The group took the eye and limped back to the well room. Jessel and Vashti used the last of their healing spells to get everyone back on their feet. They then ate and drank their fill. It was wonderfully odd that they were not thirsty.
They slept the rest of the night, making sure to keep watch. Vashti knew the banshee was destroyed, at least until the following sunset, but they did not want anything else sneaking up on them. Julius took the first watch.
Day 12, Week 1, Fortuary, Friend's Vengeance, 190th King's Age, Sun Descending
Upon waking late in the morning, Vashti and Jessel took turns preaching their sermons. Jessel was far more eloquent and entertaining to listen to, although Vashti wasn't too bad. After getting food and water, the party started discussing their next move.
They knew that the eye and the orb had to be used in the evening and they were afraid that if they missed the opportunity, the banshee would rise at nightfall. They questioned Julius about his vision to get an idea of the height of the statue and earth temple. They could easily use telekinesis to lift the orbs to the correct height, but didn't know what would happen after they did.
Vashti mediated to try and get some guidance from water. Shade continued taking spear lessons from Kalino, while Kiara watched. Jessel talked to Julius at length about the wonders of earth. Alaxander rested and relaxed, happy to not have something trying to kill them.
As the evening drew near, the group got ready. The moved outside and prepared themselves for the unknown. Alaxander and Julius used the way to lift the orbs into the air. Julius directed Alaxander to where he believed the correct placement of the spheres was. While they waited, Vashti checked the area where the palace should appear, it was devoid of all buildings, nothing was invisible.
When the sun just touched the horizon, the sunlight shone through the eye and the orb. Beams of light shot from the two spheres and met in the empty lot. The sand and rocks that filled the lot were violently displaced and the palace reappeared. A huge cloud of dust and loud bamf filled the sky. The group coughed and choked. Shade was the first to speak, he said that Abu and his group were sure to have seen, and heard the palace reappearance. Kalino suggested they get inside as soon as possible.
Alaxander and Julius lowered the spheres, Julius taking the orb and Alaxander keeping the eye. Shade quickly stashed the kanks inside of the earth temple. Everyone else gathered at the palace doors, which were large, brass inlaid and crafted with red stained wood. The doors were intricately carved with the eye and pyramid motiff, along with various animals. The doors were difficult to open, but with a little effort, Jessel and Shade were able to manage it.
Inside was a long entrance hall with a polished granite floor. There were pillars of white stone holding up the fifteen foot tall ceiling. Inside the pillars were carvings of lovely, young, human woman. None of the carvings were the same and all were done with great detail. Time had worn them a little, but they were obviously protected from the weather.
As Shade stepped inside, large yellow crystals in the ceiling lit up, providing light for the explorers. Looking at the doors, Jessel could see some door brackets on the inside of them. There was no bar to be found, however. So, Jessel grabbed a large stone from outside and used his earth elemental magic to form it into a bar. He knew it wouldn't be as good as a wooden bar, due to its brittleness, but it was better than nothing. Once everyone was inside, Jessel closed and barred the door.
The group moved cautiously through the quiet entrance hall. Alaxander thought he saw one of the carvings eyes follow him, but when he looked closer, it seemed he was mistaken. As they walked, more crystals lit up to light their path.
Evergreen by Courtney Oquist |
Thank you for reading and join us in one week for another exciting session of Adventures Under the Dark Sun.
2nd edition AD&D Dark Sun Cast of Player Characters and other Major Characters
Julius: Human male psychokinetic. 22 years old. Played by Dave. Speaks Balican, Tyrian, and Giant.
Alaxander: Human male psychokinetic. 17 years old. Played by Ben. Speaks Balican, Tyrian, and Elf.
Vashti: Human female clairsentient/water cleric. 20 years old. Played by my wife. Speaks Nibnese, Gith, Tyrian, and Balican.
Shade: Half-Elf male ranger/thief, 18 years old. Played by Chad. Speaks Balican, Elf and Tyrian.
Kalino: Human male fighter/preserver. 20 years old. Party NPC. Speaks Rammin, Tyrian, and Balican.
Special Guest Star: Jessel: Half-Giant male earth cleric. 30 years old. Played by Nate. Speaks Giant and Tyrian.
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