The Fires of Dis

Beyond the Steamgate was Dis, The Second Layer in Hell. The landscape was taken up almost entirely by the city of the same name. Blackened, sizzling, and confusing to the senses, the city of Dis sat unevenly in a vale ringed by jagged mountains. They followed along the skull path, a road of sorts beset on both sides with skulls resting on pikes every 3 feet. Every manner of being was represented in acknowledgement of the fact that none are safe from the Lord of the Realm. The road of broken skulls wound toward the black walls of the distant city. It became quickly apparent that one can reach it only by following this macabre track. After many uncomfortable hours, the skulls eventually transformed into spurs of hot iron. The entrance came as a sudden break in reality. The walls loomed larger and larger. then suddenly the travelers realized they had moved past them, only to be surrounded by ominously looming structures amid maze-like streets. Work crews built structures while others tore down buildings creating an ever changing landscape of winding dead ends and newly constructed roadways. As they passed the many businesses in the city Stallac thought to inquire as to what might be the most expedient route to the Iron Tower. True to his nature he located a weapon shop operated by a human proprietor.

“Well met sir.”

“Welcome traveler. What might I help you with today.”

“I was wondering if you would know the best way to reach the Iron Tower?”

“Why would you want to go there?”

“My friends and I have come in supplication, to show our respect to the Lord of the realm.”

“I see. Sadly I do not. Merchants have very little need to visit. All transactions, permits and tax collection can be conducted at local offices about the city. The Father of Strife prefers his solitude. Perhaps something else? Care to have a look at the finest weapons in Dis?”

“By all means. I seek armaments forged of Baatorian green steel.”

The merchant opened his arms, smiling just as broad. “You are surrounded by them.”

Stallac looked about, impressed by the various array of weapons and unique stylings of the craftsmanship. “Would you happen to have a Drow long knife?”

“Of course.” The merchant said happily, stepping away to retrieve the blade.

“What do you want with that?” Jarath asked with obvious disgust.

“I’ve been negotiating with a drow arms merchant to better equip the soldiers in Westport.”

“You what!?” Gunther snapped angrily.”

“Have you given any thought to the idea that this dark elf may have been involved in the raid on the Port?”

“Do you think I’m an idiot? Absolutely. I made sure to ask him. He told me he wasn’t.”

Devon rolled eyes as Jarath’s expression clearly read ‘really?’.

“Besides, the deal isn’t even struck yet.”

Devon rolled his eyes and turned away coughing. Jarath nodded his head in understanding. “This is neither the time or the place. We’ll be discussing this later.” He words were directed toward Stallac but his eyes were on Devon.

“Unbelievable.” Gunther growled in exasperation.

“Here you go now.” The proprietor announced, offering the weapon for Stallac’s inspection.

The warrior drew the finely balanced knife from its sheath and admired the green flecked iron blade. “Very nice!. What could I expect to pay for such a thing?”

“Iron or gold?”

“Gold is preferable to me sir.”

“Hmm…Let’s see… I could do 6000 pieces then.”

Stallac grinned. “What if I told you that I was looking to make a rather large purchase of varied armaments all forged of green steel. Could you do better then.”

“How many pieces?”

“Two Hundred and Fifty. How about this? I’ll leave you Ten Thousand to cover the blade and leave the remainder as a down payment.”

“Fair enough friend. I’ll need your name.”

“Stallac. Stallac Stoutheart.”

“Perfect. Let me set the order to my ledger.” He returned with a receipt. “I will need about two months to have everything ready. If I am not here just have my clerk summon me. My name is Thyakass. It’s a pleasure to do business with you.”

He reached out and shook Stallac’s hand.

“What’s with the stockpile of weapons?” Jarath asked.

“For the men of the Port.” Stallac answered proudly.

“Drow weapons…Infernal weapons… Stop doing them favors.” Jarath sniped.

“How about in there.” Stallac pointed, ignoring the comment. 

They entered what looked to be a magic shop. Strange and unusual items were set about the store. Jars with the body parts of all manner of creatures floating in liquid, inks, quills, vellum, racks of dusts and other spell components lined the shelves behind a middle aged man with rusty colored skin.

“Greetings. How might the great and powerful Ozros help you today?”

“I was hoping you might be able to clue us in on the most direct route to the Iron Tower?”

“Why would you want to go there?”

“My friends and I have come in supplication, to show our respect to the Lord of the realm.”

