Alandra flicked her wand once more and lightning zapped toward Theric. The Guardian jumped backwards and dashed to the golden orb, now no bigger than a juggling ball. He snatched it in his hand and pressed it into Xaveon’s chest.

“A-Are you sure?” Xaveon gasped through his locked teeth.

“I could use your help, vampire. Let’s finish this.”

The orb crumbled to golden dust as Xaveon’s body was cleansed by its magic. Immediately he leapt to his feet and sunk into the shadows of the cavern.

Before Alandra could blink, Xaveon apparated with Shadow Port and drove an Arcane Blade into the naga’s back (16 damage, CRIT!)

Theric wasted no more time slashed his Dragon’s Edge across his enemy’s stomach. (7 damage)

Theric looked up to meet Alandra’s cruel gaze and smiled. “It’s over now, snake witch!”

“For you maybe,” she spat. With every last drop of her magic, Alandra radiated an electric field. Streaks of red lighting crackled in all directions, striking Xaveon and Theric.

The magic nullified the Guardian of Frost’s Ice Armor and dealt (-12 Damage)

Xavion crashed into the wall behind him, however safe from any status effects. (-10 Damage)

Both of them examined their remaining Hp.

Xaveon: 8/25 HP

Theric: 13/35 HP

Xaveon struggled to stand. His feet wobbled in place before he fell to a knee. “I think she’s down to her final hit point. It must be why she is using this spell.”

Theric wiped crimson blood from his lip. He watched as glowing cracks broke apart down her scales. Xaveon was right, Alandra was dying. Theric’s eyes followed the line of cracks to its source, a sparking globe peeking from her chest.

“Xave, If i let her hit me again, like focus the remainder of her magic…”

The vampire readied an Arcane Javelin in his hand and sunk into the shadows once more.

Theric shook his head with a smirk. “Rogues,” he muttered under his breath. He turned back to Alandra who was now seething with rage and flaring with red electricity. Theric took a large gulp and waved his hands at her. “Give me all you got, your ragged, snaggle-toothed, sorry sack of slime!”

Alandra focused all of her magic she could muster into her wand and fired the most devastating lightning bolt at Theric. (-15 Damage)

Waves of agony jolted through his body, boiling his blood and blistering his skin until he was no more. He fell lifelessly to the ground, taking a finally smokey breath of air.

An arcane streak flew like a falcon into Alandra’s chest driving her into the rocky wall (20 damage, CRIT!)

The spark within the naga witch exploded into a violent array of lights until Alandra fell into a pile of ash.

Xaveon’s excitement was fleeting as he ran to Theric’s fallen body. “No! Please, no!” He flashed his sight on the now freed druid who slowly walked to Aeslin.

He placed a gentle hand on the elf and a soft verdant glow covered her frail body. (+30 Hp)

Aeslin slowly opened her eyes, before they completely snapped open.

“What!?” she gasped.

“You will be fine, my child,” said the archdruid.

Xaveon bowed his head. “I am relieved we were able to save you, Loredyn…”

The aging druid knelt by Theric’s side. “You saved me, and I assume the others,” said Loredyn, “You have slain Alandra and purged the cursed serpents from this cave. I am in your debt.”

Aeslin rolled to her knees and shuffled to Theric’s body. “Can you bring him back to life?”

Loredyn placed his hand over Theric’s heart and trickled a stream of magic from his palm. “He is not far gone, my Circle will be able to mend his wounds and usher life back into his lungs.” He lifted Theric into his arms and gestured for Xaveon and Aeslin to come closer to him. Then he whisked the heroes into a whirlwind of leaves and magic.

***

Loredyn and the rest of the druids stood in a large circle of trees and wildflowers. At the center was Theric’s motionless body. Together the druids chanted a long incantation and sprites and balls of light swirled around him.

Aeslin closed her eyes, unable to watch, but Xaveon pressed his hand on her shoulder.

“Look,” he whispered in awe.

Aeslin watched as Theric rose through the air. His eyes opened and he gasped with a chest full of air. His skin smoothed out and any scars caused by Alandra’s magic had fully healed.

Theric dropped to his feet. “Incredible. I feel like ten years younger!”

Aeslin rushed to hug Theric and Xaveon nodded with a smile.

Theric returned the embrace and at once, all of them flashed golden and a resounding chime filled the air.

Theric, Xaveon, and Aeslin inspected their newly obtained levels

Aeslin Starkeeper Now Level 4 Gain 5 Hp (current 35/35)

+3 to all stats

New Ability:

Cross-Cut: Cleave up to 3 nearby enemies at once dealing 1d.10 +3 damage

Xaveon Penumbra Now Level 4 Gain 5 Hp (current 30/30) +3 to all stats

New Ability:

Star Edge: +25% critical hit to all attacks with an Arcane Weapon

Theric Kelv Now Level 5 Gain 5 Hp (current 40/40) + 3 to all stats

New Ability:

Ice Shard: Can fire a bolt of ice to damage enemies for 1d.8 +3

Loredyn approached the three heroes. “You were here to rescue us by chance. What brought you to us, friends?”

“We seek knowledge on a lost Dragonborne artifact called the Irethorn. Your people have been a part of Phelom for centuries, surely you can provide us a location?” asked Theric.

Loredyn stroked his long green beard. “It is true, I myself have lived in this land for at least one hundred years, but an Irethorn, I do not know.”

Theric lowered his head and cursed.

“Do not be troubled, child. If it is indeed Dragonborne, know that dragons have never graced our lands, not as long as my Circle has resided here. This Irethorn, is a foreign artifact, foreign as the humans that settled here. It would be in your best interest to inquire about it in New Star City. The Church of the Iron Star has a collection of many artifacts of war, and may likely keep the one you seek.”

Theric rubbed his chin. “And may the Misty Monastery have information on the artifact if the Irethorn hasn’t been here as long as you say?”

“Aye, the Misty Monastery contains a vast collection of records, books, and studies on all things that presided in Phelom. Although the monks there are not keen on Vampires, nor is the Church.”

Xaveon threw up his hood and shifted his eyes. “I can look after myself.”

Aeslin put her hands on her hips. “We could seek out the Church of the Iron Star for their vast artifact collection. Even if they don’t have it, they may know more about it.”

“Or we can head to the Monastery and research the Irethorn’s history.”

Will our heroes seek the Church?

Will our heroes head to the Monastery?

Answer in the comments or the poll below!