Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2001 13:44:02 +0100 (BST)
From: goldenknight <goldenknightuk@yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: Night of No Tomorrow - 11 (gay/boybands)

Disclaimer:

Hello again! I'm back with the eleventh part of NNT. First of all, as
mentioned before, this story is totally fictional and has no purpose
whatsoever to imply that any member of the BSB is gay. Secondly, also as
mentioned before, the setting of this story is 100% based on TSR, Inc.
Novels, the Forgotten Realms. The story is written purely out of fun and
leisure and I have no intention of publishing it anywhere or whatever.
Hmm... what else? Oh yeah, this story also contain homosexual elements, so
if you got a problem with it, hmm... too bad. Who asked you to come here
anyway? However, if you are looking for some hot monkey sex scenes, sorry
dudes, you'll be disappointed. I'm just not good in writing about that
stuff :P Let just keeps the detailed sex stuff behind closed doors. But if
you like stories that goes nice and slow and have more to offer than just
sex, oh well, you might like this one (I hope).

Well! Now that is gone out of da way, lets get on with the story. Hope you
enjoy it. If ya got comments, objections, suggestions, tips, death threats,
boos, tomatoes or cabbages to throw or whatever, just write to me at
goldenknightuk@yahoo.co.uk

Anyway, I would like to thank everyone who e-mailed me of your comments and
such. It's nice to know that you've enjoyed it. I live to serve (Hah!). All
in all, thanks guys. I intend to make this story as long as I can. But
ideas do tend to run out quickly. I can always think up of new ideas (if I
can get my lazy mind going long enough. It really needs a kick or two at
time but it has always serve me well... hmm... well, most of the time). But
if you have any inputs, ideas or suggestions, feel free to drop me a note
anytime you want, be it through e-mails, letters, pigeons, message in a
bottle, Morse codes, talking drums, whatever.

Author's Note:

One last thing. We want to apologize to all our readers for being quiet for
a long time. After all the hospital thing and all, we decided to go off for
a vacation. We just got back from Orlando and gosh! We had a great time
there!! Andy got himself a guy there and boy, did they do it at night :P

Another thing is, in case you didn't notice; I have changed my email
address. So if you guys wanna drop us a note, sent it to
goldenknightuk@yahoo.co.uk

Right! Enough mindless chatters and on with the show!

Drew and Andy

*******************************

In the Stonelands, north of Cormyr...

When Howie woke up, the first thing he found out was that he was chained
against a wall. The room around him is dark, damp and silent, except with
the occasional sound of water dripping onto the cold, hard floor.

He has no idea how long he has been unconscious. The last thing he
remembered was the sly looking priestess of Talos, hurling a bolt of pure
energy towards him. After that, he knew the true meaning of
pain. Unconsciously he touches the part of his torso when the energy hits
him. Naturally, he winced and silently cursed at the stupidity of invoking
back the pain.

He looked at himself. He is still dressed in his armor, but his weapons are
gone. Obviously. He pulled against the chain to test its strength. The
chain, although rusty, is still strong - too strong for him to break
free. He looks around the dark room, trying to find some sort of a clue as
to his whereabouts. Obviously he was taken captive but where is he now?
Where is Tess and the rest of the Purple Dragons? Did they survive the
ambush?

He shifted his body in the dark and immediately regretted it when the pain
returned. He let out a soft groan and slumped back onto the wall.

"Howard?" a man's voice appeared near him. "You awake?"

"Who's that?" Howie answered.

"Derek, milord. One of the Purple Dragons."

Howie closed his eyes as he strained to remember the name of all the Purple
Dragon's soldiers who have accompanied him. Eventually he remembered Derek,
a young footman about the age of 20 who has recently joined the army.

"Derek, what happened?"

"Zhentarim warriors ambushed us, led by a powerful priestess of Talos, a
Zhentarim mage and a priest of Bane. The soldiers overwhelmed us while the
spell casters dealt with you and the Lady Tessaril."

"Tess! Where is she?" asked Howie.

And at that moment, they heard a woman shrieked agonizingly in the
distance.

"The priestess of Talos took her away," replied another voice, much more
mature and elderly now. It must be one of the veteran soldiers who
accompanied him. "Apparently the priestess of Talos was one of Lady
Tessaril's foe in the past."

"How long has she been gone?" asked Howie. He closed his eyes again when he
heard another shriek.

"Nearly a day." Derek replied.

"Where are we?" asked Howie. "And how many of the Purple Dragon survived?"

"Only myself and Zen here," Derek replied. "And the Lady Tessaril and
yourself."

"The rest?"

"Dead. Fought to the death." Zen replied bitterly. "I would do so too had I
not been knocked unconscious before I got the chance. There is nothing
worst than being the captive of the Zhents."

