The Order of the Dark Flame: Book 5. (story, no spam)

[Nippy]

Nippy exited the keep with a grim look on his face. He surveyed the scene. Aegis's arrows were spent, it was a good job Nippy had made a stockpile when he had the Ancient Powers, but now they were gone...

"Thats it!" Thought Nippy, "Jerren!"

Nippy called out to Mysteria. "Can you find Jerren for me? We need his help! Please, quickly!"

Mysteria ran off, a guest in tow...

Nippy sprinted to the battle scene. Three warriors, two skilled with swords, another an archer, would have to hold off a huge golem...

"Remember what I said! Attack and clear out, we've got to take it apart bit by bit. Use some speed!"

Nippy feinted in with a slash with his ice blade but sent a lethal upper cross slash, a cut that would disembowel someone normally just scratched some of the slime off of the golem. The golem swang but Nippy jumped back keeping clear.

This would take a long time...

[Mysteria]

"What the ... ", Mysteria suddenly became aware of her surroundings when Nippy rushed past her. A golem! The calm of battle came over her.

She started to move to join the battle, but then Nippy called out to her to find Jerren. It seemed quite important to him that he was found. Looking at the three warriors, she decided that they could hold on a moment longer.

She rushed into the kitchen, "Farscape! Don't just stand there cooking! There's a golem ou there!"

Rushing past him into the hall, she noticed that Gatok had followed her, as had Fang.

"What now?", he asked.

"We have to find Jerren, if only I knew where he is..."

[Gwalchmai]

The golem roared in pain and frustration, shaking its massive fists high in the gray light of morning. Its dim intelligence registered three attackers, from three different sides, and each dancing out of the way of its blows. It would be so satisfying to crush these puny, fleshy things. But they had annoyingly sharp sticks, made fire, and moved fast. Frustration roiled in the golem’s belly, belching out of its mouth in an acidic cloud of gas.

[GandalfgalTTV]

Gatok looked at Mysteria, torn whether or not she should know, just how much he did. But they needed Jerren’s help and they needed it fast.

Gatok: “I know where he is, just follow me.”

He started running again, making sure Mysteria kept up, he headed for the stairs, running up the stairs a thought entered his mind, in what kind of shape will he be, Dragon Wench might have exerted him to much to be of any use. But he didn’t slow down, coming up to the end of the stairs, he stopped for a second, fifth door on the left. Reaching the door he turned to Mysteria.

Gatok: “It might be a good idea if you get him, he does not yet know me.”

[Nippy]

Nippy was just about to sweep in to make another slash but a ball of green gas erupted from the golems mouth. It hit the floor like a rock but expanded to create a light green gas. Nippy was trapped inside it. His legs began to burn, unprotected by armour they blistered and the skin began to melt.

Nippy screamed in pain, but had enough presence to roll out of the cloud of gas. The golem followed him.

Nippy was sat on his back. He couldn't get up and was defenceless.

The golem approached even though it was being attacked by both Aegis and Bloodstalker.

Nippy looked up at the mindless drones face and saw nothing. It's eyes empty, it had no soul.

It mercilessly looked at Nippy's legs and stamped on the ankle. The sound of cracking bone and ripping sinew reverberated around Nippy's brain. He screamed aloud at the amount of pain he felt. He couldn't move and was immobilised, he was in absolute agony.

The golem turned and made to attack the other two...

[Mysteria]

"At last!", Mysteria exclaimed and unceremoniously slammed the door open.

"Jerren, we need, ahem..", she gulped, seeing him lying on Dragon Wench's bed and Dragon Wench...

She quickly closed the door again so just a slit was open.

Through this she called, "There's a golem in the yard, Nippy sent me to get you."

She didn't get an answer, but then she hadn't expected one, not after what the glimpse of the room had let her see.

"Let's go down", she told Gatok.

"Don't we wait for...", he hazarded.

"No, they're quite.... occupied.", she was already half down the corridor again.

