Kar came back and sat on the adjacent ordinate chair, fiddling with his fingers. So at odds with how he was, but an hour before.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAwC5AwdIMMu
"I know you aren't all that pleased with me at the moment." He pulled his shoulders back a fraction.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAMXnCYMMofj
"That's an understatement, care to try again?" She said, with a monotone pitch.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAMy0L628qTe
"I'm to sit and listen to some blather about why you did all of this?"
630Please respect copyright.PENANAlg0u4g8ZqY
Shifting in the chair she crossed her legs. A large window was on the far side of the room behind him. Hopefully, it wasn't too high up.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAt3HSEu4PwD
"Everything you've been told is a lie." He held up his hand palm facing her.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAFGrMfjqtkP
"Let me finish before you reply."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAs82PBqhBhA
She nodded stiffly. Can't do anything else right now, not while he's watching me.
630Please respect copyright.PENANACOChqSLdAr
"You and your people have been lied to. Unnamed is not what you think he is. He wasn't always like he is now, I'll explain that later."
630Please respect copyright.PENANA3QcRHQUu1j
"He didn't cause your people to lose their immortality, becoming barbarians gone berserk, the Undergods did."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAnIg6Jrg8Ks
He shifted in the chair positioning his hands on his legs.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAPj0oI4ERgB
Several minutes of quiet passed.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAn4QDrNBj5I
Her brows crinkled and she pinched the bridge of her nose.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAs1X5BfkAVg
"Hogwash! If you knew of the pure evil that radiates from him you wouldn't say that. And—the awful things he says."
630Please respect copyright.PENANA0gElqIDrRF
Before he could reply there was shouting from below.
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"Merryn!"
630Please respect copyright.PENANALkcqPOpmkG
A roaring.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAHx0RSIcfzs
"Merryn!"
630Please respect copyright.PENANAj34oGAtVTk
"Stay here." Kar left the room, the door slamming behind.
630Please respect copyright.PENANARXyGZvjdFY
She stood following him, the noises were louder down the stairwell back to were the scorpo-rats were and the vats of glop.
630Please respect copyright.PENANALjb2r0622c
"Begone pest!" Kar shouted.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAgiJ2YI4my6
She padded down the stairs, hiding in the shadowed side. The stairwell shook beneath the smooth walls offered noting to grasp as the stairwell tilted. What the hells name was going on down there?
630Please respect copyright.PENANAVrGaCFMOwA
Kar shouted below: "-down here now, remember your vow."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAhPKbbNWRlp
She stumbled down the stairs, stopping on the landing.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA6XVYzKIplc
A grotesque dusk-rat was between the doorway and the others. It stood on its hind legs. Its wrinkled hairless skin an off gray, the color of rotted meat. Its claws clicked on the stone tiles, sniffing while it elongated its neck. From its twisted maw putrid strands of saliva dribbled.
630Please respect copyright.PENANATorgQ154AK
Kar side stepped it.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA2J46nBKkfG
He flicked his wrist, making a rolling hand motion. "After you. Dispose of it."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAcco4XoswD0
The Dusk rat tried to stomp on Han, who rolled out of the way.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAVecYU3iYLs
Parcival sat propped up by a cage. The rat whipped its tail at him. He scooted on his butt backward. The tail cut into the floor like a hot poker, it bumped into an unlit chandelier, candles rolled across the tiles.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAvXqQSpiha3
"Why are you standing there?"
630Please respect copyright.PENANArYaMLxjKYd
Kar came over and sat on the steps, he reached into his robe through the side taking out two daggers, he held them out.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAVkFBsfJRke
"Go on bodyguard, kill it."
630Please respect copyright.PENANA6GcXvOHWTn
The rat brushed up against the wall, several torches snuffed out. The room darkened; the only light a faint glow from upstairs. She muttered several Elvin curses under her breath.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAzWkdWDCOWf
"Such naughty things you say, keep that up and I'll to come a courting," He giggled.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAzWkJxeGi8A
"Another good one." He slapped his leg.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA8Cr5XIPiKM
Han was behind the rat; near the ceiling some chains dangled on pegs. To the left the way outside. To the right Parcival pinned between two cages.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAbiULvLccRL
She went around it and over to Han.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAdH6oRnbwGP
"If I boost you—reach the chains?" Talking was hard, each thought was slow to form; each moment unsteady.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA7paeDHfow9
The rat kept after Parcival gouging chunks out of the brick wall trying to reach him.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAvoGT3dVj4u
He looked at it for a moment.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAIjvVbw0V8b
"I'll try."
