{"id":22639,"date":"2020-06-02T10:20:17","date_gmt":"2020-06-02T14:20:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tellest.com\/?p=22639"},"modified":"2024-04-17T11:22:48","modified_gmt":"2024-04-17T15:22:48","slug":"the-whispers-chapter-nine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tellest.com\/the-whispers-chapter-nine\/","title":{"rendered":"The Whispers – Chapter Nine"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello there!\u00a0 Thank you for joining me for another chapter of Tellest\u2019s newest feature, the \u201cinteractive\u201d story,\u00a0The Whispers<\/em>\u2014a story which you and readers like you are helping me tell.\u00a0 For ease of navigation, I\u2019m going to have little mini tables of contents on these posts, so feel free to use them to jump around and discover how\u00a0The Whispers<\/em> works, how you can help steer the direction of the main character\u2019s choices, and, of course, read the story.\u00a0 I hope you enjoy taking part in this interesting new Tellest adventure!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Whispers Concept<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The Whispers \u2013 Chapter Nine<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Voting Instructions<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/a>The Whispers<\/em>\u00a0Concept<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Whispers is a story that takes place within the Tellest universe.\u00a0 It\u2019s a story that is written by Michael DeAngelo, but it\u2019s told with help from the readers.\u00a0 The Whispers follows Declan, a young man who was recently evicted from the temple where he grew up.\u00a0 When he was younger, he used to hear voices, and the clergy interpreted those voices in ways that they thought brought them closer to divinity.\u00a0 But with the whispers growing quiet, Declan was no longer needed at the temple, and he was instead shipped off to a nearby adventurers\u2019 guild.\u00a0 The voices have recently returned in his time of need, and have offered him advice on what to do in order to survive.<\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t already figured it out,\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0are one of those potential whispers!\u00a0 At the end of every chapter, Declan is given a choice.\u00a0 Every reader has the chance to vote and influence Declan\u2019s decision, as long as you\u2019re a member of the Tellest newsletter.\u00a0 Every time you vote, your voice holds more sway as well.\u00a0 Everyone who casts their vote in earlier chapters will now have a stronger voice, and Declan will hear them a little clearer.\u00a0 So for your voice to be heard best, you should get in on this story early.\u00a0 There is another way to gain additional voting power, but that will be described in the voting instructions at the end of this post.<\/p>\n

First thing is first: you\u2019ve got to read the story (starting with\u00a0chapter one<\/a>, if you prefer).\u00a0 Then if you\u2019re not already a member of the newsletter, go ahead and sign up!\u00a0 Tellest has awesome freebies that we give out right away at sign-up, and more that come along every few weeks.<\/p>\n

Without much further adieu, let\u2019s continue our tale, and find out the most recent choice Declan made with the help of our Council of Whispers\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/a>Chapter Nine:
\n<\/strong>Chasing Shadows<\/strong><\/p>\n

Declan kept his eyes closed as he listened to the voices compete for prominence in his mind.\u00a0 His wish seemed to be coming true, for a volley of whispers joined the one that warned a cautious approach.\u00a0 None seemed to join in suggesting a race to the front doors of the temple, and Declan reached forward before long.<\/p>\n

Draping one hand on Gorik\u2019s shoulder, Declan gestured away from their destination with the other.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get off the road,\u201d he told the goblin.\u00a0 \u201cIf they see us coming, we\u2019ve lost the element of surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he spoke the word of advice, another feminine cry echoed out from the temple, prompting a cringe to appear on the man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood on ye, lad,\u201d Tornig said as they steered onto the grass before the crossroads.\u00a0 \u201cThese trees will keep us hidden.\u00a0 And as callous as this\u2019ll sound, if they\u2019re still screaming in there, they\u2019re still alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut no one can tell how long that will continue on,\u201d Ilayeth spoke, taking a quiet hop out of the back of the wagon.\u00a0 \u201cThis way.\u00a0 We didn\u2019t come this far to linger just out of reach of helping those in need.<\/p>\n

As the half-elf finished speaking, she moved through the copse as though she was familiar with it.\u00a0 While the others joined her on the ground, hunched low, and moved quickly, Ilayeth seemed to float across the ground, placing a gentle hand on the trees as she passed them.<\/p>\n

The light of the temple cast out through the opened doors onto the finely hewn stone path leading toward the road.\u00a0 Any extra scatterings from the windows faintly illuminated the grass on the outer courtyard.<\/p>\n

Though it was dark beyond that, the shadows did not obscure everything outside the reach of the building\u2019s torchlight. \u00a0Ilayeth held up her hand as she reached the last tree before the roadside.<\/p>\n

Declan was the first to reach her, and despite the tremendous beating of his heart, he retained enough calm to halt beside her.\u00a0 Though his eyes were not as sharp as hers, he noticed what had caught her attention then as well.<\/p>\n

Waiting alongside the grass on the opposite side of the road, a huge cart that diminished the size of the one they had traveled in blocked some of the light through the tall, wide doors of the temple.\u00a0 The guildmates spotted the silhouette of someone leaning against it, every few moments lifting their head to consider the terrible noises erupting from inside the building.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is that?\u201d Declan whispered to his companion.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s like no carriage I\u2019ve ever seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

