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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAiWq0qjYrxH
"I know you aren't all that pleased with me at the moment." He pulled his shoulders back a fraction.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAVS9akOY2ag
"That's an understatement, care to try again?" She said, with a monotone pitch.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA7Fmz8LwJym
"I'm to sit and listen to some blather about why you did all of this?"
632Please respect copyright.PENANAwD1rhHeia0
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAhDejyKDPFx
"Everything you've been told is a lie." He held up his hand palm facing her.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAfHA7Yu1XsX
"Let me finish before you reply."
632Please respect copyright.PENANA5anTNgJzLR
She nodded stiffly. Can't do anything else right now, not while he's watching me.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAIBI6NwxAmO
"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."
632Please respect copyright.PENANAQJjOJyM9lS
"He didn't cause your people to lose their immortality, becoming barbarians gone berserk, the Undergods did."
632Please respect copyright.PENANACSIYzaXL5G
He shifted in the chair positioning his hands on his legs.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAwZ4fXZreP3
Several minutes of quiet passed.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAUYa05FNVIf
Her brows crinkled and she pinched the bridge of her nose.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAar6cIEgQ4E
"Hogwash! If you knew of the pure evil that radiates from him you wouldn't say that. And—the awful things he says."
632Please respect copyright.PENANAtXi8O38wYX
Before he could reply there was shouting from below.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAEr9K2o0Tpv
"Merryn!"
632Please respect copyright.PENANADTPZIIjAdh
A roaring.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA8PEpJdCBS6
"Merryn!"
632Please respect copyright.PENANAJahycTAomI
"Stay here." Kar left the room, the door slamming behind.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAb2UOlHtHs5
She stood following him, the noises were louder down the stairwell back to were the scorpo-rats were and the vats of glop.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA4abbEXmGBN
"Begone pest!" Kar shouted.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAlWnwiLq6tO
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?
632Please respect copyright.PENANA4o7OhSh0lU
Kar shouted below: "-down here now, remember your vow."
632Please respect copyright.PENANAPl6Xx0AoOL
She stumbled down the stairs, stopping on the landing.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAXNbeV7bRIb
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAiSYEXP0sYd
Kar side stepped it.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAHS67BUQ9EJ
He flicked his wrist, making a rolling hand motion. "After you. Dispose of it."
632Please respect copyright.PENANA3CPjCUAITd
The Dusk rat tried to stomp on Han, who rolled out of the way.
632Please respect copyright.PENANArKfidNahp9
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAMfsqh1LSgX
"Why are you standing there?"
632Please respect copyright.PENANAI02OC02xT6
Kar came over and sat on the steps, he reached into his robe through the side taking out two daggers, he held them out.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAtCoV8uK9PH
"Go on bodyguard, kill it."
632Please respect copyright.PENANAVGysJ3VmKS
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAt7P0Yz8VcJ
"Such naughty things you say, keep that up and I'll to come a courting," He giggled.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAXNEUMod4Cl
"Another good one." He slapped his leg.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA66ZnN7eZId
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAR9yZCzbgqZ
She went around it and over to Han.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAwMMPQgcoBl
"If I boost you—reach the chains?" Talking was hard, each thought was slow to form; each moment unsteady.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAWptmc0YAfP
The rat kept after Parcival gouging chunks out of the brick wall trying to reach him.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAxDEbPamBxp
He looked at it for a moment.
632Please respect copyright.PENANALY7FyU7chs
"I'll try."
632Please respect copyright.PENANA4CZFt3pPfG
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAeSeP5LaWYK
She stood on her tiptoes.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAeqpaLORFkz
"Stretch, come on!"
632Please respect copyright.PENANApsY0fh8kKS
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA5RrIFG6ZE6
Han jumped taking hold of the chain.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAPcnsEKnhwY
"I'll get it loose, help Parcival."
632Please respect copyright.PENANAwYsgeLi0aw
The rat dropped down on all fours. It moved over to the stairwell behind her; snapping at Kar.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAll3zfljyA4
"Save me, bodyguard. Or your life be mine." His eyes twinkled with mischief.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAAtssBAC3Qb
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAObogef6emS
Kar's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. "Take them off if you must, but I advise you hurry."
