Ozzette Restored (Havenswatch/Kalladen/Black Dragons)

Shortly after Kyrryn leaves the king’s chambers, the sought out flask is found. Evidently, the pouch carrying the flask had been sliced open by the thrust of Ivaar’s spear. Sleet knew that only the correct angelic wording would release Ozzette’s spirit; the wrong chant could release something only Kyrryn knew & could control. Pondering the situation, it was decided that the wisest course of action would be to take the flask to Sleet’s tower…to her laboratory where her magic was strongest. The four of them quickly teleported to Serpent’s Reach.

Once in the tower, the flask was placed on a table, and the examination began. They had been in the room for only minutes when Sleet stiffened, sensing a disturbance to the wards that secured the room. A second later, an image had formed in her mind, and she relaxed a bit. Looking towards the window, she saw shimmering into view a large female warg she knew to belong to Silk.

“This is an unexpected visit, Norba. Silk usually has a bit more discretion”, she says, glancing towards the other people in the room.

“You are correct, Dame Sleet, but this is of the utmost importance”, Norba whispers in her mind. “And…he knows that you share almost everything with the Sisters.”

Speaking aloud, Norba says, “Silk knows the chant to release Ozzette’s spirit from the flask.”

“You wouldn’t be telling me this unless he was willing to share it with me. But…at what price?” Sleet asks suspiciously.

“A price indeed. But one I’m sure you won’t mind paying. Actually, it is more of a proposition.”

“Then let me hear it. I grow impatient to finish this task”

Speaking again only to Sleet, the warg says: “Before you release Ozzette’s spirit & return it to her body, you must secure her promise to become a member of the Black Dragons, and to form a guild in Havenswatch. She will be the Guildmaster & report to Silk. Do you agree?”

The Sorceress thinks for a moment before giving an answer. Ozzette becoming a member of the Dragons would not be a problem for her, and would create a link to Havenswatch. It would also strengthen her own position within the guild and between herself & Ozzette. There was no reason not to comply.

“Agreed!” Sleet states in a firm voice.

Satisfied, Norba whispers the chant, and then shimmers out of sight. She appears in the Black Bear Tavern and reports to Silk.

Turning, Sleet says to her comrades, “I know how to release the spirit; however, I must go to Havenswatch, to Ozzette’s body, in order to unite the two. I’ve been promised safe passage, but it is up to each of you whether or not you accompany me. I would like to leave at once.”

Shivanni spoke first. "As much as I wish to accompany you on this journey, I must stay here as I am still acting Queen and it would not do well right now to have the throne empty. There are a few rumors being whispered on the streets that things are not settled and there are still feathers ruffled from this war."

“I agree, albeit reluctantly. Your place is here for now. Larissa, Ivaar…will you travel with me?”

"It seems that you have the matter well under control," Larissa said, turning towards her wizard companion. "Ivaar, what do you say?”

He stood stock-still, head turned down and cocked at a slight angle, and did not respond.

"Ivaar?"

His body began to vibrate, almost imperceptibly at first, but rapidly gaining in speed and strength. Larissa stepped back, raising a hand in alarm. A guttural noise broke forth from his throat, a ragged about, and he collapsed to the floor in a heap, his spear clattering away.

Larissa went to his side, checking for signs of life, and after a moment looked up to the other two women in the room. "He is okay--sleeping, or otherwise unconscious, but he appears to be in no immediate danger."

At their looks of concern, she quickly added, "Ivaar has been having some troubles since we returned from our...trip. I believe this is another side-effect of what happened. We will be fine. Go, Sleet--I will check with you later if I think he needs to be looked at."

“Please, keep me informed. I’ll return immediately if you need me.” Giving a brief nod to her friends, Sleet quickly walks onto the balcony and teleported out of sight.

Everything seemed to be going on track in the kingdom of Havenswatch. Arick Darkfist had left, and although there was some concern about the new dwarven ruler he seemed to be doing all right. Now there was even talk of a peace treaty between Havenswatch and Kalladen, and an entourage was en route to Havenswatch to discuss the terms.

Ozzette turned to the diplomat who told her of no entourage, rather one lone Kalladenian on the outskirts of town.

