Chapter Nine
Astarion walked out of the portal first, and he pulled up so quickly, Tav bumped into his back. They stood on a narrow ledge on a cliff not more than three feet out.
'What by the hells?!' Astarion exclaimed, putting his arm out to stop her walking forward, 'That blasted wizard.'
Shocked, Tav responded, 'He really had to put it up here like this?' The ledge appeared to go around the corner of the rockface, but they would have to walk through low bushes that were hiding any possible path. 'Maybe there's a way down?'
'We'll probably have to teleport.'
Not far from them was a giant archway that came from below their position, and under the arch were steps embedded in the earth that curved up. Sounds of shouting and weapons clashing together, plus animal sounds drifted in the air.
'This place feels familiar…' Astarion walked carefully along the concealed ledge.
Tav followed along behind him. 'You're right…' She also recognized the grassy area and stone pillars below.
'No way down.' Astarion stopped at the outcrop of rock that wouldn't be more than six feet out. He tugged her down beside him behind the scant coverage of the shrubs to observe the activity below them.
'Oh, so that's where we are,' Tav said.
The Sacred Pool of the Emerald Grove was below. The Enclave's Holy Idol rested in the middle of the ring of water and hallowed engraved pillars. Yelling was mingled with the clash of metal and the growls of animals was on the further side near the steps that lead up to the Idol on its pillar. However, there were also a few combatants on their side of the Pool below.
'This isn't good…' Tav watched the fighters, attempting to discern who exactly the attackers were. There were numerous fighters on both sides, including animals.
'It seems,' Astarion finally answered, 'the one's in black leather are the aggressors.'
Tav nodded in confirmation. 'Some druids are protecting the idol.' The statue on a pedestal in the middle of the Pool had a golden glow around it.
'I would say they are Shadow Druids,'Astarion declared, 'It would be no surprise if Kagha is behind this.'
'Right, I can't believe she would easily change from her opinion.'
Astarion remarked with disdain, 'Halsin was too lenient on her …'
'It's not going to go well for us if bad druids take this grove.' Tav was preparing her hand bow.
'Somehow I knew you were going to say that.' Astarion's eyes shimmered with excitement.
She gave him a mischievous grin. 'I don't believe I'm twisting your arm…'
His eyes danced over her, and she imagined he was grinning at her behind his mask. He glanced upwards at the side of the cliff face. A particular ledge jutted out with an appearance of good coverage of bushes. 'I'll go up, I'll get a better view.'
Tav nodded her agreement. 'I'll stay and take any attention.'
Astarion disappeared.
Tav was left to observe the druids fighting below. She had to determine the best target she could hit effectively. Deciding to be a back-up for an elf who was struggling against a bear, Tav loaded piercing arrows in her fire-element bow. Her arrow flew straight into the animal's side, setting it on fire. 'Yes!' She exclaimed quietly. It was a long time since she had fired her bow, she didn't realize how much she missed it.
The bear fell back in shock and pain, and the female elf was better able to run the animal through. While that happened three more dark druids came down the steps to join the fray.
From above her, Astarion had the view and range to take out those on the other side of the pool, where the combat was more fierce. Using one of his special arrows, he took out a magic caster, and he dropped to the ground from the sneak attack. With rapid speed he fired at the next target, an owlbear druid. It took two arrows piercing the creature's side, before the druid comprehended what was even hitting him.
Meanwhile, Tav focused on the fighters in the area below her. Targeting a panther, she wounded it enough it was limping. Free shots at the enemy was fun, but it wasn't going to last. Some shadow druids were looking at the rock face, attempting to spy out the archer. A Fire spell came her way, but fell short. They were probably getting their aim in. Arrows flew in next. She was able to dodge them, except one that bounced off her armour.
Abruptly a shadow druid stood before her. He swiped down at her with his longsword. Her innate reaction was triggered and she sent fire into him. While he roared with rage and backed off, she was able to prepare her rapier. Defense seemed her only option as he continued raining down blows. Within moments, another fighter appeared next to her. There wasn't even enough room for them to all fight.