630Please respect copyright.PENANA1itYxyMdxV
He hopped up landing on her shoulders. She held her hands, palms up. He climbed up them and strained to reach for a length that dangled down.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA935i9WFZ8W
She stood on her tiptoes.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAnCtyRCQWgU
"Stretch, come on!"
630Please respect copyright.PENANAwpUtFlEDFE
The ground shook, she pitched backward into a support beam, something poked her leg. Did all this matter, or would Kar just pull something else, stretching up she touched the chains with her fingers, Olenus willing they'd go free.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAxLhkazpCSd
Han jumped taking hold of the chain.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAD6EdEK1NTI
"I'll get it loose, help Parcival."
630Please respect copyright.PENANATbfygOAe46
The rat dropped down on all fours. It moved over to the stairwell behind her; snapping at Kar.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAoWwS2LYZ9C
"Save me, bodyguard. Or your life be mine." His eyes twinkled with mischief.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAUACnOm02GL
What was with that man? Olentan it! She bolted at the rat. Or would have if a barbed hook had not caught on her jerkins.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAYYYzAsrJQB
Kar's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. "Take them off if you must, but I advise you hurry."
630Please respect copyright.PENANA6XR7zR5k5g
He stood still, even when the rat opened its mouth, fangs not an inch from his face.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAJXQBWWpquu
The fabric ripped when she leaned forward. She tore the last stuck piece down and tossed it.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAWctPOUyYDx
The rat turned its head and growled. She smacked it on the bridge of its nose.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAn3rdSohfy6
Growling louder it swatted her into an empty container. The glass shattered spraying shards in a radius. A few scratched her arm, but other then that, no real injuries. Good, have some of Olentan's luck for a change.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAemCSdNXavG
Han dropped down the chain in his hands. "What do you want me to do with this?"
630Please respect copyright.PENANA94Rk5eTVPb
The rat came straight in her face, leaping to the left as it hot dripping jaws passed over her head.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAu0YU4TKU4u
"Give it ... me." She crouched down over to him.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAHNo7rQtw0o
Her head was so heavy, it was hard to hold it up. She held a hand out.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAfhks8Mp5zp
Han heaved it over. She caught the end. Now to go around. It was still busy trying to get at Parcival, she crept under it's head pulling the chain with.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAKBe7yuP6ov
Kar picked his teeth, looking at nothing.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAVYuPEqCNbg
Hot breath warmed the back of her neck. Turning the rat snapped at her, she rolled, got up and finished going around it with the chain.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAMu2DK2rLgP
The rusty chandelier squeaked as it swung on its chain. If this didn't work ... She ran for the stairwell, chain in tow; clanking.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA0JvWoSbVm7
The rat roared again is footfalls thudded behind, it's stench filled the basement. Merryn breathed through her mouth. As to what it had been eating for breath like that—never mind.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAYhbHt5WApa
She skidded on the dry dirt and hopped on the control box of the container.
630Please respect copyright.PENANARZrCTZTqHV
The rat pitched forward toward the stairwell. Kar craned his neck, holding his palms up. The look on his face would have been comical in another situation. She bit the inside of her cheek and bolted for Kar. A quick vision of strangling the man started—as did a head pain.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAOzre9Qt9D3
She slid under the rat, stuck out her arm, pulling Kar out of the way.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAamTKXlVsLJ
The rat squeaked an all too human sound of surprise; it wedged its head in the stairwell. Ha! Take that, you overgrown furred pouch! It clawed at the wall and roared so loud that the ceiling beams shook.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAGpNHcB2Qq8
Kar had sat down on a stool next to the stairwell. She went over to him, shaking her fist. It was too hard to talk.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA6E0hkstOSS
His eyes gleamed at her. He stood up pinching her cheek, then sat back down.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA2LUYyAqNJR
She stared at him for a moment before going back to the cages. It took that long caught between wanting to smack him and trying not to.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAiK1SxPse7g
"Damn this vow, and damn you!"
