A Land Far Away

Special Thanks to Blackwill, Electryc and Brokenbone

Conducted by Blackwill

The Pale face human male of over six feet in height and with black hair which was mimicked by the heavy armor he so often wore and the cloak that shielded his pale skin from the sun and other elements walked through the streets of the port city wasting no time to return the stares he recieved. Not caring what they thought, his undieing loyalty toward spreading the word of his lord and thwarting those who would oppose the same is what drove him.
When reaching his surface destination he frowned as he had to bend over to open the grate.....how he hated retreating to an underground network.......Bodi squinted as he peered accross the streets to make sure none were watching his descent. A familiar but deformed face came into focus and Bodi returned the orc's nod as he quietly continued toward the underground location. Eventually keying a door behind him he released a sigh....feeling safe to do so.....and rolled back his hood......turning to the guards with an expressionless face he traversed the stairway ignoring their plees for attention.

The guard walked up hurriedly as the figure appeared through an archway....

Master Bodi you are summoned to the mistres' library for consult!....I am advised to escort you

...Bodi's expression darkened with a slow smile as he thought....Do we move...do we make plans finally to take what is rightfully the Dark Lord's.....

Move then...quickly....I will follow!

...
Mashia and Alryus both stood with a determined look as Bodi entered the library......A Dark leatherbound book lie on a endtable noticably unfinished....

Bodi it is time for it's creation.....your services are needed to complete the book which will serve the Black Hand's will for an eternity.

.....the woman's words bounced around in Bodi's brain causing a neural reaction which made him clench his gauntlet and smile in a bone chilling ecstasy........

I am ready this moment and all that follow.....speak of what aid you need....and I will make it so

....
Mashia smiled sideways as she showed the leatherbound cover of the book to Bodi....there was a center piece missing....

Your mission will be twofold....first we need a red opal to affix to the cover.....have you thought as to where you may aquire one

....Bodi's linear thought brought him immediately of course to the jeweler in port.....Mashia as if reading his thoughts simply shook her head....Both turned to the other figure in the room as if to inquire upon his thoughts....Alryus spoke......nodding whilst he did so....

The Foxmantle who frequents the Stag wears one...I am sure of it

....Mashia quickly released a few words.....

retrieve it at once....Foxmantle's health afterwards is of no concern...only the jewel

....Alryus nodded and looked to Bodi.....
Bodi thought quickly and proceeded to take the helm....

Alryus circle the east side of the city.....look on to his home....if he is yet there come give me the news at the stag....take no action .....I will handle this....one way or another...today

....Bodi could not contain a doomful laughter that echoed throughout the chamber....Alryus shuffled off quickly almost disappearing into the city streets as Bodi walked mimicking a juggernaught with newfound power in his step.....

Sweet!

Just don't name it the Banishad, ok.

Part II The Red Opal

Bodi walked slowly with loud footsteps, quite the opposite of most who traversed the city streets.....He didn't look from side to side nor attempt to make eye contact with the riff raff or the oft Feared Black Knights...He simply strode forth mimicking a juggernaught eager to arrive at his destination........Many times Bodi had been stalked......when noticing or suspecting thus he simply smiled slowly to himself and kept a deadly prayer in the corner of his mouth......most oft he did not recognize he was being followed for unbeknownst to him his vision was much poorer then most......and his ears picked up only the closest of sounds as his fathers beatings had taken there toll at an early age.......
Without interuption Bodi eventually found himself in front of the side entrance to the Stag.....Stopping to catch his breath he proceeded into the back room and pounded forth toward the main inn......Once inside the smoke filled, spirit smelling shadowy room he pulled back his hood and stood dead center inspecting each patron one by one....a smirk appeared accross his face as to his delight Foxmantle sat upright and primpt....picking an absent piece of lint from his garb while throwing a nose up to the commoners.......
Bodi motioned to the seat accross from Foxmantle who in turn with a chagrin accepted and nodded.....Licking his dry lips he first decided to retrieve a bottle of red wine from Jelkins.....At the bar a man appeared clad in clad in dark studded leathers and slinked his way toward Bodi.....*W*

Bodi I there is no sign of him where I searched....what do you wish of me?

....*Q*

I wish of you *looks to the table where Foxmantle is seated* to keep out of my way and return to the citadel

...Alryus accepted with a curt nod....Bodi returned placing the bottle on the table as if to suggest to Foxmantle a courtesy and proceeded to fill his own chalice with the dark liquid.......

