As the truth of their location in time and place became clear, Lothor could not help but allow his eyes to go big and stare at those around him. 1,200 years in the past? He had no idea what that meant - for him personally, for the quest, for this battle or even for their ability to change the past. Could they do so?

This sort of thing was why he wasn't very fond of magic. He'd be ok, he was confident of that. A good sword was always needed, and his companions were still here. But was the quest still alive? He would ride the dragons and find out.

Arriving at the castle atop the great beasts, Lothor could not help but marvel at the openness of the castles defenders. (And, a bit, his own comrades in their comments. He was allowing them to speak for him, so he could really not complain, but it was not his habit to give away all of his secrets and positions right away.) The defenders seemed to simply accept that they were no threat. And yet, looking at his companions, he knew that if they wished to be, they actually were a serious threat. Probably not to the entire castle, but still, to allow them to just waltz in and eat some stew? Unguarded? Yes, he was sure spells had been cast to assure people of alignment and such, but he couldn't imagine giving complete strangers such access, especially right after a battle. But, still, there it was. And as it happened, they really were a pretty trustworthy lot, so maybe the locals knew what they were doing. They had just managed to defeat an evil army of unimaginable size, so they must know a thing or two.

And so Lothor continued to stand at the back of the group and allow the others to speak. Having the known paladin talk was probably not a bad idea - he would be trusted. Lothor could only stand back and wait to see what unfolded. And so he took up a guards position at the back of the group - keeping an eye on the exits, looking for other possible entrances and exits, and looking for anything that might be a threat. He doubted he'd find a threat here, but when you are a soldier, you act like a soldier.

Siréne glided down the hallways as if in another world. An unknown magic had hurled them 1200 years into the past with no clear path home. Without some magical gateway, only she and Rayne had any hope of seeing the world they had come from again, and there was no telling how walking through 1200 years would change them. Would she become as cold as Mnemosyne with the passage of a dozen lifetimes?

Letting her mind continue to wander, the fey witch picked at her meal in silence. The world seemed to slide thickly around her, mocking her every breath.

You don't belong here. Not yet. Not yet.
It was the presence of an aging magician that pulled her violently from her reverie. He pulsed with the tell tale hum of magic, and she felt its caress wash over her. Lifting her gaze, she let her cerulean eyes meet his and waited. It was time.

"I fear you have arrived too late Lord Cor for our leader Allanan has left on a most important task. However I can transport you upon these dragons back to the fort where you may tell your full tale before the Wizard Librarian Bannix, Allanan's second. He is more of the books then the fight and is more learned in the nature of things"
Well, they missed Allanan, which was a shame. Rayne was confident that his second would help solve their predicament. She got on the dragon as the rest of the party did so, and they took off.

Rayne looked down at the expanse of the battlefield. Though the battlefield was still a grotesque scene, the height did not faze Rayne: she had been a pegasus rider until recently, after all. She felt the familiar, and almost comforting, wind in her face as the rode. Perhaps had she not been 1200 years before her own time, she would have been able to relax.

Rayne, along with the rest of the party, quickly went to the dining area. She took a seat beside Roan, as they began to Though everyone took note of the party, Ulthok was of particular interest. Especially to the children. Rayne chuckled as the gathered around him. After a couple of minutes the parents were able to coax the children away from him. "Popular today, aren't you?" She asked him, somewhat rhetorically, smiling slightly. Out of sight of the battlefield, and getting some warm food, Rayne managed to take some time to recuperate from the events that had transpired.

They had an hour of relaxation. Despite being unconscious for an unknown amount to time, it was nice to have some time to relax.

They were quickly were brought into a room with Baptist, and an older regal man. His eyes turned white for a moment, then back to normal. He ordered the guards, much to their dismay, out of the room.

"You are not of this time. Strange teleport magic hangs about you, You come from another time. Who are you, why have you come, and from when, past or future?"
Cor was the first to respond. Rayne added, "We used some anti-magic gems, and everything went black. Next thing we knew, we all began to wake up in the middle of that battlefield over there." She gestured slightly in the general direction where they had been picked up from.

Ulthok continued his ruse as Roan's son as they were brought to the castle.
When the party entered they found themselves the topic of some attention, if it was their manner of dress or seeing him loaded with weapons it was a 50-50 choice. The party was led to a dining hall received food. Many found a place to sit.

