-- In Progress --

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The Towers

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Copyright (C) 1997 by Charles Tryon

16: In Sight

Sucaba waits while the group gathers around, answering short questions, but putting off long ones until everyone has dropped their gear and settled down. His voice is firm and clear. The tone is serious.

"The foothills continue beyond today's travels, but we must press on. We will march another 3 hours tonight, in preparation for our assault. We will stop just short of where the foothills end. Beyond the foothills is an incredible chasm. We have no hope of climbing to our goal, but we have a plan."

A brief pause and Sucaba continues. "The tower, is located on a plateau, within the chasm. Both the tower and the plateau are invisible. If not for the keen eyes of my friend here, we very well may never have found it."

"Well, good for Horton." the Sumatran says.

Sucaba pauses, but soon his voice emerges from the air yet again. "Horton can travel from the end of the foothills, into the chasm, and onto the invisible plateau in about 15 minutes. We did a trial run of this while invisible. Nothing stirred at the tower. There seem to be no external guards. I have abilities to get nearly everyone to the plateau, but it would take nearly all my magiks. I propose the following. If you have other ideas, please raise them when I am finished. I would like to save some of my powers for the assault itself.

We should approach in stealth. Horton and I will stay invisible. I have magic to allow me to see the tower. I will use this before we leave. I can then use magic to shrink four of you, who can then join be on Horton's back at the edge of the chasm. These four will be Conrad, GreyEagle, Marianne, and Laurel. Even reduced, they will be a burden to Horton, but we should be able to make the short flight. We will secure you all with rope. Then I will use invisibility again to make all six of use invisible, as you four will not become invisible from my past magics. Mages, I would like to not spend this spell myself. Can you aid me?"

"With the rest of you still well hidden, we will fly over and drop our invisible raiding party off on the plateau. Horton and I will then return to get Ormec and Trouble, whom I will levitate. We will then drag them through the air to the tower. Mages, I cannot both levitate and cast further invisibility, suggestions? Any of you others have means to become invisible?"

"This leaves three. We need to find someway to get you to the plateau. I am open to suggestions. Coyle, you are coming with us. We will hide the horses in the foothills and tie them up there with as much food as we can. Our business within the tower will be brief, after which we will return for them."

At this, GreyEagle gives a sudden look of surprise, and she quickly looks from Sucaba to Coyle and back again. She appears to be pleased with this turn of events...

Coyle looks relieved and pleased at the revision of plans. He nods his head and smiles at GreyEagle. He listens quietly to the discussion going on between the mages and Conrad. He sends an occasional glance at Ormec but the dwarf apparently has nothing to say. When the opportunity comes to speak with Horton and Sucaba, perhaps during a rest break for the horses, he asks the two of them some questions.

Raal speaks up. "Could you see the tower once you got there? How will WE see the tower?"

"No, Raal, I could not see it. Only Horton's keen eyes were not fooled by the illusion. I do not know how to gain visibility for anyone but myself. Horton and I may have to guide you inside."

Raal looks around and then asks Sucaba if he plans to leave Rex behind.

With great excitement, Rex rushes over to where Sucaba & Horton are (he hopes). He drops his gear down and listens intently. When Sucaba is finished, Rex looks to Horton/Sucaba and says, "You have both done a fine job. You never cease to amaze me with your abilities."

Laurel is excited by Sucaba's announcement. As Sucaba announces his plan, she listen carefully. When he is finished she thinks for a moment and then removes a blue stone from under her cloak. She releases it in the air in front of her and it starts to circle around her head. "My mistress stores spells in this stone for me to use in my travels. One of the spells will allow me to make everyone and their equipment virtually weightless and able to ride the wind. Unfortunately it will last nearly 2 hours. Once cast, we can rise and descend at will but will be at the mercy of the wind unless anchored in place. If everyone were tied to Horton and then I cast the spell Horton could drag us along. I suppose we could time it so that the spell ends shortly after we reach the plateau, but we'd better not err on the short side and loose it too soon. I have no means to make us invisible, however." Laurel glances around to see how people feel about her suggestion.

Trouble smiles proudly, and gives her a one-armed hug. "I regret that I have no magic which will help get us there safely."

"This means we can all go at once. It also means that I can make two people invisible instead of levitating them. Combined with a spell like the one cast on Horton, perhaps we can all be invisible." Sucaba pauses. "This is good Laurel, but I'd still like to save more of my magic."

As Sucaba finishes, GreyEagle raises her hand. "How long will we have to rest?" she asks. "We have traveled long already, and if we are to travel extra tonight, we may be near exhaustion. An immediate attack on the tower, without any rest, would put us at a severe disadvantage. It also strains the limits of the spell that can be cast in preparation. Was your plan to attack as soon as we hit the plateau, or to conceal ourselves there until we are ready?"

"We will travel to a spot where we can be rest in seclusion until tomorrow. From there, in the morning, we will venture as far as we can without fear of being seen, and then invoke the plan."

She hesitates for just a moment. "How large is the plateau and what is the surface like? If we cannot see it, it will be difficult to cross, not to mention attacking whatever inhabitants might still be there! You said that you would be able to see, but you did not mention what would happen with the rest of us..."

"I do not know. I can lend sight only to myself. If we have no further means, Horton and I will have to guide the rest. My hope is that once inside, we will all be able to see."

As Raal and GreyEagle ask if the tower can be seen once arrived at, Rex nods his head also, "Yes, if we can not see it when we are there, then we are useless."

GreyEagle looks at Rex and smiles. "Well, it looks like we may not need your climbing lessons... not *yet* at least.)

Rex turns to her and winks, "And we can be grateful for that. This group needs a few more lessons before I'd have myself tied to you on a mountain side."

The grey cloaked mage sits on a rock listening to all this. After Sucaba finishes, Dark Star and says "I have no need of your spells to become invisible."

GreyEagle will spin around and give him a VERY surprised look!

Rex turns to this new voice and realizing it the silent one, says, "And here I thought you were going to save all your speech for the ladies you have become acquainted with along the way. Well, it's a pleasure to know that we have finally said something worth your while." Rex laughs a bit and leaves the Red haired mage to himself.

Dark Star looks at Rex for a brief moment and the turns back to Sucaba to add this: "The fighters should be given a battle strategy before the attack."

"Yes," GreyEagle continues, not taking her eyes off the formerly silent mage. "It would be good to have some idea of what we are up against before we all go blundering in the front door."

Raal's familiar voice heckles from the back: "Yeah, they didn't do so good last time..."

As the discussion begins, Rex adds his two copper pieces: "Since the tower and plateau are invisible, there is some magic at work in this place... perhaps the chasm is also an illusion?"

