Chapter 280 The Lost Lady Shar
In the Ghost Tower of the Floating City.
"You can speak freely here. Please take a seat, Lady Storm."
Storm Silverhand, the leader of the Harper Alliance, looked around with interest.
The most astonishing thing about the Wizard Tower Studio is the massive amount of books that occupy a huge space. The thick books and scrolls bend the partitions of the bookshelf on the wall, and are filled with cabinets and boxes.
The leader of the Harpers estimates that these books can definitely be traced back to the history of the Netheril Empire, and they must be valuable.
Of course, there are also more common decorations here: a giant shark specimen, a corrupted phase spider hanging from the ceiling, and a dusty skeleton of a leaping baboon.
There are also a considerable number of bottles and clay pots, which are soaked in unknown magic potions with all the materials of the necromancy school that she can imagine:
The finger claws of the bone sucker, The larvae of mind flayers, the carapace of carrier bugs, the hearts of mindflayer larvae, the brains of corrupted predators, and countless samples of humans and humanoids - most of which are internal organs, including even those soaked in huge A complete aboleth in a glass bottle.
Storm has traveled to every corner of the Forgotten Kingdom, and has seen countless groups of spellcasters, whether they are from the good camp or the evil camp.
During this period, whether she was a guest or eradicating evil mages, she had stepped into countless spellcasters' workshops, laboratories, and lich lairs, and naturally saw many incredible items.
So, she didn’t think this ghost prince’s collection was very special.
However, what disgusted Storm the most was coming to the workshop of a spellcaster who was proficient in the necromancy school.
If necessary, she would rather have these disgusting things disappear from the world.
But this is obviously impossible. Her sister Xinbu once had the same idea about the red-robed wizard in Ser, but was eventually stopped by the oracle issued by the goddess.
The simple explanation is: the existence of everything is reasonable.
"Ms. Storm, what are you thinking about?" The ghost prince in black robe was like a ghost, wandering and sitting behind the experimental table filled with a large number of decayed skulls, bones and magic instruments.
The Harper leader came back to his senses and looked at the ghost prince cautiously.
Lamorak Tanshur, the sixth among the twelve ghost princes, is one of the typical representatives of the neutral faction among the three major camps in the city of ghosts.
In Brian's words: This sixth man likes to huddle at the back of the team and do sneaky things.
She didn't know what was the basis for Brian's evaluation of this person, but at least from the appearance of the ghost prince, it could be seen that Brian's words were somewhat...close to the facts.
It is different from the other ghost princes in their dignified appearance.
Lamorak Tanshur's face looked quite haggard, and he was wearing a loose black robe, only revealing two light red eyes hidden in the shadow of the hood.
As a Harper scout, Storm has the insight to see through any pretense.
She can see through the hidden divine bloodline of the drow girl Santila at a glance.
He was also able to detect the vague aura of Heavenly Mountain's care emanating from Brian's body just by relying on his keen sense of smell.
The same was true for the ghost prince. She could see his true face with just a casual glance.
All that remains of his mortal form is a beating black heart located within his ribs and adjacent spine, and every one of his bones is completely black.
The current human appearance of the Prince of Shadows consists only of a ray of shadow.
"Every time I see these items, I wonder..." Feng Feng sat across from him and glanced at the bottles and jars with his bright starry eyes, "If you don't use these casting materials, is this school of yours going to be useless?" Can’t cast a spell?”
"It's a matter of taste." The Prince of Shadows replied calmly, "There are also traditions of the school. Some people may find it objectionable, while others find it okay. As for you, Lady Storm of the Harper Alliance, as the spokesperson of the Mother of All Magic in the material world, You shouldn't blame our tradition."
"So you value magic more?" Storm smiled meaningfully.
She learned from the information Brian revealed to her.
As one of the typical representatives of the Neutral Faction in the City of Shade, Lamorak was appointed by his father, High King Telamante, to be in charge of the Guild of Deciders, conducting tests on each Shade man to discover their Talent, so that they can best serve the City of Shadows.
