Suddenly, a flicker of movement in the distance caught Lucian’s eye. A lone figure, cloaked in shadow, emerged from a stand of gnarled trees. Lucian tensed, hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his short sword. As the figure drew closer, its outline softened, revealing a tall man with a shock of white hair and piercing blue eyes. He wore worn leather traveling garb covered with a seemingly to clean black suit coat with long gold trimmed tails, a lute strapped to his back. A weary smile played on his lips.
"Lost, are we?" the man asked, his voice warm and inviting.
Lucian hesitated, suspicion battling with a desperate need for information. "I… I'm not from around here," he finally admitted. “Where are we?”
"Neither am I," the man chuckled, stepping forward and extending a hand. "The name's Kainith. A humble bard, just passing through. This my friend, " the bard said while theatrically waving his hand in the air “is the middle of nowhere.”
Lucian eyed him warily before taking the proffered hand. "Lucian," he replied with a curt nod.
Kainith surveyed the rolling hills and prairie grass. "Quite a sight, isn't it? Where did you say you were from?"
Hesitantly, Lucian described the fiery realm of Baator, the oppressive heat, the constant scent of brimstone. Kainith's eyes widened in surprise.
"Baator? By the Divines, that's some tale! How on earth did you get here?"
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” Lucian mused.
“Try me friend, I've heard many tall tales and spun many myself. I promise yours will not be the craziest.” Kainith stated. “Plus, if you’re not from here and lost. Let me at least introduce you to my friends. I’m on my way to the Duchy of Kernston. Just a few more miles north. You can tell me all about your history on the way.”
Lucian warily recounted his encounter in the Infernal Vaults within the Von Holm manor and told of the mysterious opal that he was sent to retrieve. Kainith listened intently, his expression turning to bemusement.
"Wait, did you say teleportation?" he asked, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Powerful magic indeed, but always at a cost, my friend. There are very few mages in the entirety of Archanella that can manage even short range teleportation and you’re saying that a shiny rock teleported you between planes?" Kainith looked towards the distant contemplative as they walked. “Well, where is said stone? I would love to look at it!”
Lucian hesitated, shame burning in his throat. "Well…I lost it."
Kainith's sigh was heavy. "What do you mean you lost it? Look friend, I know I just met you and maybe digging deeper is uncouth but please tell me you didn’t just drop it somewhere.”
Lucian, looking ashamed, responded, “Look I have reason to believe there are more out there, you know magic rocks, I can’t explain to you how I lost the teleportation opal but just believe me when I say it’s not just out there floating free. You’re a bard right?” Lucian glanced at the sturdy metallic lute strapped to Kainith, “If you help me find the rest of the gemstones you’ll have ample stories to tell. That I can promise you that!”
“Okay. I’ll take your word for it. Just promise me you will tell me if I need to know.” Kainith said with exasperation.
The two continued through the afternoon on their journey to Kernston. Grassy plains stretched for miles, dotted with occasional clumps of gnarled trees that offered scant shade from the relentless twin suns overhead. The air, while refreshingly cool compared to the inferno, held a strange humidity that clung to Lucian's skin like sweat.
Kainith proved to be a seasoned traveler. He navigated the unfamiliar terrain with ease, pointing out edible plants and berries along the way. He regaled Lucian with tales of his travels, weaving stories of noble knights, cunning rogues, and fearsome beasts that sent shivers down Lucian's spine.
"You have spoken little of your life before the Vaults, Lucian. What brought you there?"
Lucian hesitated, the memory of his past a painful one. Yet, something about Kainith's genuine demeanor urged him to confide. “Kainith I’ll be honest with you because honestly I have no one else.” Lucian sighed. “I worked for a clan of thieves called The Mask. As a group we worked for the highest bidder. In hell that was usually the archfiends. This means we had to have the best thieves possible because archfiends rarely want just a little bit of gold.”
Kainith stared off into the distance as Lucian spoke.
“Anyway,” Lucian continued, “the grandmaster of the clan sent me a bat with a message that told me my next assignment was the Von Holm manor and my target was a palm sized opal. At the bottom of the message there were delivery instructions which was odd. We always just dropped the loot at headquarters and the quartermaster just took care of it from there.”
Kainith glanced at Lucian “Well if that’s the case that is strange. Where did they ask you to deliver it to?” Kainith smirked, “I’m guessing it wasn’t on another material plane.”
Lucian broke out of his stupor for a brief moment and smiled. “You are observant. Anyway,” Lucian continued. “I snuck into the manor during the annual Von Holm ball and clearly I got the opal. Beyond that…Here we are.”
Kainith listened patiently, his eyes filled with understanding. "A harsh turn of fate," he said when Lucian finished. "But even the darkest night gives way to dawn. Perhaps these gems can be used for good. I mean if they are even half as powerful as a gem that lets you teleport out of danger to completely different planes. Think of all the good we could do!"
Lucian wasn't so convinced. “Look Kainith I really appreciate all the kind words and words of hope, but you have no idea what we are up against.”
Kainith glared over at Lucian. “Maybe I would if you’d tell me. You are still holding back how you ‘lost the first gem’.”
