Things could have gone worse, but they could have gone much better as well in Aran's opinion. They had travelled to the little village outside of Whitebridge where their target was. The Aes Sedai had concocted a marvellous plan where Sheen and Lavinya would go inside with Rosheen and check on the boy while Serena would wait around the back with Thera and himself in case the boy bolted. As far as plans went, it made enough sense. The two Aes Sedai might scare the boy and he'd go straight into Serena's clutches and with he and Thera at the door to knock him unconscious with cudgels, there wasn't going to be much of a problem dealing with him.

 

As far as plans went, it was perfect... in theory.

 

Like any perfect plan, it was perfectly fine for the first five seconds. There had been several detonations from inside the house, and by the time they had forced their way in they had found the walls scorched, the family cowering in the corner and Lavinya kneeling over Sheena who was crumpled on the floor. Telling them which way to go after the mayor and that she would stay behind with Sheena, they had raced out only to see the man fleeing on a horse.

 

Their pursuit had led them somewhere they had not expected to be. Grey walls and dark shadows, the ruins of a great city lost to the living had stood before them. Shadar Logoth. Its name was rarely mentioned but anyone who had listened to a gleeman's tales knew of the place. There was no helping it though, he had to be brought back with them as they couldn't just hope that he was killed by what laid within. No, they would have to venture into the city itself to find him and thats what they did.

 

With the sun high in the sky, they found the man's horse wandering outside a great palace. Vast columns loomed above them as they dismounted. Retrieving his blades, Aran looked to the others as they armed themselves and presumably Serena took the one power. Either way, Aran would be glad to be done of the place as quickly as they could. When Serena was ready, they would venture in.

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

OOC: In the interests of trying to get this RP rolling again, and now that I have a few less RP's to deal with, I've chucked this up. We've skipped the Town scene and gone straight to the confrontation with the male channeler in the palace. Confrontation occurs, male channeler gets shielded but before it slides in, the ground beneath the group crumbles and they fall into the sewers that run deep below the city. Originally the guards were meant to go in after them, but to speed things up have them all fall at once.

 

Thats the plan anyway, if there are problems with the way I've tinkered with it or it needs to be done a different way, let me know.

The pursuit of the male channeller was on, and it had Serena wrapped up in her thoughts as they dashed after him. The plan had gone awry, and it had Serena being the only channeller among the four of them. The fact that she had been seperated from her Sisters, was disturbing. How in the bloody Light am I going to fight this man by myself?Surely she could Shield him, but that would use more than enough of her strength in the One Power. Glancing at the Tower Guards and her Gaidin, she attempted weigh the strength of each of them. Nodding to herself as the wind rushed through her hair, she was sure they were all certainly strong enough together.

 

Grasping onto the One Power in case anything happened, Serena's sight was intensified. Although the sun hung high in the sky, it would hardly matter in a couple of hours if they continued in the direction they were going. "I don't like the look of the direction we're heading." She knew exactly the path they were taking. Years of studying the ancient city of Aridhol as an Accepted and again as a shawled Aes Sedai, had trained her in knowing how to get there, and what to expect when they arrived within the city walls.

 

Sure enough, they followed his trail straight into the city of Shadar Logoth. His horse stood nervously outside of a large palace. SHaking her head, she dismounted and looked to each of the Guards and her Bondmate. Aran was already prepared. As much as she disliked the man, she would have to put much of her trust into him. Thera stood next to her, and Rosheen appeared as if she were a cat ready to pounce.

 

Breathing in deeply, she spoke. Her tone was steady and commanding. "Judging by the height of the sun, we have time to follow him in and do what we must before the evil of this place seeps out of the cracks and is upon us. We must be quick, but not hasty. I trust you all with my life. I will do what I can for all of you." With a flick of her wrist a dagger apeared in her hand. The sun caught the metal and made it gleam. "I will not be able to Shield us from harm once I begin to weave his Shield."

 

Again, Serena looked at each of them, but this time looked each Guard in the eye. "We go!" With that, she took off into the palace.

 

 

Serena Morrigan

Blue Ajah

Bonded to Thera Trakelyn

The days passed quickly, and still nothing had changed. During the day Thera kept her post a Serena’s side, still the image of a perfect Gaidin, She was so mechanical with her duties Serena hardly spoke to her at all. But at night she allowed herself to escape.

 

A few mugs of ale and her head was clear enough to allow her to sleep untroubled, and the flask she carried in her coat had made her quite a joy to be around. Soon all the problems and small drama’s took a back seat to the event at hand. With only Serena able to channel this trip had taken on a far more serious nature.

 

The dark ominous city loomed above them, and the chilling wind whipped their cloaks. The cold and wind may well have not existed for all the attention the party paid them. All stood poised on the brink of action. Thera’s honey colored eyes were clear and she had her goal in mind. Serena wanted to bring this man in, and Thera would help that cause. But at all costs she would protect Serena’s life, “My life before hers” Thera chanted in her head. Serena’s clear and commanding voice broke through her chant.

