Kar came back and sat on the adjacent ordinate chair, fiddling with his fingers. So at odds with how he was, but an hour before.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAviy5HlFNC1
"I know you aren't all that pleased with me at the moment." He pulled his shoulders back a fraction.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAQAxMdtzKCs
"That's an understatement, care to try again?" She said, with a monotone pitch.
932Please respect copyright.PENANApOyuWYXYXd
"I'm to sit and listen to some blather about why you did all of this?"
932Please respect copyright.PENANA538bUUfcOm
Shifting in the chair she crossed her legs. A large window was on the far side of the room behind him. Hopefully, it wasn't too high up.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAQG6vr58x4k
"Everything you've been told is a lie." He held up his hand palm facing her.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAsecS98IGZ7
"Let me finish before you reply."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAkKKZfOv19b
She nodded stiffly. Can't do anything else right now, not while he's watching me.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAFkFckJJksw
"You and your people have been lied to. Unnamed is not what you think he is. He wasn't always like he is now, I'll explain that later."
932Please respect copyright.PENANATlu0fzQIvt
"He didn't cause your people to lose their immortality, becoming barbarians gone berserk, the Undergods did."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAsvZjM211fZ
He shifted in the chair positioning his hands on his legs.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAZCkv4bOKxb
Several minutes of quiet passed.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAvs2OeA2Iwt
Her brows crinkled and she pinched the bridge of her nose.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA5Umg0hFNtR
"Hogwash! If you knew of the pure evil that radiates from him you wouldn't say that. And—the awful things he says."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAyegbdq4la8
Before he could reply there was shouting from below.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAmIYuqLGKM3
"Merryn!"
932Please respect copyright.PENANApFuNCUZlRX
A roaring.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAbB0XIIrG11
"Merryn!"
932Please respect copyright.PENANAtVC29wiF5B
"Stay here." Kar left the room, the door slamming behind.
932Please respect copyright.PENANACLdrBALUln
She stood following him, the noises were louder down the stairwell back to were the scorpo-rats were and the vats of glop.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAuGbjQNpndF
"Begone pest!" Kar shouted.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAH5L41u33Ej
She padded down the stairs, hiding in the shadowed side. The stairwell shook beneath the smooth walls offered noting to grasp as the stairwell tilted. What the hells name was going on down there?
932Please respect copyright.PENANAZ4Ekfdp0M7
Kar shouted below: "-down here now, remember your vow."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAuDFrv0vH54
She stumbled down the stairs, stopping on the landing.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAPV8j1kwiri
A grotesque dusk-rat was between the doorway and the others. It stood on its hind legs. Its wrinkled hairless skin an off gray, the color of rotted meat. Its claws clicked on the stone tiles, sniffing while it elongated its neck. From its twisted maw putrid strands of saliva dribbled.
932Please respect copyright.PENANANvBR5oZPHK
Kar side stepped it.
932Please respect copyright.PENANALUvD4etEo8
He flicked his wrist, making a rolling hand motion. "After you. Dispose of it."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAUQu00quWOy
The Dusk rat tried to stomp on Han, who rolled out of the way.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAs7ezyEUQSw
Parcival sat propped up by a cage. The rat whipped its tail at him. He scooted on his butt backward. The tail cut into the floor like a hot poker, it bumped into an unlit chandelier, candles rolled across the tiles.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAxxpfaQQ1Z6
"Why are you standing there?"
932Please respect copyright.PENANAUkFUQSSn5K
Kar came over and sat on the steps, he reached into his robe through the side taking out two daggers, he held them out.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAMYC9dtXQzl
"Go on bodyguard, kill it."
932Please respect copyright.PENANA04dmzpwlRI
The rat brushed up against the wall, several torches snuffed out. The room darkened; the only light a faint glow from upstairs. She muttered several Elvin curses under her breath.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAId7XUKScrR
"Such naughty things you say, keep that up and I'll to come a courting," He giggled.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA7bgKrUkeOf
"Another good one." He slapped his leg.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA6arrBoVXhu
Han was behind the rat; near the ceiling some chains dangled on pegs. To the left the way outside. To the right Parcival pinned between two cages.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAIVDnUXPKoP
She went around it and over to Han.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA9YPnKxFzKN
"If I boost you—reach the chains?" Talking was hard, each thought was slow to form; each moment unsteady.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAEwz4JtGyO6
The rat kept after Parcival gouging chunks out of the brick wall trying to reach him.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAzkZqFqZkH8
He looked at it for a moment.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAJbA7S3fp0b
"I'll try."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAH1mQppZ2io
He hopped up landing on her shoulders. She held her hands, palms up. He climbed up them and strained to reach for a length that dangled down.
