Meric the Storyman: Rega and the Dragonstones
Chapter 25: Brolo’s Revenge

“Nomis! I received your message to come for aid. What brings you here? What aid do you need concerning this place?” asked the High-Wizard, pointing to the gated building. “I thought you locked yourself up in your castle and was never going to come out.”

The old magician smiled and replied, “It’s nice to see you, too, Fokar.” Nomis’ face became sterner and he said, “I am here in part because of my studies, and in part because a group of people really need our help right about now.”

“Where is that stupid bird?” asked Lobaki. “Ever since we have been caught and thrown into this cell, I have been unable to contact him.”

Dexir was also worried, but not about a bird. His concern was about Rega. Where was his friend right now? Is he alive? But he knew these thoughts were futile. They had been captured. Akrun was taken from him. They were all at the mercy of their abductors. Looking around, he saw similar concern on the other faces too.

Fortunately for Doman, nobody expected him to have the special skills that he did. He felt his pouch of mistletoe snugly hidden away inside his tunic. At least he wouldn’t be powerless if it came down to having to do something.

Akrun had been kept imprisoned too long in Pyrdon’s lair. He refused to now be locked up in some weapons room. After all, he was a magic sword. He would have to find a way to get to his warrior. He was still bonded with Dexir, so he could be controlled from a decent distance. The magic that had made him a sentient sword was indeed powerful magic.

Rega had dreaded coming to Makloran. He had contacts here who told him that there was still some resentment against him for not starting a branch in Ractah. He knew that one of those high-ups, the one known as Brolo, was convinced that Rega would join the Guild. He had even gone so far to set up a trip to have the Guild’s leader come to Ractah and meet Rega.

Milrop had taught Rega well. There were good and bad things about a Guild. A Guild offered protection, in fact, some of the judges have been bought for this reason, so it has been told. The one major drawback was that a percentage of the profits had to go to the Guild.

Even with that percentage, Rega almost decided to join. It wasn’t until he saw the leader, Cirrick the Swift, when he finally made up his mind not to join. He was a thief. That was all.

Granted, the man had power, but it had its effect on him. Cirric was no longer in good shape. He wheezed when he exerted himself. Rega knew Cirrick had to have lost the touch. He was sure the guild leader hadn’t stolen anything in many years. Rega didn’t want any part of that lifestyle. He enjoyed the challenge of acquiring items too much.

Brolo was ready to have him “taken care of” right on the spot. Cirrick just thanked Rega for the time, and then told Brolo to leave Ractah and its inhabitants alone. That was the last Rega had heard from the Guild...until today.

He heard a door open. Looking toward it, he saw a familiar face. “Prina?” he asked.

She answered, “We don’t have much time. If you want out of here, you will have to trust me. Let’s go.”

Rega decided to trust her.

Calling forth all of his telepathic powers, Akrun searched for a cell guard who he could contact. Since he was in a guild of thieves, there weren’t too many fighters available. There were plenty of thieves and assassins. After a while, he found one with some warrior abilities. He sent forth a vision of a magic sword, treasure, and a fair damsel.

It took about fifteen minutes before the door of the armory opened. Another quick telepathic message was sent to the guard, letting him know what sword to pick up.

The plan was in action.

It was dark. Dexir was fast asleep, along with all of the other prisoners.

* Wake up, Warrior. Call for the guard. NOW!! *

Dexir woke up immediately. “Guard.” he yelled, and even louder, “Guard!”

Down the hall, a guard, looking at a very impressive sword and dreaming about treasure and fair damsels, heard the call. Without even thinking, he rushed back to the cell, with Akrun still in his hands.

By now, all of the prisoners were awake. Dexir was screaming to get the guard’s attention. When he saw the guard coming toward him, he said “Akrun, Silence.”

The guard had only enough time to say “I’m co...“, before the spell took place.

“Akrun, Grow.” said Dexir.

The guard, still moving but with no sound, suddenly grew. Unfortunately for the guard, the ceiling was not very high and it was made out of stone. Fortunately for Dexir, the guard hit his head and was knocked out.

“Akrun, Grow off.” said Dexir.

The guard, already falling after hitting his head, returned to his normal size. Akrun fell from his grip, hit the floor noiselessly, and landed within arms length from the cell. The guard landed next to the sword, unconscious.

Dexir reached through the bars of the cell. He soon had Akrun back in his hands. “Strength.” said Dexir, although no one could hear him say it due to the silence spell. Akrun’s connection with Dexir was enough.

The locks had extra protections provided, since the cell was located in a Thieves’ Guild. The bars, however, didn’t have anything prepared to prevent them from being bent. With the magical strength provided to him, Dexir easily bent the bars enough so that one of the halflings could squeeze through and get the keys.

Within minutes, Dexir, Lobaki, the halflings, and the half-orc, were free. Dexir placed the guard into the cell and locked the door. He straightened out the bars of the cell that had been bent. Although the guard was too large to get through the opening, it was better to close the gap anyway. He kept the keys...just in case.

Rega and Kiram were running full speed down the hallways. Time was precious. The higher-ups were soon sure to find out about his escape. So intent were they on getting out, they almost missed the sound of people coming up from the cellars.

“Quick, Manei!” said Kiram, calling Rega by his pseudo-name still. She may as well keep up the act so he doesn’t realize she knows who he really is. “Hide over here.”

Both Rega and Kiram ducked into an opening of a doorway just as the first person made it up the stairs.

Luck was with him still.

Brolo would finally have his revenge. A few years before, Cirrick and he had planned a trip to go to Striplind to meet with Luzod. Cirrick was not one for traveling, but the trip was an important one for GITA. Brolo suggested that they take a side trip, adding a couple of days to the travel time, to go visit Ractah and talk to Rega. He had been embarrassed when Rega turned him down, especially after bringing a clearly-annoyed Cirrick there with him. Sources had told him that Rega was interested in joining. During their meeting, he could tell Rega was about to accept, but something held him back. Right now, Rega was here. It was time to go see this special prisoner.

He knew something was wrong as soon as he made it to the room. The door, which should have been locked several times, was clearly unlocked. Opening the door, he confirmed what he had thought. Rega had escaped!

Brolo quickly left the room to sound the alarm. There might be a chance to still get him. His friends were being kept downstairs. Rega was sure to attempt to rescue them.

Rega recognized the first person that came up the steps immediately. “Dexir!” he yelled. He then saw the rest of the group as they made it up.

Dexir came running over to Rega and Kiram. “We need to get out of here fast.” said Dexir, “When that guard comes around, it would be best to be as far away as possible.”

Prina agreed. “This way. I know a way out.”

Dexir looked at Rega and shrugged.

“It’s all right. She can be trusted.” answered Rega.

Kiram led the entire group down yet another hallway. Every now and then, she would stop and listen down a connecting hallway before continuing.

The exit was in sight before she noticed that they were trapped. Coming from behind them were some guards. Blocking the door out, were some more. The group had no choice but to stop.

“There is unfinished business here, Rega of Ractah.” said Brolo, as he walked into the area. “Cirrick will be interested in knowing about your part in this too, Prina. Guards, gather up this group and return them to the cells.”

Just as the guards started to move to Brolo’s orders, a blinding flash appeared. Right in the middle of everyone stood an old man wearing a robe.

The last thing Rega remembered was the old man doing a movement with his hands. He then was asleep.

Later on, Brolo started waking from a deep sleep. He quickly sat up, looking for the prisoners. The only other people in the room were his guards and Kiram, and they were still sound asleep. Rega and his group were gone.

“Regaaaaaaaaaa.....”

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