 

"Judging by the height of the sun, we have time to follow him in and do what we must before the evil of this place seeps out of the cracks and is upon us. We must be quick, but not hasty. I trust you all with my life. I will do what I can for all of you." The woman would be careless with her life, as she often was when the cause was close to her heart, but no matter their rift Thera would see her out of this vile city if it were the last thing she did. "I will not be able to Shield us from harm once I begin to weave his Shield."

 

As Serena studied the city a moment more Thera caught both Aran and Rosheen’s eye. No words were we needed to communicate her thoughts. Her eyes promised death if harm befell her Aes Sedai. "We go!" As the party rode into the city they formed a tight knot around Serena. The shadows were long but patches of light kept all but the darkest crevices lit.

 

“ We have to search the buildings, and we can do that faster alone, but lets stay in sight of the person next to you.” Thera glanced at Serena and she nodded approval. It went with out saying that Thera would keep one and a half eyes on Serena. She broke to the right and Aran and Rosheen went left.

 

The first building Thera entered held such a feel of abandonment she wanted to run screaming. The faster they found this man the sooner they could go. The ceiling was more than 3 spans high and painted with stars. Tall winding stairs flanked the room, seemingly going on forever until they disappeared into the ceiling. Tapestries so brittle they crumbled at the slightest wind hung every few paces accenting dusty blue tiles. Creeping carefully Thera tried to remain in the light that poured in from the windows. A soft clatter came from behind one of the tall pillars; Thera turned drawing her sword. Her eyes searched the columns for the source and saw nothing. Then footfalls echoing in the high chamber caused her to turn again. They seemed to be coming from everywhere at once. Placing her back against one of the walls she crept towards the front window. She could see Serena standing in front of the building across the street. Careful to keep her eyes on the room she let out a soft whistle. Serena turned and stepped into the building her eyes searching for Thera. Aran and Rosheen were only two steps behind. There eyes looking every way at once.

The chase was on.

 

Thera had been the first to pick up on the man, but he was moving so quickly that there was no point in trying to hide their pursuit, he already knew they were there. While they'd initially spread out, the first couple of ambushes with earth and flame led to them staying close to Serena Sedai. They could interpose themselves if the worst came to the worst, and it was easier for Serena to shield them from the Mayor's weaves with the one power when he attacked. It was in this way that the pursuit played itself out, only an absence of footsteps ahead of them a warning that the man laid in wait.

 

The game didn't end with the hall they had entered, indeed it spilled over between buildings as the man kept running until at last they came to a great citadel, the grand doors long ago wasted away by the elements and the rot that had consumed the city. As they entered through the gates and into the entrance hall, the footsteps ahead of them ceased. Silence hung over the air and Aran listened as best he could as did the others to try and determine where the man was. So many doors lined the entrance hall as it spilled ahead of them a good fifty feet only to end in stairs. The only sign that the man had been at all was the dust that was still drifting through the air from the man's passage, eddying in the slight breeze that drifted through the hall.

 

A sneeze. Looking sharply to the right, the man appeared a moment later from a room at the far end. Fire spewed from a raised hand as the man raced up the stairs. Dissipating before it reached two thirds the distance toward them, the man had disappeared above, leaving them the same option as before. Letting Thera stay close to Serena as they advanced, Aran and Rosheen spread to either side of the stairway as the Aes Sedai took the middle. Ascending carefully, they crested the top of the stairs to find another great doorway which looked into what was easily recognisable as a throne room.

 

The man was occupying the throne on the dais with a grin on his face. Aran didn't like it at all but he flanked Serena as they entered as did Rosheen. Maybe when the struggle began, the pair would be forgotten and one of them could get close enough to slit his throat. Male channeler or not, deserving of a trial or not, having fire tossed at him did not engender feelings of mercy. He just hoped that Serena would be able to keep them safe as they advanced.

 

"Hold!" Standing from his throne as he spoke, the mayor surveyed them with a look that dripped of hatred. If he had been a normal man, Aran would have said he was particularly unimpressive, but standing on the dais and holding the power he did made the mayor a different matter altogether. "This has gone on for long enough. Any last words before I cast your ashes to the wind?"

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

OOC: Up to you Serena to say your thing and try and shield him, or try and kill him alternately. Either way the man will cause the floor beneath us to collapse. Then Thera can take us from down there, describing the scummy sewer we'll have fallen into, we might have to swim to shore though... Gah.

The idea of taking him by surprise was for naught. But it seemed perhaps they still had an advantage it was still four to one. The deadly silence enveloped the group and the only sound was the quiet quick breaths of the foursome. It seemed years passed before movement regained but Thera’s thoughts were all for Serena. She stayed close on her heels watching more her back than the surrounding terrain.

 

Thera’s rosy lips pulled back in a sneer. The man threatened them all but all she heard was a threat on Serena’s life. Her sword quivered with raged as she placed her self between Serena and the man. Though his voice seemed clear his eyes twitched like that of a man afraid. Even with his advantage, four to one odds still seemed in their favor. Thera suppressed the urge to speak. Truly this was Serena’s battle now. Her Aes Sedai was a sea of focus and calm, the fear and doubt was buried deep. She was a warrior poised for battle. Thera crouched watching the man as much as her beautiful Aes Sedai.

