“We be losing,” Kildo muttered as he looked back. The coalition of the willing pirate armada was being overwhelmed by the Star Moths of the astral elves. It was only a matter of time before their morale broke. However, before that point, there was still a chance. The Space Dragon had a straight shot to the Temple of Light. As the moth-shaped citadel grew closer, there were numerous buildings, too many to count. The end of the wingtips had places where ships could dock, but their destination was ultimately the Temple of Light at the construction’s head. He could see thousands of people on the streets. Crowds were making their way toward the citadel. It seemed like they were in a festive and celebratory mood. Maneuvering the ship into one of the empty spots, the dock was unusually quiet and void of people. He looked back at battle in the distance. To any observer, it appeared like a fireworks display and not an actual battle with hundreds of lives being snuffed out.
The command crew of Kai, Guo Gan, Scomatch, and Kildo exited and began walking down the pier. Several golden-armored astral elves with long spears and shields approached.
Their leader, with a bright blue sash, stepped ahead and said, “My orders are to deliver you to the Temple of Light to face the Emperor’s justice.”
The party gripped their weapons tighter.
At the sign, the astral elf replied, “Princess Xedalli sends her regards. We are to escort you to the Temple of Light.” He then motioned for the group to follow him.
“What be going on here?” Kildo questioned.
“Emperor’s Xavan’s funeral is occurring. Prince Xeleth has ordered this, and his coronation will follow directly afterward.”
“He’s not waiting around,” Guo Gan said.
“What about the Princess,” Kildo asked.
“Princess Xedalli is being forced to attend as well. She is his most honored guest, but in actuality, she is a prisoner, and her fate is tentative. We worry she will befall some accident, like her ship exploding or her falling out of a window.”
Another astral elf approached and whispered to their escort’s leader. Nodding in acknowledgment, he said, “The religious ceremony has begun. The priest will read the emperor’s track of important events and accomplishments. It’ll last over an hour.” The astral elf then looked the party up and down, cringed, and continued, “You will want to clean yourselves up before attending the coronation. We’ll take you to the appropriate facilities.”
After an hour, the astral elves escorted the party to the Temple of Light. The guard pushed their way through the onlookers. The interior was circular. Eight giant-sized golden statues encircled the area. They each had various poses or held different objects. It seemed these were prior Emperor and Empresses, and understanding that elves could live for a thousand years or more, it represented a governance of possibly a myriad of ten thousand years. In the center was a pool of azure water, and within that center, a light rose and extended out to the sphere’s sun.
In the northern section of the citadel, an astral elf priest was presiding over the corpse of Emperor Xavan. His body was floating in an azure pool with a brilliant beam of light penetrating it from above. Flanking the priest were Prince Xeleth and Princess Xedalli. The prince was dressed in regal splendor. His expression was that of exultation, while the princess, dressed in pure white with a tiara, stood stiffly regarding her brother with a look of utter loathing.
Silence fell across the temple as the astral elf priest raised his arms, and the emperor’s body rose into the beam of light and disappeared. He then announced, “The emperor has ascended, and his spirit is one with Xaryxis’s light. However, it is a solemn time as Princess Xedalli is accused of treason and unfit to rule. Nevertheless, we are a society of laws. Therefore, are there any who would defend her and her claim to the throne?”
Kildo watched Princess Xedalli on the far side of the azure pool. She looked out to the arena full of mourners for her father, Emperor Xavan. They murmured to themselves and shook their heads. No one made any motion. She was alone. Prince Xeleth looked on smugly as he straightened a maga-red tie and folded his arms across his chest. Kildo then found himself unconsciously walking forward from the southern end. What in the nine hells was he doing? He heard audible gasps and pointing from the astral elves attending.
Prince Xeleth snorted and announced, “So, these are the outworlder rats that dare attack our home world! How dare you sully the Temple of Light with your presence!”
“I be Kildo Hammerhand!”
“A dwarf?” Prince Xeleth scoffed. “Is this the best you can do, dear sister?”
“Aye, I be a dwarf. I be holding more honor in me body than you could ever be hoping to achieve. Ye not be fit to rule Xaryndar. Ye be murderous and traitorous. Princess Xedalli be the rightful ruler!” Kildo announced and looked to the crowd to rise against Prince Xeleth. However, there was more vigorous shaking of heads, pointing at the dwarf, and voices began to rise in antagonism. Gulping hard, he was not winning over the crowd.
