--House of Beor – Southeast coast of Y’Larris

The party wound down to it’s inevitable conclusion. The last remaining Baron’s and their retinues bid adieu and departed, their light coaches hustling away into the late night, iron shod wheels pounding noisily on the cobblestones. The castle loomed ominously on a small rise surrounded by a thirty-foot mote. Stone and mortar gleamed brightly, lit by giant braziers burning a substance lacking smoke. Two twin towers commanded attention each on opposite sides of a stately courtyard complete with gardens and a hedge-shaped maze. Several servants scurried about cleaning up the mess. Deep inside the maze stood a middle-aged man dressed in immaculate coat and tail an admirals cap tucked tightly upon his head. He wore a piece of glass in his left eye a silver chain was attached and dangled down to his coat where it clipped neatly under a wide lapel. In his right hand was a wooden cane. In his left was the throat of a young women he held in a crushing grip. The young woman dropped to the grass in a flutter of silken tresses.

Deep in the bowels of the castle under the east tower a short thin man with large ears and balding pate paced the floor of the Baron’s inner sanctum. The room was large and rectangular in shape with a deep soft carpet. Lined along the walls were bookshelves reaching to the ceiling some twenty-five feet from the floor. Occasionally dispersed between the shelves were hung ancient tapestries portraying centuries of conflict depicted in glorious scenes of battle. Pedestals were scattered about the room. Upon each sat some rare artifact or treasure. Some fragile pieces, books, scrolls and the like were entombed in ornate glass cases themselves a work of art. Several large tables and a fine oaken desk filled out the room. Maps covered many of the tables some had tiny pins with various little flags denoting identification. The desk was majestic with two ornate candelabras sitting on both sides providing illumination. A fine high-back leather chair sat unoccupied behind the desk. Elsewhere candle lit chandeliers hung low over the tables furnishing a benevolent glow. Heavy double doors allowed for the only entry or exit. Now those doors opened and Baron Beor marched in a dark scowl hung unpleasantly beneath bushy eyebrows.

"Baron, I’ve been waiting!" The short man strode quickly to the Baron’s side, "What took you so long anyway?"

"I was momentarily detained in the garden. Now what is this all about brother?"

"I’ve finished the initial translations." The shorter brother indicated a large table nearby. "Come and look at what it has shown us."

The Baron walked stiffly to the map. Leaning over he studied each section of the map. The map stretched out over fifteen feet in length in places dangling precariously over the edges of the table. "These pins, your guesses then Ireson?"

"Indeed. Better than guesses brother. Exact locations as described in the translations. Notice they appear all throughout the chain."

The Baron pointed a stubby finger at a pin inserted near the southwest coast of Calypsa. "With any luck we’ll possess the first statue soon."

"Are you sure we can trust that mercenary, Captain McGregor?"

"Have no fear. He is getting well paid." The Baron plucked the monocle from his eye and wiped it carefully with a kerchief extracted from a deep pocket of his coat. Holding it to the light he squinted at it with his good eye then replaced it and the kerchief in their rightful places. Bending over the map he pointed at another island, "Nautica?"

"Yes. We…I believe the Lion is located there."

"Well enough then." Moving to the back of his ample desk the Baron deposited his cane. He then opened a drawer, pulled out a pipe and a wooden box. Daintily he added a substance to the pipe from the box and using the candelabra lit it drawing deeply, exhaling smoky puffs. "This operation is going smoothly. Good job my brother." The Baron sat down on the leather chair with a noticeably amount of relief.

"I fear it drains our resources."

"Nonsense. We’ve got our hands in so many pies, ha! This is nothing. Imagine what it will mean if we pull this off. Control of the chain. Hell, control the whole damned world!" The Baron let out another puff the smell invigorating and intoxicating.

"Jeoff. What of the warnings written in the text? No ordinary man could control such a force."

"We’ll find him. Just like we’re doing with the statues. Have you located the Medallion?"

"I’m not totally convinced but I believe it lies somewhere near the Isle of Temptation."

"Keep on it Ireson. We need to be sure. Our resources are spread pretty thin."

"Of that I’m keenly aware big brother."

The Baron, Jeoff Beor flexed his left hand, massaging it with his right, grunting in satisfaction over resent pleasures.

