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"I know you are telling the truth, and this time without divination. Why don't you sit down and discuss it with him over a mead, I can arrange an audience..." "I am sorry Kermin, I was distracted for a time. You were, I believe, beginning the tale of Murq". He began to peruse the documents. "Yes... and continuing on, Murq was rumoured to have discovered an ancient spell book of creation... and he was going to use it to construct an ethereal horror, the mist golem" "I know this already". Still reading. "He was hunted down by adventurers commissioned by the oligarchy of the free city at the time" "What of the rumors that Murq was a renegade Drow, and that he still serves in the courts of his lord ?" "They are just that. Murq was killed by the adventurers" " Ah, here is the information that I require: The location of Murq's fortress ! ...And this book you mentioned ?" "Our spies itemized the treasure taken. Two of them had even infiltrated the party ! Trust me, Murq is long dead. The book remains undiscovered. I take it that you will soon be in search of it ?" "Robilar and I are ready to depart, once I have properly scrutinized your information" "So, you trust me then ?" "I would know if you are lying, Mindbender. Despite your spells of protection, I know how to read you... like a book, I believe the expression is" "I told you that the information was a trifle. What does my lord care if you seek to create a Mist Golem. He knows that you would not be foolish enough to unleash it upon his court" "Your lord is correct, but you are not." "What do you mean ?" "I told you that I had every intention of telling you... I believe that the book bears searching for, for it was penned by Tzunk himself !" "I know of Tzunk. Am I supposed to be impressed with your name dropping ? So what if you are seeking to fill out your spell book, your obsession for magical curios is well known !" "BE SILENT AND LET ME FINISH !" Mindbender was well conditioned to these words, and obeyed unquestioningly. Rary allowed himself a smirk of superiority. "I am not interested in the book for it's heritage, nor am I interested in recreating a pathetic little golem. Word has reached me that Tzunk was responsible for the very creation of the gestalt horrors !" "I beg you pardon ?" "The distortions of nature ! The Owlbear, The Hook Horror, The Peryton, and many others. I believe that Tzunk was responsible for their creation and that Murq, whether successful or not, was trying to recreate his experiments in solitude" Mindbender was silent, then began to laugh uncontrollably. "Oh Rary, you really have lost your senses ! What possible use could you have for any of these creatures ? Is your private army going to launch an attack on Greyhawk City ? Or perhaps annex the lands of Aerdi ? I am sure that the wretched Circle of Eight will cower in terror at the sight of these wonders. I can see it now: 'Go Fido, kill them all, but Mordenkainen is mine !'. HAHAHAHAHA ! I tell you what, we may have a use for them on the flare lines. I will tell Xenvelen, He will pay handsomely for the support ! Ha !" Rary watched and waited for Kermin to quiet himself. He would have his moment yet. "Come now Rary, share it with me. You have a specific purpose in mind for these creatures ?" "I have..." "I am not unfamiliar with the magic of creation myself. Why don't you tell me what you have in mind ? One spellcaster and researcher to another..." "It is my belief that Tzunk may have been attempting to create a demonic half-breed to support his own ascension to godhood. I think that he failed. I intend to succeed where he has failed." Kermin Mindbender looked at Rary with horror. "You have all been small minded indeed ! I have waited years for this. Not even Robilar knows of the extent of my plans. Do not worry Mindbender, you have been most helpful, and I won't forget you help when the time comes... and that time comes soon..." And Rary was gone Kermin Mindbender recovered his senses quickly. He checked the scrolls that Rary had passed to him: they were still intact. He was frantic. "SCRAMBLE !" A dozen cloaked figures appeared. "Yes, Lord Mindbender ?" "Ready the spells of recall, we depart for Dorakaa AT ONCE !" Mindbender was in a turmoil. He had to get word to his lord at once, the threat of Rary was too great. Preparations had to be made ! But wait ! His lord would have him torn apart for such stupidity ! He hadn't even asked for permission to use Murq's story. much less tell Rary where his fortress may be found. Maybe he had best keep his silence. Anyway, he had retrieved the information he had been sent for... "We are ready master" "Yes, Go an ahead and tell your superiors that the mission was a success. I shall join you presently" "Yes, my lord" And on the cold hills on the outskirts of Molag, Kermin Minbender shuddered. It was indeed cold here. Why hadn't he noticed before ? He was torn between several conflicting choices: Inform his master ? Should he warn Murq the loner ? Or should he keep it all to himself ? Mindbender shuddered. The days ahead would be difficult indeed... Epilogue: The lone rider paced the hills to the meeting place. He saw several figures disappear, followed shortly by the single remaining figure. As he approached the area, he heard a soft laughter. "All right, you can show yourself" Rary appeared from nowhere "Ha ! I'll wager he thinks me already on Murq's doorstep ! So Robilar, did you enjoy yourself over yonder ?" "The black blade has not had such a worthy feast for many a month now. Besides, you know how I hate all that idle banter." "Have a care Robilar... I think that you would find the residents of Molag and your noble self have much in common... And the banter was hardly idle. Everything went exactly as we planned. We chose the perfect agent" "He responded to the half-truths ? I am proud I thought of some of them, myself !" "Ah yes ! For all the spells of protection he had cast on himself, he responded beautifully to simple manipulation ! He has spent too long in the lands to the North. You have been a great help, my friend. Yet I didn't need to tell him ALL of the half truths that we concocted" Robilar shuddered at this portend. He knew when Rary spoke to him with his backed turned, he was concealing something. "So, did you get the information that you were after ?" "Yes" "Do you think he believed you ?" "It matters not" "And we depart for Murq's halls ...?" "Soon. Be patient. There is much preparation to make. Gather our equipment, we return for the desert apace !" Robilar trudged off a short distance. Ha Kermin ! Right now he will be in his quarters in Doric quandering over his options. For all his rightful reputation of a mage of power, all he really was was a frightened little man with little real influence of import. Maybe he might even seek comfort in one of Eclavdra's 'positions' (he would be worse off under her dominion than he would under the protection of Iuz, Rary thought). No matter which of the many options he chose, It would end up serving the needs of Rary of Ket. Rary whispered words to himself. "MY time will come, and SOON..." Dedicated to all those who have been wondering what, among other things, Rary and Robilar have been up to. Their actual plans are a matter of individual campaign play, of course. Dedicated to the Works of Carl Sargent (Iuz the Evil) and Anthony Pryor (Rary the Traitor).