Chapter 42

Lyndis froze, her senses alert to the soft, unfamiliar footstep echoing in the chamber. It cut through the camaraderie she shared with Asterion, his eyes widening in recognition as their peaceful moment shattered. Again, the sound came, gentle yet ominous, like a whisper in the dark. Only her finely honed skills prevented it from slipping past unnoticed.

With a swift motion, she grasped her hand energy crossbow, readiness coursing through her veins. Crouching low, she pressed against the wall, her heart pounding with anticipation. Activating the weapon with a flick of her finger, she set it to stun, preparing for the imminent threat.

In an instant, she emerged from her hiding place, her movements swift and decisive. Before her stood two Lumarian guards, clad in silver breastplates adorned with golden gryphons. Their weapons remained dormant, lacking the telltale hum of activation. Without hesitation, Lyndis sprang into action, refusing to grant them even a moment's reprieve.

"Hey there, boys," her weapon coughed out its greeting before they could react, a burst of blue energy enveloping one of them, who crumpled to the ground like a sack of potatoes.

"They're over here—!" The other guard started, but his words were cut short by a thunderous crash as Asterion charged forward. With a powerful blow, he knocked the guard to the floor, his body slamming against the stone.

Asterion grunted, a satisfied look in his eyes as he stood over the fallen guard.

“I suppose it's a bit naive to suspect they were the only two?" Lyndis replied, a pit forming in her stomach, things could never go easy could they.

True to her intuition, every corner birthed forth more guards, a relentless tide of menace armed to the teeth. Human and gryphon alike brandished deadly talons and an array of weapons, clad in formidable breastplates and full plate mail. The air reverberated with the cacophony of their battle cries and the deadly hymn of their crossbows.

Their response was swift and brutal, crimson bolts crackling through the air, obliterating stones and setting ablaze anything in their path. Amidst the chaos, Feku's terrified screams were drowned out, lost in the tempest of destruction. Lyndis dove for cover, narrowly evading a barrage of projectiles. Heart pounding, she pressed herself against the cold stone, seeking refuge in its solidity.

"How did they manage to sneak up on us?" Lyndis demanded, as Asterion clung to a statue of a gryphon for cover.

"You and the others were too preoccupied with your thievery." Asterion grunted, conjuring a shimmering blue shield around himself as their refuge was blasted apart. "Korde tests us."

“Like hell your stupid sword for brains god would send the bleeding Lumarian military after us!" Lyndis retorted, peering down the hall at the formidable force arrayed against them. With over two dozen foes in their path, escape seemed daunting. She stunned an unfortunate guard with a swift bolt, but her victory was short-lived as enemy fire forced her back into cover.

“Fuckers." She growled, already seeing the wispy smoke of a bolt that had just singed her hair. They wouldn't be able to stay here.

“That's it, surround them, drown their cover in fire!" Chirped a gryphon in full plate mail, one with feathers black as twilight that ended in cobalt tips. He struts along with a swishing tail as if he owned the place, sporting a stylish eyepatch with the orange feather of Parunga prominently displayed. “There is nowhere to go Lynnalla, we know your every trick, including your fondness for invisibility!"

“Hah, think that's my only trick you bastards?" She laughed, conjuring three duplicate copies of herself.

Emerging from cover with lethal precision, Lyndis swiftly dispatched a gryphon and two others before they could react. Their retaliatory shots found only her illusory duplicates, dispersing them with a mere touch. Before she could suffer the same fate, she sprinted for cover behind a stacked bookcase, breath ragged as Lumarian bolts ignited several tomes in a fiery blaze.

Asterion charged forward, a formidable wall of fur and muscle, unleashing torrents of golden flames upon the Lumarian ranks. His fiery onslaught charred flesh and ignited feathers, while his shimmering shield deflected the relentless hail of crossbow bolts. But even his formidable defenses couldn't withstand the onslaught indefinitely. As physical arrows found their mark, piercing his chest, he retreated to Lyndis's side, seeking refuge beside a crate marked "rust monster feathers."

“Got any other ideas?" She gave a weakened smile, like she still had control of the situation. Where was Merlia?

The bull wore a maniac-like smile upon his snout as crimson rivers trickled down his fur. One after the other he plucked them out, only wincing for the briefest of moments before healing the wounds with a touch.

