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Blood on the Altar
" Blood On The Altar" It was the late summer night of August 4, 1697, close to midnight, when Reverende` Antonio Vivaldi finally closed his teaching ledger, and his school room to go to his sleeping chambers. Antonio made certain all the doors were secured and all the candles except the one he would use to find his way upstairs, had been safely extinguished. Before washing and getting dressed for bed, Antonio stepped outside on his private balcony to take in a breath of air. The young priest closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, the day had been a harrowing one. Not one of his students had accomplished her assignments. "NOT ONE!!' Tears of defeat streamed down the face of the weary young priest. Suddenly a soothing voice filled Antonio's mind. "All is well my friend. Be at peace and rest well" the voice said. A wave of calm overtook Antonio and he went inside to his bed. Blissful slumber soon found the weary young Vivaldi, and the hours of night slipped by peacefully. But with the rising of the sun the following morning agonizing and anguish filled screams broke the silence of the dawn. The screams of pain and horror pulled Antonio back to wakeful conciousness. Antonio's eyes were wide with fear, and the young priest was clearly and deeply shaken.
Cautiously he made his way down the stairs to the chapel. Slowly he opened the double doors, and what greeted him made his blood run cold, a shriek of terror escaped him. Outside J. Sebastian had been passing by and tried to run to his friend. However with the huge front doors locked he could only pound on the huge front doors and cry out to him. The frantic knockings finally reached Antonio's ears, and he slowly walked to the doors, and opened them.When he seen it was J. Sebastian he grabbed on to him. "What vexes thee my dear friend?" . J.Sebastian asked. He glanced at the tear filled espresso eyes of Antonio. He seen terror and fear that went beyond explaination. "Oh J. Sebastian, it is horrid!" Antonio said with tears in his voice. "What is it? What has you so distraught my dear friend?" J. Sebastian asked. "Come you shall see, but I warn you it is most hideous." Antonio said as he led J. Sebastian to the chapel. There on the altar were two of Antonio's unruly students, slain. One's throat had been slashed open and her front was torn away so her entrails hung out, displayed as a trophy. The others heart had been ripped from her chest and impaled upon the bow of her violin, which was sitting next to her body. Her head barely dangled fromher spine, being kept there only by her spinal cord.
Another scream of terror filled the early morning air of the streets of Vienna, this time it was J. Sebastian's powerful voice which sounded out. Antonio and J. Sebastian began to slowly back away from the murder scene, only to be scared when a soft voice met them at the front entrance of the church. "What is the matter here?" Pach asked. Suddenly Elipta sent Pach a psychic message. 'There is innocent blood on the altar.' Pach started toward the chapel. "Please Pach, do not go in there, it is hideous!" Antonio pleaded. "I am sure there is nothing in there that I have not seen before in one form or another, Antonio." The young kinetic said. "Truly but it is still hideous, I warn you." the priest continued. Pach placed his hands on the knobs to allow himself entry into the chapel. As he did, the kinetic's nostrils caught the overpowering scent of blood. Elipta cried in horror, at the scene which greeted the kinetic's eye.Pach reeled back and turned to run out, it was too much for the youth. When Antonio and J. Sebastian caught up yo him, they noticed their young friend was pale and sickly. "Are you going to be all right my friend?" J. Sebastian asked in concern. Pach's wide eyes were trembling, and he was slow in answwring his friend.
Suddenly Pach found his voice. "Yes" he said swallowing hard. "I will be all right. I did not such an evil to greet me in the church of my friend." That night Antonio made a sign and hung it on the class room that all classes were called off until further notice, then the three friends made their way to the 'Green Dragon' inn. There they rested and talked about what they needed to do. "Pach when you were in there reliving it, did yoiu recognize the demon who desecrated the chapel and my students?"Antonio asked. "No my dearest Antonio I surely did not. But from the way the blood was everywhere and the body parts were strewn about, I would say this one is of darkest pure evil. As it had no respect for your church." Pach reasoned. As Pach sipped a glass of water brought to him by young Jenna the friends further dicussed what their plan of action should be. "Truly I must call upon Sygracce, he will help and guide us. He may also be able to identify the demon which has caused this horror." Pach stated rather matter of factly.
"However for now we can do nothing, and it would not serve any good purpose for us to go without eating." J. Sebastian stated. With that the auburn haired Saxon called Jenna over, and they ordered their breakfasts. Antonio was still feeling a bit faint. "Just a light breakfast of fruit, cheese, bread and tea for me thank you." he said in his modest quiet voice. "I shall have the same." Pach said , still very pale from his experience. "I too shall have the same, but coffee with mine please." J. Sebastian said smiling ,though still nauseated from the event at the church.Which under the circumstances was not easy. "Has something happened that you three have lost your appetites?" Jenna asked out of concern for her friends. "Yes, but we do not wish to discuss it until we have had a chance to talk to the sheriff." Pach said. With a curtsey of acknowledgement, Jenna turned to get the breakfast orders.
Meanwile, Reuben Weber, the owner of the 'Green Dragon' inn, came over to greet his patrons. "How are you gentlemen doing this fine day?" Reuben asked with a smile on his lips. "Unfortunately not well my good Reuben." J. Sebastian began,"it is awful. There were two of Antonio's students slain in the chapel this morning." he added after a swallow of coffee. Reuben offered his condolences to Antonio. "Is there anything you need? Would you like me to send Viktor to fetch the sheriff?" he asked.Pach nodded, "Yes we need to report this tragedy quickly." His voice still shaky. "You can have any room you wish for as long as you need it, Antonio." Reuben said. "Graci Reuben, I am in your debt." Antonio said softly. "Nonsense ...you owe me nothing. You are my friend and what are friends for if not to aid each other in times of tragedy and peril?" It was just in a matter of minutes that Reuben sent Viktor to fetch the sheriff of Vienna.
Within about 20 minutes sheriff VonHelgen, and Viktor entered the 'Green Dragon' inn. "Over there in the corner, they are the ones who require your assistance." Viktor said as he motioned the sheriff in the direction of the table where the three companions sat. Sheriff Von Helgen joined Pach and the others and was told of the slayings in the Chapel of St Peter's Church. "Take me there, I wish to examine the scene." The sheriff requested. The three friends swallowed hard, and closed their eyes to prepare for their return to that dreadful sight.
"Very well then, follow me." Antonio said as he found the keys to the church. As the four proceeded to St. Peter's Church, Pach clearly heard himself, J.Sebastian and Antonio in prayer. Soon they reached the huge set of double doors of the church, and Antonio hesitated before unlocking them. Looking first to Pach then to J. Sebastian. Pach gave an encouraging nod to him, letting him know that he and J. Sebastian, and the sheriff were right there for Antonio, and none would allow harm to befall the beloved priest. Antonio finally caught his breath and stepped forward, entering the foyer. He led the sheriff to the chapeldoors and bade the sheriff to open them. Sheriff Von Helgen looked questioningly at Antonio, Pach, then J.Sebastian. "What is so awful in there?" he asked, "What has you three so clearly shaken?" the sheriff continued. "The fact that these murders are an otherworldly work, my good sheriff." Pach said sadly. "Otherworldly? You certainly are quick to say that young Master Pachelbel." the sheriff said with a raised eyebrow. "See for yourself if you do not wish to believe us." J. Sebastian challenged. With those words the sheriff thrust the chapel doors open and nearly gagged at the sight which greeted him. The two bodies horribly maimed, the blood strewn all about, but mostly the claw marks in blood on the chapel ceiling. "How in the name of.......?" The sheriff began in a terror filled voice which faded out with fear. Pach clapped his hand on the sheriff's shoulder, which startled the sheriff profoundly. "That is how we know they are otherworldly murders, my good sheriff." Pach said with stern reason.
The sheriff remained quiet, and simply backed out of the chapel, unable though he was to take his eyes off the horror before him. After he passed the chapel doors, he shoved Antonio aside, and made a mad dash for the double doors at the front of the church, where he proceeded to vomit fiercely. After the sheriff was finished being sick, J.Sebastian helped him to the infirmary. Antonio and Pach went to St. Mary's Cathedral, the Catholic church in Vienna ran by Ignazi Decaden. Antonio told Ignazi of the murders. Ignazi told Antonio; "Do not worry my friend. I have people which will clean that for you, and make your church as clean as though nothing like that had happened." "But there is blood on the ceiling and deep claw marks on the ceiling and the walls." Antonio explained. "Worry not of it my friend, the people know how to restore buildings, even such grand ones as your beloved church." Ignazi said trying to comfort Antonio. "Thank you my friend. I will be forever in the debt of your people." Antonio said. Getting the church cleaned of the blood, and the remains of his students was just one chore Antonio simply did not have the stomach to face. He was grateful for the help of those people who could tolerate the chore.
Ignazi sent Pach, and Antonio on their way, and called upon the people who would clean the church. "However you must wait until the sheriff and his deputies have gathered whatever evidence they need from the scene of the slayings." the former satanic leader told his servants.
As Pach and Antonio walked back to the inn, they noticed a storm coming in. "We should hurry as you and J. Sebastian need to be on your way to your own homes, and I, myself am very tired and in need of rest." Antonio said. Pach nodded in agreement and the two walked on to the 'Green Dragon' inn. J. Sebastian was waiting there. "I had to leave the good sheriff at the infirmary. He was in poor condition. The physician suggested he rest in the hospital for the night." J. Sebastian told them. Antonio swallowed hard. It was clearly uncomfortable for him. "I can understand that, it was terrible. I know that it lwft me in a shattered state. He admitted, Pach nodded his head in agreement, the pallor of his skin told of his illness from the mention of the event at Saint Peter's church.. The three frinds called Jenna over , Antonio and Pach asked for tea, and of course, J. Sebastian asked for coffee. Jenna brought them their drinks post haste, then returned to her other duties. After they had rested Pach and J. Sebastian bade Antonio goodnight and they left for their perspective homes. Pach walked along with his friend, the night was silent and troubled even between them. Pach understood that the subject was not to be discussed in the open and it did need the utmost delicate attention. Soon they had reached Cantata Avenue where J. Sebastian lived. "Good night my friend, I shall see you in the morning., hopefully I will have been given some answeres to our dilemna." Pach said with a cordial smile. J. Sebastian also held the same hope.