“How much longer till they arrive?” Ozzette muttered softly. “About half a days journey away now”, answered the diplomat.” You may go”, said Ozzette, and then smiled softly as she slid her dagger into the retreating man’s back, and fell him without a sound. It seemed to her she may end up whole again before too long. Even if it meant destroying their new kings treaty of peace. She looked out the window awaiting the darkness she would use to hide the body. “Empty inside”, she thought. “Arick is gone...that should mean something...no bother...time will tell”

Autheron appeared before Azariaz in the court and announced that Dame Sleet Gil-shalos, Chancellor of Kalladen, had arrived, according to the gate attendant, and would he like her to be let in. Azariaz, Son of Artor looked to the elven champion and said “Show her in.”

Sleet entered the hall of Havenswatch and approached Azariaz.

“Greeting Azariaz, Son of Artor, and welcome back. As you know, time is short and I am anxious for this business to be done. I assume you know why I am here?”

“To speak of the peace the barbarian failed to negotiate”, Azariaz said, “or for another reason perhaps?”

“Tis’ true, our spies tell us war may be on its way to you from the Shire of Murky Waters. We, as Kalladenians, will fight with you, for though we may squabble every now and again, we are a family after all, and therefore stick together...”

Sleet sighed, “However, I have come for another reason. I'm sure you're aware that there is something odd about your chancellor...”

Azariaz's eye brow rose a bit, “Odd besides all that is odd about the race of Slough?” he smiled jokingly “I do not understand much about her kind, though I have heard rumor that she has been lacking in luster since the 'squabble' though I do not understand much of it, perhaps you would be so kind as to fill a ignorant dwarf in?”

“I remember you from past meetings, and if memory serves me well you, prefer to get straight to the point without fancy words to soften the blow. Summed up in a sentence, it would appear your chancellor Ozzette lost her soul during the war.”

Azariaz's eyebrow rose a tad bit higher. “Is it possible for one to live on without a soul?” He said astounded.

“There are ways and magics more powerful than you've ever comprehended in a select few that can achieve such a thing.

“Indeed, well then, I suppose you would not have mentioned this unless perhaps you wished to help in some way, and I am sure such a generous woman such as yourself would be willing to help from the goodness in her heart, eh?”

“I do indeed have a way to help her, but as for th-” Sleet stopped short as a figure emerged from the shadows.

“Is that so?” a voice from behind Azariaz speaks “Then knowing that, what is to stop me from slaying you all and taking that which is mine?” Ozzette asks, smiling grimly.

Azariaz's eye brows rose further still as he turned and saw the Slough not ten paces behind him. “Ozzette, stand down ya silly twit of a girl. They be here to offer help, and ya be trying to intimidate them. I will not stand for this behavior, now be silent!” the dwarf said with a sound of bewilderment in his own voice.

Ozzette growled and pulled her dagger and began to approach Azariaz as he raised his finger and began to prepare a spell. Suddenly Sleet is standing beside him.

“YOU cannot take it, and only I can GIVE you back what you have lost. Aside from that, I am not that easy to kill.” There was no sign of fear on the sorceress’ face, only one of amusement.

Ozzette stopped almost the instant Sleet started speaking and began to say “Then we have much-” as Azariaz’s spell Stun Person turns her into a statuesque form.

Sleet said, “There was no need for that as we need to speak with her alone to prepare her for what is to happen...”

Azariaz turned back to Sleet. “That is fine, but first I want to make sure she ain't gunna try to do ya no harm while ya be stay'n.” He then turned and walked to Ozzette and plucked the dagger from her hand; spying another in her boot, he bent to grab it as well. He then stopped and pondered a moment before a thorough search revealed a sword on her back, and two other poisoned daggers hidden in her sleeves. Finally sure that she was without any weapons that would pose much threat he turned back to the Kalladenians and bowed slightly. “She be all yours, but I would be keep'n an eye on her still. When ya be needing me I will be in my chambers, my servants will near when you have need of them.” With that Azariaz went to close the door behind him when...

Ozzette unfroze and stated pointedly “Ya missed one” at the same time pulling a dagger from where it held her hair and tossing it skillfully in the door next to Azariaz’s head. She then turned and beckoned Sleet saying “My chambers are far more comfortable than these.”

As Azariaz closed the door he muttered loudly, “I'm half her height, like I could even reached it if I wanted.”

In Ozzette’s chambers, Sleet explained that which Silk had asked her to do, then waited for Ozzette’s response.

“As I see no other way, I must agree,” Ozzette stated flatly. With that, Sleet asked Ozzette to lie on her desk, and moved to stand over her. “Please show me the anklet on your right leg.”