She didn't need to worry. The first druid feel clutching at his throat with an arrow impeded in the back of his neck. The second enemy would be more difficult for Astarion to hit as Tav was in the way. But she was capable of fighting the one, who was not as ferocious as the first. Eventually her sword-craft was superior, and she cut him through with her necro-enchanted rapier, and he was down at her feet.
Down on the ground, more Shadow Druids came into the area, and more of them were noticing her, crouched on her perch. Luckily, they didn't seem to be able to see Astarion above her position. She sensed the enemy was going to end up casting a powerful spell her way. She didn't want Astarion to get caught up in it, if she could prevent it.
Tav squatted down and as quickly as she could, reached into her weapon box for her Adamantine Shield. That would block some magic. She could place Shielding or Warding on Astarion, but in this situation she couldn't do it as it would highlight his position.
She sensed the fireball coming her way, before she saw it. Thankfully it didn't take the whole rock-face, but it was enough that it hit her on the narrow outcropping. The two bodies by her feet shielded her somewhat, and they were left scorched. The rest was blocked by her shield and her armor, which had a strong Fire Resistance. Her main worry was Astarion above, and the bushes around his position. She was glad to see that the Magic Caster was not going to send another one their way, as he fell with an arrow through his chest.
All of a sudden, Lia raced around the side of the ledge. With a shocked jolt, she yelled, 'What the hell is going on?'
'Lia?!' Tav cried, 'What are you doing here?'
'I'll tell you after.' With the flames dying down, she crouched beside Tav. She pulled out a blade from some bag at her hip, and she conjured enchanted armour.
Tav explained, 'The Grove is under attack.'
Lia frowned at the bodies, and her gaze took in the fighting below. 'Alright, you want to go down there with me?'
Tav could probably do more damage if she was down there, amidst the combat. She was only going to end up a sitting target on the ledge. Not able to see Astarion, she looked up to where she thought he might be. She pointed at herself and pointed to the ground.
'He's up there?' Lia creased her brow attempting to see anything. 'Does he want to come with us?'
'No.' Tav smiled up at the rock-face. Astarion was in the ideal spot for his specialty skills. 'He'll be fine there.'
Quickly, Lia read a scroll and the two of them walked through a Dimension Door and came out on the ground below. They stood on the south side of the pool, and away from the main fighting. Although not far from them, there were five Shadow Druids attacking two Grove druids. Another two druids lay wounded on the ground.
Lia shouted to the two druids, 'We'll help with these ones.'
Tav considered healing the injured, but realized her skills would be more useful in the combat. Lia, who now also a shield from somewhere, was in close combat. Before entering the fight, Tav took the few moments she had to cast Slow on their opponents. All but one seemed effected. Any advantage against so many would help. She yelled to one of the druids, 'If you want to heal those ones, I will cover you.'
A female elf, with short hair and slender frame, nodded her thanks and backed off towards the wounded.
With her rapier and shield equipped, she entered the fray. Fighting alongside Lia and the other druid, Tav's muscle memory was coming alive. Every reflective movement and anticipation of the enemy was returning. It was like being back in her old skin.
The Slow spell gave them some time, but still the enemy managed to throw Fire at her. Her armour gave her protection, but she wondered how safe Lia was from such an attack. Lia's proficiency lay in her Fighting prowess and strength, but she was still able to put a magical Shield on herself. Tav's reaction skills kicked in, and she sent Fire back at the one who cast it. It sent him backwards, but did not take him out completely.
They had already downed three of the enemy, but unfortunately more were entering the area. Tav couldn't understand why so many were left unimpeded by the Grove Druids. Where were they all? 'This is a full-on invasion…' If the Shadow Druids continued getting reinforcements, it was not looking good.
Lia was too harried to respond, and only gave a grave look to the incoming enemy.
Tav's sword-craft was near excellent, and she had the added bonus of inflicting necro poison, but she was now backing off from nearly three more fighters. Thankfully, Astarion was taking out the ones she wasn't able to tackle herself. Facing two men before her, another one came onto her left side. He dropped to the earth with an arrow piercing his throat, as he fell, another arrow plunged into his chest.