Pach proceeded to walk on to Sonata Lane. Suddenly a blood red bolt of lightning struck the ruby jewel of the 'Gauntlet of Power' The jolt knocked Pach flat on the ground, and rendered him unconscious. The young musician was unconscious for somewhile before awakening. Pach groggily stumbled for what he thought was his home on Sonata Lane, but it was not. He actually walked, or rather stumbled to the evil forest called Idengate. A shadowy figure watched the dazed kinetic as he struggled to find a familiar place. Suddenly the previously unseen assailant leaped from the shadows, in front of Pach. "Champion, I am Darquan. I have come to seek my vengance on you and Sygrace of the Light." then with a hiss on his tongue , Darquan dealt a viscious blow to the fair young face of Pach. The evil dragon carried Pach's body to a dark cavern, and encased the pure and good essence of Pach in a wall of ice. With the wave of an ancient wand of blackest onyx, Darquan released the evil and vile opposite of Pach. Opposite in every way except appearance. "You shall do my bidding. With your aid my vengance will be complete." he hissed wickedly. "You shall be called Idoni, and answer only to me. When citizens approach thee, thou shalt be as this
one." Darquan said indicating the real Pach. Darquan then took Idoni to the modest home on Sonata Lane , placed him on the bed, and left him to carry on as the illustrious Pach.
The following morning both J. Sebastian and Antonio paid a visit to their friends home, only to be greeted by one who looked familiar but certainlly was not the true Pach. Antonio could tell it wasn't his friend, there was something horribly amiss here but he could not place it. "Pach, are you not going to open the school today?" Antonio asked. "I have no time for such foolishness. Those students are idiots,and I will not waste my precious time on them."Idoni said with a wave of his hand and a toss of his blond hair. "Very well Pach, we will make your excuses , and inform your students." J. Sebastian offered. "You needn't make excuses for me. They are not worth the time and effort it would take to do so." Idoni said snappily and went off to take care of his business. J.Sebastian and Antonio looked at each other questioningly. "What shall we do now? You and I both knowhe is not in his right mind,and who else can talk to Sygrace, or find out what demons have defiled my precious church?" Antonio asked anxiously.
J.Sebastian thought for awhile. "We shall go talk again to Ignazi, this time let himknow the situation of Pach. He can contact the forgotten realms such as Dark Haven." J. Sebastian suggested logically. "An excellent suggestion, my dear friend." Antonio agreed and with that the two made their way to the residence of Ignazi Decaden. After Ignazi, J. Sebastian, and Antonio share the late evening discussion Ignazi promises the two friends that he shall make contact with the one who may be able to help them. Antonio, and J.Sebastian then left for their homes. "This has been a very strange day." Antonio admitted. "Yes, indeed it has been." J. Sebastian agreed.
"With Pachnot inhis right mind, and the schools being closed, it is simply chaotic." Bach stressed as he and Antonio continued on to the 'Green Dragon' inn. After bidding Antoniogood night, J.Sebastian made his way home. That night at midnight, Ignazi went into an hypnotic trance, and made an astral connection with Phyadazirex of Dark Haven. Ignazi explained what had happened in Vienna.
"This sounds like the work of an evil dragon, the one called Darquan." Phyadazirex began. "Darquan is a rival of Sygrace. He is as dark and evil as Sygrace is good and light. Sygerace imprisoned Darquan 500 years ago for crimes against the 'Fellowship of Dragons of the Order of Light.' Phyadazirex explained. "You will be able to know if Darquan has taken possession of the 'Gauntlet of Power,'if the jewel is no longer the reddest of rubies, but instead is an onyx as black as evil itself, then Darquan has taken the Gauntlet of Power and imprisoned Sygrace. The innocent blood gives him the power to stay on the earthly plain. The blood of innocents on the altar of a church gives him thrills." Phyadazirex explained further. "I see, and thank you Lord Phyadazirex for your time.and aid in this most serious matter." Ignazi said as he broke the astral connection.
The following morning Ignazi told Antonio and J.Sebastian what he had learned fromPhyadazirex. The three walked on to the 'Green Dragon' inn, intending to take breakfast. As they passed St.Peter's Cathedral a horrible, blood curdling scream filled their ears. Antonio looked to his companions. "I made a sign that none were to enter the church until I had given notice." He said fearfully. Antonio found his key to the church and began towards it, then abruptly stopped and turned away. Ignazi stepped past him and offered to lead the way. Antonio gladly permitted it. When Ignazi opened the foyer doors , he was not ready for the sight which greeted him. Bits and pieces of the body of a young girl led him into the chapel, the doors were already opened and the blood and body parts continued on to the altar. The head of the same young girl whose screams had alerted them just a few minutes before was propped on the altar between two gold crosses. Another young girls body was slit open and her entrails were strewn about, she lay infront of the altar. Suddenly the eyes of the disembodied head on the altar flew open, and a scream escaped the mouth. "Please...help us!" it cried out. Ignazi drww back in fear. "Tell me was this murder done by the dark dragon called Darquan?" Ignazi asked boldly. "Yes. He wants vengance and has taken steps to assure he gets what he seeks." the head answered. "And just what is it he seeks?Who is he that he defiles my church, and murders my students?" Antonio demanded. "He is Darquan, a rival of Sygrace. He is the opposite of the Gauntlet of Truth and Light. He wishes to control the Gauntlet of Power, and make the champion his own slave.. He has replaced the one you know as Pach with one of his own dark essence." the disembodied head revealed to Antonio. When Antonio turned to his companions to discuss what they had heard, he found himself standing there alone, and he hurried out of the church to find his companions.
"Why did you abandon me back at the church?" Antonio asked in a disturbed voice. "We needed to take some air, and get away from that place, it is disturbing." J.Sebastian admitted. "I see. So now that we know who this evilis how do we stop him?" Antonio asked Ignazi, after he caught up with his companions. "I will have to visit the Kingdom of Isentari and speak to Kyna their king. As King of all Dragonkind he will know how to proceed with this quest." Ignazi answered with hope. "I want these murders to stop.If they proceed in such a manner, at this rate I shall be out of students." Antonio surmised. "Truly we must stop him. I wonder if either of us could call upon Nara~Nara for assistance." J.Sebastian thought aloud. "With the jewel of the Gauntlet being contaminated by Darquan, I seriously doubt if you could." Ignazi ventured his reason.
Antonio sighed in dismay, "I am beginning to believe this demon is as none ever I had known before." he said wearily. J.Sebastian laid a comforting hand on his friends shoulder,"Antonio, we shall overcome this horror and retrieve our beloved Pach. We will be done with this tragedy soon I pray." he said to his shaken friend. "I know as a priest I must remain true to the faith which guides me.However when things like this happen it shakes me to my very foundation." Antonio cried as tear of sorrow filled his eyes, and streamed down his cheeks.
That night Ignazi made another astral connection to the forgotten realms, this time it was to Kyna of Isentari. "Kyna I come for aid in the name of the Fellowship of the Dragons." Ignazi began "Our friend, your Champion of the Gauntlet has been taken from us, as also ws Sygrace."he explained to the proud king. "Sir... you come bearing to me the most awful of news. Darquan is a most powerful dark force. How long has his work been seen in your own world priest?" Kyna asked "It has been three days. Four students have been slain inthe Luthern Church called St Peter's. Claw marks are inthe walls and ceiling. Blood has been strewn on the walls, ceiling, floors and pews of the church. The altar, I am afraid, is permanently stained with innocent blood." Ignazi informed King Kyna. "Four murders? Then he has gained much strength. I will need to call upon one of your kind who owes me a favor, or two. He may be dark but he is true to his word." Kyna said mysteriously. He did not wish to divulge the name of his albeit, unwilling aid, not to this one, not to anyone. Kyna broke the astral connection between he and Ignazi, sending the Catholic Priest back to his own real and a restful nights sleep.
The following day Ignazi watched from afar , as the one he knew as Pach walked out towards Idengate. Ignazi followed, undetected in hopes that he would discover where the real Pach was. Ignazi stopped just short of where he seen Idoni halt. Ignazi soon recognized the dragon called Darquan, and noticed he and Idoni engaged in a conversation. Darquan needed to renew his essence, which was this embodiment. Ignazi watched as the dark dragon poured the blood of the slain students over his slave, baptizing him completely in the evil, which harvested the innocent life force. Ignazi was nearly sick at the sight, but managed to contain himself.As Ignazi turned to run back toward Vienna, Idoni informed his master that there was one lingering about that could be a hindrance to the plans of vengance which were in progress. SNAP! a twig cracked under Ignazi's boot heel. The priet froze withhope that he would remain undiscovered, but alas, Darquan was right there and took Ignazi prisoner. "You want to know where the real champion is? Very well, I shall take you to him." Darquan hissed evilly. He then dealt a viscious blow to the face of the Catholic Priest. Darquan swept Ignazi up into his talons,and flew to the caver where he had imprisoned Pach's pure essence. Darquan slowly brought the unconcious Ignazi around. The young Catholic Priest looked about the cavern and beheld the sight of Pach's body in the wall of ice, and whispered...."Is he dead?" Darquan laughed wickedly...."Not yet, I am saving that rite to be done in the presence of Sygrace." he purred throatily. "I want to watch him suffer the loss of his champion, then one by one I fully intendto slaughter his own kindred." the dark dragon continued. "But you dark one are one of those kindred." Ignazi mentioned, just as the eyes of Darquan met his own, and immediately Ignazi was sealed in a sheet of ice, and placed upon an altar of evil. "Hmm, quite a collection I have started here." Darquan snickered to himself and his slave. The two figures left the dark cavern and Darquan vanished leaving Idoni to return to Vienna.