"Horton's eyes perceived the tower and plateau as invisible," Sucaba replied. "He said nothing of the chasm. What say you, Horton, could the chasm be unreal? We travelled within for sometime, so I believe it to be real. Perhaps the result of a previous assault on the tower itself?"

Horton looks pleased (by this time, Sucaba's invisibility is no longer effective against the party since he is making no effort to conceal himself) and answers, "I am pretty sure the chasm is real, I don't believe I could have flown in it otherwise. The depth of it may be illusion, but I am not sure of that. The chasm is miles long, it would have had to have been a MAJOR assault to topple mountains and create that chasm!

Recuahc scratched his chin. "What is at the floor of it? I am just wondering if perhaps there is some hidden path to the tower. Also... I would think that someone with magic that strong would also have traps of some kind... though perhaps they thought that the location and invisibility would be enough of a deterrent to locating the tower."

"The plateau felt like stone," Sucaba said, turning to the dragon. "Horton, what did you see?"

"It is stone," Horton added, "and not large enough for hiding. It is bare stone, relatively flat, about 40-50 feet across or so, I'd guess. I don't know why Sucaba couldn't see it, I am glad I did though, I almost flew into it!"

After Horton's response.... "As far as entrances, we say windows, a main door, and a trap door of sorts in the roof of the tower. I would also expect traps. Conrad, you will have difficulty working without sight. Marianne, I have known priests to find traps magically. Can you do this?"

Marianne thinks for a moment and then shakes her head, "I am not familiar with that spell, Sucaba. It may be more difficult to cast than I can manage right now, I am still very new at this. I will pray for guidance, and see if anything comes to me."

Rex asks Sucaba, "I do not understand how your spells work... but... why can you not make at least one of the rest of us invisible when you make yourself and Horton invisible for the first time??? As for the rest of the plan, we indeed need you to save some of your magic for assaulting the tower. Would it be possible to scout the tower more before we attack it?

Sucaba shook his head. "My best invisibility magic will only cover so much territory. I do not think we can stay within this area for long enough to make it useful."

Conrad appears to have caught the excitement as well. "If we can all float, and be pulled, Can't you make 6 others invisible Sucaba? If we can't all be invisible and we still want to be less-visible, shrinking some of us still might make sense, but small fighters probably are less useful."

"No," Sucaba replied firmly, "I do not have the magiks to do that. I can make an area around one invisible, and two individuals. I would prefer to not have to use all of this either."

Conrad: "If we continue and then rest, we could arrive at dawn on the plateau, and then not need the invisibility at all. I think the reason we had to have it with the first version of the plan was 4 of us would be staying there and need to be hidden. If we are all there, and all active we can just charge the tower and get out of the open. Heck, if we are flying, we might as well come down on the top?!?"

Sucaba: "I would like to try to get into the tower without being seen. From the top may be the best way, but invisibility is still key."

Conrad asks, "Once there, do we have magics to open the door or trapdoor?"

"I cannot," Sucaba said with a frown. "Can anyone else? Perhaps we can sprinkle dust or chalk to make the door visible to you, and you can examine it for traps?"

"Sucaba," Rex adds, "could we somehow use the same hut that you made as shelter to keep us invisible throughout the night??? Then we could attack at first light. What I am thinking is that you could make yourself and Horton invisible and travel to the plateau under cover of darkness. Then you could construct the hut, and transport us invisibly as we have discussed. Once there, the mages could rest for the night and be fully prepared at dawns first light."

Rex sighs, "I do not know if this is a good idea or even possible, but I thought I would offer the thought at least. I wish I could offer more... I know we could not all fit before... so even if it were possible..."

Sucaba considers what has been said so far. "With Laurel's spell, all of us can float and be towed by Horton. I can make two of you invisible independently of where you go. I will also cast an invisibility the will surround one of you by 10 feet. All within this area that stay within will remain invisible." Sucaba pauses. "In the morning, when we are ready to take flight, I will cast these spells. Horton and I are already invisible, you, Sucaba says pointing to the now talking mage, what is your name?"

The gray-cloak mage looks to Sucaba and replies: "I can teach the Chaotic (indicating Trouble) to open the door if he can learn the spell."

Trouble looks around behind him, and then back at the Rat-master mage. "Do you mean me? You can call me Trouble. I've never made a secret of what to call me. I am willing to attempt to learn this spell."

"We do not have time for study," Sucaba answered quickly. "We will need rest tonight and move quickly in the morning. You will assist us with the door yourself, unless you have more important magiks to utilize." Trouble nodded his agreement.

"You can make yourself invisible, yes?" Sucaba asked, turning to the red haired mage. The other mage held Sucaba in his gaze, but said nothing.

Sucaba rolled his eyes. "We have no time for games now, my friend. Decide whether or not you can talk another day. Will you make yourself invisible?"

"Yes."

Sucaba looked at the others. "I will also make Conrad and Rex invisible. Then, the rest of you will collect closely, holding hands in a circle, with Marianne in the center and I will cast the area spell on her. In this way, we can all be towed invisibly to the tower. We must plan further tonight on strategies once there. Perhaps Horton and I should do another recon first, to see if anything has changed and gather more information. Can anyone help with trap detection or defeating the invisibility somehow? Ormec, you lead an effort to create a battle strategy at camp tonight."

"We can hope the tower is empty..." the rat chuckled.

GreyEagle lets out a short sputter, which she quickly suppresses. "That would be convenient." Then she turned serious. "One thing for sure though, this tower will not be overrun by simple-minded orcs like the previous tower. With its hidden location, I suspect that it will either be empty, as Raal says, or occupied by something much more powerful."

Raal looked up at her with a crooked smile. "Yes. So tomorrow after we execute Sucaba's plan to storm the tower, we will either be puzzling out its invisibility or simply be killed by its invisible defenders. We don't even need the dwarf's plans!

She looks at Sucaba. "Schimray said that the magics of the towers had faded over time. Could a spell such as this have lasted over hundreds of years, or would there have to be someone there to maintain it?"

Sucaba smiles wryly. "Powerful mages can easily make such effects last for a very, very long time."

Rex has been deep in thought, but stirs at Sucaba's words. "Perhaps, I should go do recon with you if possible. I can not help open any locks... to think that I now wish I had paid attention to Shetlar's teachings." Rex chuckles to himself. "If all else fails, I could attempt to bend any bars we encounter... but if we are discovered at this point, it would be very dangerous to try."

"In any event, it may be possible to make me invisible and drop me on the plateau. I will know if the illusion goes away then. If so, I may be able to climb the wall and get a look at things. I need Horton to tell me if the surface looked climbable."

Rex frowned, "Of course, there is the possibility of being discovered, or setting off a trap, and I will have no light to see inside. The other thing is the noise from Horton's wings. We were able to hear you when you arrived. This may be enough to alert anyone inside."

