FSE

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Chapter 28

In the wake of what had ostensibly heralded security and steadiness, Azzik found himself ensnared in the maelstrom of a disquieting tempest, leaving him quivering and his mind throbbing with tumultuous echoes. He hastened his steps towards his quarters, the inquisitor's clash with Skywing resounding relentlessly within the recesses of his thoughts. On one front, the inquisitor laid bare the veracity of Lyndis' inherent peril, articulating the jeopardies to Lumara; on the other, Skywing's unwavering stance on her preservation emanated a nobility, a conviction that the transgressions committed by Lyndis fell short of warranting her demise. The fort where the gryphoness had voiced her sentiments remained shrouded in mystery, its purpose concealed. Lyndis, for all her complexities, did not appear to be a harbinger of indiscriminate slaughter.

The weighty decision loomed before Azzik, confronting him like an insistent specter, as he swung open the door to the room that he and Feku claimed as their own. Within, a disarray of strewn garments, a modest-sized bed, and an array of shared trinkets greeted him. The female, already ensconced in the space, reclined against the sheets, her fingers dancing on the strings of a violin, weaving melodies that filled the air with an enchanting cadence. As his troubled countenance met her discerning gaze, the harmonious notes abruptly ceased. In an instant, she rose, enfolding him in a comforting embrace, her eyes probing his distress with a quizzical intensity.

“Azzik, what ails you? You appear utterly wretched," she uttered in draconic tongue—a symphony of hisses, growls, and intermittent snarls, indecipherable to uninitiated ears.

"Suntail has marked Lyndis for death." he confessed, gently disentangling himself from Feku's embrace, his gaze averted as he busied himself with gathering his belongings. He wouldn't be able to take much, not if he wanted to grab Lyndis' equipment. The die had been cast the moment he exited Suntail's austere domain; he had merely skirted the admission, reluctant to confront the inexorable reality now manifesting before him.

“Oh no, she can't do that!" Feku gasped, “Lyndis is a nice person, Azzik you have to talk to her, there has to be something to be done."

"There's no alternative." he remarked somberly, hoisting his pack onto his shoulder.

The hues of Feku's scales morphed from grey to white as she withdrew, the distinct sound of her claws clicking in unison. "So, what are we going to do?"

Azzik found himself entranced by the enormity of her eyes, momentarily forgetting their impending conversation. The enormity of the task ahead seemed to intensify in the wake of those wide, lavender orbs. He averted his gaze, reluctant to meet the depths of those twin seas of guilt. Their life, one filled with contentment and joy, flashed before him. Was it justifiable to tell her it was all about to end? To release Lyndis and embark on a life on the run?

"I'm going to save her."

Feku's eyes widened, a flicker of concern darkening their lavender depths. Her claws, once poised, now trembled slightly as she struggled to maintain composure. "But Azzik, Suntail will kill you!"

Their eyes locked, the vulnerability in Feku's expression pulling at the seams of Azzik's determination. "I know that." he conceded, his voice tinged with frustration. He pulled away with a hiss, his hand instinctively reaching for the amulet of Glenreich that hung around his neck. "But what can I do?" he questioned, the helplessness evident in his tone. He wheeled around, facing away from her. "Do you want me to let her die? To leave her there?"

She took a step closer, her claws twitching nervously. "Azzik," she began softly, "I don't want Lyndis to die, and I don't want you to be in danger either.

“You don't need to come with me." he began, his voice soothing yet resolute. "I understand the risks, and I wouldn't want to put you in harm's way. You have a life here, a good one, and I don't want you to give that up."

She let out a growl and nudged him away, briefly flashing her teeth. "Come on, don't be dumb. Wherever you go, that's home for me. I can't imagine life without you."

Rolling her eyes, she turned towards their room, sighing. "Seriously, do you know how long packing will take?" Sporting a grin and a subtle shimmer of green scales, she swiftly gathered her stuff – violin, bow, and a bunch of trinkets – and chucked them into her trusty leather pack. "All set."