Ulthok found himself the center of the attention of a growing crowd of children. The mage had always enjoyed entertaining children and their curiosity, even after this heinous war, was a sign of hope.

As the young flocked around him Ulthok whispered quiet replies to their questions. The giggled stories of the children would be ignored by their parents, but someday the children may remember this meeting when again they may meet the progenitors of his race.

"Hi my name is Jaime, Kelly, Pud, Derrack, Gisale, Brady, Therian, Heb,",,,,,,,,,,,,

"What is your name?",,,,.
You may call me Littleman.

"How old are you?",,,,, Oh, much older than most of the humans would suspect.

"Are you human?, Dwarf?, mutated Elf? Are you a half & half?",,,.. I am of a race not yet common among your people. My people are few and still may be hidden.

"Wow you have so much stuff",.. Yes, collected over a life time.

"Why do you carry weapons?",,.. I must protect my friends.
"Why are you wearing adult clothes?,,.. I am now an adult among my people.

"Where do you live? Is it still there? How far is it?",,,,,,,,,. The home that I knew is now very far away, I may never see it again.

In what seemed like hours but was only a few handfuls of minutes the children were ushered away by their parents or the servants. Ulthok smiled and waved as they left and was finally was able to eat the food upon his plate. He could feel Peri nudging him for something. She had wisely hidden herself in a cloak of invisibility. The mage took several apples for a bowl and sat them on the seat next to him. Had anyone been watching closely they would have wondered how they seemed to disappear.

After the meal and a short rest the party was summoned to the Wizard Librarian Bannix. When they had assembled before Ulthok felt the wave of magic as he probed them, perhaps to check their alignment. The Librarian dismissed the three guards stationed in the, but bade Baptist to stay. Then a second wave of probing was felt, this time Bannix spoke to the party. "You are not of this time. Strange teleport magic hangs about you, You come from another time. Who are you, why have you come, and from when, past or future?"..............
Cor spoke,"Sir, we are indeed from another time, the future. Best we can tell we are 1,200 years in our past. In our time we were given a quest to save Trilogy and that task was linked to what is happening in your time. We were to find the Iron Maiden, the sword Allanon is even now hiding, and destroy it. His daughter assisted us. We know not if we failed or succeeded in our task. But we must assume we failed and do what we can here to change the past to preserve the future. Is there any way to take us to Allanon?"
Then Rayne added,"We used some anti-magic gems, and everything went black. Next thing we knew, we all began to wake up in the middle of that battlefield over there." Ulthok was pretty sure by now that Bannix knew they were on the side of good but he would still be cautious with what was revealed to the party.

Stepping forward Ultok lowered his hood, "Sir, I would guess that you have probed our alignment and surely you sense the presents of my familier, and you know I am not a child. Neither of our kind are known." With that Peri appeared on his shoulder. "I am Ulthok Rydenham and this is Peri Thistledown, she a fey creature and I am known as Halfling. In another hundred years or so we will be common. I reveal ourselves to you so as to gain your trust."

Then turning toward Cor, "But I believe we need to get back to own time as quickly as possible without affecting this time. Small things we do here could have very undesired effects over such a long period of time. We may have already make changes by saving Sir Moramee. It will take great magic to send us back so you are right we must find Allanan."

"You are not of this time. Strange teleport magic hangs about you, You come from another time. Who are you, why have you come, and from when, past or future?"..............

"Sir, we are indeed from another time, the future. Best we can tell we are 1,200 years in our past. In our time we were given a quest to save Trilogy and that task was linked to what is happening in your time. We were to find the Iron Maiden, the sword Allanan is even now hiding, and destroy it. His daughter assisted us. We know not if we failed or succeeded in our task. But we must assume we failed and do what we can here to change the past to preserve the future. Is there any way to take us to Allanan?"

Hearing Cor talk of changing the past the Librarian stands and moves quickly, almost in a blur to stand over the dwarf gazing down at him.

"NO! you must not change your past and our future for such is not without cost. You may do great good but more so the chance will be that you will do more harm. If that is what is truly in your heart dwarf I cannot allow you to leave this room."

Then as if possibly attempting perhaps to defuse the situation Rayne spoke up from the back of the party.