True to his words, the vehicle seemed unnaturally large.\u00a0 A third wheel was fastened to the vehicle, and the bed stretched on until it was nearly twice the length of the cart they had liberated from the highwaymen.\u00a0 A team of horses stamped against the road and snorted, as though they knew they were being studied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not certain,\u201d Ilayeth returned.\u00a0 \u201cBut I\u2019m also not sure if that\u2019s the part I\u2019m worried about.\u201d\u00a0 When she caught Declan\u2019s sideways glance, she pointed at the person waiting with her chin.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s not a gnoll or goblin\u2014that\u2019s a man, listening while his people are being tortured inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Declan could think of a response, their other two companions arrived behind them.\u00a0 Gorik dropped to a knee while Tornig huddled up against the same tree Ilayeth hid behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cFriend of yours?\u201d Declan asked Gorik then.<\/p>\n

In the darkness, the goblin couldn\u2019t make much out, but when Ilayeth looked at him and whispered the word \u2018human\u2019, he arched his eyebrow in confusion.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not Tanissa,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cIf it was, we\u2019d be seeing flames or lightning or some other foul magic lighting up the sky.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the carriage?\u201d Declan wondered.<\/p>\n

Gorik shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cShe must have had some other ally that she called up on.\u00a0 She never mentioned anything like that when I was around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBah,\u201d Tornig said, a little too loud for his companions\u2019 comfort.\u00a0 \u201cAll that matters is that he\u2019s standing atween us n\u2019 the temple.\u00a0 If he raises the alarm, all this sneaking is for nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

While he finished speaking, a loud ringing filled the air.\u00a0 The massive bell atop the temple\u2019s parapet began chiming a pleading melody.\u00a0 The clerics of Fespar temple must have been desperate to play such a chorus at that dark, early morning hour.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do yer whispers say about this situation?\u201d Tornig asked.\u00a0 \u201cAre we ta go up there and clock him, or try to sneak by?\u201d<\/p>\n

Declan furrowed his brow as he tried to concentrate.\u00a0 As silent as the world was outside, the temple was a flurry of noise and energy.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t hear himself think enough to invite any of the whispers into his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no time,\u201d he said, stepping out from the trees.\u00a0 Though Ilayeth reached for him to stop his assertive approach, she couldn\u2019t hold him back, her fingers fluttering through the creases of his shirt.<\/p>\n

No longer did Declan skulk in the shadows.\u00a0 He crossed the road and came up along the huge cart, surveying the watchman as he stamped on the grass and muttered to himself.\u00a0 As the lad stepped forth, better hearing the scared inhabitants of the temple between bell tolls, his emotions intensified.\u00a0 The heat on his brow brought about a sheen of perspiration, and he sensed sweat on his palms as well.\u00a0 He clenched his fingers around the staff and shuddered as the magic within swelled.\u00a0 Any moment, a blast of wind would be ready to shoot forth from the circular headpiece.\u00a0 But as Declan thought of all the people he cared about in the temple\u2014even those who might not care about him\u2014he grew angrier.\u00a0 The darkness flickered away every few seconds as a light seemed to spark to life within the staff\u2019s magical influence.\u00a0 Declan looked up and saw the crackle of electricity and hesitated a step, surprised by what he was summoning from the aether.<\/p>\n

The fellow guarding the cart looked to the opened doors of the temple, and up at the windows alternately.\u00a0 He knew that some flicker of light was there but couldn\u2019t place it.<\/p>\n

All Declan needed to do was reach him before he\u2026<\/p>\n

The mule which the Adventurers of Eladia left with the cart whinnied, his nicker sounding like a large, out-of-tune trumpet.\u00a0 The bell must have left it uneasy, but whatever the cause, its sound was not lost to the watchman.\u00a0 He turned about, and his eyes went wide at the sight of Declan and his illuminated staff.<\/p>\n

His failed prowl apparent, Declan pushed his magical implement forward, but even the wind from the staff head collapsed into a mere puff of air.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho the blazes are\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Another figure pushed past Declan on his right, rising into the air.\u00a0 Tornig used one of the spokes of a carriage wheel for a lift, and as he launched himself off the ground, a resounding crack reported a break under the dwarf\u2019s weight.\u00a0 It mattered not, for he was already airborne, swinging across with a balled fist.<\/p>\n

Before the guard could complete his sentence, he tasted blood filling his mouth from when he gnashed through his tongue.\u00a0 Tornig\u2019s punch was fierce, and it sent him to the ground like a sack of discarded potatoes.\u00a0 Though he stood upon a thick patch of grass, his head still landed with a thud.<\/p>\n

Though he loitered on the precipice of unconsciousness, Tornig landed atop his chest with his knee, and struck him again while he gasped for air.\u00a0 That second blow caught him in the crown, and at once he was caught somewhere in oblivion, his breath cut short.<\/p>\n