 

OOC: If my lovely Aes Sedai does not post soon we can keep this going ;)

OOC: Posted for Serena

 

IC: Serena’s chin was lifted in defiance and confidence. The Guards around her needed no words or commands from her, which was a complete relief. One Aes Sedai against a male channeler was enough for her. If only my sister’s hadn’t pulled away from this! She silently cursed the man before her. Tilted emerald eyes shone with a fierce fire that seemed to be lit from behind them. Her face did not contort. Cool Aes Sedai serenity, emanated from every aspect of her being.

 

As Thera stepped forward, between her Serena and the mayor, the Aes Sedai bit her tongue. No Thera its too dangerous for you too stand there. The Blue wondered if she should try to move Thera from her position, but instead she knew she should keep an eye on her Gaidin from where she stood.

 

Holding onto the One Power, Serena’s voice came out cool and clear. “There is no reason to cast anyone’s ashes to the wind I will give you one last chance to come away with us unscathed. After that…” As she spoke her words she was already preparing her weaves. The shield she flung over her and Thera first. It was likely the man would attack her first, being Aes Sedai and all.

 

As soon her words broke away, the flames and shards of earth began to fly at them once again. Breathing deeply and reaming calm was essential for Serena, or else she would lose her concentration. There was no way she Sheild all of them at once, so she continuously moved the invisible barriers fro she and Thera to Aran and Rosheen. The amount of the One Power she as using was devouring her energy. I can’t keep this up for long. The thought echoed in her mind with a feeling of despair. How could she keep them all alive at this pace? Her heart went out to Thera.

 

Moving the shield around from Guard to Guard and attempting to battle the Mayor with what little Power she had left to use, was utterly useless. There was only one thing left she could do..But it would put them allin danger if she failed.

 

At that time, Thera turned to glance at Serena. The Aes Sedai shook her head ever so slightly to the left and to the right, attempting to conceal any advantage she might give to their opponent. I can’t hold on like this. She thought to herself and felt a piegn of guilt and shame she wasn’t strong enough.

 

With determination in her eyes, Serena focused all her energy on the mayor. She wove as quickly and deftly as she could. Her skill in the One Power was one of the best in the White Tower, her strength was only moderate, however. If they could only have distracted him long enough so that he stopped channeling. It would have been easier, if he had no been holding onto Sadin.

 

“Enough!” Her voice rang in the Chamber. The shield she had created began to slide into its rightful place. It took all she had to keep it where it was. His face contorted as her fought her trying to cut him off from the One Power. He was strong..So strong.

Rage began to fill her as she pushed and pushed her shield. Her head began to hurt with the force she was putting into the weave. I’m not going to be able to do it. That realization made her even more angry.

 

“I’d rather die than let you have my Gaidin!” Her body shook and her vision blurred. The amount of energy she had used from herself and taken from Thera should have had her Gaidin on the floor. But Thera still moved about, attempting to defend. Her aching head seemed to have caused her vision to darken altogether. She knew she would burn herself out of she continued. Was that what she would have to do to save them all? Would sacrificing herself help everyone else? A single tear welled in her right eye, she let it fall as she caught Thera’s eye once again. “I’m sorry” she mouthed. With that, a great blast of Saidin broke and pushed Serena’s shield away from the mayor, causing Serena to fall to the floor.

 

Rock and stone seemed to fall from everywhere, as Serena let her consciousness wane. Her body shook… or was it the floor? What have I done? Her last thought questioned before she was hit in the head with a large stone. What happened next she had no control over, trapped in her unconsience.

 

Serena Morrigan

Blue Ajah

Bonded to Thera Trakelyn

OOC: Now for Thera!

 

IC:The room pulsed with energy as shards of earth and fire raced through the room, attacking their targets at an alarming rate. Serena’s invisible shield often slammed into place with only inches to spare.

 

Thera fought the desire to lung at the mayor’s throat. She wanted with every fiber of her being to see the man’s crimson blood spill across the dusty floor tiles. Her sword trembled with rage in her hands. Only Serena’s utter calm flowing through the bond kept her rage within its banks. Thera was no good to anyone dead.

 

The shards of tile and earth began to grow smaller though they cam with no less speed. Deftly Thera jumped using her sword to deflect the smaller pieces of tile. In mid jump fire seemed to rain down from above and large welts formed on Thera’s hands; she could feel the tiny flaming embers threatening to burn through her coat. Thera wavered as her feet replanted on the ground. Her legs felt like liquid and her muscles felt like jelly just from the weigh if her sword.

 

Even as she wavered there, unsteady on her feet her thoughts were only for Serena. She could feel her Aes Sedai’s strength fading. Reaching deep within herself she tried to gather strength. Thera released the void and all the pain that had just moments ago seemed someone else’s hit home like a ton of bricks. Digging deep within herself she pulled up memories that she had long since buried. The pain and anger from her passed helped to dull pain and it gave her a minute amount of strength back.

 

Turning ever so slightly she caught Serena’s eye; If she could charge the man and hold his attention long enough… But even as the thoughts formed in her mind Serena’s head shook slightly.

 

Never before had Thera felt a lack at not being able to channel but today it gnawed at her. “Blood and Ashes!” She cursed.

