[Demon's Hand] Chapter 4: Meeting the Wizard

[Sala]

After an uneventful journey the motley group saw a mill in the distance. As they neared it Sala looked very unsure about the entire idea. She wasn't to blame though because the mill they were approaching looked about to fall over or fall down, one of the two. It was actually leaning to one side and the water wheel was missing more than a few rungs. Sections of the wood had molded through and the adventurers could easily see the cobwebs on the inside. As they approached closer they could see a figure sitting by the wheel fishing. At least that was what it looked like he was doing. The old bearded man was holding broom with a piece of thread attached to it out over the murky water. When they approached he looked up at them, obviously startled. He shook his head to clear it and stood up. He was covered in dirt, but didn't seem to care.

"Ah, so you finally made it. The wizard's been expectin' ya all." He looked at Talonn and shoved the broom at him bristle end first, "Here, hold this, Sonny." He promptly let go of it and turned to the mill. He bustled over to a small recently unseen door in the side of it, opened it, and motioned for them to follow him.

[Granite]

Granite waited for the rest of the group to enter, then entered behind them.

[Sala]

Sala looked at the group and sort of shrugged. She slipped off of Leaf and stroked her face gently. Then she walked after the man, leaving Leaf waiting outside. Once she entered the mill she stopped dead in her tracks. The inside of the mill was totally the opposite of the outside. It was hung with beautiful tapestries and paintings. There was a huge roaring fire in a stone fireplace. The floor was coverd in furs and there was a beautiful carved table with ten chairs in the middle of the floor. At the head of the table sat an old man, in fact it looked like the same man, but now he was clothed in a long royal purple robe with a floppy pointed hat. As Sala just stood there gaping he said, "Come on in my girl. Don't stand there gawping you're blocking the way for your friends. Come on and sit down." he pats the seat right beside him. Sala dazedly walked over and sat down where he had suggested.

[Ifreet]

He steps into the room on Sala's heels, after getting off his horse, which stands outside waiting for him. Ifreet almost runs into her as she stops, but steps around her in time. As soon as he is within, he raises his right hand to his chest, palm out, and bows to the wizard. After looking at the furnishings briefly, he ignores the chairs and sits down cross-legged on the floor nearby, admiring the paintings. "I have been told you will want payment." he mentions, still not looking away from the paintings, and throws a couple of rare gems to the wizard. "I have also been told that that will be enough. If it is not, I have more. And if you do not require payment, you deserve what I can give you all the more." Ifreet adds, finally turning to meet the wizard. Nagard} The wizard looked Ifreet over carefully while juggling (literally) the gems Ifreet had tossed over. "These certainly are nice gems. I wouldn't mind keeping one as a gift. They would make nice storing stones," He paused thoughtfully, "Or paperweights..., but that is not the point. I do not want payment of this sort. i have no real need for it after all." he waved his hand around distractedly at the lavish surroundings.

[Kaa]

The dwarf sauntered into the mill exactly like he had entered the Inn, a slight swagger in his step and a great grin on his face. He gave a small frown to Ifreet for his ruining the bargaining that was surely to come. Kaa walked over to stand before the wizard and bowed deeply before him.

"Greeting, my grizzled friend. I am given to believe that a wizard named Nagard lives in this place. Since you say that you have been waiting for us, I assume that you are he. What do you know of us that has caused you to be expecting us?" Pulling out the chair opposite Sala, he hung his pack over the back, sat down and waited for the wizard to answer.

[Talonn]

Talonn entered a moment after Kaa, still holding the broomstick. The lavishness of the interior did not surprise him given the vanity of most mages. Instead of crossing the room to the table, Talonn paced the perimeter of the room. Under the guise of looking at the furnishings he studied the room for hidden doors and anything that could have been a trap. He did not like surprises and the mage's comment about expecting them rankled his nerves. Once he had made a complete circuit of the room, he placed the broomstick against the hearth and moved to stand behind Sala's chair. He studied the mage carefully as he removed his pack and placed on the floor at his feet. The 'Rage' began to stir in his head and the swirling of his eyes increased. "Yes, old one. Tell us who we are and why we are here." he said with a barely contained growl.

[Hammer]

Hammer entered behind Talonn, but rushed directly to a chair, brushing past several of the group as he went. He did not want to miss seeing this summoning, or anything else involving a demon. As the others started to talk to the wizard, Hammer began to shake his leg in impatience. "When do we get to see a demon?" He said to no one in particular.

[Sala]

Sala turned to him startled and a bit frightened. He ought to be terrified not excited.