\u201cYe can\u2019t hesitate,\u201d Tornig snapped as he looked back to his guild mate.<\/p>\n

Declan parted his lips to offer up some form of protest, but he couldn\u2019t produce anything meaningful.\u00a0 His heightening magical power took him by surprise as much as it did the watchman, and he couldn\u2019t shake that knowledge.<\/p>\n

The dwarf didn\u2019t offer up any other words of wisdom or encouragement.\u00a0 Rather, he ducked low, scurrying through the grass to reach the wall of the temple.\u00a0 Gorik walked by him as well, tapping him on the shoulder as he went.<\/p>\n

Ilayeth was the only one who stopped beside him.\u00a0 \u201cI know you\u2019re new to it,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cWithout proper studies, this is a difficult path ahead of you.\u00a0 But you\u2019ve also been able to learn new spells without any assistance from a mentor\u2014only the staff.\u00a0 You have tremendous potential, Declan.\u00a0 Don\u2019t shy away from your power.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try not to,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Before she could walk away, he reached out to her.\u00a0 \u201cIlayeth, after we stop them, will you be my mentor?\u00a0 I know that we haven\u2019t had time to really consider any of what\u2019s happening, but if anyone can teach me, it\u2019s you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-elf maiden shot him a weary grin.\u00a0 \u201cIt would be my honor.\u00a0 Assuming we survive this night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Declan nodded emphatically.\u00a0 Tornig\u2019s words rang in his mind as surely as the bell\u2019s loud, deep chime did, and he wasted no further time lingering by the carriage.<\/p>\n

The four recent arrivals to the temple peered inside the building, scanning the carnage.\u00a0 Candelabras had been overturned, tapestries of the gods and of the country of Novistrus lay charred on the ground, or doggedly clinging to the walls in scraps, and old artifacts had toppled from their plinths, shattered to pieces.\u00a0 Bodies were strewn on the ground, though it was unclear who was clinging to life, and who was beyond salvation.<\/p>\n

A tall, green-skinned fellow walked across the floor, surveying those who had fallen.\u00a0 Long black hair fell and rested on his shoulders, his pointed ears protruding through the greasy strands.\u00a0 Every few moments, as he scrutinized the clerics and patrons of Fespar Temple, the rings in his ears caught the glimmer of a nearby sconce or candelabra.\u00a0 The flames reflected in his broadsword too, which he kept face down in one hand, ready to strike out at any who dared to challenge him.\u00a0 Even from that distance, Declan could see the rounded scales upon his moss-colored skin.\u00a0 He had never seen a troll before, but he\u2019d heard of their scaly appearance.\u00a0 Descended from dragons, they liked to claim\u2014and from where Declan was standing, he wasn\u2019t sure if the tales were untrue.<\/p>\n

He hid back behind the outer stone walls of the temple fa\u00e7ade once more.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s Jarayas, isn\u2019t it?\u00a0 He\u2019s the leader of your pack?\u201d he asked the goblin.<\/p>\n

Gorik squared his jaw and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cAnd he\u2019s not alone.\u00a0 Further back there\u2019s two others,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Together, they leaned around the corner, and peered deeper into the temple.<\/p>\n

Sure enough, there were two others there.\u00a0 One, a broad and tall fellow was posted at the rear of the temple, standing sentinel with his back toward the statues of the gods that seemed to look on from a dais a few steps higher.\u00a0 It was another being that Declan had only heard of in stories, though he had of course never doubted their existence.\u00a0 The lagano\u2014a lizardman, they were sometimes called\u2014wore a tremendous shield on one arm, and he clung tight to a thin, steel javelin in the other\u2014taller than even he.\u00a0 His scaled skin was a paler color green than the troll\u2019s, except for the orange crest that protruded from the top of his head and ran back to where his neck met his torso.\u00a0 He studied the pacing troll, but kept his position, standing like a statue\u2014perhaps why Declan had missed sight of him at first.<\/p>\n

The other member of Gorik\u2019s pack, and hidden in plain sight almost as well, sat perched atop the stone beam that ran across the temple, separating the main foyer and the dais.\u00a0 With her wings draped across before her, she looked like she had been fashioned out of stone to guard the patrons of the temple, not to attack them.<\/p>\n

She moved about more than her grounded ally.\u00a0 From her post, she cast her gaze from one fallen congregant to the next, and if she saw one move, she screeched out to the troll.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could help a little here, Skren,\u201d Jarayas suddenly bellowed, his voice sounding deeper than Declan was expecting.\u00a0 \u201cWhenever Queryn points out one of these worms trying to wriggle away, you could throw them into one of the other chambers and stand guard there instead of in front of those steps.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lagano grew rigid at that comment.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve already told you my stance on the matter.\u00a0 This is sacrilegious, whether it\u2019s to my gods, yours, or theirs.\u00a0 I\u2019m here to protect you and the enchantress.\u00a0 I will see no harm done to these people beyond what you\u2019ve inflicted, just as I would see no harm done to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jarayas growled, but pushed no further, knowing that the devout follower of the salamander god would be found unmoving.<\/p>\n

