the first, but the forceful tone only brought a smile to the Deithir.

Standing in a maple grove made bright by the orange glow of the flickering fire stood four figures that Sorrelwind knew well. He drew closer and hailed them with a friendly greeting but no words were uttered from his mouth, only the howl of wind was cast forth, stirring the fire and turning the flames green and blue.

"Phaerie sign." Whispered a tall slender man in black as he began to gracefully move his hands before him in the characteristic manner of an incantor, "Perhaps Hobgoblin."

It was then that Tiphereth realized that he moved through the veil of the Sidhe and his companions of old could not physically see or hear him. He was but the stirring grass, a rustle of the leaves. There was a bright flash as the man in black raised his hand speaking a magical word and Sorrelwind was falling into a black abyss.

The Deithir stood on the shore of the Black Lake staring at it's inky undulating surface. It was not yet time to return, but one day he would. He placed his hand over the Dragon token upon his chest. Perhaps sooner than he ever thought possible, but not yet. He flashed his black eyes toward the Gorrinvul cavern and in that motion his drenched locks dried and flowed to the side of his face like fiery waterfall. He could feel them all with every fiber of his being. Hundreds of them lurking in their dank barrows; undead Men slithering through the dark, their minds trapped between the world of the living and the world of the dead.

Tiphereth knew he would not go unnoticed by so many eyes and noses that would so easily detect the sweet fragrances that ever lingered about his presence. No such scents existed in the wreaking tunnels and it would only be a short while before they were put on guard so he met them head on.

The Gorrinvul that huddled within the great cavernous chamber that was the entrance and into which all other tunnels filtered, sniffed the air and began to call out to one another in a language that consisted of grunts and archaic guttural tones. Slowly they emerged from their tomb-like lairs, some stalking, some crawling like giant insects. They watched as a bright haired stranger walked into their lair and so confident was he that the creatures were confused. Did he lack any fear because he was a guest of their Queen? None were told of such a person and so they approached cautiously, and when they were close and the horde prepared to strike, the Elfin creature raised his arm above him. He spoke but a single word that echoed through the great cavern and the most blinding light erupted from his palm. So bright was it, that those Gorrinvul closest to the Deithir burst into flames and fell to the ground spasmming and smoldering. The others scattered, scurrying away like frightened rats their screams and cries reverberating through the network of tunnels.

Tiphereth wasted little time. He could feel the strain on his intense light spell and could literally see the shadowy darkness that hovered about the Gorrinvul smothering the brightness. The creatures were startled and he had to steel away before they came to their senses, so he bolted down the first tunnel from which he felt an impression of the Drowess and did not look back. He sprinted as fast as he could, much quicker than even the fleet footed Wights, for the knew they would have little trouble picking up his scent. He would have moments at best to react to whatever he encountered ahead of him and were his strokes not quick enough he would soon find him self swallowed by the pursuing horde.

Thankfully the tunnel which, Jin had followed was quite straight, allowing the fleet Deithir to put some good distance between him and the other Gorrinvul. He threw his orb of light ahead of him to discourage any others who might be awaiting him. The orb took a sharp left and so too did he ending up in the chamber of cocoons that contained the many captured victims of the Gorrinvul. Tiphereth did not know what to make of the webbing that contained the Humans, but as he leapt over the body of a fallen spider he spied one the Drowess' bolts protruding from it's abdomen and knew he was close.

Sprinting with the speed of loping deer, the Deithir was suddenly in a larger cavern that he realized too soon was a guard chamber. The preceding orb of light was suddenly extinguished by the shadow of the Gorrinvul, and Tiphereth was set upon by six of the monsters. Instantly his sword-staff flashed from his arm and tore through the abdomen of the first attacker. Torso and legs tumbled free of one another as he parried a deadly downward strike and dove his foot into the face of another, powering through the creature and impaling a fourth as he twisted and simultaneously brought the other end of his staff across the face of the one whose sword he had countered. They were all mortal wounds but the undead creatures that had received the lesser of the blows were yet able to attack where normally a living opponent would have been put down. Ripping his blade from the gut the dying Gorrinvul behind him, Tiphereth yet had four of the creatures to defend against. In that moment, everything slowed. He could feel the force of reduced time pressing against his faster moving body. The blades of the Gorrinvul fell true and sure upon him as his muscles screamed in pain against the strength of time, spinning so fast that his blade opened up their bellies one after the other. As he sliced through the final, Gorrinvul he returned to normal speed, and spurred by the pain of battling time drove his fist into the Gorrinvul's face with such force that he tore the creature's jaw from it's face. Standing their then, his chest heaving, his body trembling from exhaustion the others slumped to the ground around him, as the two halves of the first victim slid across the floor and struck the door to the Queen's chamber.

Catching his breath, Tiphereth forced himself to focus. He had found it! The Queen's chamber and within it he could feel the presence of the Drowess but to ensure that he kept the advantage he had to deal with those who pursued him. Turning around, it was apparent he lacked the strength to battle so many but that was never his intention. He raised a clawed hand to the ceiling and began to chant his lilting song. There was a rumble and as the first of the horde appeared down the tunnel, the earth moved and the entire tunnel collapsed upon the first ten or so of the charging creatures.

The Deithir moved away and put his back to the door of the Queen's chamber as he coughed out the dust that filled the small space. The tunnel was sealed tight and now he had little choice but to find away through the heavy stone door. Unfortunately it was protected by wards that especially repelled his kind, as he touched upon its surface he jumped forward as an invisible force pushed him away. He would not be able to pass through door and unless it was opened for him, the Phaerie was trapped.

From within the Queens chambers, Jin heard something on the other side of the wall. Peering over the Queen she noticed the spider had heard the noise as well and turned to face the wall. There was something out there but what, Jin didn’t know. Obviously it wasn’t something the spider was used to hearing or it most likely would not have reacted the way it did. So what was it they were hearing?

Seeing Dyllaloth was still in her death slumber, Jin dared to move from behind her throne. Spying the dangling pieces of webbing then glancing at the spider again, Jin had an idea. While the spider was loyal to the Queen, she knew the creature would be more loyal to the cocoons within the chamber above the Queen’s. Sitting on her knees behind the Queen, Jin closed her eyes and began conjuring a spell. An eerie purple light began to surround her form and slowly, as though it were being gently pulled form her own body, a second figure looking just like Jin appeared beside her. When the spell was done, Jin had a double. A doppelganger. The only difference was the eyes. Where Jin’s were red and glowing, this one had black, bottomless looking eyes.

With a gesture of her hand, Jin slithered back behind the throne as the doppelganger jumped up and grabbed a hold of the web strings that hung down and shimmied up the webbing like a chipmunk shimmied up a tree trunk. The spider, hearing the movement behind it, turned and saw the figure climbing up into its sacred chamber. Once more, with a speed that belied its size, the thing moved quickly and went back up into the tunnel chasing the prey that dared to enter its domain.

As soon as the spider slipped into the tunnel, Jin moved from behind the throne and made her way to the wall and placed the side of her head against the stone and listened. Jin heard the beautiful lilting song sung in the male voice and immediately knew who was on the other side.

”Tiphereth!”

