Wenn & Wolf Tales

wwe0120 (May 24 1997 with major revision, likely needs more work)
~~~ Admiral's Quest ~~~

The Admiral that Simon was looking for, finally did reappear. After a few days of absence, Cartwright came to the firehall with a mission, a possibly dangerous one. Many were gathered there in anticipation of a rumored quest, a journey to restore the Admiral's paladin status and to find a healer who could help Simon regain his memory. With the Admiral being well respected and Simon well-loved, there was no shortage of volunteers to escort and assist on this particular mission.

Wenndolyne however was very reluctant. She had never been on such an adventure before. She carried no weapons, and the only magic she had was contained in the pouch of enchanted stones she wore on the silver braid about her waist. She was ill prepared for battle and always shied away from conflict of any kind. Whatever made her raise her hand to volunteer and join this endeavor, was a mystery... or was it?

She saw little Simon curled up in a chair, looking still very sleepy on this early morn. Someone needed to watch over him, she thought. Someone should go along to see that he was kept out of the fray. Wenn had learned that Simon had been orphaned. Admiral Cartwright found him scrounging for food down on the wharfs in a rather nasty part of Camelot called The Hook. Cartwright treated Simon much like a son and was just as anxious to have the boy healed as to get his own paladinship restored. Still, Wenn was sure that in these endeavors, the Admiral would likely be too preoccupied to keep a close watch on the boy's safety. Someone not engaged in defense or any skirmish, should go to mind him and see that he was kept safe... someone like... herself. So her hand went up. Even as her other hand lightly brushed Simon's sleepy head, Wenn volunteered to join the quest.

The Admiral's call was heartily answered and so he signaled the volunteers assembled, to prepare for departure. As with most quests, the party contained a wide variety of people from different races and sentient creatures of good standing in Camelot. Skill in battle and magic ranged from none, as with Wenndolyne, to powerful mages and seasoned knights.

Simon stood up and hugged his teddy bear in one arm, looking around for someone to take his other hand. Wenn saw him searching and started to extend her hand but withheld it and smiled as the Admiral swung the boy up onto his broad shoulders. She wandered along behind them toward the ship, still suspecting that Cartwright would not be able to keep his ward so close for the entire quest.

Simon turned in his heightened position and looked for Wenn "You comin'?"

Wenn waved to him, "I'm here!" struggling to keep up with the long strides of knights, dragons and horses crossing the dock.

The Admiral turned with Simon to welcome the questors onto the deck of the Valiant as they paraded up the gangplank then scattered again to find their places for sailing. "This ship, my friends, was crafted by human, gnome and dwarf hands. It is the finest we have... and we shall need it." Admiral Cartwright's words were proud and sobering.

A rather playful young knight, one of the last on board, called rights to the crow's nest and none protested, for it was a long climb. He donned an eye patch that he had apparently brought for just such an occasion. Doing his best to sound like a swarthy pirate, he made his way to the top of the mast. When he and all the other passengers had boarded and settled to their places, the Valiant set sail.

Wenndolyne found herself a place to watch the shrinking shore. She let out a startled cry as Rannis, a magical black alley cat, suddenly appeared in a gathering flash of light upon her shoulder. The mischievous cat, with a bent tail tip and luminous green eyes, took great pleasure in eliciting such responses.

"Must you do that?! I haven't nine lives as you do!" She grinned even while chiding him and reached up to rub beneath his chin. "You're likely to scare me out of the one life I do have."

Rannis smirked, as much as an alley cat can. "Hallo, M'lady Wenn. Ranarak Tarandis of the 3rd Circle of the Circle of Spellcasters, Guardians of Khir Khira... at your service." He curled his tail up around her neck and grinned at her, blinking as only a cat will.

Wenn shook her head at him, always spouting his name and rank, as if she hadn't heard it from him many times already, though she was still unsure what it all meant. "You needn't cozy up to me, Rannis. I cannot help but like you, though the precise reasons usually escape me." She teased with a giggle.

Simon squirmed atop the Admiral's shoulders as they made the rounds to see that all was well. As they approached Wenn and Rannis, the precocious lad kept at it until he was finally set down. Wenn held out her hand to Simon, in case he had wish to take it. He blushed and indeed took her hand, looking up to Rannis on her shoulder.

"No worries, Simon." Wenn smirked. "You can protect me. Mayhap from this cat even."

Simon stuck his tongue out at Rannis who promptly took a playful swipe at him with his paw. The amused luminescence of Rannis' bright green eyes showed Simon there was no real danger, not from this cat anyway. But then, Simon would have known that, had his memory been intact.