Azzik felt a surge of unexpected emotion as tears welled in his eyes. How could fortune smile upon him to have her steadfast by his side? Words spilled out of his snout, "Did you not consider the part where peril awaits us?"

"Of course, peril is always there. It has been since the observer." she spoke with a touch of sheepishness, shifting on her feet. "But we can't let someone as decent as Lyndis meet her end. Even if she's a bit thieving, death is too harsh a price."

"No, we cannot." Azzik affirmed, his fingers securing the comforting weight of the amulet around his neck. Its presence brought solace, making the formidable challenge ahead seem more bearable.

Feku scoffed, leaning in for a nuzzle. "Besides." she teased, "how else will I ever cross paths with a dragon?"

A nervous laugh escaped Azzik as he rolled his eyes. "Was that the deciding factor?"

Seizing his robes, Feku pulled him close, locking eyes with him. "Azzik, she knows four dragons… FOUR. She's our path to them, and I won't let that slip through our claws!" Her yellow ringed tail lashed. "Do you have a plan?"

In truth, the notion of an escape plan hadn't even crossed Azzik's mind. He gave a nervous chuckle, seeking to reassure her, "We can figure that out once we have Lyndis. After all, she's the expert, right?"

"Right," the bard nodded, a glint of determination in her eyes. "We go down in history like Kip Quickwit, uniting all the villages."

"If only." he mused, gesturing for her to follow. He whispered a prayer to Glenreich, hoping they weren't too late in their pursuit.

** * * * * * * * * * * * *

In the clandestine corridors of the fortress, Azzik marveled at the fortuitous advantage bestowed upon them—a kobold's inconspicuous presence. It proved a shield against prying eyes as they traversed the labyrinthine passages. Tea, packages, messages—they bore these seemingly innocuous tasks, deflecting any suspicion that might arise. A realm of anonymity unfolded before them, and with unwavering determination etched across their faces, they pressed forward, each step unnoticed by the fortress denizens. The notion of pilfering Lyndis' keys lingered in Azzik's thoughts, yet Feku dismissed it, confident either she or the princess could handle the task. This decision streamlined their path, guiding them unerringly toward the captive's cell.

Their first stop led them to the armory, where Azzik and Feku swiftly procured a pair of hand-held energy crossbows. Proficiency in wielding these weapons eluded them, yet the unparalleled power they possessed made them indispensable. Twat Waffle, present at the armory, raised an eyebrow inquisitively. Swift lies escaped Azzik and Feku's snouts, insisting that Suntail had requisitioned the crossbows. Although he refrained from pressing further, a gruff utterance under his breath conveyed his disdain, considering the kobolds trash.

In that moment, Azzik found an unexpected gratitude for the man's disdain. He could almost sense that Twat Waffle believed them too foolish, too incapable of orchestrating such a scheme. A quiet chuckle escaped the kobold as he entertained the thought of lingering around afterward, relishing the opportunity to witness the man's dumbfounded and surprised expression.

Their next destination was the evidence locker, a repository for the assorted items and materials collected within the fortress. Feku, resourceful and familiar with the terrain, had visited this place previously. She led them through a concealed passage, unknown to others. The guards stationed in the evidence locker remained oblivious as Azzik and Feku glided by in silence. Swiftly and without a hint of suspicion, they pilfered the rogue's cloak, armor, and gear, leaving not a trace of their passing.

Fortune favored them! Perhaps this audacious plan wasn't as absurd as it initially seemed; Gleinreich's favor was unmistakably shining upon them this day. Laden with bags of pilfered loot, Azzik couldn't help but express his gratitude. Rounding a corridor, he pressed a kiss to the amulet shaped like a gemstone hanging around his neck.

However, their elation took a sharp turn when they reached the detention area. The guards there delivered disheartening news—the princess had already been relocated. Suntail's efficiency surpassed Azzik's expectations, leaving them dismayed and racing against the swiftly changing tides of their daring endeavor.