'Thank you, my love,' Tav muttered, while breathing a relieved sigh. He must be enjoying himself up there, taking free shots all over the combat zone. She realized he must have changed position, as he was doing multiple arrows on the targets entering the area from the steps. Soon the enemy would start paying attention to the archer above. They could throw any matter of spells his way.
In the moment Tav was cutting into someone, her legs and arms became immobile. She knew this feeling. Vines had snaked up from the ground, holding onto her arms and legs. Yelling with rage, she struggled against the spell. 'Curses!' Now she was even more worried about Astarion. Usually he would be able to target the Caster, which would set her free from this type of spell.
Struggling to free herself, Tav was now worried about Astarion's absence. Someone must have spotted him, and he was being confronted. Relying on Lia and the two druids to provide protection, she glanced up at the cliff side. There was the odd sight of Rolan, standing there, a murderous expression on his face. He raised his hands and started casting. Water fell first, followed by an Ice spell, on the landing and steps under the arch. Perfect combo to make the enemy immobile.
'Rolan!' Lia cried, while lashing with her sword into a hooded sword and shield fighter. 'Bout time.'
After a moment, Tav was freed from the vines. Her veins burned with adrenaline and a lot of indignation. Thankfully, Astarion was back in action. In front of Tav and Lia, the enemy druids started falling back from arrows fired from above and behind her.
Once Tav and Lia teleported below, Astarion focused on their position. He didn't like she had gone into the midst of the fight, but at least Lia was with her, although he had no idea about her fighting capabilities. But considering Tav might be facing spells like Fireball up on the ledge, it was overall the smarter decision. At least he could support her from his vantage point. Tav was an extremely good sword fighter, but in this instance there were too many opponents coming into their space. He was taking more of them out then Tav and Lia that meant he was going to be noticed. It was also a growing concern that more Shadow druids were gathering below.
More of the enemy druids came down the steps. 'This attack is more significant than we first realized,' he said to himself. He didn't like the look of what was occurring, especially with Tav being in the thick of it. He fired multiple shots into the incoming fighters, which lessened their numbers.
His free reign across the battlefield was not too last. In the instance, a man, in the black leathers, longsword slashing, was beside him. Someone skilled enough to spot him, it seemed. Astarion sheathed his bow, and took up the two blades at his hips, Bloodthirst, and Sassur. Defending against the sword strikes, he struck the man with Sassur, inflicting Silence.
His opponent growled his annoyance. At least Astarion had the skills in sword-craft, Tav had been teaching him on and off since they first started travelling together. Her skills were mainly for swords, but he discovered it worked just as well with daggers. He simply had to get close-up and in their face. But at this time, he didn't have time to play around. The battle below was getting more intense, and he didn't like not knowing what was happening to Tav down there.
Astarion's enchanted daggers was enough to keep up with the fighter. Due to him having to fight close, he had the advantage of avoiding his opponent's blades more efficiently. The man was a hefty human, and with his strong build, he was attempting to maneuver Astarion to the edge of the rock outcrop.
'You'll have no luck with that,' Astarion had magical effects that prevented him from being forced, either physically or magically.
The fight was taking too long, while events were escalating below him. Speeding up his attacks, Astarion stabbed and lashed in a fluid motion. This time his blades sunk deep into the enemy. The druid fell at his feet, and died shortly after. As the enemy dropped, Astarion spied movement on the ledge they initially arrived at.
Rolan stood on the short outcrop, hands on hips, surveying the chaotic scene in the Sacred Area.
'Just like a wizard,' Astarion muttered, 'has all the power, but always late to the party.'
Casting a spell, Rolan lifted his hand and held it towards the archway. Water started raining down on the steps and the landing to the area. With his hand remaining outstretched and a commanding word, he cast Ice Storm on top of the Water. Huge amounts of Ice fell on those coming down the steps and the surrounding space.
Turning from the chaotic debacle on the Ice, he searched out Tav. Her, Lia, and the two other druids were facing nearly double their numbers. To add to the dilemma, Tav was bound by an Entanglement. Lia was doing well to protect her, but the enemy was bearing down on them. Tav was getting more frustrated as she struggled against the trap. Lia cast what must have been Thunderwave, for the enemies flew back from them. It gave them a little reprieve.
