Chapter 16 ( A Spear, Some Dragons and A Trip to Russia )

Meanwhile, now back in Avalon; 

Rahnyah, Valudus, Marley, a ranger named Snipesurazz, a dwarf named Ballz O’ Iron , a warrior named Moose and Valudus’s longtime friend Twizted Mike all assembled near the front of his mother’s house. The dragons stood on their hind legs and Pong spoke clearly,” There is a spear in Egypt in the valley of the kings. It is the spear of Osier. It will help send evil back to the molten core of the Earth. The spear is used for more than just killing the army of Anpu. The sages of the Lotus city told us of all the weapons we can use to defeat the Angel of Light. The Longinan Lance will make him mortal the other weapons will either assist with keeping him mortal or drawing his strength from him so that he can be killed.

.It is a long trip,  Marrukah has agreed to fly with us, his charge is quite young still. Briesef will carry Lady Rahnyah, Snipes and the dwarf. I will carry the King and Moose. Marukkah will carry Marley and Mike. Do try not to kill each other gentlemen, we fight for the same thing.” Everyone mounted upon the dragons and took to the air and flew hard. Giggling Briesef swished her tail and flicked her claws and opened a wormhole and the other dragons flew into it and she followed. Tucking their wings close to their bodies they spun rapidly around and flew out into the skies above the Nile Delta." Look," Briesef said, it really wasnt such a long trip now was it? Rahnyah was deeply impressed with the dragon she was riding. It was almost as if she mirrored her abilities.

Ballz laughed loudly and and spoke,” What a rush! WOO!” Smiling silently Rahnyah patted the dragon’s neck. They flew silently to the Valley of the Kings where Pong indicated the entrance of the tomb. Snipesurazz was dancing around with his arms on the back of the dragon saying." Woooo, it's a scary place." Ballz started chuckling deeply and retorted in a thick Scottish Brogue," I want some of what he is smoking. Especially before we head into there."

“King’s Valley 5 is the largest tomb in the valley The last three chambers were never opened one thousand years ago. Over the years after Zahi Hawass returned Egypt back to a Pharonic state began using the tomb of his forefathers. First he began with sealing ancient treasures within the tombs already opened. Some of these artifacts were well known and others were held in secret that no one knew had existed and only spoken of in ancient legends.” Pong said, as he flicked his claws towards the entrance of the tomb slightly covered with the sands of Time. “ What you seek is the spear of Osier. It will be long and golden with Scorpions embellishing it to honor his son Horus who exacted his revenge upon Set with the aid of giant scorpions. As you well know we cannot aid you in this journey we are too large to fit into the corridors of the tomb. There are new bodies in the chambers the family of Pharaoh Hawass, His lineage has not been broken for a thousand years. We will guard and watch from the outside from anyone attempting to stop you. You should be relatively safe from predators from out here."

Meanwhile.....

Back in Rage Gale… Miralania and Slayde prepared for their trip to Russia to retrieve the sword of St. Catherine for the fawn. Walking side by side down Broadway headed towards 61st street. They were engaged in deep conversation as they walked oblivious to all that passed them by. As the two reached Central Park West the turned left and walked towards the Mayflower Hotel which had become the Mayflower Tavern. People from both the Blackwell and Allied forces could merge in all cities except Avalon which is strictly Allied forces run by the Elves and The Blackwell stronghold of Buenos Aries. There are few times over the millennia when the tribes of the world came together in one voice to band together and fight for a common goal. However, they would gather outside the cities where they were strictly of one faction or another. 

As Slayde and Miralania entered the tavern they moved back towards the dining area and found a spot at the bar. A beautiful bar spanned the length of the wall with barrels of Ale and Spirits lined along the wall behind it.

Nodding to Miralania, she hopped up onto the bar and dropped her cloak. Her plate booted hooves, clicked a bit as she walked along the wooden counter top made of a huge tree. “ May I have your attention?! My friend and I have need of a mage to give us  a little ride to Moscow, Russia to find a rare and ancient sword. I have six Indian rubies and twenty two brilliant saphires to barter with .” Slayde tapped her paldron and smiled slightly as he pointed to an elf coming their way. He was tall and thin and looked very ominous as his face was drawn back from the edge of the cowl. Stepping closer to the duo he measured them up and nodded his head.