“Honor Korde with my deeds!" Replied the cleric, thumping his chest.

She rolled her eyes with a smirk, “Oh come on Asterion, don't tell me you're getting a boner over this?"

“Make your jokes but watch this all before us. We have our prize, now we must prove we are worthy of keeping it!" His eyes blazed with the fires of a forge themselves, “Is this not glorious?"

He had to pick now to go off the deep end. She snuck another glance, plotting a path through the treasures and angry, energy crossbow filled air towards the exit. It was going to be a miracle getting the others out before getting blasted to shreds. “Save your glory horns for brains, just give me a bloody moment to make a plan- “

“Sneaking up on a girl?  OOOO, how big and strong ya must be!" Merlia's voice cut through the hall like a horn, “Well don't worry I brought presents for ya!"

The dwarf emerged, bringing down two guards with arrows to their knees. As they howled, she cackled and laughed, taking cover before the others could blast her to pieces, “I'm told ya be getting on yer knees on our first date lads…" Ulga leaped upon the prone men with a flash of teeth. “But this time the pussy be eating you!"

“What the fuck was that?" One guard shouted, firing bolts at the spirit panther, only for it to snarl and scamper away.

“Some crazy half pint and her pet!" Squawked back a gryphon, pushing himself forward, his talons gleaming in the light, “Don't worry, I got her!"

“Gryphons chasing me down, is it Towerday already?" She taunted as the kitty bird gave a battle cry, “How about ya taste me hot white goo sexy?" With a twang an arrow flung through the air, glowing a vibrant white light.

Mid-flight, the arrow erupted in a blaze of brilliance, unleashing a torrent of mystical energy. A cascade of shimmering strands burst forth, weaving a web of gossamer threads that enveloped the surroundings like a silken embrace. In its wake, the air was thick with the sticky residue of the magical cocoon, ensnaring all who dared to venture too close. Those unfortunates enough to be caught in its grasp found themselves bound in a labyrinth of spun silk; their struggles futile against its unyielding embrace. Amidst the chaos, the dwarf's taunts echoed, drawing the ire of those ensnared as they strained against their silken confines.

“Oh, now didn't that make them angry Ulga?" Merlia scrambled to safety, an explosion detonated a few feet behind her. She was sent flying, then tumbling behind a pillar of stone with a great, belly shaking laugh, “And ya call yerself the best lads? I've seen better aiming from a drunk lamb! Oh, you better kill me, I'll never let ya live this down!"

So, Merlia was just cutting loose, that didn't mean a plan could not be formed. Lyndis took a composing breath, only for Asterion to cackle and hurl himself from his hiding spot, the distraction he needed presenting himself.

“Fear not the idiocy follower of Thor, fear me!" He thundered, his fur shimmering blue as he struck a man's head with his hammer, painting the wall behind him a nasty shade of red.

It seemed fortune wasn't inclined to favor her on this day. Amidst the tumultuous fray, Lyndis navigated from one hiding spot to another, her movements swift and purposeful. With a resigned exhale, she activated the golden clasp adorning her attire, slipping into the comforting shroud of invisibility it provided. Despite this newfound protection, she remained cautious, using the surrounding cover to shield herself from stray projectiles that paid no heed to her unseen presence.

Silent as a shadow, she trailed Asterion, her stalwart companion, as he engaged with numerous adversaries. Her keen eyes darted from foe to foe, ensuring that their numbers couldn't overwhelm the minotaur. With each flick of his wrist, bursts of arcane energy erupted, leaving behind trails of charred bones and severed limbs. By the time the ferocious gryphons descended upon him, Asterion was already drenched in the crimson hue of battle.

Amid the deadly fray, three gryphons swooped down with synchronized precision, their keen talons seeking out vulnerable flesh amidst the chaos. Asterion's magical shield proved little defense against their coordinated assault, as they danced around his spells with chilling efficiency. Despite his efforts to strike back, they eluded his every blow, inflicting deep wounds that painted the ground crimson with his blood. As the minotaur grunted in pain, Lyndis seized the opportunity to intervene.

With a sharp cough, her energy crossbow erupted into action, dispelling her invisibility as she targeted one of the gryphons with deadly accuracy, sending it crashing to the ground with a stunning bolt to the neck. Seizing a dagger, she swiftly plunged it into another gryphon's flank, causing it to falter and providing Asterion with the opening he needed to deliver a crushing blow with his hammer. Their combined efforts momentarily turned the tide, allowing Lyndis to retreat and prepare for her next move.