Astarion had to pinpoint the caster of the vines. 'Hold on, my sweet.' It couldn't be one of the enemy fighting them, as they had all been hit by the Wave. He searched the area around them, and quickly found the lone Magic Caster. Once he was killed with an arrow to the chest, Tav was free.
He turned his attention to the field of ice, and those prone and slipping. With multiple arrows, he fired into the glut of warriors. It was almost comical, he hadn't had this type of fun in a while.
Rolan was not going to be left to continue his damage, as he was now accosted by the enemy up close. What did he expect, standing out like that for everyone to see? Astarion sighed. Even with the corpses, another fighter appeared, and found the space to attack Rolan.
Out of the corner of his vision, Astarion saw the enemy on Rolan flying off the edge. Most likely Telekinesis. The druid dropped with a fatal thud next to the water around the pedestal.
Astarion continued shooting into those coming down the steps. Unfortunately it seemed a ceaseless brigade of fighters entering the Sacred space. Although, near the steps of the Idol on the far side, the enemy was lessening and the fighting was nearly finished. Those left standing, appeared to be the Druids of the Grove. Tav and Lia had cleared the enemy before them and had stopped to rest and assess the scene of fighters still coming in.
After noting that the combat had finished across the Sacred Pool, Tav put her shield away and sheathed her sword, she took time to catch her breath. She spent some moments casting Healing on herself and Lia, which mended cuts on their bodies. As she did, she watched the group of Grove Druids on the other side of the pool gather the deceased. Some of the druids dispersed and left the area.
The elf druid who had fought with them came to Tav and Lia, she spoke breathlessly, 'Thank you for assisting us. We would not have survived if not for you—'
'Hey, Apikusis,' Lia, her eyes glowing from the victory, butt in, 'You remember me? Great to see you.'
Apikusis' pale green eyes widened with abrupt surprise, 'Oh, it's you, Lia. I'm glad you eventually made it to safety.' She studied Tav as if she was trying to remember her. 'And you are?'
A half-elf male, one of the other druids who had fought alongside them, spoke. 'Apikusis, this is one of those who helped protect the Grove and saved Halsin from the goblins.'
'You remember me,' Tav graced him with a pleased smile. 'I'm Tav. It's nice to be remembered.'
'Of course,' He nodded his head in acknowledgement, 'I'm Beilen. 'But, what are you doing back here, and at such a time as this?'
While he spoke another tall male druid approached. He came from the group from the other side, and he was dressed in more elaborate armor and his helm was stag antlers. Trailing behind him was another druid, she was a female human. Suddenly, Rolan appeared and stood next to Lia.
The tall druid addressed them all, 'I'm Captain Leolin. Rolan, you are a welcomed sight. Who would have thought you would be back to save us.'
Rolan lifted his chin with pride. 'Well, our arrival was unplanned—'
Captain Leolin turned to Tav, and stated, 'And you, you're the one who saved Halsin—'
'I didn't do that alone,' Tav blurted out.
Leolin continued, while looking up at the rock cliff. 'And who was the Archer who took out so many?'
Tav followed his gaze, attempting to see Astarion, but knowing that would be impossible. 'Oh, that's Astarion. He also helped save the Grove and Halsin…' She realized that with all the fresh corpses it was possible he was feeding. 'He'll be down when he wants too…'
Lia raised her voice with urgency. 'What happened here? How did such a large attack take place?'
'It's very concerning,' Leolin replied, 'I've sent some druids to go around the Grove, finish off the enemy and heal the injured. This is all we have.'
'Why are there so few druids here to defend the Grove?' Tav watched a couple of druids across the pool, they were separating the bodies from the enemy to those of the Grove.
Leolin answered, 'A large group were sent out to patrol the Risen Road to the east. There's a rise in demonic monsters coming from Elturel.'
The other female druid added, 'We hear there is great unrest in that city—'
Rolan interrupted, 'Is that really your responsibility though?'
