Birth of the Dark One

43

Success! You are able to enter the Tower. Inside, you find a bloody sight. Guards lie on the ground--headless, bloodless, and blind, staring straight ahead in death. You count at least thirty guards, all dead. Shock comes over you as you see that some terrible creature has devastated the every last soldier in this place. A powerful creature brought a swift death on these unfortunate souls. Only a Kai, or perhaps a Darklord of old could have made such quick work of so many. Most of the soldiers seem to not have seen it coming lying near game boards still in the middle of play, meals uneaten. Some bodies still lie in piles of straw where they were previously resting. Grimly, you grasp your weapon.

A dull laughter fills the air and you look around. Emerging from one of the stables is none other than Lakaast. The Xagash rises, baring his fangs in mirth as he sees your tension. Seeing him you shake your head and relax a little. 'How did you get here without being detected?' You ask. 'You of all creatures should not be able to pass for one of them.' And with that you motion to the armies of the Kai outside.

Swiping his tail at you, he shoves you back a little, and leers, 'Never underestimate the power of a Darklord.'

'You are not a Darklord,' you retort embarrassed at having been caught in your fear. This only makes him laugh harder.

'Oh, perhaps not one of the Great Darklords, but a Lesser one none the less, or would you care to dispute that?' he questions motioning to the remains of the tower guard. Wisely you keep your mouth shut.

'I've been waiting several hours for you, I've found a way to escape this infernal encampment.' With that he gestures to what you previously thought were horse stalls. In each of these holding pens stands an Itikar. These giant, black-feathered creatures are used by many Vassagonian nobles as mounts that ride the skies, much like the Kraan. 'They'll never expect us to fly out again, especially this close to the end of their lines.' Lakaast says. 'Once we get airborne we will be free.'

He leaves for a second and then comes back holding two of the creatures. Handing one to you he says 'I picked the best natured one for you, hoping that even a young whelp like you could ride it.' Ignoring the insult you mount up and prepare to ride off through a distant hole in the roof of the tower.

Do you possess the discipline of Riding? If so turn to 50

If not turn to 45