For a time the sailing was uneventful, until a shout was heard from the crow's nest. Shortly thereafter, many cries and screams joined the alarm as the party was beset by a group of what eventually was determined to be five red-cloaked riders on wyverns, screeching over the ship. Wenndolyne was certainly startled by the ensuing chaos but her first thought was to look out for Simon. He had wandered away from her before the ruckus began. Wenn scurried around the deck frantically, from covered nook to covered nook, until at last she found Simon huddled in one and joined him, both of them shivering with fear.

While Wenn tried to press herself further back into the nook, Simon suddenly darted out onto the deck weaving through the middle of all the drawn weapons and magic being thrown in defense against the winged attackers and their riders. "Simon!!" Wenn yelled and jumped out after him, gathering her skirts up so she could crouch and duck as needed to follow him.

One of the defenders on deck managed to snag Simon by his collar as he paused to pick up his teddy bear. How it had gotten this far from him, Wenn could not guess. "All yours now." said the armored knight distractedly, as he prepared to slash again at the winged prey. Simon was thus released to Wenn. She grabbed his arm to drag him back under cover.

Wenn tried to make her voice be heard above the skirmish. "Simon, you will have your own battles to fight someday but not now!"

As they ducked again into a covered cubbyhole, Simon said calmly, "But I had to get Teddy." Wenn just sighed and put her arm around his shoulder, vowing to herself that he'd not get away from her again.

Despite their aerial advantage, the wyverns and riders were eventually destroyed by the Valiant's compliment of passengers, who were well accustomed to such hazards. Slashing swords, canted spells and magical blasts had finally slowed to a stop and the group collected on the main deck to assess injuries and the like. Fortunately there was a complement of healers among them too and none were critically wounded in any case.

Wenn, Simon and teddy eventually emerged from their hiding place, unscathed. Simon was content to again sit upon the Admiral's shoulders for a while, as the cruise became just that, an uneventful sailing. Rannis found a comfortable perch and leaned his furry cat face into the wind. With a smirk, he twitched his tail, then walked up and down the deck, speaking in his best haughty accent. "By Jove, I could grow to like this." Simon nodded and asked to be set down upon his feet again so he could walk to the rail and watch the open sea. Shortly thereafter, the Admiral announced that the ship was nearing the Sea of Planes. This meant little to Wenn but seemed to indicate to the others that their destination was near at hand.

Gradually, as the ship proceeded on, a strange magical fog began to envelope them. From within the dense fog came a ghostly voice "I am the Keeper of the Planes. Where do ye seek to go and for what reason?" All those on deck stopped still and shivered, save the Admiral who spoke to his passengers. "We may choose any destination, anywhere on the world." Again the voice from the fog stated plainly, "I am the Keeper of the Planes. Where do ye seek to go and for what reason?"

Simon peered out, trying to see the horizon in the thick white soup. He'd managed to move a bit closer to the Admiral, who then addressed the voice. First, Cartwright spoke words which apparently only he knew, to present his request to the Keeper. Then, he expressed his wish. "We seek passage to Toril, to the city of Water Deep. Our quest is that of honor. Will you grant us passage, Keeper?"

There was no vocal response to this but the mist about the ship began to whirl and all contained therein felt a strange sensation of movement, not at all like the rocking of the sea they had grown accustomed to. In only a few moments, the mist around them became still again, then cleared off, giving way to bright sunshine. When the view was once again unobstructed, the ship was docked in the harbor of a city.

Wenndolyne was holding her stomach. Her initial fright at the fog then its strange effects of motion, had made her somewhat queasy. She looked over to see Rannis still prancing along the rail, "Nothing like traveling in style", he grinned. Simon was leaning way over the rail to look at all the big ropes that had magically appeared to hold the ship against the piers.

Admiral Cartwright's voice called proudly to all on deck "My friends, Welcome to Water Deep, known as the City of Splendors." He gestured widely to sweep across the city vista before them.

A mage in dark robes walked toward the ship, accompanied by two guards dressed in the garb of the Water Deep Watch. Upon approach, the mage addressed the Admiral. "I am glad you have returned, old friend. There is much that needs to be tended to here. Things are not what they appear to be, I fear. There is some corruption in the upper echelons of your sect or perhaps they are not even what they appear to be. I hope there are those among you who practice some helpful arts."

The Admiral nodded, "Yes, Blackstaff, there are indeed."