[Raye]

The black unicorn stepped in near last his hoofsteps soft on the furred flooring. With blue eyes bright with curiosity and his head lifted high, he moved to stand behind Sala.

[Sala]

Sala was unsure of how she felt with Talonn and Raye standing behind her as a sort of guard. She had never had anyone to be protective of her and she wasn't sure about it, but it sort of reassured her in an odd way.

[Qki]

Qki came in behind the unicorn, looking around with interest. After watching them on the trip here, he changed his mind about this group. There was nothing normal about any of these people. Life had just gotten a lot more interesting. What they were doing here really didn't matter that much! This wizard was one to watch. And there was something about demons. Qki sidled over to the corner, where he could see everyone's faces while they talked.

[Granite]

Granite, having entered last, walked to and stood at one corner of the table, also a position where he could see everyone.

[Parieth & Airel]

~Parieth declined actually entering the room, but sufficed to lean against the doorframe. His preiviously studious expression was now replaced by a somber uneasiness with everything he felt here. He had always had the ability to generate any reality of choice around anyone's mind; a kind of involuntary hypnotism. He was not taking well to the spiritual instability of this place, knowing it would prohibit his 'knowledge' from having full effect. He was still pondering the question of why the group had made the trek all the way out here when they had a demon-worker with them. He was also, however, intrigued by the group's response to the old man, and chose to remain silent and simply watch.

~Airel had tromped off outside, complety disinterested in all this 'seriousness'. He wandered about, looking at strange plants and breaking twigs when he realized that he missed his large, reptilian friend. He would have then summoned the dragon, had it not been for the internal onslaught that followed...

[Nagard]

Nagard waited until everyone had enterd and settled themselves. He watched thier entrances and how they reacted to him very carefully, but in a way that not even the most perceptive of them would notice. "Would anyone like refreshments?" He flourished his hand and a trout appeared in it. He looked at it questioningly then threw it over his shoulder where it promptly disappeared in midflight. He eyeballed talonn and his red eyes, "Ah, yes. The young one who seems so heated about all of this. You must learn patience........Oh! Yes, I am the one called Nagard and I am also a wizard. I also have a liking for fish, but that's none of your business.....Ummm, oh, I knew you were coming because it is my job to know that sort of thing. It is also my job to summon demons, or at least that is what you wish me to do on behalf of this beautiful young maiden here, Alas....No, wait that's Sala... Well anyway I'll do it, free of cost. But First you must do me a simple favor." He shook his head violently and a butterfly flew out of his ear and fluttered about jerkily before exiting a previously unnoticed window.

[Talonn]

Talonn simply smiled at the wizard and adjusted his sword harness. He opened his mouth to respond to the wizard's words when he noticed Kaa's gesture.

[Kaa]

Kaa could see that Talonn's 'Rage' was festering. The next words out of the half-elf's mouth would not likely be friendly. He began to waggle his fingers and flex his wrists like he was simply stretching. He was, in fact, sending a rather complex message to Talonn via 'rogue's code.' A slight nod from Talonn assured him that the message had gotten through and that the lad would hold his tongue and let cooler heads do the talking. Cracking his knuckles loudly to mask the message, Kaa smiled at the wizard. "Your assitance in our cause is greatly appreciated. Perhaps a drink would be just the thing to put us all at ease." He winked at Nagard and nodded his head toward Talonn.

[Nagard]

Nagard was quickly figuring out the details his magic hadn't told him about this group. he might not be a rogue, but he had known enough of them in his long life to be able to recognize, if not understand, thier code. Perhaps they would actually be up to the task, he eyed the fryingpan man, even though they looked crazier than he normally did. He decided to stop baiting the half-elf, although he was amazingly curious to see a manifestation of the power he saw in him. He decided to let them bring up exactly what he would require of them. It would interest him to see who did. "Ah, yes drinks, drinks, drinks..." Nagard fluttered his hands around absentmindedly while getting up and walking around his chair, searching around for drinks (even under his chair). Suddenly in a convienient place near each person who drank appeared a container of thier favorite beverage, a mug of ale for Kaa, a glass of warmed, spiced wine for Sala, etc... "Ah, that's where they all went. Is this to your liking, sir dwarf?"

[Talabrina]

Talabrina looked at the goblet of wine besides her and arched an eyebow on amazement. Cautiously she sipped at it and her eyebrows shot up even further. "This doth be wine of eternity!" Talabrina says with amazment. "So far as I am aware only drow can safley drink this without falling alseep for decades on end! `Tis been centuries since I last did taste such." Talabrina looks at the wizard, "Prithee milord, how didst thou come by it?"