Her voice was nothing but an excited whisper as her eyes grew wide. When the song ended Jin heard the rumbling and felt the ground around her tremor. While she couldn’t feel it all that much, she could feel the pull of magic and knew the bard had cast a spell of some sort and after hearing the rumbling she could only guess he had somehow brought the ceiling down. Hopefully not on himself.

Stepping back from the wall she looked at the doorway that would lead to the area Tiphereth was located. She quickly studied the sigils and runes that surrounded the door. She could see the glow of the magic that was set in place to prevent her magic from being used upon it. But she also saw something entwined with the sigils and the runes. Intricately carved to make them look like designs, Jin recognized Drow words. As she slowly put the letters together, Jin’s eyes grew wide and she opened her mouth to speak the word she was finally able to decipher.

Before Jin could utter the word, the Queen’s boney, rotten fleshed hand reached out faster than a viper could strike and grabbed Jin by the throat. Jin’s immediate reaction was to grab the rotting arm of the Queen to try and get her to let go of the constricting hold on her throat. The queen stood and lifted Jin off the floor of the chamber and brought the Drowess level with her face. Jin could feel her fetid breath on her skin and if the hard hold had not been on her throat, the Drowess was certain she would have vomited.

Jin struggled to maintain her consciousness as she tried to get the Queen’s hand off her throat. The more she attempted to remove the hand, the more she felt the boney tips of those fingers painfully dig into the flesh of her neck.

”You dare disturb my slumber? And destroy my pets? You foolish child! You shall pay dearly for your actions! As I promised, I shall personally drain your blood and replace it with my own but I shall NOT show mercy upon you. You will know pain like you have never known before! But before I do that, you will see what the price of your insolence will be.”

Jin’s air was being constricted but not entirely cut off. Yet. The Queen smiled a sinister smile on her dead face and raised her head to the ceiling of her chamber and emitted a screeching that made Jin’s skin crawl. Trepidation filled Jin to the very core. The Queen grinned as Jin struggled then pointed up. Jin’s red eyes glanced overhead and she could see the many cocoons starting to move as the bodies within them began to rip open their sacks. As the bodies emerged Jin saw they were all Gorrinvul through and through. They answered the Queen’s screeching call with their own and Jin watched in disbelief as the Gorrinvul began to amass and exit the chamber overhead. Jin heard the Queen’s grating voice once more.

“I will send my entire army to crush your precious sun dwelling companions. And I will make certain the half prince will suffer the most. Perhaps I will make him my personal pet while you watch from afar. You will see me enjoy his flesh while you will be forbidden to ever touch him again.”

Jin noticed the Queen was not as feeble as the Drowess thought she would be. In fact, Jin noticed that much of her body had yet to rot and decay. And as Jin looked closer, she would see it was merely a façade Dyllaloth was putting on. She was still quite in tact beneath the supposed rotted flesh she sported. Jin knew then, with a sickening realization, Dyllaloth was very much alive and had found a way to reign over a people and exact revenge on the surface dwellers.

As Jin struggled against the hold the Queen had on her throat, she glared at the woman who was about to end her life and uttered one word in her native language.

”Pahn….tar…..(open)”

The Queen’s smile faded as the sigils and runes around the sealed doorway began to glow. A rumbling sound began to fill the area and the once sealed door began to move as rocks and mortar began to crumble. Ever so slowly, the door began to open. Dyllaloth’s hold on Jin’s throat grew harder cutting off the Drowess’ air completely.

”YOU STUPID CHILD!”

Skarinir glared at the dark haired pale man standing beside his uncle, King Theoden, and was about to speak. He glanced quickly over his shoulder as the blonde woman spoke softly, his features softened and he smiled slightly. "Erowyn?" he said softly and quickly walked to the woman and embraced her. "Pað koma með minn hjarta gleði til sjá þú öruggur, systir." (TRANSLATION: It brings my heart joy, to see you safe, sister.) he said kissing her on the forehead.

With tears of joy in her eyes she enbraced his closely and asked softly in his ear "Hvaða fréttir hafa þú af Elodorf , okkar frændi.? " (TRANSLATION: What news have you of Elodorf, our cousin?")

"YOU STUPID CHILD!" The queen raged as she thrust, Jin high in the air with one of her powerful arms.

The queen had suddenly grown even taller. Her body was growing and expanding beneath the dead flesh was brand new skin that glistened in the pale light. As she dangled the choking Drowess like rag doll, Dyllaloth was transforming before her eyes.

"How privileged you are my child to witness my rebirth! No longer am I cursed to wear this carcass! My time is it hand! See me, Jin as I am meant to be! See me once more as a god!"

Healthy smooth muscles tore through the ancient rot that once clung to her bones. The flesh fell to the floor in heaps, revealing the sculpted feminine curves beneath and powerful abdomen rippling with muscle. The queen tossed back her head and screamed in both agony and elation as her bones cracked and shifted. A wave of green flame then rushed across her skin consuming what remained of the old queen. The magical flame did not touch the skin of the Drowess as it completed the metamorphoses but added to the putrid smells of the chamber the stench of burnt flesh.

Dyllaloth twisted her full, perfect lips into a gloating grin. She was beautiful. A combination of white and black tresses spilled down her back, and like her hair, the goddesses skin was duo-toned as well. The left side of her body was predominantly white as bleached bone, while the other was black as pitch. The two tones swirled across her body in an uneven, ornate pattern and her extra appendages alternated, rather than one side being completely white and the other black. A flowing gossamer robe covered her body but betrayed hardly a detail of her fine form. Eyes that were once dead lived once more and blood red irises set in pools of black bore into the helpless Drowess.

"FOOLISH GIRL!" She spat, "Now you will now the true power of Dyllaloth!"

She slowly lowered, Jin toward her mouth.

"But first... let me fulfill my promise."

Dyllaloth's mouth stretched wide exposing six long, gleaming white fangs as she pulled, Jin toward her and a certain death.

So long had it been since the old goddess had been able to taste and Drow blood was so sweet. She would take her time and savour every drop. Her mouth drew near and Jin could feel the tips of the fangs touch upon her throat. She braced herself for the inevitable...

So ravenous and eager was the queen to consume the life of the Drowess she had ignored the opening of her chamber door and had not even considered the cause of the tremor she had earlier experienced. Trivial matters for a goddess, but she was hardly so. Perhaps a demi-god, but Dyllaloth was far from regaining her god-hood. So long had she desired to rise once more that she had deluded herself into believing that as the Gorrinvul deity she would rise again. It was not so. She had used a great deal of her power to become young, beautiful and strong once more, but her body was mortal and while her essence may linger on, she could be killed in this world.


... the piercing pain of the Gorrinvul queen never came. Standing in the doorway stood the Deithirin bard. When he saw, Jin helplessly dangling in the air by one of the arms of what he assumed was the Gorrinvul queen his eyes burned bright with faerie fire. A wind began to cycle within the round chamber and the glowing green mist began to rotate like a great glowing whirl pool.

"LET... HER... DOWN."

Tiphereth's words were final. Staring up at the eight foot tall creature his face showed not a sign of fear. He saw only the battle. Already the struggle played through his mind as their eyes met.

