“Three-one,” Hermon growled, as the Qeltifom warrior struggled and wobbled to his feet.
D’rmas was beyond insulted. He had truly believed he would best the Berserker completely, and the blows he sustained bruised not only his body but his spirit. He was a fine warrior that hated to be dishonoured. He did not intend for the Berserker to have the final laugh. He intended to win. He bowed his head and muttered some words, summoning his strength to create a huge shield around him, a gigantic bubble of energy that looked impenetrable.
The free warriors were astonished. The power one had to muster to create such a shield was overwhelming. It required even more to destroy it. They doubted even the Berserker had such power. D’rmas saw with satisfaction that everyone else was terrified. The shield around him rumbled and glimmered with power.
Hermon was not impressed. Most of them had never and were probably not ready to see what came next. He vaulted off, speaking the Berserkers’ tongue - “Seberu, Berserker!” The power of the Berserkers came from the depths of Taos like any other magical ability, but the power that Hermon accessed now had not been seen in this world for centuries, only the oldest clans of the Berserkers knew how to access the deepest powers of Toas. The blood that ran down his body turned black, as did Hermon’s eyes. It would leave him completely drained for some time after the fight, but Hermon did not care. D’rmas wavered for an instant, shocked by this display of forgotten magic.
The ground of the courtyard tremored, rumbled – and split in two! People screamed as the force of Hermon’s power unsettled everything, rocking the walls of the Guild house, and sending the spectators stumbling. D’rmas most of all felt the full force of it as his magnificent shield broke and he was struck in the chest. He fell to the ground and trembled. The fight was over. Hermon had won. After a few minutes, Hermon wore his human form, and stood over the struggling D’rmas, who looked up at him.
“What was that, Hermon? I have never felt such power.” D’rmas asked as Hermon fell beside him, feeling faint.
“Something I am reluctant to show, a force from the depths of Toas so powerful I can barely control it myself.” Hermon breathed heavily and sweat glistened his brow. They said every time a Berserker went berserk, his life span was reduced.
D’rmas nodded. “Thank you, Hermon. Here’s to our future battles.” He signalled to the magic servitor who conjured a cup of ale in their hands. D’rmas took a swig and gave Hermon a contented smile. “We can leave as soon as my healing spells put me back together again!”
Hermon smiled triumphantly. He had convinced him. “So be it. Welcome, Brother D’rmas.”
Mikko & Lord Taboon
Siem was careful. She knew that if she were caught, she would be threatened with immediate death. Here was the center of all evil, everything ruled by the minds of selfish beings who had given in to hubris and darkness. The change spell helped her look different, but she still had a hard time acting normal. Siem was the most responsible of the three companions, she was constantly worried about the other two. It annoyed her that neither of them thought about how dire the consequences would be if they were caught!
“We’re going to be fine,” she muttered under her breath, reassuring herself not for the first time that day. She looked down and shook her head, lost in thought. The fact that Hermon had problems controlling his temper and Eldana was incredibly stubborn did nothing to allay her fears. She had more than enough reason to be worried. As she muttered exasperated curses under her breath and walked towards the magic citadel, she noticed that someone was following her. She felt the same life energy for a while, which was very unusual in such a huge and crowded place like this. Usually, you only feel the same energy but fleetingly because someone is constantly walking past you. But this energy was constantly behind her and always with the same intensity.
Fear washed over her like a wave. Had she been discovered? Was there anyone here who knew she was in town? She had to come up with a solution and fast. She subtly glanced back but saw nothing unusual.
Moving a little further, she saw a street on one side. Siem didn’t care that she had no idea where it led. Instinct had her walking briskly into the dark alley. The passage was narrow, and the walls were decorated with magical signs. At a small restaurant in the wider street behind her, food was just delivered to customers who were loudly rejoicing about it. Foe powder and gnome cake were served, a delicacy in the capital. The customers were practically drooling. But Siem concentrated on her stalker, not the food...
She noticed the energy drifting away as she moved into the alley. Relieved and a little careless at the same time, she laughed to herself. Siem realized how silly and paranoid she was being. That could have been a dear old grandmother walking the same way she did! Maybe she should take time to enjoy the sights and sounds like the locals were. She reached the end of the alley and felt the fear rise in her again. It was as though all the problems of the past years had hit her all at once. She almost broke into tears but stopped herself
