Jeff Inlo - Nightmare's Shad

As he watched individuals of different backgrounds and different races come together to rebuild, he made a personal note of conviction. Connel had been through enough. The city and its people needed-no, deserved-a reprieve. He would see to it, but before he could set about his plans for battling Baannat, he had to convince Ryson to take on responsibilities that would certainly go against the delver's deep-seated priorities.

Enin exhaled deeply as he entered the tavern and moved deliberately to the private room where those he called waited for him. The delver had much to do, and convincing him of what needed to be done would not be easy.

"You have two important duties," Enin said to Ryson after a quick explanation of his encounter with Baannat.

Ryson listened carefully with both Linda and Sy by his side. It pleased him to see that Enin took on an aggressive role in assisting Uton. Seemingly gone was the passive stance of the wizard to let others dictate the outcomes of such serious events. Enin held power beyond the normal and ordinary, and Ryson would not question the intent of the spell caster, or so he thought.

"I am convinced we face many threats," Enin continued. "Baannat clearly stated he would attack Uton from the desert to the plains. As I explained, I could not close the portal, thus, we know the bulk of the assault will come from just beyond the western edge of Dark Spruce. While I have plans for defending the areas to the east of the forest. It is the desert that concerns me the most. That is why you are needed there."

"The algors?" Ryson asked.

"Yes. There is nothing between them and the portal, save spell casters practicing in the desert, and they will not be there for long. The desert and its inhabitants will be a crucial target, of that I am certain. While the algors did not actively battle Baannat, they are linked to you, and the ghoul knows that. He will strike at them in so much as that it is a strike against you."

Ryson found it difficult to hear that his actions had put others at risk. The algors had already suffered, and through no fault of their own. They did not deserve further affliction, and thus, Ryson would eagerly do what was necessary to defend the unique desert dwellers.

"What do you suggest?"

"They have to be warned. Algors do not store magic for long. They must collect it and use it almost simultaneously. They must be given enough time to prepare. Otherwise, they would be overwhelmed by the forces that I believe will attack them. In fact, the Lacobian is so important that I believe Baannat will make it a priority."

"Wouldn't it be faster if you just flew there yourself," Sy asked. "Ryson can move fast, but you can get to places in an instant."

"It would indeed be faster, but there are other considerations that I will explain. The algors must also be advised to expect allies. It will be difficult for them to survive on their own, even if prepared."

"You're going to send them help?" Ryson asked.

"Yes, you… and two battalions of dwarf warriors."

"Dwarves?"

"Yes, they are best suited to fight in the sandstone caves that the algors use as shelter. The dwarves are also more than capable to deal with the harsh environment of the desert, certainly more so than elves or humans."

"Dwarves from Dunop?" Ryson wished to confirm.

"Yes, well at least most from Dunop. They will come from other cities as well. About five thousand warriors in total. I have already talked to a representative. That is what I have been promised."

Ryson immediately saw the trouble with the strategy.

"The algors were attacked by dwarves from Dunop," Ryson reminded Enin.

"And that is why the dwarves are willing to assist," Enin explained. "They still view that as a mark against their honor, just as they saw their attack on Connel as a disgrace. They wish to rectify those errors."

"That's fine for the dwarves," Ryson offered, "but what about the algors? They weren't just attacked, they were decimated… in their homes. Now you want to send the dwarves back into those caves? That's not going to go over well."

"That's why you must go. The algors will trust you. In some strange way, they have accepted you as no other. There is no one else to send who comes close to your standing. In many regards, you have earned their trust. That's why you must go."

"I'm not sure how much they've accepted me."

"Do not underestimate your bond to their community. They think with a like mind, and they can act as one. You have a greater standing among them than you can imagine."

Ryson did not see it quite the same, but he felt compelled to help in any way.

"I'll do everything I can."

"Then I am convinced you will succeed, and we can't accept failure. The algors must be convinced to fight with the dwarves as opposed to fighting against them, and you must stay and assist them in any way you can. The Lacobian must not be lost. Baannat's legions can not be allowed to utilize it as a breeding ground for additional forces or a base of operations for incursions into other areas. It must not become an access route to the western coast. As long as the algors remain a cohesive unit in the desert, the Lacobian will remain guarded. If they are decimated, Baannat will grow infinitely stronger."

None of those attending, not Ryson nor Sy, could argue with the strategy. While Dark Spruce functioned as a sanctuary for dark creatures fleeing into Uton, the Lacobian served as far more than a practice ground for human spell casters. The algors remained in tune with their desert home, and for the same reason a bird guards its nest against predators, the lizard-like desert dwellers protected the Lacobian against the hordes that might wish to gain access to the western ocean.

"What's the second duty?" Ryson asked, no longer questioning his appointed role to help defend the algors.

Enin did not answer immediately. Instead, he turned his attention to the delver's wife.

"Linda, you allowed me to save you once by keeping you from following Ryson into the monsters' realm. I must ask that you allow me that service again."

"What do you mean?" Linda asked, clearly caught off guard.

"Of all those in this land, you are the most in danger. Baannat understands that you are the biggest threat to him. He is a magic caster, and though he has lost much of his strength, that is still his true power. You helped defeat him once, and he fears you most of all because his magic cannot harm you. He will seek to destroy you with the creatures he now controls."

"He's going to hunt me down?"

"Yes, and we must protect you, and I believe I have an answer."

Enin eyed Ryson and noted the growing anxiety. The delver was going to be difficult to convince.

"I am going to ask that Ryson escort you with all possible speed to the foot of the ColadMountains. You will utilize the swiftest horse in Connel, and with Ryson's speed, you should reach your destination before Baannat can act. There, you will be turned over to the protection of the cliff behemoths. There are none better in all of Uton to protect you."

Ryson broke through the shock of this revelation. His wife was now the target of an insane and evil slink ghoul with the power to control perhaps every dark creature in existence. It was almost a death sentence to be carried out in horrific ways he dared not imagine. He would not accept that, and he would fight with his last breath to protect her, and yet he quickly realized a simple truth behind Enin's plans.

"Just hold on!" Ryson demanded, "How can I stay with Linda in the mountains and go to the desert to meet with the algors?"

Enin stiffened to face the true challenge of this meeting. "You can't. You are only to escort Linda to the mountains. You cannot stay. Once you meet with the cliff behemoths, you will begin your journey southwest to the desert. I have already communicated with Dzeb and he has agreed. We have designated a meeting area…"