That didn\u2019t stop the harpy above from screeching in dismay.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d better hope that no one sneaks to the belfry,\u201d her squawk echoed out.\u00a0 \u201cIf anything happens to Tanissa, it\u2019ll be your head.\u201d<\/p>\n

Skren didn\u2019t budge at the statement, though coming from the harpy\u2019s lips it sounded more like a threat.\u00a0 One thing was certain: whoever Tanissa was, she seemed to have a captivating grip on those she traveled with.<\/p>\n

Declan pulled away from the open doors and looked again to Gorik.\u00a0 \u201cIs that all of your allies?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gorik shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t see any signs of Tanissa, or Deprak, or Melara, or Ig\u2026\u201d He shook his head as he recalled his friend left behind at the guild hall.\u00a0 When he steadied himself, his newest companions could see the fatigue on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright,\u201d Ilayeth said.\u00a0 \u201cWe had a bit of a rest.\u00a0 You didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can you tell us about them?\u201d Declan wondered.<\/p>\n

Standing up straighter, Gorik nodded.\u00a0 \u201cThe three in there are the ones who you might think of as warriors.\u00a0 Jarayas is as strong as they come, and quick too.\u00a0 But Queryn is as quick as a bolt of lightning.\u00a0 She\u2019s as deadly with her talons as she is her daggers.\u00a0 Don\u2019t take your eyes off her, or it might be the last thing you do.\u00a0 Skren is sturdy and tough.\u00a0 He might be stronger than Jarayas even, but it\u2019s like he keeps it all inside of him.\u00a0 And he\u2019s the closest thing after me to a healer.\u00a0 If he sees the others getting hurt, he might bring them back into the fight even stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the others you mentioned?\u201d Tornig asked, forcing himself to speak quieter than normal.<\/p>\n

\u201cDeprak is another goblin, though Jarayas swears up and down that he\u2019s got gremlin blood in him.\u00a0 He\u2019s small and wiry, but his mind is incredible.\u00a0 He\u2019s developed all kinds of gadgets in the past\u2014if I had to guess, this massive cart might have even been his doing.\u00a0 But if he\u2019s with Tanissa, he\u2019s important to her plans.\u00a0 I\u2019m just not sure why.<\/p>\n

\u201cMelara is the gnoll who\u2026\u201d he paused as he considered how to explain the dire actions that nearly tore the guild hall apart.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s the one who concocted the firebombs that brought us so much bloodshed.\u00a0 Tanissa has been growing fond of her for some time, and it\u2019s for the best that she\u2019s with the witch.\u00a0 If she was out there with the rest of them, I don\u2019t know that anyone would still be alive.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that leaves Tanissa,\u201d the goblin said, a scowl fixed on his face for a moment as he thought of how she had changed the structure of their group.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s as much a siren as a witch.\u00a0 It\u2019s her fault that Jarayas has come about with all these ambitions.\u00a0 He would never have done such a thing before, and its her hold over people that should truly frighten you.\u00a0 Wherever she is, she\u2019s hatching some foul plan, I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sounds like she is in the tower,\u201d Ilayeth reminded, having heard the harpy\u2019s words better than anyone else.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s she doing up there?\u201d Tornig wondered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever it is, she\u2019s made our job a little easier,\u201d Declan said.\u00a0 An unfamiliar confidence seemed apparent in his voice, and he looked toward the doorway to the temple with determination.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s left us with just the three of them in there.\u00a0 We can take them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAye, lad,\u201d Tornig said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll take four to three odds any day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even Ilayeth seemed eager for battle then, arcane energy flickering into existence between her fingers.<\/p>\n

Declan saw the apprehension in Gorik\u2019s gaze then, though.\u00a0 Though he didn\u2019t agree with them, the goblin had no desire to square up against his crew.\u00a0 It was true that he and Tanissa didn\u2019t see eye to eye, but he still felt indebted to Jarayas, even if he had been blinded by infatuation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait out here,\u201d Declan said, easing his friend\u2019s tension. \u00a0\u201cWe\u2019ll take care of everything inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gorik said nothing further, but his eyes revealed his gratitude.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait,\u201d Ilayeth said before she and the other guild members crossed the threshold.\u00a0 \u201cDeclan, do you think you can control your staff\u2019s wind across the distance of the temple floor?\u201d<\/p>\n

He stood straighter at hearing that request.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u00a0 I\u2019ve never tried to focus it like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you thinking, lass?\u201d Tornig wondered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we extinguish the lights closest to us, we\u2019ll gain an advantage.\u00a0 I can distract them with flames of my own while you two keep to the shadows and surprise them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs soon as I see a lick of fire upon yer fingers, my axe is going for a wee flight,\u201d Tornig assured.<\/p>\n

\u201cDeclan,\u201d Ilayeth began, \u201cif you see an opportunity to get innocent folk out of the building, leave the fighting to us.\u00a0 They\u2019re the reason we\u2019re here, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

An understanding nod was all the agreement Declan would give.\u00a0 As he gripped his staff a little tighter, wisps of air could be seen flittering around the headpiece of his staff.<\/p>\n