"The priest of Bane decided to sacrifice you to Bane, once we get to
Zhentil Keep. I overheard the High Priest of Bane himself as well as the
fell archmage, Manshoon, is going to drop a visit to this place tomorrow."
Said Derek.

"Where are we?" asked Howie again.

"In a hidden Zhentarim outpost, somewhere in the Stonelands, north of
Cormyr." Derek replied.

"Don't bother entertaining the idea of escape, lad. Even if we managed to
get past all those 30 or so Zhentarim soldiers, we will never last a day in
the Stonelands." Said Zen. "It is miles and miles of desolated lawless
wasteland filled with bandits and outlaws and deadly creatures, not to
mentions other Zhentarim patrols who has been very active of late in their
quest to weaken the crown of Cormyr."

"Then what do you suggest us to do?" asked Howie. "Just lay down and let
them kills us?"

"Nay. Fight when we get the first chance, and die fighting. With Helm's
blessing, we may even win our freedom." Zen replied.

"I'm afraid I am not ready to die just yet, Zen." Said Howie. "We'll find a
way to get through this."

"Aye, milord." Derek agreed. "You'll lead us to safety. I've seen you
fought, milord. You are a good warrior. I'm sure you can think of
something."

"Where is my sword?" asked Howie.

"In the guard post." Derek replied.

Howie just nodded as he fell silent, straining his mind to think a way to
escape.

********************************

In the High Forest, in the North...

The fireball exploded with a roar and fire leaped towards the sky for a
brief moment, incinerating everything that is unfortunate enough to be
within the area. The evil mage cackled evilly in triumph as he saw a figure
hurled into the air, blazing. The fire dissipated, leaving a charred
ground, still hissing from the heat of the magical fire.

The force of the explosion hurled the adventurers some distance away as
they desperately jumped aside to avoid the onslaught. Kevin grunted as he
slammed against a rocky side of the clearing. He scrambled up hastily;
knowing that to stay at one place in the open means a quick death. His
leather armor smoldered slightly due to the explosion. His bow lay a couple
of feet away where he dropped it. He took cover behind a huge boulder as he
heard the mage grimly chants another spell. The boulder before him
shuddered and cracked as a bolt of electricity struck.

He gained his bearing and drew his long sword in one hand and a dagger in
another. He peered warily towards the battle that is raging before him.

Lamelle and Ken lay some distance before him; the force of the explosion
rendered them unconscious. Somehow, Myra has managed to drag them behind
another boulder and is now tending to their wounds. A little distance away
from them, the mage stood at the top of the hill where he appeared - a few
feet above from where Alvin angrily climbed - his hands twisting as he
chanted another spell. A lightning bolt lightened the area for a brief
moment, silvery-white and writhing as it sliced the air before forking into
two and struck the charging Keres and Delg.

Alvin hurled a dagger towards the mage. The dagger struck an invisible
barrier and was turned aside. The mage turned towards the frustrated thief
and chanted another spell. At the same time, Kevin leaped from his hiding
place and sprinted towards the mage, his sword flashing in the afternoon
sunlight. Five pulsing magic missiles leaped from the mage's hand and
struck the thief mercilessly. But with his attention fully occupied in
dealing with the thief, Kevin managed to come up against the mage before
the mage could even notice.

Sword flashes again, this time seeking for flesh. The mage's eyes widened
as he finally realized the danger and desperately turned his body aside. He
cried out in pain as the blade bit his shoulder. Face grim with
determination now, Kevin raised his sword again and prepared another
strike. By that time Keres and Delg were at his side, their face equally
grim and their blade and axe ready. The mage whispered a word harshly and
one of the numerous rings on his fingers flashes before he disappeared from
the top of the hill, only to reappeared a distance away, half hidden by the
trees.

"Damn ye!" Delg spat out and charged again this time towards the trees. His
charge was abruptly halted as five magic missiles burst out and
struck. Delg jerked at the onslaught and roared in pain and anger. But he
came on, axe held grimly before him as he mustered ever bit of the dwarven
stubbornness and magical resistance. "I'll get ye!"

The mage cast another spell and a globe of invulnerability appeared around
him. At the same moment, Kevin heard Myra chants her own druidic
spell. Lightning flashes from the sky above them and descended towards the
mage. The mage just laughed as the lightning was turned aside by the globe
of invulnerability. Then he produced a wand from his belt and breathed the
activating word. The wand glowed with blue-white magical light and lighting
bolt spat out and struck the charging dwarf again. Delg flew 5 feet
backward and lay prone on the ground, unconscious.