"I guess we hope as Raal mentioned. Let the tower be empty. If not, we must wait for the floating to end... how would we fight when a breeze can blow us around?"

Conrad: "It sounds like we do want to approach from the top. As before, I think Horton will only be able to provide protection to us outside, He should not be landing with us, but dropping us off."

Trouble spoke up. "I do not think it would be wise to land one dragon, ten people, and one large rat on top of an invisible building. We could miss an edge or just crumble the roof under the weight."

GreyEagle looks at the (now visible?) dragon. "Horton is not *that* big. Unless this is a very small tower, I cannot imagine him having any trouble just *landing* on the roof. The only risk would be if the roof was made of wood and the timbers had rotted. Besides," she adds with a smile at Horton, "If there is trouble, I would like to have a dragon near by..."

Conrad: "I can check for traps on the door even if it is invisible, and may be able to open it. The usual defense for those sorts of things are strong bars behind it, and I doubt I could move one. If Trouble is ready to spring it we would be in a good position."

Trouble looks at Conrad again. "Perhaps, but keep in mind that I have not even learned this spell yet."

Conrad: "The last tower included a parapet if my memory serves me correctly. I doubt we would stumble off the edge. I have to believe that once inside we will see through the invisibility illusion."

Conrad: "Speaking of being inside. The plan to enter should expect a fun-filled time in the very first room. Once we get the door open we will likely be spotted. The fastest way to the next level would be to drop down... What am I thinking - We'll probably still be floating. If we concentrate on pushing ourselves "down" to the floor we could walk on the roof. When we open the door we all float down as fast as we can to get out of the open."

"We won't know what exactly to expect, but we can be prepared."

Sucaba waved his hands. "Yes, yes," he said impatiently, "enough for now. Let us move forward. I will consider your words and we will finalize our plans after we have had some time to think. Let us continue now in earnest toward the tower."

Coyle: "Horton, was there a door on the first level as well as the two windows? What was the trapdoor in the roof made of, wood or stone?" he asks Horton and Sucaba to draw a picture of the tower and plateau and studies it for a moment. "We could try a double assault, Ormec and I could storm the lower level, with some magic to back us up. If anyone is home, once we engage them, GreyEagle and Rex with help to get the trapdoor open, could enter from that direction and hit them from both sides. It may be a little riskier since we don't know what we're up against, but at least we won't be all bunched up together. Sucaba, do we have any kind of plan to get off that plateau if things should take a turn for the worse. Horton won't be able to carry us all back at full weight. Is there any chance we can get some kind of recon in before hitting the tower. Sneak one person in, invisibly and quietly, if possible, and check out as much of the tower as possible. We may be able to determine how and if the invisibility spell will affect us once inside. Just some things to think about before we head out tomorrow." Coyle will press for as many details of the tower and plateau as Sucaba and Horton can remember.

Rex listens to all the discussions going on and has only a few things to add. "We may not agree with what Conrad suggested, but he did bring up some good points to think about... there were a lot of other good suggestions, too. It sounds like we still need more information about what we are up against... and I'd like to remedy that situation. As Coyle mentioned, we need Sucaba and Horton to go back and look things over. And if they have no objections, I think that I am best suited to going with them. I am hoping to be able to climb the tower in some way and find another way in. Then, perhaps, we will be able to use a frontal attack as more of a distraction and then surround our adversaries from the rear. In that case, it would not be necessary to open the trap door on the roof."

Then Rex shrugs as says, "However, if the roof is the only other way in, then making a lot of noise at the main entrance may be a good way to distract anyone who may be in the top of the tower. We should decide before we make camp."

Rex looks (unless they are still invisible) at Horton and Sucaba and says, "Are any of the entrances you saw large enough for Horton to be able to enter the tower? You may be the equivalent of an `ace up our sleeve.' What I mean is that you may want to stay invisible as long as possible and then swoop in and deal the decisive blow. It would be a fitting role."

Horton shakes his head, "not a chance. But you should be small enough to fit in through one of the windows on the first floor. It appeared to be deserted inside, although it is impossible for me to be sure. I did see some stairs ascending, similar to the first tower. You might be able to climb them, but there's no telling if they are safe and what you'll find at the top. But is certain that I will never fit inside!" Horton chuckles and shakes his head again.

Two hours after the groups normal stopping time Sucaba lands. "We will rest here." Quietly, he and Horton move away from the group to think as they begin to make camp.

After about an hour and a half, Sucaba and Horton join the rest of the party. "Horton and I will leave to learn more at Midnight. There is no sense creating a further plan until our return. Prepare guards shifts without us."

Sucaba then says a few short words to Horton, and then moves to have a short conversation with Rex. After that, he moves off to prepare his bedroll, in close proximity to where Horton has curled up.

The grey-cloaked mage take his assigned guard shift but otherwise is not very social this night.

When Sucaba finally stops us, Rex will suggest *not* creating any sort of a campfire for the night's meal. "Since we are close to the Tower, we should not risk being seen. A fire would allow any scouts to see us easily."

Marianne has made it her business to join in on GreyEagle's and Laurel's shift. I was assuming each shift was 2 hours long, leaving you a couple of hours in the morning and evening when everyone is awake, but not actively guarding. With Sucaba and Horton gone, each shift is half an hour longer.

Sucaba and Horton return about an hour after they departed (so it is 1am). Sucaba, initially invisible, taps GreyEagle on the shoulder and informs her that he is back. He pushes off any questions until morning, and tells her that he is not to be disturbed until 8am.

Now you may have gotten up early enough to memorize your spells before Sucaba and Horton awaken (actually Horton tries to snooze a little longer, but his hunger seems to win out!) but whether you would choose to memorize spells before you knew what you were facing is another question! Marianne does pray, but only for a few minutes to greet the new day, before she heads over to the food packs and starts rummaging through them. She quietly gets breakfast started, trying not to disturb the late sleepers.

Some time during mid-morning, Sucaba's voice emerges from a space near where the dragon is lying. "We have learned much. Gather around.", he commands as he pops into view.

"The tower is heavily guarded by lizard creatures, having heads like a fish, and glowing red eyes. They number more than a score, and ride dinosaur mounts that look like an ostrich. There are fewer of these, less than a dozen."

Not stopping for questions, he continues. "We witnessed these creatures emerge from a secret hole in the plateau, some 15 feet wide. They then entered the tower. The tower has a doorway (no door) and 4 windows (all at ground level), plus the trap door in the roof. I have drawn a map for you to examine. The trap door in the roof is magical, so we should be very wary for magical devices or traps.