It is said that he has two sons. The eldest son Zeng openly stood in the camp of the High King and publicly supported his decision, while the second son dedicated his faith to the lost lady Shar.
To maintain his neutrality, Lamorak secretly killed his two sons, making their deaths look like accidents.
"Yes, I have always agreed that the value of magic is above all else, above all arguments, conflicts, political choices, personal interests, resentments, emotions and hostility." The Prince of Shadows replied seriously, "My purpose It is to establish an organization that promotes the same philosophy. This organization is similar to a secret society. The purpose of its establishment is to safeguard the interests of magic and ensure that magic occupies its due position among the ruling class of this world."
" Then, let these people study this pile of bones with you, and then use these bones to stabilize your magical status?" The Harper leader smiled sarcastically.
"Your Excellency Lamorak, you must know the purpose of my coming here. Although the purpose has not been achieved, I still accepted your invitation and I came in. Are you going to talk to me? What are you talking about? Let's talk How many different ways can human skeletons that have been infused with necromantic energy be combined, or how long will it take for a bright red heart to turn into a black heart under the corrosion of shadow energy? For a while, I thought you were with me. The brothers are different. Their only purpose in talking to me is to express how disgusted they are with us, the 'obstacles' that hinder the Lost Lady's plan."
After saying this, Storm. Not only did he recall Elminster, the sage of Shadow Valley who was forced into hell by the High King and others, as well as her dead sister Dove Hawkhand.
Although she has long been used to seeing life and death, she still can't let go of the disaster caused by the City of Shadows.
"You mentioned my brothers, and you must have recalled some unpleasant memories, but I will not apologize to you for them." The Prince of Shadows said calmly:
"I Understand them, because like them, I have to study hard to master the art of magic. My magic talent is not good, my mind is not enough to make me an outstanding arcanist, and my piety is not up to the standards of a priest. And my personality determines that I cannot be an adventurer or a mercenary.
The gods are so stingy. They have given me nothing but birth, even if I was born into such a wealthy and powerful arcanist family. , what’s the use of being a sixth child?
During the Netheril Empire, when I was a child, my brothers could use their time after school to run around on the grass with bows and arrows, or fish or While I was playing jumpback games, I was studying magic manuscripts and runes. The floating city often traveled back and forth to the shadow plane. The cold air seeping out of the stone ground there was enough to freeze my bones and joints. It could even freeze my teeth. cracked, the dust on old books and scrolls made me cough until I cried, and my father, Telamante, never missed an opportunity to whip me on the back, especially if I didn't progress fast enough academically. I missed the best time to fight, chase girls, and drink. ”
"I have no luck yet, and I will never have luck." There was a trace of bitterness on the haggard face of the Prince of Shadows.
“When I finally became an arcanist, I was sent to the floating city of my mother’s family to be an apprentice to another arcanist who had no hope of advancing to become a great arcanist. Soon after, the master of the floating city Old Bant saw that I was diligent and studious, and he personally accepted me as his heir. At that time, everyone was sure that I would soon become the next owner of Sumner's floating city. However, the Felin magic sunflower destroyed everything for me, and the floating city crashed. When I fell, I happened to be captured by a group of orcs. Although my father rescued me, in the ensuing battle, I received a hammer on my head from the orcs, which shattered the magic shield. , and even fell unconscious for half a month. Later I heard that everyone believed that I was bound to die, but my stubborn father still refused to ask the priest to use magic to treat me.
Although I was not dead, I was still alive. I can't go to the battlefield. As long as my head is tapped, or I concentrate on casting spells, I will have a headache, numbness, and even shed tears. In this way, I can only learn magic, but cannot release it. This means that I will never become a magician. Grand Arcanist
From then on, I used up all my luck. Between me and Desude, Karthus chose Desude as his student, Grand Arcanist Opas. The creation course was also snatched away by little Brenas, and even I was the last one to build the mage tower. My father once invited Iolum to be a guest in Sultanza, the old man known as the father of Nese said. I was willing to use magic to treat my sequelae, but on the fifth day, Iolum gave up his floating city and disappeared. When I finally overcame all the difficulties, accumulated a lot of experience, and was ready to show off my arcane talent, the magic network It exploded..."