'That was how Francessa also viewed the issue,' Apikusis nodded with a grimace. 'And look what happened…'
'Don't tell me,' Tav grumbled with irritation, 'It was Kagha who persuaded her?'
'It was,' Apikusis' tone was dismal, 'She's a viper. I have never trusted her.'
'I'm with you there.' Tav scowled her agreement. 'Since she wanted to kill Arabella, I never even liked her.'
'Yeah…' Lia added, looking to Rolan, 'She was always so unpleasant to us…'
'Obviously there is strategy involved with this attack,' Rolan remarked to Leolin.
Tav remarked, 'It would have been a brutal take-over if it had succeeded.'
An expression of wrath came over Leolin's face. 'We would have lost this Enclave.'
'Where is your Archdruid?' Rolan asked.
Leolin answered, 'That's the real concern, and we may need your assistance again.' He glanced towards the great stone door that leads down to the inner chambers. 'Currently, Francessca is in the inner chambers with Rath and some other druids. Kagha, and we assume other shadow druids are also inside, and maybe those who have betrayed us like Kagha has.'
'Francessca has locked the door hasn't she?' Tav knew that would be something she, herself, would do if the enemy was bearing down and you had to protect yourself. 'As a last defense…'
'That's right,' Leolin replied, 'She has done that to protect those inside and our precious scrolls and treasures. Kagha does not have the power. I doubt she would need to do it.'
A halfling male druid approached and in his hand was a dead snake. 'We found this in one of the small underground passages.'
'It's Kagha's,' Leolin affirmed. 'We can't use those passages. We also don't want Kagha to know she has been defeated.' He turned to the halfling, 'Guard those exits. Kill any snakes that appear.'
The halfling left and went towards the rocks.
'We don't want Kagha to know she has failed,' Leolin told them.
'True,' Rolan stated, 'Someone like her might do something drastic.'
Tav thought, knowing that crazy hate-filled woman, she could burn the place down, but '… she and those with her might escape.'
Apikusis' face darkened, 'I don't usually get very angry, but I don't want those devils to get away.'
'She's not going to get away with this,' Beilen raised his fist in anger.
'Elemental magic and most other magic cannot be used in the Chambers. There is centuries of Protection spells and Resistances built into the stone.' Leolin attempted to explain and reassure. 'She cannot damage the interior. There is also the defense traps that should be protecting those within. That is our hope.'
'That means Kagha can't destroy the chambers,' Beilen nodded his relief.
Leolin lifted his hands and spoke with authority. 'Now, the dilemma we face is getting word to Francessca that the enemy is defeated. On top of that there might be a possibility she won't believe the message.'
'Because she might think it is as trick?' Tav asked.
'If she thinks she is being deceived,' Leolin responded, 'She will never open it.'
Beilen spoke with outrage. 'Still we must do something!'
'Is there any way from above?' Tav gazed at the rock hill. 'A gap somewhere?'
They all stood looking up at the rocks, ruminating on the possibilities.
Apikusis sighed with dismay, and said, 'Perhaps, but none of us here have the bird transformation skill…'
As she spoke, a delicate blue bird settled on her shoulder. Tav could guess it was the same bird that Nettie had healed at that time when they first met her.
The bird spoke, its little voice chirped at them. 'There is a way. I've used it.'
Apikusis smiled at the bird. 'Tumela, that is brilliant. Can you do that for us? You must be careful though. We don't know what has happened to those inside.'
Tav queried, 'Will Francessca believe you?'
'I think it's more likely Francessca believe Tumela, than an actual druid,' Leolin scratched his chin. 'It's a good idea.' He faced the bird and instructed, 'You can tell Francessca, the enemy is defeated, the Idol is safe, and we have been aided by some Teiflings who took refuge here, and those who saved Halsin.'
Apikusis smiled tenderly, 'Can you remember all that?'
'I'm not sure,' Tumela sang, 'I will try. If Nettie is there she will believe me.'
'Wait,' Beilen raised his hand toward Tumela, 'I'll make you Invisible. It may hide you from Kagha.' He said the spell and the bird disappeared.