"The tower and plateau are invisible from the outside, but my magic gave me sight. Even then, the view from the doorway or the windows was an illusion. From outside, the inside looked empty and barren. I braved a step into the tower door, and saw the true contents. The fish creatures and their mounts nearly fill the first floor, and guard the circular stairway which leads up- stairs. They wear chain mail and wield battle axes for the most part. At the top of the stairwell, there is a trap door into the ceiling. This door is also magical, and likely trapped. Beyond the door I heard screaming, that I believe was human." GreyEagle looks up when she hears this, but does not immediately respond. "I also heard chanting in a language foreign to me. I can only assume that these creatures are involved in some sort of rituals within the tower walls. These may very well only occur at night, which may leave the tower less occupied in the daytime."

Sucaba gazes at GreyEagle and Ormec. "Do not allow your emotions to interfere with this mission. Our priority is a swift and merciless attack. Prisoners, if any, must be rescued last. if not, they will have time to take hostages, as before."

"The inside of the tower is unnaturally warm, I could not tell why. The tower also prevents noise inside from going outside. I testing sending magical messages from inside to the outside without success. Our plans must be well understood, as communications may be a problem if we split. Enough has been learned to invalidate previous plans. I am, in fact, no longer certain that we all need to be invisible. It seems detection is inevitable. Ideas?"

Rex listens intently as Sucaba relates his details. "Very well done indeed. This we could not have even imagined. It is the ultimate in brashness that they have not even a door on the tower. Either they are very strong or very foolish in their contentment. The interior is likely warm because they are, as Sucaba noted, very lizard-like. They are likely susceptible to cold. If only we were able to wield sleet!"

Sucaba will reinforce that the magic which makes the tower look empty is a powerful one, so the current apparent apathy was not always held. Perhaps these creatures know nothing of the magics, but worship there for their own reasons.

Rex thinks for a moment and adds, "I have heard some of what occurred at the first tower, so I understand your reservations about going to the prisoners. However, there are likely to be less guards up there than in the bottom section. And the roof may still be a good place to enter the tower. It is likely to be easier to deal with a trapped door from the outside while no one is trying to kill us. This would also be easier to defend once we got inside... the rest of the guards would have to come up the stairs to us."

Raal: "I've never met a big-bird riding fish-headed lizard to know what they'd be likely to do, so I wouldn't jump to conclusions. But if someone used Spider-Magic to seal their opening when they were down their hole, we wouldn't have to worry about them at all."

"Yes." Sucaba nodded, "I have given the same idea some thought. Sealing the hole during the assault should limit the opponents numbers until we hold the tower."

Recuahc: "Perhaps we need to examine things during the daytime. As Sucaba noted, the routine of the tower may be different during the daytime. Perhaps these things need to sleep at some time. I do not know... can we afford to spend another day mapping the tower???"

"I would not like to spend another day here, as we may be discovered."

Rex lets out a sigh, "Since Sucaba was able to get such a good look at things while invisible, it may *still* be a good idea for at least some of us to be invisible. Maybe then we could start an attack from *inside* the tower and surprise them completely."

"Yes. I agree.", Sucaba says looking at Horton. "If we can get some of us inside undetected, Horton can help. Lets say we get some of us inside, and another group creates some sort of diversion outside to get the beasts to investigate. Those of us inside can block doors and windows while Horton deals with those stranded out on the plateau. I feel that the tower will be minimally manned in the daytime. Last night seemed to be a meeting of sorts."

Raal: "Yes, it seems strange that Sucaba claims to have walked among them but says the invisibility won't work. I've a platinum that says he's invisible when we go. Of course I will be too."

"I did not mean we should not utilize some invisibility," Sucaba scowled, "but depending on the assault, we may need only a scout group. I would prefer to have some magic left for attack."

"One thing I do know though," Recuahc added, "we should find this secret entrance to the plateau. I never liked the thought of being as light as the wind anyway and this entrance may make this unnecessary..."

Trouble chimes in: "`Trap' doors are likely to have `traps' on them. I prefer to enter through the open doorway. And as much as I would like to approach the place with my feet on the ground, coming up through the opening in the plateau, it would probably be safer to fly over as we discussed before - as long as we can time it correctly so we only have to wait around a few minutes before Laurel's spell wears off."

"How tall is the tower," GreyEagle asks finally. "Did it look like there were more than the two levels? The warmth, and the silence, might be due to a spell similar to the one you used to create the dome, Sucaba."

The tower is 30' tall. From what I saw, I'd say the door in the ceiling of the main area, and the door on the roof open into a common, as of yet unseen, area.

She looks at the mages. "What sort of explosive magics do you posses? That might be one way to seal off the entrance into the pit next to the tower."

Sucaba ponders the seldom speaking mage. "If he has web, then that will suffice." Sucaba pays little heed to the remainder of GreyEagle's words.

GreyEagle shakes her head. "An attack beginning at the roof still seems like the best plan. Those in command will most likely be there, and we will attack them first, where they least expect. The simple troops will more likely splinter and become confused then, and present less of a threat."

She looks at Ormec. "I am afraid, friend dwarf, that we will mot be able to just walk in and start bashing heads this time."

Then, GreyEagle looks at Sucaba one more time, and her eyes are like flint. "You are right, Sucaba, that we must focus our efforts on defeating the forces of evil in the tower before we attempt to attend to prisoners, but I do intend to do what I can to save the lives of any victims held there, reward or no reward."

Conrad listens to all that is being said... "First, I'm not capable of disarming magical traps, or locks, so you can forget about me opening the trap door on the roof. Maybe Trouble can handle it."

"I think Sucaba is right about the tower," Conrad went on. "Any tower with magics to keep the ground around it and itself invisible, and to give an illusion of being deserted inside it while keeping the living environment comfortable, has no need of a door. Anyone capable of getting there and entering is capable of making short work of a barred door. Besides, I'm sure whomever designed it is much too cleaver for simple brute force defenses."

Conrad: "I'd have to be of the opinion that these fish-lizards have taken up residence after they found the tower. We know the residents of the last tower were squatters, and I don't think the fish-lizards could have been around when it was built."

Rex shrugs, "I suppose so... but if the magic is so powerful, then how did these fish-lizards find it. I doubt they were out for a stroll... maybe it has something to do with their eyes or other senses..."

Conrad: "In 1000 years one of them may have stumbled across the opening and eventually they found the tower. Invisibility is good to avoid detection, but once it is discovered, there is no further protection."

Conrad: "The trap door outside seems to be the way you get to this tower. I bet if we searched long and hard we would find an opening somewhere to get in from the ground. With that in mind, I like the idea of cutting off retreat and reinforcements by obstructing the trapdoor. We might want to check it out ourselves later. Next I like the idea of a surprise attack on the residents of the first floor. It will have to be quick, they might have good senses of smell if we linger around too long. I'd be happy to quickly take out the occupants of the first floor and be able to deal with what is left upstairs afterward. We can't do it all at once. I'd be very careful with large effects inside the tower with the magics it has."