""We used some anti-magic gems, and everything went black. Next thing we knew, we all began to wake up in the middle of that battlefield over there."

The Librarians gaze turned to look upon the Elf Ranger/Cleric and seeing her attempt to give him more information seemed to lose some of his worried aggression. Moving back to his chair he waved off Baptist who had partially drawn her sword.

"Lord Cor forgive me we have just fought a long war and to think that your actions could put that all to naught has once more fueled worries that our actions will be for naught"

Stepping forward Ulthok lowered his hood, "Sir, I would guess that you have probed our alignment and surely you sense the presence of my familiar, and you know I am not a child. Neither of our kind are known." With that Peri appeared on his shoulder. "I am Ulthok Rydenham and this is Peri Thistledown, she a fey creature and I am known as Halfling. In another hundred years or so we will be common. I reveal ourselves to you so as to gain your trust."

"I knew of her presence before I probed you as did the dragons you rode upon. It was one of them that first informed me. That was the reason you were first taken to eat so I could prepare. She is the reason I first probed you and gaining both the knowledge she was no threat and not of this time I once again probed deeper. I told the guards to leave before the second to keep your true nature a secret."

Continuing to speak the Halfling mage turned to Cor while still addressing Bannix.

"But I believe we need to get back to our own time as quickly as possible without affecting this time. Small things we do here could have very undesired effects over such a long period of time. We may have already made changes by saving Sir Moramee. It will take great magic to send us back so you are right we must find Allanan."

"As Baptist here told you, Allanan has gone to hide Karza's cursed be-damned sword and none of us did he tell where. As you said before, you knowing the location of its hiding place have a better chance to track the Lord Mage better then we do. All I can offer you is aid perhaps in transportation and a possible guide to help you through this, your past. In this to we must be careful for ripples easily can become waves. What aid would you think to ask of us?"......................

(DM: Post is up next post next Sunday the 2nd)

The librarian yelled at Cor, and went so far as to say if they tried to change the past the party would not leave the room. Although it might be an interesting fight, Cor was not in the mood. Ulthok's intervention seemed to bring about some calmness and soon the librarian was offering aid.

"Transportation to the location where Allanon will hide the sword is all we ask. Once airborne we will tell those who ferry us where to go. As for not changing the past, it has already been changed. The future we left had us as the last hope to stem the tide of evil that washed over the land. We know not if we were successful. It may be that changing the past is the only way to avoid a future where evil rules. I do not take lightly our charge to safeguard the realm of Trilogy."

As had apparently become the norm, Lothor stood at the back of the group and watched as various members of the party spoke. When the local big-man stood over Cor and yelled, Lothor felt his warriors training pushing him to react. Whatever he thought about the wisdom of Cor's words, he was not fond of those in power screaming at those in their power. Again, this was not how he would do it.

But he held his hand - clearly this was not the time to draw a blade or yell back. But that didn't mean he wasn't prepared in case the body guard acted up. As the man moved back and spoke of the stresses of battle, Lothor nodded slightly in understanding - what he had seen outside might put anyone off their game. And at least this one seemed to realize he had overreacted.

As the conversation progressed, the ideas presented didn't line up for the big man. First the librarian had screamed that they could not change the past. Then he offered to help them find the sword. It seemed they were to be offered dragon rides to the swords new location. How did that make sense? They will hold us prisoner if we try to change the past, yet they will help us change the location of one of the greatest artifacts of evil in the world? A sword that had remained hidden for centuries? How did that not qualify as a massive changing of the past? Finding the sword made sense, but given the librarian's outburst, it was an odd choice.

But he held his position as usual and followed the other's lead.