Rannis was now batting at Simon who was still leaning over the rail. Wenn hoped she was the only one who heard the cat's quip, "I practice, but only so I won't get rusty. I'm already purrrrfect." He smirked and Wenn flicked the tip of his ear. She felt it wasn't very prudent to test fate with arrogance, even if it was dished out with a touch of wit.

The black alley cat left his toying with Simon and leaped to the deck. He twitched his tail and his eyes began to glow until his own shape shifted to draw him up from his feline form to that of a young man, looking approximately Wenn's age. She knew this was not just Rannis demonstrating some doppelganger trick though, for she had seen him in his human form at least a time or two before. He was, in fact, himself.

Timing of his shift aside, Wenn had to admire Rannis. He was handsome in his demure stature, with jet black hair and deep green eyes. He was not a very foreboding sight, despite the black of his tunic, trousers, boots and cloak, for he carried no weapons. The only item of note was a medallion hanging about his neck, the same disc which adorned the alley cat's throat. Someday, Wenn vowed to herself, she would ask him about that ornament.

Attention was returned again to Admiral Cartwright and Blackstaff, as the mage continued to speak. "My friend, you shall need every tool available to you to gain what is sought. Now, on to my official message for you. You and your witnesses, champions, and all those who accompany you, are to assemble in the Great Hall in two hours. Have your witnesses prepared to give testimony, you and your champions ready to do battle. I shall be watching from the shadows but you know I cannot assist or affect the outcome in any way. I can only wish you good luck, my friend."

The Admiral bowed to the mage who abruptly turned and walked away with his escort, back down the lowered gangplank. Shortly thereafter, the Admiral invited all on board to disembark and peruse the city as they journeyed to the appointed meeting. Simon got up off the deck from where he had been sitting, legs swinging over the side through the rails. Wenn offered her hand to the boy and he took it then they fell in line with the others pouring from the ship.

As yet unseen by any of the questing party, a large white arctic wolf was padding through the vast city of Water Deep, making his way to the docks.

Looking out across the gathering, the Admiral asked, "Now who shall be my three champions?"

Immediately, a tall slim elf raised his bow to the Admiral and stepped aside to him. "If I may, I will fight for you, sir."

The Admiral nodded graciously, "Letharion, so noted. Thank you."

The young pirate knight, Sir Lancelot, piped up as well. He was more serious in this instance and raised the hilt of his sword to salute the Admiral "If you have need of me, friend..."

The two men bowed to each other and the Admiral accepted with his same words. He knew he could not truly express his gratitude, "So noted, Noble Lancelot."

"Two warriors then, but I shall need a mage as well." the Admiral mused, as he continued to watch the questors disembark and mill about the dock.

Rannis threw his cape back over his shoulder and stepped aside to the Admiral with his usual smirking grin. "Heh… I've nothing better to do." He then shared a genuine smile with Cartwright.

The large man chuckled and promptly slapped Rannis on the back, rocking his smaller frame forward a bit. "Very well then, cat-mage, so noted."

Slipping in among the questors, barely noticed in his hunter's stealth, was a large white wolf with bright and watchful forest emerald eyes. While the Admiral caught up to Simon and Wenndolyne, the wolf made his way through the crowd. Wenn just looked about, confused and not knowing who was going where to do what. The Admiral reassured both she and his ward that they should follow along, for Simon also needed to go to the Great Hall. It was his best hope for the restoration of his memory. Letting go of Wenn, Simon stepped in close beside Cartwright and slipped his little hand into the Admiral's.

Still in the back of the group, which was now on the move through the streets of Water Deep, Ancient Wolf's form shimmered and he changed to that of an elderly man dressed in a long white robe. His forest emerald eyes shone from an aged, tanned, cleanly shaven face, framed by long stark white hair. His gaze held great regard for those present as he leaned upon a white oaken staff.

The Lady Platonic smiled to the mage and bowed her head respectfully. Lord Ancient Wolf returned a warm smile to her, "Greetings, m'lady." He stepped in and paced her, to proceed with the others following Admiral Cartwright.

Simon tugged on Cartwright's hand "Where are we going again?"

The Admiral smiled down to him "We shall all go to the Temple of Tymora, to the great hall."

Simon looked up, wide-eyed, "Are they nice there?"

The man's response was mostly to comfort what he sensed was fear, "Most people here are nice and good hearted, yes, Simon." The boy nodded, feeling a bit more confident, then looked over his shoulder and beckoned Wenn to hold his other hand. She stepped up even with him to do just that.