"So," Conrad said with a grin, "I like the some sneak inside, then some cause a distraction outside and we nail them in between. I'll volunteer to be an inside agent."

"If this is how we decide to go," Rex added, looking around at the others, "then I also volunteer to go inside." Then Rex mumbles audibly, "Fish-lizards in armor with battle-axes... what next?"

Laurel spends the extra time in the morning cleaning and honing her weapons. She carefully checks her short bow over, testing the grip and testing the string. Satisfied, she removes a half dozen knives from various places and tests their sharpness. Moving off a few feet she selects a couple and with a flick of her wrist send them whizzing through the air to strike cleanly about 5' high on a tree. The other four quickly follow, all successfully striking the tree. She seems pleased and retrieves the knives, oils them and replaces them, one into each boot and four arrayed about her waist, hidden by her cloak. She removes a seventh knife from a strap on her thigh and carefully tests its sharpness. This is an extremely well crafted blade, showing no signs of wear and tear. She doesn't throw this knife, rather she practices some moves with it. Clearly she is well versed in the art of knife fighting. When she is done she wanders over to help Marianne, rather than study her spell book.

Rex pauses in his duties to check out what Laurel is up to. He seems impressed by her ability and spends some time with her as she cleans off her weapons. "Very nicely done, you have trained quite a bit it seems to me. Is this another benefit of your master's skills?" At the same time, he joins in and begins cleaning his own daggers. Rex takes the magical dagger obtained from the orcs and places it in a strap on the outside of his right leg. Another dagger, he places into a similar strap on the outside of his left leg. The third dagger, he cleans and examines closely. After a long look, he places this one into his backpack.

GreyEagle spends the early hours carefully checking her equipment over. She meticulously cleans her armor, and oils each strap and buckle. Her swords (short and 2-handed) receive due care also, with the blades carefully oiled and honed. She says little as she works.

Coyle too looks over his weapons and armor and then dons them. "How about a little early morning sparring to work up an appetite for breakfast, Rex, GreyEagle, you interested? How about you Ormec?" Coyle will suggest moving off a distance so as not to wake up Sucaba and Horton. "After all, we don't want Horton to miss out on his beauty sleep now do we?"

GreyEagle quietly accepts the invitation. Her practice is intense and humorless.

Rex laughs at Coyle's humor and adds, "I think Horton would be offended that you singled him out apart from Sucaba, my friend!" "Of course, I would be willing to spar with you! However, do we risk the noise in general??? Sucaba feared staying here and being discovered. Perhaps we can spar, and yet do it quietly." Rex laughs at the thought. "Now, if *we* had a tower that held in sound, we could spar as loudly as we wished!"

Once Sucaba has risen and informed the group of what he has found, Coyle listens carefully to the suggestions laid out. "Sucaba, what if the first strike force were invisible? You and Horton could bring the ones who are invisible and planning to sneak inside first. Then bring the rest of us, who would be visible all or part of the time. We, Ormec and I and whoever else could then assault the front door. Then the others could attack from the rear and we would have the creatures caught between us. With some magic to back us up, it could work. Timing would be very important, however."

GreyEagle looks at Coyle. "I will join in the assault at the front door," she says simply. "I do not need to be invisible."

Laurel speaks up, "I volunteer to join the group inside. One of the spells stored in my stone will prevent the creatures battle-axes from harming me. I can cast a sleep spell and then join in the combat inside the tower. Unfortunately I cannot make myself invisible."

Trouble gulps but says "I will go inside too."

Laurel flashes Trouble a smile, "you were amazing with your staff last time, but are you sure you won't be needed on the roof?"

Trouble smiles at the praise, then says, "No, what use am I on a roof? I've got to make sure the rest of you don't get yourselves killed."

Raal pipes in: "Marvelous! What a wonderful device, this stone of yours. I have never seen such at thing! May I see it? I'm sure we'd hate to pass one by should we come by one like it some time."

"Yes, you may see it. No need to worry about passing one by, if it is in use, you could hardly miss it." Laurel reaches under her cloak on her left side and after a moment produces a vibrant purple stone in the shape of a prism. She releases it in the air in front of her and it begins to whirl around her head. "This is called an ion stone. There are many colors and shapes, each one having a different effect. My mistress has several and has studied them extensively. You can only use their powers when they are floating about you. This particular one stores spells, I have found it very useful during my missions." Laurel reaches up and easily grabs the stone, then she bends down towards the rat with the stone in her hand, so that he can take a better look (and anyone else who wants to).

Raal: "Oh! That's nice..."

Trouble raises a wand from his belt. "This could be used to create a visual distraction - moving lights - or to try to blind a roomful of creatures briefly."

Rex also has something to add here, "If all the lizards can be coerced into exiting the doorway, we can limit the number that actually have a chance to attack those of us inside. Thus, more of us can stay out on the plateau. Conrad, Laurel, and myself may be enough to send into the tower. Perhaps one more... perhaps the our Tall, red-haired mage. It may also be in our best interest if we make sure Marianne stays on the plateau. She is our best healer and can attend the fighters bearing the brunt of the attack if needed. It would probably not be wise to risk her inside."

"Do I have the following correct??? In general, it seems to me that we are attempting to draw the lizards out on the plateau. There, Sucaba and Horton can deal a blow much like when the Orcs were chasing us. At this point, our fighters can move in and take advantage of the confusion. The group inside the tower would at the initial moment of our attack, take care of any stragglers who stay in the tower."

"Or do we indeed mean to make a full-fledge attack from the rear?"

"At the least, we still need to check our the trap door onto the plateau. Just in case.... it may make a good escape route or even a good place to counter attack from should we need to fall back at all."

When Laurel displays the stone Conrad, who normally shows little interest in magics, steps over to peer at the stone. Otherwise, he appears set to go. He does not clean or oil anything, but you have the impression that everything is prepared already.

"We will go observe the tower, to note any changes.", Sucaba announces after listening to everyone's suggestions. Saying nothing more, he urges Horton into the air, and toward the cliff.

After very little time, Horton and Sucaba return. Sucaba dismounts, and speaks. "There are fewer beasts within the tower, as suspected, but they are still numerous. Two fish-men guard the door, 6 guard the stairwell in groups of two scattered on it, and six others mill about the first floor. Two mounts are also present. I have formulated our plan."

Without hesitation, Sucaba continues.