Success! She retreated, grasping at the golden clasp, ready to continue this game, be predator striking when they least expected it. But before she could vanish once more, a fierce gryphoness with tan and brown feathers pounced upon her, determined to put an end to her elusive tactics.

"Got you!" The gryphoness's triumphant cry rang out, her imposing figure clad in black plate mail adorned with golden runes as she brought Lyndis crashing to the ground.

"Not today!" Lyndis retorted, deftly slipping from the gryphoness's onyx talons. With agile grace, she dodged a deadly slash and rolled back to her feet, already pivoting to aim her energy crossbow directly at the gryphon's stone-grey beak.

But the gryphoness was swifter than anticipated, her movements akin to lightning as she snatched the weapon from Lyndis's grasp, sending it crashing to the floor in shattered fragments.

“Oh no fair, I just was starting to like that!"

As the deadly dance between them continued, Lyndis realized she was merely evading the gryphon's relentless pursuit, unable to mount a meaningful offense. With each step, she remained just out of reach, but her options were dwindling.

"That's all you can do, isn't it? Just dodge!" the gryphoness taunted, a smirk playing across her beak as reinforcements approached behind her. "So much for the tales I've heard of you Lynalla, I've got you now!"

“You know, you lot keep saying that, yet here I am." Snarked Lyndis, “Ever disappointed-"

She was swatted to the ground with a startled gasp, then slammed into the stone floor. Instinct bid her to roll, hastily avoiding the incoming talons that clacked against the floor. Things were starting to look grim; she was going to have to try something unconventional. “Alright, had it from the fucking lot of ya." She rose and flung herself around a statue of a gryphon and human bumping their heads together. From her belt she grabbed the satchel of potions.

“Try this on for size you fuck, random bullshit go!" Lyndis bellowed, hurling the open satchel at their feet.

One by one, the potions shattered upon impact, unleashing a torrent of thick, lavender smoke that enveloped the gryphon and all those behind her. The air was filled with screams of alarm and confusion, their voices twisting and distorting into a cacophony of animalistic sounds as the smoke swirled around them, obscuring their forms.

Lyndis stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest as she listened to the chaotic symphony of distorted cries emanating from the smoke. Had she just condemned them all to a gruesome fate? The weight of guilt threatened to overwhelm her as she grappled with the consequences of her actions.  But then, to her astonishment, the smoke began to dissipate, revealing a scene that defied all logic. Instead of the grim aftermath she had expected, before her stood a collection of bewildered barnyard animals, including a duck and a cow, surrounded by the remnants of their once-formidable equipment.

“Moo." Said the cow.

“Guess you lot should have stayed home then huh?" She shook her head with a diminutive sense of disappointment, polymorph potions would have been useful. Oh well, no sense in crying over spilled potions, she gave the confused animals a wave, “Take care you lot, hope it's not permanent."

Making her way back to the others was no simple task, each avenue in which she took, heavily armored guards came, armed to the teeth, several stopping to lend magical healing to those fallen by her and her ally's attacks. She cursed from her invisible safety, eying the exit with a sense of envy, at any moment she could slip away, leave them to their fate, Natassa's lessons whispering in her ear. Courage and loyalty, however, were far too great a voice, guiding her back to her friend's position.

Asterion had transformed their position into a stronghold of magical hammers, each shimmering like a beacon of gold as they repelled any who dared to approach. The guards, clad in armor, found themselves either pushed back or pounded into submission by the relentless onslaught. Meanwhile, Merlia proved herself a formidable adversary, her arrows striking with deadly accuracy despite the efforts of the enemy healers to thwart her.

However, with each passing moment, the dwarf's initial bravado gave way to desperation as the tide of battle shifted against them. Undeterred, Lyndis gritted her teeth and focused on her task, moving with a predatory grace as she sought out vulnerable spots in the enemy's defenses. With precise strikes, she incapacitated her targets before retreating into the safety of invisibility once more—a grim but necessary effort to support her allies in their time of need.

“Bitch is invisible!" Came a feminine chirp from above, “By the statue of Fureen!"