The mage smiled mockingly at Keres and Kevin and intoned another
spell. Keres charged and Kevin hurled his dagger. Again the dagger struck
an invisible barrier. The mage hurled several small globes of fire towards
the charging paladin. The globes of fire exploded in small bright flashes
of magical fire. Keres gritted his teeth on the onslaught and continues his
charge. The mage snarled another spell and hurled another lightning bolt
towards Keres. The paladin jumped aside, barely missed the onslaught, and
continues to run towards the mage. The mage hissed in anger and uttered the
same magical word he has used before to use the teleportation ring on his
finger to transport him away. He vanished in a flash of light and
reappeared again somewhere. Keres sword sliced through empty air.

"Behind you!" Kevin heard Myra cried out and whirled around. He came face
to face with the mage, who is casting another spell quietly. The mage
pointed to him and Kevin felt a wave of magical energy swirled around him
and the air sparkled slightly. The Spell of Feeblemind took effect and
Kevin felt the enchantment grasped him and trapped his being into one of
the deep recesses of his mind. With his mind trapped, he just stood there,
helpless and open to any attack. Dimly, he saw the mage smiled cruelly as
he drew a glowing dagger.

The smile was cut short when Keres appeared beside him, his enchanted
sword, Shadowcleaver, which is also his family heirloom, held readily
before him, blazing with holy light.

"Die, wizard!!" the paladin snarled and swiped Shadowcleaver before him.

The mage snarled in anger and hissed the word again and vanished, only to
reappear in the distance.

"Coward! Come here and face me, wizard!" Keres snarled and charged again.

The wizard merely smirked.

"I think I am more comfortable here, paladin."

With that, the mage intoned the spell and conjured an Icelance. The ice
lance sliced through the air towards the charging paladin. Keres dodged the
lance and continue his charge. He roared in pain as a swarm of radiant
daggers of magic missiles struck him mercilessly. When he reaches the mage,
the mage was already casting another spell. Shadowcleaver swiped before
him, but the enchanted blade missed the mage by a pace or two as the mage
cast a spell of flight and flew away. The mage laughed cruelly as he sailed
away from the area and then turned. The mage looked at Keres scornfully.

"Fools! Do you think you can defeat me?!" he scoffed from above. "Here!
Feel the full taste of my power!"

With that, the mage intones another spell, his hands twisting and gliding
like snakes. Tendrils of dark fog appeared from his claw-like fingers,
indicating the wielding of necromantic magic. His spell casting faltered
when he saw Garth, sorely burned and his clothes and face smudged with soot
and dirt, emerges from the shadow of the woods. The fat cleric, face grim
with anger, looked up at the mage and cast a spell of his own. The silver
medallion of Tymora flashes as he calls upon the power of his goddess.

"Dispel!"

A magical wind appeared and swirled around them as the cleric dispels all
magic and enchantments within the area. The mage's eyes widened and his
steady chanting turns into a horrified shriek as his spell of flight and
his invisible shield dissipated, right before he crashes to the ground.

The mage stood up weakly; wounded, afraid now and very, very angry. Keres,
Garth and Kevin who has been freed from the enchantment placed on him when
the cleric dispel all the magic in the area, lunged towards him, but the
mage snapped a spell and a swarm magic missiles struck them. He turned
around immediately when he heard a soft rustling near him. Myra came upon
him with her oak staff in her hands, ready to strike. The mage snarled out
the spell of Aganazzar's Scorcher. Tendrils of flames appeared down his
arms and fingers as he stretched his hands towards the oncoming druid. A
jet of flame burst out, racing mercilessly towards the druid.

Myra halted in her advances and quickly raised her hands to her face and
then dropped them the length of her body.

"Silvanus, mighty Oakfather, protect me!" she managed to whispers right
before being engulfed by the flame. The mages eyes widened in fear when he
saw the druid still standing after the fire dissipated. Silvanus has heard
her plea of protection and surrounded Myra with a cool barrier, holding the
dark forces of magic at bay.

The druid raised her hands and intoned her own spell, spreading her hands
over the grass before her.

"Oakfather, look upon your children. Give them growth!"

The mage snarled out in surprise as the grass around him grew and begin to
entangle him. Then he stood up straight and began to intone another
spell. Judging from the huge amount of concentration he is pouring in the
spell casting, Kevin knew it is a very dangerous spell - one that could
certainly slay them all. Garth, Myra and Keres approach the mage angrily,
mace, staff and Shadowcleaver held readily in their hands. But another
figure emerged near the mage.

"Oh no you don't!" Alvin appeared from the side, bruised and battered, and
hurled two daggers towards the mage.