After the astral departure from Ignazi, Kyna summoned several of his loyal warriors to his palace. " I will need two volunteers to travel with Nara~Nara, to free the Lord of Light,Sygrace, from the prison in which Darquan has trapped him. It is in an otherwise forgotten place, one of blackest evil." Kyna warned the dragon warriors. Grey Diamond, and Dynirus both stepped forward and offered their elite services. Corio and T'Rose also stepped forward. "We both, offer our protection, as a force of five would certainly be more effective than one of three." The bronze dragon Corio said, offering his opinion. "A wise obsevation. Very well, a force of five it shall be. Be strong, and walk in the light, even in deepest darkest evil." Kyna said as he bestowed the Blessing of the Light on each of his warriors, with his staff of 'Truth and Light'. "I wish you success." Kyna added as the group of dragon warriors left on their quest to free their imprisoned commrade. Nara~Nara joined the foursome just outside the palace gates of Isentari. "According to the journal of my father, we are to travel to the dark cavernous pit called 'Morderosi'." The son of Sygrace led the way as he looked to a map left in the 'Book of Light' by his father.
The road was indeed treacherous, and the group found need to stop and gather their wits, for many of the road signs appeared to be as ones indicating the opposite direction. Confusion and illusion veiled the location of the Dungeons of Morderosi. As the group neared a body of black water, and odor most foul filled their nostrils. Immediately the dragons veiled their mouths and noses with thin cloths which prevented gases from filling their nostrils and rendering them unconcious. Quickly the group moved along, and finally found air that was clean and breathable. All decided to rest, and survey their immediate surroundings. Nara~Nara refered to the map he held, and pointed to the mountain range which was still some distance ahead of them. "We must make it to the third peak, then bear North from that point." he told the others.
"If we are indeed to make such a harrowing trek we will need our strength to be at it's maximum peak." Grey Diamond noted as he held up a food sack and smiled widely. "A grand idea." the others agreed. As they took their afternoon meal break, Nara~Nara concentrated on the location of his beloved father. In a vision he seen his father frozen solid, as if he were encased in diamond. The boy tried to communicate with the frozen figure of his father, and found the words muffled. A tear fell fromthe eyes of Sygrace. 'Father ...if you can not speak to me then let your music guide me. ' Nara~Nara bade the Dragon Lord via kinetic message. It was a mere thirty minutes later that the five dragons continued on their quest. "Can we not take our dragon forms and fly for some distance? Surely that will bring us closer to our destination." T'Rose suggested, whether it was from the urgency of the quest, or the fact that he was growing weary from being on foot, it seemed a logical suggestion in his mind. Nara~Nara nodded,"Yes that would be acceptable, and indeed more expediant." he agreed. The five companions prepared for the transformation to dragon form, and soon were in flight. If the sky had not already been black, it certainly would have appeared so then. The third peak of the mountain range came into view within a mere ten minutes. The dragons landed and observed the area. "According to the map we indeed must keep to our dragon forms and fly North from here a good thirty miles yet. Then we should behold a mirrored pool of ice. That is where we need to be most cautious, but it is one place where we need to be for it is the hiding place of the gate to Morderosi. Do not touch the gate while in dragon form, for it will send you to the pit immediately. Though that may sound beneficial it is not, for you would arrive dead." Nara~Nara warned. "Then pray tell, oh son of Sygrace,..How are we to get past the gate?" Dynirus asked.
"We will find a way, I promise you." the persistant youth vowed. When they landed near the pool of ice, they noticed a dark figure standing there waiting for them. The group took on human form to observe the figure and their surroundings. As Nara~Nara's vision cleared he immediately recognized this one. "Osio Dark-Water, what brings you to this most foul and dire of places?" he asked suspiciously.
"Ease your mind young warrior. I am here at the request of your own King Kyna. I have owed him a debt for some centuries now and this is my chance to clear it." the Black Wizard explained. The eyes of the Fellowship fell upon him and read the intent upon the heart of this dark one. "His words are truth." Corio revealed. "Only a fool would bear false witness to an order of Dragonfolk." Grey Diamond reasoned.
Nara~Nara nodded in agreement, then turned to the Black Wizard. "How are you going to be able to assist us,Osio Dark-Water?"he asked. "Quite simply put, none of you may touch the entrance gate without fear of death." Osio began. "However, since I have a black heart, I can touch the gate without fear of retribution from it. My staff will keep us safefrom the dangerous unknown of the pit, as we walk the darkness. It was with a wave of his staff then that the Gate of Morderosi opened unto the will of Osio. "Use only your dragon vision in the tunnel, as any source of light will awaken unknown evils." the Black Wizard warned. The Dragon Fellowship nodded, to let Osio know they understood completely. "But how will you be guided wizard?"asked T'Rose curiously. "By following you and being in the center of the five of you. With one by my side, two before me, and two behind, that is how." Osio explained. The group lined up. T'Rose and Corio up front, Nara~Nara standing beside Osio, and Grey Diamond and Dynirus immediately behind the others. Onward they trod, through evils and dangers non of them had ever encountered before this time. At the jagged edge of one cliff, Osio warned them all to walk silently, which meant the dragons needed to levitate themselves, and Osio. As they did, the sharp eyes of Nara~Nara spotted why they need to engage this maneuver. Below was a dark swamp filled with flesh eating eels. "Those eels would think nothin of strngling any of us, man or dragon." Osio whispered to his traveling companions. A shudder of disgust escaped T'Rose. The group continued on for what seemed like three days. Then there at the moouth of a cave shone a gate of purest diamond clear ice. "This is it. This is where Sygrace is being held captive." Osio announced. As Grey Diamond approached the gate a feeling of intense cold enveloped the might dragon. Suddenly a growl from the darkness arose and filled the air, it sounded and felt otherworldly. Dynirus peered past the gate and determined the eerie sound had come from infront of the gate. Osio being caught off guard jumped back a few steps. His eyes were wide with startled fear. "I do not know what that was, but I beg you take caution." he said softly.Carefully Osio raised his onyx staff, to shed a ray of light into the shadows. There the Fellowship beheld a rabid werewolf. No shackles or chains to bind him, he simply huddled in the shadows as guardian of the Gateway to the pit of Morderosi. "Just how,my dear Black Wizard, are we supposed to get by that?" Dynirus asked with a bit of a sarcastic scoff in his voice.
"Let me ponder this situation first, then I will inform you of my findings." Osio said seriously as he stared into the darkness. He bade the young warrior Nara~Nara to discuss their situation a few feet from the others. ... "What if you sent the illusion of another werewolf? Would that not draw this beast from the gate?" Nara~Nara suggested. Osio smiled and laid a hand on one of the young dragons shoulders. "You are wise for such a young dragon." he said quietly. The wizard then proceeded with the spell of conjuring. Suddenly in the shadows appeared a second werewolf. Indeed it had worked. The second werewolf caught the attention of the Guardian of the Gateway, causing the guardian to give chase to the illusion while the Fellowship and Osio slipped by the gate of ice and into the pit of darkness. Finally they reached the dungeon which held Sygrace. Nara~Nara stepped through the doorway, and as he did, reeled back at the sight of his father in such a helpless state. For it appeared to Nara~Nara that his father did not sleep, but was dead. Grey Diamond stepped forth and laid his stone of awakeningagainst the sheet of ice, but nothing happened. A perplexed look crossed the face of the grey dragon. "Simple my good dragon your stone is of the light, this place is of blackness. Therefore anything of light can not work here the same, as it would in your world of light." Osio offered the explaination. The Black Wizard reached into his robes and withdrew an onyx of such purest black that it glowed. Osio laid the stone against the wall of ice enveloping Sygrace, and it caused the wall of ice to shatter. It did not take more than a few seconds for all six of the travelers to rush to the aid of the Dragon Lord. They carried Sygrace to a warmer corner, away from theice, and gave him nourishment. After a few minutes Sygrace was recovered. "What am I doing here, and how long have I been here?" he asked. "Darquan has taken the champion, and imprisoned you here, Father." Nara~Nara began. "You have been here for one week, and in those seven days the shedding of innocent blood, on the altar at St. Peter'sChurch has been terrifying." Nara~Nara continued. "Then we must get back to the surface world, and quickly!" Sygrace reasoned. "Truly, for the pure essence of the youth called Pach has been taken, and so has Ignazi Decaden, the priest of St. Mary's Cathedral." T'Rose explained. Sygrace's eyes flew open wide with fear. "He has a priest imprisoned?" he gasped. "With the sacrifice of a priest he will be nearly unstoppable." the Dragon Lord warned. "Then truly we must hurry." Osio and Nara~Nara said in unison.
With that Sygrace called for his ruby of transporting, and the seven were taken to the Kingdom of Isentari within a minute. As Osio stepped from the tunnel of ruby light King Kyna was there to greet him. "Thank you Osio. Truly our debt has been wiped clean." Kyna said as he clasped hands with Osio Dark-Water. Sygrace looked astonished at the King of Isentari. "How can you be friends with one of such pure evil?" he asked Kyna. Osio has not always been evil, Sygrace. But that explaination I will share with you another time. Now you must go to the aid of your champion." Kyna said, and turned to thank Osio again, and bid his friend of many centuries farewell. Sygrace asked the Fellowship of Five to accompany him on his quest. They all agreed and were soon on their way to Vienna, and the surrounding areas, to fight for the return of Ignazi and the Champion of the Gauntlet of Power, Pach.
