Xander came up behind the team, the last of them bar Amannia. Orb flew over head and rushed down to where she lay. 5 air arrows at point blank range lodged themselves into the back bone of the creature paralysing and grounding it at the same time.
Xander hurried over to Amannia and hoisted her over his shoulder and then, with a thought to Orb, they were safely inside. The huge oaken doors swung shut and the bolts and bars fell into place with a satisfying thud.
Xander: Are you ok?
He asked Amannia as he lowered her to the floor... she nodded, though it was through a grimace. He looked to the rest of the group. Everyone here? Everyone ok?
The hall was grand and there hung a huge, ornate chandelier above. It was filled with candles which seemed enchanted for their brightness belayed their thickness. On the wall were rich tapestries, telling tales of heroes past and about 50yards ahead of them stood a marble staircase. On the bottom step stood a figured, cloaked in blue. It stepped towards them, its face radiant with calm features.
Orb: how one can stay calm in a time like this is beyond me.
He was now in his normal form and floating near Xanders shoulder.
Xander stepped towards the figure and bowed his head.
Xander: sir, truly we have come at the right time. The situation outside is bleak and the evil ones have summoned Minions of the Abyss to do their bidding. This war cannot be moving in your favour?
The man turned to him and nodded.
?: peace Child, you are safe in here. The enchantments are so strong that none can enter without the masters will. But he was expecting only one...Where is Amannia?
She struggled to walk forward the man looked forlornly at her and raised his hand to her. His palm was tattooed with the feather of life,
Orb: a healer,
his hand glowed and Amannia found her wounds restored.
?: you were given an order to come here, were you not?
She nodded,
?: and yet you have brought with you this small strike team. Was this your intention?
Amannia: no, but they have proved themselves brave in combat and are worthy to fight for our cause.
She paused, the sheer reality of what they had gone through coming back to her.
Amannia: The enemy, it was so close to the Tower, have they really pushed the boundary so far into our side?
The figure nodded his weary head.
?: it is an unfortunate fact, but as I said, unless the master is killed the Tower can not be taken.
Xander: Excuse me sir, but may we see the Archmage?
?:he is in an important meeting with his generals at the moment it won't end for a few hours...
Amannia: How did they get here?
?: why, through the catacombs of course. To be honest we were anticipating your arrival that way too, it is the safest route.
Xander: can you tell him we are here and to make haste.
?: I will, in the meanwhile you can use this lower level to rest and wash, through there are the bathrooms and through the red door over there you will find the dorms, you can sleep if you like. Mayhap Cook has some food left in the kitchen if you are hungry.
Amannia: thank you for your generosity.
?: a bell will sound when the Archmage is ready to see you.
Xander nodded and with a glance to Orb, turned to the others.
Xander: until then!
With that he headed off to the bathrooms for a long soak.
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