The queen reluctantly pulled her mouth away from, Jin's throat and regarded the trespassing pest with little concern, and when she recognized specifically what he was began to laugh.

"This is your saviour?" She said to Jin, "A Fey?" She thrust her blood red eyes upon Tiphereth once more, "You have no power here! Strong as you may be, this chamber is protected from the likes of you. Be off and leave me to my meal. Go!"

Dyllaloth dismissed the Faerie with a wave of one of her hands.

"Go!" She repeated in an annoyed tone, "Plague not my abode with your troublesome pranks."

Tiphereth did not move. He only began to grow angrier.

The queen groaned. "Some people never learn." She once more said to Jin and with a wave of her hand set her spider upon the nuisance.

The spider did not hesitate. It darted through the mist and leapt at the Fey's throat. The deadly poisonous fangs were poised to strike and so there they remained as the man-sized arachnid twitched and then slumped lifelessly. The Phaerie hadn't been driven back an inch as rose up his sword-staff with one powerful arm and skewered the spider right then and there. His body vibrated with rage and slowly he raised the dead bulk high with one arm. Never for a moment did he take his eyes off the queen, and holding the spider high in a display of great strength, stepped into her chamber.

Dyllaloth's eyes widened with surprise. "How—?" She blurted out before she could contain herself.

Indeed she was confused, for little did she know that the binding of the Dragon token made, Tiphereth, resilient to the charms that his kind were normally susceptible to. He could not be restrained, and a Phaerie of his power without restraints was a formidable opponent.

Tiphereth shook his arm to the side and hurled the spider into the wall where it smeared down into a crumpled mass. He flicked his spear-like weapon, knocking the guts from it, then pointed it at the queen.

"Now, if you are not both deaf and dumb, I gave you an order." Growled the bard.

The queen was outraged. She gnashed her teeth in anger and decided right then and there to snap the Drowess' neck like a cord of wood before she tore this arrogant, Fey, limb from limb. Tiphereth had anticipated the reaction, in fact he was counting on it. Even as her eyes flicked toward, Jin and her muscles began to flex, the Deithir's, Elven long knife flashed through the air and bit deep into, Dyllaloth's wrist. Black blood erupted from the vicious wound and the queen had not known the sensation of pain in an age screamed, and as the Drowess fell, Tiphereth was already in motion. He flew toward, Jin, wrapping an arm around her waist in mid-drop and propelled them both to the far side of the chamber. Rolling in the air, Tiphereth twisted the light Drowess around and landed lightly, spinning about as he touched down to face the queen. The bardic warrior set, Jin down behind him and took up a defensive posture as the tall woman, turned and stared at them both with utter hatred.

The queen took note that the tunnel that connected her chamber to the Gorrinvul barrows was sealed with rubble. She would receive no aid, but above her in the massive chamber which incubated her undead army she had access to many soldiers. She need only call them.

Tiphereth immediately accessed the situation. He saw the queens eyes motion toward the hordes above and an evil smile curled her lips. Quickly her four legs carried her to the center of the room to the dais of her throne beneath the large round opening. On the other side of the room, Tiphereth could see chains that ran along the wall, up the cieling and into holes near the portal. The device to close the door! It had to be!

"Jin. Once I close the door, you must be ready to fight." Tiphereth told the Drowess.

He moved so quickly he was but a blur. Once more he bent time, it was the only way to beat her, but he was already weakened by the last time he used the ability. Pushing against the weight of time once more would temporarily exhaust him and it would be up to the Drowess to battle the queen.

As the queen made her way to the throne she began to call the Gorrinvul to her aid. It would not be long, before they descended through the opening, but even as they became aware that their queen was in jeopardy, the door began to seal shut. Looking over to the lever, Dyllaloth was surprised to see that the Phaerie had already crossed the room. A 'blink' perhaps, she surmised. It was no matter. She did not need her minions to destroy these vermin.

Tiphereth released the lever and leaned his back against the wall. His legs felt as if they were made of lead and sweat dripped down his brow. He raised hefted up his spear in a defensive posture but knew he could to little else at the moment. The queen saw his fatigue and smiled. The Drowess was behind her, on the other side of the room and it made sense that she destroy the weakened Fey now then deal with the smaller opponent. Taking a moment to grasp onto the hilts embedded into the back of her thrown the queen drew three scimitars with her good hands and brandished the gleaming blades. She then turned toward the tired Fey with intent to charge.

Jin knew this would be the end of her days. As a roaring sound began to sound in her ears the world around her began to close into a black hole. The air constricted by the strong hand that held her aloft was slowly causing her to lose consciousness. As she felt the demi-goddess’ sharp fangs graze the skin of her throat where the blood pulsated so close to the surface, Jin closed her eyes and readied for the pain that would come from having her throat ripped open.

“LET…HER…DOWN”

Tiphereth’s voice penetrated the noise in her ears and Jin’s eyes snapped open. Daring to look and see if she was hearing things or not, the Drowess caught a glimpse of him from the corner of her eye. A smile slipped across her face then as she caught sight of the bards flaming locks swirling around him like a fiery tempest. The next thing Jin knew, she felt the grasp of Dyllaloth’s grasp increase and knew her neck would not be able to withstand the pressure and would snap, ending her life all the same.

But when the incredible pressure was released and she found herself wrapped in the Deithir’s strong arms as she fell free from the grasp of the Queen’s hand. Air rushed into her lungs and Jin wheezed painfully as her lungs began to expand and once more function the way they were supposed to. As Tiphereth set her down, Jin slumped to the cool, stone floor of the chamber and began to gulp in as much as she could with each breath she took. Forcing herself to her hands and knees, she quickly backed up against the wall as she coughed uncontrollably in an effort to regain her senses.

Seeing the bard stand like a statue before her as he protected her from the Queen, Jin thought for a moment she were dreaming but when he turned around and she saw the fire in his eyes and heard his words, Jin knew she was very much awake and alive thanks to the bard, once more. Nodding, letting him know she understood, the Drowess called upon every ounce of her training to pull herself together and do what had to be done to help her friend and, once again, savior.

As Tiphereth moved so fast she couldn’t see him, Jin forced herself to stop coughing and reached into her cloak. As the Queen moved to the dais of her throne, her attention became focused on Tiphereth. Clenching her jaw, she moved towards the Queen and as the Queen raised one of her scimitar’s to strike Tiphereth down, she suddenly wailed in excruciating pain.

Looking down at her foot the demi-goddess saw a large knife protruding from the top of one of them. The poison the knife was coated in would not kill the deity but it sure as hell would hurt. Black blood oozed from this wound now as well and as Dyllaloth reached down to remove the knife, Jin moved once more. Looking like a cornered wild cat, the Drowess had the look of death in her red, glowing eyes. In her hands were matching scimitar’s, much like what Dyllaloth was wielding in her three hands. Jin rushed forward and made a large, arcing swipe with her left hand moving from right to left.

Dyllaloth was ready for the blow and easily countered the blow with one of her free hands while her other pulled the knife free form her foot allowing her the chance to move once more. Dyllaloth discarded the knife and glared at Jin.

“You shall pay for that, you insolent bitch!”

