Pools of Darkness - James M Brown [98]
"Through some difficult spells, I think I have determined that this Marcus is involved in Phlan's disappearance. We hope to find him and learn what his terms are for the city's return. I could tell you all the details of our journey, but I'm sure a man such as yourself would be bored with the exploits of our little band." Evaine paused, waiting to hear the clerics' reaction. Hoping to bait them, she added, "I've also discovered three abishai guard the area around the tower."
The clerics were obviously intrigued. "We had no idea fiendkind were involved. The situation is much more serious if fiends from other planes are present." Starnak reached into his cloak and drew out a parchment.
"Our clerics have been using every possible means to learn about the interior of the tower. Over a dozen have gone insane, ranting about the voice of evil just before they die tormented deaths. We know of a secret door leading to a spellcasting chamber, and there are many magically locked doors there. This parchment lists the three words used to unlock the door. Be warned, if you get that far. These words came via the rantings of insane clerics. We don't know whether they'll do any real good."
Gamaliel nudged Evaine suddenly. Despite all this ridiculous incense, mistress, I suddenly detect the odor of sulfur. And a strange presence-similar to dragonfear, but not nearly as strong. Should we be concerned?
Evaine relayed the information. "My cat detects a strange smell and presence. I think perhaps the abishai have found us. Prepare for the battle of your lives!"
Ren, Andoralson, and Miltiades immediately reached for weapons. Gamaliel's ears twitched as he listened for the approach of the fiends. The clerics barely moved.
Starnak paused, then raised his gauntleted hand in a clenched fist. Instantly, his clerics drew their weapons. Starnak swirled his hand twice as his followers began a magical chant, causing their weapons to glow with an eerie green luminescence. The clerics of Ilmater were outlined in a white glow.
Starnak addressed the companions. "I'd like to add your group to our circle of protection. Any defenses we can raise against these fiends may increase our odds of survival."
Ren started to accept the offer, but Evaine interrupted. "We have our own special defenses that we prefer to use. We've found them to be most effective against nearly any beast." Ren shot an angry glance at the sorceress, but Evaine ignored him.
"I've heard these types of creatures create an aura of fear as a weapon," Evaine continued.
"Oh, sweet child," Painel said, "If you allow yourselves to be protected by my clerics, fear will get no hold over you. Perhaps you should reconsider our offer."
Evaine disregarded his words, further irritating Ren.
"Um, Acer, can you do anything to locate the beasts that might be preparing to attack us?" The sorceress hoped desperately that Andoralson would catch on to what she and Gamaliel already suspected.
"I can try. If only my cousin were here-she had the chalice whose mist could locate such creatures."
Ren gave the sorceress and druid a confused look, but then gripped his huge sword with both hands, finally understanding the deception. Miltiades stood ready, ancient blade in hand.
The druid quickly spoke the words of a spell. Bluish purple fire poured from his hands and flowed toward the clerics. One by one, the false men evaporated into the magical mist until only three clerics, among them the two leaders, remained in the clearing.
"Now!" Evaine screamed. "Before they transform!"
The flaming stream of energy cast by the druid bent and curved, bathing the three figures in an outline of turquoise light. The three clerics shrieked unearthly screams as their flesh began to peel away.
Their presence discovered, the three creatures writhed and thrashed to free themselves, revealing a green, a black, and a red abishai. Miltiades and Ren landed solid sword blows on the red and the black fiends before they could