The druids then began speaking to together, discussing what was occurring around the Grove and how to approach the situation within the Chambers.
Tav glanced towards the cliffs, having a growing concern that she hadn't seen Astarion yet. He should be fine, she reasoned.
Lia started, 'Can't believe we arrived right on time—'
'Oh, right,' Tav interrupted, 'How come you are here?'
'Well, it was simple really…' Lia laughed, and cast a side-eye at Rolan. 'I was worried you might be stuck up there.'
'That portal placement was crazy—' Tav glared at Rolan.
'Really?' Rolan raised his brow in surprise, 'I rather think it was a perfect place. Who would ever think such a thing was up there?'
'Curses, Rolan,' Tav replied, 'We nearly walked off the edge.'
'He gave me a scroll to help you get down,' Lia explained with a laugh.
Rolan nodded his acceptance. 'It was also a way to see how well the portal worked.' He continued, with an expression of interest. 'I also became concerned when Lia did not return.'
'Lucky you arrived when you did,' Tav stated, 'I'm not sure what would have happened to this Grove.'
Lia remarked, 'Astarion was doing a pretty good job at taking them down. Where is he anyway?'
'Mmm,' Tav frowned up at the rocks. 'He will be around…'
'Nothing to worry about,' Rolan assured them, 'I did see him moving around up there.'
Apikusis touched her shoulder and the blue bird, Tumela appeared. The attention of all present turned to the bird.
Leolin asked urgently, 'Did it go well? How does it look inside?'
Tumela's delicate little voice replied, 'Archdruid and those with her are in the further chamber. While the enemy is in the first chamber. A barrier of thick entanglements are between the two chambers.'
'Those Entanglements are a Defensive trap Francessca has triggered to protect those within.' Leolin explained to them all, 'It can't be affected by Elemental magic.'
'It would seem they are in a stand-off?' Tav asked.
'That is probably the case,' Leolin agreed. To Tumela he said, 'She trusted you and she is going to open the door?'
'She will open the door soon,' the bird replied.
Leolin looked to the druids. 'Let us go to the door and ready ourselves. To prevent their escape we must keep the element of surprise as long as possible.' He and his female counterpart went to the door and stood in front. Beilen stood between them. Rolan a few steps back.
Apikusis, Lia, and Tav were towards the back of the group. It was not strategically safe to have everyone crowding into the opening, considering they could not predict where the enemy was, or what they would be able to do.
The door began to slide open. From within, the voice of a woman boomed and echoed across the chamber, as if it was amplified, 'The enemy has breached the entry!'
'Did I hear that right?' Tav turned to Lia with a look of admiration. 'Is that Francessca? She's good.'
Lia's eyes widened with awe. 'I know, right.'
A man's voice followed, and it also travelled up to them, although not with the same power. 'That's right, Francessca, if you give up now, it will go easier for you.'
Many things seemed to occur at once. The female druid transformed into a panther and she pounced down into the chamber with a thunderous roar. Beilen stepped in and appeared to cast Slow on those within the first Chamber. Leolin had his bow at the ready, aiming into the chamber.
Unable to see what was happening within, Tav could however see Captain Leolin standing inside the entrance, shooting arrows inside. After some enraged shouting and pain-filled cries, there was a sudden rush of freezing air, followed by ice. Not the usual Ice Storm spell, this was colder and more brittle, this was the type that freezes your hair and your bones. The Cold Cone affected everyone in its path.
'Shit…' Tav shivered, feeling her body freeze up.
Lia, beside her, was not only freezing up, she had slipped on the ice sheet under her feet, as was Rolan and Apikusis. Leolin stood firm and continued firing off his bow.
The only thing saving Tav from any terrain adversity was her enchanted boots. She realized she might need to step forward and help bring the enemy down within. Even so, the cold stabbed into her skin, like millions of knives, she could barely lift her sword.
In the instance, someone suddenly stood behind her. Was that a teleport spell? Not able to turn fast enough to confront the person, she sensed a knife coming her way. 'Curses.' As she slowly tried to turn, the man was pushed off balance and away by a few feet with an arrow to his flesh. That was one of her archery moves.