“I see. Sadly I do not. Merchants have very little need to visit. All transactions, permits and tax collection can be conducted at local offices about the city. The Father of Strife prefers his solitude. Perhaps though you might ask the master of a work crew. They would know better than most.”

Jarath wandered about the store picking up a trinket only to replace it where he found it, He’d walk to other items examining them in feigned interest only to shake his head. “You’ve many fine offerings sir, I feel like I need some time to decide.”

“Of course. Return soon.”

They stepped back into the street looking to find the overseer of a work crew. 

“There.” Gunther pointed toward an unusual crew of petitioners, a large number of humans and humanoids, with no  lemures in the bunch. They labored with great difficulty, struggling to lay the fiery iron foundation of a new building. As the four comrades slowly approached, Stallac noticed that one of the humans kept turning his head, looking back at them while at the same time grappling with the hot, heavy stone. 

“I think this one is yours Jarath. He can’t seem to stop staring at you.”

“Me?” Jarath questioned.

Suddenly the man dropped his load of metal and rushed toward them, stumbling through the street toward the warrior. “For mercy’s sake, help me!” he screamed. “I’m alive, like you! I don’t belong here!” The man fell to the ground and winced, his ripped rags offering poor protection from the burning heat. The man grabbed Stallac by the  ankles.

“Stallac! Is that you? Help! It’s me… Rubbio Finncleve. We served in the guard together. You must save me!” He pleaded.

The foreman, a comely erinyes strode up to the party. “Come along, Rubbio,” The winged woman cooed, standing over the sobbing, crumpled man. “Leave these nice mortals alone.” She pulled a brass rope from her belt. The four comrades watched as it lashed out, seemingly of its own accord, entangling the man, and yanking him to his feet.

“Hey!” Stallac intervened.

“I’m sorry, the poor man‘s not in his right head.” She said calmly.

“Stallac please.” He whimpered.

“My lady.” Stallac addressed her. “I have interest in your slave if he is for sale.”

“Hmm. I don’t know…after all, Rubbio’s such a good worker.”

“I can make it worth your while.”

“Really?” She said seductively.

Stallac flushed a bit. “I mean with gold.” He corrected himself.

“Boring. Perhaps a magic item of some worth then…”

“Alas Lady…”

“Sauraphine.” She offered.

“Lady Sauraphine. I have no magic to spare, only coin.”

“Eighteen thousand gold and he’s yours.”

Stallac smiled and in his most charming voice asked, “Isn’t there anyway we could agree on a better price than that?”

“Maybe.” She smiled. “Twelve thousand…and a kiss.”

“Fifteen thousand and no kiss.” He countered.

She scowled angrily. “Eighteen thousand. You insult me mortal”

“I didn’t mean…”

She raised her hand to stop him.

“Fine. Eighteen it is.” Stallac paid the devil and she walked off.

Devon eyed her as she did.

“Up you.” He grabbed Rubbio by his arm, lifting him to his feet. “How the hell did you end up here?” He admonished the former slave.

“I met her at the Hero’s Rest. She said she would take me to her place.” Rubbio lamented woefully.

“Idiot…Well I can’t leave you here. I’ll take him back to the Cloven Hoof.” He said dragging Rubbio along.”

“Better follow him. You two coming?” Jarath asked.

Devon broke away from watching Sauraphine and shook his head, “I bet she knows how to get to the tower.” before walking toward the erinyes.

“Don’t worry.” Gunther reassured the priest. “I’ll stay with him.”

Jarath nodded and rushed to catch up with Stallac.

My Lady Sauraphine.” Devon called out to the devil. ”If I could trouble you for a word.”

She turned and smiled thinking to herself another opportunity to enslave an ignorant prime was presenting itself. After all, she’d charmed many mortals to Baator, where they’re quickly made into petitioners and put to work in her crew.

“And who might you be?” She asked. Her tone was flirtatious and body language sultry. 

“I’m called Devon born under the darkstar. I’m here by the will of the Princess of Hell and I could use your help.”

Her sight found the pendant about his neck, a copper scourge on a burnished platinum disc. 

“Speak the names of the Grim Quartet.”, she challenged.

“Metris, Diorum, Novolar, and Baratum.” He answered.

She nodded her head in satisfaction. “What is it you need Devon?”

“I wish to know how to reach the Iron Tower.”

“What is this information worth to you?” She asked with a seductive grin.

“I will offer what my friend would not.”