632Please respect copyright.PENANACHWTNOu4VL
He stood still, even when the rat opened its mouth, fangs not an inch from his face.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA4MJPZIgbw9
The fabric ripped when she leaned forward. She tore the last stuck piece down and tossed it.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAMJwaSbfzNl
The rat turned its head and growled. She smacked it on the bridge of its nose.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAPGkZBvwsHq
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAlKQwRcNK6U
Han dropped down the chain in his hands. "What do you want me to do with this?"
632Please respect copyright.PENANApv2LlCMOoh
The rat came straight in her face, leaping to the left as it hot dripping jaws passed over her head.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA50dGcoIlBp
"Give it ... me." She crouched down over to him.
632Please respect copyright.PENANATtK1rKppzc
Her head was so heavy, it was hard to hold it up. She held a hand out.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAcAYZYWrr1Y
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAfs325G4aIy
Kar picked his teeth, looking at nothing.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAMndRQ3mdb2
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAvyaAozDRbv
The rusty chandelier squeaked as it swung on its chain. If this didn't work ... She ran for the stairwell, chain in tow; clanking.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA73t7PTkM6w
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAfSMyCLVNKr
She skidded on the dry dirt and hopped on the control box of the container.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAvslYMB1lnP
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAViQ7c8L55f
She slid under the rat, stuck out her arm, pulling Kar out of the way.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA7ieOBsztvp
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANABDsKMsl8yH
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAL2Rfffkq8d
His eyes gleamed at her. He stood up pinching her cheek, then sat back down.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAUxRXMxfZsy
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAoxtosmmfaW
"Damn this vow, and damn you!"
632Please respect copyright.PENANA2NdrwiRO9w
Kar made motions with a hand like a person taking while mouthing the words back, in a mocking tone.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAqsTEGjTeXo
"Arrg!"
632Please respect copyright.PENANAJ5jEqsMlbD
"Come on ignore him and get over here!" Han said.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAWsuetYTYUy
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAPRd9fAcn9g
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAfPE2PaIkgm
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAMfjsr3F7Sh
She dropped down, and spilled on her side. Nothing wanted to move.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA0xGIwoNKDQ
"Rid me of this problem and I'll consider neutralizing the weakness potion," Kar said.
632Please respect copyright.PENANArTWdSWHDpy
Han scooted over.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAAnqwfhYtaB
"What next?"
632Please respect copyright.PENANAab8BoPJm6O
"I was thinking of ..." She said the rest close to his ear.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAyPO7T8ZDDz
"Alright, we need to be quick."
632Please respect copyright.PENANAKOpuo4nCBe
"Follow me."
632Please respect copyright.PENANAQfhpidVbBi
She climbed up the cages, yanked the chain down, and threaded it in the bars. Whistling at Han while pointing to the other chain.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAu904ldSdL9
He bounded up on the cages, worked over to the other end of the chain hanging from it.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAx5g1hBgSUW
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAaZYSeH00RJ
Parcival pulled his leg out and scooted out from under the cages, he was still trapped behind them.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAAxri4beD25
The rat clawed at the stairwell pulling its head out.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAC2ow0eMN45
It zeroed in on her.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAFnPGsE3tSm
Whipping its tail about, the dirt sprayed where it struck.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAATfAJKpPv4
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 ...
632Please respect copyright.PENANAw6WPLW8cOo
The Dusk rat tilted its head and just stood there.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAOMwvzXyKSZ
She pointed to Han and then back at Parcival. He made a face, but jumped down and went over to Parcival.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA3mn5pk1Gzq
The rat moved a step closer. What was its problem?
632Please respect copyright.PENANAooJevM4Wjr
Humm. She dangled off of the edge waving her arms. That did it, the rat licked its lips and went below her.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAA2uQeEX4El
She sat up, swung around kicking at the cage.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAg9Wj00cIpb
It shuttered, but did not fall.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAJPvk96mIz6
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANADHrsHKI9fQ
Kar stood up clapping.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAqtUKfXLrhr
"Wonderful. Very entertaining. Next time doesn't toss my pets into any open vats." He winked.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA66GIh55sBT
He looked at Han and Parcival. "Go."