The mage cried out in anger and pain as the daggers struck his torso. He
turned around toward the thief but faltered as Keres rose before him, eyes
flashing angrily. Shadowcleaver slashed even as the mage stumbles back
desperately and drew his dagger. The mage screamed as the blade struck
again. Badly wounded now, the mage backed away. To his side, he saw Garth
casting the spell of paralization. Hastily, the mage uttered a quick spell
and hurled a windblast towards the cleric, causing him to be thrown a
couple of feet back. Turning around, he saw Keres, Kevin and Alvin
spreading out before him, watching him warily. The paladin held
Shadowcleaver readily before him. The sword blazed brightly with holy
light. Kevin held his own sword before him, watching the mage grimly and
ready to jump aside from whatever magic the mage might hurl towards
him. Alvin crouched readily near his right, with a dagger held readily to
throw in each hand. In the distance, he saw the druid, Myra watching him
like a hawk. Without his globe of invulnerability he knew he wouldn't
prevail to anymore lightning the female druid might call upon him. At that
instant, the mage knew that the battle is lost... for now.

"Beware my return," he snarled.

With that, he hissed another commanding word to trigger another of his
magical rings. There was a brief silvery white flash and then the mage
vanished.

*****************************

In the caverns beneath the Star Mountains...

He is a mage of no small power. He has been serving as one of the archmages
of the Purple who lead the Cult of the Dragons for more than seven years
now and down through that time many has tasted his wrath and fell by his
awesome power. His own standing in the ranks of the Purple is highly
regarded by the others due to his considerable power. And to think that he
was beaten today by a band of adventurers!

He is greatly respected and feared amongst the Purple, of that he never
doubt. Many who opposed and some who even tried to pull him down never
survived for his wrath is cruel and terrible. But he was not loved. Of that
he was as sure as the water is wet. The others - who for most part hated
and feared magic that they could not control in their hands, magic not
trapped in items they could not wield and understand, or that which did not
come from a god who laid down strict rules for its use - would not be slow
to replace him if other, more controllable mages were at hand. Of course,
they would discover that they had merely exchanged one dangerous blade with
another - but by then it would be too late for Halaster.

Never before has he been defeated by anyone. Never before... until today!
This would raise several eyebrows amongst the Purple indeed. It would set
some other plots in motion amongst his comrades' minds - plots to bring him
down. His own standing within the ranks of the Purple itself might be
threatened. But these never bothered him at the very least. It is the very
fact that he was defeated and badly wounded today which send him seething
with anger. By all the bloodiest gods! Curse those adventurers! They are
more formidable than they looks!

He floated through the mists and shadows for a moment before the world
around him materialized again and he appeared before the door of his abode
that has once been the abode of the archdruid that has ruled this grove
before him. He must have looked terrible indeed for the guards that stood
before the door were careful to avoid his gaze. Maimed, bleeding and badly
wounded, Halaster strode towards the door. He gave silent thanks to
whatever gods who might be listening for making him wears his teleportation
ring before he set off into the woods this morning. Had it not for the
ring, Halaster the Mighty might have fallen today.

He threw open the door with all the anger he could muster and strode in. In
his mind, all forms of tortures and death appeared as he coldly plans what
to do with each of the adventurers when he got his hands on them.

Before him stood eight figures in robes, all eyeing him and backed away
warily as they caught his murderous glare. He has eight apprentices serving
under him, all of them are capable mages and each manages to become a
master in one field of magic. Nearest to him is Orannon, one of his three
most favored apprentices and also a very accomplished conjurer. Beside him
is Diana, the Invoker. While Orannon excels in the Art of Conjuration and
Summoning, Diana strove and mastered the Art of Invocation and Evocation -
the field of magic that specializes in the shaping and manipulating magical
energy and channeling it into the desired effect. Hence, having mastered in
every type of battle magic, Halaster considered Diana to be the deadliest
of all of his apprentices. Nimron, his third most favored apprentice is a
necromancer, a mage specialized in death magic. Despite his thin and frail
appearance, Nimron's necromantic magic is so vast that he could challenge
Diana and Orannon in a duel and would probably emerge victorious.

The rest of his apprentices stood behind these three, eyes wide in
disbelief at seeing Halaster's wounds that all but shouts unmistakably of
defeat. Galina, a slender enchantress stood at one side of the room,
carefully avoiding Halaster's gaze. Melthis, a tall and grim looking
transmuter, simply stared at his master expressionlessly. Lynxal, the
illusionist, and Maria the diviner stood side by side, looking at Halaster
in awe. And finally, standing at one corner of the room is Hasufel, the
abjurer - his youngest apprentice, specializing in protective magic.

"Master, what has transpired?" asked Orannon breathlessly.