"And you're telling me she wanted you to move the prisoner?" Jeff Ironblade, a family man with a gryphon wife and a caretaker of a series of gryphets, interrogated. The skepticism radiated from his eyes.

"I must have gotten it mixed up." Azzik responded, furrowing his brow and averting his gaze. "I thought she trusted us."

"Oh, she trusts you, Azzik. That's not in question." Jeff reassured, relaxing. "Suntail probably just went and changed her mind, slippery thing that one." He gave the kobold a wink. "Don't worry, though. You two mean the world to her. Maybe you'll be moving up in this place."

"Yeah." Azzik murmured, the sound of his claws clacking resonating in the air. A pit formed in his stomach, a heavy realization settling in. Some of these individuals had shown kindness to him, and now he was poised to cast aside their trust, all for the sake of a woman they had only recently met.

With no time to spare, they excused themselves, practically breaking into a sprint the moment the door shut behind them. Hearts pounded with a mix of urgency and panic, the whisper of doubt haunting them, suggesting they might be too late—Lyndis might already be dead. Azzik pushed himself, muscles aching under the strain. Even with Feku's enchanting hums behind him, urging their hastened footfalls, they would be lucky to arrive on time. Clutching the charm to his goddess tightly, Azzik prayed with every breath, desperate for a flicker of divine intervention.

Rounding the last corner, Azzik collided with Suntail's haunches, the impact softened by the fur. He collapsed to the ground as the inquisitor flared her wings and screeched in surprise.

"Azzik, Feku, what on earth are you doing here?" Suntail inquired, hastily pinning down her feathers to regain composure.

The guards restraining Lyndis refrained from any laughter, their demeanor stoic as they observed the unfolding scene. Exhaustion weighed heavily on Lyndis; her head barely able to stay aloft.

Azzik and Feku had arrived just in the nick of time. Azzik took Feku's hand, using it to help himself up. Now, faced with the inquisitor, the most formidable gryphon in his acquaintance, he felt a gulp catch in his throat. "We noticed Lyndis was missing, so we came to investigate." he stammered nervously, a frozen chuckle escaping him. Would the inquisitor see through his ruse, or would she unravel his intentions and, in her power, exact fearsome retribution? As she raised a talon, he braced himself for what might come next.

"You've piqued your curiosity on what I'm about to do, haven't you?" she cooed, a glint of delight in her eyes. "I've been waiting for you two to show a deeper interest in our work. Was starting to worry it would never come, but here you are, and I'm delighted all the same. Very well." With a graceful bow of her head, she gestured towards Feku. "You both can accompany me if you wish. You know I'm always happy for your company."

"Actually—" Feku began.

"We would be delighted." Azzik interjected, accompanied by the broadest smile he could muster.

"Right, never seen asking of pirate before." Feku remarked, her expression adorned with a feigned smile.

"An adventurer and a rogue." Suntail sighed, patting the lizard on the head with a wing. "We'll work on your common after, dear. I apologize for my lack of attention. Things have been..." She looked away, a troubled sigh escaping her. "Hectic since the dragon and Arcturus."

“It okay, we understand."

"Wonderful." cooed the gryphoness, her voice carrying a blend of elegance and amusement. She bumped her head against the two lizards, nuzzling them with the gentlest of trills. As she pulled back, she composed herself with a sharp chirp.

"And don't think I forgot about you, Azzik. We can get back to your teachings when this is done. We shall mold you into a cleric of no equal. Sure, our two gods don't exactly have the same domains, but I'm sure we can find some common ground." Her eyes sparkled with a mix of determination and a hint of mischief.

It took all of Azzik's strength not to collapse as he and Feku were drawn along by an invisible thread. Lyndis stood right there, helpless and pale-faced, awaiting their rescue. Forced to abandon her momentarily, Azzik raced to Suntail's side to maintain the facade. The pressure intensified. What would he do now? At any moment, Suntail might unravel this deception, invoking her formidable abilities to reduce them both to cinders. Even without her magical prowess, he was not blind to her physical advantages. Azzik and Feku were the size of human children, barely reaching her withers. Time was ticking, and at any moment, Lyndis could meet a grim fate.

