Of Keys and Linder and Evil
"Of Keys and Linder and Evil"
Posted by Atei
Once upon a time there was a Wizard named Covenant Atei. While he dabbled in necromancy and occasionally used the poison spells, he was a good chap and would always help his fellow woman or man. Perchance he met the lovely and gracious Sholeh Iruli and they fell instantly in love. Before long they were wed in a beautiful ceremony in the Gardens of the Palace of Nujel'M.
All seemed blissful and peaceful until one day Linder happened upon the happy couple while they were out house hunting in the Moonglow area. Linder had attended the wedding reception and while there, asked Covenant to remind him of the Magic Key that the Wizard had in his possession the next time they saw each other. (In a past adventure, Linder had led some heroes on the Quest for Smiga's Heart and this Key came from that Quest.)
Covenant, being a dutiful servant of the Realm and knowing that Linder was also loyal to her majesty, Queen Lissar, reminded the Ancient Druid of the Key. Covenant told him that the Key was safe and sound in Covenant's Bank Box. Linder asked to see the Key, so all three of them gated to the Moonglow Bank.
Once there, Linder examined the Key and said that he may have found the special lock it was made for. Linder then fell silent for a time, and when he finally spoke his tone was cautious. He said he was now sure which lock this Key fit but he was uncertain what they would find there. He described a lockbox in a cage in a room with a Pentagram, deep in the fourth level of Hythloth. Covenant knew this room well, for he and his bride Sholeh had adventured there in the past.
Linder again warned that he could not predict what they would find if they went, but Covenant's mind was made up. After Linder left, Covenant contacted Edison, Angelica, Malakim and Rocks. He asked them to meet Sholeh and him at Moonglow Bank to discuss the situation. All agreed with the Wizard that they should go see what they could find. After making all the necessary preparations, Covenant opened a portal to Hythloth and they all stepped through.
The normal inhabitants of Hythloth awaited the group: Orcs of varying heritage, minor daemons, Titans, Lich Lords, Black Wisps etc. All were dispatched with relative ease. After all, three Master Mages and three Master Warriors could take apart just about any dungeon.
When they finally reached the fourth level of Hythloth, Covenant wanted to go directly to the Cage, but Edison stayed his hand. His fellow Mage suggested that they survey the room first, and it was a wise decision. The room was filled with Shadow Assassins, Shadow Archers, Shadow Adept Mages and Shadow Warriors. They were defeated and the group headed to another room with the portal into the cage. (There is no direct access into the cage other than through this portal).
One by one they filed into the portal, disappearing from the one room and reappearing inside the cage. They knew in that small of an area any kind of attack could be most deadly, and Covenant made doubly sure everyone was ready before proceeding. When he got the go ahead he slid the key into the lock and it fit! It turned easily and the lock released. He opened the strongbox and discovered...
Nothing. It was empty. He was about to comment on the wasted trip when a strange shimmering light appeared above the box. It glowed and pulsed an angry, hot white and a moment later a dark, menacing figure stood before the assembled group. All assembled knew what they saw and all stepped forward to attack, but it quickly uttered the phrase "Kal Ort Por" (recall) and vanished.
Turning to the group, his face an ashen gray, Covenant uttered the only thing he could think to say: "No. No, no, no."
***
Soon, somewhere in Britannia, an evil laughter will be heard and terror will strike at the very heart of the Land, again. Armies will be mobilized and battles will be fought for the very existence of the Realm, again. Sons and daughters of the Realm will know real, true fear, again.
All because Covenant Atei used a Magic Key to open a strongbox in the fourth level of Hythloth and released...
The Spirit of Lord Gizash.