With a quizzical look on her face, Ozzette complied; touching the anklet, Sleet whispered a few words and when finished, stepped up to the Slough’s head. Ozzette asked, “Will this return my soul?”

“No,” Sleet said. “Previously, this bauble compelled you to speak only the truth to Silk, and now, it also carries a curse. The added charge will activate if you try to break your promise to the Black Dragons. The result would be…unpleasant.” She began to meditate in preparation for the ritual and told Ozzette to do the same. After a moment, holding the flask over Ozzette’s supine body, she began chanting…

“Dico Opis Deorum et non solum mortem sed etiam vita duxi Ozzetteam Spiritus in corpus” chanted Sleet.
Ozzette then passed out and Sleet left her to her slumber, going to find Azariaz to tell him it was done. Moments later, she was shown into Azariaz’s chamber by one of his servants.

Azariaz is behind a writing desk which comes up just below his chest, bent over a paper writing when Sleet walks in. He looks up before giving her a small smile. “I hope the Slough didn’t give you any trouble?” He says as he stepps down behind the desk. Sleet loes sight of everything but the top of the dwarfs head until he walks around from behind the desk and offers her a smile.
“Ozzette is sleeping now, and when she awakes, she will be as she was before. However, before I depart, I wish to have a moment of your time.”

Azariaz says “Of coarse”, and offers her a plush seat. She sits down.

“When I arrived, you spoke of peace that the Barbarian failed to negotiate. I am assuming you speak of the peace treaty previously signed by Kalladen & Havenswatch, but never enacted. Am I correct?”

“Indeed” Azariaz exclaims as he walks around behind the desk and steps up on his box. ”Truthfully, the old peace treaty I signed during my first reign as Highlord over Havenswatch with Kalladen was, how shall I put it, about as good a treaty of peace as mining gold with a spoon. I say we must look forward to a better day when we are all as brothers in arms, not united like two clans of blood thirsty goblins. I say we should unite together against the many threats this world may throw at us.” Azariaz said with a good natured grin
.
”And you have something to offer?” Sleet responded

“I would ask you return to Kalladen and ask them if they would be favorable to Havenswatch funding a united currency between our realms. This would open doors for trade between our kingdoms like never before. We have much to offer in terms of trade, and I am sure there is much that Kalladen could use in forms of trade as well. It would open roads between our realms for both travel and safety. Both our kingdoms could profit very well from this treaty, and we could see decades of prosperity from this. Standing separately we both pose a decent threat, standing together we’d make Dragons tremble.” Azariaz smiled like a proud child who just won a race as he looked across the desk at Sleet.

”An interesting proposal”, she said aloud. As a merchant herself, Sleet was always looking for ways to increase her profits. Such a treaty could be, she felt, good for Kalladen and profitable for herself.

”I will be happy to convey this offer to my…king and discuss it forthwith. I can not say with certainty, but I think he will be favorable to such a proposition. And now”, she says, standing up, “I must be returning to Kalladen. This has been a more pleasant visit than I was expecting. Thank you.”

Azariaz, with all due hospitality, offers a room in the palace if Sleet wishes to rest the night, or guards to assure that she had safe passage to the borders of Havenswatch and beyond if needed. Thanking him, she declines both offers, and then, muttering a few words, she disappears.

Shivanni walks through the castle halls after finally finding her way back from Dame Sleet's tower and is greeted to raised voices and the clattering of blades in the training hall. Her curiousness getting the best of her she walks in to the training hall just in time to dodge a fairly large piece of a support column. "WHAT IN HELLFIRE IS GOING ON HERE?!" She yells as the blood wolf and the two fallen members stop in mid strike. "Just a friendly game, Shivanni." Sebastian grins but is quickly hushed by his fallen brother with an elbow to the side. "We were simply practicing our tactics, my Queen." Kyrryn states. "Yeah, Tactical advantages." Doniban speaks up trying not to laugh.
"I swear to the fires below, you are acting more like children than my own." Shivanni puts a hand to her head as a white hot pain sear through it. She moans softly but then shakes it off. "Just.. Don't pull down the castle with your games." Shivanni turns and leaves the way she came in. She is not very far down the hallway when there is more sounds of swords and a loud crash. Shivanni sighs and makes her way back to the King's chamber.

Back in her lab, Sleet looks around the room, searching for Amyrillis, her minidrake. She spots the little queen sleeping on the window seat, curled up on a pillow.