“Are you not concerned about what might happen if you do? You’re ally seemed rather disconcerted by my request. One might say afraid.”

Devon leaned his face into hers and kissed her. Her mouth was warm but did not burn. The poison coating her lips ignited a fire in his blood burning it quickly away. He felt the lure of her charm but resisted the temptation to submit to her feminine wiles. The embrace lasted for several passionate seconds, then he broke away.

Sauraphine brushed his face with a sharp talon opening a razor thin wound below his cheek. Her eyes brightened as she smiled.

“You must clear your mind of all things and you must find a way to travel without spotting the tower. Close your eyes, look straight down, wear a strip of cloth as a blindfold if you must. But beware Devon, this will make you quite vulnerable to attack and accident. Do be careful, I fear Archduchess of Malbolge would not be happy should some harm befall such a valuable plaything.”

He returned her smile. “Thank you Lady Sauraphine.” He bowed slightly and walked away wiping the trickle of blood away from his nose with his finger.

The Cloven Hoof was quite busy when Stallac, Jarath and Rubbio arrived. The gruff warrior pulled his former mate from the guard toward the stairwell. As they ascended the bar keep slid a glass toward Jarath.

“From the lady…”

Jarath could smell the sweet scent of passion fruit mixed with potent brandy from Shendilavri. Mezona winked as he met her gaze. She rose and approached him casually running her hand across his shoulder. “I was in town and thought I’d say hi.” She said with a mischievous grin.

“Are you following me?”

“I could ask the same of you,” she purred. “Enjoy your drink.” She smiled and left.

Jarath shrugged his shoulders and sipped his drink. It wasn’t long before Gunther and Devon arrived and the three joined Stallac upstairs.

‘Well?” he asked his allies. What do I do with him?”

“You can’t leave him here,” Jarath said with some irritation. “And we can’t come back for him.”

“Well can you orb him home?”

“Yeah. Great idea.” The priest scoffed. “And set up a beacon so every evil denizen on the plane knows I’m here.”

He looked at Devon. “How about you.” The rogue had a fevered look about him, his eyes were red and he appeared to be tearing blood. 

“I’d prefer not to cast it if I can avoid it.”

“What if I get a scroll?”

“Yeah. Sure.” Devon agreed. “Gonna lay down til you get back.” He curled up on the bed and closed his eyes.

It took Stallac several hours to find the magic shop again and several more to make it back. The constant construction and destruction of buildings and roadways created an ever changing footprint that made navigation difficult at best. 

“Fourteen thousand gold for the stupid scroll.”

Jarath laughed and Gunther shook his head.

Devon was sitting up when he arrived.  He handed him the scroll.

“Now listen to me Rubbio. Stay away from any pretty girls. In fact, wait for me to return to Westport and I’ll find you a wife, someone fat, ugly and safe.”

The guardsman nodded.

Devon read the scroll. Magical energy swirled around Rubbio Finncleve as a vision of Westport Manor came into view. There was a flash of light and he was gone. The parchment, now ash, flaked to the floor from Devon’s hand along with a few droplets of blood from his nose. He wiped his face with a cloth and announced, “I’ve learned how to reach the tower.”

“How?” Jarath asked.

“Cavorting with devils. How else? You cavort with demons, He cavorts with devils. You’re both lucky Hadryllis isn’t here. He’d have a lot to say.” Gunther said with obvious disdain.

“Ha!” Stallac laughed.

“You keep quiet. Buying infernal weapons? Cavorting with dark elves?! You’re all cavorters!”

“Is your information credible?”

“Devon was still sweating. “Yeah. I believe so. I had a word with Stallac’s friend Sauraphine.”

“Hmph! It cost me eighteen thousand gold to free Rubbio. How much did she charge you?”

“Not so much as a copper.”

“Impossible. She must have demanded something?”

“I offered that which you refused to pay.” He replied evenly. “Now according to her, we must clear our minds of all things and must find a way to travel without spotting the tower. We should obscure our vision in some way, whether it be by blindfold, closing our eyes or simply looking down. The tower will then find us.”

Jarath eyed the mage carefully trying to determine if his condition had worsened. Unable to know for sure he instead suggested, “We should test it.”