[Granite]

Granite's head turned to face each person one at a time as they drank. No drink had appeared in front of him - he did not drink, or have the capacity to digest it even if he did. He then turned his gaze back to Nagard.

[Nagard]

Nagard smiled gleefully in her direction. "It's a bit of a secret of mine. A very handy spell.".

[Kaa]

The dwarf tried to hide his surprise when the tankard appeared before him. He was pleased to find the vessel was chilled along with its contents. He took a hearty swallow and wiped the foam from his beard. "By the forge, that is a fine brew." he said to no one in particular.

[Raye]

Since travel seemed to be over, however briefly and he was faced with the problem of a perfect mug of sweet honey mead and no hands to lift it with, Raye again shifted forms. A warm forest scented breeze swirled through the room as his powerful unicorns body shimmered and shrank into the lith figure of the dark elf.

With a faintly self consious smile at the wizard, he took a seat and clamed his drink

[Talonn]

Talonn took the mug that had appeared at his feet and, along with his pack, moved over to stand against the great hearth. He set his pack on the floor and took a sip of the warm herbal tea. The blend was an equal to the tea his mother had favored. He savored the taste and used the memories as a focus to calming his emotions. Deprived of the mistrust and anger that fed it, the 'Rage' began to weaken to a more 'normal' level. The mug was half empty before Talonn felt that he was able to speak with a civil tongue once more. He raised the mug in salute to Nagard and tried to look humble.

[Sala]

Sala sipped slowly at her srink so that the wine wouldn't go to her head. Unfortuneatley since she was still a bit befuddled, she got a bit tipsy before even noticing it. She sat there watching Nagard's shinanegans and a giggle escaped. She quickly clapped a hand over her mouth and looked frightfully embarassed, which only served to get nagard to laugh good naturedly at her.

[Nagard]

The wizard felt granite's eyes on him and looked over at him and then down at Qki. Suddenly something occurred to him, "You, my friendly little frying pan. How did you happen to be here. I happen to know someone who is on the look out for you." Nagard then grumbled to no one in particular, "I certainly hope he never finds you either... Stupid reckless mage... no respect for his practice."

[Qki]

Frying pan? It took Qki a moment to realize the wizard was referring to him. Somebody was looking for him? It sounded like this person might not be very nice to him. This one here was another matter. He was very friendly. Qki was about to ask Nagard who it was and why they would be looking for him, but just as he opened his mouth to speak, he was interrupted by Talabrina.

She didn't seem to notice, and Qki hunched back into his chair. Maybe he could ask later. Qki, like Granite, didn't have a drink, of course, but he looked around the table for something to fiddle with. He began to feel vaguely nervous, but couldn't quite place a finger on why.

[Talabrina]

Talabrina puts her glass of wine aside. If she were to drink the whole glass they would still be having to carry her this time tommorrow.

[Raye]

He noticed Talabrina setting aside her drows brew...and his ears pricked forwrad with curiosity. "Do you think" he asked in his quiet voice, blue eyes fixed intently on the mug.. "That a part drow might try that safely?"

[Talabrina]

Looking directly at Nagard, Talabrina speaks in a quiet voice. "Thou doth speak of this other wizard's practice being `reckless'. I would say the same for demon summoners. Methinks there hath been enough chit-chat, time for thee to tell us what thou doth want for thy 'services'. "

[Ifreet]

Ifreet watches the cup before him silently, then picks it up and pours the contents into a wineskin at his belt. He then turns to look at the wizard, waiting for the price of service to be given.

[Nagard]

Nagard smiles and dithers a bit before saying, "Well, it's actually not too much of a favor beacuse I am feeling generous. You see, I need a certain item to conduct this particular summoning since you want very specific knowledge about theis 'curse' of the girl's. It's not hard to get, I just don't have it on hand and I really would rather fish than go through the bother of getting it. The item in question is a small, about the size of my palm, carved wooden door. It's actually not wood, but that's what it looks like. I know where it is and all, an old run down castle about 300 miles from here, I'd just like you to go and get it. I'll even arrange for your transportation. As you see, I'm not asking much."