He was as ready as he would be, Ilayeth knew.\u00a0 She took another step forward, and turned to her side, casting out her own magical spell then.\u00a0 Like a raindrop shot forth from a longbow, it whistled through the air, slipping across the wicks of the lit and upright candelabras.\u00a0 Ilayeth wove her hands as though she were solving some puzzle that only she could see, and the raindrop danced in the air at her behest.\u00a0 The quiet sound of the flames extinguishing could barely be heard, but the trio of highwaymen inside turned their attention toward them anyway.<\/p>\n

Declan moved forth as well, turning in the opposite direction as the half-elf had.\u00a0 One after another, he blew gusts of wind toward the fallen candles on his side of the building.\u00a0 Each time it sounded like a fretful sigh cutting through the circular crown of the staff.\u00a0 More than one pair of eyes landed on the lad, as those who had been forced to the ground dared to look up.<\/p>\n

Ilayeth was already in motion once more, choosing a sconce along that side of the building.\u00a0 A large ball of ice seemed to take shape between her and the object, already gaining speed as she willed it into being.\u00a0 It encased the sconce a moment later, dimming that part of the temple.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is that?\u201d Jarayas demanded, his focus only on the sphere of ice and the trails of smoke that lifted into the air.<\/p>\n

Almost as soon as he spoke, the bell reported above them, a loud, resonating sound of bronze on bronze ringing out into the building.<\/p>\n

That worked well enough, Tornig reasoned, and he charged forth into the building.\u00a0 His boots didn\u2019t allow him the same quiet as his companions\u2019 spells\u2014neither did it help when one of the temple patrons cried out in shock when the dwarf accidentally strode across his back.\u00a0 It mattered not.\u00a0 By the time Jarayas turned again, Tornig knew that he had covered enough distance.\u00a0 He gripped his axe in both hands and flung it forward as the bell above rattled again.<\/p>\n

Jarayas\u2019s agonizing scream was not lost beneath the deep ringing.\u00a0 He teetered back a few steps while he pieced together what great pain had been inflicted.\u00a0 Before he could bring his hand up to touch the axe, a set of stubby dwarven fingers wrapped around the handle, tearing it from the wound.<\/p>\n

Upon seeing his enemy, Skren leaned forward into a fighting stance, his plated armor creaking as he fell into place.\u00a0 Up above, Queryn sent her wings out wide, and she leapt off the crossbeam.\u00a0 Her eyes locked onto Tornig, who ducked out of the way of a frantic swipe of the troll\u2019s sword.<\/p>\n

The harpy drew her wings back, diving toward the unexpected aggressor.<\/p>\n

But as surprising as Tornig\u2019s appearance had been, so too was the flame that ignited at the center of the floor.\u00a0 Ilayeth\u2019s palm cradled a lick of fire that grew larger and brighter with every passed moment, and with a twist of her wrist she flung it forth.\u00a0 Her fiery arrow missed Queryn, but it distracted her enough to pull her attention from the dwarf.<\/p>\n

Without the flame to illuminate her presence, the half-elf disappeared amidst the crowd once more.<\/p>\n

Behind her, she could hear Declan\u2019s words of encouragement.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo now, while they\u2019re distracted,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll take care of them, but you need to get to safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even in the darkness, Ilayeth could see those closest to the opened doors rise from their prone position and run or skitter forth.<\/p>\n

In the thick of battle, though, she knew she couldn\u2019t focus on them for long.\u00a0 When she turned back, Queryn was diving at a new target.\u00a0 She heard Declan\u2019s words as well and stretched her talons out toward him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDeclan!\u201d Ilayeth warned.<\/p>\n

On reflex alone, the man swung out with his staff, catching Queryn in her stomach.\u00a0 It was enough to sway her balance, and she twisted as she collided with Declan.\u00a0 They fell apart then, both wincing and gasping at the sudden pain they both endured.\u00a0 A cool sensation washed over Declan\u2019s arm, and he knew even in the darkness that she had raked his arm as she\u2019d fallen away.<\/p>\n

Ilayeth\u2019s quick, soft footsteps carried her there in an instant.\u00a0 While the harpy struggled upright, a new flame came into being beside her.\u00a0 She only had a moment to see it out of the corner of her eye before the fire dissipated, and a quiet rumble was heard instead.<\/p>\n

The air erupted with a blistering explosion that sent Queryn flying against her will toward the northern wall of the temple.\u00a0 With such force, the blast nearly knocked its caster from her feet as well, but Ilayeth held fast, gnashing her teeth against the sheer power of the magic.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough of this,\u201d Skren bellowed from near the stairs.\u00a0 He gripped his spear, and smashed his balled hand against his shield, almost in cadence with the echo of the temple\u2019s mighty bell.\u00a0 As he pulled his weapon away, a bright sphere of light emerged from the hefty shield.\u00a0 Once it was free of him, it floated into the air like a bubble filled with daylight, and he pushed it forth with his divine powers.\u00a0 Higher and higher it rose, until the temple was illuminated once more.<\/p>\n