932Please respect copyright.PENANALDfaqGI6zB
She stood on her tiptoes.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAqp56miGvXi
"Stretch, come on!"
932Please respect copyright.PENANAlgpJiKpz2H
The ground shook, she pitched backward into a support beam, something poked her leg. Did all this matter, or would Kar just pull something else, stretching up she touched the chains with her fingers, Olenus willing they'd go free.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA0rYjXkdltn
Han jumped taking hold of the chain.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAJO86Zpk9Rs
"I'll get it loose, help Parcival."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAnzwo49PNJV
The rat dropped down on all fours. It moved over to the stairwell behind her; snapping at Kar.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA1A33J6fyBn
"Save me, bodyguard. Or your life be mine." His eyes twinkled with mischief.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAnljCwf7qbY
What was with that man? Olentan it! She bolted at the rat. Or would have if a barbed hook had not caught on her jerkins.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAZUJ43NuRbY
Kar's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. "Take them off if you must, but I advise you hurry."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAnqVfXnFgSj
He stood still, even when the rat opened its mouth, fangs not an inch from his face.
932Please respect copyright.PENANABSBeCC28YR
The fabric ripped when she leaned forward. She tore the last stuck piece down and tossed it.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAk1XAUDnGBA
The rat turned its head and growled. She smacked it on the bridge of its nose.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAtx1Jl6KDFA
Growling louder it swatted her into an empty container. The glass shattered spraying shards in a radius. A few scratched her arm, but other then that, no real injuries. Good, have some of Olentan's luck for a change.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAxQo15joEBe
Han dropped down the chain in his hands. "What do you want me to do with this?"
932Please respect copyright.PENANA1DAQLE3Wbg
The rat came straight in her face, leaping to the left as it hot dripping jaws passed over her head.
932Please respect copyright.PENANADqYraVdmNt
"Give it ... me." She crouched down over to him.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAbRfqxsb4sb
Her head was so heavy, it was hard to hold it up. She held a hand out.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAZHB5WmN4Lj
Han heaved it over. She caught the end. Now to go around. It was still busy trying to get at Parcival, she crept under it's head pulling the chain with.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAT4Og6ob8gm
Kar picked his teeth, looking at nothing.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAMHqtSYMnCC
Hot breath warmed the back of her neck. Turning the rat snapped at her, she rolled, got up and finished going around it with the chain.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAEo55NkEnWe
The rusty chandelier squeaked as it swung on its chain. If this didn't work ... She ran for the stairwell, chain in tow; clanking.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA01SygSVmbZ
The rat roared again is footfalls thudded behind, it's stench filled the basement. Merryn breathed through her mouth. As to what it had been eating for breath like that—never mind.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAB8Kr1ZPvLx
She skidded on the dry dirt and hopped on the control box of the container.
932Please respect copyright.PENANADNhW9q8s02
The rat pitched forward toward the stairwell. Kar craned his neck, holding his palms up. The look on his face would have been comical in another situation. She bit the inside of her cheek and bolted for Kar. A quick vision of strangling the man started—as did a head pain.
932Please respect copyright.PENANARQk50mrEun
She slid under the rat, stuck out her arm, pulling Kar out of the way.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAoq1QjIS6VL
The rat squeaked an all too human sound of surprise; it wedged its head in the stairwell. Ha! Take that, you overgrown furred pouch! It clawed at the wall and roared so loud that the ceiling beams shook.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA0rSpbiJvmS
Kar had sat down on a stool next to the stairwell. She went over to him, shaking her fist. It was too hard to talk.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAhvR4yyC4Cz
His eyes gleamed at her. He stood up pinching her cheek, then sat back down.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAyXulZAfgz6
She stared at him for a moment before going back to the cages. It took that long caught between wanting to smack him and trying not to.