Wait what? Lyndis had to do a double take, clinging to the marble visage of a naked woman bearing baskets of various fruits and vegetables of harvest. Who could see her?

“Fairy bomb out!" Replied a grizzled man, his beard braided down his breast plate. He plucked a silver item from his waist adorned in runes, pressing them before tossing the palm sized object in her direction.

 She tried to catch it with her mage hand, the green, translucent creation summoned at the flick of a wrist. Its fingers narrowly missed the metal object, sliding across the surface.

In a brilliant flash of rainbow color light, the device exploded upon the air. An angry storm came in its wake of shimmering flakes of dust, coating every surface beneath it like fresh snow. Stone, steel, even Lyndis herself found its touch unrelenting. With a racing heart she pulled back, only to have her invisibility cease.

“There she is!"

“Fuck, fuck, fuck." She cursed, grimacing at her armor, from experience she knew it would require more than a prestidigitation spell to remove. Fairy dust like this got everywhere, invisibility was out for the time being. She leaped from cover, crossbow bolts following in her wake, they were not even bothering with the energy setting, instead letting fly their sharpened projectiles. Glass shattered behind her, books were ripped from their shelves, every step their embrace drew ever closer. Only by the grace of the gods did she manage to maneuver and twist her body through Asterion's hammers, avoiding their attention.

Asterion nearly struck her in the face with his hammer as she slid to their hiding spot, “Lyndis!" He pulled back in alarm, “I nearly caved in your skull!"

“Sorry, didn't have a bloody carrier pigeon." She groaned, then clutching at her side as pain spread through her. She'd been struck by two bolts, not even noticing it. “Bloody hell."

The world around Lyndis blurred and shifted, colors blending into a hazy swirl as she stumbled, her rapier clanging against the stone floor before she collapsed into Asterion's arms. Was it her imagination, or did concern flicker in the minotaur's eyes?

“Asterion, do you sweep all the half-elf girls off their feet?"

Merlia's face drained of color as she turned toward them. "Is the lass alright?"

“She is wounded." Replied Asterion, his voice like stone as he gently moved Lyndis' shaking hand away from his snout. “Also, delirious." He met her gaze, nostrils flaring as he began his work, “Yea, I know my fur is handsome, females adore it's volume. Stay still, no, your kind are too fragile."

“Oh, that's it, I've had enough of ya ruddy Lumarians, I'll make ya rue the day ya crossed meh!" She bellowed, cheeks blazing, “No one's going to be an adventurer when I'm through with ya!"

“Hah, you and females, what do you wrestle and beat the shit out of each other?" Black creeped into Lyndis' vision as she clung to the cleric's fur. It was the sole bit of warmth that beat back the cold sweeping through her. She supposed those arrows had gone deeper than she'd thought.

Pain lanced through her as he grunted, like she'd been dipped in flames. Though as he weakened cries came, he was swift to press down a shimmering golden hand to her gushing wounds. It took a moment to pierce through the haze of agony, the magic to overpower it with comfort. In a breath she was panting, relief coursing through her as flesh restitched itself, death averted.

“Oh Asterion." She weakly smiled as he inspected his handiwork, “Girl can get used to that."

“You are healed." He released her with a grunt, attention shifting back to the encroaching Lumarians. They had gained ground. “Do you have a way out of here?"

“What happened to the test from Korde? Don't tell me you're running out of courage?"

“No." He grumbled at mention of his bravery, “The solution to this is my companions."

“Do you?"

“Besides the one." He gave a grim grin, patting his hammer.

“You can't be serious, go down swinging?" She scoffed at the notion.

“Have a better idea in that head of yours?"

“Ya might want to think of one fast. I be running out of arrows." Merlia muttered, “Damn bastards keep wanting a piece of me!"

“And how long on the field of glowing hammers?" Even as Lyndis eyed them, they were already starting to waver and flicker, the spell almost completed.

“Not as long as you'd like." Asterion replied bluntly, “If I focused on recasting it, we have four more minutes at most."

“That's not long!" Feku trembled, digging through her pouch and shoving her energy crossbow into Merlia's hands.

“Thank ya lass. If ya find anything else, let me know!" The dwarf turned to a guard, blasting his chest and sending him tumbling backwards onto his ass. “Oh, I hate it." She grimaced before ducking back down, shaking her head, “Blasted thing lacks the soul of a fine crafter."