Lowering the cowl of his robe he smiled lightly and held out his hand to the paladin before him.” Hi my name is Vallium, yes I know my mother has a sense of humor. Anyway, Let’s get going ,however, just give me the rubies , and keep the saphires for right now, I have a feeeling that we will be hanging around one another for quite some time.” Reaching his hand up to the fawn, Slayde helped her step down onto the floor. Vallium led the way to the front of the tavern when he began flicking his fingers around and reached in his pouch for silver dust and tossed it in the air then said ," Shemanch Rhie Rhom, Red Square." Instantly it  popped open a wormhole and the tall mage stepped back to allow them entry and thought for a moment then decided to follow them through. Spinning wildly they landed near the broken walls of the Kremlin and paused a moment to catch their breath. Vallium looked at the two and spoke clearly,” I assume you are after something of value. I have quite a few spells that I can assist you with should you need them. I only ask for a nice dagger or some small prize for the help if that is feasible for you. and a share of Gold if you find gold.” Mira and Slayde looked at each other and nodded silently their agreement and made their way through the streets quickly. Heading towards the Donskoy Monastary. There they hoped they could find a priest who could aid them in their search for the sword of St. Catherine.

They could see the domed spires of the monastery when they heard a scuffle in an alleyway and went to find what was going on. As they drew closer they saw a small statured woman with long black hair that fell in curled ringlets out the side of her cowled robe. She was rotating her staff above her head fending off three men advancing on her. Vallium quickly began to flick his fingers sending a large Ice sickle spinning towards the man closest to them while the paladins ran forward, plate boots slamming the cobble stone street and stomped hard as they drew up behind her blasting the men backwards with a sonic wave of holy power. Turning to the three behind her she nodded politely and spoke softly with a slight British accent tinged with Romanian. “ Thank you. I think I could have subdued them on my own but help is always a good thing.”

She looked them over and smiled lightly. “ You aren’t from around here are you?” she said as they nodded their response. Miralania shifted lightly on her hooves and answered her.” We are headed to the monastery to find a priest. I am searching for the sword of St. Catherine. Nodding her understanding she turned to her right and headed down a sub alleyway to another street and turned left and led them to the gates of the Monastery. Opening the gate she led them through up to the front doors.'" Why would you be searching for the Witches blade?" Miralania turned slightly and said off handedly. " Oh just to help make an angel mortal and kill his ass after we cut his wings off." The young woman nodded and the trio continued on their way. Hadassah, liking what she heard responded,"Ooooo, I wanna come."

Over the years to protect the priests and monks the Russians had built a wall enclosing a good amount of area surrounding the monastery. Miralania stepped up the steps quietly as she could, Hadassah by her side as they entered into the foyer and looked up and around at the exquisite architecture and embellishing’s in amazed wonder. The structure had stood the test of time and the beautiful wooden carvings shone with brilliant luster as well as the paintings on the ceiling of the cathedral. Slayde moved up behind them as they went forwards to the water bowl and removed his gauntlets as well as the fawn and all  four dipped their fingers in and touched their foreheads then respectfully bowed .

Looking up as they raised them could see a Priest using the censer speaking in Russian. He swung the censer in all four directions and then placed it upon the table and the monks began to sing. Beautiful bass and tenor notes reverberated off the ceiling above sparsely dotted with the young Soprano notes of the few friars that had yet to become men. The priest had dark hair and eyes that shone brilliantly as he looked out into the congregation of monks , friars, priests and nuns.

Switching from Russian to English when he saw the elf he said.” Let us pray.” In unison everyone began to pray,” Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed Be thy name. Thy Kingdom come and thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread And forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the Evil one. For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for ever and ever Amen!”

He raised his hands and called them forwards to receive the communion and beckoned them all to join. Taking a deep breath and letting it out Slayde stepped forward followed by the women and got in the back of the procession towards the priest.

The fawn shifted nervously as they drew closer to the front of the chapel and began to breathe heavily. Reaching up she unlatched her chest plate and set it on the pew beside her. Then taking her gauntlets and lay them beside the other armor. Leaning down she removed the plate leggings and sabatons and reached into her pack for a soft dress and slid it over her body as the monks and friars filed passed looking at her and nodding.

Slayde understood what was happening and offered a bit of support by removing his armor as well. Hadassah looked them and smiled as they all began to file forward to the altar. Miralania was visibly distressed and outwardly showing a panic attack. The parts of her that were still tainted by Lucifer were fighting the Light within her causing her great distress. She truly needed another purification spell to help her get a grip. The priest gave them each a wafer of matzo and a sip of wine and gestured for them to wait on the left side near the door while he finished the service.

A few minutes later he came their way with a brilliant smile on his face and reached his hand out to shake Slayde’s hand. In a deep Russian accent he spoke to them.” It has been some time since we have been graced by God’s warriors in our humble church." Looking at them sincerely, noticing the young female fawn was anxious and nervous as a mouse being chased by a cat. " What brings you to Donskoy?” Miralania shifted slightly and caught her breath. Looking up at him she saw a man she could confess her darkest sins to. He felt so warm and inviting just by his mere presence.