The comrades all agreed and ventured out into the city. They followed Sauraphine’s instructions and suddenly found themselves in the shadow of the Iron Tower,  This close they felt like fleas standing at the base of a mountain, a searing mountain of gray iron that constantly shifted from one massive shape to another. The tower’s ringed by a 30-foot-high rock wall that seems a good deal more solid. Painted in blood apparently, with scenes of baatezu victories over the tanar’ri, the sides of the wall slope slightly outward, making the top wider than the bottom. Along

the top of the wall squat stone gargoyles, spread out every eight or ten feet, all around the tower.

“Wow it worked.” Stallac commented with some surprise.

“Good going Devon.” Jarath added in satisfaction. “I say we head back to the inn and lay low until the meeting.” His friends agreed and the next four days were spent venturing no further than the bar.

They followed Sauraphine’s instructions once more. The entry gate was secured by a half dozen horned devils and a pit fiend. After considering all conceivable options to circumvent the portcullis they finally agreed to use the pass they purchased in the Ribcage to gain entry.

A hulking 12-foot-tall devil armored with scales stepped forward. It sported a pair of massive, bat-like wings giving the pit fiend a gargoylish appearance. The group watched as he wrapped his wings around his fearsome, red figure, while huge fangs dripped with hissing, green venom.  The fiend’s prehensile tail cracked like a whip. “What do we have here? Mortals? Why do you risk death?”

Jarath stepped forward presenting the chunk he received from Lord Paracs. “We come in supplication to the Lord of the Second.”

The pit fiend growled and spit, “That parchment is worth less than your lives.” He motioned over it and the mark burst into flames. 

“Perhaps something else then…” The Lord Marshall offered calmly.

“A thousand iron pieces.” The devil hissed.

Jarath agreed and the group was teleported into a large room bereft of doors and windows. Bones, skulls and rotting corpses, some emaciated, others obviously strangled by other supplicants littered the floor to the point where they had to kick the remains aside to move about the space.

“Looks like they waited here until they died or killed each other.” Jarath said in observation.

“I was thinking the same thing.” Stallac agreed.

“Well I have no intention of being here that long. What locations are inscribed on that flower?”

“How about the rune for the library?”

“Yeah we’ll start there.”

Devon plucked the petal and handed it to Jarath who pressed it against the wall. A door opened and when they stepped through they found themselves in a library. The librarian immediately called out to them “Who are you and why are you here?” 

“We are guests of Lord Dispater.” Jarath lied. 

The devil narrowed his eyes then without warning gated in four more devils. “Guards seize them!”

A fight broke out, sadly for the devils they were dispatched with relative ease by the planar champions. Stallac shoved the bodies into his portable hole while the others searched the library. Some three hours later they had recovered twenty tomes of forgotten lore and other potentially valuable knowledge. Sadly however, none made reference to Chalice though there was mention of a central records room where all prisoners current and past are chronicled.

“We should try to find that next.”

Devon plucked a petal bearing the rune of the prison and handed it to Jarath. Again a door opened. On the other side they found themselves in a large central holding area with desks and chests set about the room as well as a table and chairs. Two closed doors sealed the entrance to unknown areas beyond. Devon listened carefully by both. One held sounds of suffering, moans and pleas for mercy weighed heavy on the air. Behind the other, beings could be heard talking, arguing and joking in infernal. Devon made out the sounds of gambling among the chaos. He searched the room and found a third door, secret and well hidden. No sound could be heard behind it. He removed a ward preventing entry and unlocked it. Stallac drew his sword as Devon opened it and stood aside.

An imp scrawling in a ledger hovered above a podium. The winged creature turned its head toward the door, surprised at its open.

Stallac leveled his sword. “Remain silent, creature.” He threatened menacingly.

“Ahhh!!!!” Guards!!!!” It screeched. “Help Zogin! Save him!!!”

“Damn it Stallac!” Jarath frowned. 

The door to their left flew open, devils wearing blood-stained leather aprons over suits of leather armor. Black spiked masks covered their faces, obscuring all but baleful red eyes. The first one through raised a wicked two-handed flail covered with spikes and long, sharp blades preparing to attack..

Jarath quickly summoned a stone wall blocking entry from floor to ceiling, barring the entrance of their enemies.

Stallac slashed with his sword killing the imp in a single stroke.

No more than a heartbeat later, the devils trapped behind the wall teleported into the room. 

Devon extended a finger sending forth a green beam of magical energy disintegrating one of the creatures. Stallac and Gunther hacked down two a piece, while Jarath hurriedly rummaged through records. A second beam of green energy eliminated another while the barbarian and warrior struck down the last remaining guard. Devon moved over to a nearby wall, bracing himself against it while a fit of coughing sent blood spitting from his mouth and running from his nose. Stallac added seven more corpses to his portable hole.