With a smack of his lips....

Foxmantle...have you given much thought to our prior conversations....have you decided yet that you wish more then an inheritance that is to be squandered over many centuries...have you decided to not to sit idle and watch this fine port city swallow all those noble families who have made it what it is...*softly* was.....

The man tried not to give indication to Bodi that he had even thought on the subject....

Bodi, I am simply pleased to be sitting at a table not ridden with the blood of some poor sap who had the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time....speaking of which...the Wolf masked Woman...have you any news of her intentions..I am most assured that the display was meant to be a warning of calamitous intentions toward your person

.....Foxmantle sipped slowly upon his spirits......

Laughing halfheartedly......

Nevertheless...I am certain whatever her intentions...misfortune will meet her and SHE will bleed out whilst Fearing the afterlife...and what awaits for such an insolent wretch....mayhaps you would like to share some information with me....mayhaps we could share some interests that intertwine themselves however shortlived they may be

...He smiles slowly to himself thinking of the implications...

Jacobim glanced throughout the room and appeared to be discontented with the surrounding and presumably was not keen on being mistaken for one of Bodi's close companions..

Bodi..let us talk somewhere cleaner...shall we....a place more condusive to our curent topic of conversation no?...

Bodi instinctively rose and walked toward the archway allowing Foxmantle to pass him and ascend the stairway leading up into a second story corridor all the while he thought...This will be all too easy...the Noble willingly leads himself into privacy....but he has skills and a quick wit....he shows worth and may have future use....there are naught many with the incilnation to deal with a priest of my stature.......Frowning slightly as he pondered....

Jacobim ushered bodi into a large meeting room with lush highback chairs and proceeded to position himself at one head of the tabel......Bodi instincively chose a sturdy chair and wedged it under the knob for added security...or so it would seem....

Bodi....this room is much more suited for commerce

...commenting with a sly grin....

Bodi's eyes shifted towards the jewel worn by Jacobim....who when noticing Bodi's interest played with said jewel....

Bodi does this please you?

....Shrugging it off as some piece of masquerade jewelry....

Nodding slowly with a look as if to imply he wasn't to eager

Well as it were....I have no doubt that it is unique...and I have a lady friend who would be thrilled to recieve such a jewel

......smiling slowly he rubbed the soul patch on his chin.....

are you willing to part with said jewel....looking at it with squinting eyes...it is a red opal...is it not...

It is but a common

.....Foxmantle stopped speaking and changed his tone when realizing his chance for commerce was here....

jewel to me yes...but to most this is a masterwork piece....this lady you court would be indeed thrilled recieving this as a gift.....

Bodi contained the frown but decided to play along....

For this itme I would grant you the teachings of the dark Lord himself...through my vessel....a gift that outnumbers the jewel a thousand fold

.....A Satisfied grin came over his face...

Jacobim while inspecting the Opal simply shook his head slowly......

While your offer is most generous....Priest....I must decline....I would be more inclined to accept a trade if you were to offer...say...something of tangible wordly value....

Bodi took Hold of Wrath(His Gift from Fzoul's personal messenger upon completion of the Temple in Deadmoon) and had a vision of Foxmantle's flesh and blood speckled throughout the small sharp spikes that projected from the iron Ball........a calm expression overcame the Priest and he walked close to Foxmantle...squinting and breathing heavy......Raising his arm he chose to open a satchel and pull forth an ointment....

Foxmantle...I hope our business becomes fruitfull

.....He takes the ointment and preaches instructions to Jacobim.....

The ointment comes from the far east.....it is verry valuable....I can only hope you consider this barter in your favor

....Raises an eyebrow as Foxmantle agrees to the transaction and plucks forth rose bud carefully cut and maintained.......passing it to Bodi.....

In my dealings with women...most appreciate the sweet smelling aroma of a simple flowering plant to accompany even the most extravigant gifts

...Foxmantle smiled with a look of satisfaction on his well manicured person....

I unfortunately must cut our meeting short...Foxmantle....I will revel in the thought that we can meet again...with common interests

...Bodi's demeanor changed quickly as he prepared to exit......