632Please respect copyright.PENANA0o3qXflbHO
Han pounced at Kar his saber held out in front of him.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAsiSBEavk0I
"Stop him. Now." Kar said.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAvBuLBHEWaY
She ran in front of him with her arms held out shaking her head.
632Please respect copyright.PENANATOHKE2aVmc
"What are you doing?"
632Please respect copyright.PENANAuSIywnJqtT
"Just go." She turned around following behind Kar.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAmhDeom7vBy
Upstairs, he pointed to a bench near the doorway.
632Please respect copyright.PENANApulxgFIzbA
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?
632Please respect copyright.PENANA9ZinNukt8G
"I may have embellished on the truth some." He stood there with his hands held behind his back.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAhADQTiYtW9
"On what?"
632Please respect copyright.PENANAtPfCNYaRVT
"Mmmm. The potion in the vial. It won't kill you." He giggled, a low sort that sent a prickle on her arms.
632Please respect copyright.PENANArunrTQZ7vf
"You sick son of a basnar." She slammed the bench with a fist.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAoxTy22PhAL
"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?"
632Please respect copyright.PENANAfOb5hZJyRl
She snorted at him.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAaVoQ0NbkwD
"Good."
632Please respect copyright.PENANA9ZjTXR0piy
Uneven footsteps behind, that grew louder. Her ears swiveled towards it.
632Please respect copyright.PENANACU2zUgyPKp
Parcival limped up the stairs and pointed his sword at Kar.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAd0REgybGDe
Kar tilted his chin up. "Cut me. Watch what happens."
632Please respect copyright.PENANAXUmnM0mLnh
She stood, pushing down on it.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAgG0GHTvjqf
"Go home." Jaw clenched, she pushed away an ocean, a dark rolling ocean of tears. Now wasn't the time, come on, stop it.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAzEC0ezpjPK
"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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA8HYIu5VgXv
Oh, gods. She straightened and looked him in the eyes. Her legs shook as she pushed within.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAh1OYz6k7kF
Han came up soon after. He padded over to her and sat down on the bench. "I'm not going anywhere."
632Please respect copyright.PENANARwpEVjlK8m
"Choices. Each one determines a different outcome." Kar traced a finger along the sword, as he came closer the pointed nail grew in length.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAsniFhFJmIG
"What choice will you make, Palitan?"
632Please respect copyright.PENANA2IQ9ZXmdeD
Parcival startled.
632Please respect copyright.PENANACuaHBWarNq
"That's right I know. Have you-"
632Please respect copyright.PENANA5jFWmUEUSm
Parcival lunged forward, pushing on the handle end with with his palm, while holding the handle with his right.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAjQTF0EqhSQ
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 ...
632Please respect copyright.PENANAG0imH8LsoB
If I could just move.
632Please respect copyright.PENANANccsl1aVDJ
I can free you. The cost being most of your energy. It'll come back by next week. Deal? Unamed said.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAPN7ndkayah
Why do you ask, what kind of a weak god are you?
632Please respect copyright.PENANAOwCvmV4htg
Fool! Do not anger me! It would work against my best interests to just outright drain your energy, as you'd die.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAhGMrLjqa1S
Ah, you need me. If I could smile I would.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAi5ipPLY3E7
As do you. Choose, they aren't going to wait.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA2LYVt014NZ
Parcival had already broken through Kar's fear rune magics inscribed on his robe. I think it may work out.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA2SF2lJdzcN
She could almost feel Unnamed shrugging. Too bad the energy boost would have speed things up.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAmM2dGgtKxk
Such as?
632Please respect copyright.PENANATIpxCffRkP
Unnamed didn't answer. It felt like he had fallen asleep? Did talking tire him?
632Please respect copyright.PENANAaF98IMnEdb
Kar leapt back.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAU2yP2riTdh
"Kill him."
632Please respect copyright.PENANA65Za4ZICuH
A sharp pain crossed her left side on her chest. She grimaced taking in shallow breaths through her nose. No. No. No!
