An overdue journey

[LordAers]

Lord Aers stood silently, looking down at the object in his hands. It appeared to be a plain jar, something that could be easily overlooked. If someone with the proper skills were to take a closer look, they would find that it was in fact a heavily enchanted artifact.
Looking up, the lich turns to his two guests.
"Hiding this in plain sight has been amusing and effective. However, I do not wish to press my luck. I leave immediately to find a more suitable location, preferably one far, far away and nearly impossible for my enemies to get to. I do not know where I will be going, or how long I will be gone. Be sure though, that I will return."
"Father Marrent, Lorax will take my place while I am absent. The others have been informed."
"Lorax, I trust you to lead well, and follow Father Marrent. Do not disappoint me"

[vastgoten]

Father Arghivius listens and watches as Lord Aers presents his thought. He inclines his head against the lich.

”I will send the blessing of the great shadows to accompany you in your ordeal my lord... ”

His eyes Narrow as they find the item in the bony hand.

”… your existing security to our temple will surely be met with satisfaction handled by your officer.” he continues seemingly somewhat distracted.

Collecting himself Father Arghivius draws a triangle in the air in front of Lord Aers.

”And it is written - For life Eturnal I grasp this power in my hand. The bargain pledged must be upheld.”

The vampire priest folds his hands and steps back casting a final glance at the item before preparing to leave the chamber.

[Aglet Blacksoul]

Kneeling, Lorax responds:

"I will carry on your mission in you absence, Lord Aers. Be assured that when you return to you post here, things will be in order and ready for you guidance once again."

She looks up, her eyes now glowing embers and a determined look upon her face.

[Gassygunslinger]

*Anon nods slow, but firmly*

"The Dread Knights will be sure to double our efforts, to make up for your average bodycount on the battlefield. Can't have the Dasarians thinking this is a time to breath easy."

[Hermur]

Ismael looks at Lord Aers and speak.
The Horde will be hard-pressed without your leadership at the battlefield. Lorax is powerful but you the orcs fear and it gives them strength.
we shall all be hard-pressed without you presence.

[LordAers]

The door to the tower creaks on it hinges as it is slowly pushed open. The men in the common area turn their heads and see Lord Aers enter the tower. His robes are charred, and blackened bits of bone show through. As he passes the now silent men, he commands them to fetch Lorax and bring her to his lab.

[Aglet Blacksoul]

Startled by the knock at her door, Lorax looks up from her desk and bids the messenger to enter. The frightened look on his face makes her all the more intrigued.

"He is back. And he wants you in his lab. Now."

Interesting. Well leave it to Lord Ares to show up with no fanfare. Looking at the stacks of reports on her desk she is relieved to have the head of the tower back under its roof. "As He wishes. I will go momentarily. No need to inform him, you duty is complete." With a relieved look on his face the messenger departs.

Walking down the stairs of the tower she allows herself to wonder where the lich's travels might have taken him. After knocking on the lab door and entering a moment later (lichs have no sense of time, she has learned) she looks at her master and realizes she might not want to know the answer to that question.

She bows her head and starts

"Welcome back Lord Ares. It is nice to have you here and at our head again......."

[LordAers]

The lich turns and regards Lorax momentarily before responding.
"It is good to be back. On my return I visited our encampments on the battlefield. It would seem that you have performed your duties admirably, Persecutor Lorax."
Lord Aers watches her carefully for a reaction to the sudden promotion.

[Aglet Blacksoul]

The last sentence hung in the air for a moment before she completely comprehended its full meaning. Her heart skipped a couple of beats, but she was careful not to show emotion. Not being able to read the lich (those damned fires where his eyes should be!) she responded once she was sure her voice would not betray her. Giving a short nod and looking he superior in his eye (socket) she proceeded

"I am honored you would think me worthy of such a position. There is much we need to discuss when it comes to our future tactics. Some things have changed while you were away. There is a loose band of adventurers who have made it known they are no friends of ours. They call themselves the Vanguard and the look to be a pain in our side for the foreseeable future....."

Head swimming with excitement, Lorax continued to fill Bart in on the newest developments in the realm.