Also, seeing that she was losing the masses, Princess Xedalli stepped forward and shouted, “Good people of Xaryndar! Many of you support Prince Xeleth, and many support my claim to the throne. We can debate endlessly, and the people will suffer in the meantime. Therefore, this decision shall not be decided by the scholars or priests, but by the gods. I evoke the right of Trial by Combat!”
There was loud murmuring and discussion among the multitudes. Cheers began to rise.
“Wait!” Prince Xeleth bellowed. As the throngs of astral elves quieted, he continued, “The right of Trial by Combat has been issued. While I wholeheartedly would accept this challenge, it is null and void as only a royal member of the court can evoke this right. My sister Princess Xedalli has forfeited that right, as she no longer has her ring!”
Kildo reached into his pocket and pulled out an elaborate, black ring with a small beam of light, similar to the one shoot from the Temple of Light, shooting out.
There were audible gasps from the audience.
Princess Xedalli shouted, “There is my ring! Now, dear brother. Do you accept my challenge, or do you forfeit your right to rule?”
Prince Xeleth snarled, “I accept your challenge and will fight you, dear sister.”
“I shall name my rescuing champions to fight in my stead!” Princess Xedalli shouted.
Laughing, Prince Xeleth snorted, “Again with the Trial by Combat champion? Stupid, don’t you remember what happened last time?” He then pointed to a far wall. On it was mounted a long, massive, white-furred skin and a bow. “This is just a never-ending story with you, Moon Child.”
“I was ten,” Princess Xedalli snapped.
Sighing, Prince Xeleth said, “Since you won’t face me yourself, I too shall bring out my own champion. Zodar!”
The crowd began chanting, “Zodar! Zodar! Zodar! He’s so amazing!”
The astral elf prince raised his hands and yelled, “Let the Will of the gods be absolute!”
In the northwest, a titanic solar dragon flew into the Temple of Light. It was Prince Xeleth’s mount from their previous encounter in Vocath’s arena, where it took Princess Xedalli. It appeared dragon-like with four legs, two wings, a long neck, and a tail, but more serpentine with its forelimbs ended with a set of fins, which glowed.
“Char!” Charmander chirped in alarm and bounced away from the battle.
“So utterly worthless,” Scomatch muttered.
Zodar snarled as its mouth opened. It exhaled a flashing mote of radiant energy. The blast encompassed the entire party.
Kildo threw up his shield, but it did little to block any of the damage. Peeking above it, Zodar remained in place. The creature was wise not to approach melee range and kill them from afar. He wouldn’t try to cast Toll the Dead on the beast. He then saw Prince Xeleth make a slicing motion across his throat. Four astral elf guards, a pair to the east and west emerged with great swords drawn. They approached the party with sinister intent. Cheating bastard.
The winds picked up as Kai cast, Gust of Wind. A howling line of wind blasted sixty feet from the paladin, pushing back the pair of astral elves from the west.
Pointing his finger, Scomatch cast, Freezing Sphere. A frigid globe of cold energy streaked outward. An ice-blue globe ballooned. The pool of azure water crackled as it froze. The two astral elves to the east were flash-frozen. A light snow bathed the impacted area. Zodar’s body radiated energy, pushing back against the spell and avoiding the full impact of the blast.
“I’ll get this side!” Guo Gan called out as he dashed to the east. The monk slipped on the icy ground as Qiekamis sailed past the astral elf. Skidding to a halt, he spun around and smashed his quarterstaff into the elf sickle. His entire form shattered into astral cubes. Side-kicking the other elven guard, the block of ice spider-webbed and cracked. The astral elf’s skin was completely blue from the effect of the Freezing Sphere. The impact crunched into his chest. The monk’s blood fury tattoos ignited in life-draining power.
The astral elf choked through blood, “Curse you, servant of the Dark One.”
“Wait? Are you using this energy to keep the ‘Dark One’ imprisoned?” Guo Gan asked, staying his hand.
“Do not taunt me, servant of darkness,” the astral elf spat as he died.
In the southern part of the battlefield, Kildo’s entire body burned from the solar dragon’s initial breath weapon, and he knew everyone else was feeling the same effects.
“Life is Death. Death is Rebirth. Rebirth is Life,” he chanted as he cast, “Mass Healing Word.” Healing energy sprung from the dwarven cleric. Each party member glowed briefly at the magical healing. He then cast, Toll the Dead. Dolorous bells rang around the first astral elf to the west.
As blood began to seep from the elf’s eyes, ears, and nose from the necrotic energy, he said as he died, “May the servants of the Dark One burn in the radiant light of Xaryxis!”