The stately coach pulled up under the brazen sign. The driver hustled to open the door. Baron Beor stepped onto the walkway his cane making a sharp clicking noise on the wooden platform. Behind him lurked a thin man with black straggly hair and beard. His purple coat clashed with the Baron’s house colors of blue and gold that fluttered from two pennants waving from the front of the carriage. Standing before the entry stood a huge squat guard with arms like tree trunks. As the Baron approached the door the guard registered his position and stood aside. The purple cloak followed. Once inside the Baron turned on the purple cloak, "Wait here."

The foyer demanded attention as Madame Bernice always kept it stocked with the finest young men and women in all manner of undress. The Baron nodded to the blonde that now greeted him, "Nothing now young lady, maybe later." Striding past he continued down the hall. Wondrous scents filled his nostrils as he noted at least three individual narcotic flavors. As he strode passed doorways some with doors closed some with mere beads for privacy he could hear the moans and screams of the wealthy patrons reaping their rewards for industrious proclivity. At the end of the long hall he turned left then knocked upon the first door to his right. "Enter."

A white pall of smoke drifted before him as he shut the door. The dim light made for an eerie scene as several nude women massaged and pruned a patron on the far side of the room. As the Baron neared he recognized Beckworth. Beckworth, Duke of Hampton House to be more precise. The Baron pulled up a comfy cushion and seated himself close enough for conversation. "Your looking well Sir Beckworth," Jeoff spoke with his imperial tone accenting the end of each word. Have you the information promised?" Beckworth chortled with glee, "Help me up," he demanded of the whores. "Ah, better. What you wish I did receive. Just last night in fact." Clapping his hands sharply he called out, "Simon, bring me that wood tube." A black man came running out of nowhere and handed the Earl the tube. "You see. I have it here. You brought me the exchange?" Jeoff searched inside his coat pocket and produced a glass vial containing a dark fluid. "Here is your Mesh." Jeoff handed the vial to Simon and Beckworth did the same with the tube. When Simon finished the exchange Beckworth sampled the vials liquid taking off the cork and dabbing his finger to the fluid touching it to his tongue then rubbing it around the inside of his mouth. "Oh, yes!" His body quivered and his eyes turned white as his irises rolled upwards. Jeoff held the wood tube in his hands waiting for Beckworth to continue. After several minutes the Duke spoke, "The council is very busy of late. The Calypsan Ambassador is making accusations. He says we are harboring pirates, ha! The man is a cad. A touch of this Mesh and he’ll say we have wings like angels." Jeoff bent his head, "Calypsa

is not much of a problem. They want what we have. My concern is with the Dark Queen and her violent intentions in the west. Her meddling will cost us."

"You worry too much Beor. Kathryn is too busy brewing her own mischief to care about us. Besides, we have plans to aid her in the east." Jeoff stood putting the tube under his arm and pushing off with his cane. "All well and good. You are correct as always. Many thanks old friend. Until we meet again then." The Baron left the room and stood in the hall looking down both directions. A ripened thigh extended past a doorway several feet away and he heard the swoon of a young woman. "Come over here and taste what Danqua has." Jeoff shucked off the temptation and made for the exit. The purple cloak waited. Eyes like pools of black liquid watching as he made for the door. "Come Arias, time to go." The dark eyes glistened

in response.

Egan shouted down from the top mast, "Get those archers to the stern. When that pirate gets in range pepper him good." Six men raced along the deck gathering weapons, stringing their bows. Off the stern bow less than a league distant charged the black flag. A sloop by her rigging. Egan raised his glass again. Those cutthroats were using some form of magic. Despite the light winds their vessel was charging in as if the winds were gusting. His glass steadied on a purple form. The figure was tossing it’s arms about as if blessing the sea.

The fight was brief. The small schooner’s compliment no match for the armed mercenaries who boarded her in light armor and heavy weapons. Those who fought bravely were tossed overboard along with those who didn’t. Many volunteered to join with the pirates. A couple of lucky ones were granted that luxury and placed in chains.

In the stern cabin a tall broad shouldered mercenary held the captain by the scruff of his neck. The purple cloaked man addressed him, "Show me where it is and it will go well with you."

"What, where is what," stammered the blanch faced captain, his sagging belly supported by wobbly legs.

"The golden treasure, the gem encrusted relic," the purple cloak paused in thought, "the golden dragon."

"Oh that, well it is right here." The captain pointed at a strong box along side his desk. "I have a key." Digging in a tight pocket he produced a key. The mercenary grabbed the key and deposited the captain on his hindquarters.