She guided them to her study, the one overlooking her special chamber. With a sweep of her hand, she revealed the window within the wall, offering them a perfect and unobstructed view of the sparse room below. Inside, a solitary chair stood equipped with ominous straps.

"Pity, truly." Suntail remarked as she settled into her seat. With a flick of her magical prowess, she conjured padded chairs for her diminutive guests, tailored to accommodate their tails. "She was indeed bright. I do hope she manages to hold it all together after this; I would have relished the chance to extend an invitation for her to collaborate with me." The gryphoness cast her gaze into the distance, as if peering into realms beyond, and then released a profound sigh. "At times, the burden of this duty becomes unbearable, the sacrifices exacting a toll upon the spirit."

"Of course. Glenreich speaks of trade. I assure you, this is among the lesser evils." Azzik added, endeavoring not to stutter. "Ruining one to save countless others sounds like a bargain."

The inquisitor bestowed upon him a gentle expression. "So young and yet so wise," she remarked, her beak coming to nuzzle him. "You are right."

As Lyndis was dragged in, the gryphoness snapped her attention toward her. "Now, watch. We shall uncover what secrets she holds."

Azzik attempted to conceal his gaze as it fell upon his energy crossbow, contemplating it as a potential equalizer. The plan formed in his mind: stun the gryphoness, giving him and Feku the opportunity to rescue the princess. However, his hope waned as he surveyed the gryphoness, noticing a golden ring adorning one of her digits. Familiar with the limitations of his weapon, Azzik understood that magical barriers could effectively fend off its effects. Although the exact nature of the ring eluded him, he suspected that the inquisitor, being shrewd, likely possessed one that would thwart his attempts to paralyze her. They would have to get it from her if they hoped to succeed.

“Why you have to hurt Lyndis at all?" Feku whimpered, sliding to the gryphoness' side, scales shifting a dark blue. “Can't you wait? Lyndis nice!"

"Oh, Feku." Suntail turned to her, her feathers carrying a weight of sympathy. "You are an innocent and kind soul." She laid a gentle hand on the kobold's shoulder. "Lyndis is many things, I assure you, but whatever lies she spun to win your favor were just that, I'm afraid. With this risk, others might live." The gryphoness bowed her head with a weakened chirp. "That is the cruel calculus of the world."

“Are you sure?" Pleaded the kobold, her eyes seeming to swell.

With a labored sigh, Suntail nuzzled at her cheek. "I'm truly sorry, but these are hard choices that I must make. Azzik knows."

He played it up, bowing his head in a solemn prayer, they were going to need a miracle.

“Bring in the Cthulhid!" Suntail barked as Lyndis was strapped to the chair, one leather belt after the other.

Lyndis struggled with what strength she had; her efforts futile against the leather. The men shoved her down and swiftly fashioned the restraints. Trapped and pinned to the chair, she was forced to stare down the door that would usher in her tormentor.

The moment had arrived, and Azzik felt the weight of the decision pressing down on him. He shifted on his claw, knowing the endeavor was risky. Despite the apparent foolishness, he decided to attempt freezing her with a spell, desperately hoping it would catch her off guard. A silent prayer to Glenreich escaped his lips as he traded anything for the miracle he sought.

Beside him, Feku's spirits seemed crushed as she slumped and appeared defeated. However, a glimmer of hope returned to her eyes, and she flashed a triumphant grin. In her hand, she held Suntail's ring. She had figured it out. "I got a shiny."

As swiftly as Azzik could draw the energy crossbow, he tapped the activation rune and unleashed a blast at the inquisitor's back. Crackling blue bolts surged through the air, hungry and explosive, transforming into a brilliant shower of light. Despite the surprise in her squawk, Azzik pressed on with his assault, shouting as he fired several more times for good measure. The buzz in his mind fueled him to continue, and he shot again and again until Feku lowered his arm. A silence overtook him, his heart pounding in his chest. Somehow, they had achieved the unthinkable. The inquisitor lay still.