 

Her words rang in a silent chamber and for a moment the entire world seemed to hold its breath. A single tear feel from Serena’s eye and Thera let out a howl; but it was lost in the sound of destruction. The building shook and began to crumble, the floor heaved upward trying to reach the sky. Covering her head with her arms Thera stumbled towards Serena. Her tears were falling freely and they only redoubled when she saw Serena in a heap on the floor. She flung herself forward covering her Aes Sedai’s body with her own. My life before hers!! Blood and Bloody Ashes MY LIFE BEFORE HER’S!! She wrapped her arms around Serena and pulled her close as the floor opened and swallowed the group. Darkness consumed them.

 

Thera woke and immediately rolled over to empty her stomach, a foul smell filled the chamber and the floor squished under her touch. Everything felt as if it was covered with slime. Gritting her teeth Thera pushed to her feet, and slowly began removing her charred coat from her back. She rolled it a placed it under Serena’s head, and bent to brush her head with a kiss.

 

“Aran? Rosheen? Thera called out feeling her way blindly in the dark. Her eyes slowly began to adjust to the dark space. Picking her way through the ankle deep rotting garbage she knelt beside Rosheen. Her friend was stirring slightly. “ Thank the light your ok Rosheen!” Thera smiled slightly, Rosheen had always been so strong, her friend looked as badly beaten as she did and she did not have the extra strength Thera did but still the pushed on. A few paces away laid another lump and Thera could hear a steady stream of curses flowing from it. At least they were all alive, even if they were badly hurt.

 

Scooping Serena into her arms the group was preparing to move with a low rumbled caused them pause. It seemed to fill the sewers and come from everywhere at once.

 

No one moved. With her free hand she wrestled her dagger from her belt. It was not much but it would have to do. She could not handle her sword and Serena both. A mangy half starved mutt came into view; its rotting yellow teeth were bared and a foul smell crept from its mouth. Holding her breath Thera waited.

 

Thera Trakelyn

Bonded Heat and Soul to Serena Morrigan

There was no warning, no sign that anything was out of the ordinary beyond everything that was Shadar Logoth. One moment the mangy cur was poised to strike, to sink its teeth its teeth into the first thing it caught to satisfy the ravening hunger that consumed its very being. Fire hot enough to make them all take a steb back swept the dog and the garbage surrounding it, searing away but a smidgeon of the filth that lay within Shadar Logoth yet welcome all the same. Welcome because it meant that someone had come to assist them, yet that welcome was short lived as the figure who illuminated the room with a simple white light was not one who wore a dress.

 

Holding his hands up before him as a peace gesture, Rasputin Felar approached the party as he carefully stepped over the garbage and spoke at the same time with a distinct lack of emotion. "We don't have much time so lets keep this simple. As you've most likely already surmised, I'm a Dreadlord. On the otherhand, here we both have a greater concern and without me your Aes Sedai isn't going to have long enough to recover before you're overwhelmed by more of those abominations. I need you all for a task, and in return I can show you the way out but I need to heal your mistress first. Either let me by or find your own way out."

 

It was a bit much, not to mention a rush, but if they were thinking of stabbing him right there they didn't act on it. Whether due to them feeling they needed him or suspecting he had protection woven around himself, which he had, it was irrelevant because he was able to kneel by the Aes Sedai and do what needed to be done. Laying a hand on her stomach, delving and determining what needed healing didn't take long and it wasn't long before he had her conscious even if she was slightly disorientated. Pulling his hood more tightly about his face as she came about, he stood and stepped away to let her companions attend to her.

 

Concerned they might have been for their Aes Sedai who was slowly getting to her feet, but they remained alert to their surroundings as Rasputin was. A good sign that they would be useful, but they dallied too long in one place. Time for quick introduction and to make the quick sell. Folding his hands into the arms of his robe, the golden etchings that ran down from the shoulders to the hem gleamed in the light he had provided. It wasn't long before the Aes Sedai was asking who he was, and that question he would answer readily enough, and more if it would secure help for his task.

 

"I am a Dreadlord who has been assigned to a certain task here, one which is related to your own. I know you seek the Mayor, but there is a greater task that must be attended to and I require your assistance. Mashadar is bound to this place but occasionally is bindings must be renewed in order to ensure its influence is limited. The creature your followers saw is but one thing it has corrupted, the Mayor himself has fallen under the taint. Mashadar's minions block the way to the bindings in an effort to ensure they wear away and Mashadar may spill into the world."

 

"I require you and your followers as an escort. The minions are particularly numerous and alone I might be overwhelmed. Take me to Mashadar and I can renew its bonds to this place and its restriction to Shadar Logoth. In return, I can lead you to the surface and out of the city to safety. A fair trade, but one that must be decided on soon. If you help me, you get a way out plus you deny your Mayor the support of Mashadar's minions which shall make your hunt easier."

 

Turning, fire sprouted from Rasputin's fingertips to rake a nearby tunnel. The heat greeted with painful cries from those who were scorched, Rasputin turned back as he spoke. "They know where we are and Mashadar shall send everything at us to wear us out. We don't have much time, so decide now and quickly."