I have much confidence you will keep our dealings private...no matter how trivial they may be

....Bodi said with an intimidating scowl and show of prowess........Jacobim Foxmantle felt a shiver sliding down his spine as Bodi's words rolled into his ears. Feeling uneasy inside, his facade of indifference hardly changed as his gut told him that Bodi was no dishonorable miscreant of unintelligable evil.....

Leaving the man standing in the room Bodi walked with a thunderous step as his heavy armor seemingly felt less of a burden upon his body...without a word to the patrons below he walked through the door out onto the port city streets and toward the citadel.....thoughts foccusing now on the second phase of his mission....I will not second guess the will of You, my lord....I will not fail you....I fear naught but your dissatisfaction in my undieing servitude to your cause....The Priest of Lathander will be smited and the celestial will be sacrificed.....even if it means my death will be the vessel in which to make it so...

Where's part three?
I can't stand the suspence.

Preperations

Bodi walked into the study already occupying Mashia and Alryus and without expression his eyes searched for the "book"....It lay rested on a pedestal a few pages turned....Bodi closed the book and placed the Red Opal on the cover with a sly grin.....

Mashia leaned over with a keen eye ...

Bodi, was retrieving such much effort....did you cover up the unfortunate soul's demise?

Bodi grinned and let out s slight smile as he was happy there was no bloodshed....He was not averse to such....But felt that it was a last resort....a shephard needs his flock afterall.....

There was no bloodshed....the noble parted with the jewel without question....there are no reprocussions my lady....

Without a care Mashia replied

No matter...lets talk of preperations for the sacrifice of the celestial...*turns to Bodi* this will be your most trying moment...a moment of glory or a moment rsulting in your demise....and a great blow to our efforts...

A cold stare to his superior resulted in a doomfull tone...

A moment I will relish....and a moment for which preperations have already begun....

Bodi opened his scroll case and pulled out a few maps and "other" parchments with a wry grin....showing them to Alryus and Mashia he carefully folded and rolled the items back into their place....

Alryus....Gather a small contigent to the hill...near the road..have a pair of scouts watch over the priests travels....we must be ready for their arrival....Meet me at the west gate near the garden in a tenday....I will stay with you at the encampment from then...we will discuss the course of action at that time.....and do not forget the small child of Lathander....*smiles slowly*..she will be crucial to our forcing the priests' hand....she must be kept in fair condition....

Alryus nodded, he was not averse to taking orders....he was not an outspoken man...but nevertheless he was verry good at what he did...and not many in the network knew fully what that was...Alryus spoke but a few words of concern...

Bodi...have you knowledge on how to take a celestials soul?

Bodi replied with an rare show of doubt on his face

The Dark Lord will answer my prayers on the eve before the encounter....He has powers to turn such angelic creatures...and he will grant me the will to make this Celestial run in fear...and then we will hunt it down like a dog..

Bodi Laughed halfheartedly as he commonly did....his hope was that it would cover up his show of doubt with alryus..he needed all the men not to question him on the day of fruition....

Mashia only smiled listening to the two men prepare.....she knew Bodi was not seasoned enough to call forth the essence of Bane in such a manner....and hence as she had already sufficed.....she would be on that hill too....she could not let Bodi's faith stand alone against the creation of the book.....Mashia nodded slowly to herself in secrecy....

Eve

Bodi sat kneeling before the alter and throne envisioning his Dark Lord sitting upon it...He prayed through the night starting at midnight and continued even as his body cramped from head to toe....

Dark Lord give me the strength and Devine prowess to strike fear into the celestial's being whence I call upon yourt favor holding forth your symbol of faith......Speak to me now and give me direction....this being from another plane will be destroyed or simply run in terror....I ask you for but simple guidance.....

Bodi rose from his kneeling position slowly.....and labored to his ready room.....he would need to rest while the sun beat down on the port city's streets......His Dark Lord gave him no answers....this would indeed be a test of his will and faith

Decisions and Faith...Death, Life...or Both?

The sun began to fall and Bodi was notified by a zhentarim soldier that it was time.....Without a second thought or pause the human began his ascension to the city streets.....and eventually to the garden just outside the west gate.....Squinting all the while searching for Alryus until he noticed the stealthy figure come forth before his nose.....

Master Bodi.....the Lathanderite High Priest approaches Selgaunt.....the men and stage are set......the hill will prove a perfect vantage point...

Bodi responded as he ushered Alryus forth onto the road with a nudge..