"It's so pitiful." The leader of the Harpers frowned, "Really, I almost shed tears when I heard it."
"Why are you speaking sarcastically? Ms. Storm, don't you hope to be loved by everyone in the country? I am trying to tell you about my tragic experience, hoping to gain your sympathy." The Ghost Prince said pitifully, "Even if you simply sympathize with me, can't you do it?"
"Sympathy? Mr. Lamorak." The leader of the Harpers said softly:
"I don't I doubt that kindness, mercy and forgiveness can be found in other places in many countries, but don’t look for it here. The floating city of Sacross is a place of darkness and depravity, not the temple of the mother of all magic. When you don’t hesitate to live in the darkness like a mouse In the floating city, compassion is quickly exhausted like milk and honey."
"Where is justice? Can justice be found here?" the ghost prince asked curiously.
"Justice?" The Harper leader smiled, "I didn't expect you to still remember justice. The taste of justice is so beautiful. Our Harpers' principle is to uphold justice and overthrow tyranny. We are the embodiment of justice. At least that’s what we tell ourselves, but the night is dark and everything is dangerous. What justice do you have? You have already been turned into a monster.”
"I can see it, Ms. Storm, do you think that only you can maintain justice? Does your failure mean the decline of all truth, goodness and beauty in the world."
"A mouse never thinks that he The food they eat is stolen. Flies don't think they are dirty, and bats don't think they are poisonous. After all, in the world of crows, swans are guilty." The Harper leader smiled, "Whatever you think, after all, cognition. If we are not at the same level, there is no need to conquer each other.”
“As expected, you are a self-proclaimed noble person, so do you think that magic is a talent that can only be mastered by experts, a privilege that only elites can enjoy, and the most sacred thing? The mysteries of this world - in the hands of evil mages like us, will annoy those of you who consider yourself to be the noble Goddess of Magic."
The Prince of Shadows tapped his nails on a cracked skull, which had transformed. Brown and without a lower jaw, he traced the edges of the jagged holes in the temporal bone with his fingers and said:
“Obviously, this is why my brothers don’t like you people, and it’s also why I dislike you. The root cause of man.”
For some reason, the words of the Prince of Shadows made Storm feel tired and nauseous. The discomfort became more intense, like a snail, crawling along the back of her neck and down her back. She looked directly into the eyes of Prince of Shadows, "What are you doing?" Deliberately delaying time, right?”
In fact, the purpose of her coming here is also to delay time, she thought to herself.
At this moment, she could only pray to the goddess of magic secretly, hoping that Brian could successfully complete his mission and return safely.
The Prince of Shadows raised his head and tapped the skull on the table with his fingers.
"Amazing insight." He met the Harper leader's gaze, "Please accept my heartfelt praise, Lady Storm, yes, I was just trying to delay time."
Seeing this look, Storm Silverhand fell into silence.
When she was young, she was entrusted to Elminster by the magic goddess Mystra, but the old sage of the Valley of Shadows had no way to make her obey.
She is the craziest and wildest of the seven sisters. She constantly escapes from her residence in Elminster and goes on adventures.
Years ago, many, many years ago... When she was a young ranger, she encountered an evil wizard. She could feel the evil wizard slowly approaching her, but she couldn't see it, nor could she. She couldn't hear any movement, but she could feel it - and she'd never forget that feeling.
In a daze, she subconsciously thought that the same feeling was coming back.
Fortunately, she is now a powerful legendary professional. Although she cannot kill its owner in the wizard tower, she can still come and go freely.
"Your insight..." said the Prince of Shadows, "saved us a lot of time in insinuations, and now we can be honest."