Lucian looked at Kainith pleadingly, “please just give me time. I think I can trust you but let me meet your friends.”
Kainith glanced at Lucian and quickly smiled. “Of course Lucian I understand.”
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows through the tall grasses as Lucian and Kainith rounded a bend in the path. Two hulking figures, their forms obscured by the tall grass, blocked their way. As they drew closer, the figures lumbered upright, revealing themselves to be hobgoblins. Their misshapen bodies, covered in crude leather armor studded with crude spikes, reeked of sweat and something far worse.
One hobgoblin, slightly larger than the other, brandished a massive dented war hammer, a cruel grin splitting its warty face. The other, wielding a pair of wickedly curved scimitars, cackled, a high-pitched sound that grated on Lucian's nerves.
"Well, well, well," the larger hobgoblin rumbled, its voice a guttural growl. "Lookie here, what have we got? Fresh meat for the taking!"
Lucian instinctively reached for the short sword strapped under his cloak, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He had never been much of a fighter, relying on his magic and trickery to get him out of scrapes.
Kainith, ever calm, stepped forward, his hand resting on the worn lute strapped to his back. "Easy there, fellas," he said, his voice surprisingly steady. "No need for violence. We're just passing through."
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The hobgoblin with the scimitars snorted. "Passing through with pockets full of coin, more likely! Empty them or face the consequences!"
Kainith smiled at the hobgoblin and said ”Well I mean we are pretty fearsome. Maybe we should all just take a breath before someone gets hurt.”
Kainith's hand twitched towards his lute, but before he could react, the larger hobgoblin roared and charged. Its war hammer whistled through the air, aimed squarely at Kainith’s head. Adrenaline surged through him. He sidestepped the blow just in time, the wind from the passing weapon whipping at his hair. “That was just not very nice. I guess someone is getting hurt.” Kainith quipped.
Focusing on the unfamiliar energy coursing through his veins, Lucian lashed out with his hand. A wave of searing heat erupted from his palm, a flicker of infernal energy that caught the charging hobgoblin off guard. The creature yelped in surprise as the heat seared its exposed arm, the stench of burning leather filling the air.
The hobgoblin with the scimitars hesitated, its earlier bravado replaced by a flicker of fear. But before it could react, Kainith sprang into action. With a surprising burst of speed, he lunged forward, his lute no longer a musical instrument but a weapon.
The clang of metal on metal echoed through the clearing as Kainith parried a blow from one of the scimitars that the goblins wielded. He spun, the lute neck connecting squarely with the hobgoblin's jaw with a sickening crack. The creature crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
The larger hobgoblin, its arm smoldering, roared in fury. It swung its war hammer wildly now turning towards Lucian, more out of rage than control. Lucian, his confidence bolstered by his first successful attack, dodged and weaved, the infernal energy a simmering ember beneath his skin.
Seeing an opening, Lucian unleashed another wave of searing heat. This time, it struck the hobgoblin's chest, burning through its leather armor and leaving a smoking wound. The creature screamed, dropping its war hammer with a clatter.
Kainith seized the opportunity. He launched himself at the hobgoblin, wrapping his arm around its neck in a chokehold. The creature flailed and struggled, but Kainith held firm, his face grim with determination. Lucian watched, a mixture of awe and unease churning in his stomach. This wasn't the gentle bard he had met the day before. With a final, desperate heave, Kainith tightened his grip. The hobgoblin's struggles ceased, its body going limp. Kainith released his hold, his chest heaving with exertion.
Silence descended upon the clearing, broken only by the rasping breaths of Lucian and Kainith. The two hobgoblins lay motionless on the bloodstained grass.
Kainith turned towards Lucian with a smile, “So you can fight! I’m going to be honest with you, I really didn’t expect hellfire. Mage’s from hell must just be different.”
Lucian stared at his hands, his fingers tingling with the lingering heat. The power felt intoxicating, yet it left a bitter aftertaste in his mouth. “Yeah, we all have access to hellfire.” Lucian said shakily.
Kainith clapped him on the shoulder, a weary smile on his face. "Well done, my friend. You fought well."
Lucian nodded numbly with his mouth slowly forming into a smile. “Thank you. I’m glad that metal lute isn’t just for music.”
After the fight with the hobgoblins, Lucian followed Kainith up the road and as the sun was setting, they climbed one last hill. Over the top of the hill Lucian laid eyes on a small town with lamplight and the raucous sound of a party. As they descended towards the town Kainith pointed ahead.
“That’s the place! We should get going. I don’t know about you but it has been a very long day and I could go for an ale.”
As the duo walked down the hill approaching the town Lucian noticed a small village that would not have seemed out of place in the most rural of areas. The two crossed through the gates at the south side of the town. As they walked through the town on the cracked cobblestone road Lucian noticed a well in the middle of town square that looked out of place.
“Hey Kainith. That well. It looks like it is made of a purple metal. Is that normal for this plane? Everything else here looks…quaint.”
Kainith looked back at Lucian. “Oh that. Yeah there are some structures like that all over Archanella. No one has quite learned anything about the strange metal. Other than that there is nothing we have at your disposal to break it down.”
“Oh, okay.” Lucian said pensively.