“Little one, wake up.” Slowly waking, her eyes glowing a soft yellow with sleepiness, Amyrillis focuses on her mistress, and her eyes change to lavender. Hopping up, she flies over to settle on Sleet’s shoulder, rubbing her tiny face against the sorceress’ cheek to display her affection.

Rubbing the little head Sleet says, “I’m glad to see you, too. But I must ask you to take two messages for me, one to Silk and one to Larissa. You remember Larissa, don’t you?” She chirruped in a tone that Sleet knew to mean yes. “Good. Now, sit down while I pen these notes.” Walking to her desk, she began to write.
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Silk – Ozzette’s spirit is back where it belongs, and she has agreed to your terms. The anklet has been activated and she awaits a message from you.

Sleet
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She places a ribbon around the rolled note and lays it aside before beginning another
.
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Larissa,

I trust Ivaar has suffered no harm and is awake. I would like to visit with you when a time is convenient.

With affection,
Sleet
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Treating this note as she did the first, she then ties one on each of Amyrillis’ delicate legs, and tells her:
“This one is for Silk,” touching her right leg, “and this one is for Larissa”, touching the left. “Be careful, and when you’ve finished, return here.” The little drake stares solemnly for a moment, and then blinks out.

That task finished, Sleet stands up and touches the flask still in her pouch. “No telling what else is in this wretched thing”, she thinks to herself. “It is, after all, the creation of the winged fiend, and no doubt holds more curses then even I want to deal with.” Stepping back from the desk, she teleports back to the king’s chambers in Castle Kallabakh.

"As much as I would love to finish this fight I can not." Kyrryn says as he staggers back from Sebastian and Doniban. "Ha!...Your gettin old Stonewall." Doniban laughs. The Dark one out of nowhere punches the Wolf Priest knocking him to the ground. " You think me old now dog?" Kyrryn replies as he begins to fade away. "By the way.....you were getting beaten by a projection." Kyrryn smirks as he vanishes into the air. "I didnt know he could do that?" Doniban says. "I didnt either." Sebastian added. "Shall we?" the dark fey smiles and offers the Wolf another round of battle. The two warriors turn and charge towards each other as the castle again shakes.
"I was a fool to use that much force." the Infernal Knight thought to himself as he laid in the crypt still too weak to take full form. It had been weeks that he tried to regain his strength from the moving and taking of souls. The loss of the soul flask also weighed on the blackheart and the soul of Ozzette screaming all hours of the day kept the healing process at a slow crawl.
Suddenly Kyrryn hears the angelic chant and the soul of Havenswatch's Regent is released from the flask and Kyrryn feels a surge of energy rush through his body. "Yes!" the dark one smiles as he begins to return to his true form. " I now know where to go and retrieve what is mine now that the weight of that soul is off of me." Kyrryn returns to his rest beneath the Black Bear Tavern.

At the Black Abbey........................
Og wanders the halls of his host's keep. "How does he calls this black place home?" Og shakes his head as he thinks to himself. "I dont care at this point...I thank the gods that Im out of that grave."
The King gathers his things and walks out the front gate. The forest swirls and a bright flash of white blinds Og and when his site returns he is in a village far from Kallabakh and any area of the Island he knew. "SHITE!" the Monarch yelled out. "I cant believe im in a part of Kalladen I dont know.....I hope its Kalladen." Og kicks the ground and looks to the skies. "Damn you Kyrryn!" Og smells a all but forgotten scent and a smile crawls over his face. The Monarch turns around and walks into the Tavern to re-educate himself on a large tankard and think of how he will return to his Loving Wife and his aggravating castle.

"Do not demand what you cannot take by force"................

That task finished, Sleet stands up and touches the flask still in her pouch. “No telling what else is in this wretched thing”, she thinks to herself. “It is, after all, the creation of the winged fiend, and no doubt holds more curses then even I want to deal with.” Stepping back from the desk, she teleports to the king’s chambers in Castle Kallabakh.

Arriving on the balcony, Sleet steps inside, and after a quick glance around the room sees that Shivanni is not there. “Hmm, neither is Kyryyn”, she thinks, gently tapping the flask. While she wanted to be rid of the thing, she wasn’t so sure she wanted Kyrryn to have it in his possession again either. Chuckling softly, she visualizes the look on her antagonist’s face when he realized that, for a time, his precious flask was out of his reach.

Speaking with Shivanni would have to wait. Turning and walking back onto the balcony, she teleports again to an unknown destination.