[Ifreet]

Ifreet nods, and says tactfully, "What kind of traps or people or monsters should we be expecting more than usual? If we are to do this, I would like as much information as possible." He looks at the others while putting his wineskin back at his belt, then continues speaking. "I say this with knowledge of the appraising looks you have given us, the fact that you require a group of adventurers rather than a simple courier to retrieve the item for you, and that you are obviously trying to appear more...likable...than you could possibly be. Anyone who deals in demons and is as insane as you make yourself seem is controlled by them, so I assume, perhaps unwisely, that it is a facade." Swallows, seeming slightly strained by talking so much, and takes a drink from another skin at his belt.

[Hammer]

Hammer was disappointed by the price of the wizard's service, and his face clearly showed so. Would they have to pay before he summons the demon? Then it will be awhile before he actually got to see a demon. Damn. Hammer finished his ale then looked down at his feet, disapointed.

[Nagard]

Nagard looked a bit hurt at what Ifreet said and at Hammer's expression and slumped down in his chair suddenly looking decades older. He said simply, "I am who I am, nothing more, nothing less. I enjoy having guests for I have them so rarely. I apoligize if my hospitality seems too generous. As for any appraising looks you might or might not have seen, just look around at your comrades and tell me who wouldn't be eyeing your group with interest. About the task I ask of you, you are asking me to risk life, limb and soul to summon a demon for you, I offer to do it for free and I can't even ask for a day to rest up while you do an errand for me? It's not like it's that hard of an errand anyway. I'm just asking your group to fetch it because I wouldn't need it if not for this. That and I can't summon or conjure it due to the nature of the object. In fact you don't even all have to go. The only thing you might have to face is goblins at the worst.....In fact I'm not so sure I want to do this anymore. You would trust me to summon a demon and will not trust me if I send you on an errand to get something I will require? Forget it! I'm going to go fishing and when Sala's demons find out just wait and see what happens." He got up from his chair and stalked across the room heading for his fishing broom.

[Ifreet]

Ifreet gives the mage a considering look, nods, and begins to speak again, though it obviously is uncomfortable for him to talk. "I don't trust you to do anything. I have not trusted anyone for a long, long time. I won't apologize, because I still do not know the truth of the matter. If it helps, I do feel slightly guilty. And I never said I would not go. I simply wish to know all dangers we are likely to face at the location." He takes another drink of his water, coughs, and gets up. "And I will not go back on what I said on demon summoners. I have dealt with them in the past." The way he says it leaves it unknown as to whether he meant the summoners or the demons themselves. "And if you have so few visitors, perhaps you should take up visiting others."

[Talabrina]

"Prithee forgive our suspicion milord but thee must understtand how we doth feel." Talabrina says with sincerity. "Some, like myself, art well aquainted with how soul-twisting the art of summoning demons can be and therefore not well disposed to trust those who practice thy art. I doth beg of thee milord, prithee return and tell us of this object that thou doth wish." Talabrina got up and crossed the room to Nagard and holds her hand out invitingly.

[Talonn]

"Master Nagard. I would like to apologize for my earlier manner. I have as many reasons as the others for mistrust, perhaps more. We are newly acquainted ourselves and trust is in short supply. I do not look forward to the task that we have set before ourselves and you. I ask for a moment more of your hospitality. I cannot speak for the motives of the those here. I am here because I know something about what the Lady Sala is going through. I made an oath a long time ago that if I ever found it within my power to aid someone in a situation such as her's, I would do so or die in the trying. I deem that now is the time for the oath to be met." he said as he sat the mug upon the mantle and bowed before the wizard. "I will retrieve this item for you, if you will perform the summoning. If it is your decision not to do so, then I ask that you direct us to another of your profession who may perform the spells. Else advise us on how to free Sala of her burden. Regardless of your decisions or answers, I will continue to seek her freedom. And before you answer, heed this. Whether you choose to assist in this or not, I give you warning. If you hinder my quest, I say it is mine for I speak only for myself, or if you break what little trust I have given you here, I will have your head." Talonn's face stretched into a wide smile that did not show in his eyes and he bowed again. "I have but one more thing to say, if I may be so bold, kind sir." The courtly tone and annunciation was in glaring contrast to the rasping flair of his last comment. "Might I have some more of this superb tea?" Kaa drank deeply to hide his chuckle.

[Granite]

Granite remained impassive and motionless throughout this exchange, save for his head, which swivelled to view each individual as they spoke. Inwardly, however, he was, with great interest, watching and analyzing every bit of the exchange, which he considered an excellent example of the organics' practices of negotiation, posturing, and etiquette.

[Hammer]

Hammer flushed slightly at Nagard's response, but chose to look up. "I am sorry, sir. I was, um, hoping to see a demon today. I meant no disrespect, was just disappointed in that I wouldn't see one today. I am here to help, not to hinder, the Lady Sala. If my reaction has hindered this quest, I apologize to all gathered here. I will go get you this door, if you wish it of me."