The group wasn’t sure how long they searched, certainly for some hours before Jarath came across a record bearing only the picture of a cup and a rune.

“Hey.” He called over to Devon. “Can you inscribe this?” 

The mage nodded, grimaced and cast the incantation. The rune appeared on a once blank petal.

Jarath pressed it to the wall and a shimmering portal formed. They passed through, appearing in a bed chamber. A startled woman who had been sitting on the edge of a four post bed leapt to her feet and screamed. She was comely with long blonde braided hair and steely eyes. “Who are you! Get away!” She shrunk back into the wall behind her.

“We’ve come to rescue you my lady.” Stallac reassured her. “Are you Chalice?” 

“I…I… I don’t know. This is a trick. You’ve come to hurt me.”

“No my lady. My name is Stallac” The warrior continued. “Our friend here, Jarath, is a servant of your father, Heironeous. We’re here to bring you home to him.”

She appeared even more frightened and began shaking with hysteria. “No! I don’t know that name. I don’t know any of those names!” She began to sob.

Jarath took a step toward her. “Relax my lady.” He called upon the power of his faith to remove and cure whatever mental maladies were causing her suffering.

Clarity replaced confusion. Confidence replaced fear. She saw the symbol of her father emblazoned on the armor the priest wore and rushed to him. “Yes. I am Chalice. Please good sir. Get me out of here.”

“Devon. We need a door.” He called out. 

The Nightmaster closed his eyes…

“The waiting room!” Stallac yelled out.

“No doors remember?” Gunther asked. “How do we get out from there.”

“Chamber of Portals.” Devon whispered. He pulled the rune petal from the flower and pressed it to the wall. A glowing archway appeared. They hurried through only to be surrounded by devils in a room with a ring of inactive portals.

The Devils moved to attack. Some pressed forward while others gated in allies.

“Stop!” Devon commanded…and time did. He hurried over to obelisk and quickly deciphered the magical writing. He activated the transport runes and magical energy burst to life opening a gate to the Ribcage. When time resumed, he yelled. “Through the gate! Run!” They barely had time to fall through as one before it was shut down once again. Devon took hold of the tangled bodies and willed them through the planes reappearing in the audience hall in the Parliament of Concordance. They tumbled to the ground disoriented.

The return to the Bastion of Faith

The regiment on guard duty closed in leveling pikes. “Hold!” The sergeant at arms commanded. “Idiots! Do none of you recognize the Lord Marshal of the Valiant Thirteenth Legion? Or any of his companions for that matter?”

“What is the meaning of this!” The Arch Penitar demanded.

Devon took a knee and bowed his head, more so to give himself a chance to wipe away the blood from his nose and eyes than actual deference. The others slowly gained their bearings and began the rise. He stood to his feet if only a moment behind.

“My Lady Seberati.” Jarath began. “Apologies for our unannounced arrival but we have recovered The Chalice of Heironeous, I mean the Lady Chalice.”

The Solar Deva’s gaze fell to a regal looking woman clinging tightly to the arm of the Lord Marshal. “How is this even possible? Should I not ask?” She replied sharply.”You were grounded. The two of you both as I recall..” She glared at Devon. “…By my own decree.”

“Indeed.” Jarath acquiesced. “So we decided to rescue her in our free time.” His tone was arrogant and somewhat pompous.

“Careful Lord Marshal…”

“Don’t be angry because we did in nine days what you failed to do in nine milenia” Stallac interupted in his typically sarcastic manner.

“If Lord Stallac utters one more word, remove him.” She ordered the sergeant.

“What is all this commotion?” The kindly voice of Abba Gaius floated into the room. “What have you there Jarath?”

The Lord Marshal bowed his head in respect. “May I present the Lady Chalice, Daughter of Heironeous, Abba.”

“My word.” His face bore shock and elation at the same time. “You must accompany me at once Lord Marshal. Please escort the Lady if you would be so kind.”

Chalice looked to Jarath for approval and a reassuring nod from her champion was enough to gain her agreement. She clung tightly to his arm still. 

“Apologies Arch Penitar, but this matter must be seen to, immediately. If you’ll excuse us?” he asked politely.

“Of course Abba Gaius.” She answered cordially.

As they stepped away Chalice asked, “What of the others?”