"Transportation to the location where Allanan will hide the sword is all we ask. Once airborne we will tell those who ferry us where to go. As for not changing the past, it has already been changed. The future we left had us as the last hope to stem the tide of evil that washed over the land. We know not if we were successful. It may be that changing the past is the only way to avoid a future where evil rules. I do not take lightly our charge to safeguard the realm of Trilogy."
Fearing the Librarian would again take Cor's words as a threat Ulthok looked at Cor, "You always had such a way with words. .. Yes we need to change the past, but it's only the past we did to get here. The choice of destroying the magic well using all of our gems is the only past we need to change,but we must return to near that moment to do that,.Allanan may the only one powerful enough to do that. "

Looking back to Bannix, " We must keep the location as secret as possible, the peace of 1200 years lay in the hiding of the sword and Karza's minions never gave up their search. We cannot leave easy clues yet we must make haste,.. but we also need rest and time to study to replenish our spells,. Kind sir, if lodging could to be supplied and provisions can be gathered then we may be ready to leave in as soon as two days time. Although Dragons could carry near all of us, I worry that their long lives and long memories might in this case not be our wisest mode of travel. Do you have any of the flying horses?" Ulthok smiled at Rayne, she had been a Pegasus rider and this would be natural to her. "We have at least one of us that is experienced in their handling and most of us have passengered on them before,..we do not have a past to change, but future to save. Our mission is still not complete and we must be allowed to return and complete it."

"Yes," the elven priestess breathed the word slowly as she let her gaze take in all in the room. "We must avoid heavy footsteps in this age. As it is said, even the flutter of a moth's wings can bring forth the hurricane. Bannix, your offer of escort is kind, but we cannot accept. Even a single guide might change the course of history. Instead, I ask for a few days of secluded shelter so that we might restore ourselves before this journey. If you have magics that might speed us through the skies, that I will gladly accept. We must go on this quest alone."

The outburst of anger from the librarian had been... startling. Rayne kept a straight face. Frustrating him would only further antagonize the situation. He was probably the only way to get back to their time.

Looking back to Bannix, " We must keep the location as secret as possible, the peace of 1200 years lay in the hiding of the sword and Karza's minions never gave up their search. We cannot leave easy clues yet we must make haste,.. but we also need rest and time to study to replenish our spells,. Kind sir, if lodging could to be supplied and provisions can be gathered then we may be ready to leave in as soon as two days time. Although Dragons could carry near all of us, I worry that their long lives and long memories might in this case not be our wisest mode of travel. Do you have any of the flying horses?" Ulthok smiled at Rayne, she had been a Pegasus rider and this would be natural to her. "We have at least one of us that is experienced in their handling and most of us have passengered on them before,..we do not have a past to change, but future to save. Our mission is still not complete and we must be allowed to return and complete it."
Returning the smile, Rayne said, "Yes, I was once a pegasus trooper for the Shann'tarian king. Handling one would be no problem for me."

"Yes," the elven priestess breathed the word slowly as she let her gaze take in all in the room. "We must avoid heavy footsteps in this age. As it is said, even the flutter of a moth's wings can bring forth the hurricane. Bannix, your offer of escort is kind, but we cannot accept. Even a single guide might change the course of history. Instead, I ask for a few days of secluded shelter so that we might restore ourselves before this journey. If you have magics that might speed us through the skies, that I will gladly accept. We must go on this quest alone."
Rayne thought over what Sirene had said. She added, "I agree with Sirene. If someone leads us there,or even near there, they might end up being captured by Karza's minions." She pauses, then turns back to Bannix. " You wouldn't happen to have a magical bowstring I could have? My bow was damaged in our last battle."

"As Baptist here told you, Allanan has gone to hide Karza's cursed be-damned sword and none of us did he tell where. As you said before, you knowing the location of its hiding place have a better chance to track the Lord Mage better then we do. All I can offer you is aid perhaps in transportation and a possible guide to help you through this, your past. In this to we must be careful for ripples easily can become waves. What aid would you think to ask of us?"......................
Though the Librarian Bannix had indeed lost his cool, his apology all in the party could see was very sincere. Cor not being one to start a fight when so much was at stake let the words pass.

"Transportation to the location where Allanon will hide the sword is all we ask. Once airborne we will tell those who ferry us where to go. As for not changing the past, it has already been changed. The future we left had us as the last hope to stem the tide of evil that washed over the land. We know not if we were successful. It may be that changing the past is the only way to avoid a future where evil rules. I do not take lightly our charge to safeguard the realm of Trilogy."

Fearing the Librarian would again take Cor's words as a threat Ulthok looked at Cor,

"You always had such a way with words. .. Yes we need to change the past, but it's only the past we did to get here. The choice of destroying the magic well using all of our gems is the only past we need to change,but we must return to near that moment to do that,.Allanan may the only one powerful enough to do that. "

Pausing a moment to catch his breath Sirene beat him to the punch speaking for the first time.