He could see\u2014as could his allies\u2014that the patrons they had frightened into submission there could no longer be subdued.\u00a0 The people nearest to Declan had made a mad dash toward the exit, and those who had surrounded them found the courage to move next.<\/p>\n

Skren didn\u2019t seem concerned with the fleeting people, but eager eyes did fall upon the dwarf who had found the injured troll\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

Even against those odds, Tornig would have felt confident.\u00a0 He\u2019d already dealt a vicious blow to Jarayas, and he was itching for a fight with the towering, broad, armored lagano.<\/p>\n

But as he awaited the approach of the lizardfolk paladin, he watched as Jarayas\u2019s wound closed before his eyes, as though his axe had never penetrated his flesh.<\/p>\n

\u201cQueen\u2019s beard,\u201d Tornig muttered as Jarayas gnashed his teeth together in bloodhungry fervor.<\/p>\n

He was fortunate to have the watchful eyes of his own companion studying the battlefield then.\u00a0 Ilayeth turned toward him when the globe of radiance entered the air, and she saw the approach of the hulking lagano.\u00a0 She saw, too, as Jarayas clenched his fingers around his sword\u2019s hilt and rushed in.\u00a0 Knowing that even Tornig couldn\u2019t stand against those odds for long, she set to work, weaving another spell together.<\/p>\n

The troll\u2019s sword fell upon the dwarf, who brought up his axe in the nick of time.\u00a0 Tornig\u2019s weapon was miniscule compared to the troll-forged greatsword.\u00a0 It was only through sheer determination that he caught the blow and didn\u2019t succumb to it.\u00a0 He cast the blade off to the side, and slid in toward Jarayas once more, scoring a slash against his leg that had him falling to his knee.<\/p>\n

By reflex alone, Jarayas swept out with his blade toward the flash of pain.\u00a0 Though it was only its broad side that struck against Tornig, it landed with such force that the dwarf went flying toward a shrine to a lesser god against the temple\u2019s southern wall.\u00a0 The statue within the wooden showcase tumbled forward and landed in Tornig\u2019s lap.<\/p>\n

The dwarf had earned no respite in those moments to pass, for Skren was upon him in an instant, and he swung the long spear out at him.\u00a0 Tornig toppled to his side as the spearhead sliced across the already battered wooden shrine, still clutching the effigy in his hands.<\/p>\n

As Skren adjusted his momentum, aid finally came to Tornig.\u00a0 Ilayeth thrust her hand forward, a beam of light bursting from her palm.<\/p>\n

No, not light, the others in the room soon realized.\u00a0 As it extended forth, it took on a blue tincture, and those who suspected its power soon had their suspicious confirmed.\u00a0 Before Skren could follow up on his attack, Ilayeth\u2019s ray of frost struck him in his back.\u00a0 His armor grew cold at once, but it spread fast as well, until his shoulders were locked into place.\u00a0 The lagano paladin couldn\u2019t bring his weapon to bear again, frozen in place.<\/p>\n

His ally had no such difficulties.\u00a0 Jarayas, the leader of the highwaymen, came charging like a maddened bull, a growl pushing through gnashed teeth.<\/p>\n

He flew faster than he wanted then, for the other mage in the room made use of his arcane power as well.\u00a0 Declan\u2019s staff glowed with an otherworldly energy, crackling with magical electricity as other patrons and clergy climbed from the ground and raced from the building.<\/p>\n

Like a bolt of lightning, that energy dispersed, hissing across the room like a stormy sky had forced its way into the temple.\u00a0 It erupted against the floor, just behind Jarayas\u2019s feet, sending him flying high into the air, and smashing against the wall behind Tornig.<\/p>\n

Declan couldn\u2019t believe it.\u00a0 They were winning.<\/p>\n

Above them, the bell rang out again, that time with an awkward cadence.\u00a0 A loud explosion followed, shaking the building, and the young fellow\u2019s attention was drawn to the ceiling.<\/p>\n

There was yet one foe left in the lobby of the temple that had not been appropriately dealt with.\u00a0 While Declan contemplated what foul deeds transpired above, Queryn scratched at the walls and climbed to her clawed feet.\u00a0 She looked to the lad, rage about in her eyes, and dropped her knife into her waiting talons.<\/p>\n

Tornig tossed the effigy off his lap as he sprang to his feet.\u00a0 He ran past Skren as though he was a statue and hopped on the back of an unsuspecting patron who found the courage to begin rising to their feet.\u00a0 Though he was far from his new companion, Tornig leapt ahead without a weapon in his hand, ready to do what was necessary to protect Declan.<\/p>\n

Queryn shifted, turning to the rapidly approaching dwarf.\u00a0 She had just entered Declan\u2019s line of sight, and he watched as she cut across, tearing through the soft bits of the dwarf\u2019s armor, and piercing his flesh beneath his shoulder.<\/p>\n

Tornig cried out, but he grasped the harpy all the same.\u00a0 Wrapping his hands around her bird-like legs, she couldn\u2019t maneuver enough to attack him again.\u00a0 And as she felt his heft about her, she changed her strategy altogether, dropping from the air like a bundle of stones.<\/p>\n