[Aegis]

Nippy was down. Only bloodstalker and Aegis were left to fight this abomination of magic. He ducked his head as one of the golem's massive arms made a sweeping punch. As Aegis went low, he jammed Sunfang up into the creatures abdomin, and quickly retracted it. He rolled back, springing to his feet quickly. He dodged another advancing attack made by the golem, a small smirk appeared on his face. The creature was begining to slow. He leapt to the side, jsut as Bloodstalker made another powerful attack against the creatures side. The lumbering golem spun, though still quickly, to meet the attacker, and make a counter-attack. Aegis, once re-establishing his footing, pushed forward, his blade poised to run the creature through the chest. He watched Sunfang sink into the slime of the creature, and withdrew it. The golem gave a small grunt of dissatisfaction. Aegis didn't bother to wipe the thick substance off, he just pressed on. He hoped that help would arrive soon, as his arm was begining to tire, and his reactions slow slightly. He noticed the same in Bloodstalkers movements...

[Bloodstalker]

Bloodstalker's breath was coming more labored now, but he knew he would catch his second wind soon. Dodgeing a swining blow, he dropped to one knee, swung Striker, and again tore a piece of the golem out, and again it seemed to no avail. The creature seemed damn near impossible to hurt, and he was glad he wasn't facing this thing alone. Rolling to one side as the creature launched a downward blow, he caught a glimpse of Aegis cutting in from behind, striking swiftly, then moving back.

Glad that golems weren't smart enough to figure out it could press one at a time until they were all done in, he brought his blade to bear again to bear as the creature's attention turned once again to the archer.

Seeing Aegis dogde yet another attack, he caought sight of his third companion down. catching his breath, he again charged in, Striker catching the golem squarely between the shoulders, again only sinking in having no effect. No effect except to further occupy the creature, and that was Bloodstalker main concern at the moment. To buy time. Time for Nippy to recover, and time for help to arrive.

[Mysteria]

The look on Mysteria’s face and the speed she now had, told Gatok there was no change Jerren would be able to help, they would need to get back and figure out another way. Speed was essential and he quickly followed her, catching up as they reached the stairs.

Running down the stairs, Mysteria heard Gatok follow and began unsheathing her weapons.. Rushing out through the keeps front gate, she almost ran right into some green, billowing cloud. She threw herself back and hit Gatok.

Throwing Axe out of his hands, down to the floor, Gatok stretched out his hands trying to catch her, but perhaps the floor was slippery or she was stronger than he had expected, because both of them landed on the floor. However he had been successful in one thing, he had broken her fall.

Jumping back on her feet, Mysteria ran over to the three men. Carefully avoiding the green stuff, she put her weapons away. The golem had just turned his back to her and Nippy. Bending, she caught him under the arms, shuddering as she saw the skin peeling off him. Fang meanwhile had circled round on the other side, helping Aegis and Bloodstalker.

With Mysteria back on her feet, Gatok got up as well, still wondering how he could have fallen so easily, the thought quickly left his mind upon seeing Nippy. His magic of no use, the rage overtook him. It had been long since the rage had surfaced but it had lost none of its strength. Axe still lay on the floor, and recovering him would have to wait. A second later several bolts hurled towards the Golem. Ripping into it’s skin. It’s attention now turned towards Gatok. And he used the precious few seconds, not to unleash his true fury on the golem, but instead called upon Axe to join into the fray. Just how powerful Gatok’s magic truly was, was a secret that should not yet be revealed. And Axe heeded to the call so fast that his movement could not been seen.

Mysteria dragged Nippy out of the way, just as he was healing his own acid wounds. As soon as she had him some distance away, she drew her weapons once more and was ready to charge the golem from behind.

{OOC: edited so it fits the other posts}

[Nippy]

Nippy was not thinking clearly. He was a Paladin. He had access to spells. He thought about the spells to benefit him. He quickly cast Lay on Hands. It would clear the acid damage, but the bone damage was too great for him too cure.