"We will travel as far as we dare, on foot, until we risk being seen from the tower. From there, it is a five minute flight to the plateau for Horton. Horton will then fly myself, Trouble, Laurel and.... I grow weary of this. I will call you Red", Sucaba decides, "unless you choose to reveal your name," Sucaba says to the quiet mage. He then returns his attention to everyone. "Anyway, Horton will take us over first. Red, you will need to make yourself invisible before we leave. I will do this for Trouble and Laurel. Horton will then drop us off on the plateau, and Trouble, Laurel and myself will head inside to wait, while Red remains on the plateau, prepared to use his spider magic to seal the hole when the time comes. Red, do you have this ability, or was the Rat speaking hypothetically?"

Red nods affirmatively, "I can create the spider's web."

"We must then wait patiently, and silent while Horton flies back, and brings Conrad and Rex back to the plateau. Horton is still invisible to the tower's inhabitants, but you will not be.", Sucaba directs at Rex and Conrad. "Horton will try to fly in quickly, and quietly and drop you two off on the plateau. They have not heard his wings before, hopefully they will not hear them this time. You two must scurry up the tower's edge and scale the tower to the top. I believe you two can do this. Once atop the tower, you too will wait as Horton fetches the others. Your skills allow us to get forces on top of the tower, without Horton landing there and making noise. Climb carefully."

"Horton will fly back and bring GreyEagle, Ormec, Marianne and Coyle. This will be a strain on Horton, but", Sucaba added, giving Horton a pat on the back, "he should be able to do it for this short trip. When Red sees Horton's approach, he is to web the hole in the plateau to prevent reinforcements. I will create an image of a weak, stumbling fish man outside the main door, at the edge of the plateau. At the same time, Horton will bugle to draw those inside the tower outside, and then he will drop the fighters at the rear of the tower. The fish-men will hopefully be fooled by my illusion, and they will not be looking out the back of the tower where the fighters will be dismounting, but rather running to the front. Red will sneak inside as quickly as he can, during the commotion, still invisible to our enemies. Inside the tower, the mage foursome will unleash as much magic as we can to nullify those left inside. Laurel and I will cast sleep. Trouble can use his wand. Red, anything you can do at this point in the plan?"

"I will cast a spell one moment later to attack the more resistant creatures," the other mage answered.

"Horton will then help outside, swooping down on those outside before Coyle, Ormec and GreyEagle come around from behind. They will block the doorway, forcing those outside to stay outside. Our fighters will take it from there."

"Once the battle is in motion, the two of you," he said, pointing at Conrad and Rex, "will enter from above. You will need to find a way into the door on the roof. If you are quiet, you should have ample time to examine the door while you wait for the assault to begin. Make your move, when the battle is engaged, and the attention has been drawn to those of us downstairs. The lives of the prisoners are in your hands."

With that, the mage looked around. By the look in his eyes, GreyEagle could tell that there was little room for any challenge. On the whole, the plan sounded workable, but there were some questions.

"I like the plan," Conrad said with a grimace, "except for the part about me climbing the tower and Rex and trying to open a magically locked or trapped door. This body is just not made for stretching and finding cracks in a wall. However, if Rex is willing to scale it first and lower a rope I'll try it. Gnomes don't bounce very well."

Rex nodded. "We would need to be very quiet though."

"As to that door, I'll look from a safe distance," Conrad added, "but there is no way I can open it. If magic locks it, I can't unlock it. If magic traps it, I'll be dead as a doornail. As alternatives, Rex is perfectly welcome to try, or we could try to find a window or chimney to enter through." Then he shrugged. "But hey, I'm a small part of this plan, I'm sure we'll have to improvise anyway."

"I do not think I could undo a magic lock," Recuahc replied with a frown, "and it would probably be foolish to go up there without being able to do so. I fear that the two of us would better serve our purposes elsewhere. Or we need someone else to be up on the roof either in our places or in addition to us."

Sucaba frowns and looks up at Red. "You said early that you had a spell you could teach Trouble that would help us with the door. Can you cast that yourself?"

"Yes, of course. If that is all, I now need time to prepare."

"There will be time for that in a moment. Conrad, I can use magic to reduce you in size by more than half. You can then ride piggyback on Rex's back as he climbs the wall. If I use my magic before I leave with our first wave, the magic should dissipate after you have reached the roof and our fighters arrive."

"As if I wasn't small enough already," the gnome muttered. However, he raised no objection to Sucaba's suggestion.

Sucaba looked back at Conrad and Rex. "You two are going to have to deal with that door though, unless we can get Red up there with you. I fear he's too heavy, even shrunk, to ride on Rex's back."

"I understand the purpose," Recuahc answered with growing impatience, "but if we can not open the door, it is pointless. And if it is just the two of us, we can not open the door." He then rased his hands. "I'd like to be more useful up there, but I can not unless we come up with an addition of some sort."

"I wonder if," GreyEagle said hesitantly, "when we attack, whoever is in the tower will try to escape through the trapdoor, or come up to the roof to attack those on the ground below. Who knows. They might just open the trapdoor for us." She looked over at Horton. "Could you break the door with your tail?"

"That trap door was stone and is probably very thick," Horton answered after a moment's consideration. "It would take quite a while to smash through it."

Horton waves Sucaba off to the side and quietly chats with him for a moment. Sucaba nods his head a couple of times and then they both return.

"I think I can offer some help," Horton says slowly, thinking carefully. "I have a couple of potions that could help the roof climbers, maybe. I have a potion of invisibility that could be split up among several of you. And I have a potion of levitation that someone could use. That person could then levitate up to 600 pounds, so he could carry one or maybe both of the others to the roof. That would help wouldn't it???" Horton pauses and looks around for a moment and then continues, "do I get replacements for what I give up? I'm not asking for much, but I thought that if we found some more potions or something like that, then maybe those of us who donated our own personal items could have them replaced." Horton looks around to see how his suggestions are taken.

At Horton's words, Rex brightens visibly and exclaims, "Yes! That could be our answer! If we are invisible.... I can just climb to the top and then assist Conrad with his rope. Once we are both there, we can support Red in a climb up the tower. From there.... it depends. When Red undoes the traps and the locks, we may be able to raise the door. If not, we could use the potion to assist. In any event, Sucaba can save his magic and not bother making anyone smaller."

GreyEagle looks to Sucaba. "Were there many loose rocks and boulders around the tower?"

"Lets focus on getting the groups solidified and to their locations. Subgroups can then formulate their actions." Sucaba says tersely, and begins to ponder Horton's words.

Coyle listens quietly to Sucaba's plans and the discussion of the roof attack. He does glance at Marianne, concerned that she will be exposed to danger, but she firmly grips her mace, determined to come. As Horton makes his offer of the two potions, Coyle brightens a bit and says, "that is very generous of you Horton. I'd suggest that Marianne also sip the potion of invisibility. After we wouldn't want our healer exposed to danger while she's trying to help us?" Coyle glances at Sucaba to see if this meets with his approval.