Halaster simply snarled and raised his hands to hurl magic to his eldest
apprentice. Orannon stepped back hastily, eyes widened in fear. But
Halaster stopped his action and lowered his hands. Instead he turns to
Maria.

"Fetch the cleric. Now!" he spat.

The diviner slithered out of the room as fast as she could.

"The Cult is beset by adventurers," Halaster growled at last. "They are
heading this way. The escaped druid led the way."

He turns Diana.

"Diana."

The Invoker bowed respectfully in response.

"Yes, milord."

"Take Shagrailar with you and destroy them."

"Sha... Shagrailar milord?" Diana's eyes widened in mad excitement at the
thought of riding the blue dragon Halaster kept in the caverns below them.

"Aye." Halaster reply. "Show them the true meaning of fear."

**************************

At the Friendly Arms Inn, near the Sword Coast...

"Nick?"

Nick opened his eyes to see Brian looking at him fondly.

"Brian." He manages to mutter before settling down again to sleep. But his
sleepiness vanishes as memories of last night crashes back into his
mind. "Andy... ANDY!"

Nick jumped up from his bed and began to look around frantically.

"ANDY!!!" He cried out.

"Shhhh...." Brian hugged him comfortingly. "It's all right Nick. Andy is
all right."

Gently, Brian pushes Nick back to bed.

"I want to see him." Nick whimpered. "I need to see him. Where is he?"

"He's in Sarelle's room. Sarelle healed him last night and is looking after
him now." Brian replied. He hugged Nick harder. "He's gonna be okay."

"Who's Sarelle?"

"Sarelle is my friend. She's the one who has been taking care of me since
we arrived here." Brian looked into his friend's eyes. "How are you doing
Nick?"

Nick gazed back into his old friends crystal blue eyes. Slowly, tears came
unbidden and rolled down his cheek.

"I missed you." He answered tersely. "I thought you are dead."

"Oh Nick," Brian hugged him again. "I'm still here and I found you. We are
together again, and we will find the rest and then we will find our way
home together."

At that, Nick began to sob quietly.

"Nick, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" asked Brian worriedly.

"Andy and I... we're in love." Nick answered brokenly. "I don't... I don't
want..."

"You don't want to leave him." Brian whispered. Realization began to dawn
in his eyes. "Oh Nick..."

They stayed in each other's embrace for some time. After a while, Brian
broke the hug and gaze into Nick's eyes again.

"Nick, I... I don't know what to say..."

"No, Brian. Please. Let's not talk about this. I... I would rather not
think about it right now."

Deep inside, Brian knew ignoring the problem and hoping it would go away is
not the right thing to do. But at the same time, he doesn't know how to
deal with it too at the moment, so he just let it go.

"So, how did you two meet?"

Nick's gaze became dreamy and he smiled slightly as he relates to Brian all
the things that have happened even since they got here. When he finished,
Brian told him all about the Moonshaes and his acquired clerical abilities
and all the events that have happened in the past. Nick listened wide-eyed
when Brian relates to him about the sea-demon attack.

"Wow. Seems that you got it worst than me. I just settled with a mage
breaking into our house and the attacks in the woods."

"Yeah. Luckily we survived." Said Brian. "So you're a mage now huh? Never
thought you have the knack for it"

Nick merely smiled.

"And I guess all those hours you spent praying at the church finally pay
off for you."

Brian chuckled softly.

"I suppose so... in a way."

They remain silent for a while.

"This Andy sounds like a really nice guy, considering that he has been
taking care of you all this time. Tell me more about him."

Nick brightened up immediately at that.

"Well, he is charming, fun, easy-going, and can be very, very romantic and
passionate when he wants to." He began. "He is also..."

Brian chuckled softly.

"What's so funny?" asked Nick.

"You sounds like a typical love-struck girl," Brian laughed. Nick smiled
and slapped Brian's shoulder gently.

"I am not!" Nick replied before losing himself into a laughed. "He is a
sweet guy, that's for sure. And... I really enjoyed being with him."

At that moment, someone knocks on the door gently.

"Come in. It's not lock." Said Brian.

The door opened and Galadriel walks in. The elven maiden smiled at Nick and
gave a small nod of greeting. Brian rose to his feet.

"Nick, meet Galadriel. Galadriel, this is my best friend, Nick."

"Well met at last, Nick. I have heard a lot of tales about you from Brian
here." Said the elf as she shook Nick's hand.

"Umm... hi. Nice to meet you too." Said Nick shyly.

"I trust you are well now? You were very distraught last night. I'm sorry
about your friend. Rest assure, he is in good hands now with Sarelle
looking after him."

"How is he? Can I see him now?" asked Nick.

"He is sleeping now. And yes, you can see him now. Sarelle figured you
would be awake by now and sent me here to tell this to you."