“They will be just fine, dear child.” The Abba answered. “This is a safe place. The house of your father.”

She nodded but remained close to Jarath.

The Arch Penitar exhaled sharply. “Well then Darkstar. It falls to you. Would you be so kind as to explain?”

Devon grinned, fighting back a cold sweat. “It would be my pleasure Lady Seberati, however… as you’ve already said, we were grounded. Therefore any actions we took were outside our duty to the parliament. As such I don’t feel comfortable relaying the details at this time. I’m sure you understand.”

“Ha!” Stallac bellowed. “Ok boys let’s go. I’m ready.” He laughed as he approached a group of guardsmen. “Who wants a drink?” He asked as he was escorted out on his own accord.

The Arch Penitar was furious. ‘Gunther. Explain.”

“Explain what?” He asked innocently.

“My office now.” 

“As you say my Lady Seberati.” He bowed respectfully.

She glowered at Devon. “This conversation is far from over.”

She stormed off with Gunther at her heel.

Devon watched her walk away then turned his attention to a woman who was obviously waiting patiently to speak with him. He moved briskly in her direction.

“Greeting Lady Aubrey Yldranas of the Black Flight. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Apologies for the intrusion my lord.” She bowed. “Is my sister with you?”

“Maya?”

“Yes my lord, your surly little bodyguard.”

“No. I left her in her lair a short nine days ago. And she’s much more than that.” He concentrated on summoning the dragon to his side. “No response.”

“Then there is a problem. Queen Ebonscale would like you to come see her in the Sunken Fen without delay.”

“Inform her grace I shall do as she commands.” He said with concern. “Let me quickly inform my allies.”

“Of course my lord.”, and the black dragon disapparated. 

Devon closed his eyes and exhaled, shimmering to ‘The Angel’s Host’ tavern on the communal grounds the bastion shared with the parliament. He walked in to see Stallac standing on a table mocking the Arch Penitar. He was waving his arms comically in a satirical impersonation of the head of the parliament yelling and pointing. “Do as I say! I’m the Arch Penitar! Answer me Devon! I’m the Arch Penitar! You’re in trouble now Jarath! I’m the Arch Penitar. Out with you Stallac! I’m the Arch Penitar.” He was obviously drunk. Many were laughing. Many more were not. A mess to clean up another day he thought. “Hey! Arch Penitar! He called out to his friend. I have to go to the Sunken Fen. Be back soon.”

The warrior hopped off the table. “You ok to travel?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Devon lied.

“Ok. Don’t be too long. There’s whiskey to drink my friend!”

Devon smiled and shimmered again.

………………………………………………..

“Sit Gunther. Please. Make yourself comfortable.” Zora Seberati said. “Care for a drink?”

“No. I’m good thank you.”

“Very well. Now. Gunther. Why don’t you begin by telling me how you learned of the Chalice and then how you were able to discover where she was kept for all this time. No one on our side has ever heard so much as a whisper of where she might have been.”

“Jarath is a priest of Heironeous. They all know her tale.”

“Ah yes. And?”

“Confidential informant. Gotta protect their anonymity to keep them safe.”

“I understand. But it’s me asking. You can tell me.”

“Afraid I can’t. Confidential means tell no one.”

“Gunther. You’re a good man and a loyal proponent of the greater good. Surely you can see why it’s important you tell me.”

“I do. But I can’t. Sorry.”

“Her smile faded into a frown. She flicked her wrist and in a burst of glowing sunlight Lydia appeared.”

“Lydia sweet child. I’m so sorry to call upon you like this but I seem to be having a problem with Gunther. I’m asking very simple questions yet he chooses to be difficult rather than help me. I was hoping you might be able to reason with him.”

The deva hugged her mentor affectionately. ”Of course Zora. It’s the barbarian in him. It makes him stubborn at times.”

“Welcome home my love. She smiled and greeted him warmly, kissing him gently on the lips.”

“Thanks. Good to be home.”

“Gunther, sweetheart. It would mean a great deal to both of us if you’d cooperate.”

“I’m sure it would.” He smiled back.

Could you answer the Arch Penitar please so we can go back to enjoying our quiet time together?”

“I could. But I won’t. She wants to know how we learned about the location of Chalice. Can’t do it.”

‘Wait you what?”

“They rescued Chalice.” The Arch Penitar affirmed.

“As in the daughter of Heironeous?”

Gunther leaned back proudly.