Rex smiling says, "Ah yes... the powers of healing are also very important. I can attest to that."

Coyle nods at GreyEagle and Ormec, and says to Sucaba, "I'm sure we can hold our own on the plateau with the help of your magics and Horton's appearance. Maybe we'll get lucky and Horton will frighten them away!" Coyle too seems eager to gets things in motion now that you are so close.

"Good ideas all," Conrad said. "Rex could bring us up to the roof (indicating himself and the silent mage). With the three of us there we'd be strong enough. He was going to help outside anyway, and he'd have the advantage of being above the scene." Conrad looked around at the others and then nodded. "I'm ready."

Rex nods his head and says, "I do not think we should try to smash the door. We do not need to ride on Horton, nor do we need to shrink anyone. Let us use Horton's invisibility and climb into position. We want to be swift, but controlled. It is possible that those inside would try to leave via the roof... but why should they *immediately* think they need to retreat? However... they may attack as GreyEagle suggests. If they do open the door, all the better for us... as long as we can hold our position and not get overwhelmed."

Looking to Sucaba, Rex says, "I am also ready. What are you final instructions?"

Sucaba smiles as Horton makes his offers, and listens to the ideas that come of the new magic available. He speaks with Horton alone for a few moments and then returns. Satisfied, he begins.

"Ok. Lets go over this things again, start to finish."

"We travel as far as we dare, on foot, until we risk being seen from the tower. Once there, Trouble and Laurel will drink portions of Horton's invisibility potion. I am still invisible to them. Horton will then fly the three of us to the tower. He is still invisible to others. We will infiltrate the first level, and wait until the rest of you arrive."

Sucaba looks to see that everyone is following this. He seems oddly pleased.

"Horton will return to pick up Conrad, Rex and Red. Conrad and Rex should also sample Horton's potion. Eight can share of the potion, no more, so be sure not to drink too much. Red will make himself invisible. Horton will fly you three (Sucaba indicates Conrad, Rex and Red with that bony finger again) to the tower. Red will then imbibe Horton's levitation potion and take Conrad and Rex with him up the tower. He also will stand prepared to use his spider magic (from the roof) to seal the plateau trap door."

Sucaba looks for understanding and agreement from Red.

"Horton will fly back and bring GreyEagle, Ormec, Marianne and Coyle. They should all quaff their portion of Horton's potion as well. When Red sees Horton's approach he will web the hole in the plateau, and I will create my diversion outside. Meanwhile, Horton will bugle to draw those inside the tower outside, and then he will drop the fighters and Marianne at the rear of the tower."

"Inside the tower, we (Sucaba smiles at Trouble and Laurel) will unleash as much magic as we can to nullify those left inside. Horton will then help outside, taking one dive at those outside, before Coyle, Ormec and GreyEagle come around from behind and block the doorway."

Laurel smiles back at Sucaba and looks to see if Trouble is ready.

"When the battle is in motion, those on the roof will enter from above."

Sucaba stood up. "Any last questions? How much time does everyone need before the first team leaves? I need about an hour."

GreyEagle hesitates, and then asks, "This may be obvious to the rest of you, but how are we to SEE the plateau and tower, if you said that they are invisible?"

"You won't," Sucaba answered. "It is going to be a disadvantage. Don't wander too far from where Horton tells you the plateau is. Once inside the tower, it will not be an issue, as the illusion will be broken."

Red says: "I cannot open the door I cannot locate, nor can I close the hole I cannot see. It could be possible for me to detect these things, but then I would not be able to evoke one of the other Powers.

Sucaba shook his head. "I was able to see everything the last time, as I saw through the illusion. Perhaps you will be able to do so as well. If not, Horton will have to point to the spot that needs to be sealed. As to the door, will it suffice to have Horton point to it as well?"

"So," GreyEagle says, with uncertainty touching her voice, "we will appear to be standing in mid-air, attacking creatures which we cannot see, heading towards a tower which we cannot locate? Am I missing something obvious???"

"Just don't move around too much," Sucaba growled. "I am hoping that being in the area will eventually negate the illusion for all of us. I do not believe the creatures were invisible, and Horton will be dropping you off at the base of the tower."

Horton considers Sucaba's plan with a satisfied smile. After a moment he speaks up, "perhaps we should take the healer with us on the first trip. She will be invisible and can hide outside the tower while I fetch the others. Or the second trip would probably be ok. I am not sure I can carry three fully armored people plus another. No one on the first two trips has such heavy metal armor on. I don't think she would be in any danger and I'd hate to get them all loaded and then discover I can't fly! In fact, perhaps it would be a good idea to practice a couple of short flights with those of you who aren't use to riding in the air." Horton glances over at Sucaba, "we could use the time now while Sucaba prepares."

GreyEagle looks satisfied, more or less... "Could Horton drop us off BEFORE he announces our presence? I would like to be ON the ground and ready to move as soon as the creatures know we are there."

"Ok," Sucaba agreed. "Horton, drop the fighters off and circle back to bugle. Red, fire the spider magic when you see Horton circling back for his bugle run. Now that everyone is invisible, no need to act until everyone is set."

GreyEagle looks happier with this. "I am ready..."

"I am pleased with your choices," Rex said with a smile. "I will prepare and be ready shortly." Then he hesitated. "One last question. Did you notice what the trap door on the roof looks like? Does it have a handle or any such protrusion?"

"No handle." Recuahc frowned, and then shrugged.

She looks to Coyle. "Do we stay by the tower, with our backs to the wall, or do we try to draw them away?"

Conrad nods approval as Sucaba speaks. Afterwards, he re-states that he is ready, and then approaches Horton. Up until now, he has paid little attention to the details of the dragon and its rider, but now faced with riding the rather large creature, he inspects Horton with a very careful eye, paying particular attention to the riding assistance provided.

Horton is wearing a saddle that fits Sucaba comfortably, could possibly fit two. Others will have to be tied onto the saddle!

He makes sure there is no chance for his rather small body to fall to the ground when airborne, and takes a ride as offered.

Horton will also make sure that the ropes are secured. He doesn't want to lose anyone!

Rex comes over to Horton and bows deeply. "I am honored at the opportunity. When you are ready, I eagerly await the chance to see what your flying is like."

Coyle finds a quiet moment after the battle plans are discussed, while the mages make their final preparations to ask you to steal away with him for a moment. Once you are away from the others, he holds you close. He doesn't say much, just reminds you to be careful.