632Please respect copyright.PENANAFcPOumh81I
She caught his blade between her hands yanking him forward.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAaiGSatu9M8
"Are you possessed woman?" Parcival pulled the sword back.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAQ7ASlYFGZt
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!
632Please respect copyright.PENANAKUMhbFa8HU
He crashed down and the sword slid behind him teetering on the top of the stairs.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAc5oS0PI17C
Kar came up beside, he had a strange glow to him that wasn't there before.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA8wAkUWyQfN
"That should be enough, blood is so messy. You may go." Kar poked Parcival with a foot.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAjxrqNHj8eX
Kar shrunk down, his youthful features became wrinkled, his hair white and his fingers bony. Then this reversed and he changed back.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAAFy22tZ3pG
She saw it, but it didn't register for another minute.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAAYHCiHHsUe
"The merchant."
632Please respect copyright.PENANAf9YzCxsF1N
He simply nodded.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA56GgOjATeu
Kar became youthful again, then went behind, wrapping his arms around her neck.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAIpm5yHB0eg
"Get off!" She tried to shake him off but couldn't move.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAIRAGTH5vCg
"She does what I say. leave now and she will be set free soon after." He patted the side of her face.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA3BY32wxFPG
I hate you. A flash of a day dream cane of cutting his head off with crossed daggers.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAS0SsgtfAu1
Han came over and tapped Parcival on the leg. "let's go."
632Please respect copyright.PENANAvdvq1WwWLr
They both turned around and started to walk away.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAFPMK3NtTUb
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.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAWNWcqrtL8w
Tich. The Dentree's have gotten soft.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAObR9nvfaPh
Shut it.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAn9QDN4oPbt
Unnamed scratched inside ... the truth is hard to take.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAPvUVu9Y9H2
Kar separated from her and followed behind them to close the wooden door.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA4DneTeeSPY
Han slid under Kar's legs, jumped up and grappled hers.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAY6E2OhCXgu
She dropped a dagger it bounced across the floor out of sight. Damn it! The air surged out of her chest.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAKgmSTUj3sP
"Ooof."
632Please respect copyright.PENANAqGOm0Mo0N3
"Don't." Parcival had Kar at bay with a small sparkling light ball.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAMoyD2MI64j
"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."
632Please respect copyright.PENANA0E2ClW39vM
He faded, then vanished. Seconds later he whispered behind her.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAUdDAOlzSj1
"You will come back and finish our talk."
632Please respect copyright.PENANAZGuPpNqtOR
He placed his hands on her shoulders. A hot sensation spiked through her and she gasped.
632Please respect copyright.PENANArBTlyc9hK8
"I forbid-"
632Please respect copyright.PENANAe2WVxyW50H
Parcival never finished as Kar stood before him a pointed nail inches from his eye.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAliJxsDBUCq
Parcival blanched; his eyes crossed at the nail end.
632Please respect copyright.PENANA99Qzb1yZ6s
"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."
632Please respect copyright.PENANA4sqIvCLM8s
The look he gave her changed from cold to something softer almost, pleading?
632Please respect copyright.PENANApML0a3Gjnk
Kar-it was as if-no he's just nuts. The further away they all got from him the better.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAhxUjaM20EP
Parcival picked her up and she hit and kicked him full strength. He slammed into wall.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAoadEOoR5LA
Han was on her back; a flash of silver, then a poke.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAzDfIxstqSv
"This was meant for Kar. Sorry lass."
632Please respect copyright.PENANAQiVlWd4gyA
Parcival grunted and shook his arms out and rubbed his chest where the kick landed.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAV37hY4eKMx
"Remind me to stand away when you're kicking someone."
632Please respect copyright.PENANAD3atvVdOdv
She toppled back and slid against the banister.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAc4RJLq1mM4
Parcival pulled her back up and carried her, tight. Her knees almost touched her nose, all muscles refused to cooperate.
632Please respect copyright.PENANAuae6f0NLNv
"Quickly now," he said to Han. They leaped down the stairs using the wall for balance.
632Please respect copyright.PENANApdSnHztby1
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. 632Please respect copyright.PENANAIGLtwtvzFA
632Please respect copyright.PENANApeNUlc1j7c
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