630Please respect copyright.PENANAgAJruUoLaL
Kar made motions with a hand like a person taking while mouthing the words back, in a mocking tone.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAw71aEKj5lJ
"Arrg!"
630Please respect copyright.PENANAchITRMe6tY
"Come on ignore him and get over here!" Han said.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAyAUDiOdaoi
She climbed onto some cages that leaned against the wall; working up to the chandelier. A good toss would do it. Several attempts later she wrapped the chain around the rim. It looked like there were two of them. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes. Please, not now body, not yet.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAlDW6Fn5u9h
The rat had worked its head almost free. Big pieces of stone dropped off the sides as it clawed at them with it's hind legs.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAeJQsUc5bH4
Tugging on the chain a few times before she climbed higher on the chandelier. Now the tricky part, she dropped one end down towards the cage, then tossed the other end over the other side where it dangled near the ground.
630Please respect copyright.PENANALbWSF2KWfd
She dropped down, and spilled on her side. Nothing wanted to move.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAW6TC9KnHZd
"Rid me of this problem and I'll consider neutralizing the weakness potion," Kar said.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAJhJLrcHDxa
Han scooted over.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAqBWUsuAiSh
"What next?"
630Please respect copyright.PENANAP8jhpdFWn3
"I was thinking of ..." She said the rest close to his ear.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA83lTrmT7TL
"Alright, we need to be quick."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAto311sqN9n
"Follow me."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAwClXaBy5Vm
She climbed up the cages, yanked the chain down, and threaded it in the bars. Whistling at Han while pointing to the other chain.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAuUCyOCONXr
He bounded up on the cages, worked over to the other end of the chain hanging from it.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAYzuPhK7CBZ
She went to the edge of the cage on top leaping just above Han; reached up, grabbed the chain too. Their weight lifted the cage up a little. Great, this might work.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAx5xXUPHcaj
Parcival pulled his leg out and scooted out from under the cages, he was still trapped behind them.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAjoxc2JVuHN
The rat clawed at the stairwell pulling its head out.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAGhbUkuXchx
It zeroed in on her.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAW5Q4McnhYa
Whipping its tail about, the dirt sprayed where it struck.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAaHBtq91YZ6
She hopped back, then ran close to the wall cut away from it, toward Han. She scrambled back up the chandelier wrapping her legs around the main chain that held it up. She bounced, jiggled and pulled on it. Come on ...
630Please respect copyright.PENANAjK2KMzcBes
The Dusk rat tilted its head and just stood there.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAByoEPbeZPO
She pointed to Han and then back at Parcival. He made a face, but jumped down and went over to Parcival.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA2gjRk6IB4n
The rat moved a step closer. What was its problem?
630Please respect copyright.PENANAqVh19TKC17
Humm. She dangled off of the edge waving her arms. That did it, the rat licked its lips and went below her.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7vy0P87wV
She sat up, swung around kicking at the cage.
630Please respect copyright.PENANADiUOXHCW0L
It shuttered, but did not fall.
630Please respect copyright.PENANApaOjytNp9P
She kicked it again until it unwrapped. The cage struck the rat on it's back, it fell; screeching, then its eyes rolled in the back of its head.
630Please respect copyright.PENANARuCqTvy44E
Kar stood up clapping.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAzjYjYgieft
"Wonderful. Very entertaining. Next time doesn't toss my pets into any open vats." He winked.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA6qnl802lbb
He looked at Han and Parcival. "Go."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAFTGjXpTnik
Han pounced at Kar his saber held out in front of him.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAUd8ipIuBh9
"Stop him. Now." Kar said.
630Please respect copyright.PENANATQVDvZ5Dko
She ran in front of him with her arms held out shaking her head.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAJxYRyykGbb
"What are you doing?"
630Please respect copyright.PENANAXKaMnz9KbS
"Just go." She turned around following behind Kar.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAePD3HoYq0i
Upstairs, he pointed to a bench near the doorway.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAPFJrp42Hd1
She huffed, and sat. It was hard to stay angry. Sleep, let me sleep. I'll get angry later. Was that his plan, exhaust me?