Meanwhile in the township of Vienna, Antonio and J.Sebastian were engaged in conversation at their usual corner table of the 'Green Dragon' inn. "Where do you suppose Ignazi has disappeared to these past three days.?" J.Sebastian asked his friend. "I can not begin to venture a guess as to his current locale, but I am beginning to become quite worried of him. I must admit." Antonio said frankly. . Shortly after their luncheon had been served J. Sebastian observed a familoiar figure enter the inn. The young musician stood up and bade the familiar one to join them. "Welcome Sygrace, how splendid of you to grace us with your presence." J.Sebastian said warmly."After my most recent plight, it is grand to be here." the Dragon Lord said factually. Just at that moment Idoni came into the inn, and ordered a drink. Sygrace's eyes caught him immediately.
"Purest evil he is." Sygrace hissed quietly. "Purest evil?" Antonio said questioning the statement of the Lord of Light. "Yes, the one you see there is only using the person of my champion.The essence therein is one provided him by the evil called Darquan." Sygrace explained to the two companions. "Then that explains his behavior as of late. Most uncomely, very unlike himself, to be sure." J. Sebastian noted.
"Yes I have no doubt of that young master Bach. We need to find a way to confront him, without alerting Darquan, and I believe I may have that solution at hand." the Dragon Lord said, being hopeful. With that Sygrace excused himself from the table, and as he left he purposefully walked beside Idoni. Idoni stood up and proceeded to follow the Dragon Lord. Sygrace observed J.Sebastian starting to rise from his chair, and signalled himto stay put. Bach sat back down, and both he and Antoniowondered what the sly dragon had in mind for this evil one that looked so much like their friend. A sudden commotion from the alley way alerted the entire inn. But when Viktor, and Reuben dashed for the backdoor, leading directly to the alley, they seen nothing butbroad still daylight. "I wonder what happened!" Viktor said as he closed the alley way door. Shortly afterwards Sygrace returned to the 'Green Dragon' inn, and ordered a glass of water, then rejoined J.Sebastian and Antonio. "We have him. Now we must devise a planto rescue Ignazi and the real Pach." Sygrace said ."Wr? Who, pray tell is this 'we' you speak of?" Antonio asked. "A Fellowship of six dragons, five others and myself" Sygrace told him softly, as he placed a slender finger to his well formed mouth. Antonio and J. Sebastian both nodded, realizing being secretive at this point would be most crucial and beneficial to their cause.
That eveing when Idoni woke, to go to the place of meeting with Darquan, Corio followed silently. The dragon stayed behind his mark, yet never lost track of him. Idoni had not noticed a silver chain around his neck, from that chain dangled a diamond of significant size, it was surrounded by thirteen rubies, and thirteen onyx. When Darquan seen the diamond pendant he grabbed it. "Where did you get this? " he hissed suspiciously. "It is a treasure I found. It is mine." Idoni grumped as he pulled the pendant out of Darquan's claws. "Very well I have no use for it, certainly." Daarquan said raising an eyebrow. Then he and the essence he had unleashed walked into the cavern of darkness.
In Isentari, Kyna was watching every step, and told Sygrace by telepathy where the two dark figures were going. When the dark emissaries entered the cavern, Kyna noticed the true essence of Pach in the ice wall. He also noticed Ignazi frozen solid on an altar of stone. The altar was carved with ancient writings. These writings were a prayer to the Grecian god of death, Hades. Infront of the altar was a dagger of onyx and silver, engraved with the same markings. "In three days we will have the full moon, it will be a blood moon, and our sacrifice will be most powerful, and complete. My vengance will be sweet and most satisfying then. To have taken another friend, the priest, as well as his champion from Sygrace." the dark dragon laughed maniacally. The essence of evil turned to his master and spoke, "This one is not the close priestfriend of Sygrace, he is merely an acquaintance.The close friend and future champion is the red headed priest named Vivaldi." he revealed to Darquan. Darquan growled at the news, and pushed Idoni aside..."Then I will take that one!" he roared venomously and stormed off towards Vienna.
In Vienna, Sygrace quickly hid Antonio, and J. Sebastian, with the other five dragons. Sygrace then turned and exited the safety realm.As he walked through the door a flash of bright blue light filled the area just outside. Antonio and J. Sebastian looked at each other, and T'Rose calmed them. "It is Sygrace, he has taken another form." the wise drgon told them. Grey Diamond summoned the two musicians to his side. "Look in here, behold. Sygrace has taken the guise of you my dear priest." Grey Diamond told them. Antonio's eyes flew open wide. "NO! He can not. He will be killed." Antonio cried out. "Calm priest. Sygrace is well versed in deception, and he has a plan." Corio injected confidently. Antonio turned and sat on the pile of furs provided to both he and J.Sebastian, and he sighed mournfully. A tear escaped Antonio's eyes, and he began to pray silently. Sygrace, in the form of Antonio began to walk to his church. As he did he heard cries of agony and pain coming from the Cathedral of St. Peter's Church. The Dragon Lord took off in a fast sprint, and confronted Darquan. "Be damned foul beast, thou wretch who doth desecrate mine church!" he screamed at the black dragon. "I aim to do more, much more." Darquan said as he licked his thin lips with his forked tongue. He grabbed the one he believed to be Antonio. Idoni jumped on Darquan's strong back and they flew off to the cavern of blackness. When Darquan landed he dropped 'Antonio', and Idoni dismounted the dragon. Idoni leaned over the limp body of 'Antonio' and smirked. "Yes this is he." Then Idoni scooped up the one he believed was the true priest of St. Peter's Church, into his arms and carried him into the cavern. As he laid the priest on the altar near Ignazi, he felt a tug on the silver chain. Idoni thought nothing of it, for he knew after the vengance of Darquan was completed, he would be free to search for his treasure. When Idoni had emerged from the cavern, Darquan sealed it closed with a thick wall of ice. Sygrace remained motionless until he felt Darquan, and Idoni were far away. Then Sygrace took his own form, and used the Diamond of Isentari to free the true and pure essence of Pach, and then he released Ignazi from his icy prison as well. "How do ye fare Champion?" he asked Pach. "I feel dreadfully weak, but I will be fine. I am certain." Pach said as he stretched his tired frame. "And you priest, how art thou?" Sygrace asked Ignazi. "Cold, but I will also be well." the priest shivered weakly. Sygrace gave both of the men nourishment, before allowing them to proceed with him in the pusuit of Darquan, and Idoni. Then with the aid of Elipta, Sygrace and Pach proceeded to melt the wall of enchanted ice at the front of the cavern. Within thirty minutes the three were hurriedly on their way to Vienna.
Just outside the city of Vienna, Pach,Ignazi and Sygrace stopped and discussed their plan of action. "I am going to use my portal from here, and go to my home. If the evil named Idoni is there, then it will be there I face him." Pach declared. Sygrace could tell his champion was more than a little angered at being taken by an evil, and imprisoned to the point of helplessness. After Pach was on his way, taking Ignazi with him. Sygrace took his dragon form, and flew overVienna,to survey the city, and see if he might catch a sighting of Darquan, or Idoni. Ignazi ran to the church of St. Peter's to hopefully find Antonio. Instead what he found were two more innocent girls slain in the church. This time the skin was peeled away from one of the girls, and her face had been chewed away. The other was impaled on the huge eighteen foot high cross, which hung upon the west wall of the church. "Blessings of Heaven! This evil must be stopped." Ignazi declared purposefully. Ignazi ran out to find Pach, Sygrace, or anyone he could report this horror to. Sygrace, being sensetive to the criesof anguish, landed before Ignazi and changed back to his human appearance. "Tell me what troubles thee, Ignazi." Sygrace coaxed calmly. "Two more slayings in the church." Ignazi said, his voice trembling with sorrow. "Then we must tarry not." Sygrace exclaimed and went in search of the one nemesis named Darquan.
In the house on Sonata Lane, Pach exited his portal and surprised Idoni. The evil one hissed and dashed out of the house. Pach ran in pursuit. Citizens of Vienna watched as the two, who were mirrored images of each other ran through the streets of their fair city. It was at the town square that all four came together. Pach and Sygrace, Idoni, and Darquan. The war had begun , the combatants faced each other, all showing no fear. Pach yelled at the evil named Idoni, "Turn here coward and face me." Idoni turned quickly and hissed at Pach as he crouched into a fighting stance. At the same instance Darquan and Sygrace engaged in battle. The fierce fighting continued till nearly midnight. It was then that Pach gained the upper hand over Idoni, rendering the evil one unconscious. Also the Sygrace bested Darquan by slashing his chest open with one of Sygrace's own dagger-like talons. As Darquan stumbled in his weakened state, Sygrace produced a huge diamond encrusted Emerald pendant. As the Lord of Light waved the emerald it immediately encased all the evil within the area. Sygrace then lifted the previously contaminated 'Gauntlet of Power', and cleansed the ruby eye. The magnificent jewel shown brighter now than it had beforw. Sygrace presented the reborn gauntlet to his champion. "It has been reborn to the greater good." the Dragon Lord declared with a smile.
He then indicated the Emerald pendant. "This however will take the evil within and be guarded by an unyeilding watchman. One of my own choosing, for his force is great. He fears evil not, for he is evil, evil incarnate." With a wave of his hand Sygrace sent eh pendant to a dark foreboding realm. The realm called Seven Gate. When the emerald pendant arrived, there also was a message in dragon-speak. A deceptively delicate hand picked up the scroll and read it. 'Guard this pendant. It is holding the evil named Darquan, and his servant named Idoni.' the scroll read. The figure summoned two servants. "Bring a treasure chest of purest gold, then leave me." he demanded. The servants did as instructed, without question. Rofi placed the emerald pendant and the scroll into the gold chest and securely locked it. "It is safe now, and for all time." Rofi declared as he carried the chest to the darkest recesses of his private vaults. Back in Vienna there was great celebrating with the return of our beloved Pach, and Ignazi. The following day however was one of intense sorrow, and mourning, as Antonio conducted a mass funeral for all the slain girls, which were the victims of Darquan's evil. When all was passed, Ignazi bade his friend to follow himto the church of St. Peter, Antonio hesitated at the doors, "I can not bring myself to enter therein." Antonio said as he drew back. "Please I beseech thee, fear it no more." Ignazi pleaded Antonio agreed and slowly entered his church. It was again clean and beautiful as ever it had been. "I could not remove the memories of your torment, but I pray in time you will be able to imprison them in a dark forgotten recess of your mind." Ignazi said. "No, I shall not forget this horror, ever. But I pray the Heavenly Father eases my mind to bear it more easily, soon" Antonio said. It was many weeks before Antonio's class was back to normal, but it was at last. We were all much happier when we were told by Pach that the evil which befell us then will not return.