There was chatter among the party as they wandered the streets toward their destination. Simon whispered to Wenn while he gestured to the Admiral "I'm gonna have all my mem'ries back soon."

Wenndolyne whispered back to Simon with a smile, "I do hope so."

As they proceeded, walking past various shoppes and stands of a myriad of craftsmen, the Admiral told of the land and how it is much like Camelot, home to many races such as gnomes, dwarves, humans, elves, half elves, even centaurs and wemics. Before long they saw at the end of a great avenue, a large temple shining before them. With some reverence in his voice, the Admiral announced their arrival, "The greatest Temple to Tymora in all the Realms..."

"Wow, Simon, look at that." Wenn said in hushed awe. Simon was already staring at the innumerable steps leading up to the huge temple and large, ornate doors of its entrance. Following the Admiral's lead, the party proceeded up the long path of steps.

Just as the first of the party crested onto the dais of the temple, evil laughter filled the air and a tall wispy dark figure appeared floating before them. With him, were twelve skeleton guards. The lich's words echoed against the face of the temple and rumbled down the stairs through the questors "Ah, I see you have come for your appointment, Admiral!" The spectre swept a bony hand out, dark sleeve sweeping through the air, more like black smoke than cloth. "It shall be your last, Cartwright!" He shook his fist and swooped his horrid face forward to scowl at him, then added, as his glowing eyes scanned the group, "Dare not interfere, Mortals!"

Sir Lancelot drew his sword and rushed in to take on the skeleton guards nearest him, putting himself between most of the questors and the undead. Simon jumped back a pace and Wenndolyne with him. Rannis' eyes began to glow and he shapeshifted back into his alley cat form, leaping at once to the front of the conflict. Letharion drew his iron-tipped dagger and prepared to do battle. The Admiral's blade rang out as it slipped from its sheath and swept through the air at one of the attacking skeletons.

Wenndolyne dragged Simon back further "Come, little one! We have no weapons! Get back!" They were passed by the aged white mage who moved with amazing agility. For the first time, Wenndolyne saw Lord Ancient Wolf call upon his birthright, enveloping him in a bright silvery blue light which shrank and faded and left in the mage's place... a large white arctic wolf. The wolf bounded toward the battle and charged one of the attacking skeletons. Shortly thereafter he had scattered the bones and crushed the undead's skull within his powerful jaws.

Simon hugged to Wenn tightly as the two of them cowered near a pillar, watching the champions take down the undead guards, one by one. Rannis' tail twitched and three fireballs hurled toward one target, blazing it into splintered bone. Lancelot and the Admiral managed to sever the skulls from four of the attackers, leaving their stick-like bodies to clatter to the ground. Letharion hastily prepared a spell of banishing and with the touch of his dagger, two more skeletons were assuaged, left as piles of white dust to be carried off by the wind.

Others in the questing party were hurriedly chanting spells and using amulets to weaken and stay the skeletons from victory. Wenn could do naught but whisper to Simon, "It shall be fine. They shall protect us." She began to see hope that this was true then sighed relief as the last of the skeletons was put down. But, there was still the wraith-like leader to be dealt with.

His guard was vanquished but his confidence did not falter. The Lich grinned a horrid wide grin from his rotted face and leaned toward the Admiral "I am not impressed with this display. I have gained more power since you left and I cannot, will not, allow you to go any further." He leaned back and the hollow sound of his laughter echoed in their ears.

Simon shivered with fear but Ancient Wolf, the defender nearest them, padded over to stand before Wenn and the boy, silently offering his protection should it be needed. Wenn managed a weak smile on her frightened face to thank the wolf. She smiled her thanks to Platonic as well, when the lady joined them for support. Ancient Wolf nuzzled Simon trying to reassure him, further shielding them with his body.

The Admiral shook his head at the spectre "Ah, my old friend Tarnus. It would appear you are a bit angry with me, simply because I killed you once already."

Lady Platonic leaned to Wenndolyne and inquired if she was alright. Wenn nodded. "Yes, I believe so." she whispered. "I am more concerned about Simon."

The wolf then spoke but without voice, unlike Rannis who, even in cat form, could be seen speaking. The voice coming to Wenn's mind rather than her ears, startled her at first, but then his words were comforting enough. His thoughts conveyed, **I have them, Lady Platonic. You need not fear.** Simon was still shaking though and beginning to cry a bit. Wenn shushed him softly and began to rock with him as Lady Platonic slipped her hand gently over his furrowed brow. The crying lessened and the lad turned in Wenn's arms, daring to peer out again at Cartwright and the ghastly creature facing him.