Jin smiled but the smile she gave the Queen was nothing but deadly. When the Queen turned to strike at Tiphereth again in an effort to throw Jin off, the Drowess answered again with a quick swiping move that brought a deep gash to the leg. Black blood spurted out and the queen once more howled in pain. Now with her anger to the pint of rage, the Queen turned her full attention to Jin.

“I should have killed you the moment you entered my chamber! Your blood will be taste even sweeter now!”

Jin moved like a coiled viper ready to strike and the smile on her face never left.

“Do not make promises you cannot keep.”

Dyllaloth rushed forward then and struck out at Jin with her scimitars. It was all Jin could do to keep them from cutting her in half but the third arm swiped out and as Jin jumped back she felt the edge of the blade slice along the chest protector she wore. She felt a slight sting telling her the blade had actually reached the skin but the wound wasn’t mortal.

The sound of metal hitting metal filled the chamber as Jin deflected blow after blow the Queen swung at her. It was obvious the Drowess was forcing this confrontation as she moved around the Queen and caused her to expend a great deal of energy by fighting the Drowess. The unfortunate side affect was that Jin was growing tired as well, but she didn’t care. This was what she was trained to do and she thrived on it. Her muscles ached and burned but there was no doubt she was enjoying what she was doing. Finally the Queen backed the Drowess against the wall and as Jin parried and blocked the blades, the Queen gave a victorious smile.

“Where will you go now? The wall is behind you and I am in front of you. There is no place left for you to go.”

Jin had given Tiphereth the time he needed to regain some of his expended strength and as she saw the bard moving behind the Queen, she smiled as well.

“I am exactly where I want to be.”

The Queen was puzzled by her answer but didn’t give it much thought. As she raised all three arms in the air to strike the Drowess down, she didn’t see the bard behind her. At the last possible second, Jin planted her foot on the wall and used the momentum of her leg muscles to help push her forward, towards the Queen. The sudden movement caught the Queen by surprise and as the Drowess lunged forward; her blades were thrust out before her.

As Lac studied the clouded face of Theoden and the man standing beside him, . Lac took a step closer and said "Theoden, King of Rohan and friend of my father, my memory is filled with the days of my youth. Days when you and my father at in council as I enjoyed the hospitality of your house. A brighter place it was then.
The shadow of a Darkness that once fell across all of our world, grows once again. Once again the hand of the Dark Lord reaches out for what was once denied him. I have come to ask once again for your help. Even now a mighty army of thousands of the Dark Lord gathers. The Gorrinvul now march towards Helms Deep, to Ceolwulf and a small contingent of your warriors."

The pale dark haired man stepped closer to Lac and said "Cannot you see that the King is troubled and weary. Why do you burden him with your malcontent and warmongering?"

"Tell me who is this, that now stands beside you and gives you dark council. ......... He is not of these lands?" Lac said as he looked coldy at the pale man.

A feminine voice from behind the Riders of Rohan and Lac’Nala answered the question Lac asked.

”He was sent here to cripple the forces of Rohan.”

Her dark hair hung down past her shoulders and she wore all black but it was the color of her eyes that drew attention., Her eyes bore into the dark haired man beside Theoden. When all turned to look to who was speaking, Theoden’s men instantly moved to protect their king. The woman raised her right hand and flicked it dismissively. They felt an unseen force move them aside so she could walk freely towards the front of the great hall.

The dark haired man next to Theoden grew wide eyed and looked surprised as the rest. He glanced around nervously in an attempt to figure out what to do now. The woman’s look seemed to pierce his very soul and he knew there was something different about her. He could FEEL it.

Skarimir and Jornoff recognized her then looked to Lac’Nala before looking back at the woman. She seemed undaunted and walked with confidence, unafraid of those around her. Stopping beside Lac’Nala, she turned and looked around at Theoden’s men, furrowing her brow.

”You disgust me. All of you. Is not one of you strong enough to stand up to this sniveling wimp? Can you not see what has happened here?”

The place rumbled with discontent that she should accuse them of anything and one of Theoden’s men stepped forward to say something when she held her hand up to silence him. He suddenly felt as though he had no voice and looked around in total shock before he slipped back into the ranks. This was no ordinary woman. Turning back around to face the dark haired man and the King, she spoke again.

”Your time here is through, dark servant. Your influence will no longer be tolerated. Return to your Master and give him a message. Tell him history shall repeat itself and he will be forced back into the depths of hell where he belongs.”

The dark haired man grew brave then and glanced around as he seemed to stand up to the woman.

“And who are you to come in here spouting orders? You were not with the others when they were granted entrance to this great hall. So how did you get in here? Are you a witch?”

Again rumbles of Theoden’s men came from behind her but Jalisa merely smiled.

”Nay. I am no witch. But I am here to make certain these fine warriors of Rohan are given the fair hand they deserve. And if it means I must resort to what ever means necessary, then so be it. Would you like to test me on that theory, dark minion?”

Lac smiled slightly as he heard Jalisa's voice. Hw watched silently as she stepped forward and took control. Softly so that only her and Jorneff could here his words he said "Yidoruneril taeinaminisanaegal insay isanelpirevacalarthubranloreva astrinayda yisoluthayrun pirrunevsataeldanarcurest mirolsattir wenethloncuruonminevday. In sathuroruthlorda hamartvalkev kaynorothwilnar yinorune wiloruthaylondil nelontor tilolol faralren farrayosmor uthaystar. Linorkelisti hurarthastar ossanelcalesta artagulalistanar cirhalothsatevnay halisasar falrinisaestnaedelsat wiseldlirlay." (TRANSLATION: Your timing is inpecable and your presence most welcomed. I should have known you would not too far from us. Loki has once again chosen his friends well.)

Jalisa, still eyeing the dark haired man next to the king, let a wry smile ease over her features as she spoke to Lac in that strange language.

”Wux honestly siofme si ornla origato wux jika wer countryside loaw jaka?” (You honestly think I would let you wonder the countryside alone now?)

The dark haired man heard a few of the words she spoke and he furrowed his brow and pointed and accusing finger at her.

“You speak in a tongue not of these lands! You ARE a witch! BURN THE WITCH! BURN THE WITCH!”

Jalisa’s smile faded and the look she gave him made his cease his ranting entirely. Those behind her who had started to move forward stopped what they were doing as well. A fear gripped their very being that froze them where they stood. Too afraid to move, they had no choice but to remain where they stood.

When Jalisa spoke this time there was something different about her voice. Skarimir and Jorneff were also paralyzed by the fear that struck their heart but they were not so frightened they couldn’t hear the change in her voice.

”If you wish something to burn, I can certainly accommodate you. But it will not be me that gets burned. I will make certain you feel every ounce of pain that is coming to you for the foul deeds you have done in this kingdom.”

As she spoke, she slowly walked forward.

”The only witch in this great hall is you. The spell you have cast over the King will soon be lifted and then, your remains will be scattered to the four winds. I will place your miserable head on a pike at the gates showing everyone what fate people like you are entitled to. But before I rip your head off your cowering shoulders, I will rip that deceitful tongue from your mouth and nail it to your forehead.”