“We have them now, don't give them an inch. Get ready, their hammers can't last forever!" Shouted the gryphon commander.

“What are we going to do?" Whimpered Feku as both Asterion and Merlia were prevented from even poking their head out, so fierce was the reprisal of fire.

“I could make a fog cloud." Replied Merlia, her voice cracking, “Slip right under those bastard's noses."

“How about if we dance our way out?" Feku tapped her claws, shifting a foot, “I can sing and distract."

For a moment, Lyndis blinked, not sure if the little one was joking at the current time to keep up her spirits.

“Good one lass." Merlia chuckled grimly, “But I don't think doing a tail swishing, captivating seduction will do any good."

As the bard gave a dejected sigh, Lyndis eyed the layout of the guards. True they had overlapping fields of fire, gryphons ready to pounce if they advanced and a commander that seemed to be studying their movements. Lyndis smirked, eying the dragon above, they were all spread out beneath it.

“Gods above, why is the answer always a dragon?" She gestured so that her companions could see.

“We're not flying that out lass, it be dead." Scoffed Merlia.

“Not that, the strings, by the wings and the tail, you can see them. Well placed shots we can sever it, bring the entire thing crashing down."

“One would have to be an impeccable shot." Asterion narrowed his gaze, “The best marksman in the land."

Merlia coughed, a grin on her blood leaking lip, “Did ya forget who you're talking to lad?" She plucked her final arrow from her quiver, knocking it on her bow.

“One arrow?" His brow rose, “Even I don't think your- “

“Quit your mooing, I got ya covered, just say the word Lyndis."

“Ready to surrender Lyndis?" The gryphon commander called out, raising his wing to bring the crossbow assault to a pause, “You're trapped within our vaults, huddling for safety, spells no doubt wearing thin. Surrender now and leniency will be granted."

She scoffed, reminded of Suntail's hospitality. “Sure, thing birdy, though can you give us like five minutes to get our affairs in order? My buddy here has a prayer to say, as getting captured is against his religion."

“What?" The gryphon cocked his head with a confused chirp, “This is a surrender, you can't make any terms."

“Yea, says who?" She laughed as Merlia began to take her aim.

“Lyndis, your antics are at an end, final warning, come out this instant or be put to the sword."

Oh, if only this gryph knew who they was dealing with, “Alright you caught us kitty bird, nothing we can do as you said…But wait one moment, my friend has a rebuttal. Merlia, fire."

Without a word Merlia let fly her final arrow, the projectile an angry spark upon the air. It became a swarm of copies, all under the control of one furious will. They deviated from their course as if possessing a mind of their own, seeking out their intended targets. In the blink of an eye they bombarded the dragon's corpse, breaking apart what must have been there for decades, a fitting prize for whomever slew it. The bindings severed and snapped, brought low one after the other.

Expressions of horror swept through the Lumarians when they realized just where they were standing.

“Leg it!" Lyndis shouted, snatching up Feku, as they too were caught within this thing's shadow. By the time it had come crashing down, she was already sprinting for her life, with the others behind her.

Each step was fraught with worry, that this might be her end. Was she swift enough, had it been too risky? She grit her teeth as Feku squirmed in her chest, whimpering at what would transpire. She flung herself and the kobold to the ground in preparation for the great thunder that would announce the final revenge of a once departed dragon. It never came.

“Did you miss?" Asterion growled, pressing himself up behind a shelf.

“I should smack ya for suggesting it." Growled Merlia.

Emerging from the ranks of Lumarians was a siigonis, a humanoid figure with blue scales resembling that of a lizard. Taller than any human or gryphon, he was draped in a mixture of leathers, fur, and feathers, his form adorned with the sacred markings of his people. A symbol of Nutambar, the god of nature and the hunt, hung from his neck, emanating a soft lavender glow. His fierce, yellow eyes blazed with intensity as he raised his claws skyward, his tail crackling with latent power.

The vault had opened up to produce several arms of stone, each ending in sections resembling the siigonis' man's claws. They had caught the dragon midfall, ensuring all that tumbled down to the Lumarians were specks of dust.

What was one of their kind doing here? Lyndis dragged the others further inside, as the cheers and relief filled praises of the Lumarians had started to fade away, returning them back to matters such as capturing them.

