Ahh, to be the devil’s plaything. I’m pretty sure that’s what he thought of us. I’m still not sure he’s gonna let us go or not. But Nyran said he’s an honorable enough guy. For being evil and all, of course.
The castle is pretty cool. All you have to do is slap a hand to the wall and ask. Soon a big platter of eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, and potatoes floats into your room. Breakfast! Killer. Absolutely killer.
Personally, if it had been up to me, we never would have stopped at his castle to begin with. No matter how splendorific it is. But since we’re going through the old man’s land, I suppose it’s only PROPER to pay our respects.
Who’da thought a devil could look so normal. Really, he was a pretty nice guy, truth be told. He’s crazy, but he opened up the hospitality of his keep and was a very charming host. Way nicer than his anal nephew and snaky niece. We just really were not expecting other company. And guess what they all wanted. Not that there is any real need to guess.
The first was this pale, squirmy guy. He was in charge of the northern lands, Argusund. Anwar’s home. In exchange for a crystal, he’d call off all the forces that were attacking her people. I think Anwar was disgusted. A fat, weak, little man like him, sacking the cities, trying to dominate such a strong people as them. They’ve been dealing with this threat for almost a year, and they still haven’t fallen. But I don’t suppose that makes Anwar feel better about not being there with them.
The second was the chick we sent back to wherever she came from when we were in Curmeah. The evil Orishadi, umm, Kerrigan I think her name was. I don’t think any of us were too worried about her though. We’ve already won against her before.
The third amused me greatly. It was the fire demon that had been summoned in the first town in Curmeah, El-Alahd. He offered the lives of Dolartu, Baerin, and FrostFang. He was a little pissy with us. What did he say? Oh yeah. “You took my sword, and gave it to a lizard.” I don’t think I’ve heard anything so funny. I doubled over, almost crying I was laughing so hard. We should have offered the beat up ax Sseth gave us in its place.
The last demon offered us Jacques. He was from the Plane Of Death. Huh. Wasn’t about tangle with that guy. No interest. Even for Jacques. Anyway, if we had given him a crystal, Jacques would have thumped us all. He’d say something like how his sacrifice had been for nothing.
Then old man McKrae spoke up. Offered to do everything the others had offered combined. They didn’t like that so much. Apparently, they saw it as double-dealing. Ha ha. Really threw them for a loop. Got so angry they walked out. He was just like, “What do you expect? I’m the devil. And those peasants think I sold my soul to a demon. Pwah.” Plus, did the others think he’d just open up his home for them to make their sorid little offers and that he wasn’t going to try to get a piece of the action? Desire a crystal of his own?
Not that he couldn’t have just taken them anyway. At least, that was what Nyran said. But he holds himself to a strict set of rules. Islan was so upset that we’d even bother to speak with him, let alone hear out his offer. It did seem the best course though. Listen to his speal, or insult the guy, and probably get killed for the effort. I know what sounds like the better option to me.
But the worst was when we first entered the lands. We’re just going along, and then, out of the mists, these three solders appear. Apparently, Islan didn’t bring me back to life or whatever he did. He RECREATED my SOUL. And I guess I’m pretty pissed about it. Mad enough to sic creatures of law on my ass to take me to, I don’t know, stand trial or something. They wanted to take me to the plane of law. Ick. I think my head would have exploded. But it makes me think that there is no way it was me. I’d be pissed too if I thought someone had made off with my soul, was walking around in my body calling themselves me. But I’d NEVER put the law on my own butt. I’ve had more tangles with them than I’d care to admit. Or remember.
I guess it doesn’t matter in the long run. We crushed those law guys. And they said since they were beaten, I must have the right to be here. You don’t say? If I do have a twin soul running around out beyond this mortal plane, I think she’s jealous. Before I got mixed up in this whole crystal dealie, my few purposes were to figure out where my next meal was coming from, don’t fall while tumbling, and cause as much trouble without getting caught. Now, I’m part of something real. And the adventures are a hundred times as exciting. Of course, the price of failure is a lot higher, and I’m not sure everyone sees this as the same “grand adventure” that I do. But, hey, that’s what makes it worthwhile, right?
Oops. Must be time to go. My beauteous new gown just arrived and we have a tomb to find.
|