 

 

Rasputin Felar

M`aeshadar of the Aurani

 

OOC: Sorry its fairly condensed, but I actually got time and this needed to be kickstarted :)

Thera’s eyes shone with unshed tears as she stood with her Aes Sedai clung to her chest. Serena felt cold to the touch and her breaths came in labored pants.

 

The mangy dog was crouched low, a yellow foaming slobber dripping off his rotten fangs. Aran and Rosheen had stepped between Thera and her Aes Sedai, and were exchanging glances when fire that was white hot roared past them into the chamber.

With out thoughts Thera hit the ground, covering Serena’s fail body with her own.

 

Where the fire had roared stood a man; his eyes dark and his voice flat and devoid of emotion. “We don't have much time so lets keep this simple.  As you've most likely already surmised, I'm a Dreadlord.  On the other hand, here we both have a greater concern and without me your Aes Sedai isn't going to have long enough to recover before you're overwhelmed by more of those abominations.  I need you all for a task, and in return I can show you the way out but I need to heal your mistress first.  Either let me by or find your own way out."

 

Dreadlord! Her blood began to boil and the very mention of a man that could channel. It was because of men like this one Serena was lying practically lifeless on the floor of a sewer.  Thera’s hand twitched towards her sword but she could not make herself turn on this man. He could be Serena’s only hope, even if they made if out of Shadar Logath alive help lay at least a few days away. With eyes as hard as stone that carried a threat of death she nodded for the man to do his vile work.

 

Her eyes opened blinking in the dim light; and Thera felt life and heath flood into Serena.  Her emerald eyes were bright and held no fear of this Dreadlord before her. Thera could not help but feel pride at her bravery.

 

The mans story seemed plausible but who knew where Darkfriends were concerned. Thera was on edge her hands still hovering above her sword hilt, Aran and Rosheen looked no more at ease; but now the decision was Serena’s. None would act without her permission. 

 

She could feel Serena weighting and considering their options. Almost all would surely end with blood shed. But which path they chose now would decide whose blood was spilled this day.

Again the fire flew from the man, but this time screams of the dying echoed in all their ears.

“It seems we are left with no choice Master…. We will follow and help as we can, but know the this one false step or hint of a trap and you will be dead before you hit the ground”

 

Thera was hard pressed not to smile once again at Serena’s courage. The woman was too weak to carry out that threat, but Thera knew she would die to make it true.

 

Blindly the foursome followed the man, no the Dreadlord through the dark tunnels of the sewer. Each was alert, their eyes peeled for the “minions” that would surely be stalking them.

 

OOC: Not my best, but there you go!  ;)

The appearance of the man in the black robes in the midst of Shadar Logoth was certainly not what Aran had anticipated by any stretch of the imagination.  He wasn't sure what the others were thinking, but considering how terrible their position was, he didn't mind letting the man heal Serena.  After all, if he'd wanted them dead he could simply have killed the three of them with the power and they would have been as defenceless as the freakish mongrel of a beast whose ashes were drifting down the tunnel it had emerged from.  Aran had more than enough experience with channelers, male and female, to understand that so he kept his attention outward as the man walked closer and knelt by Serena, laying a hand upon her stomach and doing whatever it was that male channelers did to wield saidin.

 

Consciousness was restored to Serena at least, though she seemed a bit disorientated at first.  Then the man made his quick sell, as he did so, Aran noticed something in the light that had escaped his attention before, the golden symbols that were woven into the black robe that ran from the shoulders down to the hem near the man's equally black boots...  But then Serena answered, an answer that made perfect sense to Aran.  They would need the help, and taking Mashadar out of the equation would make it much easier to deal with the Mayor when they caught up with him, especially if the Mayor indeed was Mashadar's creature.  Even if the Mayor wasn't, sealing the evil up made sense.

 

Of course, there was the chance that the exact opposite was being plotted, but Aran believed otherwise.  If the intent was to free Mashadar, then their friend would not have been so quick to recruit them, and...  Taking a position between Serena and their friend, Aran took the lead of the triangle that the guards and gaidin formed around the Aes Sedai, Thera and Rosheen flanking the Aes Sedai as they walked further into the gloom......

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

---

 

Leading the way through the dark, Rasputin didn't waste time as he strode through the sewers of Shadar Logoth.  He had walked the tunnels a number of times now, he knew how to find the way to Mashadar's inner sanctum.  Occasionally forced to sweep the tunnels before him with fire, as the Aes Sedai was likewise obliged to defend their flanks, the trio of warriors with them taking care of anything that managed to get too close though that was rare.  He was glad that he'd recruited them, and besides, it wasn't as if their deaths here would serve any discernable purpose or further the freedom of the Great Lord.  If it didn't directly serve the cause of Chaos, then violence was only to be applied to a situation where necessary.

 

Thankfully, the only violence that was required here was directed at Mashadar's minions.  Corruptions of their forms, rats the size of dogs to even the appearance of a stag, its horns cruelly twisted and pointed, all of whom subsisting only upon the hatred that Mashadar fed them, their only hunger to sate the very rage that consumed them.  After maybe ten or so minutes, it was the male of their party that spoke.  "So why are you here to seal Mashadar back up?"