Kildo thought, what in the nine hells is this Dark One these astral elves are spouting about? He didn’t have much time to ponder as the last remaining royal guard lashed out with his great sword. The dwarven cleric blocked the blow with his shield. His arm ached from the impact. A loud hissing echoed in the chamber as the massive solar dragon slithered in the air toward the party. His mind screamed in almost paralyzing fear, Big Monster!
A green beam struck Zodar. Several scales crumbled away as Scomatch cast, Disintegrate.
Guo Gan raced from the east, skated across the frozen azure pond in the middle of the citadel, and rapidly smashed the solar dragon with Qiekamis. The monk’s blood fury tattoos flashed as its necrotic, negative energy drained some of the creature's radiant light. He thrusted the tip of the quarterstaff into where the recently disintegrated scales were located.
Zodar roared in pain and flipped, crashing into the ground to protect its vulnerable area. The solar dragon’s entire form vibrated as a revving-up sound echoed. There was a brilliant burst of blinding light.
Guo Gan adverted his eyes, but Kai took the full effect.
“I can’t see!”
Blocking another blow from the last astral elf guard, Kildo cast, Toll the Dead. The necrotic energy sent dolorous bells around the elf’s head. Blood trickled from his eyes, nose, and ears.
As he died, the astral elf spat, “You shall never win, servant of darkness. The Dark One shall remain imprisoned.”
Again, with the ‘Dark One,’ Kildo thought as he looked down at the broken body of the astral elf. He noticed Guo Gan battling Zodar, who was glowing with radiant light. The monk's quarterstaff, Qiekamis, glowed an emerald green with necrotic energy. The nine hells! Are we the bad guys!?”
Kai shouted, “I’m blind!”
Gaining Kildo’s attention, he snarled at the implication they were the antagonist in this story. He’d have to worry about that later. He rushed to Kai chanting and cast, Lessor Restoration. Its healing energy cleared the paladin’s eyes from the solar dragon’s radiant light burst.
Zodar hurt and, in pain, thrashed in desperation like a wild animal. Guo Gan dove over the dragon’s tail, but its jaws clamped down on the monk.
Unblinded, Kai nodded in thanks to Kildo and charged Zodar. Two of Wave’s prongs struck the side of the dragon’s jaw. Radiant damage coursed up the weapon’s length. However, instead of harming the beast, its light energy was absorbed. However, the desired effect was achieved. It roared and freed Guo Gan from its grip.
As before, the solar dragon’s entire form vibrated as the revving-up sound echoed in the area.
“Don’t be looking at the sun! Be covering yer eyes!” Kildo bellowed, recognizing the sounds. He threw up his shield and closed his eyes as a brilliant burst of blinding light flashed across the area.
A glowing one-foot diameter ball of bubbling liquid arched and burst in emerald-colored acid as Scomatch cast, Vitriolic Sphere. The writhing solar dragon avoided most of the spell’s effect.
However, the additional damage only caused Zodar to react more desperately as a flailing tail whip struck Kai.
Guo Gan continued to bash into the solar dragon and absorb more of its life energy by Qiekamis’s necrotic damage.
Kildo contemplated casting one of his damage-dealing spells, but most required concentration, and if the beast blasted them again with its breath weapon, he knew he wouldn’t be able to maintain focus. He was also concerned if fire from his flame strike spell would even harm the solar dragon. However, all the party was hurt, including himself. He could do something about that. Chanting, he cast, Mass Healing Word. Healing energy rushed out, and each party member, including himself, glowed momentarily by the spell. Turning to the solar dragon, he was about to cast Toll the Dead, but the thought of the spell's necrotic damage component stayed in his hand. Instead, he cast, Resistance on Kai to help him avoid the dragon’s breath weapon.
It seemed Kildo’s caution was well founded as Zodar roared. It exhaled a flashing mote of radiant energy. The blast encompassed the entire party.
“Eep!” Scomatch cried.
Turning over his shoulder, Kildo saw the halfling smoldering as he fell over like a cut log. Their mage was down.
Growling as Scomatch fell, Kai thrust Wave into Zodar’s side. The dragon twisted and smashed its tail into Kai.
Guo Gan continued to swing away but missed the twisting and turning dragon before landing a single strike.
Feeling like every inch of his exposed flesh had been out in the sun for the entire day, Kildo cast, Mass Healing Word again. Soothing healing energy helped reduce the burn. He also saw Scomatch struggle back to his feet.