In a slightly raspy voice Mira spoke,” I am looking for the sword of St. Catherine. I have need of it soon. The new King of Lorthramar has call all the forces of the earth both Blackwell and Allied Forces to fight against Lucifer and his army of undead. The Witches Blade will help keep him mortal while someone strikes the killing blows.” Weiblich turned his head and his eyes opened slightly. “ No one has spoken of that weapon in many a year. Why does one of your natures, Being that you seem to have been dead, need of such a weapon?” Miralania knew this would be asked and knew that it would be uncomfortable when it did happen." I think it will also help purify me more. I was able to retain the light even though Lucifer bent me to his will when he killed me. I was able to break free so if anyone deserves the Sword of St. Catherine, the Witches Blade? It is Me Father Wieblich."She continued on her little rant while Wieblich watched her closely and judged her to be of honest and have a true nature.

“ Lucifer did this to me! He came through my lands and killed my people and I do not even know if my father is even still alive. I want to kill him. I want to cut off his wings and rip out his little black heart and make him pay for what he has done to this world!” Nodding his understanding he held up his finger a moment and then turned slightly to Slayde. “ HOW THE HELL DID SHE get away from him?” The young man smiled and spoke.” God works in many, many ways. This time he did not allow the light to fade completely in her soul. So when she began to fight him the light grew and grew. I of all people should hate her more than anyone else because I saw her kill my parents. But as one of God’s Paladins I had to see that she is indeed changed from what she was. Can you help us? Do you know where the sword is? If you can show us which way we will go in peace. Thank you for such a wonderful service today. It was good to take communion especially in these dark days.”

Looking around he noticed the mage and the warlock were not with them. Thinking to himself,’ That sneaky little bastard!” Then retracted it knowing there was some reason the mage was gone. He wasnt sure about the warlock though. She seemed familiar somehow. She kind of looked like his old friend Rahnyah but he just wasnt sure.

Down the street , four blocks down was the Dusty Broomstick Tavern. Pushing open the door the wind grasped it from his hand and slammed it into the wall behind making a loud sound. Wrapping his cloak around him a bit more he reached for the handle and pushed the door shut with some effort and turned to see a great hearth made of large river stones. Taking his cloak off and hanging it on the peg nearby him made his way to the bar and sat down quietly. The maid behind the bar was a slender Red headed woman with a high forehead and delicate features with high cheekbones and beautiful almond shaped eyes the most striking shade of green. “ May I have ale please.” Vallium asked as he looked around the room. Raena, brought him the ale and leaned slightly over the bar revealing the tops of her breasts slightly. Then in a deep Russian accent she spoke in English,” Is there anything else I can get for you good elf?”

He smiled at her softly allowing his sharp canine teeth to slightly protrude and nodded.” Yes, I would like two of your roast beefs whole with the roast vegetables and two loaves of bread please. Packaged to travel.” He responded to her, then paused and asked quickly.” Do you know of anyone that could help us find the sword of St. Catherine?”

Raena looked at him and smiled and responded softly,” Well, you are in luck, just a minute, I will be right back.” Quickly, she turned and yelled through a window. Two whole roast , vegetables and two loaves a bread packaged to go.” Turning back to him she smiled.” Ok, I can go with you and my friend Nathaniel just over there. He might be willing to help and he has a half orc boy that helps him named Gravon. He doesn't go anywhere without the boy.”

Vallium paused for a moment then asked,” What would a tavern maid know of fighting?” laughing heartily she motioned for Nate to come over and join them. He rose silently and motioned for his wolf to come. Raena turned back to Vallium and smiled. I work for Rosie when I am in town. Nate here is my best friend we go back many years. If we can be of assistance we would like to help.” The beautiful wolf padded silently by her master as they neared the bar and stopped. Natahaniel motioned for Shadow to drop and she quickly lay down beside his stool.

Turning, Raena went into the back and told Rosie she would have to cover the bar that someone had need of her services. Hugging the old woman she whispered ,” Spazibo” and grabbed the packages and went to the front. “ Zat vill be 6 gold .” Vallium dug into his pouch and pulled out 7 gold and handed them to her and she put them into the till.

Reaching under the bar she grabbed her pack and pulled off her apron revealing a very tightly fitting leather ensemble that hugged every curve of her body, lacing up the thighs and maroon suede boots that laced up her legs to mid-thigh.” Come let’s go.” She said and they all filed out the door. the waist and lower bodice had little sharp crescent moon dagger that could be torn off her shirt and thrown. looking closer she had two more blades centered on her back like steel wings.

Vallium looked at them and smiled She seemed to be a rogue but she also carried a staff on her back with two wave bladed kriss on her sides. “ Do you cast?” he asked quietly as they walked towards the monastery. “ Yes, I am learning. I sometimes miss but I love, love chain lightening.!” Vallium looked quizzically, " That, That is a Shaman spell." She smirked and replied," Anyone, I mean anyone can learn any spell from any class they choose to. I like to say I am eclectic in nature. I know many, many spells not meant for mages."