932Please respect copyright.PENANASywE0hPivO
"Damn this vow, and damn you!"
932Please respect copyright.PENANAuCMeVAK6yG
Kar made motions with a hand like a person taking while mouthing the words back, in a mocking tone.
932Please respect copyright.PENANABztzzUxLv6
"Arrg!"
932Please respect copyright.PENANAzZJvft1P4l
"Come on ignore him and get over here!" Han said.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAqB07BZ65gb
She climbed onto some cages that leaned against the wall; working up to the chandelier. A good toss would do it. Several attempts later she wrapped the chain around the rim. It looked like there were two of them. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes. Please, not now body, not yet.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAoM5YoSpfAz
The rat had worked its head almost free. Big pieces of stone dropped off the sides as it clawed at them with it's hind legs.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAshvzn92QQa
Tugging on the chain a few times before she climbed higher on the chandelier. Now the tricky part, she dropped one end down towards the cage, then tossed the other end over the other side where it dangled near the ground.
932Please respect copyright.PENANANh5Da1xXEc
She dropped down, and spilled on her side. Nothing wanted to move.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAdZF7c9VqpO
"Rid me of this problem and I'll consider neutralizing the weakness potion," Kar said.
932Please respect copyright.PENANABJj90yncCg
Han scooted over.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAcCTpm4gnFp
"What next?"
932Please respect copyright.PENANADGpY4Be3Up
"I was thinking of ..." She said the rest close to his ear.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA2OSbWGiEzg
"Alright, we need to be quick."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAlBCljY6mbj
"Follow me."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAgU2i0sVoBG
She climbed up the cages, yanked the chain down, and threaded it in the bars. Whistling at Han while pointing to the other chain.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA820LbEJ7gc
He bounded up on the cages, worked over to the other end of the chain hanging from it.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAlsvAQtILfK
She went to the edge of the cage on top leaping just above Han; reached up, grabbed the chain too. Their weight lifted the cage up a little. Great, this might work.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAej1TEo3lZM
Parcival pulled his leg out and scooted out from under the cages, he was still trapped behind them.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAVAUOYPqnXz
The rat clawed at the stairwell pulling its head out.
932Please respect copyright.PENANABJr7iJVQlz
It zeroed in on her.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA2f9HpPkqNB
Whipping its tail about, the dirt sprayed where it struck.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAhJvmWjWiBz
She hopped back, then ran close to the wall cut away from it, toward Han. She scrambled back up the chandelier wrapping her legs around the main chain that held it up. She bounced, jiggled and pulled on it. Come on ...
932Please respect copyright.PENANADmoMVzJoX1
The Dusk rat tilted its head and just stood there.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAZsyONjdG7K
She pointed to Han and then back at Parcival. He made a face, but jumped down and went over to Parcival.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAgPWSyGrdhY
The rat moved a step closer. What was its problem?
932Please respect copyright.PENANAHW1loX4C8W
Humm. She dangled off of the edge waving her arms. That did it, the rat licked its lips and went below her.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAXTbTyjiUmM
She sat up, swung around kicking at the cage.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAjxQvGjcdrG
It shuttered, but did not fall.
932Please respect copyright.PENANATYVqL5iKt5
She kicked it again until it unwrapped. The cage struck the rat on it's back, it fell; screeching, then its eyes rolled in the back of its head.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA3pngJef97E
Kar stood up clapping.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAZjE69s1t6f
"Wonderful. Very entertaining. Next time doesn't toss my pets into any open vats." He winked.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA8rP02QaRhS
He looked at Han and Parcival. "Go."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAY2lrgjKCwx
Han pounced at Kar his saber held out in front of him.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAYblpwhCqQq
"Stop him. Now." Kar said.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAoQbvDye007
She ran in front of him with her arms held out shaking her head.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAgXINgEQJUT
"What are you doing?"
932Please respect copyright.PENANA6GJMqfWfkZ
"Just go." She turned around following behind Kar.
932Please respect copyright.PENANARqhMqZgzbL
Upstairs, he pointed to a bench near the doorway.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA7RiOWIM5Qv
She huffed, and sat. It was hard to stay angry. Sleep, let me sleep. I'll get angry later. Was that his plan, exhaust me?