Then it is our place to perform...Alryus....we..... can not fail....brother.....let us make haste to the lookout....

Not many a word left either of the men's lips as they strode to their stage.....a few brief misleading conversations maybe when passing the corrupt Black Knights that were posted at various points on the roads closest to the port city...

A slow dark smile came over Bodi's face as they made way to the encampment and he caught a glimpse of the child bound and helpless....

Yesss....*nods* she will do just fine...

A soldier, whose stepps seamed untraceable, galloped into the encampment and spoke directly to Alryus as Bodi took mental notes of the stage...Visualizing his chess board and how the game would be played..pulling at his lower lip when he needed to concentrate....

Alryus eventually approached Bodi to pass the recently garnished news..

The louts have made camp up the road....there are two guards traveling with the Lathanderite Priest...they will not reach us under the cover of night...the scoundrels fear what lies in their nightmares will come true....what say you?

Bodi thought quickly...

Which of your men are the most fleet of foot?

After a brief moment Alryus pointed at the soldier who brought the news and another watching their flank..........then with a snap of his fingers Miles and Gasthrid approached and bowed their heads before the High Priest....and behind them...a slender figure made herself visable...

Ignoring Mashia for the time being Bodi spoke with a doomful tone..

You two will take the child......close to their encampment.....just close enough for her screams to be heard.....when you are confident this is so.....ungag her....and clip one of her toes off......they will follow you...indeed they must.....run straight up this hill...toward the camp

Bodi nods satisfied and motions for the two to commence at once, and then turns toward the robed woman and Alryus.....

Mashia....trust my judgement....you can not be harmed....if I fall it will be your task alone to complete the artifact for the Dark Lord....to the top of the hill...conceal yourself until the last moment is upon us....Alryus...place the men at the base of the hill.....when the Lathanderites come they must only take out the two guards...leave the priest to me......once th guards have been dispatched......rush the priest and overwhelm him.....if I have not already taken him...then we will bind his appendages quickly and gag his mouth....after which you must regroup the men....tell them not to Fear the being that will be summoned down to our plane...for The Dark Lord will strike Fear into it's soul using me as a vessel and we will pity it as it cowers awaiting its end......

What felt like countless hours passed until leaves and branches were heard in between the screams of a yound child approaching at a hastened pace toward the camp....without a break in stride the two soldiers hoofed up to the hillside......and then continued up towards a campfire.....moments behind them were three men matching almost the soldiers pace......Bodi spoke loudly clenching his gauntlet tightly....

Father of Fear.....Bringer of destruction upon all that fall deaf to your gospel....bring down the sky upon these fools!!!!!

A gleaming burst of devine and flaming energy blasted down upon the hillside scorching the grass and leaving a gaping crater where the three men had just passed......Bodi had taken too long and in his confidence...the men had pressed past his prayer's mark.....

The soldiers worked their arrows quickly upon the two guards and Alryus moved through the night like a panther striking them with crippling blows from their blind spots......The guards fell before they even knew what hell they had happenned upon......The Priest looked frozen in time....Bodi had spoke and directed a prayer at the Lathanderite during the heat of battle....this time with acuracy....a prayer that left the Lathanderite motionless.....Helpless as the toeless child.....and all watched as Bodi Labored over to him....Layed hands upon his cheek and speaking with an eary malevolence that they had only dreamt of.....

Feel the Black Hand of my Lord upon your flesh.....remember his touch for it will be just a taste of what is to come!

Bodi left a searing mark upon the priests face with an unholy prayer that looked as if it would reach a pinacle of pain upon the benefactor.....as the rest of the soldiers who were within range hurrieldy bound the Priest and gagged him sensing the earlier prayer was wearing off....watching the tears drop from the Lathanderite Priests face as he observed the Small girl wriggling near the fire......held down by two dirt faced guards....

After some time had passed the stage was set once again for the ritual....Bodi spared no time as was his nature.....He motioned the guards to hold the Lathanderite tightly.....and place two sharp blades at his neck.....then ungagged him and spoke...

You will summon to our plane a celestial of which serves your Lord......and make no mistake...it will be with your dieing breath that you do this.......I will spare you any trickery....and let you know your fate..

Bodi laughed halfheartedly which eased the men around him....feeling his confidence.....The Priest gathered his composure and shook his head....with a beaten look he muttered....

I will not....would never....do your worst......to me....I would take your punishments for eternity before....