Now in less pain he could think cleared. He casted Prayer and could see some of the fatigue of the warriors diminish. They were still tired though. He had one last spell he knew he could use, Divine Favour. It was a powerful spell. The words tumbled from his mouth and with a last hand gesture the spell was complete. A blue/white light fell onto the area. Aegis and Bloodstalker's hits became surer with every strike...

[Aegis]

(Will be changed for editing momentarily)

The light elf was begining to breath heavily now, and was thankful for the help. As Gatok brought his massive axe down on the creature, cutting a vicious swath through the golem, Aegis lunged in, plunging his sword deep into the golem. Once in, he twisted the hilt, turning it so the blade was vertical. the beast was to enraged with the others to attack the elf, it's focus on Gatok.

Suddenly, the area around flared a bluish white colour. Aegis felt a surge of energy move through him, and he wasn't as fatigued as before. He also had an idea. Aegis propped his foot up on the golems back, and kick back. As he flipped his body, his blade was forced up, slicing through the golems body, finally leaving at the base of it's head. The golem turned, gave a bellowing moan, and attack the elf viciously. As it moved forward, the ooze that covered its body seemed to loosen and fall.

"Now! Finish it now!" Aegis called between heavy breathes. He leapt back as another of the golem's fist slammed into the ground where Aegis had been standing a second ago. As it was about to make another attacked, it lurched forward. A gurgling noise came from it's throat, and stumbled slightly, before falling to the ground. From behind the now fallen golem, Bloodstalker and Gatox stood, Bloodstalkers sword covered in green slime, and Gatok's axe driven deep into the golem's back. Aegis worked his way around the golem, and stood next to the two men that helped in the defeat of the golem. He turned to Bloodstalker, and offer his hand in thanks, then did the same to Gatok before moving off to aid Mysteria and Nippy.

[Nippy]

Nippy was still sat down with his ankle, of no use when the golem dropped. The fight over Aegis walked over to Nippy.

"It's only a flesh wound ( OMG! The agony!) my Elven friend, but it would be nice of you lot to help me into the kitchen for a tot of brandy, I mean a jug, and a chair. I need to sit down..."

Aegis helped Nippy up and along with the others they helped Nippy hobble into the kitchen.

Nippy slumped down and looked at the damage. The ankle was broken quite badly, the bone was showing through and the ligaments were sure to be damaged. He knew that if he didn't have a Cleric's aid he wouldn't ever be of any use in real combat again...

[Obsidian]

Dashing from the kitchen, it took Farscape a second to locate his dark blade Vengeance. Taking time to light a torch from the oven, he dashed out slipping a cloak over his shoulders. Small and fast he covered the ground quickly. Behind the beast he ran Vengeance through up to the hilt before striking the Golem with his body, shielded by the cloak.
Despite his small stature, the force of the tackle knocked be beast to the ground. Wrapping it in the cloak as best he could before it burnt through, Farscape used the torch to light the cloak on fire. As the creature tried to rise he kicked it repeatedly.
"Stupid, basted monster" He said between kicks.
"I'll, *kick* show *kick* you *kick* to mess *kick* With my friends *Big kick*.
Drawing a long knife from his boot, he stabbed the monster three times in the approximate location of its head. By now the creature had stopped struggling, so Farscape stepped back breathing heavily while the fire raged putting pungeunt black smoke up into the clean morning sky.
Seeing the others have carried the injured Nippy back inside.
"Coming" He called, making note to snatch the obsidian blade of Vengeance from the smoking ruin of sorcery.

ooc, dont drop Nippy, he seems to knocked out by the slightest jolt to the head, I mean, an old gnome!

[T'lainya]

T’lainya had finished sorting out her potions. Her packing was done and she still needed to speak with the others. She was silently debating whether to go down to the kitchen when the noise from the outside drew her attention. She gathered up her gear and walked into the hallway. The oppressive feeling of the keep deepened, like a weight upon her soul. As she entered one of the smaller sitting rooms on the way to the door a sudden premonition made her turn.

