Zythos' Journal

[khaevil]

Previously posted biography.

Candlekeep

Amy had succeeded, they were free of the old wizard. Although, the unexpected vagrancy was a minor setback. They had no home, no laboratory, and few possessions. Her wizard was nervous, but not Amy, they had no ties — and plenty of time to see places they'd only read about. The greatest library in the world, long had he desired a visit but his master kept him busy. No more, full of hope, he entered the gates.

A tourist destination it was not. There was a temple and a modest inn, but the great attraction, the library, demanded a ridiculous donation or original work to enter. As he considered the daunting task of compiling all his knowledge of rejuvenation, a stranger approached. A young, pleasant looking woman, with red hair and striking green eyes. Fit and tanned, her wizard suspected she might be a farmer, like his parents, but Amy knew better.

“Are you interested in learning of the wonders of an undiscovered land, untouched by all on the Sword Coast?” she asked all in earshot. “How would you like to discuss a lucrative and highly educational opportunity with me?”

That did sound interesting.

She was a surgeon on a ship, and they sought to take on a mage. As details of the position unfolded his excitement grew. His own quarters, his own lab, all of the texts uncovered from some place called Selune's Bracelet. Then it came: the catch.

"Ever been to Roaringshore?" she asked casually.

"Uh, isn't that a pirate town?" he inquired, far less excited than a moment before.

"You'll be safe with me. I'm a Priestess of Umberlee."

Her wizard was apprehensive, but Amy was more excited than ever. He was too cautious — greatness requires bold moves. Dismissing his nervousness, she insisted he apply.

"So, you'll meet the captain?" the priestess inquired.

Amy nodded to him. Trusting her better judgment, he acquiesced.

Interview

He was sure this was a pirate ship, though Perle wouldn't admit it, which only added to Amy's enthusiasm. He, however, was quite worried about their possible criminal life.

Beginning with the purchase of a blond wig, he transformed. It was a well-sculpted piece he felt fitting for a pirate, styled as if blown by the wind with marvelous results. He bought a completely different wardrobe, well-tailored and of fine, comfortable cloth. With a carefully crafted illusion he covered any distinguishing imperfections, and threw in a nice bit of stubble and some wear to his new clothes. As he admired the ruggedly handsome stranger staring back in the mirror, Amy rolled her eyes. It was obviously fake. He looked like an overly flattering painting, not a real person. Under his new alias, Vicanti, they meet Perle's crew.

Everything was going well. The crew were receptive to her, some scratching under her chin as she happily purred. Vicanti, however, was like a fish out of water.

The captain was a large man, with teeth filed to points. Despite this menacing visage, he seemed good-natured to Amy. As he pushed Vicanti into a chair and offered a drink, she sensed his anxiety grow. He nervously fidgeted, and eyed the offering like poison.

The ship was desperate for a mage, and he'd been the only one to show the slightest interest. This bode well for them, as Vicanti certainly wasn't winning any friends. Amy was trying to calm her wizard when it happened.

She'd been stepped on before, but nothing like this. People withdrew their foot once they sensed something odd, not Karn. His heel bore his full weight to her tail, and she screamed out in pain.

Glaring at Karn, Vicanti shouted, "Watch where you step!"

With a rib-shattering kick, Karn sent Amylase flying as laughter filled the compartment. The crew, showing her such affection before, now cracking jokes at her misery.

"Get that infernal creature off my ship," Karn barked.

"With pleasure," he replied, and they teleported away — their lesson not to associate with pirates well-learned.

[khaevil]

Nightmares

In cold, sweat-soaked sheets he awoke. The same terror haunted him every night since the incident. What he had witnessed, what he had felt through their bond, it was horrific. But in his dreams he was his cat. The snap of the tail, the broken ribs puncturing her lung, the gasping for breath as the crew's laughter filled her ears. He gazed down at Amy, she was kicking and hissing in her sleep.

It was a fine establishment, far better than he could afford. Accommodations afforded him for his interview, soon, they'd be back on the street. As he was enjoying his breakfast, and some light reading about troll blood, Amy alerted him of Perle's approach.

He gave her his best scowl, "Obviously, I'm no longer interested in the position."

She down anyway, making hollow apologies about how Amy had been treated. Amy wouldn't have it, and neither would he. She hissed as the bitch-priestess departed.

Every morning Perle would arrive, same green dress, same fish for Amy, flash some skin, bat her eyes, and pay for another night. Amy was resolved — there would be no further dealings with these pirates. But yet again, her wizard demonstrated his foolishness.

Warmed to the priestess by her awkward seduction and lured by the promise of ingredients these ignorant pirates were set to jettison, he returned to the ship. Amy was left under the care of woman she'd had her under paw since first “meow.”

Cat Burglar

She was posing for a painting, humoring the woman, when a loud thud echoed throughout the room. With a great creaking of wood, the door burst free of its hinges, and a hooded figure stepped through.

“Now, give up the cat and you can go freely.”

Embracing Amy, her protector weakly denied him, "No, you can't! I... I won't let you!" When the club came down, she put up little fight.

Trapped in the arms of the useless woman, struggling to get free, Amy was defenseless as he put her to sleep.

He was so close, the was transport about to dock, yet still he could not sense her. Perhaps they had gone for a walk? Perhaps she was still angry and hiding? Reason after reason filled his head. His thoughts darkened at the sight of the door.

Marai, the cat-sitter, lay out cold on the floor. Ignoring her, he frantically checked and rechecked all nooks and crannies. Maybe she's OK, maybe she fled the city? As Perle recited the ransom demand the last vestige of hope fell away. A hundred-thousand gold? Even if he sold all his possessions he couldn't amass such a sum.

“I'll burn them all to ash. All to ash,” he vowed.

Perle looks in to his eyes, a comforting smile on her lips, “I have a hundred-thousand gold.”

“And, you'll pay the ransom?”

"Umberlee desires items of power in Selune’s Bracelet. You’re going to help me get them." A slight smile tugged at her lips. "Promise me you will help, and I will pay the ransom. Do you consent?" An Aquan prayer sealed their pact.