 

Glancing at the man, Rasputin frowned then turned back to the front as he continued walking.  Perhaps it wouldn't hurt for them to understand the why of it, maybe then they wouldn't be tempted to meddle with it upon a later date.  "You need to understand why Mashadar first came to be here to understand that question."

 

Stopping only long to smite a monstrous boar that had tried to charge from one of the side tunnels, Rasputin continued.  "Mashadar is much older than the city.  As I understand it, Mashadar is a being from another world.  From a plane of hate, it was the sole being alive as it had consumed everything else until only it remained to feed on itself.  Someone made a bargain with it, and in exchange for its service it allowed itself to be bound to a ter'angreal that allowed it to then be brought to this world.  Used as a weapon against the Light, the city stood little chance against Mashadar's might as it was unleashed.  Imagine a city many times the population of Caemlyn, Mashadar's fingers spreading through the city and destroying all it could find with its touch."

 

"What Mashadar did not realise was that the ter'angreal had limits built into it, Mashadar cannot expand beyond a certain territory.  Its designs for this world frustrated, it turned against the Shadow and named it betrayer.  After its work was done, it would have been better for it to be balefired, removed from the pattern altogether, but at that point so much of it had been used that reality itself was the brink of unravelling, so Mashadar was spared and the city it laid waste to was simply avoided."

 

"Of course, like everything else the location of Mashadar was lost during the Breaking.  It wasn't long after when the Compact was formed that Mashadar betrayed its presence with killings in the night.  One of my predecessors, Yaris Madein, led a coterie of Dreadlords along with a Darkfriend escort.  Mashadar had a full two hundred years to regain some of its power, but Yaris was successful and managed to reinforce the wards upon the ter'angreal though his companions died to the last.  And so since him, every hundred years the wards have been strengthened."

 

Coming to a stop, Rasputin looked at the chasm before him and shook his head.  This was new, and Rasputin had his suspicions as to how it had been accomplished.  "This section wasn't collapsed last I was here, we'll have to backtrack slightly and take another route."  Taking the lead again, it wasn't until he was prompted that Rasputin took up where he had left off.  "This continued until the Trolloc Wars.  Mashadar decided that it would take on human agents, even as it discovered it could corrupt lesser creatures and imbue them with its essence, much like the grotesque caricactures of life we find in these tunnels.  It likewise spread its essence, allowed it to permeate every flagstone and brick even as it slowly began to take heart in the people and that was the true danger.  Human agents, in particular its first Mordeth, could carry the essence of Mashadar within them beyond the constraints of the ter'angreal and give Mashadar new reach."

 

"We contained it.  We didn't try and take the city, it would have cost too much with Mashadar coming into its powers and the people of the city together.  We let the hate in the city do its work while we made sure Mashadar did not slip free and when the citizens of Aridhol had turned upon each other and destroyed themselves, then we made our move.  That ghost story of an army of the Shadow taking shelter in Aridhol for a night, that wasn't taking shelter.  We had to go in with a full army and fight our way down into the bowels of the city where we are now and renew the wards.  The army was destroyed in the process, but I think we can agree that it was a necessary sacrifice.  Since then, the seals have never been allowed to go longer than a hundred years and we've actively made sure that no one leaves Shadar Logoth with the taint of Mashadar within them.  Its possible to purge it up to a point, but beyond that stage the only thing you can do is cleanse it with fire so it doesn't reach the rest of the world."

 

There it was.  The place where the old world had met with the new.  Sweeping the tunnel before them with fire, Rasputin was rewarded with a few squeals of pain as he took up a position at the hole that one could imagine had been punched through the wall.  Looking to his companions, Rasputin held up a hand before him.  "Just a warning before I do it, but I'm going to lay a couple of weaves on all of you.  The first will be a white light above each of your heads, if for any reason any of you get seperated in the battle that is ahead of us you can see where we are, and the creatures after so long underground are sensitive to it.  The second is a warding that, well its not foolproof protection against the mist, but it will make it that little harder for it to get a hold of you.  If you feel a tickling sensation, move and move quickly because thats the ward warning you."

 

Rasputin was glad he had chosen to come prepared, he still had plenty of strength left to do what needed doing even as he wove the lights and wards, tying them off around each individual.  "Lastly, I want you each to hold your weapons up, there's something I'm going to do which will make things easier for us."  Laying a hand on each weapon in turn, this weaving was a bit more complicated but it was one that he was well familiar with.  As he removed his hand from a weapon, the blade would take on a greenish tinge.  "If your blade pierces a creature of Mashadar's, it should keel over dead.  Having said that, be prepared for anything, I'll take the lead.  Aes Sedai I suggest you focus on Mashadar's fingers, spirit and air will suffice to slash the tendrils."