When they landed upon the floor of the temple, the building trembled again.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t from the combined weight of the two fallen combatants though.<\/p>\n

None could have expected as huge pieces of the ceiling began falling from above.\u00a0 Ilayeth cast out a desperate spell, an invisible shield falling into place above her head and the heads of those still too frightened to move.<\/p>\n

The maiden couldn\u2019t protect them all, and chunks of wood and stone fell as those terrified folks clambered to their feet.\u00a0 More than one was struck, laying them low for the last time.<\/p>\n

Fespar temple\u2019s massive bronze bell fell from the gap in the ceiling then.\u00a0 Ilayeth froze, knowing there was nothing she could do to stop its descent.<\/p>\n

It froze nonetheless, mere feet from the ground, and would have landed upon the half-elf if she hadn\u2019t crouched low.\u00a0 Ilayeth rolled out of the way, knowing that whatever magic kept it aloft wouldn\u2019t keep it there for long.\u00a0 As she moved, the bell\u2019s clapper smashed against the side of the bell, its loud report deafening everyone in the room, and even knocking back those who were unprepared for it. \u00a0Queryn and Tornig tumbled to the ground, rolling in opposite directions, Declan fell to a knee while he tried to press back against the force of that booming noise, and a scattering of frost lifted from Skren, still frozen looking in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

Deafened by the noise of the bell, it almost sounded as though silence had grown violent and angry.\u00a0 Beneath it, Declan could hear his whispers struggling to be heard, but he couldn\u2019t understand any of what they were saying.\u00a0 They always seemed to offer advice or warnings though, and he took that to heed as he looked up, prepared for whatever had sent the bell racing toward the floor of the temple.<\/p>\n

Unlike the bell, the witch who had planned the attack on Fespar Temple floated slowly down from the tower. \u00a0Her raven-black hair glided about as though she was descending into a pool of water, though it was highlighted by the green arcane energy that danced between her hands.\u00a0 Her purple robe lifted as well, giving her a far larger appearance than her small frame would suggest.<\/p>\n

Tanissa seemed not to care about the temple\u2019s saviors.\u00a0 Her grey eyes never landed on the trio who dared to put a stop to her plans.<\/p>\n

But Declan studied her intently.\u00a0 Tanissa looked powerful beyond meaning, and despite the vile deeds that transpired, she looked captivating.\u00a0 It was no surprise that she was able to sway Jarayas to her cause.\u00a0 Dark shadows surrounded her eyes, and a jeweled circlet kept her hair out of her face.\u00a0 A collar of black feathers kept her robe in place as well, assuring that the skin she meant to show was on full display.<\/p>\n

Though her appearance had been slow and deliberate, another of her troupe arrived with far less poise.<\/p>\n

The lone remaining gnoll of their group, Melara, leapt from the hole in the ceiling, landing on the top of the bell, only grabbing the rope when she arrived to keep her steady.\u00a0 A long, gnarled quarterstaff on her back struck the bell when she landed as well, sending a quieter report echoing through the building.<\/p>\n

While Tanissa seemed unconcerned with any in attendance, Melara snarled at the sight of the interlopers, the golden fur upon her brow falling upon her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake care of them,\u201d Tanissa spoke then, as though the task was beneath her.\u00a0 She instead focused on the doorway before her, casting her emerald magic out toward it.<\/p>\n

Melara moved at once, eager to prove herself to her mistress.\u00a0 She leapt from the bell, pulling her staff out from behind her back.\u00a0 Purple lines of warpaint drawn into her fur accentuated her movements.\u00a0 Her pace was quick, for she desired battle more than anyone else.<\/p>\n

As Tornig struggled to his feet, she came down upon him, striking out with her weapon.\u00a0 The staff cracked against his helmet, as unsettling a sound as any that reported in the temple that night.\u00a0 Dwarven-forged, the headwear did what it meant to, but still, her swing was strong, and Tornig wobbled back to his knees.\u00a0 He struggled to stand again, but without a weapon at hand, any resistance would be meager indeed.\u00a0 As Melara swung back again with the staff, Tornig brought up his stubby hands to try and protect his vulnerable bits.\u00a0 He howled out in pain when his fingers and palms took the brunt of that attack, and he was too badly injured to put up any fight as she came forth, delivering a stunning kick to his unguarded midsection.<\/p>\n

Tornig gasped as he spilled to the ground, and Melara paid him no further heed, even as he reached for her legs.\u00a0 Unable to close his fingers into fists, he was of no worry to her.<\/p>\n

She instead looked toward the man with the staff further away.\u00a0 Declan thrust his staff into the ground as windy energy began circling about in the headpiece.\u00a0 As soon as Queryn lifted off the ground, he cast out a gust of air that sent her spinning into the wall once more, eliciting a surprised and pained screech.\u00a0 If he had let her lift much further, she might have flown right through one of the temple\u2019s stained-glass windows.<\/p>\n