Cautiously he made his way down the stairs to the chapel. Slowly he opened the double doors, and what greeted him made his blood run cold, a shriek of terror escaped him. Outside J. Sebastian had been passing by and tried to run to his friend. However with the huge front doors locked he could only pound on the huge front doors and cry out to him. The frantic knockings finally reached Antonio's ears, and he slowly walked to the doors, and opened them.When he seen it was J. Sebastian he grabbed on to him. "What vexes thee my dear friend?" . J.Sebastian asked. He glanced at the tear filled espresso eyes of Antonio. He seen terror and fear that went beyond explaination. "Oh J. Sebastian, it is horrid!" Antonio said with tears in his voice. "What is it? What has you so distraught my dear friend?" J. Sebastian asked. "Come you shall see, but I warn you it is most hideous." Antonio said as he led J. Sebastian to the chapel. There on the altar were two of Antonio's unruly students, slain. One's throat had been slashed open and her front was torn away so her entrails hung out, displayed as a trophy. The others heart had been ripped from her chest and impaled upon the bow of her violin, which was sitting next to her body. Her head barely dangled fromher spine, being kept there only by her spinal cord.
Another scream of terror filled the early morning air of the streets of Vienna, this time it was J. Sebastian's powerful voice which sounded out. Antonio and J. Sebastian began to slowly back away from the murder scene, only to be scared when a soft voice met them at the front entrance of the church. "What is the matter here?" Pach asked. Suddenly Elipta sent Pach a psychic message. 'There is innocent blood on the altar.' Pach started toward the chapel. "Please Pach, do not go in there, it is hideous!" Antonio pleaded. "I am sure there is nothing in there that I have not seen before in one form or another, Antonio." The young kinetic said. "Truly but it is still hideous, I warn you." the priest continued. Pach placed his hands on the knobs to allow himself entry into the chapel. As he did, the kinetic's nostrils caught the overpowering scent of blood. Elipta cried in horror, at the scene which greeted the kinetic's eye.Pach reeled back and turned to run out, it was too much for the youth. When Antonio and J. Sebastian caught up yo him, they noticed their young friend was pale and sickly. "Are you going to be all right my friend?" J. Sebastian asked in concern. Pach's wide eyes were trembling, and he was slow in answwring his friend.
Suddenly Pach found his voice. "Yes" he said swallowing hard. "I will be all right. I did not such an evil to greet me in the church of my friend." That night Antonio made a sign and hung it on the class room that all classes were called off until further notice, then the three friends made their way to the 'Green Dragon' inn. There they rested and talked about what they needed to do. "Pach when you were in there reliving it, did yoiu recognize the demon who desecrated the chapel and my students?"Antonio asked. "No my dearest Antonio I surely did not. But from the way the blood was everywhere and the body parts were strewn about, I would say this one is of darkest pure evil. As it had no respect for your church." Pach reasoned. As Pach sipped a glass of water brought to him by young Jenna the friends further dicussed what their plan of action should be. "Truly I must call upon Sygracce, he will help and guide us. He may also be able to identify the demon which has caused this horror." Pach stated rather matter of factly.
"However for now we can do nothing, and it would not serve any good purpose for us to go without eating." J. Sebastian stated. With that the auburn haired Saxon called Jenna over, and they ordered their breakfasts. Antonio was still feeling a bit faint. "Just a light breakfast of fruit, cheese, bread and tea for me thank you." he said in his modest quiet voice. "I shall have the same." Pach said , still very pale from his experience. "I too shall have the same, but coffee with mine please." J. Sebastian said smiling ,though still nauseated from the event at the church.Which under the circumstances was not easy. "Has something happened that you three have lost your appetites?" Jenna asked out of concern for her friends. "Yes, but we do not wish to discuss it until we have had a chance to talk to the sheriff." Pach said. With a curtsey of acknowledgement, Jenna turned to get the breakfast orders.
Meanwile, Reuben Weber, the owner of the 'Green Dragon' inn, came over to greet his patrons. "How are you gentlemen doing this fine day?" Reuben asked with a smile on his lips. "Unfortunately not well my good Reuben." J. Sebastian began,"it is awful. There were two of Antonio's students slain in the chapel this morning." he added after a swallow of coffee. Reuben offered his condolences to Antonio. "Is there anything you need? Would you like me to send Viktor to fetch the sheriff?" he asked.Pach nodded, "Yes we need to report this tragedy quickly." His voice still shaky. "You can have any room you wish for as long as you need it, Antonio." Reuben said. "Graci Reuben, I am in your debt." Antonio said softly. "Nonsense ...you owe me nothing. You are my friend and what are friends for if not to aid each other in times of tragedy and peril?" It was just in a matter of minutes that Reuben sent Viktor to fetch the sheriff of Vienna.
Within about 20 minutes sheriff VonHelgen, and Viktor entered the 'Green Dragon' inn. "Over there in the corner, they are the ones who require your assistance." Viktor said as he motioned the sheriff in the direction of the table where the three companions sat. Sheriff Von Helgen joined Pach and the others and was told of the slayings in the Chapel of St Peter's Church. "Take me there, I wish to examine the scene." The sheriff requested. The three friends swallowed hard, and closed their eyes to prepare for their return to that dreadful sight.
"Very well then, follow me." Antonio said as he found the keys to the church. As the four proceeded to St. Peter's Church, Pach clearly heard himself, J.Sebastian and Antonio in prayer. Soon they reached the huge set of double doors of the church, and Antonio hesitated before unlocking them. Looking first to Pach then to J. Sebastian. Pach gave an encouraging nod to him, letting him know that he and J. Sebastian, and the sheriff were right there for Antonio, and none would allow harm to befall the beloved priest. Antonio finally caught his breath and stepped forward, entering the foyer. He led the sheriff to the chapeldoors and bade the sheriff to open them. Sheriff Von Helgen looked questioningly at Antonio, Pach, then J.Sebastian. "What is so awful in there?" he asked, "What has you three so clearly shaken?" the sheriff continued. "The fact that these murders are an otherworldly work, my good sheriff." Pach said sadly. "Otherworldly? You certainly are quick to say that young Master Pachelbel." the sheriff said with a raised eyebrow. "See for yourself if you do not wish to believe us." J. Sebastian challenged. With those words the sheriff thrust the chapel doors open and nearly gagged at the sight which greeted him. The two bodies horribly maimed, the blood strewn all about, but mostly the claw marks in blood on the chapel ceiling. "How in the name of.......?" The sheriff began in a terror filled voice which faded out with fear. Pach clapped his hand on the sheriff's shoulder, which startled the sheriff profoundly. "That is how we know they are otherworldly murders, my good sheriff." Pach said with stern reason.
The sheriff remained quiet, and simply backed out of the chapel, unable though he was to take his eyes off the horror before him. After he passed the chapel doors, he shoved Antonio aside, and made a mad dash for the double doors at the front of the church, where he proceeded to vomit fiercely. After the sheriff was finished being sick, J.Sebastian helped him to the infirmary. Antonio and Pach went to St. Mary's Cathedral, the Catholic church in Vienna ran by Ignazi Decaden. Antonio told Ignazi of the murders. Ignazi told Antonio; "Do not worry my friend. I have people which will clean that for you, and make your church as clean as though nothing like that had happened." "But there is blood on the ceiling and deep claw marks on the ceiling and the walls." Antonio explained. "Worry not of it my friend, the people know how to restore buildings, even such grand ones as your beloved church." Ignazi said trying to comfort Antonio. "Thank you my friend. I will be forever in the debt of your people." Antonio said. Getting the church cleaned of the blood, and the remains of his students was just one chore Antonio simply did not have the stomach to face. He was grateful for the help of those people who could tolerate the chore.
Ignazi sent Pach, and Antonio on their way, and called upon the people who would clean the church. "However you must wait until the sheriff and his deputies have gathered whatever evidence they need from the scene of the slayings." the former satanic leader told his servants.
As Pach and Antonio walked back to the inn, they noticed a storm coming in. "We should hurry as you and J. Sebastian need to be on your way to your own homes, and I, myself am very tired and in need of rest." Antonio said. Pach nodded in agreement and the two walked on to the 'Green Dragon' inn. J. Sebastian was waiting there. "I had to leave the good sheriff at the infirmary. He was in poor condition. The physician suggested he rest in the hospital for the night." J. Sebastian told them. Antonio swallowed hard. It was clearly uncomfortable for him. "I can understand that, it was terrible. I know that it lwft me in a shattered state. He admitted, Pach nodded his head in agreement, the pallor of his skin told of his illness from the mention of the event at Saint Peter's church.. The three frinds called Jenna over , Antonio and Pach asked for tea, and of course, J. Sebastian asked for coffee. Jenna brought them their drinks post haste, then returned to her other duties. After they had rested Pach and J. Sebastian bade Antonio goodnight and they left for their perspective homes. Pach walked along with his friend, the night was silent and troubled even between them. Pach understood that the subject was not to be discussed in the open and it did need the utmost delicate attention. Soon they had reached Cantata Avenue where J. Sebastian lived. "Good night my friend, I shall see you in the morning., hopefully I will have been given some answeres to our dilemna." Pach said with a cordial smile. J. Sebastian also held the same hope.