 

"You three, protect our van and don't let yourselves get seperated.  You take the creatures while the Aes Sedai takes care of Mashadar, with any luck we'll pull through.  As to where we go from here, this tunnel leads far deeper and it'll be a steady descent.  It exits into the hall that Mashadar resides, perhaps all that remains of the city that Mashadar vanquished.  We will emerge at the far end, its one hundred yards long and if past experience is any indication it will be packed.  There are then stairs that lead up to a dais, that is where the ter'angreal lay.  We need to get there and I need you to hold them off long enough for me to work the ter'angreal.  Once thats done, any creatures remaining will fall dead and Mashadar will be unable to exert any control over its essence in the city save in the dead of night. As fo-"

 

Fire flaring from his fingertips, it spewed forth like a flamethrower to hose down the sudden movement from the hole as small host tried to pass through.  A short burst, but enough to take care of the attack.  The smell of burning flesh filling his nostrils once more, Rasputin would have been glad to be able to disassociate himself from the odour if he were capable of the emotion.  Instead he stepped into the hole and walked past the burning corpses as he spoke.  "We don't have much time.  Mashadar usually uses the end of the tunnel to try and trap me, if we push hard we might make it before its flankers arrive.  We'll have pursuit testing from behind regardless and we'll be hit from the front at the same time.  Conserve your energy as best you can Aes Sedai, you will need it."

 

The descent played much the way that Rasputin had anticipated.  Twenty minutes of travel broken only by the occasional ambush, far lighter than Rasputin had expected.  It didn't bode well in his mind for what approached, it meant that Mashadar's followers were few or that it was saving its strength, and Rasputin doubted that Mashadar lacked abominations to throw at them.  Something that the sound that carried up the tunnel proved true as they approached the end of it.

 

The hammer and anvil, a basic tactic but in this situation it was deadly.  The pursuit was already barreling down the tunnel, one could hear them charging down the tunnel even as the monsters within the hall charged towards the opening to bar it shut to form the anvil even as the hammer approached.  Now wasn't the time for subtlety, and Rasputin didn't bother with it as he held his hands before him.

 

CRACK!

 

Within such a confined space, the sound was overwhelming as lightning arced from Rasputin's hands into the first foe before him, immediately then jumping to the next nearest beast and the next.  Mindless in their rage, they were heedless of their losses but Rasputin cared not as he moved amongst them, other weaves flying about to eliminate those who neared while the lightning carved a path which could be followed.  Jumping down the last couple of feet into the hall, there was little time to appreciate the alien workmanship of an Age long past with its high columns and the array of colours from the frescoes that were on the walls.

 

Instead, Rasputin moved them to the right until they found the wall of the great hall, then advanced forward so their right side was protected, allowing the party to focus on the creatures that were throwing themselves at them.  All designed to weaken, distr-

 

Tingling...

 

Lashing out with spirit and air, the mist was attempting to wrap itself around his foot immediately dispersed.

 

"Beware Mashadar!"

 

 

Rasputin Felar

M`aeshadar of the Aurani

As the man unraveled his tale Thera listened with interest; and she could see Serena calculating his words and filing them away. The damn woman would attempt to learn standing in the Pit of Doom! Her words were fierce but they held no venom, only several shades of affection.

 

Thera was grateful when Aran took the lead; Serena was still weak and if she needed a hand Thera wanted to make sure it was her own. Too much had passed between the two of them in the last few weeks; there was an emotional distance too great for Thera to be comfortable with her beautiful Aes Sedai out of her sights.

 

She eyed the man at their lead as much as she did their surroundings. The man’s story held tinges of what Thera knew for truth. Mashadar killed at random, with out care for man or beast; she doubted it had a conscious thought except for death. She could believe it did not care if you walked in the light or were pledged to the shadow. Creatures out of nightmares walked the tunnels; but no sooner than they emerged were they gone, drowned in flames. Thera’s sword felt useless in her hands, none of the creatures came close enough for her to be anything other than another set of eyes. They all called out at even a hint of movement; they left death in their wake and never once faltered a step.

 

Thera was ashamed at the bile that rose in her throat when the man said he was going to touch them with Saidin. She would face a Trolloc with her bear hands, or walk through fire to save Serena but she was not sure she could do this. Her sword trembled slightly at her side and she gripped it tighter until her knuckles turned white. A soft hand squeezed hers and for a moment Thera felt all the love she thought was lost. She felt nothing as the man’s gaze passed over her but he resumed walking again so she assumed it was done.

 

As the minutes ticked by Thera began to wonder if Mashadar had run out of minions to send, surely they had already killed enough to fill a small village. Thera saw the trap even as it was still being laid but it was too late to do anything but defend.

 

She leapt forward her sword coming alive in her hands. The forms she had been practicing since birth, or so it seemed, looked more like a dance. The creatures parted before her sword their ruined forms falling at her feet. Slowly they progressed; one wave of vileness was still twitching as the other swept in. They were on the verge of being surrounded when lighting racked the creatures laying destruction wherever it struck. It arched from one kill to the next without ceasing.

 

The break in their force allowed the group to gain a better position their right side covered by the way. Thera sidled up next to Serena their backs almost touching as they fought. She felt Serena spin and Thera fell to the floor her sword striking at ankles and hamstrings. Fire exploded where Thera’s head had been a moment before; blasting away the face of some deformed creature.

 

All of a sudden her skin tingled, making her shiver from head to toe. She saw very much the same thing from all her companions and the cry “Mashadar!!” rang out from five sets of lips.