[Raye]

The dark elf gave a low, wicked chuckle. "You have to forgive Ifreet m'lord. He shows all the signs of a man who spends to much time alone with his horse."

[Nagard]

The wizard looked at them and fought back a desire to give Ifreet a hotfoot. That wouldn't be very polite of him, now would it. He sighed, took Talabrina's hand and reached out and stoked Sala cheek gently, "I could not actually walk away from your plight, child, even if I might try." With his words Sala's birthmark stopped writhing and went back to normal. Talonn's cup slowly refilled itself. Scowling slightly at Ifreet he said, "I have told you all I know. I have never been to the location and the doorway blocks me from reading it truly. As for visiting others, I do. I frequent Hugh's establishment frequently, but few choose to come to my abode so I do not have many chances to entertain." He paused and looked at the group. "It is good to know that some of you have strong feelings for this quest. You will need that drive." He turns to Hammer, "I apoligize for what I said. I was not aiming my comment at you. I thought you also had a problem with my hospitality. You are not hindering anything. Your enthusiams becomes you. And do not worry if you stay around Lady Sala for any lenght of time you will have no dearth of demon viewings." then he faced the group once again, "If you are ready I will make a portal to the place where the doorway is. Once one of you finds it and touches it a portal will open leading back here. It will only hold as long as the first person to touch the doorway continues to touch it. Any more questions?"

[Ifreet]

Ifreet walks outside for a moment to get his horse, then returns, and nods. "Yes, but those are to be answered by the demon after we return." He smiles faintly as he waits for the portal to open.

[Qki]

After trying unsuccessfully to fit a word in edgewise around all these people talking, Qki finally got his opportunity as everyone paused to watch Ifreet step outside. "I trust you," he said, looking at the mage. If he breathed, he would have held it as he waited to see what the mage would say.

[Nagard]

Nagard smiled at the frying pan and said, "Thank you.

[Talabrina]

"I doth believe there be at least two questions that we should ask, " says Talabrina, "that being what wouldst thou reccomend be our best course of action should Lady Sala's demons manifest themselves? Second, must it be a mortal that touches the portal to open it or may it be anybody?" Talabrina pauses briefly, then continues. "The reason I doth ask be that elves and drow, like myself hath spirits instead of souls and therefore not technically mortal." Talabrina says breezily.

[Nagard]

Nagard sighed, "Sala's demons are Sala's demons to deal with. She's had them all her life so she knows how to deal with them. Just remember that if they manifest it will be in her and harming them will harm her. As for the dorrway, the portal will be linked to the group that goes through and anyone of them who touches it will cause it to open."

[Kaa]

Kaa sat down his tankard. "I have a question or two as well. You said that there might be a goblin or two around. A group of this size would be more than a match for 20 goblins. What else may await us there? My last question is to everyone. Would not stealth be a better plan than an assault? I should think that if the potential enemies are limited in number, a small group of skulkers could avoid the majority of the nasties, find the item, and return with nary a notice."

[Talonn]

As Kaa spoke, he nodded his head in agreement. He removed his cloak, reversed it so that the night pattern was on the outside, and put it back on. Then he reached into his pack and withdrew the pouch containing the Harp bow. Talonn sat down on the hearth and within seconds had assembled the bow. He stood up and looped a small lanyard over his shoulder so that the bow hung just above his sabre. In two quick motions, he cocked the Harp bow and loaded it with two black bolts. He replaced the pouch back into his pack. He removed the harness from his back and reattached the bastard sword to his belt on his left hip. When he was finished, he adjusted the cloak on his shoulders and drew it about him. The black cloak with the writhing stipes seemed to gather the shadows in the room to him. The look on Talonn's face left no question that he was going through the portal.

[Nagard]

Nagard grouched at them, "I told you I don't know what's in there! I've never been there. There will undoubtedly be more than twenty goblins, but a group of your caliber will have no problems, I am sure. They are just goblins after all. It is up to you to figure out a game plan." Nagard moved through a door in the far wall, "Those who wish to go follow me."

[Sala]

Sala looked at the group and stood up, "This is my quest so I will go. I think Kaa is right. Thhe group should be small for stealth reasons." She walked through the door after Nagard.

[Raye]

Raye drank the last of his mead and stood to follow Nargard as well. "A small group might be a fine idea....but who would truely want to stay behind? I think...if i am not mistaken your stuck with us all Lady Sala."