Chapter 4: The Waters of Menehune

"It sounds to me like we only need to keep the caster and the mirror undisturbed while the spell is being cast so it would be better to cast the spell first and then take it to the hag," interprets Admiral. He looks at Cordey. "I think you would need to be the one to cast it."

"I agree with your thoughts there Admiral. I shall start now while we are good here." Cordey starts the casting.

In the dimly lit bed chamber of the sea hag, the mirror stands ominously near the bed, its surface continuing to project a beam of light scross the room.

Peering over the pages that look like gibberish to Regan and Admiral but make sense to Cordey, the three discuss. While they do, the octopus pulls itself over to the stone pool. Slimming its body it slips into the water. Disappearing into its dark depths...apparently it is not a shallow pool.

Cordey takes an unlit candle from a candle stand. He then kneels before the mirror, the ancient Tome of Old Makai secrets open in front of him. He carefully follows the instructions, lighting the candle made from seaweed and beeswax and holding his amulet in his hand. His face is illuminated by the flickering candlelight as he prepares to recite the incantation.

Admiral and Regan stand guard at the entrance to the chamber, weapons drawn, ready for any threats.

Cordey, steadying himself before beginning the incantation, begins the spell. His voice is clear and confident as he speaks the ancient Makai words:

"Nā kola wela ka huna, zali lilo i kāna,
Hulu zaha dula, melo hā nala.
Tiranoke vetahi, lilo hā fala,
Vena zaha makora, duna vele nala."

It is surprising that Cordey knows how to pronounce the words. As he speaks, the mirror begins to glow, the white beam of light morphing into a soft blue. The room feels charged with magical energy, and the air hums.

Cordey maintains his concentration, repeating the incantation as the mirror's glow intensifies. The reflective surface seems to ripple, as if the hag's modified enchantment on it is being pulled apart and replaced by the intended enchantment of the Old Makai. Cordey's amulet channels the ancient shamanic power.

By the strength of the ocean and the guidance of night skies,
Expose the darkness, reveal the lies.
Hellglass reflects the truth,
Unmasks devils, dispels their sleuth.

The mirror emits a final burst of blue light. Cordey is convinced that the reversal incantation has taken effect. The enchantments placed by the hag are dispelled, and the mirror now holds the power to reveal her true form.

"Is that it? We should probably go find her now... if it wears off, I don't want to find out the hard way," Regan says, glancing at the mirror and back down the tunnel. "Cordey, if you carry it... you would be safest in the middle. Admiral or myself in front, the other in back. The octopus might be warning her for all we know. Let's go handle this."

"Nice work, Cordey!" says Admiral, very impressed.

"Aye, let’s get going," he agrees with Regan.

Cordey nods to Admiral as he has completed the casting. Huge Cordey will pack up magical mirror as best as possible. "Now to the Hag."

The mirror, set into its heavy ornate frame, is close to 200 lbs. But big Cordey is still able to carry it through the tunnels. He handles it carefully and, in in case of any trouble, keeps himself nested between the protection of Admiral and Regan. The party soon makes it back to the area where they defeated the seaweed sentinel.

Admiral stops at the intersection and looks to the imp. "Which way to the ‘Grand Hall’?"

The imp, still encased in its glass prison, tries not to look too annoyed by the constant demands. Annoyed as it is, it has somewhat resigned to its current fate. It thinks twice before rolling its eyes at Admiral's question. Instead it looks down and mutters sarcastically under its breath, "Oh. More questions," Then it looks up to give Admiral a wide forced smile, which looks ridiculous and wholly unconvincing .

"You’re almost there. The tunnel to the left is the fastest. The witch's hall of self adoration is just around the bend. And remember, I told you this, so a bit of gratitude wouldn't hurt."

"Aye, and it wouldn’t hurt from you either, considering we’re helping you escape," retorts Admiral, leading the group down the tunnel to the left.

Hauling Cordey so much despises the troublesome Imp but it probably totally knows that and takes seamless joy in it. He just huffs and continues on the way.

Regan stays silent, following behind Cordey and keeping an eye behind them for threats that might be creeping up on them.

Admiral, Cordey, and Regan (in that order) proceed down the tunnel that the imp suggested. It winds a bit and then makes a long bend. After the bend the three smell smoke and soon see the flicking light of a large fire at the end of the tunnel. When they get closer to it they realize the tunnel opens into the a large cavern ahead. Pleasant sounds of soulful violin music echoes off the rocks. The three are able to peer into the 'grand hall.' behind some rocks jutting out of the tunnel wall just before it opens into the large cavern. Behind the cover, they seem to go unnoticed, even by the Sahuagin guard (S5) standing just beyond the same rocks.



In the center of the cavern a strikingly handsome elven-like fey figure (F) , is chained to the floor. Despite his chains, he seems completely enamored, his eyes are filled with adoration as he plays a melancholic and beautiful tune on his violin.



At the far end of the cavern, seated on an throne made of twisted and hardened seaweed, is the sea hag (H). She appears as a beautiful, ethereal queen. Her appearance is mesmerizing, with flowing hair, radiant skin, and eyes that shimmer. Three sahuagin guards (S1, S2, S3) stand ready near a raging fire below her throne platform. Her pet--the octopus from her bed chamber (O)--rests on the raised platform next to her.

Visible far behind the fiddle-playing fossergrim there is another sahuagin guarding the opening to a chamber exit across the hall (S4).

The large fire pit crackles, illuminating the area with a warm, flickering light. The air is thick with the scent of brine and decay. A pile of human bones is stacked chaotically on the right side of the throne platform. To the left of the platform is an impressive cavern lake.

...



The hag screams to the sahuagin, "STAY ALERT you incompetent fish-heads, the music is for me, not you." Some of her guards turn their attention away from the fiddling fey. The fossergrim's song ends.

The hag turns her attention to the fossergrim.

"Play another for me, my sweet prize...another song inspired my beauty," she commands, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

The Fossergrim looks up at her, his expression one of pure devotion. "Your beauty, my queen, is like the stars that guide sailors home. I am but a humble servant, forever grateful to bask in your radiant presence. Your wish is my command." The Fossergrim begins to play another tune, his emotive music fills the cavern echoing off the walls.

Crouched behind the rock ledge, Admiral prepares to spring into action as soon as everyone is ready.

Kneeling, Regan whispers to the others, "So now, Cordey needs to move forward with the mirror and... what exactly? Catch her reflection? Get her to look in it? What exactly are we attempting to do with this thing? How close do we need to get?"

Regan glances to the mirror and taps it gently, obviously still questioning how durable this mirror really is. One thrown stone... well, better to not think about it. He shakes his head and looks back at the scene before them, tightening his grip on shield and warhammer. "Alright... let me act as a distraction."

Huge Cordey isn't one for planning too much, "I think we should charge the Hag. World be dammed." Obviously he is suggesting a head on attack straight for the Hag.

Carry'ing Cordey is ignoring the Naga's beauty as well as anything else and is instead diligently concentrating on working for her to see her own lovely reflection as he quickly charges totally straight for her hauling the huge, enchanted mirror. He shouts, "Let truth show."

Taking advantage of Regan’s distraction to slip past the Sahuagin guards, Admiral darts across the cavern and leaps up onto the dais. The gem in Reaver’s pommel swirls with arcane energy as he focuses on the hag with murderous intent.