GreyEagle smiled. "Yes," she said, softly putting a finger to his lips, "and you too should be careful." She leaned her head against his shoulder. "I am glad that we will be side by side though. I am frightened by the prospect of this battle, though I am encouraged by the plans we have made. Still, I fear that some of us will not make it through this time. The gods smile on Rex it seems -- he has tiptoed past death's door so many times."

"Yes, he has been fortunate," Coyle answered. "I hope he has learned enough to avoid that situation again."

Still, she did not say her true fear. In the depth of her soul, she feared that she would be the one lost this time. There was no way to know which group would take the most severe beating, but there would not be many of them on the outside. Coyle, Ormec and herself, and she knew that she was the least of the three. She touched the bracer on her arm and wondered what protection it might bring her.

Coyle seems to sense your thoughts and holds you closer. After a moment he says, "I wonder what protection the medallions the brothers gave us will afford us. I hope it is enough."

Still, there was no way to turn back now, so she would have to make the best of what she had. She leaned back from Coyle's embrace and smiled. "I still have one more trick up my sleeve though," she said. With that, she pulled a small vial from her things. "It is a potion of strength. With it, I can have the strength of a hill giant. I was intending to drink it just before we attack. If there are large boulders on the plateau, I could start throwing them just as fast as I can pick them up. I might not hit anything, but if the rocks are large enough, it should create quite a spectacle!" Then she paused. "I wonder, would it be better for you to use the potion? You might be more imposing a figure... hurling boulders at a furious rate."

Coyle chuckles quietly at the image you invoke and shakes his head at your offer. "Imagine their fear if a little thing like you can toss about boulders! It might be enough to chase them away." Coyle thinks quietly to himself for a moment and then takes your hand and leads you to a tree branch and sits down. "GreyEagle, I have been thinking over what Sucaba has said and our plan of attack. I am disturbed by the thought that we may be planning to slaughter innocent creatures. I know Sucaba said he heard screams of what he believed were humans, but can we trust his word? And even if he believes what he heard, how do we know that what he heard were truly human prisoners. It could have simply been the wailing or chanting of the creatures as they performed a ceremony. No one dares to question Sucaba, but I do not feel comfortable with what we are about to do." Coyle sighs and shakes his head and then draws you close again.

GreyEagle opened her mouth to say something, but then she suddenly closed it again. A look of uncertainty clouded her features and she was quiet for a while. "You are right," she said finally. "We have no idea who is there in the tower, or what they are doing." A sudden look of pain flickered across her face. "I remember the words of the priest at the temple of Torm. He warned me, but I could not believe it would happen. Now the words come back to haunt me. We become the very thing we seek to destroy." She looked into Coyle's eyes, seeking some sort of reassurance. "It goes all the way back to Schimray, for he is the one who sent us to `clean out' the towers. So what do we do now?"

"We have little choice at this point, but I will ask Marianne if she can determine whether these creatures are evil. If she can, she will have time to cast her spell before we arrive. I just hope that they are for we will have little choice by that time. I don't want to lose half our party buy refusing to fight when they are counting on us. I just wish I'd thought to find out sooner." Coyle sighs and shakes his head, then gets to his feet.

GreyEagle got up to follow him, though not quite as quickly. "Our purpose is to create a diversion," she said. "We may be able do that, to fight, without killing them, as we did on the ship when the sailors attacked. Still, it may prove difficult to convince them to leave the tower. What cause do we have, other than threats of violence?"

"If they are using that tower for ceremonies, probably religious ones, then I think we have very little chance of peacefully convincing them to leave. After all, how would you react if some strange creatures broke into your home or church and demanded that you get out! I know I'd probably defend either with my life, I don't expect any other creature to feel differently.

Coyle laughed suddenly. "Come on, we'd better take Horton up on his offer of a trial ride. I'm not sure about being strapped to a dragon and flying hundreds of feet up in the air. I don't want to embarrass myself by losing my breakfast!" Coyle gives you a one-armed hug and heads back to where the others are getting ready.

GreyEagle, though she smiled at Coyle, was not so light-hearted. "I have already had one ride on Horton, though I had other things to think about at the time." She did laugh though now, looking back at the experience. "I think I had my eyes closed the whole time, though I do remember that the ride was very smooth after the initial lurch as Horton took to the air."

"That's good to hear!" Coyle seeks out Marianne as soon as you return and has a quick conversation with her. Coyle has a short conversation with Marianne and then motions to both Rex and GreyEagle to join them. "Rex, GreyEagle and I have been having a conversation about our plans to attack these creatures in the tower. We're concerned that we not slaughter innocent creatures that just happened to find this abandoned tower and have made it their home or church. We're just assuming that Sucaba did hear screams of humans, he may have just heard the creatures wailing or chanting. Marianne can determine if these creatures are evil, if they are then we continue with the plan as Sucaba outlined, if not, what are we going to do?" Coyle looks from GreyEagle to Marianne to Rex.

Rex rased his eyebrows. "I had not considered this. I would think Sucaba can recognize the difference between people screaming and fish-lizards chanting. I do not know what to do otherwise." Rex stands there a while. "All I can do is try and figure out things the best I can when we get there. I am in the first group, so I'll have some time to listen and try and figure it out. If we could communicate with the creatures, we could try something else. However, they may just attack us on sight anyway. If I can, I'll try some sort of communication with them, otherwise, I have to defend myself, and as you say, if there are people being tortured, we must do our best to help them."

"One other possibility is that the prisoners did something wrong and should be kept under lock and key."

"All these things we will have to deal with when we get there. If Marianne can determine if they are evil, then that is the place to start."

Once the mages have finalized their spells, and Horton has done practice flights, Sucaba pronounces the group ready. He mounts Horton and helps strap Laurel and Trouble securely to the saddle. Just before Horton takes off, Laurel and Trouble each take a swallow of the potion of invisibility. As soon as they are finished and have handed the potion on, Horton leaps into the air with a mighty beat of his wings.

In slightly less then 10 minutes, Horton returns for the next group of Dark Star, Conrad, Rex, and Marianne. He urges them to mount and secure themselves quickly, with all but Red sipping the potion. Red takes care of making himself invisible, and you assume that Raal is hidden somewhere in that invisibility. Again Horton springs into the air, leaving just three of you behind.

Again Horton returns in just under 10 minutes. He seems to be making good time and urges the three of you to mount up. You each quaff your portion of the invisibility potion, and he springs into the air. You are a heavy load and he labors a bit before gliding to a stop in what seems to be mid-air. He lands confidently though and hisses for you to get down quickly. He is quite out of breath, as he is not used to carrying such heavy loads. Once you have untied yourselves, he urges you ahead and then Marianne appears and waves at you to join her.

"I have used my spell and these creatures are evil. Let's go get rid of them."

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Next...
7 April, 1998