Pach proceeded to walk on to Sonata Lane. Suddenly a blood red bolt of lightning struck the ruby jewel of the 'Gauntlet of Power' The jolt knocked Pach flat on the ground, and rendered him unconscious. The young musician was unconscious for somewhile before awakening. Pach groggily stumbled for what he thought was his home on Sonata Lane, but it was not. He actually walked, or rather stumbled to the evil forest called Idengate. A shadowy figure watched the dazed kinetic as he struggled to find a familiar place. Suddenly the previously unseen assailant leaped from the shadows, in front of Pach. "Champion, I am Darquan. I have come to seek my vengance on you and Sygrace of the Light." then with a hiss on his tongue , Darquan dealt a viscious blow to the fair young face of Pach. The evil dragon carried Pach's body to a dark cavern, and encased the pure and good essence of Pach in a wall of ice. With the wave of an ancient wand of blackest onyx, Darquan released the evil and vile opposite of Pach. Opposite in every way except appearance. "You shall do my bidding. With your aid my vengance will be complete." he hissed wickedly. "You shall be called Idoni, and answer only to me. When citizens approach thee, thou shalt be as this
one." Darquan said indicating the real Pach. Darquan then took Idoni to the modest home on Sonata Lane , placed him on the bed, and left him to carry on as the illustrious Pach.
The following morning both J. Sebastian and Antonio paid a visit to their friends home, only to be greeted by one who looked familiar but certainlly was not the true Pach. Antonio could tell it wasn't his friend, there was something horribly amiss here but he could not place it. "Pach, are you not going to open the school today?" Antonio asked. "I have no time for such foolishness. Those students are idiots,and I will not waste my precious time on them."Idoni said with a wave of his hand and a toss of his blond hair. "Very well Pach, we will make your excuses , and inform your students." J. Sebastian offered. "You needn't make excuses for me. They are not worth the time and effort it would take to do so." Idoni said snappily and went off to take care of his business. J.Sebastian and Antonio looked at each other questioningly. "What shall we do now? You and I both knowhe is not in his right mind,and who else can talk to Sygrace, or find out what demons have defiled my precious church?" Antonio asked anxiously.
J.Sebastian thought for awhile. "We shall go talk again to Ignazi, this time let himknow the situation of Pach. He can contact the forgotten realms such as Dark Haven." J. Sebastian suggested logically. "An excellent suggestion, my dear friend." Antonio agreed and with that the two made their way to the residence of Ignazi Decaden. After Ignazi, J. Sebastian, and Antonio share the late evening discussion Ignazi promises the two friends that he shall make contact with the one who may be able to help them. Antonio, and J.Sebastian then left for their homes. "This has been a very strange day." Antonio admitted. "Yes, indeed it has been." J. Sebastian agreed.
"With Pachnot inhis right mind, and the schools being closed, it is simply chaotic." Bach stressed as he and Antonio continued on to the 'Green Dragon' inn. After bidding Antoniogood night, J.Sebastian made his way home. That night at midnight, Ignazi went into an hypnotic trance, and made an astral connection with Phyadazirex of Dark Haven. Ignazi explained what had happened in Vienna.
"This sounds like the work of an evil dragon, the one called Darquan." Phyadazirex began. "Darquan is a rival of Sygrace. He is as dark and evil as Sygrace is good and light. Sygerace imprisoned Darquan 500 years ago for crimes against the 'Fellowship of Dragons of the Order of Light.' Phyadazirex explained. "You will be able to know if Darquan has taken possession of the 'Gauntlet of Power,'if the jewel is no longer the reddest of rubies, but instead is an onyx as black as evil itself, then Darquan has taken the Gauntlet of Power and imprisoned Sygrace. The innocent blood gives him the power to stay on the earthly plain. The blood of innocents on the altar of a church gives him thrills." Phyadazirex explained further. "I see, and thank you Lord Phyadazirex for your time.and aid in this most serious matter." Ignazi said as he broke the astral connection.
The following morning Ignazi told Antonio and J.Sebastian what he had learned fromPhyadazirex. The three walked on to the 'Green Dragon' inn, intending to take breakfast. As they passed St.Peter's Cathedral a horrible, blood curdling scream filled their ears. Antonio looked to his companions. "I made a sign that none were to enter the church until I had given notice." He said fearfully. Antonio found his key to the church and began towards it, then abruptly stopped and turned away. Ignazi stepped past him and offered to lead the way. Antonio gladly permitted it. When Ignazi opened the foyer doors , he was not ready for the sight which greeted him. Bits and pieces of the body of a young girl led him into the chapel, the doors were already opened and the blood and body parts continued on to the altar. The head of the same young girl whose screams had alerted them just a few minutes before was propped on the altar between two gold crosses. Another young girls body was slit open and her entrails were strewn about, she lay infront of the altar. Suddenly the eyes of the disembodied head on the altar flew open, and a scream escaped the mouth. "Please...help us!" it cried out. Ignazi drww back in fear. "Tell me was this murder done by the dark dragon called Darquan?" Ignazi asked boldly. "Yes. He wants vengance and has taken steps to assure he gets what he seeks." the head answered. "And just what is it he seeks?Who is he that he defiles my church, and murders my students?" Antonio demanded. "He is Darquan, a rival of Sygrace. He is the opposite of the Gauntlet of Truth and Light. He wishes to control the Gauntlet of Power, and make the champion his own slave.. He has replaced the one you know as Pach with one of his own dark essence." the disembodied head revealed to Antonio. When Antonio turned to his companions to discuss what they had heard, he found himself standing there alone, and he hurried out of the church to find his companions.
"Why did you abandon me back at the church?" Antonio asked in a disturbed voice. "We needed to take some air, and get away from that place, it is disturbing." J.Sebastian admitted. "I see. So now that we know who this evilis how do we stop him?" Antonio asked Ignazi, after he caught up with his companions. "I will have to visit the Kingdom of Isentari and speak to Kyna their king. As King of all Dragonkind he will know how to proceed with this quest." Ignazi answered with hope. "I want these murders to stop.If they proceed in such a manner, at this rate I shall be out of students." Antonio surmised. "Truly we must stop him. I wonder if either of us could call upon Nara~Nara for assistance." J.Sebastian thought aloud. "With the jewel of the Gauntlet being contaminated by Darquan, I seriously doubt if you could." Ignazi ventured his reason.
Antonio sighed in dismay, "I am beginning to believe this demon is as none ever I had known before." he said wearily. J.Sebastian laid a comforting hand on his friends shoulder,"Antonio, we shall overcome this horror and retrieve our beloved Pach. We will be done with this tragedy soon I pray." he said to his shaken friend. "I know as a priest I must remain true to the faith which guides me.However when things like this happen it shakes me to my very foundation." Antonio cried as tear of sorrow filled his eyes, and streamed down his cheeks.
That night Ignazi made another astral connection to the forgotten realms, this time it was to Kyna of Isentari. "Kyna I come for aid in the name of the Fellowship of the Dragons." Ignazi began "Our friend, your Champion of the Gauntlet has been taken from us, as also ws Sygrace."he explained to the proud king. "Sir... you come bearing to me the most awful of news. Darquan is a most powerful dark force. How long has his work been seen in your own world priest?" Kyna asked "It has been three days. Four students have been slain inthe Luthern Church called St Peter's. Claw marks are inthe walls and ceiling. Blood has been strewn on the walls, ceiling, floors and pews of the church. The altar, I am afraid, is permanently stained with innocent blood." Ignazi informed King Kyna. "Four murders? Then he has gained much strength. I will need to call upon one of your kind who owes me a favor, or two. He may be dark but he is true to his word." Kyna said mysteriously. He did not wish to divulge the name of his albeit, unwilling aid, not to this one, not to anyone. Kyna broke the astral connection between he and Ignazi, sending the Catholic Priest back to his own real and a restful nights sleep.
The following day Ignazi watched from afar , as the one he knew as Pach walked out towards Idengate. Ignazi followed, undetected in hopes that he would discover where the real Pach was. Ignazi stopped just short of where he seen Idoni halt. Ignazi soon recognized the dragon called Darquan, and noticed he and Idoni engaged in a conversation. Darquan needed to renew his essence, which was this embodiment. Ignazi watched as the dark dragon poured the blood of the slain students over his slave, baptizing him completely in the evil, which harvested the innocent life force. Ignazi was nearly sick at the sight, but managed to contain himself.As Ignazi turned to run back toward Vienna, Idoni informed his master that there was one lingering about that could be a hindrance to the plans of vengance which were in progress. SNAP! a twig cracked under Ignazi's boot heel. The priet froze withhope that he would remain undiscovered, but alas, Darquan was right there and took Ignazi prisoner. "You want to know where the real champion is? Very well, I shall take you to him." Darquan hissed evilly. He then dealt a viscious blow to the face of the Catholic Priest. Darquan swept Ignazi up into his talons,and flew to the caver where he had imprisoned Pach's pure essence. Darquan slowly brought the unconcious Ignazi around. The young Catholic Priest looked about the cavern and beheld the sight of Pach's body in the wall of ice, and whispered...."Is he dead?" Darquan laughed wickedly...."Not yet, I am saving that rite to be done in the presence of Sygrace." he purred throatily. "I want to watch him suffer the loss of his champion, then one by one I fully intendto slaughter his own kindred." the dark dragon continued. "But you dark one are one of those kindred." Ignazi mentioned, just as the eyes of Darquan met his own, and immediately Ignazi was sealed in a sheet of ice, and placed upon an altar of evil. "Hmm, quite a collection I have started here." Darquan snickered to himself and his slave. The two figures left the dark cavern and Darquan vanished leaving Idoni to return to Vienna.