Bodi cut the Lathanderite Priest off and laughed once again, this time with a full roar which echoed in all around him for minutes afterwards....

Do you take me for a fool.....I suspected nothing more ....but what of this small child of Lathander...yesss...*wipes his iron gauntlet accross the girls face*.....what of her fate.....should it be spared....should she get the opportunity to live....feel.....thrive.....Or should she suffer......

Bodi began to chant the words to the prayer he had unleashed upon the Priests face ealier.....there was purpose to this infliction......and all watched as it unraveled....The lathanderite bursted out into pleas...

No....Please.....spare the child the horrid pain....spare her...she is innocent....*his head hanging in agony and despair* ...*softly*...what....what would you ask from me in return...and how would I know you will not harm her....that she will be released?

Bodi pauses and releases the child with a slow smile

I have made my terms already!!...and you have my word I will not harm her!!...*staring into the priests eyes with confidence and true belief*.....Now begin your work.....bring forth this ally of Lathander!

The Lathanderite priest shook his head......and began to speak believing Bodi's words....but fearing what this summoning may cause upon his eternal soul..........

I can not...I have not the ability bestowed upon my will to call such favor....choose another task...and I will complete it for you...I swear it....

Bodi looked deep into the man's eyes and decided he was bluffing....Bodi took forth his sacrificial dagger and gripped the child by the hair tilting it's neck sideways.....

With a shriek the Lathanderite entered into a chant.....

Morninglord....Hear my words....through you I have seeked to foster hope and aid those around me in need.....It is you who have taught me to nurture and care for the young and vibrant.....It is through you I ask to be honored by the presence of a celestial ally......Bring forth to this plane such a being to aid your faithfull this day..

Almost before his last word was muttered a devine light shone down upon the encampment......most awestruck sat motionless.....a celestial being strode out from the light before them unsheathing a huge sword ablaze with a white hot flame.....

The Lathanderite Priests life lay forfeit as the servants of the Black Network sliced his neck at the first sign of the planar being....

Bodi stepped forward...proud and determined he pulled forth his symbol crafted by Fzoul's own apprentices and Barked out commands to the Archon.....

Kneel down before the symbol of Bane and beg for your existance to be brought quickly to and end.....

Alryus sieged this moment to stick the Archon in the Back...causing little damage but instead unleashing the wrath of this being....

The Celestial turned to Alryus and in less then three swings of his blazing giant sword put him down lifeless to the ground....

Bodi shook his head in doubt and tried barking orders and demanding the Celestial to mark his words......not understanding why Bane had not given him the power to turn this ally of Lathander he began to feel despair.....But continued unwavering....one hand swinging his morningstar at the being....and the other...holding tight to the Symbol he cherrished so... Barking dark words in between blows....until before long the Being turned to face only him......all the others lie dead.....save for Bodi and the Celestial.....both half beaten and bleeding from many wounds....

With magical speed and a blast of arcane energies the Being was thwarted from behind......Mashia had revealed herself and now had to face off against the Archon as it turned and swiped her belly open in one motion....grafting shut the wound with white hot fire as it passed through.....Bodi saw his mistress' life teetering and began to swing his heavy Morningstar with a newfound fury seldom missing his mark......until the Archon lay twitching on the ground in front of himslef and a barely alive Mashia.....

Mashia looked to bodi with a curled lip and dropped the leather book to the ground...

Finish this.....now.....

Bodi drew what strength he had left and sliced a deep cut into the Archons wrist with the sacrificial dagger he was gifted by his High Confessor.....the blood did not flow freely.....Bodi crushed down upon the wrist and squeezed the blood onto the pages of the open book.....which began to write themselves with unnavagable speed...

Mashia shut the book and bode for the two of them to return to the Citadel....Bodi did not argue...he was tired.....but before he followed...he took up the body of his fallen brother......and bore him over his shoulder...Bodi thought brielfy upon his distatse for how the sorceress gutted the small child but took refuge in the fact that he had no part in her death......honoring his word to the fallen Lathanderite......


If I muster up the energy I will write the final passage which will be "the reception".......otherwise this was all she wrote.....

Epic and dark, I actually rooted for Bodi despite the horrible acts. The mark of a well written story in my mind is the ability of the writer to decide the hero not based on action morality but on circumstances. Very well done.

Great work Keith. You've got a writer within you mate.