"Yes, We must avoid heavy footsteps in this age. As it is said, even the flutter of a moth's wings can bring forth the hurricane. Bannix, your offer of escort is kind, but we cannot accept. Even a single guide might change the course of history. Instead, I ask for a few days of secluded shelter so that we might restore ourselves before this journey. If you have magic's that might speed us through the skies, that I will gladly accept. We must go on this quest alone."

Looking to Sirene the Halfling nodded his head and turned back to the Librarian..

"We must keep the location as secret as possible, the peace of 1200 years lay in the hiding of the sword and Karza's minions never gave up their search. We cannot leave easy clues yet we must make haste,.. but we also need rest and time to study to replenish our spells,. Kind sir, if lodging could to be supplied and provisions can be gathered then we may be ready to leave in as soon as two days time. Although Dragons could carry near all of us, I worry that their long lives and long memories might in this case not be our wisest mode of travel. Do you have any of the flying horses?"

Ulthok smiled at Rayne, she had been a Pegasus rider and this would be natural to her.

"We have at least one of us that is experienced in their handling and most of us have flown on them before. we do not have a past to change, but future to save. Our mission is still not complete and we must be allowed to return and complete it."

Rayne hearing Ulthok speak of her training was quick to speak up and confirm Ulthok's words.

"Yes, I was once a Pegasus trooper for the Shann'tarian king. Handling one would be no problem for me. I agree with Sirene. If someone leads us there, or even near there, they might end up being captured by Karza's minions." She pauses, then turns back to Bannix. " You wouldn't happen to have a magical bowstring I could have? My bow was damaged in our last battle."

For his part, Librarian Bannix attempted to keep a bewildered look from his face with not much success.

"I must once again apologize, you speak of flying horses? Pegasus troopers?, a Shann'tarian king? We have nothing here like that. The only beasts that fly and allow us to ride upon them are the dragons of good or those of evil. There are no nations anymore this war has destroyed what little had been started. And if the magic exists to send you back to a moment in time not yet lived, only Allanan may have that power to do that or know where to find it."

Looking to Baptist the two paused as if reading each others mind then Bannix once more turned to the party.

"I understand you fear anyone to journey with you, but you have already influenced the future by saving the life of the paladin there beside you. Sir Moramee, I know you must feel a debt to these people for saving your life but in doing so they have perhaps changed their future. I would ask of you to stay with us, here at the castle, so we may attempt to trace your future. What say you?"

Dropping to one knee Seph did not hesitate.

"Lord Bannix if it is here that I am needed most, then here I will stay"

With a nod from the Librarian acknowledging his fealty Seph stood turning to the seven members of the party.

"I thank you all for my life and wish you well on this quest. I hope you return to your place in time so that I will know there will be a place for my grand children and theirs in the years to come. I also hope saving my life has not caused a ripple to become a tidal wave in your realm." Moving to stand close to the wall he stood waiting.

Looking back to the party, Bannix paused in thought.

"With saving his life your future may have already changed but I cannot allow in good conscience you seven to travel alone in this war ravaged world without someone to guide you. Lord Baptist has suggested to me another paladin he feels is better suited to this task. She is a member of the Paladin Order, The Adepta Sororitas, or more widely know as the "Sisters of Battle. Their symbol, on the breast plate of their armor, is that of a gold dragon. He feels of all those here at this moment she is the best at keeping any secrets that may unfold. As a plus she also knows Allanan quite well, his habits, his way of thinking, so finding him with her help will be much easier. I know I cannot force her upon you, but all I ask is you meet with her and judge her for yourselfs. I will send her to you on the morrow after you rest and recover. Baptist will show you to temporary quarters. If you have need of anything please ask and we will see if it can be obtained. Sir Moramee please remain."

Moving to lead the party out behind Baptist, Rayne paused, then turned back to Bannix.

"You wouldn't happen to have a magical bowstring I could have? My bow was damaged in our last battle..."

Laughing the Librarian looked to Baptist.

"I think we can help you with that fair lady have no fear,"

---------------------------------------------------------------

With Baptist leading them they soon found themselves in a barracks type room lined with beds and lockers upon the wall, some recently emptied, and some locked and still clearly in use.