After the astral departure from Ignazi, Kyna summoned several of his loyal warriors to his palace. " I will need two volunteers to travel with Nara~Nara, to free the Lord of Light,Sygrace, from the prison in which Darquan has trapped him. It is in an otherwise forgotten place, one of blackest evil." Kyna warned the dragon warriors. Grey Diamond, and Dynirus both stepped forward and offered their elite services. Corio and T'Rose also stepped forward. "We both, offer our protection, as a force of five would certainly be more effective than one of three." The bronze dragon Corio said, offering his opinion. "A wise obsevation. Very well, a force of five it shall be. Be strong, and walk in the light, even in deepest darkest evil." Kyna said as he bestowed the Blessing of the Light on each of his warriors, with his staff of 'Truth and Light'. "I wish you success." Kyna added as the group of dragon warriors left on their quest to free their imprisoned commrade. Nara~Nara joined the foursome just outside the palace gates of Isentari. "According to the journal of my father, we are to travel to the dark cavernous pit called 'Morderosi'." The son of Sygrace led the way as he looked to a map left in the 'Book of Light' by his father.
The road was indeed treacherous, and the group found need to stop and gather their wits, for many of the road signs appeared to be as ones indicating the opposite direction. Confusion and illusion veiled the location of the Dungeons of Morderosi. As the group neared a body of black water, and odor most foul filled their nostrils. Immediately the dragons veiled their mouths and noses with thin cloths which prevented gases from filling their nostrils and rendering them unconcious. Quickly the group moved along, and finally found air that was clean and breathable. All decided to rest, and survey their immediate surroundings. Nara~Nara refered to the map he held, and pointed to the mountain range which was still some distance ahead of them. "We must make it to the third peak, then bear North from that point." he told the others.
"If we are indeed to make such a harrowing trek we will need our strength to be at it's maximum peak." Grey Diamond noted as he held up a food sack and smiled widely. "A grand idea." the others agreed. As they took their afternoon meal break, Nara~Nara concentrated on the location of his beloved father. In a vision he seen his father frozen solid, as if he were encased in diamond. The boy tried to communicate with the frozen figure of his father, and found the words muffled. A tear fell fromthe eyes of Sygrace. 'Father ...if you can not speak to me then let your music guide me. ' Nara~Nara bade the Dragon Lord via kinetic message. It was a mere thirty minutes later that the five dragons continued on their quest. "Can we not take our dragon forms and fly for some distance? Surely that will bring us closer to our destination." T'Rose suggested, whether it was from the urgency of the quest, or the fact that he was growing weary from being on foot, it seemed a logical suggestion in his mind. Nara~Nara nodded,"Yes that would be acceptable, and indeed more expediant." he agreed. The five companions prepared for the transformation to dragon form, and soon were in flight. If the sky had not already been black, it certainly would have appeared so then. The third peak of the mountain range came into view within a mere ten minutes. The dragons landed and observed the area. "According to the map we indeed must keep to our dragon forms and fly North from here a good thirty miles yet. Then we should behold a mirrored pool of ice. That is where we need to be most cautious, but it is one place where we need to be for it is the hiding place of the gate to Morderosi. Do not touch the gate while in dragon form, for it will send you to the pit immediately. Though that may sound beneficial it is not, for you would arrive dead." Nara~Nara warned. "Then pray tell, oh son of Sygrace,..How are we to get past the gate?" Dynirus asked.
"We will find a way, I promise you." the persistant youth vowed. When they landed near the pool of ice, they noticed a dark figure standing there waiting for them. The group took on human form to observe the figure and their surroundings. As Nara~Nara's vision cleared he immediately recognized this one. "Osio Dark-Water, what brings you to this most foul and dire of places?" he asked suspiciously.
"Ease your mind young warrior. I am here at the request of your own King Kyna. I have owed him a debt for some centuries now and this is my chance to clear it." the Black Wizard explained. The eyes of the Fellowship fell upon him and read the intent upon the heart of this dark one. "His words are truth." Corio revealed. "Only a fool would bear false witness to an order of Dragonfolk." Grey Diamond reasoned.
Nara~Nara nodded in agreement, then turned to the Black Wizard. "How are you going to be able to assist us,Osio Dark-Water?"he asked. "Quite simply put, none of you may touch the entrance gate without fear of death." Osio began. "However, since I have a black heart, I can touch the gate without fear of retribution from it. My staff will keep us safefrom the dangerous unknown of the pit, as we walk the darkness. It was with a wave of his staff then that the Gate of Morderosi opened unto the will of Osio. "Use only your dragon vision in the tunnel, as any source of light will awaken unknown evils." the Black Wizard warned. The Dragon Fellowship nodded, to let Osio know they understood completely. "But how will you be guided wizard?"asked T'Rose curiously. "By following you and being in the center of the five of you. With one by my side, two before me, and two behind, that is how." Osio explained. The group lined up. T'Rose and Corio up front, Nara~Nara standing beside Osio, and Grey Diamond and Dynirus immediately behind the others. Onward they trod, through evils and dangers non of them had ever encountered before this time. At the jagged edge of one cliff, Osio warned them all to walk silently, which meant the dragons needed to levitate themselves, and Osio. As they did, the sharp eyes of Nara~Nara spotted why they need to engage this maneuver. Below was a dark swamp filled with flesh eating eels. "Those eels would think nothin of strngling any of us, man or dragon." Osio whispered to his traveling companions. A shudder of disgust escaped T'Rose. The group continued on for what seemed like three days. Then there at the moouth of a cave shone a gate of purest diamond clear ice. "This is it. This is where Sygrace is being held captive." Osio announced. As Grey Diamond approached the gate a feeling of intense cold enveloped the might dragon. Suddenly a growl from the darkness arose and filled the air, it sounded and felt otherworldly. Dynirus peered past the gate and determined the eerie sound had come from infront of the gate. Osio being caught off guard jumped back a few steps. His eyes were wide with startled fear. "I do not know what that was, but I beg you take caution." he said softly.Carefully Osio raised his onyx staff, to shed a ray of light into the shadows. There the Fellowship beheld a rabid werewolf. No shackles or chains to bind him, he simply huddled in the shadows as guardian of the Gateway to the pit of Morderosi. "Just how,my dear Black Wizard, are we supposed to get by that?" Dynirus asked with a bit of a sarcastic scoff in his voice.
"Let me ponder this situation first, then I will inform you of my findings." Osio said seriously as he stared into the darkness. He bade the young warrior Nara~Nara to discuss their situation a few feet from the others. ... "What if you sent the illusion of another werewolf? Would that not draw this beast from the gate?" Nara~Nara suggested. Osio smiled and laid a hand on one of the young dragons shoulders. "You are wise for such a young dragon." he said quietly. The wizard then proceeded with the spell of conjuring. Suddenly in the shadows appeared a second werewolf. Indeed it had worked. The second werewolf caught the attention of the Guardian of the Gateway, causing the guardian to give chase to the illusion while the Fellowship and Osio slipped by the gate of ice and into the pit of darkness. Finally they reached the dungeon which held Sygrace. Nara~Nara stepped through the doorway, and as he did, reeled back at the sight of his father in such a helpless state. For it appeared to Nara~Nara that his father did not sleep, but was dead. Grey Diamond stepped forth and laid his stone of awakeningagainst the sheet of ice, but nothing happened. A perplexed look crossed the face of the grey dragon. "Simple my good dragon your stone is of the light, this place is of blackness. Therefore anything of light can not work here the same, as it would in your world of light." Osio offered the explaination. The Black Wizard reached into his robes and withdrew an onyx of such purest black that it glowed. Osio laid the stone against the wall of ice enveloping Sygrace, and it caused the wall of ice to shatter. It did not take more than a few seconds for all six of the travelers to rush to the aid of the Dragon Lord. They carried Sygrace to a warmer corner, away from theice, and gave him nourishment. After a few minutes Sygrace was recovered. "What am I doing here, and how long have I been here?" he asked. "Darquan has taken the champion, and imprisoned you here, Father." Nara~Nara began. "You have been here for one week, and in those seven days the shedding of innocent blood, on the altar at St. Peter'sChurch has been terrifying." Nara~Nara continued. "Then we must get back to the surface world, and quickly!" Sygrace reasoned. "Truly, for the pure essence of the youth called Pach has been taken, and so has Ignazi Decaden, the priest of St. Mary's Cathedral." T'Rose explained. Sygrace's eyes flew open wide with fear. "He has a priest imprisoned?" he gasped. "With the sacrifice of a priest he will be nearly unstoppable." the Dragon Lord warned. "Then truly we must hurry." Osio and Nara~Nara said in unison.
With that Sygrace called for his ruby of transporting, and the seven were taken to the Kingdom of Isentari within a minute. As Osio stepped from the tunnel of ruby light King Kyna was there to greet him. "Thank you Osio. Truly our debt has been wiped clean." Kyna said as he clasped hands with Osio Dark-Water. Sygrace looked astonished at the King of Isentari. "How can you be friends with one of such pure evil?" he asked Kyna. Osio has not always been evil, Sygrace. But that explaination I will share with you another time. Now you must go to the aid of your champion." Kyna said, and turned to thank Osio again, and bid his friend of many centuries farewell. Sygrace asked the Fellowship of Five to accompany him on his quest. They all agreed and were soon on their way to Vienna, and the surrounding areas, to fight for the return of Ignazi and the Champion of the Gauntlet of Power, Pach.
Meanwhile in the township of Vienna, Antonio and J.Sebastian were engaged in conversation at their usual corner table of the 'Green Dragon' inn. "Where do you suppose Ignazi has disappeared to these past three days.?" J.Sebastian asked his friend. "I can not begin to venture a guess as to his current locale, but I am beginning to become quite worried of him. I must admit." Antonio said frankly. . Shortly after their luncheon had been served J. Sebastian observed a familoiar figure enter the inn. The young musician stood up and bade the familiar one to join them. "Welcome Sygrace, how splendid of you to grace us with your presence." J.Sebastian said warmly."After my most recent plight, it is grand to be here." the Dragon Lord said factually. Just at that moment Idoni came into the inn, and ordered a drink. Sygrace's eyes caught him immediately.