She was startled to see a poker from the fireplace hovering in the air, shoulder high from the ground. The priestess watched carefully, slowly moving her hand to the flail at her side. The malice in the room was strong, so the priestess wasn’t surprised when the poker hurled itself at her, as though flung like a spear from some invisible hand. T’lainya didn’t bother to cast True Sight; she knew there would be no one there. She flung herself to the side, the poker missing her by a hairs breadth. She silently saluted the entity’s sense of timing. The priestess regained her feet and dived again, this time the poker went sailing past her head. She maneuvered herself to the side, carefully positioning herself. The poker launched itself again. The priestess flung herself to the floor and the poker buried itself in the wooden door behind her. T’lainya drew her flail and turning suddenly, swinging the weapon in a great arc brought it down on a large candelabra that was hurtling towards her. The heavy silver groaned and twisted from the blow, dropping onto the floor and behaving, as a candelabrum should. The sound of cracking, splintering wood warned the increasingly angry priestess that the poker was now free from the door.

“Silver and salt!” T’lainya faced the fireplace implement. It was now upright and suddenly slashed at her like a sword. The priestess was frustrated, she knew the enemy was more effective when the Dark Flames were alone, their strength divided. She avoided the slash and slammed the flail down at the poker. The poker retreated and she missed. Narrowing her eyes she feinted, using the time to grab a small vial of holy water. She splashed the contents over the area. There was a sense of anger; a howl loud enough to make her ears ring, and the poker froze in place. She could see smoke rising from it where the blessed water had hit. With a cold smile she raised the flail and struck the poker. The enchanted metal hit the poker with a crash. There was a shriek of metal and the ensorcelled iron shattered in a shower of sparks. The flail glowed, unmarred from the contact.

T’lainya picked the pieces of the poker and candelabrum up. She studied them for a moment, and then tossed them into the fire. A cloud of ashes rose from the fireplace and out, covering much of the room in ash and soot. T’lainya shook her head and sighed. She heard voices from the kitchen and decided the commotion outside was probably over. She refastened the flail at her side and wiped the ash from her face before she went towards the kitchen.

[Bloodstalker]

Bloodstalker gathered himself as best he could. The fight had taken a lot from him, but the spells cast by Nippy had done more damage to his system then the actual battle. The pain caused by the touch of magic had forced him to attack faster and more savagely than he had thought possible at that point. Had he not seen the Paladin prepareingnhis spells, he doubted he would still be standing. Stiil they had served their purpose, and for once he found himself not really objecting to the discomfort.

Helping the others tend to the fallen Nippy, a thought struck his mind. He had seen a lot of golems, but never without a wizard somewhere around. The thought made him uneasy, and he expressed his concern to Aegis.

"I think we had better get the others and be on alert. Golems usually mean mages, and I doubt this was an exception."

He felt as if things were not over yet. Looking down disgustedly at Striker, he thought he would do well to see to his blade. Something told him he would have need of it again soon.

[dragon wench]

Angrily, Dragon Wench leapt out of bed and loudly slammed the door shut, furiously cursing people who seemed incapable of knocking on a closed door.

Jerren met her eyes, and spoke."Everyone here seems to be an ccomplished fighter....I'm not sure what I would contribute."
Pausing, he looked thoughtful for a moment, and added, "she was in a panic.....just running madly.......people don't always think about knocking on doors in situations like that."

She looked at him, and nodded slowly, but the anger still simmered in her expression. She wished that they had thought to ward the door...but neither had expected events to unfold as they had.

Sighing, she realised it was probably time to locate some breakfast and attend to the day. Moving over to the bed she kissed him again, lingering for a moment in their shared warmth. Then, regretfully, she stepped back and began pulling on clothes.
Unable to resist, she gazed at Jerren as he dressed, savouring his lithe profile, and grace of movement.

Casting a final, longing gaze at the darkened intimacy of the room's softened shadows they opened the door and descended to the kitchen.