Nick brightened up at that.

"Of course. Thanks!"

Galadriel led them to Sarelle's room. Inside, Nick saw a beautiful raven
hair woman rising from her knees as she finished her prayers and smiled
warmly at Brian and him.

"Greetings and well met! You must be the Nick our friend Brian here has
always talked about. I am Sarelle, servant of Chauntea, at your service."

"Greetings. How... how is he?" said Nick as he knelt beside Andy's sleeping
form.

"He is doing well, I'm glad to say. It was a good thing you reach us when
you did. The arrow was too close to his heart. A little more delay and he
would have been too far gone." Said Sarelle.

"Can I wake him up?"

"Not yet. It is best to let him rest for now. His body is whole now, as you
can see, and he sleeps. But his mind? We shall see. I can heal his body but
it is up to him to heal his mind." Sarelle replied.

"Brian told me you were attacked by the Zhentarim in the woods. Is it
true?" asked Galadriel.

"Yes. A mage broke into our home some times ago, intending to kill me, but
Andy manages to drove him off with his magic and kill him instead. We
packed our things and intended to head for Shadowdale. A band of Zhentarim
soldiers and a mage ambushed us when we were resting in the Woods of Sharp
Teeth last night. We fought back and that's when... that's when Andy got
wounded..."

"Shh... it's okay Nick," said Brian soothingly. "Everything is fine now."

"Yes, Nick." Said Sarelle. "Brian here had had his share of Zhentarim in
the past. Rest assured we will aid you and Brian. We're heading to
Shadowdale too. I take it you had a dream about it?"

Nick nodded.

"So does Brian. And the fact that you dreamt of the others means that the
rest of your friends are still alive and well too. Drop your worries. I'm
sure we will find them soon, Chauntea willing." Said Sarelle. "Now, rest
Nick. You have been though much, and we must continue our travels tomorrow
evening. I will get some food for you downstairs and arrange for your
things to be sent up from your horses. Remember, stay alert and
wary. Galadriel, keep a sharp lookout. Trust no one tonight."

"Sarelle, what's wrong? You don't sounds like your usual self," asked
Brian.

Sarelle looked at him worriedly.

"Something turns up when I cast an augury a moment ago. Something bad is
going to happen tonight. Be wary, friends."

***************************

Andy's dream...

The city was once beautiful and proud. Now, it stands in ruins, as any
place should be when battle struck. The palaces and temples that had once
stood tall and proud now lay in piles of rubbles and smokes and fire. The
rest of the buildings fare in no better shape. The bridge lay in
ruins. Scattered all over the place, bodies of the slain lay in their own
pool of blood. Men, women and children, caught in the battles and cut down
like grass as the blindly tried to flee. Such is the horror of
battles... death, fire and carnage.

But amidst all of this chaos, a lone figure walked though the
ruins. Despite the smokes and dust the still tries to settle, the white
robe worn by the figure remains dirtless as if untouched. The wind of war
blew gently and his red half-cloak swayed gently. The emblem of the golden
dragon with its wings outstretched on his robe over his chest seems to glow
amidst the half obscured evening sun. His golden hair swayed gently in the
gentle breeze and his blue eyes stared expressionlessly at the carnage
before him. The staff in his hand glowed softly with soft golden light.

Andy looked at the ruined city tiredly. He recognizes this city. It was one
of the cities he destroyed once when the Bane's Curse took hold of his
soul. He could still remember the days when he unleashed the power of
Tempus and destroyed the city in one stroke - the very act that attracts
the attentions and horrified many beings even the gods themselves. He also
remembers finally confronting Tempus, the God of War himself... the god he
swore to serve. While Tempus cannot remove Bane's Curse from his soul, the
War God managed to instill enough strength within him to resist the
curse. He did. For 3 years now, while the rest of his brethrens destroyed
themselves to prevent them from falling back into the curse, Andy managed
to hold on to his soul and hold the dark forces of the curse at bay.

But as years past on, his struggles has weakened. He could feel the cold
touch of the curse upon his soul, slowly permeating through his struggles.

Andy looked up again at the ruins, trying to make out his destiny. Perhaps,
it is time for the last Battlelord of Tempus to rejoin his brethren in
death? A stab of sorrow began to fill his heart. Years and months ago, he
would gladly escape the grip of the curse and meet his death. But then, an
angel came into his life and tore his world into two. An angel in the form
of Nick.

Andy threw his head back and screamed as he has never screamed before. He
cannot die now! He couldn't leave Nick behind. Alone. A stranger in his
world, with the Zhentarim on his tail. He couldn't leave Nick. He
couldn't... because he loves him...