On the other side of the room, Ilayeth thought to come to Declan\u2019s aid as well.\u00a0 She lay her hands atop each other, her palms facing up, and cradled a new flame there, hoping to bring enough arcane energy into being to stave off the stalking gnoll.<\/p>\n

Ilayeth yelped when a troll\u2019s heavy hands took a fierce grip upon her neck.\u00a0 The mage had no time to contemplate what happened, and cast out her unstable spell, a wave of fire spinning about into the air.\u00a0 Jarayas recoiled at the sight of the flames, but he kept hold of the maiden.\u00a0 Lifting her off the ground, he slammed her into the bell, letting her fall to the ground.\u00a0 Whether she was dead or merely unconscious, he cared not.<\/p>\n

That resonating sound once again called out to Declan, and he looked to see his friend crumple to the ground.\u00a0 The lone adventurer who still stood swallowed away his tension, watching as Tanissa\u2019s companions marched toward him.\u00a0 Jarayas once again held his greatsword, draping it over his back.\u00a0 Declan heard what sounded like glass breaking, and a moment later, Skren was circling around the bell as well.\u00a0 And far along the back of the temple, at the stairs leading up to the tower, Declan could even see the last of the bandits\u2019 troupe, as the skittish looking Deprak hurried forth.\u00a0 But it was Melara, the snarling gnoll, that had the man\u2019s attention foremost.\u00a0 She hungered for a fight, and held her staff in both hands, waiting to see what Declan would do.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t keep her waiting.\u00a0 He turned about, pointing his staff toward her, summoning up an even stronger gale to push her back.\u00a0 She fought against it, but she couldn\u2019t hold her ground against the force of that magic.<\/p>\n

Instead, she slid a hand off her staff, toward the amethyst-lined belt cinched around her waist.\u00a0 A russet skirt had been sewn into place on the belt, but she reached instead for one of the leather-bound flasks hooked onto one of the belt\u2019s buckles.\u00a0 With a fierce tug, she pulled it away, her eyes going wide with excitement then.<\/p>\n

She never found cause to use it, though, for someone else crept up behind Declan.\u00a0 His fingers wrapped around a metal chain, and he let a tome at its end drape near the floor.\u00a0 But with one mighty swing, the book slammed against the back of Declan\u2019s head.\u00a0 The lad\u2019s vision went black, and he lost his grip on his staff as he tottered to the floor.\u00a0 By luck alone, he managed to stretch his arms out and catch himself before his face struck the stone.<\/p>\n

\u201cGorik?\u201d Melara asked in surprise.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Declan could contemplate the goblin\u2019s betrayal, a boot collided against his ribs, stealing his breath away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m helping. \u00a0What does it look like?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Ignark?\u201d the gnoll asked, the first time an emotion other than rage presented itself from her.<\/p>\n

Gorik remained silent, but a loud noise behind him echoed out as the temple\u2019s doors feel from their hinges and collided into the ground outside.\u00a0 The temples brickwork glowed in green then, and Tanissa cast out her hands, sending the hewn stone flying toward the crossroads.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are done here,\u201d the witch insisted.\u00a0 \u201cEveryone: move to the carriage.\u00a0 We need to tie this thing down.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Declan thought his anguish was over.\u00a0 Raspy, uneven breaths entered his lungs, but it was the pain in his ribs that hurt worse than anything.<\/p>\n

All hopes of a moment of respite soon ceased, as Gorik placed his boot on Declan\u2019s side, and kicked him onto his back.<\/p>\n

He looked up at the goblin, knowing that Gorik looked down at him.\u00a0 But with tears in his eyes, his vision was blurred too far to see whether it was a look of disgust or sick satisfaction.<\/p>\n

Gorik left with the rest of his troupe, their voices drowning out as the people within Fespar temple began to chatter and cry.\u00a0 The hulking bell rang out as it was situated atop the carriage outside, it\u2019s haunting sounds adding to the cacophony.<\/p>\n

Amidst it all, Declan could hear the whispers, though they were fading fast.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t let them get away<\/em>!\u201d a snarling whisper insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did all you could,\u201d <\/em>another voice chimed out. \u00a0\u201cYou could not hope to win that fight and pursuing another would only see you killed.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever nefarious deeds they have planned need to be stopped!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can make another attempt when you have more resources.\u00a0 Take some time to rest.\u00a0 You\u2019ve earned it.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Fighting against pain and confusion, and knowing he and his allies had failed, there was not much left for Declan to do.<\/p>\n

Lying on his back, he screamed toward the heavens, a roar of frustration and grief that he could not hold back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Continue with Chapter Ten.<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>Voting Instructions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Voting has ended for this period.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another new chapter means another new choice to make, which you can influence.\u00a0 You have until the 30th of this month to safely join the Tellest Newsletter<\/a> in time to cast your vote.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be sending out newsletter emails to my readers, with the two choices prepared for Declan.\u00a0 Then, on July 1st, I\u2019ll interpret the votes and see how the whispers influenced Declan.<\/del><\/p>\n

Remember, there are two ways for you to accumulate voting power in The Whispers:<\/del><\/p>\n