When Jalisa was done talking, she had walked up the steps to the kings throne and stood hovering over the dark haired man who now coward before her, casting his eyes downward and trembling like a leaf in the brisk, autumn wind.

”Leave now or suffer my wrath.”

The dark haired man glanced up at her and his face took on a truly frightened look. Screaming, he scurried from the throne and began making his way towards the door. The paralyzing fear everyone felt was suddenly lifted and Jalisa turned to the gathered men.

”There is the cause of your kings withdraw. Do with him as you see fit.”

Jalisa turned then to the king who sat slumped over still in the fog of the influence placed upon him. Furrowing her brows, she knelt before him and reached out to touch him. This caused a flurry of activity. The blond woman, Eowyn and her brother Skarimir rushed forward but Jalisa turned her head and gave them a hard look.

”If you wish to have your king returned, let me do what I must do.”

Skarimir looked to Lac pleadingly then furrowed his brow.

“You had best hope she does nothing to harm the king.”

Jalisa, without turning around this time, spoke to Skarimir.

”Or what? Mind your tongue, Rider of Rohan. Be quiet and let me do what must be done. Your mindless prattle is raking my last nerve and my nerves are not to be raked.”

Skarimir clenched his jaw closed but let Jalisa do what she needed to do. Speaking in that strange language, she spoke in an almost sing song like voice. Her hands gently rested on both side of the kings face as she chanted quietly.

Slowly, the cloudiness lifted from the kings eyes and Jalisa could see the dark veil lift from over his head. He blinked a few times and gave her a puzzling look before he looked past her to see Skarimir and Eowyn standing there.

”Nephew? Niece? What are you doing here?”

Jalisa slowly lowered her hands then stood and walked down to where Lac’Nala stood. Sharing a look with him she glanced around then spoke to him in a soft voice.

”Our time runs short, Lac’Nala. We have to return to the keep. Soon. I can practically smell the Gorrinvul from here. The Pharie still lives but he and the Drowess have their hands full. We will have to do all we can to help these people.”

The pallid man crept out of the hall and hastened through the streets of Edoras. Karavost, was his name though none had spoke it, Karavost the Black. The name dangled on the tips of tongues but was never spoke. It could not be spoke as knowing his title would have dispelled his control so 'Wormtongue', was what many addressed him by. A fitting name he thought, but he did not know that the Rohirrim actually referred to the wriggling earthen slugs rather than the Dragons that shared that name. They also compared him to another that plagued their king long ago, but despite the experience of that dark minion, the King had unfortunately been plunged once more into darkness by this similar creature's treacherous tongue.

The sun was nearly set as Karavost made his way through the streets of Edoras. His strange pale eyes stared wildly about as if he were expecting one the people passing by to lash out at him. That woman... no! That creature, that had cast him out had stripped him of his control and along with that his masque was slowly fading. He had to make it out of the city before his true from form was revealed for once it was known what he was, the first Rohirrim with a sword would cleave him in two.

Karavost was near the gate now, sticking to the shadows to conceal his features. Freedom was so close he need request his leave.

"Open the gate. I must leave now." He demanded.

The old guard turned slowly about. "Where? Out there?" He questioned, "Don't you know anything? There's Gorrinvul out there. No one travels at night and I'm under strict orders to keep these gates shut."

"Well I am ordering you to open them." Hissed Karavost, staring at the man with a slightly luminescent gaze.

Wormtongue might have been stripped of his control over the king but he still had his charms. The guard, considered the words for a moment then readily complied. He signaled to another guard to assist him in moving the bolts while Karavost anxiously awaited to be free of the wreaking city. He watched impatiently as the guards slowly worked away at unlocking the gate and when he could not stand their incompetency any longer blurted out, "Faster you maggots!"

The guards did not take kindly to his tone. Karavost's charm's could influence but they could not instantly shut off a man's temper.

"Mind yer tongue!" Snapped the other guard and in that moment his anger provided a glimmer of rationality. "Say, why are we opening the gates?" He questioned.

The guards stared blankly at one another, as neither could find the answer then their eyes fell on the small pallid man.

"Don't I know you." Said one.

Karavost took a step back into the shadows but he was too late. The guard raised his lantern and gasped at he what he saw. His face had changed, his eyes were now a putrid green colour not unlike his sallow skin and all that remained of his thick black hair where a few greasy wisps.

"Goblin!" Shouted the other guard as he unsheathed his sword, but Karavost was quicker. He lunged at the man, burying his dagger deep into the man's throat. As the guard fell backward clutching his neck and choking on his own blood, the Goblin wasted little time and removed the final bolt as the remaining guard caught hold of his friend.

An alarm sounded as Karavost pried open one of the large doors, moving it just enough for the creature to wriggle through and steal away into the night. He ran hard and deliberately in a single direction, straight toward one of the many secret caverns that lead into the Under Dark. Even though his mistress would now no doubt already knew what had occurred, Karavost had no where else to turn, so he would travel back to the lair of Kallus and learn what knew tasks she would command of him.

Tiphereth observed the Drowess' finely toned muscles flexing beneath her ebon skin, so like a sleek panther as she dodge and parried the vicious attacks of the Gorrinvul queen. Only once did she manage to swing a blade his way which he easily defended despite his weakened condition if only because of, Jin's all out assault. Now she was backed to the wall and it was time for the Phaerie to step back into the fight. His strength renewed enough to carry on he sprinted toward the back of the giant demi-goddess.

He saw, Jin propel herself toward the abdomen of the queen. A deadly attack but one that left her open to a lethal counter attack against a creature with so many arms. The Drowess' blades plunged into the queen's belly, but even as they penetrated the large demi-goddess thrust downward with her injured hand, grasping one of her arms while another bearing a sword bore down open her.

Tiphereth saw his opportunity and grasping his weapon at the very end, leapt through the air and swung it down toward the head of the queen like a great two-handed sword. The gleaming blue blade flashed through the air in a deadly arch and as it fell with explosive speed there was a loud ring that reverberated through out the chamber.

The blade of his sword-staff bit deep into a defending scimitar. The queen had anticipated the attack, and in a frightening display one of her shoulder joints contorted, allowing the arm to swing it's blade as if she were facing the Phaerie at her back. It was a maneuver the well trained bard had not foreseen. The attack came swift and true and before the strike all Tiphereth could hear was his master's voice saying, "Know thy enemy."

Indeed he did not. The blade tore across his abdomen and fiery pain ripped through his body. Some of the damage had been alleviated by the strength of his enchanted jacket but so powerful was the stroke that it easily sliced through the garment. Dark blood sprayed through the air in the green light of the chamber and Tiphereth hung in the air for a moment, his momentum halted by the strike. He then fell to the floor and vanished in the swirling mists.

Jin felt her blade bury deep into the Queen’s abdominal cavity and heard the grotesque sloshing sound of internal organs being moved in unnatural ways. But she also felt the painful jerk on her shoulder join as one of the Queen’s arms reached down and snatched Jin upwards. Unable to hold her shriek of pain in, the Drowess’ cry was deafened by the sound of metal striking metal. It was so loud the Drowess’ ears hurt.