The aroma of roasting meat and ale assaulted Lucian's senses as Kainith pushed open the creaky oak door of The Merry Mussel. Inside, a cacophony of laughter and lively chatter echoed off the low-beamed ceiling, a stark contrast to the oppressive silence of Hell and the tense journey with Kainith. A motley crew of adventurers filled the bustling tavern, their boisterous energy washing over Lucian like a wave.
At a table in the corner sat the two figures Kainith had mentioned during their journey. A burly warrior, Rory, with a thick beard that framed a scarred face, perpetually cradled a tankard of ale in his hand. Beside him sat Rance, a wiry rogue with a mischievous glint in his eyes. His nimble fingers constantly flitted through the air as if manipulating invisible objects.
"Ah, Kainith!" Rory boomed, rising to his feet with a thunderous thud that sent shivers down Lucian's spine. "And who might this be you bring to our humble gathering?"
Kainith gestured towards Lucian. "This, my friend, is Lucian. A traveler in need of a night full of rest and relaxation." Kainith then looks towards Rory. “I know you are gonna miss the parties big guy but we have a mission now. So get your drinking done tonight because this little demon born has a new mission for us!”
Lucian offered a hesitant nod, his gaze flickering between the jovial warrior and the enigmatic rogue. Despite himself, his stomach tightened with a nervous flutter. Rance, with an impish grin, leaned forward, his voice a conspiratorial whisper. "Mission, eh? We specialize in a little of everything around here: lock-picking, monster slaying, the occasional daring heist." His eyes flicked to Lucian, a glint of amusement dancing within them. "Though I wouldn't recommend the last one for your first outing." Rance sat back up and held his hand out. “I’m Rance by the way and the big guy, well he’s Rory. Kainith makes me babysit him sometimes.”
Rory leaned over, “More like it’s my job to make sure this one,” he pointed at Rance, “stays out of trouble and maybe even has a little fun.”
Kainith laughed out loud, “Rance I’d be careful with this one I think a heist is just a day off for him!” Lucian, why don't you tell them a little of what you told me.”
Lucian forced a smile, the playful jab doing little to ease his apprehension. Lucian took some time explaining his heist of a mysterious and powerful gemstone. As he recanted his tale, he had all of Rory’s attention and Rance flipped a dagger while he listened.
Rance then spoke up. “Lucian, that is a great story but I have a problem with it.” Rance leaned back. “You worked for a huge, and from the sounds of it, a well-respected thieves clan. That means you must have been good, and well good thieves don't just lose treasure.” Rance’s smile turned deadly serious. “I won’t agree to help you until you tell us why you no longer have the gem.”
Kainith, sensing his friend's unease, nudged him gently. "Don't worry, Lucian. These two are the best in the business, or at least that's what they keep telling me." He winked at Rory and Rance, who both chuckled heartily.
Lucian once again sensing no way forward spoke in barely more than a whisper. “I made a deal with an archdemon. You guys have no idea how powerful they are. He trapped me and gave me two options. Work for him to retrieve more gems or be nothing more than a scorch mark on the ground.”
Kainith coming to a sudden realization said, “that’s why your magic was imbued with hellfire.”
Lucian nodded to Kainith. “The demon’s name is Vornath, and he told me of another gem and he would give me more information on it when he had it.”
Rory looked to Lucian. “If this demon is so powerful, why doesn’t he get the gems himself? It seems a little risky trusting someone else with the knowledge of them. Not only trusting you but also giving you a portion of his power.”
Kainith glanced over at Rory. “That is a good point. I guess on top of stopping an archdemon we will also have to deduce his motive as well.”
Rance glanced over at Lucian “See that’s all I wanted to know. I will happily lend you my aid. I know you are not a huge fan of being beholden to a demon but help us use the power it gave you. We will find any gem that he tells you about and we will find a way to break you out of the pact if you want it.”
Lucian glanced over to Rance and then to Rory, “Why are all of you so willing to help me?” Lucian points with his thumb to Kainith, “I get why he would team up with me to get here. I mean it makes sense to travel in numbers, but why, now that you guys are all back together, do you want to embark on a dangerous journey to help me give gems to a demon?”
Rory laughed out loud. “We are professional adventurers and the well is running dry around here. Hell, that’s why Kainith was out and about he was looking for work. It looks like he found some.” Rory said with a smile.
“I can’t pay you though,” Lucian sighed.
This time Rance spoke up again. “That’s okay! I’m sure there will be plenty of treasure along the way. We are going to help you seek powerful artifacts. They are never buried alone, ” Rance said with a smile conspiratorially.
As the evening wore on, the warmth of the tavern, fueled by ale and boisterous camaraderie, chipped away at Lucian's apprehension. He learned of Rory's unwavering loyalty and unwavering strength. His booming laughter masked a surprisingly insightful mind. Rance, despite his mischievous demeanor, proved to be a cunning strategist with a sharp wit and a knack for getting out of tight situations.
After what felt like no time at all the tavern keep shouted at the remaining patrons. “All right. Everyone finish up and get out, I’m done serving.”
Kainith looked at the group and said “Let’s go to bed shall we? We have an adventure to get to.”