There went her first idea, all thanks to them having some sort of shaman. She wracked her brain for a solution as she scrambled for cover, the Lumarians pressing in behind her. This would not be where the road ended for her. As Asterion gave her a solemn look, she shoved his chest, insisting he amplify her voice.

“How will that help us?" He grunted.

“Just do it, I have an idea."

Without a word he muttered a brief word of power, his finger glowing a faint green before he pressed it to her throat.

“Alright you gryphon fucking cum dumps listen up!" Lyndis' voice was that of a dragon, carrying over the rubble, overpowering everything else. “You think you've won, I get that, but in reality, you've fallen into yet another trap."

They exchanged looks of confusion, worry hanging over their heads over what fantastical scheme she might be employing.

With a confident grin, Lyndis took a bold step forward, her words dripping with deception. "One more step, and my companion here will unleash havoc upon you. You see, amidst all this chaos, we've managed to procure a precious scroll of resurrection. I needn't explain its significance; suffice it to say, it has the power to bring back the dead! Now, you may wonder how this concerns you. Allow me to shed some light on the dire situation you find yourselves in."

She paused, a smirk playing on her lips. "While I may not be among your esteemed ranks, I can only imagine the fury of a dragon entombed within this vault, should it be roused from its eternal slumber. I suspect it wouldn't take kindly to those clad in the kingdom's colors, the very ones responsible for its demise. So, if you value your lives, I suggest you let us pass. We can share a hearty laugh later about how you narrowly escaped becoming dragon fodder or ending up in its belly."

Asterion grabbed her by the collar, his nostrils flaring, “I won't give up the scroll."

“I know big guy." She chortled, pushing him away, concealing the rapidness of her heart, “That's why it's called a bluff, these idiots will fold, just you- “

“That would be an excellent bluff." Came the Siigonis' voice, like the sharp hiss of a snake, “However, everyone knows that dragons cannot be brought from the dead."

Wait what? Her heart skipped a beat, her second plan had shattered before it'd begun! “Asterion, when has that been a rule?" She hissed.

“That has always been the rule." He grunted, “It was said in the creation of the world, annoyed at dragon's immortality Hades decreed that once they perished, their souls could never return."

“Gods damn." She faced palmed, gritting her teeth, “Knew I should have paid better attention to my tutors, but who needs that information."

“I suggest surrender dear Lyndis; I have been paid quite handsomely to return you home." His glowing, yellow gaze found her, seeming to pierce right through her, “Don't make us hurt you."

Third time was the charm. Lyndis turned to Feku, the bard clinging to Asterion's side, scales bone white. The rogue sighed, their options depleted, the day surely lost, there was only one suggestion she'd not tried. “Feku, you mentioned you had an idea?"

“Yea, but Merlia said it bad." Whimpered the little lizard, “Not useful."

“What?" Merlia growled, “She said play music!"

“Question is do you think you can?" Lyndis peered at the waiting Lumarians, her heart sinking. “I don't think we have another choice."

“I'm not surrendering. I'd rather die." Snorted Asterion, eyes flame.

She pushed him down, finger to his nose, “If this fails, go ahead and kill yourself, fine?"

He narrowed his gaze, giving her a harsh snort, “Very well."

Excellent. With a sigh she asked the bard if she still had the instrument from before.

“Course I do." Beamed Feku, brandishing the magical violin. “Don't worry Lady Lyndis, I take care of them, just watch!"

“Oh, this is going to be rich." Merlia grit her teeth, “Prancing about like a bunch of fairies, we're lucky they don't just kill us."

“Trust her." Lyndis raised her hands, emerging from her hiding spot. “Alright ya bastards, you got me. Against my best efforts, this was the day you caught Lyndis Kuxion and her friends."

Merlia emerged doing the same, cursing under her breath. Asterion was the one to take some encouragement, hissing and gesturing until he too emerged with a hardened eye.

“If we are to be apprehended, I will die first." he said with a harsh whisper and lash of his tail.

“Noted." Lyndis replied.

 “Wise choice princess." The siigonis' teeth gleamed in the light, sharp and numerous, like that of an alligator. He gestured to the gryphon commander, “It would appear like she is yours."

“Thanks for the support Soggu." The gryphon chirped with a fluff of his wings, “I knew once they assigned one of Garroth's men we were destined to win!"