Kai was struck again by the flailing solar dragon’s frantic movements, as well as getting bit. Its jaws clamped tight. Thrusting downward, two of Wave’s prongs pierced Zodar’s nose. It let go of its bite. The paladin cast, Shield of Faith. A shimmering field of protective energy surrounded him. However, it did little in the way of defense as the solar dragon’s tail smashed into him again.
Pointing his finger, Scomatch cast, Freezing Sphere again. A frigid globe of cold energy streaked outward. An ice-blue globe ballooned. A light snow bathed the impacted area. Zodar’s body radiated energy, pushing back against the spell and avoiding the full impact of the blast.
Kai was smashed again by the creature’s tail as the solar dragon still thrashed wildly.
Timing the dragon’s movements, Guo Gan bashed Qiekamis into Zodar. However, Kai moved slower in his heavy armor as the creature’s tail came back around and crunched into the paladin.
Seeing Kai’s plight and pounding from Zodar’s tail, Kildo cast, Heal. A massive storm of healing energy accumulated around the cleric and raced toward the paladin. The triton’s most grievous of wounds instantly sealed.
Zodar, seeing the paladin healing, turned its attention back to Kai, and its tail smashed into him. The dragon was on him a moment later and bit into his leg. His thick, plate armor was the only thing keeping the limb from being severed.
Yelling in pain, Kai thrust Wave into the head of Zodar. The dragon released its grip. In retaliation, the tail came back around. Kai anticipated the attack and leaped over the limb.
A sudden loud ringing erupted around Zodar, as Scomatch cast, Shatter.
As punishment, the beast whipped its tail into Kai.
Guo Gan continued to bash with Qiekamis. Its necrotic energy disrupted the solar dragon’s radiant form.
The room vibrated as the echoing sound of Zodar’s photonic breath weapon ignited. Radiant energy blasted the entire area.
“Eep!” Scomatch called out as he went down again.
“Stop…hitting…me…with…your…damn…tail!” Kai bellowed as he thrust Wave repeatedly into the creature's limb.
Flinging its tail away, it careened toward Guo Gan, who flipped backward several times to avoid being steamrolled and stopped. Meditating, the monk cast, Wholeness of Body. He glowed momentarily with self-healing energy.
Realizing the best offense is a good defense, he Channeled Rigga’s Divinity and healed Kai and himself. He knew Scomatch was down again. He didn’t have enough rejuvenating energy to ensure the halfling survived another blast. However, he couldn’t let their mage potentially die. He sent just the tiniest of healing fragments to the halfling. Scomatch groaned as he stirred awake.
“Ugh! Why isn’t that dragon dead yet!” Scomatch bemoaned.
As the halfling’s words drew Zodar’s attention, he saw the meditating Guo Gan. The solar dragon chuckled and charged the stationary monk. Rising, the beast whipped its tail, sending the wood elf flying high into the air. Zodar opened his mouth to swallow the monk as he came falling down.
However, a glowing, one-foot diameter ball of emerald acid streaked into Zodar’s mouth. The sphere burst. Corrosive acid melted the inner lining of its jaw and went down its throat. There was a horrid gargling sound as the bubbling liquid caused blood, bile, and melted flesh, which caused the solar dragon to choke. The creature thrashed around in horrible agony as it suffocated on its own melted innards. It had a disparaging look in its eyes as it died. Its ruin smote on the Temple of Light’s floor.
There were audible gasps from the astral elf crowd. It then erupted in cheers of joy!
“Zodar the Bright is defeated! The gods have spoken! All Hail Princess Xedalli! The new Emperess of Xaryndar!” the astral elf priest proclaimed with great fanfare.
The party limped toward Emperess Xedalli, the priest, and Prince Xeleth, who conveniently was surrounded by the honor guard who had escorted them to the Temple of Light. Sneering as the group approached, he wasn’t going anywhere.
“Cheers to the glorious victors,” Emperess Xedalli said, nodding slightly. “My ring, please.”
“Thank ye yer majesty,” Kildo said as he returned her royal ring. “If ye be destroying them crystal vines on our planet, we be heading back.”
As Emperess Xedalli placed the ring on her finger, her face appeared torn, as if some great weight was pressing on her shoulders. “No, I can not.”
“Wait? You can’t or you won’t,” Kai asked, clarifying.
“She can’t,” Guo Gan replied.
Emperess Xedalli said, “To save your world, I’d have to condemn our own.”
Guo Gan explained, “They need our planet’s energy to power their sun to restrain the Dark One. Isn’t that true?”
Emperess Xedalli looked at each party member, closed her eyes, and turned away from them.
“Yes.”
Treasure:
· Welcome to Level 17!
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