630Please respect copyright.PENANAnQ49pFia7d
"I may have embellished on the truth some." He stood there with his hands held behind his back.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAf65kYUpPU2
"On what?"
630Please respect copyright.PENANAN8ZNco0G0z
"Mmmm. The potion in the vial. It won't kill you." He giggled, a low sort that sent a prickle on her arms.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA7bbOQl7rAS
"You sick son of a basnar." She slammed the bench with a fist.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA6avvvbeQ7g
"Ooh, you have some energy left yet. Good. No more talking now, I tire of it." He draged a line with his finger across his throat. "Understand?"
630Please respect copyright.PENANAJyALLqEFXV
She snorted at him.
630Please respect copyright.PENANABF1t0pV3Yk
"Good."
630Please respect copyright.PENANA6KhEUO3Jxl
Uneven footsteps behind, that grew louder. Her ears swiveled towards it.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAMB81vZKl0z
Parcival limped up the stairs and pointed his sword at Kar.
630Please respect copyright.PENANADIpJi0xuQ1
Kar tilted his chin up. "Cut me. Watch what happens."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAFNetYlYaGP
She stood, pushing down on it.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAvokK5xZjuz
"Go home." Jaw clenched, she pushed away an ocean, a dark rolling ocean of tears. Now wasn't the time, come on, stop it.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA4zIDvPf1et
"I will not. I don't know why you are acting like this. I Intend to find out, and will not leave until I do." He stood rigidly, looking at Kar without blinking.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAbDfkepd6JQ
Oh, gods. She straightened and looked him in the eyes. Her legs shook as she pushed within.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAiZUpnCH2NF
Han came up soon after. He padded over to her and sat down on the bench. "I'm not going anywhere."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAmJD9pAkq94
"Choices. Each one determines a different outcome." Kar traced a finger along the sword, as he came closer the pointed nail grew in length.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAtnf8BI3KST
"What choice will you make, Palitan?"
630Please respect copyright.PENANAhxJ2jEMejY
Parcival startled.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA5YEY2QNcZz
"That's right I know. Have you-"
630Please respect copyright.PENANAYBZlqif7KM
Parcival lunged forward, pushing on the handle end with with his palm, while holding the handle with his right.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAcJZ6zOA3Lm
Palitan? No. No. No. Kar started to look less sinister and ... No snap out of it, it's a lie! It has to be! If he was one he'd have sealed me away by now ...
630Please respect copyright.PENANAyQf1Ikw4nS
If I could just move.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAiuso5oOnce
I can free you. The cost being most of your energy. It'll come back by next week. Deal? Unamed said.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAyCOhtyeAmG
Why do you ask, what kind of a weak god are you?
630Please respect copyright.PENANAgMmWmlWW47
Fool! Do not anger me! It would work against my best interests to just outright drain your energy, as you'd die.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAtc20DMI8Z4
Ah, you need me. If I could smile I would.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAAXsEc9c34w
As do you. Choose, they aren't going to wait.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAcP6n3iCjqc
Parcival had already broken through Kar's fear rune magics inscribed on his robe. I think it may work out.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAeQ5nGNIEEh
She could almost feel Unnamed shrugging. Too bad the energy boost would have speed things up.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAtnpubx7AjW
Such as?
630Please respect copyright.PENANAT8Xu9UFxry
Unnamed didn't answer. It felt like he had fallen asleep? Did talking tire him?
630Please respect copyright.PENANAAkRgrSAyFD
Kar leapt back.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAy895SOmj4i
"Kill him."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAPNIVnlWvFd
A sharp pain crossed her left side on her chest. She grimaced taking in shallow breaths through her nose. No. No. No!
630Please respect copyright.PENANAcS8wxbNYGK
She caught his blade between her hands yanking him forward.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAbYjEHqLJ1w
"Are you possessed woman?" Parcival pulled the sword back.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAlJm5gf970l
Yes, you idiot, I am. The spell clamped her jaw shut befor she cold say anything. So damn frustrating. She released it before it cut a hand. There, an opening. She kneed him in the stomach dropped down on the pads of her feet, stuck a leg out tripping him. Come on hero fight back!