There was just enough time before Jin had to take action for her to see what occurred behind Dyllaloth and saw the Queen’s blade slice across Tiphereth’s stomach and the dark blood spray forth. Jin’s eyes grew wide and she screamed as she saw the Pharie halt, suspended in mid air before she witnessed him fall.

”NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Jin barely caught sight of the blade that was coming at her, aiming to cleave her in half length ways. Instinct took over and she raised her free arm to block the blow. The swing was so hard Jin didn’t think she would survive despite her efforts but when she opened up the Queens abdominal cavity she robbed the Queen of some much needed strength and the blow, while still quite hard, lost much of it’s momentum.

The chamber once more filled with the sound of metal ringing as the blades came in contact with each other. The Queen’s red eyes began to dim and the hold she had on Jin’s arm began to slacken until Jin felt herself dropping. When she hit the floor of the chamber, she rolled awkwardly away from the Queen the forced herself to her feet. Cradling her arm close to her body, Jin raised her other arm ready to strike what ever was coming at her.

Gritting her teeth, Jin watched as the Queen staggered a few steps then dropped to her knees. She looked down at her open stomach and saw some of her entrails beginning to spill out. Black blood erupted from her mouth and dripped down her chin. Disbelief filled her dimming eyes as she looked over at Jin. The Drowess, with hatred in her heart for this creature, made one final move.

Crouching low, she jumped up and lunged for the Queen and drew back her blade then made a horizontal swing. Jin felt her blade bite into the neck of the Queen easily slicing through the muscles, sinew, tendons, and bone. Landing in front of the Queen, Jin looked up. The Queen’s red eyes dimmed totally then and the head slowly tilted to the right before falling free of her body entirely. As the body began to fall forward Jin moved to the side to avoid the crushing weight of the demi-goddess. With a sickening, sloshing thud, the Gorrinvul Queen, the demi-goddess Dyllaloth fell to the floor of her chamber, dead.

Panting, Jin blinked then quickly looked around frantically for Tiphereth. As she darted around the chamber, she called his name. Each time a little more frantic than the last.

”Tiphereth? Tiphereth?! Tipehereth! Where are you?”

When nothing but silence reached her ears, Jin felt a great loss descend upon her as tears welled up in her eyes. Her pain at losing the Deithir was so great that she fell to her knees and sobbed. Raising her face to the chambers ceiling, she cried out his name in one last, agonizing cry that tore from her lips.

”TIPHERETH!”

Curling into herself, Jin let her grief over take her. Another person she called friend, who had saved her life on more than one occasion, was now gone.

Lac smiled once more as Jalisa stood once again at his side. As Theoden looked around and questioned his niece and nephew, Lac bowed again and said "King Theoden of Rohan welcome back from the shadows ......... Perhaps your hands would better remeber your strength if you but held again your sword."

As Lac spoke to Jalisa, she was suddenly overcome with a breath taking pain emanating from her stomach . Gasping and clutching her abdomen, Jalisa bent forward and felt a warm stickiness immediately on the corner of her mouth. Reaching up and wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she saw the blood and stared disbelieving at it. Her voice was a croaked whisper.

”That damn Fey….”

Several of the kings men suddenly called out quietly in alarm as they saw Jalisa stagger slightly. As Lac turned to see what the sudden alarm was about, she clutched glanced up at him and spoke in a coarse whisper.

”itrewic ve ekess vi goawy svaklar ehs shilta disturb ve. quickly........ “

Already she could feel Tiphereth’s essence ebbing away and she knew if she didn’t act fast, he would be lost forever, and her with him. Her usually bright eyes were starting to cloud over and she blinked several times to try and focus her gaze to no avail. Her breathing became labored and with each breath she took it, she was gasping and wheezing. Time was running short and Jalisa wasn’t sure she could save either of them at this point.

Lac quickly picked Jalisa up in his arms. "Gamling! Get the King his sword, quickly!" Lac ordered as he ran to the doors. Once outside he ran down a passageway to a chamber he remembered from his days staying here as a child with his father. Kicking the door open, he entered kicking the door shut behind him. Lac then laid Jalisa on the bed he had once slept in.

Gamling did as Lord Lac'nal bade and fetched the King his sword. He handed it to his lord with pride and admiration and as Theoden reached out and grasped the symbol endeared to all warriors their strength was renewed along with him.

"I have slept too long." He said as he stared into the glimmering blade. The king then looked down at Gamling with his resolve and determination restored, "Bring me my armour! Our kin are in need of our help and I tire of these vermin in my lands!"

Jalisa felt each jarring step and grimaced. Knowing Lac was doing the best he could, she bit her lip to keep from saying anything good, bad, or indifferent. When she felt the bed beneath her, she whispered a faint thank you before she closed her eyes and concentrated. Before long, she was in a trance like state. Her breathing was still labored but at least it was in a steady rhythm. For now.

As Jalisa concentrated, she located the Pharie. It wasn’t easy, but she caught him just before he was to cross over and her voice softly called out to him.

“Tiphereth Sorrelwind”

The Deithir hesitated before slowly turning around to see who was calling his name. What he saw was not the form he was familiar with seeing. In fact, he couldn’t really SEE the form. It remained unfocused and blurred but he could see it was a large, dark form that seemed to loom over him. Two red, glowing orbs appeared high over the bards head. The orbs glowing like red hot coals, seemed to bore into his very soul. The voice, Jalisa’s voice, spoke to him. It wasn’t so much in his head as it was surrounding him.

”Honestly. Are you so willing to give up? Just like that? The time to join those before you will come, but not at my expense. I have a mission to complete and that success depends upon you.”

Jalisa sighed softly.

”You came to this realm to fulfill a need and that need is not done yet. It won’t be easy for you. Just as it hasn’t been easy for you thus far. But you have touched those around you in ways that they will be forever changed by your presence. Even after you leave and return to the veil of the Fey, songs of The Winds of Sorrows will remain for centuries to come. But it’s the ones who now call you friend you have touched in ways they never thought possible.”

She paused for a moment as it seemed she were gaining the strength to continue

”Nothing is ever certain, except for death. And the loyalty of friendship.”

The red orbs dimmed for a moment only to return blazing more than ever.

”Call upon me for help. Complete the bond and allow yourself to return to this world.”

Jalisa wanted to add ‘or we both perish’ but she refrained. This had to be his choice and she could not, in anyway, influence him in any way or the bond will be under false pretenses. Their lives teetered right now and could go either way depending upon his choice. And Jalisa could do no more than hope he made the one she wanted….NEEDED…him to make.

Just when the Drowess has given up her search, the gloved hand of the Phaerie rose weakly from the mist on the far side of the room. He had somehow ended up quite far from where he had originally fallen but it was a trivial matter.

As, Jin helped, Tiphereth into a sitting position his face contorted with pain. Blood spilled from the deep wound in his gut and though his usual pale complexion denoted no blood loss it was evident that he was nearing death.

"A good fight." He told the Drowess with a weak smile.

The Deithir tried to clear his throat and began coughing blood. Tasting it on his lips he began to realize the end was near, but he was not afraid. Above them, the Gorrinvul pounded on the door, trying to get in to save their queen. Soon they would bash through the door and overwhelm them but the bard had spied another way out.