"Purest evil he is." Sygrace hissed quietly. "Purest evil?" Antonio said questioning the statement of the Lord of Light. "Yes, the one you see there is only using the person of my champion.The essence therein is one provided him by the evil called Darquan." Sygrace explained to the two companions. "Then that explains his behavior as of late. Most uncomely, very unlike himself, to be sure." J. Sebastian noted.
"Yes I have no doubt of that young master Bach. We need to find a way to confront him, without alerting Darquan, and I believe I may have that solution at hand." the Dragon Lord said, being hopeful. With that Sygrace excused himself from the table, and as he left he purposefully walked beside Idoni. Idoni stood up and proceeded to follow the Dragon Lord. Sygrace observed J.Sebastian starting to rise from his chair, and signalled himto stay put. Bach sat back down, and both he and Antoniowondered what the sly dragon had in mind for this evil one that looked so much like their friend. A sudden commotion from the alley way alerted the entire inn. But when Viktor, and Reuben dashed for the backdoor, leading directly to the alley, they seen nothing butbroad still daylight. "I wonder what happened!" Viktor said as he closed the alley way door. Shortly afterwards Sygrace returned to the 'Green Dragon' inn, and ordered a glass of water, then rejoined J.Sebastian and Antonio. "We have him. Now we must devise a planto rescue Ignazi and the real Pach." Sygrace said ."Wr? Who, pray tell is this 'we' you speak of?" Antonio asked. "A Fellowship of six dragons, five others and myself" Sygrace told him softly, as he placed a slender finger to his well formed mouth. Antonio and J. Sebastian both nodded, realizing being secretive at this point would be most crucial and beneficial to their cause.
That eveing when Idoni woke, to go to the place of meeting with Darquan, Corio followed silently. The dragon stayed behind his mark, yet never lost track of him. Idoni had not noticed a silver chain around his neck, from that chain dangled a diamond of significant size, it was surrounded by thirteen rubies, and thirteen onyx. When Darquan seen the diamond pendant he grabbed it. "Where did you get this? " he hissed suspiciously. "It is a treasure I found. It is mine." Idoni grumped as he pulled the pendant out of Darquan's claws. "Very well I have no use for it, certainly." Daarquan said raising an eyebrow. Then he and the essence he had unleashed walked into the cavern of darkness.
In Isentari, Kyna was watching every step, and told Sygrace by telepathy where the two dark figures were going. When the dark emissaries entered the cavern, Kyna noticed the true essence of Pach in the ice wall. He also noticed Ignazi frozen solid on an altar of stone. The altar was carved with ancient writings. These writings were a prayer to the Grecian god of death, Hades. Infront of the altar was a dagger of onyx and silver, engraved with the same markings. "In three days we will have the full moon, it will be a blood moon, and our sacrifice will be most powerful, and complete. My vengance will be sweet and most satisfying then. To have taken another friend, the priest, as well as his champion from Sygrace." the dark dragon laughed maniacally. The essence of evil turned to his master and spoke, "This one is not the close priestfriend of Sygrace, he is merely an acquaintance.The close friend and future champion is the red headed priest named Vivaldi." he revealed to Darquan. Darquan growled at the news, and pushed Idoni aside..."Then I will take that one!" he roared venomously and stormed off towards Vienna.
In Vienna, Sygrace quickly hid Antonio, and J. Sebastian, with the other five dragons. Sygrace then turned and exited the safety realm.As he walked through the door a flash of bright blue light filled the area just outside. Antonio and J. Sebastian looked at each other, and T'Rose calmed them. "It is Sygrace, he has taken another form." the wise drgon told them. Grey Diamond summoned the two musicians to his side. "Look in here, behold. Sygrace has taken the guise of you my dear priest." Grey Diamond told them. Antonio's eyes flew open wide. "NO! He can not. He will be killed." Antonio cried out. "Calm priest. Sygrace is well versed in deception, and he has a plan." Corio injected confidently. Antonio turned and sat on the pile of furs provided to both he and J.Sebastian, and he sighed mournfully. A tear escaped Antonio's eyes, and he began to pray silently. Sygrace, in the form of Antonio began to walk to his church. As he did he heard cries of agony and pain coming from the Cathedral of St. Peter's Church. The Dragon Lord took off in a fast sprint, and confronted Darquan. "Be damned foul beast, thou wretch who doth desecrate mine church!" he screamed at the black dragon. "I aim to do more, much more." Darquan said as he licked his thin lips with his forked tongue. He grabbed the one he believed to be Antonio. Idoni jumped on Darquan's strong back and they flew off to the cavern of blackness. When Darquan landed he dropped 'Antonio', and Idoni dismounted the dragon. Idoni leaned over the limp body of 'Antonio' and smirked. "Yes this is he." Then Idoni scooped up the one he believed was the true priest of St. Peter's Church, into his arms and carried him into the cavern. As he laid the priest on the altar near Ignazi, he felt a tug on the silver chain. Idoni thought nothing of it, for he knew after the vengance of Darquan was completed, he would be free to search for his treasure. When Idoni had emerged from the cavern, Darquan sealed it closed with a thick wall of ice. Sygrace remained motionless until he felt Darquan, and Idoni were far away. Then Sygrace took his own form, and used the Diamond of Isentari to free the true and pure essence of Pach, and then he released Ignazi from his icy prison as well. "How do ye fare Champion?" he asked Pach. "I feel dreadfully weak, but I will be fine. I am certain." Pach said as he stretched his tired frame. "And you priest, how art thou?" Sygrace asked Ignazi. "Cold, but I will also be well." the priest shivered weakly. Sygrace gave both of the men nourishment, before allowing them to proceed with him in the pusuit of Darquan, and Idoni. Then with the aid of Elipta, Sygrace and Pach proceeded to melt the wall of enchanted ice at the front of the cavern. Within thirty minutes the three were hurriedly on their way to Vienna.
Just outside the city of Vienna, Pach,Ignazi and Sygrace stopped and discussed their plan of action. "I am going to use my portal from here, and go to my home. If the evil named Idoni is there, then it will be there I face him." Pach declared. Sygrace could tell his champion was more than a little angered at being taken by an evil, and imprisoned to the point of helplessness. After Pach was on his way, taking Ignazi with him. Sygrace took his dragon form, and flew overVienna,to survey the city, and see if he might catch a sighting of Darquan, or Idoni. Ignazi ran to the church of St. Peter's to hopefully find Antonio. Instead what he found were two more innocent girls slain in the church. This time the skin was peeled away from one of the girls, and her face had been chewed away. The other was impaled on the huge eighteen foot high cross, which hung upon the west wall of the church. "Blessings of Heaven! This evil must be stopped." Ignazi declared purposefully. Ignazi ran out to find Pach, Sygrace, or anyone he could report this horror to. Sygrace, being sensetive to the criesof anguish, landed before Ignazi and changed back to his human appearance. "Tell me what troubles thee, Ignazi." Sygrace coaxed calmly. "Two more slayings in the church." Ignazi said, his voice trembling with sorrow. "Then we must tarry not." Sygrace exclaimed and went in search of the one nemesis named Darquan.
In the house on Sonata Lane, Pach exited his portal and surprised Idoni. The evil one hissed and dashed out of the house. Pach ran in pursuit. Citizens of Vienna watched as the two, who were mirrored images of each other ran through the streets of their fair city. It was at the town square that all four came together. Pach and Sygrace, Idoni, and Darquan. The war had begun , the combatants faced each other, all showing no fear. Pach yelled at the evil named Idoni, "Turn here coward and face me." Idoni turned quickly and hissed at Pach as he crouched into a fighting stance. At the same instance Darquan and Sygrace engaged in battle. The fierce fighting continued till nearly midnight. It was then that Pach gained the upper hand over Idoni, rendering the evil one unconscious. Also the Sygrace bested Darquan by slashing his chest open with one of Sygrace's own dagger-like talons. As Darquan stumbled in his weakened state, Sygrace produced a huge diamond encrusted Emerald pendant. As the Lord of Light waved the emerald it immediately encased all the evil within the area. Sygrace then lifted the previously contaminated 'Gauntlet of Power', and cleansed the ruby eye. The magnificent jewel shown brighter now than it had beforw. Sygrace presented the reborn gauntlet to his champion. "It has been reborn to the greater good." the Dragon Lord declared with a smile.
He then indicated the Emerald pendant. "This however will take the evil within and be guarded by an unyeilding watchman. One of my own choosing, for his force is great. He fears evil not, for he is evil, evil incarnate." With a wave of his hand Sygrace sent eh pendant to a dark foreboding realm. The realm called Seven Gate. When the emerald pendant arrived, there also was a message in dragon-speak. A deceptively delicate hand picked up the scroll and read it. 'Guard this pendant. It is holding the evil named Darquan, and his servant named Idoni.' the scroll read. The figure summoned two servants. "Bring a treasure chest of purest gold, then leave me." he demanded. The servants did as instructed, without question. Rofi placed the emerald pendant and the scroll into the gold chest and securely locked it. "It is safe now, and for all time." Rofi declared as he carried the chest to the darkest recesses of his private vaults. Back in Vienna there was great celebrating with the return of our beloved Pach, and Ignazi. The following day however was one of intense sorrow, and mourning, as Antonio conducted a mass funeral for all the slain girls, which were the victims of Darquan's evil. When all was passed, Ignazi bade his friend to follow himto the church of St. Peter, Antonio hesitated at the doors, "I can not bring myself to enter therein." Antonio said as he drew back. "Please I beseech thee, fear it no more." Ignazi pleaded Antonio agreed and slowly entered his church. It was again clean and beautiful as ever it had been. "I could not remove the memories of your torment, but I pray in time you will be able to imprison them in a dark forgotten recess of your mind." Ignazi said. "No, I shall not forget this horror, ever. But I pray the Heavenly Father eases my mind to bear it more easily, soon" Antonio said. It was many weeks before Antonio's class was back to normal, but it was at last. We were all much happier when we were told by Pach that the evil which befell us then will not return.
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