[Krsqk]

John is still struggling to remove the inhaled insects from his throat and swatting ineffectively at the remainder of the swarm. Arthur pounds on his back two or three times, dislodging the offending invaders. John then takes a small globe from his robes, suspending it about three feet off the air. The globe begins to glow softly, attracting most of the nearby bugs and shocking them when they attempt to land on its surface. [ooc: Bug zappers--great entertainment! ]

Despite the bandits' illusion of heat and bright sunlight, the sky is cloudy and dusk is near. As the outlaws attempt to break down the tower door, the clouds part momentarily near the horizon, allowing a dull, red light to illuminate the castle. Crushed bodies and broken stone litter the hillside, which is only beginning to dry. Thick mud cakes the courtyard and the walls, showing the inroads made by the attackers. Weapons protrude from the earth at odd angles, flung away by their retreating owners and left to the grasp of the sloppy terrain. The large tree which trampled many of the bandits is still smoldering, a light haze moving skywards and slightly to the northwest. Dazed and injured guards stare numbly at something beyond the ken of this plane, while the few who remain unscathed huddle in a small knot around an attempt at a fire. The air suddenly seems cold, although the light breeze is barely detectable. The golems stealthily and silently go about their work of repairing both buildings and bodies, remaining unrecognized with the aid of illusion and silence spells from D.

The party hears a splintering sound, followed by the surprised pejoratives of the bandits above. Again, the splintering sound, followed by two thuds in rapid succession. A head is briefly seen above the wall; then his lifeless frame sinks out of sight. The shouts grow louder but quickly subside under the verbal bludgeoning of the commander.

John "Well, this battle is as good as over for us. I might as well give you the rest of your ring, Arthur." He digs into his robe for the pouch containing the signet. Pulling it out, he utters a brief spell altering the protection runes to recognize Arthur's ownership. Arthur likewise retrieves his segments of the ring and prepares to receive his long-awaited prize.

[ October 31, 2003, 04:35: Message edited by: Krsqk ]