"Rest here, heal, renew spells, and make a list of things you may need. Mess is at dusk fall and dawn rise please feel free to join us as you need. You wish not to be flown there to wherever there is so my best suggestion is the use potions of Flying. Myself and the others here can easily create enough to get you to where you need to be. Just tell us how many you will need per person and we will create them and have them ready quickly. As for the Lady Katarina, the Adepta Sororitas paladin I will send word to her and have her by tomorrow in time enough to meet her before you may decide to leave."

With a nod to all of you he moves and makes his exit. This barracks room suddenly for the moment very quiet...............

(DM OOC: Ok this weeks post. As you may have figured from the post above I let Gerald go due to real life issues and unfortunately being unable to post weekly at this time. However as it sometimes goes I was already in discussions with another female player to enter the game as a second paladin, but now of course she will be the only one. Might have been interesting once more having two Palies in the party but one will do. She may post this week but more then likely next week once I bring her into the game proper. So next post as always next Sunday so be there or be square )

A new team member, one from this age. Cor pondered the idea and decided it was a good one. She would know the local area, the current political situation and other mundane things the rest of the party would not. However, she was appointed by the librarian and so there was a chance she could be a spy. He would have to keep an open mind but also an open eye.

"Seems we are ta have a new lass join us. Should be nice ta have a guide of sorts. Just watch how much ye say for we nae know if she work for the librarian and how much talk of the future could impact her. As for our quest, we nae know if we were brought here by forces of good because we failed in the future or by evil because we succeeded. I am not fond of the idea of tracking down the sword on this time only ta leave it intact. If we can destroy it we should."

When Ulthok heard Cor say again that they should destroy the sword if they had the chance he remembered the letter that Allanan had left, "You must now be it's carrier and undo my mistake of hiding it, instead of destroying it."
Acknowledging his friend and companion the Halfling said to Cor, "The destruction of the sword is the ultimate end of our quest and I remember from Allanan's letter to Althena where he said to her to undo his mistake and destroy it,But I also remember where he said," The draw of the sword you now bare became to strong for even I to resist. So I returned here and knowing the evil that I might do under it's control I took up the sword, locking myself magically within this room. For even at the time I cut it from Karza's hand it had entered my mind and planted the seed of it's survival to this day.,

The sword has much strength and we don't have the skill or power to destroy it, we can't even touch it without it corrupting us,. I fear that if we challenge Allanan he will defend the sword and not help us,. So I hope we can convince him to send us get back. We can then help Althena to finish this task as was our first plan,.. We must take great care in whatever we do,. Now we need to rest and prepare, if using potions will be how we travel we need to figure how many are needed. Their use is dangerous and may be unpredictable when their magic ends."

The mage then found an open bunk.

Siréne pursed her lips in thought. Another of this time would join them and there was no telling how this shift in the sands would change the course of history. Every breath they drew brought change. If they returned to their own time, would it even be the same?

She pondered this situation as she made her way into the solitary chambers requested. The need for study and preparation was all around, but for now, the prospect of a bath beckoned.

Though the barracks type room was not as secluded as hoped it was still the parties to use with beds, baths, and a nice stock of both fresh and dried foods. Settled and without the need to worry about being attacked since entering the flying castle, the night went by undisturbed. With morning came the normal rituals of prayer and study and once again the spell casters of the party were fully stocked with their main source of healing and harm.

The day that followed was spent gaining supplies and needed gear for the journey ahead. Ulthok and Cor having plotted a course to Drow Mountain requested ten potions of flying for each member, in truth really needing only eight. Both Dwarf and Halfling did not want to give away the exact distance to Allanan's possible location and each member gaining an extra two potions was a plus.

It was during the after dinner hours of this first full day of rest that Ulthok brought up the found items and the desire to identify them. With three mages present within the room Identifying most of the magical items was easy. However the three were unable to discover the nature of the magic contained in Dark Whisper's eye and the advisors leg bone Though by its nature the eye gave everyone the uncomfortable feeling as if they were being watched. Perhaps the War Wizards of Drimmen Deeve could ascertain that which Sirene, Ulthok, and Aliya could not.

For now the party rested regained lost spells, health and renewed their vigor for the next stage of their journey.