He remembers the time when he found Nick, alone and helpless in the woods,
running desperately with a whole clan of goblins close on his tail. He
remembers being captivated to his beauty. How could he resist from saving
him?

Before meeting Nick, he was a man doomed to die, for he knew he couldn't
fight the curse for much longer. But Nick gave him a reason to stay
alive. He gave him the strength to fight on. And finally, for the first
time in his life, Andy knew the true meaning of love.

His thought was interrupted when he felt a powerful presence near him. The
presence seems familiar... and in an instant, Andy knew of the nature of
the being that stood before him.

"Forgive me, my Lord Tempus," he said tersely, "for I have failed you."

"I am not the Battlelord, mortal, and even if I am, you have not failed
him."

Andy looked up at the being before him in surprise. The being that stood
before him is such that he will never forget to his dying days. Before him
stood a maiden of unsurpassed beauty. Her skin is radiant like the sun in
the morning and her eyes glitters like the stars in the night sky. Her
smiles reminds Andy of a blossoming rose and added further to her beauty a
thousand fold or more. Her feature is carved delicately to show every bit
of her beauty. Her red gown swayed slightly to show her delicate lithe
figure and at the same time hide it all. Her hair blazed in golden red
flame, bathing her already perfect feature in the light of glory. Sune
Firehair, Goddess of Beauty, Love and Passion, stood before him, tall,
proud and graceful.

"Lady Sune, I bid you greetings." Andy murmured respectfully.

"You do not kneel before me?" asked the goddess.

Andy looked up at the goddess expressionlessly.

"I kneel only to my god, Tempus, goddess. No other. I respect you as a
goddess, but no more than that."

Sune raised her eyebrow and smiled in secret amusement. She walked towards
Andy and gently touches his cheek. Her touch fills Andy's soul with all the
warmth of glory. At the same time, Andy could feel the goddess delving into
his mind, laying bare even his deepest and darkest secrets and histories.

After a moment, she smiled sadly.

"Lord Tempus is right. You are a stubborn one. But there is strength in
you. Strength when honed in the right way, can be used to challenge even a
god." She said softly. "No wonder Tempus chose you to be his champion."

Andy looked up at the goddess in bewilderment.

"What... what do you mean goddess?"

Sune merely looked at him.

"A great war is approaching, Champion of Tempus. Every gods and goddesses
in the pantheon can feel it. And it is during this war where you will face
your greatest trial that will decides whether you will take the path of
darkness or the light. Are you ready to face it?"

Andy merely looked at her, absorbing everything silently. Sune leaned over
and placed a small kiss on his forehead.

"Remember my words, Champion of Tempus, and remember well. The power of
darkness rises from death and carnage. The power of light rises from
courage, justice and honor. Is there any place for love in this world?"

"Never belittle the power of love, Champion of Tempus." The goddess
straightened and backed away. "You path is going to be hard, bitter and
bloody. But until love redeems you, your curse will never be broken."

With that, the goddess vanished in a flash of golden-red light. At the same
time, the world around him began to swirl and suddenly everything turns
dark...

***************************

At the Friendly Arms Inn...

Andy startled in his sleep and sat up in his bed, briefly wondering where
he is. At the same time, his mind ponders over the strange dream he just
had. Beside him, someone stirred.

"Andy?"

Andy turns around to see Nick sitting up from lying beside him.

"Nick?" Andy muttered incoherently. "Where are we? What happened?"

"Andy, thank god you are all right!"

They stayed in each other embrace for a moment before Andy pulled back and
looked at his lover's eyes.

"Nick, what happened?"

Half sobbing, Nick relayed everything that has happened during the night
and everything that has happened since. After some time, they hugged
again. Andy murmured comforting words as he tried to soothe his lover's
distress.

"I was so scared," Nick sobbed.

"Shhh... it all right Nick. I'm fine now." Andy whispered. "Where's
Muragh?"

"I'm over here," Andy looked at the skull sitting on one of the
tables. "I'm still recovering from rough treatments I had to go through
when Nick's friends found out about me."

"What do you mean?" asked Andy as he looked at Nick. "What is he talking
about?"

"I found one of my friends, Andy. I found Brian." Said Nick.

"Really? That's great!" said Andy.

"Yeah. He has two other friends with him. A priestess of Chauntea and an
elven warrior. They have been traveling for some times now." Said
Nick. "The elven warrior nearly cracked Muragh into two when Muragh first
talked to them. Don't blame them, blame Muragh! He should know it by now
that it's not everyday one finds a talking skull in this world."

At that time the door opened and Brian walked in.

"Andy, meet Brian. Brian, this is Andy," said Nick.

Brian smiled at Andy and shook his hand.