Storm did not answer because of the purpose of her coming here. It was just to delay time and divert the attention of the ghost prince that Brian was afraid of, so that he could make his next move easier.
So, seeing the other party chatting with her so interestedly, or showing off, she could only reluctantly agree.
After all, this is all for the more perfect implementation of their plan.
"There is no doubt." The Prince of Shadows raised his chin arrogantly and continued, "The purpose of your coming here is to destroy the Myser energy core and cause Thacross to fall. Then I can tell you frankly, in fact, we have already I guessed your plan in advance and made corresponding preparations."
"No matter whether it is you, the troublemakers outside the tower, or even Brian who sneaked into the temple, it is impossible for him to succeed." As if remembering something, he continued, "When it comes to the mage lord of Mokou Town, there is one thing I am very grateful to him for."
Hearing this, Feng Feng's eyes flickered slightly, showing an interested look. .
The Prince of Shadows did not keep her waiting. "If he hadn't instigated Desude and asked him to leave Sultansa on his own initiative, I wouldn't have been able to take control of this floating city so easily. ”
Storm still knows a little about this ghost prince.
It is said that Desude was the most silent of the 12 princes.
His silence has long been known in Shade City. He rarely speaks directly to others, and when he does, his tone reflects wisdom and insight.
In Sultanza, he was more of a peacemaker, and the other 11 princes often sought his advice on vexing issues and secret quarrels, in which he was rarely biased , but analyze the situation in detail and then propose profound and reasonable solutions.
It is hard to imagine what means Brian used to make this wisest and most intelligent ghost prince take the initiative to leave the city of Sultansa.
“What’s the purpose of telling me this?” Storm asked, “Sir Lamorak, you suddenly mentioned Brian to me. There must be some other reason. What’s your purpose?”
"A very realistic purpose." The Prince of Shadows happily tapped the skeleton in his hand and smiled.
“I just received news from Yada. This stupid mage lord actually tried to destroy the Lost Lady’s Shadow Web Stone. No, he doesn’t seem that stupid, and he knows not to act recklessly. Touch the Shadow Demon Network Stone, or forcefully destroy it with magic." "What happened to him?" Storm asked impatiently, his eyes full of worry.
"A very unfortunate news. He was no match for Yada. He panicked and foolishly escaped to the sealed place where the demon lord was imprisoned." The ghost prince seemed to enjoy the Harper very much. With this expression on his face, the leader continued:
"The demon lord Balo from the sixth pyre of the bottomless abyss, the Fire Demon King, is imprisoned there. Listen clearly, he is the real demon lord, not an incarnation. Even Mattik and I are helpless against him. Now, I am afraid that he has died in the flames of the abyss. I originally wanted to thank him in person, but unfortunately I have no chance. The gods are so cruel." br>
When the leader of the Harpers heard this, his expression changed slightly, and when he was about to speak, the Prince of Shadows raised his hand and interrupted her arrogantly, saying in a sharp and low voice:
"Okay, Ms. Storm, our conversation ends here. So far, I can't trap you, and you can't kill me in my tower. I don't want to waste time here with you. Now, I ask you to leave, disappear from Sacros forever, and stop standing in our way. Road! In short, go as far as you can!”
“Indeed.” The Harper leader stood up and showed his signature smile:
“Your honesty. The change of attitude is really shocking to me. Sir Lamorak, I have thought about many possibilities, but I have never thought of this method of departure. You should also know that as an enemy, instead of asking me, it is better to use fireballs directly. It’s true, say goodbye!”
The magic energy flows, and the storm steps into the portal and disappears.
Looking at the harpist's leaving figure, the Prince of Shadows stopped tapping, grasped the Tianling Cap of the skull with his whole hand, and murmured to himself in surprise, "The Lost Lady actually took action herself."
Night It was dark, and the pale moonlight could barely dispel the deep shadows on the forest path.
Although the road is wide enough for merchants' trucks to pass, the ancient trees still gather into a dense canopy overhead, and vines and shrubs grow messily on both sides of the path.