“That’s amazing. Congratulations! You’re certained to be honored for such a fantastic deed!”

“Absolutely.” The Arch Penitar agreed. “Now if only I could get a proper debriefing done.”

“Gunther?” Lydia tilted her head as if admonishing a child.” 

“Sorry Lydia.”

The angel wore a look of embarrassment. “Zora would you mind if I borrowed him for a bit. We won’t be far.”

“Not at all my child. And thank you.”

Lydia dragged Gunther out of the Arch Penitar’s office and into his own.

“Really Gunther? You know she’s just testing your loyalty. Anyone who knows you four can easily figure out Devon gathers all your information.”

“So then I passed. I proved my loyalty. To my friends.” He crossed his arms defiantly. ‘And if everybody knows then why is everybody asking?”

“So you’re going to pout now.”

‘No Lydia. I just don’t see why it’s important for anyone to know how we found her. Isn’t it enough that we did and brought her home.”

“Mother said you’d be nothing but trouble for me.” She said holding him tight. “I’m just glad you guys are back safe.”

……………………………………..

Abba Gaius led Jarath and Chalice to a secluded area of the Bastion that went generally unused. The chapel was dedicated to Heironeous as he was the chief worship of the bastion until the acceptance of the one god Ao. He asked them to step into the center then began lighting candles and fragrant incense. Jarath recognized the preparation of the commune spell but there were some slight differences in the way Abba Gaius performed the ritual. He began to pray, bowing his head solemnly. Jarath followed in kind.

“Heironeous.” He called out. “The Archpaladin, the Invincible, the Valorous Knight. We your humble servants beseech you to hear our supplication and offer to you oh great father of honor, chivalry and justice the return of your Chalice.

There was a rumble of rolling thunder followed by the blinding strike of lightning in the temple. When their sight cleared they were met by the appearance of a tall human man in a full robe of chainmail so fine that it moved with him like cloth. He had auburn hair and skin the color of copper. A holy glowing aura surrounded him. 

“Father!” Chalice said excitedly, rushing forward, she threw her arms around him.

“Chalice my child. Is that really you?” He had tears of golden water in his eyes.” I never thought the day would come. How?”

She raised her hand and pointed toward Jarath. Your good knight rescued me, he, along with his allies.”

The deity looked into Jarath’s soul and in an instant knew everything there was to know about him. “Jarath my son. Step forward and be recognized by your heavenly father.” 

He did as commanded then fell to his knees bowing his low in deep reverence.

“Rise my son. You’ve done what was thought to be impossible, what an entire order of my most devout knights have been unable to accomplish over eons.” He took full measure of the priest. “Perhaps it’s best if I do not ask how you came to know where she might be found.”

“Thank you my Lord.” He said as he rose. “What I will say is she was held by Dispater after having been kidnapped by your brother Hextor.”

“Somehow I always knew he was behind this treachery. You’ve made great enemies of both.”

“Let them send who they want, so long as they do not care to have them back.”

Heironeous smiled approvingly.

“Sir Jarath Godguard.” Chalice finally spoke. “You have saved me from an eternity of despair and sorrow. I choose you to head my knightly order, to defend me when I must travel beyond my father’s protection and to be my personal guardian. From this day until your last I name thee ‘The Godguard.’ Knight of Chalice. After you there will be no other. Do you accept this responsibility?”

Heironeous nodded to his servant and beamed with pride.

“My lady is far too kind. If by my life or death I can protect you, I shall. You have my sword, my loyalty and my devotion.”

Chalice closed her hand and then opened it. In her palm was a copper disc with a silver chalice in its center. She affixed it to his armor. This coat of arms will forever mark you as my own. Any of the order of Heironeous will know its meaning and you shall be conveyed all courtesies deserved of your elite standing. 

Jarath fell to a knee. “I’m not worthy, my Lady.”

“You are the only one worthy. Heironeous affirmed.” Go know Jarath The Godguard. I sense your trials are far from over. Your friends will be needing you. Know my son that we are ever by your side.”

Jarath bowed his head, “Thank you my Lord.” He bowed directly toward Chalice. “My lady.” 

She smiled brightly returning his bow. There was a flash of lightning and the god and demigoddess were gone.”

“You’ve done well Jarath.” Abba Gaius complimented as they left.

“Thanks Abba. Send my apologies to the Arch Penitar. I fear there is more to do.”

“She’ll understand.” The old priest smiled as they parted.