Of course, it must have been Astarion. She looked to the one who was going to stab her in the back. The hooded Shadow Druid was gripping his wounded arm, and gave her a contemptuous scowl. He then searched out Astarion's position.
Astarion, no longer up in the rocks, stood on ground level, posed with his next arrow ready to shoot the man again – probably a kill shot this time.
The Druid met Astarion's gaze, and frowning with rage, he disappeared.
Astarion also disappeared. Most likely to protect himself.
At least Tav knew he was safe and watching events and her. But now they had to worry about where this Shadow Druid had gone too.
As the Ice field started to lessen, those in its path started to stand up. Tav was still freezing, but now she could move with more freedom. The noise from within died down. Captain Leolin had witnessed the near attack on Tav, and he kept his bow up and ready to shoot the druid if he appeared again.
Still shivering, Tav was able to cast Faerie Fire around herself. It covered all those near her and it reached nearly the whole area. At provided a substantial coverage against anyone who might approach them with invisibility. She also looked afar for anyone suddenly appearing. Her hope was the enemy had fled the area and the Grove altogether.
From within the Chamber, there was some noise and a tall female Elf appeared. Her black hair was flowing with beaded and corded braids to her waist, and down the side of her face was black swirl markings. Wearing a green gown, it was opened at the front revealing hide pants, and up her arms, were leather and metal bands and braids. Beside her was the great silver wolf that Tav had met before.
Francessca's bright green eyes took in the scene with astute observation. Bodies were either in neat piles, or still scattered over the area. The steps were still strewn with the fallen enemies remains. Her voice was loud and somber. 'The leader of our enemy escaped. Is he out here?'
Leolin replied, 'Archdruid, he was, but now we don't know if he is still present here.'
'Possibly he has escaped the Grove.' Francessca gave the area a steely gaze. 'He would achieve nothing by remaining here.' She took in Tav's presence, and she creased her brow with sudden awareness. 'Oh, so you are the one who saved Halsin. And now you come to save us again.' She lifted her hands indicating the magic in the air around them, and spreading out across the pedestal and the pillars. 'This spell will be good enough to rat the enemy out.'
Captain Leolin had lowered his bow and he gestured to Rolan. 'These Tieflings are the ones who took refuge here—'
Francessca turned to Rolan and Lia, and Tav. 'Sylvanus has blessed us with your aid in our time of greatest and most dire need. We have been repaid for our kindness towards you.' She bowed her head at them. 'I shall thank you properly later. First, we need to deal with the bodies within the chambers, and those who have fallen, we need to lay them to rest.'
Rolan said, 'Actually, Lia and I did not intend on staying here. We didn't even plan on being here.'
Lia chuckled. 'We were just popping over. We came to help Tav and Astarion out.'
'I see.' Francessca looked between them, 'I'm assuming you have some way into our Grove?'
Rolan had the decency to blush. 'I… it is very well hidden. No one will know of it.'
Francessca slapped him on the arm in a playful manner. 'Not too fear, my Tiefling brother. If it brings you here like this, who am I to complain.' She turned her attention to Tav, 'You, however, are staying here? And who and where is Astarion?'
'We don't plan on staying here long,' Tav started, 'We wanted to head east on the road.' She was really wishing Astarion was here to help her discuss this. 'Right now, Astarion is probably trying to discover if that Shadow Druid is still present here. However, he did wound him.'
'Good, who knows maybe he will catch him…' Francessca replied.
Leolin went on to explain. 'Astarion is the stealth Archer who killed many of our enemy. Without his aid, we would have been doomed.'
'Is that so?' Francessca gazed out over the Sacred Pool and the large number of dead. 'Well, I'd like to meet him. I shall reward you for your help, and perhaps anything else you might need. You say you want to travel east?'
'Any information you have in regards to that direction we would appreciate it,' Tav responded.
'I will certainly oblige,' Francessca's expression became grave, 'But you may not like what I have to tell you. But first, I need to get those chambers cleaned, and assess the damage and fatalities around the Grove. Then we shall talk.'
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