Caravans usually only dare to pass through this forest during the day to avoid bandits and wild beasts wandering in the forest after dark.
Santila understands this. They quietly guard this forest, always vigilant, paying attention to any sign of danger.
In the task that Brian assigned to the three of them, they only had to be responsible for causing trouble in the floating city and interfering with the actions of the ghost people.
Now, their mission has been completed. Following Brian's instructions, they arrived at the agreed-upon rendezvous point and waited patiently here.
"Sister Gelase, why haven't they come back yet?" Santila asked with a worried look.
What she was asking about was a female elf with a beautiful face and a tall figure. There was also a crescent moon emblem on her exquisite armor.
The female elf Guilath is a Silver Moon Walker from the Moon Monastery in the North. She is a guardian of the moon who believes in the moon goddess Suellen. Following her, there is another person who has the strength to Harper Scouts of the Legendary Realm.
All three of them have one thing in common, which is agility and mobility.
It was the efforts of the three of them that blocked another Shadow Tower in the Floating City, giving Brian and Storm a lot of time to sneak into the Shadow Temple and the Wizard Tower.
"Don't be anxious." Silver Moon Walker walked over with light steps. With the help of the pale moonlight, she looked thoughtfully towards the direction of the floating city, and said gently to the anxious drow girl. , "There hasn't been any movement in Sacros, which means that the plan of the two of them has not been completed yet."
"How about we go back to meet Brian and Teacher Storm." Santila thought in her heart Tight, trying to get her opinion.
"Wait patiently first." Silver Moon Walker shook his head slightly, pondered carefully for a moment, and said, "If necessary, they will send us a magic message."
"Okay, that's all." Santila sighed helplessly.
Originally, she thought of taking action with Brian, but he resolutely rejected her proposal with a cold face. Although she was very dissatisfied, she could only carry out the plan.
For Santila, the waiting time is always boring and boring.
However, she couldn't help but feel happy when she thought about the journey after this time.
Because Brian promised her that once the floating city of Sacros is destroyed, he will take her to the ruins of Myth Drannor on Cormanthor to help her find the artifact that appeared in her dream. .
At that time, she can accompany Brian back to Mokou Town, until he thinks the opportunity has come, and then take her to the leyline labyrinth of Waterdeep City to find the lost Wandering Temple.
Thinking that she could always be by Brian's side, she began to look forward to it in her heart.
Suddenly, she seemed to remember something, and hurriedly ran to Silver Moon Walker Guilather, and asked curiously: "Sister Guilather, didn't you say you wanted to tell me about Silver Moon City Lord Heli?" You can tell me about Sette now."
She had long known from Teacher Storm that the Lord of Silver Moon had publicly accompanied Brian in Mokou Town, which made her wonder. He became curious.
Gilasse is a member of the Moon Monastery. It is located in the Moon Forest in the North, very close to Silver Moon City. Naturally, he knows this mysterious Lord of Silver Moon City quite well.
"How should I say it?" Silver Moon Walker looked at the drow girl's expectant eyes and rubbed his forehead with a slight headache, not knowing how to say it.
She thought about it for a moment and said: "The newly appointed city lord is a relatively cold elf. He is too rational in his actions and has a strong sense of oppression. He seems to be the kind of person who is only suitable for souls. Of course, according to my estimation, there is probably no man who can control her. However, she seems to have been in some trouble recently..."
Before he finished speaking, Santila and Guilasse's words were gone. Their expressions changed, and they subconsciously looked in the same direction.
The two of them saw the Harper scout in charge of reconnaissance at the same time, running over in a panic.
Santilla was shocked to find that the look on the face of this Harper scout, who looked thin but was nimble enough to avoid a magic pulse cannon, revealed a fear that frightened her.
"It's not good, run away..."
Before he finished speaking, his body suddenly thrust forward, and a sharp blade with a cold light pierced through the back of his heart and penetrated through the front, drawing blood. As the sharp blade was suddenly drawn away, it spurted out.