 

Serena’s hands swung as she wove destruction, her efforts matching that of the Dreadlord to her right. Thera screamed a wordless shout as she flung herself at the few creatures that mingled among Mashadar. They had to reach the ter’angreal!! Without warning Thera darted forward flowing from form to form her sword ringing through the air. Glancing she saw Serena follow. Immediately they were surrounded; only two in a sea of thousands!

 

There was nothing left to do but fight and hope that the ter’angreal could be reached in time. It seemed strange to put all of your hopes into a man sworn to the Dark, but Thera fought as hard as ever and sent up silent prayers to the light that the man lived!

 

It was the increased pressure that alerted Rasputin to the fact that something was out of place.  Sneaking a glance behind him, what he saw made him curse even as he swept the wave before him with fire.  The Aes Sedai and one of her warriors were seperated from the rest of them.  If he hadn't distanced himself from his emotions, he would have been cursing vehemently but instead he lashed out at fire at the opponents confronting the other two guards, giving them enough breathing space to turn about and hold the side that Rasputin had as he took theirs in turn.

 

It was ten strides, yet such a small distance was great when confronted with Mashadar and its minions alike.  Getting to the pair, Rasputin grabbed Thera and Serena's shoulders, a shield of air protecting him from the blade of steel and razor of air that automatically lashed out at him.  "Don't fall behind!"

 

Guiding them back to the group, they were already most of the way there.  The attacks of the creatures were becoming more frantic, aggressive, and it was when they got near the end of the hall that Rasputin discovered why.

 

A chasm.

 

The Mayor must have been directed by Mashadar to create this, a chasm ten yards in width and running the length of the hall.  The true trap of Mashadar, it hoped to push them into the dark abyss by weight of numbers.  The others holding where they were, Rasputin knelt down as he laid his hands on the floor, helping him reach his 'fingers' into the earth, looking for things he could use...

 

There it is.

 

The earth shook slightly as a bridge of earth extended from the other side to join up where they were waiting to cross.  Standing, Rasputin made his way across as he yelled for them to follow.  The short man followed first, followed by the Aes Sedai and the red head, the one with the mohawk following last as Rasputin and the Aes Sedai provided her cover.  Mashadar's plan had backfired, they now had a chokepoint to hold the creatures off at.  Erecting a ward of air on the bridge, Rasputin slanted it so they bounced off it and into the abyss even as they charged.

 

Mashadar on the otherhand hadn't given up, the mist gathered around the dais like some malevolent miasma even as its tendrils reached out towards them.  Lashing out with spirit, Rasputin frowned subconsciously as he failed to penetrate the mist itself, only loping off the tendrils that stretched towards them.  Had it grown stronger?  The mayor?  "Aes Sedai, I cannot breach that mist and we have only a single choice here.  Link, or we all perish right here."

 

Nothing.  "Aes Sedai we do not have time for this!  Either you link or we all die here!  Link you light cursed fool!"

 

Rasputin was convinced that the Aes Sedai would not aid him as the seconds stretched out like minutes, yet the link came and with it his powers were augmented.  Not by as much as he would have liked, but it was enough.  Throwing his hands before him, blades of spirit ripped and pierced the mist, the barrier before them dissipating even as it tried to hold itself together.

 

Revealing the Dark Core.

 

Making his way up the marble steps as he released the link, Rasputin let the Aes Sedai deal with other tendrils of Mashadar that were seeping from the stones around them even as he placed his hands on the ter'angreal, a dark cylinder five foot in height.  Wards flowing from his fingers, he could feel the resistance but he forced it to submit to his own power.  Threads of all the elements of the pattern wove and rewove, working in new configurations and old alike to not only bind it in place but to make it difficult for others to tamper with it.  The mayor 'had' tampered with it, it was little wonder he had required saidar intermingled with his own power to break the mist.

 

The last thread in place, a sudden silence descended as the last creatures simply slumped over, dead without Mashadar able to sustain the abominations they had become.  Even the tendrils retreated, though a menace pervaded the place.  Sitting down on the dais next to the ter'angreal as he released saidin, Rasputin was acutely aware of how far he had pushed himself.  He was weariness, and there was nothing more he would have liked to do than go to sleep right there and his companions didn't look much better.  But now wasn't the place, or the time, and as nice as they were, certainly not the company.

 

"Thank you.  If you hadn't been here...  That chasm was not here before, and someone tinkered with those wards, Mashadar was much stronger than he should have been."  Rubbing his temple with one hand, he continued.  "While I worked those wards in, I noticed the tampering.  Your mayor I suspect was the reason for it, and we are incredibly lucky that his powers and skill weren't enough to crack the wards altogether.  I owe you the way to the surface, and it appears we still share a common goal.  If this mayor gets free of the city, not even a pack of darkhounds could track him.  Should he have the time to develop his power and skill, then return..."

 

Standing, Rasputin took the power long enough only to remove the weaves he had placed upon the companions as well as the air ward upon the bridge.  Leaving only his light intact, he left it tied off as he released the power again and started walking to the bridge.  Picking his way over the corpses, he didn't say anything as the others followed, they were too tired to spend their energy unnecessarily.

 

But one terrible pun came to mind as they made their way to Rasputin that made his lips twitch.

 

At least from here, the only way was up.

 

 

Rasputin Felar

M`aeshadar of the Aurani