"Is she alive?" Feku whispered in Draconic as she padded her way over, poking the inquisitor's motionless body. When the gryphoness took a breath, she yelped and ran for cover.

"Only stunned." Azzik replied, tapping the weapon before racing to the door. They had to hurry.

He halted at the door's frame, a tugging sensation about his heart. Turning to the crumbled gryphoness, the one who had rescued them, given them a new life, cared for them, and given them a chance, his spirits sank. "I'm sorry, Suntail." he said solemnly. "I thank you for everything, but we need to do this." With a heavy heart, he sprinted away.

The final guards by Lyndis were anything but stupid. They eyed the rushing kobolds with suspicion. One, a human male with a thick, braided beard, the other a white-furred minotaur, each sported golden rings upon their fingers. The inquisitor had been prepared.

“Have a fine chat with Suntail?" The minotaur rose a brow as he searched Feku from snout to tail and back again. When she gulped his gaze narrowed.

“You know how she is." Laughed Azzik, as they bid him to stop. Things would not be like Suntail, they wouldn't be able to get close. “Demanding, forceful."

“Ah yes."

“Is the thing with her?"

Their nods gave voice to his dread, time had run out.

“Suntail told us we were taking over." He lied.

“Uh-huh." Feku added, tapping her energy crossbow, “If it makes trouble, blast blast!"

If they were convinced, they didn't show it. The guards rose, exchanging two stoic looks before bursting out in laughter.

“That was good little ones." The human chuckled.

“I appreciate the spirit, but this thing will devour you." The minotaur gestured. “Best leave it to us."

“Suntail gave the order." Azzik composed himself, holding his head high with authority.

“It was funny the first time, but we're being serious." The human chuckled.

“I'm being serious, order is order." He held his ground. “She said I needed more responsibilities."

The laughter and good cheer died. A serious cloud overtook them.

“There must have been a mistake." The human gestured, “Stay here and watch them. I'll go ask Suntail, there must be a mix up, no way she'd leave them…No offence, with it."

“Agreed." The minotaur stroked his chin, “You have the courage of beings greater than yourselves small ones but let us check."

Azzik nearly bit his lip as the human left. There was no twisting his way out of this one. He had to try and take a chance.

“Azzik what do we do?" Feku hissed in the draconic tongue.

“Stun him." He replied, “It's the only way."

“Everything alright?" The minotaur laughed.

“Sorry friend." Azzik sighed as Feku played a tune on her violin.

Little golden stars collected above the bull's head, a magical curse to weaken his mind and make him more susceptible to spells.

“Hey! What's the big Idea." He barked, his voice starting to slur as if he were drunk." He went to pull free his sword as he set his hooves with a clack.

“Nothing bad!" Feku shrieked as he swung the bladed weapon faster than they could act.

Azzik deftly dodged the deadly swing, avoiding the fate of having his head severed. Unfortunately, his backpack bore the brunt of the attack, torn in two with its contents clattering to the floor. Rolling to his back, Azzik flexed his claws and clutched the amulet around his neck. "Maposrep Enet." With a wave of his claw, he locked eyes with the fiery gaze of the minotaur warrior.

Frozen in place, the warrior grunted in futile attempts to regain control. Mid-swing, he stood immobilized, a scathing gaze attempting to set the air ablaze.

"Got him!" Feku cheered jubilantly, bouncing to the minotaur's side and swiping the golden ring off his finger. "Not so tough now!"

"Now for Lyndis." Azzik hissed, firing four stunning bolts at the minotaur's head and chest. He turned his attention to the solitary door, where the creature was likely already advancing toward Lyndis. If they were fortunate, the draining process hadn't commenced yet.

“Ready?" Feku's scales turned a bone white as she clutched tight her violin.

"Just get her out, pick the locks." Azzik reached for the knob, his claw trembling. "I'll...hold it off, get...its attention."