As the Harper scout fell, a silent black shadow, like a ghost, descended from the sky.
Under the pale moonlight, Santila saw that the black figure was completely wrapped in a cloak, with only a pair of dark purple eyes exposed. When she noticed the black figure's eyes, it seemed as if she herself In the void of darkness.
"Are you Crysanna from the City of Shadows?" Silver Moon Walker Guilath saw the dead Harper scout, his expression darkened, and he asked slowly.
As she spoke, her hands unconsciously touched the weapon at her waist.
“No!”
Santila’s voice seemed to be uncontrollable, and she said tremblingly, “She is not Crysania, she is the Lost Lady Shar, how could she appear in Here? "
When she said this, she suddenly woke up, how did she know the other party's true identity.
In her impression, since the unprecedented disaster of the 'Arcane Catastrophe' subsided, the rules among the gods have also undergone tremendous changes. It is impossible for any incarnation of the gods to descend to the main matter. world.
However, this incredible situation actually happened in front of Santila.
What on earth is going on?
Santilla's heart was filled with shock, and an unspeakable fear spread throughout her body.
As her words blurted out, time seemed to freeze at this moment.
“It seems that my guess is correct.”
A cold and cruel female voice sounded from the black shadow's mouth.
She raised her head, her dark purple eyes flashed with a cold light, and a cruel smile appeared on the corner of her mouth, "Guardian of Su Lun, and you... It's really an unexpected surprise, it's worth it for me personally. Take action."
The shadow waved his hand gently, and the surrounding space suddenly became distorted, as if it would collapse at any time due to the squeeze caused by this terrible force.
"Santila, run away! Her target is you, let me help you block her."
While speaking, Silver Moon Walker Guilath was already blocking the drow girl. He stepped forward, drew the bowstring, and arrows as bright as moonlight flew out.
As the sharp arrows roared, the pale moonlight shone brightly in the gloomy sky as if in response.
“Bang!”
The arrow burst out with a white flash, making the entire dark forest look like day.
Looking at Silver Moon Walker's determined eyes, Santi bit her lower lip tightly, taking this opportunity to activate the teleportation spell and disappear.
The Lost Lady turned a blind eye to Santila's departure.
"Crack!"
The movement of her hand raised seemed extremely slow but extremely fast. She clenched her fist gently, and the whizzing arrow was instantly broken by the squeeze of the shadow energy.
An incomprehensible realm looms over the nearby space.
A shadow flew out!
Silver Moon Walker Guilath had not yet made any reaction. His tall body suddenly stopped and immediately split into two parts. His head fell to the ground with a look of death, and then the body slowly fell to the ground.
"The followers of Selun are still so vulnerable."
Ms. Lost shook the blood on the blade nonchalantly, as if she was shaking off inconspicuous dust.
"The night...is my veil. Do you really think you can escape?"
Then, she set her sights on a location hundreds of kilometers away.
The next moment, Santila felt a shock all over her body, and immediately felt a bone-chilling energy pouring into her body, spreading along her blood vessels at an extremely fast speed throughout her body.
Waves of powerlessness came.
She felt that this strange energy was rapidly taking away her strength, stamina and energy.
Immediately afterwards, her face began to turn gray, her breath became extremely weak, and her vitality gradually faded along with a burst of shadow energy.
Santila's breathing declined, and her consciousness gradually became blurred...
"Corillon's winter moon bow, Mielikki's Alona quiver, and the oak fruit of Silvanus are... It’s not that Mystra’s silver fire is missing.”
The figure of the Lost Lady was suspended in mid-air, looking into the distance, with a cruel and merciless sneer on her lips: "That female spider Rose has a treaty with you, what does it have to do with me, trying to light up the stars in my domain, you are really selfish. Seeking death..."
Her figure like a night predator gradually blurred, and finally merged into the twisted shadow space.
…………
(End of this chapter)