After opening the box and peeling back a protective layer of fine cloth the mercenary held forth a statue of a dragon it’s gold relief punctuated by blue emeralds for eyes and finely cut diamonds for teeth. "See Arias, no problem. A beautiful piece for the Baron."

The purple robe named Arias smiled then laughed, "A perfect piece in the puzzle for the unraveling." His eyes mad with glee he pointed at the box and the mercenary put away the prize.

Later as the pirate sloop made way the only sign left of the small ship was a few wood pegs and a captain’s hat floating on the ocean waves.

<--Beor Castle Yllaris-->

Baron Beor stood before his new prize. The gold dragon statue sat on a marble pedestal adjacent to the elephant. With a polishing rag he wiped the dragon clean then lowered the glass case. Stepping back he viewed the circle. Five of the seven pedestals remained empty. Going to the large map table he studied the region titled Nautica. A pin marked the exact location of the Lion. With a grunt the Baron retreated to his desk and lit his pipe. The gems placed on the statues for eyes briefly glowed in sync as if in recognition of each other.

<--Somewhere in Nautica-->

The sandy soil gave way freely and Captain McGregor urged the slaves to keep digging. Minutes later a loud thump indicated something below the sands. After more careful digging they extracted a small wooden casket. Inside the box a golden Lion with diamonds for eyes was exposed to the sun.

<-- Swamps of Dakarta Arias -->

The small boat moved swiftly through the swamp. Mists parted then closed behind the intrusive dinghy. A solitary figure in purple robes sat upright indicating direction with the flick of a hand. A fetid smell of rot and decay hung over the mire. Occasionally predators and prey alike loosed animal screams filling the air with their haunted sounds.

A sudden breeze caught the figure of a man by surprise. Rising out of the east the wind blew away some of the mist reveling a whirlpool directly ahead. The purple figure gesticulated wildly uttering arcane words. The boat slowed but continued to be pulled forward into the swirling waters. Soon the boat began circling the whirlpool, gravitating ever closer to the core where the water sucked downwards into the depths of the swamp. The purple cloak relaxed. The inevitable ending came quickly and the boat with it’s sole passenger disappeared into the gyrating swamp. Soon after the waters calmed and the wind died down, the air returned to it’s misty semblance.

Into the Swamp - Arias

Holding his breath Arias was battered by the force of water that sent him careening into the depths. He could not see and did not try, squeezing his eyes shut against the bitter decayed swamp water. His body began to tumble and the downward sensation changed leaving him disoriented as to which direction he was headed. Holding his breath became more difficult as time pressed on. Not much more could he endure before he blacked out and drowned.

The buffeting waters faded and Arias felt himself start to sink in a tranquil stillness. Opening his eyes he looked around. All was black except above where a faint shimmering light beckoned. Swimming upwards with what energy remained he broke the surface in a gasping of breath. He floated in a small pool no more than several spans wide. Several torches burned on walls that surrounded the pool. One exit could be seen not more than a few feet wide which led off out of sight. Hauling himself out of the water he lay on his back recovering his lost strength.

A presence tugged at his mind. Come this way. Hurry! Getting to his feet he grabbed a torch off the wall and proceeded down the narrow hall. With little difficulty Arias found his way through and into a larger room. It was lit with torches burning in ornate braziers set equally distant all around the room. What drew his attention was the golden crocodile that sat in the middle of the room. "Found you!" Stepping carefully he came closer to the relic his eyes darting about the room in anticipation of attack. None came and he stood before the crocodile looking down as it rested on a small round carpet of some white furred beast. A staff of black metal lay across the statue. On one end of the staff a sort of cross of intertwining curly cues defined it’s purpose as of some clerical bent. Reaching for the golden statue carefully, to avoid contact with the staff, Arias grabbed a hold with both hands. Small emerald eyes sparkled on the golden crocodile. Lifting the statue from the floor he tried to slide it out from under the staff. It came free and the staff fell to the rocky floor making a chiming noise in the process. The noise of the staff striking the floor unnerved Arias and he lost his balance. His feet danced precariously to gain footing. He stepped on the staff. "You’ve found me it cried, now I’m yours," it’s tone full of delight and persuasion.

In another realm far removed, a reptile like creature with two heads awoke from a sound sleep. It’s throne consisted of soft cushions and pillows. It’s long scaly tail whipped back and forth as it purred in a silky voice that echoed off the walls, "You’ve found me."