630Please respect copyright.PENANAV20lx8mOXo
He crashed down and the sword slid behind him teetering on the top of the stairs.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAd0BRTLpRQD
Kar came up beside, he had a strange glow to him that wasn't there before.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAFn1e24Vjrr
"That should be enough, blood is so messy. You may go." Kar poked Parcival with a foot.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAfZkHBcBB3u
Kar shrunk down, his youthful features became wrinkled, his hair white and his fingers bony. Then this reversed and he changed back.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAaAKoYxCHT6
She saw it, but it didn't register for another minute.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAc3u7GOQXKf
"The merchant."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAlptCQ9Eul7
He simply nodded.
630Please respect copyright.PENANA0zQPa3bgmh
Kar became youthful again, then went behind, wrapping his arms around her neck.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAmpq6OYkI8k
"Get off!" She tried to shake him off but couldn't move.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAmJPbabqGXR
"She does what I say. leave now and she will be set free soon after." He patted the side of her face.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAvqU4cN9YcP
I hate you. A flash of a day dream cane of cutting his head off with crossed daggers.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAbEUP02NJTF
Han came over and tapped Parcival on the leg. "let's go."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAY2QZqcnJ2N
They both turned around and started to walk away.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAE38bleHlyU
It's good they were going. They shouldn't be mixed-don't leave me with him! She trembled all over, sweat drenched her under shirt.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAkyWOSBzD3n
Tich. The Dentree's have gotten soft.
630Please respect copyright.PENANASWMIMRaCme
Shut it.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAO1BGOnBZPT
Unnamed scratched inside ... the truth is hard to take.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAgujRsNYuMi
Kar separated from her and followed behind them to close the wooden door.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAzDjl53qUf4
Han slid under Kar's legs, jumped up and grappled hers.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAOl9cAEqQrc
She dropped a dagger it bounced across the floor out of sight. Damn it! The air surged out of her chest.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAVWxkNfTUlm
"Ooof."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAfy2F0Qlc0c
"Don't." Parcival had Kar at bay with a small sparkling light ball.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAzPowhIKqNF
"Tisk-Tisk. If she doesn't get the antidote, she'll continue to try to kill you. This might last all day or all week. There is really no need for this."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAlk7qehr2s7
He faded, then vanished. Seconds later he whispered behind her.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAvv3uzYaghf
"You will come back and finish our talk."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAwYYmojvgFM
He placed his hands on her shoulders. A hot sensation spiked through her and she gasped.
630Please respect copyright.PENANALgwufWNB7j
"I forbid-"
630Please respect copyright.PENANA2gzfRhMfI4
Parcival never finished as Kar stood before him a pointed nail inches from his eye.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAg9CtpOr8mG
Parcival blanched; his eyes crossed at the nail end.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAzx2jQIba3n
"You are all very fortunate I've transformed for the day. Tomorrow, however, when I find you I will not hesitate to annihilate you both."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAeSkybpDEY1
The look he gave her changed from cold to something softer almost, pleading?
630Please respect copyright.PENANAUteUQ8WBZC
Kar-it was as if-no he's just nuts. The further away they all got from him the better.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAcLXvpWPZPx
Parcival picked her up and she hit and kicked him full strength. He slammed into wall.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAO5NzfZrkot
Han was on her back; a flash of silver, then a poke.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAHcjNRO08rl
"This was meant for Kar. Sorry lass."
630Please respect copyright.PENANA7vuzgJA47k
Parcival grunted and shook his arms out and rubbed his chest where the kick landed.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAIhJXJZZduW
"Remind me to stand away when you're kicking someone."
630Please respect copyright.PENANAS1GTMPHM3U
She toppled back and slid against the banister.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAokKthOIYM0
Parcival pulled her back up and carried her, tight. Her knees almost touched her nose, all muscles refused to cooperate.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAOiRYS4lCKB
"Quickly now," he said to Han. They leaped down the stairs using the wall for balance.
630Please respect copyright.PENANAUgJazAhRlv
Kar stood at the top of the stairway watching. His green eyes flared blue covering the whites. Emptiness and loss filled her core, such a strange thing considering what he did. 630Please respect copyright.PENANA4FCoTJVsRK
630Please respect copyright.PENANAmpwmLAJt6X
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