932Please respect copyright.PENANAcTWkLOzzvA
"I may have embellished on the truth some." He stood there with his hands held behind his back.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAANYrQlH40J
"On what?"
932Please respect copyright.PENANAMPqWuCHfSX
"Mmmm. The potion in the vial. It won't kill you." He giggled, a low sort that sent a prickle on her arms.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAu95L1VkjcM
"You sick son of a basnar." She slammed the bench with a fist.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAR2tqZ9yafK
"Ooh, you have some energy left yet. Good. No more talking now, I tire of it." He draged a line with his finger across his throat. "Understand?"
932Please respect copyright.PENANAh45sTWC4yX
She snorted at him.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAdtsgkK3IC6
"Good."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAYTGs3tuOPM
Uneven footsteps behind, that grew louder. Her ears swiveled towards it.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAaAzSXXLIQr
Parcival limped up the stairs and pointed his sword at Kar.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAN1IuZc7Arr
Kar tilted his chin up. "Cut me. Watch what happens."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAD7FhfFNq0X
She stood, pushing down on it.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAmyvad99Wn2
"Go home." Jaw clenched, she pushed away an ocean, a dark rolling ocean of tears. Now wasn't the time, come on, stop it.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAidepwfasA9
"I will not. I don't know why you are acting like this. I Intend to find out, and will not leave until I do." He stood rigidly, looking at Kar without blinking.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAisJRMxk6D1
Oh, gods. She straightened and looked him in the eyes. Her legs shook as she pushed within.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAAU3w4svrkj
Han came up soon after. He padded over to her and sat down on the bench. "I'm not going anywhere."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAC0N7YzkJMj
"Choices. Each one determines a different outcome." Kar traced a finger along the sword, as he came closer the pointed nail grew in length.
932Please respect copyright.PENANABy2yyqxNzO
"What choice will you make, Palitan?"
932Please respect copyright.PENANAzqcDDMUZu9
Parcival startled.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAJMOWQCoI4r
"That's right I know. Have you-"
932Please respect copyright.PENANALJps9X31qk
Parcival lunged forward, pushing on the handle end with with his palm, while holding the handle with his right.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAAXuxHA5Y8j
Palitan? No. No. No. Kar started to look less sinister and ... No snap out of it, it's a lie! It has to be! If he was one he'd have sealed me away by now ...
932Please respect copyright.PENANAeOoSHPaWdp
If I could just move.
932Please respect copyright.PENANASIiTx1X8HF
I can free you. The cost being most of your energy. It'll come back by next week. Deal? Unamed said.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA50ekR9Nb0k
Why do you ask, what kind of a weak god are you?
932Please respect copyright.PENANAlvdlUatEpV
Fool! Do not anger me! It would work against my best interests to just outright drain your energy, as you'd die.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAaNsZPCSSp4
Ah, you need me. If I could smile I would.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAL8VvNoYzOX
As do you. Choose, they aren't going to wait.
932Please respect copyright.PENANActBxxQyyv1
Parcival had already broken through Kar's fear rune magics inscribed on his robe. I think it may work out.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAA6XJCxAU9j
She could almost feel Unnamed shrugging. Too bad the energy boost would have speed things up.
932Please respect copyright.PENANATzKCfLhfcn
Such as?
932Please respect copyright.PENANAYhIrgpVKxZ
Unnamed didn't answer. It felt like he had fallen asleep? Did talking tire him?
932Please respect copyright.PENANAoG9G8CDkUU
Kar leapt back.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAxeP3WivBxB
"Kill him."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAgcwHzYS8z4
A sharp pain crossed her left side on her chest. She grimaced taking in shallow breaths through her nose. No. No. No!
932Please respect copyright.PENANAy4ssxpHnoA
She caught his blade between her hands yanking him forward.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAzeqGbZZqFZ
"Are you possessed woman?" Parcival pulled the sword back.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAO9GD1JgmAB
Yes, you idiot, I am. The spell clamped her jaw shut befor she cold say anything. So damn frustrating. She released it before it cut a hand. There, an opening. She kneed him in the stomach dropped down on the pads of her feet, stuck a leg out tripping him. Come on hero fight back!