Tiphereth gestured feebly to the throne. "There is a latch at it's base." He gasped, "I believe it is another way out of this tomb."

The sound of the pounding and screaming increased and the door above heaved with the pressure of something else even larger than the Gorrinvul.

"There is little time, Jin. You should go." He told her, "My time here is done. Do not be afraid to trust..."

The words of the bard trailed off and he fell into unconsciousness. In his mind then the Dragoness came to him. She spoke encouraging words but he was so tired. The queen was dead and though his quest was far from complete it could not go on.

"I am sorry, Jalisa," he told her, "If only you could have seen the things that I have, you would know the heaviness of the many lives I carry. Forgive my weakness for falling to such a stroke.... time I feel has caught me at last...."

A darkness enshrouded the Deithir and there would be no more contact, but Jalisa did not feel any weaker. The cold hand of death rested upon her shoulder but its grip was not yet strong enough to drag her down.

Something made Jin look to the far side of the chamber and when she saw Tiphereth’s gloved hand reach up through the mist, she was by his side n the blink of an eye. She could see how bad the wound he suffered really was and it broke her heart even more. She tried to staunch the blood flow with her own hands but it was just too much.

Tears fell down her cheeks as she tried in vein to help her beloved friend and when he gestured tot eh latch, she glanced over and saw what he was point to. Taking his gloved hand in hers, she shook her head and fought back the urge to sob once more. As his body went limp, she cried out to him again.

”No no NO…Tiphereth. Please. Do not go. I do not want to leave you here for these beasts….please…wake up…please….”

The stillness of his form told her he was gone and she bowed her head to cry once more. As the creaking and cracking of wood began to resonate in the chamber, she knew she had to go and go now. Leaning forward, she pressed her lips gently against his and kissed him tenderly. Tasting his blood on her lips, she laid him gently down on the floor of the chamber before she moved to the latch below the queen’s throne.

Slipping into the escape tunnel, she had just lowered the latch when she heard the Gorrinvul breach the door and come screaming into the Queen’s chamber. There was no time to stop and rest. She had to make her way out of this hell and back to the surface before it was too late. Her tears refused to stop and she didn’t try to make them stop either.

The pain and anguish she felt at losing him ran deep and she knew her heart would forever ache for his loss. He was the closest thing to a best friend she had. The only other person she was close to was Lac and the relationship she had with him was completely different. Still, as she moved through the tunnels, staggering slightly from exhaustion and grief, Jin wondered if her heart would ever be the same.

‘Do not be afraid to trust’. His last words echoed in her mind over and over and she couldn’t help but think how ironic that was. Every time she opened herself up to trusting, something happened and she found herself feeling a pain course through her that was worse than any blade she had ever felt. Clenching her jaw, she pushed onward letting her instincts guide her through the darkened tunnels of the world she now felt suffocated in.

Jalisa heard the Pharie and clenched her jaw as she listened to him. As the darkness settled over him, she narrowed her gaze. She was standing on that edge and she knew if she leaned forward slightly she would easily tumble into the black abyss but she refused to give into that. She could even feel the tug but she clenched her jaw and fought the sensation.

”But….time….is…still….mine…..”

She couldn’t let go. Not yet. Not until she was certain she would either win her freedom back or bring him back from the abyss. The bond they had had not been fully completed so there was a chance she could win the fight. Unlike him, she was not tired and there was still plenty of fight within her.

As Jalisa lay on the bed her breathing grew very erratic and it was clear she was fighting against something, but what, no one would know. The demons that haunted her were not of this realm but they could easily affect her here. What ever the outcome would be, Lac would know by the way she either awoke form her trance like slumber or grew still.

The Gorrinvul with the assistance of the great spider at last tore away the door and a cascading undead waterfall of maniacal savages spilled in. Tiphereth could hear them and though his death was imminent he still could not abide the thought of being torn apart and devoured by the lowly creatures, but there was nothing he could do to prevent it and prayed that death took him quickly.

Suddenly a bright flash illuminated the backs of the Deithir's eyelids. He was able to force his eyes open for but a moment to see what had occurred and through the swirling luminescent mist spied the form of a Drow standing beneath a bright light. 'That foolish Drowess!", Tiphereth cursed in his mind, 'What a waste for her to die defending his body!"

The Drow then spoke, and the bard's mind was put at ease when a much deeper voice echoed in his ears amidst the cries and howls of the Gorrinvul.

"My, my, what a predicament we've found ourselves in, eh?" Said the Drow, in a light and witty fashion despite the horrors that surrounded him, "You're a difficult person to track down my friend, now, shall we leave? These quarters are getting rather cramped."

The smaller Elf scooped up, the much larger Elfin-like being with some effort and the strain showed on his face as he cradled the tall Deithir's limp form in his arms. "My we're a heavy one." He expressed then he quickly searched the room now flooded with Gorrinvul. They were held at bay by his powerful light spell, but that was fading fast. As the shadows of the Gorrinvul began to suppress the light, allowing the creatures to venture every closer without harm the Drow mage raised an eyebrow. "Very interesting." He said, followed by, "It appears as if my sister had evaded me once more. Scurried down a hole no doubt, as is her custom."

The one-eyed Drow then looked down at Tiphereth.

"Come, my dear, Sorrelwind, let's you and I get more acquainted. We have much to discuss."

Verin the closed his eye and concentrated, calling upon the power of the gate he had created to bring him to that place, which was no easy feat considering all the magical wards the Gorrinvul queen had set. Thankfully, with her demise their power had greatly diminished otherwise even he could not have breached them.

The Drow mage and the Deithir were engulfed in a bright red glow and just as the Gorrinvul dowsed the light and leapt upon them they were gone.

Jalisa felt herself pulling away from the edge. But she wasn’t out of the woods yet. The Pharie still clung to what little life was left in him and in doing so kept the bond with the Dragoness. While she didn’t know who was with him, she could certainly feel another presence. Something familiar about it yet something foreboding as well.

All Jalisa knew was that she still had the chance to help bring the bard back. Albeit not as quickly as she could if he would have but said the word but still, her magic cold still aid him. And as Tiphereth still held a bit of life in him, the Dragoness’ magic circulated through his form as her own essence refused to be sucked away into oblivion.

Lac reached into his cloak and removed a leather pouch. From the poach he removed a collection of herbs. Pouring some water into a bowl that lay upon a bedside table, he mixed the herbs into a potion. He then ripped a peice of his shirt and soaked the remmnant in the potion. Lac'nala knelt by the bed, laying his hand upon Jalisa's heart as her breathing once again became labored and slowly squeezed the potion upon her foread. Closing his eyes he softly spoke "Ve'bol elamshinae urie belbbaunin ussa, origato ol k'lararl ulu ilta. Ori'gato ukta tlu sreenaur." (TRANSLATION: What grace has given me, let it pass to her. Let her be safe.) as he squeezed an herb potion from a remenat of his shirt upon her forehead.

Tiphereth awoke to the sound of a crackling fire. A soft and comfortable surface supported his weight and the inviting scent of tea filled the air. Forcing his eyes open, the blurry image of a Drow sitting by a fire slowly came into focus. He immediately recognized this man, and knew him to be the devious brother of Jin; a villain not to be trusted.

