Things have gone terribly awry. A sizable force of tieflings are performing some duty in the name of a demon, this town's population has been more than halved, and at least five people know the family secret.
I don't have too much time, though; I have to begin planning.
We saw the fog from a great distance; rolling down in great force towards this fishing village. We spurred our horses onward and eventually entered both the unnatural mist and the village. It's strange to think how our brief stay at what remained of Stones End was now a pleasant memory in comparison to the carnage of open battle. The smoking remains of men and women long dead are vastly preferable to the remains of those recently dead; or in the process of dying. The distinct smells of both blood and shit hung in the air, and clung to our clothes.
I don't quite know how to explain what transpired next, but I will do my best.
I saw a giant snake, composed of fire. It weaved between the buildings with such grace that at first I was taken aback by it's beauty. In the space of a moment, however, I was gripped by a fear I have never encountered before; something old, nameless. I knew it was not truly a snake; I must have. I was convinced, however, that it…was. It existed. The only thing I could think of that could summon such an awe-inspiring work of magic, was a demon.
Othalath. He of the Flaming Lash.
It wasn't a snake, though. It was a work of magic, but it was no snake. It was no great beast of flash and flame, but I thought it was. I stress this because I would not have so brazenly used my powers in the presence of others if I did not believe that I was battling with a force this terrifying. Even in this rattled state however, I still managed to hold off the most overt of my spells at first.
I thought that perhaps the presence of the Fey might disrupt the field of battle, but it's doubtful anyone even heard the giggling of my illusion in the chaos that ensued. I then attempted to shock the <s>snake </s>man that was trying to flank the party to no avail. As I try to recall what happened, I can't see the snakes. When I try to picture them, what I come up with is somehow never correct. What I do see is the hooded figures that assaulted us. I see myself grasping at the air above this tiefling as I try to grapple and electrify the serpent.
I blinded them. They were beginning to turn the tide of battle, and in my addled state I perceived the dead men as serpents only resting high above the fray, waiting to swoop down for the kill. I knew we needed to run, and that we couldn't take the chance of remaining here any longer than possible. Once those resting rejoined their brothers, it would be all over. We could not fight forever; and their still was the greater snake these few had split off from still rampaging through the town.
The others quickly dispatched the last two men, and the enemy force quickly retreated from the village grounds. I don't know why they left, but it's irrelevant. The tieflings, the demon, this rotten village; all irrelevant. These five now know of my abilities, and I must find a way of making the best of a bad situation.
Neither Amatus or Darvin will be fooled if I try and claim my magic is that of a god; luckily Darvin is staying in town to assist the locals for a short time. I can forget about him for the time being. Perhaps the other three will believe me, but Amatus can deny me that path if he so desires. Perhaps I can convince them that the sand I use as a catalyst is what blinded them; that the light was merely the sun amplified by the mist. Doubtful, but I can't think of another reason that could even possibly convince them that I'm not a sorcerer.
Blackmail is out of the question: Darvin is the most liked fellow in the village; at least when he's performing. Alyx has her connection to Mother Gram to cut short any inflammatory accusations. I can't kill them all, either. Returning as the sole survivor would only put me under greater scrutiny. If I am to accept that they all know, and that there is no convincing them otherwise, the only path forward is to end this conflict with the tieflings. Convince them through actions.
I'll get whatever we need from this man, this thing. I'll take him away from the others, and do what I must to get what we need. It's not much, but it'll likely be the only way out of this mess.
Comments
Nice write up!