Lyndis scowled at the memory of Garroth, that smug human jerk. But her annoyance was short-lived, as Feku emerged with her violin in hand, a single note slicing through the tension like a knife through butter.

The melody that followed was mesmerizing, each stroke of Feku's bow sending ripples of enchantment through the air. The guards stood transfixed; their hearts captured by the haunting music. Feku's voice, like honeyed wine, called to them, drawing them closer with each note.

"Behold the power of distraction!" Feku declared with a carefree prance, her music weaving

Lyndis couldn't help but chuckle as the Lumarians began to join Feku in a hypnotic dance. Weapons were discarded, and feet tapped in rhythm to the music. Entranced by the melody, they embraced each other and swayed to the enchanting tune. As the rogue watched their frustration turn to joy, she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

“Oh, ya got to be kidding me." Merlia lamented, putting her arms down. “It worked?"

“Come on Merlia, don't tell me this isn't brilliant!" She flashed the kobold a wink, making her scales blossom green.

“It is a…unique way to pacify them." Grunted Asterion.

In short order they had maneuvered through the captivated soldiers, dancing with more than a dozen of them. Asterion had suggested smacking them with his hammer, but decided against it, in case it snapped them out of their enchantment. At the exit, a smile on her face, Lyndis turned to blow them all a kiss.

“It's been fun, wonderful time, next time we should hang out more." She grinned, “But know this will be the day you almost caught Lyndis Kuxion." With a bow she grabbed the lever for the door, “Hope you like the accommodations, might be awhile until someone gets ya."

As the door shook, and began to move, Soggu was the one to tear himself from his paralysis The siigonis spun with a snarl, his claw curled upward as he hissed a spell. Ulga returned to her spirit ball form, pulled as if by a string towards his palm. His victorious snarl was the last thing they heard before the door slammed shut.

“What in blazes was that?" Merlia flung herself at the door, banging on the steel with fists as tears sprung to her eyes, “We have to go back, open the damned thing up! We can't be leaving her in there. Hold on Ulga, momma's comin!"

Asterion pulled her away with a growl, “Cease your mewling dwarf, we must go."

“Let go of me ya horned bastard!" She snarled, tugging at his grip like a wounded animal, “You wouldn't be leaving your comrades behind in battle, she was right there with us!"

“It is not the same. We must leave."

“Yer a coward is what ya is! Nothing but a furred, horned and hoofed coward!"

His demeanor hardened; eyes were lit aflame as he plucked her off the ground with the strength of three men. His nostrils flared, the air growing hot, “You know that I am right, know that our friendship is the only thing keeping me from tearing your head from your body."

“Oh, ya want a fight Asterion?" Her cheeks flashed red, “I'll fight ya if I have to, Lyndis, need a hand here lass!"

The rogue blinked, a shadow fell over her heart. They had just escaped by the skin of their teeth, going back was suicide. She rested a hand on Asterion's arm, meeting Merlia's gaze, “We can't." Her words were soft, “You know; he knows it." She turned to Feku, who was swaying back and forth.

“I don't think I can do again Lady Lyndis." Feku muttered softly, before slumping to the ground, “Why is me so heavy?"

“See?"

Her lips shut tight, Merlia grabbed Asterion by his wrist, giving the bull a look that could kill. For a moment it appeared as if she would carry through with her threat, before her head drooped, the facts proving to strong. “Looks like ole Merlia pulled the short axe today. You can put me down."

The minotaur did, “We must ensure her sacrifice was not in vain."

“Course." She whirled around to give the door a final kick, eyes narrowed and sharp, “Hear this ya scaled bastard! From the foggy mountains to the spires of Zarcana, there won't be an inch of this world ya can hide from me! When we be meeting again, you better kiss your tail goodbye!" By her threats end her spirit had dimmed, head hanging as big, fat tears streamed down her cheeks.

Lyndis rested a hand on her shoulder, seeing the despair painted across her friend's face. “Come on, we have to get going." The words were soft, “Before they escape, or their friends come looking."

“Aye." Merlia replied, wiping her tears.

Victory was bittersweet, tainting the collection of goodies they'd swiped. As Lyndis turned to race down the hall towards their rendezvous point, she could only think of Arcturus, Veledar and the others, hoping that whatever the Lumarians had in store, they were more than capable of fending for themselves.