A beautiful Drowess with her hair made up in a crown of intricate white braids stood beside him and upon seeing that the Deithir was awakening dismissed her with a wave of his hand.

"Your services are no longer required." He told the cleric. She bid him a quick nod and promptly left.

Verin leaned forward and in a fashion that denoted the mannerisms of an aristocrat sipped his tea and leaned back in his chair. He observed the Deithir, like one might examine a work of art, studying him, anticipating the first words he would speak. The Drow noticed that his guest seemed to looking for something. Even though one could hardly discern where the Deithirin eyes were looking, he took note of the creature's body language when he found the clock that hung on the wall to his left.

"Not much time has past, my friend." Said Verin.

"We are not friends." Countered Tiphereth, wincing in pain as he tested his range of movement.

"Oh, but I think we can be. We can be great friends you and I." Replied Verin as he set down his tea and cup upon an ornate table carved of black stone, "In fact, I'm counting on it."

"You are mad." Stated the bard without fear of reproach. Obviously, Verin required him alive for whatever he was planning.

"Mad to some perhaps." Verin admitted, "Madness and genius are often confused. Please, I ask only that you hear me out. Your wound is far from healed, but the other's you suffered have mended. By the look of them, I could only assume that you went for a swim in the Black Lake."

Immediately, Verin recognized the curiosity in the Deithir's softly glowing eyes. "Yes." he said, "I know of it. I know of many things. I know of Dragons and I know that such things exist that can allow one to control these powerful beasts. Tokens, like a ring, medallion, or even a pair of earrings."

Verin was toying with him. Tiphereth now knew that he was fully aware of the Dragon token. Beneath the blanket upon him, he was naked save for a waist-tunic and no doubt, the Drow sorcerer's keen eyes had fallen upon the image of the earring upon his chest over his heart. He wanted its power, but he would not have it so easily and this he probably knew as well.

The knowledge of talisquetry did not exist in this world but no doubt, Verin realized that the magical tattoos faded away upon the death of their host. The Dragon token would be lost upon his demise, but Verin had also learned of the connection that had been formed between the Phaerie and the Dragon. This Fey was not unlike a Demon in the sense that they were not of the natural world. Their power increased when bound to or in possession of another, and it was hardly a leap for the Drow to surmise what would happen should such a creature be in the possession of such an item.

Verin pulled out the other Dragon earring which we wore around his neck. "You are in possession of its twin." He said, "I and I know that there is no way I can take it from while it is apart of you. Suffice to say, you will not relinquish it either, as it is all that keeps me from ridding this world of you. We are thus at an impasse, but I propose that rather than us remain at odds, and I spend day after day torturing you to no end, we make a deal."

Tiphereth's eyes widened. "A deal?"

"Yes, yes, you know... an agreement." Said Verin in a condescending manner.

The bard narrowed his eyes at the mockery. "Speak then." He said angrily.

"The Fey are so ill-tempered." Commented the Drow, "I propose that you submit to a binding spell. As my servant, I can offer many freedoms and pleasures and in return I shall possess one of the powerful creatures in all of creation. What do you say?"

"You ARE mad, Verin. Why would I agree to such a thing?"

"Because, my dear, Sorrelwind. I am very persistent and eventually I will wear you down. No one will come for you. It is just you and me. What do you think the outcome will be?"

Tiphereth was silent. Verin was right, he could not win a battle of wills with the mage. Even with the Dragon token empowering him, the other half in the Drow's possession would countermand it's magic and it would only be a matter of time.

"May I have time to consider your offer." Requested Sorrelwind.

Verin smiled as he poured himself another cup of tea.

"By all means my friend, take all the time you like."

He picked up a tray of biscuits and cakes and offered it to his guest.

"Biscuit?"

Indeed, Verin's deal was self serving, but in truth the sorcerer saw many advantages in having a creature like this Deithirin Phaerie at his disposal as well. For longer than he could remember he had only himself to rely upon, it was the way it had to be since he had never known an another that was his equal. Certainly this Fey was nothing of the sort, but he had potential to warrant his respect. Before he had located, the Deithir he had visited, Kallus and she had revealed a great deal of this creature who was also known as the Wind of Sorrows. The bane of the Umanesh people of his world, a race of beings no different than the Men of this world. Unknown to all but him, this Phaerie who had developed far beyond the limitations of his kind, slaughtered them like cattle. He hunted them, destroyed entire villages of innocent Men, Women and their children. Their laments hung upon the air of his passing, and thus they called him the Wind of Sorrows.

Verin would very much like to meet this side of the wounded Elfling that rested upon his lounge at his fireside. He and the Wind of Sorrows could be very good friends indeed.

breathing soon grew shallower and less labored. But it wasn’t so much the herb Lac was using that had brought about the change in her. It was the fact the Deithir had been spared the fate of death. Jalisa could feel a power working on the bard and she soon realized it was a healer of some kind. How on earth did he get to be someplace a healer could have access to him?

Her questions were answered in all too much clarity. As Verin produced the other earring of Jalisa’s, the Dragoness growled in both her trance and physically. Tiphereth would be able to feel her seething anger now as she knew who had ‘rescued’ the Pharie. Some rescuer, thought the Dragoness. From the frying pan into the fire is more like it.

Just as Tiphereth could feel Jalisa’s anger, Jalisa could feel Tiphereth’s pain and she groaned as he attempted to move. Her ability to aid him was negated now unless the possessor of the other earring somehow allowed the bond she had with the bard to fully form. But she knew that was not going to happen. Verin saved the Pharie for a reason and Jalisa knew just what that reason was. It did not take a scholar to know this.

Knowing Tiphereth was still in mortal danger but unable to help him do anything more, Jalisa forced herself from her trance like state and blinked her eyes open. Seeing Lac had never left her side, she took in a ragged breath and smiled wryly. Her voice was strained as she spoke to him.

”I didn’t realize I had acquired a babysitter in you, Lac’Nala.”

Seeing the Ranger’s face and the small smile that eased over his features, she gestured to herself and reached for his hand.

”Help me up. We’ve got work to do and we need to get back to that keep.”

As Lac helped her sit up she grimaced as the pain in her abdomen was still quite prevailent. When she saw his concerned look, she brushed it off then reached out so he could help her stand.

”It only hurts when I move a certain way. It will not prevent me from doing anything.”

Once she got to her feet she felt a little unsteady but she clenched her jaw and worked through it. Looking over at him she nodded.

”The veil that kept the king prisoner has been lifted. Help him gather forces and make haste to the keep. I shall meet you there. Don’t look at me that way. I’m much older than you and have been through much worse than this. Besides, I believe the Drowess will be surfacing soon and will need your help.”

She didn’t mention Tiphereth, only Jin. Brushing past the Ranger, she made her way out of the room and saw it was dark now. Glancing skyward, she saw the clouds obscured the moonlight. It would be storming soon. All the better. Looking back to Lac, she nodded once more.

”Ride like the hounds of hell are chasing you, Lac’Nala. You MUST reach the keep before the Gorrinvul do.”

AS she spoke her last words she faded from sight but her voice still lingered.

”I shall do what I can to aid the Rohirrim until you arrive.”