"Pleased to meet you Andy."

"Well met, Brian."

"How are you feeling?" asked Brian.

"Weak. But I can manage, I think."

At the moment, Sarelle entered the room.

"Ah, thank Chauntea! You're awake. I am Sarelle of Chauntea. How are you
feeling?"

"A bit weak, I'm afraid." Andy replied.

"Can you walk?" asked the priestess.

"Yes."

"Do you think you can ride a horse?" asked the priestess again, though her
voice became slightly grave.

"Sarelle, what's wrong?" asked Brian.

The priestess looked at Brian.

"We must leave this place. Now." She said grimly.

"What? Why?" asked Nick, standing up.

"I sense great evil about. We must leave now. Hurry, Brian and Nick. Pack
up your things. Galadriel is preparing the horses even as we speak."










About twenty minutes later...

The taproom was filled with the inn patron by the time Sarelle, Brian, Nick
and Andy assembled with their backpack on their back. Andy still hovers
weakly beside the bar while Nick held him worriedly. Brian stood near Andy,
holding Muragh in his hands and lending his support to Andy whenever he
can. Sarelle talked quietly to the innkeeper, Bentley, settling the bills
for their stay here.

They were all dressed for travel. Sarelle and Brian wore their light armor,
with mace and war-hammer hung readily at their belt. Nick wore the
enchanted mage robe he acquired from the wizard he defeated in the
forest. After several hours of research, he discovered that the robe was
enchanted to grant the wearer certain degree of protection from fire, cold,
electricity and magic. His belt holds two wands and a silver dagger. He
held Andy's staff in his hand. Andy wore his usual enchanted battle mage
robe.

Brian looked around worriedly. He would expected to be slightly out of
place considering that they were armed and armored. But most of the inn
patron are similarly armed and armored so to his relief, no one notices
them. Outside, a storm is gathering and the sun has long set. Rumble of
thunders arise occasionally.

Minutes later, Galadriel appeared, garbed completely in her elven crafted
full plate armor. Her silver sword hung readily at her back and her silver
bow held readily in her hand.

"The horses are ready," said the elf quietly.

"Good. One moment," said Sarelle as she counted the gold pieces.

Suddenly, the door of the inn crashed open and a sinister looking man
walked in. Even from the distance, Brian could feel the pulse of evil
radiating from the man. Before him, Sarelle tensed and backed away. The man
looked at Brian and Nick and smiled.

"Two of you?" he said before laughing softly. "I expected of find only
one. It doesn't matter. It merely makes my task easier and my rewards even
better."

With that the man began to float in the air. His body began to shift and
change, turning into a hideous orb with a huge central eye in the middle. A
mouth began to form below the central eye, revealing rows upon rows of
needle-sharp teeth. From this maw came the sound of a thousand snakes
hissing. Even as they watched, numerous snake-like tentacles appeared all
over the orb. At the end of each tentacle, a wicked-looking eye appeared,
gazing in every direction. Brian's eyes widened as he looked at the
creatures and beside him, Nick gasped.

"Gods, help us, a beholder!" Sarelle breathed out as Galadriel slid her
sword out.

For a moment, there was silence while the inn's occupants struggled to
comprehend what had happened. Then the room erupted with a clatter of
toppled chairs and tables and shuffling feet and cries as the inhabitants
sought escape.

Clerics and mages intoned the words of half a dozen spells and wardings as
they backed away from the beast. Here and there, swords and axes flashed as
warriors drew their weapons to defend themselves.

The beholder tilted its head back and one of its tentacles turned towards
an approaching warrior. A disintegrating beam lashes out from the eyestalk
and the warrior gave a terrible tormented shriek before turning into
dust. Then without warning, the beholder sprang forward towards another
warrior and swallows him whole. The beholder tilted its head back again and
spit out the warrior's sword, it's blade propelled upward in a twisting
ribbon of flame. The sword flew into the upper rafters and struck there,
imbedded to the hilt. The flames spread across the ceiling, engulfing the
rafters in a white heat.

The beholder smiled, a wide grin that stretched three-quarters of the way
around its body. The smile lasted only a moment before a battery of
offensive spells struck - bolts of lightning and flame arrows and radiant
blue-white pulses of magic missiles. All about the room, warriors of every
race rushed towards the beast, weapons flashing, as they yelled their war
cries.

In the midst of the din, Galadriel turns to Sarelle and the rest.

"Quickly! Outside! Run!"

They rushed out as quickly as they can. Outside, the alarm was sounded and
more warriors and guards rushed towards the inn. The fire spread with an
unnatural speed and soon half the inn was engulfed in flame. Through the
dancing flame, Brian could see the beholder swallowing a mage whole...

*****************************