Story II: City of Shadow

"Well. Something foul down that way, Zubie says. What do you want to do?"

Neph speaks up, "The Hall of Gems will lead us to the Shadowkin city. It's that way." The pixie points toward the pathway that Evendur and Pyrrah had opened up.

About a minute after Zubie's return, Ameera returns to the group. "Knock Knock, I'm back. There wasn't a whole lot of interesting up that way, a stream that could be followed , but I didn't start tracking through the water. I didn't see any signs of Skadowkin." Ameeras voice moves to the door leading to the Hall of Gems. "So I am gonna stay like this as long as I can, think I like this look, its rather slimming." Ameera flashes a big grin that no one can see. "So I will stay up front and range ahead when you want me to Devanis. Just let me know."

Devanis nods. "Sounds good, Ameera. Let's go then."

"Lets go see this hall of gems. Maybe we can pick up a souvenir or two." Ameera walks through the door, brushing past Pyrrah.

This pathway turns into another web of tunnels that span every which direction at some point along the trail. Neph seems to know the way, and she confidently leads you into the different bends. The going here is not quite as hard as it had been, with little climbing aside from a steep descent here or there.

Eventually, after several hours of tiresome travel, the pathways lead you to a large open cave. On the far side is a series of pools of water, tiered in such a fashion that it creates a multitude of small waterfalls. A singular, large stream can be heard toward the back of the cave, out of your sight at this time. A large lake has formed at the bottom. Surrounding the lake, crawling across the stones and climbing up the walls, is a thick layer of green moss, with patches of luminescent vegetation here or there. There is a well-worn pathway, it seems, leading further back into the room, up the sides of the waterfalls.



"Good place to drink, before we go inside," Neph says, pointing at the edge of the lake. "The hall of gems is behind the waterfall up ahead. After that, there's a path I know that leads to the city."

Seraph's blue gem glows as the sword speaks up, "There's someone inside. No, two."

Neph looks confused and asks, "Inside? In the hall?"

"They're screaming."

The pixie is only left looking more confused, and somewhat worried.

"Ameera, Zubie, with me. Quickly!" says Devanis, taking charge. "The rest of you Hang back but be ready for anything! And watch our rear!" The ranger then heads for the waterfall and pauses there to listen while motioning for Zubie to scout ahead.

Devanis draws Seraph and sends his thoughts to the sword. "Help us, Seraph. Tell me everything you can sense. Quietly."

Ameera follows Devanis, but breaks off to the left to flit between stalagmites offering cover. Zubie, scout ahead, keep invisible.

Clutching her burnt branch, she strains to hear the screaming that the sword spoke of. Ameera reaches with her mind to communicate with Zubie, prepared to also mentally touch any other creature she may see.

Ameera leans against the stalagmite, closes her eyes and trances so as to tap into the imps senses.

"I sense nothing, but I believe you, Seraph. Anything from Zubie, Ameera?" Devanis is about to step through, regardless, but pauses a moment for Ameera & Zubie's report. He signals the others to come join them.

"There is a room or hall with statues along the walls, I don't see any obvious danger but something is there. I think Zubie's in trouble. Come back!" Ameera's breaks her trance and immediately recalls Zubie into his pocket dimension. "The statues weren't like that crypt we were in before."