932Please respect copyright.PENANAiTkLkKPxAH
He crashed down and the sword slid behind him teetering on the top of the stairs.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAHLU5TIGrly
Kar came up beside, he had a strange glow to him that wasn't there before.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA60vhnyugnS
"That should be enough, blood is so messy. You may go." Kar poked Parcival with a foot.
932Please respect copyright.PENANASP4yHIRceo
Kar shrunk down, his youthful features became wrinkled, his hair white and his fingers bony. Then this reversed and he changed back.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAF97sIvAqsV
She saw it, but it didn't register for another minute.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAPcoMqsdl1B
"The merchant."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAzWR5ciR2tF
He simply nodded.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAjhAfTn91wk
Kar became youthful again, then went behind, wrapping his arms around her neck.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAJEHKF5lCIq
"Get off!" She tried to shake him off but couldn't move.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAkXpu8gDSTl
"She does what I say. leave now and she will be set free soon after." He patted the side of her face.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA0c0uJR6y4E
I hate you. A flash of a day dream cane of cutting his head off with crossed daggers.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAu0kthH2xLC
Han came over and tapped Parcival on the leg. "let's go."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAjEaf36oDLv
They both turned around and started to walk away.
932Please respect copyright.PENANARNVP7wcDtj
It's good they were going. They shouldn't be mixed-don't leave me with him! She trembled all over, sweat drenched her under shirt.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAQhWX7JULzP
Tich. The Dentree's have gotten soft.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAq3Ps6eZOZK
Shut it.
932Please respect copyright.PENANADaozOx6cfm
Unnamed scratched inside ... the truth is hard to take.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA3ZAWHeqKHG
Kar separated from her and followed behind them to close the wooden door.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAa3pc8MEJiw
Han slid under Kar's legs, jumped up and grappled hers.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAqAQplYTRR1
She dropped a dagger it bounced across the floor out of sight. Damn it! The air surged out of her chest.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAVXJ3GXn8yv
"Ooof."
932Please respect copyright.PENANA9byIHjCWT9
"Don't." Parcival had Kar at bay with a small sparkling light ball.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAEW2dhxtp4m
"Tisk-Tisk. If she doesn't get the antidote, she'll continue to try to kill you. This might last all day or all week. There is really no need for this."
932Please respect copyright.PENANArVljSgF6zm
He faded, then vanished. Seconds later he whispered behind her.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAMTFDO0Bh9K
"You will come back and finish our talk."
932Please respect copyright.PENANAsi5QEjSB67
He placed his hands on her shoulders. A hot sensation spiked through her and she gasped.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAGQ0Uj7S2NS
"I forbid-"
932Please respect copyright.PENANAp4DcD0zege
Parcival never finished as Kar stood before him a pointed nail inches from his eye.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAY9GaguD9JO
Parcival blanched; his eyes crossed at the nail end.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAodETA7XBa5
"You are all very fortunate I've transformed for the day. Tomorrow, however, when I find you I will not hesitate to annihilate you both."
932Please respect copyright.PENANATUru2h9yFw
The look he gave her changed from cold to something softer almost, pleading?
932Please respect copyright.PENANAOzkFibkZAj
Kar-it was as if-no he's just nuts. The further away they all got from him the better.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAYN6kn5Mzcg
Parcival picked her up and she hit and kicked him full strength. He slammed into wall.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAkbPauPSoUk
Han was on her back; a flash of silver, then a poke.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAcbTE0OSCRF
"This was meant for Kar. Sorry lass."
932Please respect copyright.PENANABMhrX7NkBR
Parcival grunted and shook his arms out and rubbed his chest where the kick landed.
932Please respect copyright.PENANA4jIzQTkpAl
"Remind me to stand away when you're kicking someone."
932Please respect copyright.PENANA24LDLhvUWI
She toppled back and slid against the banister.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAGcl0EghRMj
Parcival pulled her back up and carried her, tight. Her knees almost touched her nose, all muscles refused to cooperate.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAHnkimWSBId
"Quickly now," he said to Han. They leaped down the stairs using the wall for balance.
932Please respect copyright.PENANAexdTmb3kt3
Kar stood at the top of the stairway watching. His green eyes flared blue covering the whites. Emptiness and loss filled her core, such a strange thing considering what he did. 932Please respect copyright.PENANAwNZKLpb8Zs
932Please respect copyright.PENANA4FSLxbaiS7
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