[Mysteria]

There was no need for Mysteria to help anymore, Bloodstalker, Aegis and Gatok quickly put the golem down. Gatok was truly an impressive sight, wielding that axe of his he had somehow recovered.

As they came over to help Nippy to the kitchen, she took a few steps back. Sheathing her blades, she took a few deep breaths, the tension flowing out of her, and as always, some maic too.

Happily, it wasn't a violent surge, and she had enough forewarning to be able to ground it in the dead golem who jerked back and forth some, half rising.

Farscape, who just came out at that moment, seemed to take that as a sign that the golem was still alive because he put it on fire and then kicked it savagely.

Smiling slightly, Mysteria didn't have the heart to tell him that it had already been dead and followed the rest of them into the kitchen. Fang fell in behind her, luckily he had been intelligent enough not to try to bite that golem.

{OOC: now everything should make sense }

[Maharlika]

Too late, the hero.

Maharlika has only gotten to see the last few moments through the window. As he saw Nippy about to get smashed by the golem, he winced with anger and regret that he does not have enough time to be there to stop it. Nevertheless he grabbed Deathstryke and rushed through the corridor leading to the battle site.

On his way he caught a glimpse of a pair of humanoid forms glowing in bluish-light.

Blast it! Now what were those?

Thinking that the battle outside is more urgent than satisfying one's curiosity, he turned back towards his original destination...

...only to see a flash of blue meeting him head on...

What the...?

Two faceless human-shaped form, 6 inches taller than him were lunging their fists at him...

...he barely dodged the first salvo...

Kiss my Blade goodbye!!!!

Suh-MUD!!!

Maharlika realized that Deathstryke is not even tickling his opponents!!!!

Shortly after his rude realization of his predicament, he finally got a nasty wallop from one of the blue creatures, sending him a few yards flying away into an array of armor suits and weapons.

CRASSSSHHHHH!!!

The two monsters were heading at his direction at an alarmingly fast rate...

...and Deathstryke is not at hand!

Having no time to rummage through the piles of armor and weapons (thank Bathala he didn't get impaled by one of the bardiches) he grabbed the first thing that his hand instinctively got hold of.

A mace.

In one fluid motion, he hit the first figure right in the "coconut" (as we tropical boys call it ).

KRABAAAAGGGGG!!!! (now that's GOTTA hurt!!! )

Maharlika knew that he hurt the creature this time as the spot the mace landed turned red violet. Knowing this, things were relatively easier for the diminutive oriental knight.

Diving and sliding through between the legs of his opponent (thereby dodging another set of fists of fury), the creature's back side was all in its glory a target waiting to be smashed...

...and things just happened as it should as the creature made a quick flash of blue then disappeared, however discoloring the floor with bluish black.

Wait a minute, they were two of them...

... Maharlika didn't know what hit him... last thing he remembered was seeing stars...

[Yshania]

Yshania raised her hood against the bitter chill, and taking the reins of both horses set off after Gwalchmai. She understood the need to follow Anicka, but she wondered whether it was wise, just the two of them. She missed her friends terribly, the distance between was escalating, and they had left their friends sleeping and unaware. 'But T'lainya is with them!' she reminded herself, 'she will know what to do!' and Aegis was returning to raise the alarm....'but Rai’ya!' Whatever this evil at work, it was intending to separate the Dark Flames...to isolate them and take them down one by one...

Growling angrily to herself, she caught up with Gwalchmai. She would fight this demon all the way! As Gwalchmai glanced up at her, she was thankful that the hood of her cloak cast a dark shadow across her face.

'Let's get going' she said quietly 'if it doesn't snow again, the Dark Flames will be able to track us if they wish. Gwalchmai?'

'Yes?'

'We must promise to stick together now, if we separate, this evil will take us!'

[Aegis]

Aegis and Bloodstalker placed Nippy onto one of the counters in the kitchen before turning the rest. He didn't even pause to catch his breath before telling them about Anicka, and how Gwally and Yshaina had gone off to search for her.