((break?))

"Tarnus!" The Admiral boomed at the Lich, "This shall end here, now, and forever. I challenge thee!" The first of several magical blasts were fired and Admiral Cartwright's sword slashed in defense.

The arrogant Tarnus jeered, "You cannot best me! You, nor your challengers!" He spit the last word at them all. "I am the Guardian of the Temple and you shall not gain entrance!"

As distraction for herself and her charge, Wenndolyne whispered to Simon "I'm glad you're here with me. I'm not as frightened." Simon nodded as though he almost believed it. Ancient Wolf grinned, overhearing her words to the lad.

Wenn then slipped her hand into her pouch of stones and sifted until two wishing gems found their way into her hand. She gave one to Simon and kept the other for herself. "These are only good for wishing, but hope is all we've got to fight with."

Simon took the stone and looked at it. "Is it magic?"

Wenn tried to smile for him then quickly kissed his forehead. "Sort of Magic." Simon blushed, even in the midst of all the commotion.

Admiral Cartwright raised his amulet, a holy symbol that hung from a chain about his neck. It was a solid gold figure of the rune Perthro embellished with bright jewels. He said loudly "In the name of Tymora, I cast thee out!! May thy soul rest with Cyric forever!" His words and other powers, being what they may, the Admiral backed up his statement with a lunge at Tarnus, burying his holy sword into whatever made up the ethereal body.

The Lich writhed in pain a moment then straightened again and shot out grasping fingers toward Cartwright "You'll need more than that you fool!" He looked as though he might strike the Admiral with some magical bolt then his gaunt eyes shifted… shifted to the small cluster of people at the base of the nearby pillar, and his eyes landed on Simon. "Aha! Fodder!" he cried.

Lady Platonic furrowed her brows, "Fodder?" Ancient Wolf looked from Tarnus to Simon, just as Wenn made the connection too. "No!" Wenn cried and turned with Simon to hide him more from the eyes of the undead evil.

His voice was like sickening syrup, dripping fear into her heart and Simon's, though he spoke to the Admiral of the boy, "You came to give sacrifice?"

Without a verbal response, the Admiral held his sword out as shield and produced a vial from his uniform jacket. Tarnus shifted his cold stare away then back to Simon, prompting Wenn to protest more loudly, in all she could think to say, "NO!"

Quickly Ancient Wolf was shrouded in bright light and rose to the height of his human form, the old mage, with flowing white robe to cover Simon from sight and hopefully from harm. Wolf stood facing toward the Lich, his oaken staff firmly in his hand and ready to defend.

Tarnus seemed to be concentrating, working up a powerful spell, but none could yet guess what manner of harm he intended. Rannis had been standing by with Lancelot and Letharion, waiting to see how they might aid the Admiral. Now the cat-mage twitched his tail and added to Simon's defenses, bathing the boy in a slightly glowing aura of protection, primarily from fire. Just in case, he twitched his tail again and added another, protection from cold. Simon cried out "Don't let him take me!", while Tarnus' glowing eyes continued to stare as though seeing through all of them to the lad.

The Admiral took his opportunity and swept his arm out with the now opened vial in his hand. His gesture crossed the Lich's form, showering him with holy water. Cartwright ordered his enemy, "Back to Hell, Beast!!"

With a shocked look on his spectre-like face, at his now smoldering robes, Tarnus slowly turned his gaze back to the Admiral and fired off a hasty lightning bolt at him. Cartwright tossed the vial then rushed forward with the Symbol of Perthro in his hand, even as the lich called down to his source of powers, whatever level of Hell that might be.

Simon could sit still no more. He had the sudden urge to flee and wriggled from Wenn's arms. She jumped up and chased after him. "Simon! Please… No! Don't run!"

Cartwright repeated his order to the lich. "I command thee back!"

Tarnus, though visibly weakened, cried out in an obstinate harsh voice and a gesture of bony hand and ragged sleeve, "You will not enter here!!" The Admiral was knocked back and fell to the stone as the lightning bolt hit him.

Ancient Wolf shifted hastily and the large arctic wolf set out to chase after Simon, gaining on him quickly. Frightened by the battle though, Simon continued to run as fast has his legs would carry him. Wenndolyne, considerably farther behind, lagged even more as she stumbled on her skirts then regained her feet and ran after the boy and the wolf.

Tarnus' horrific essence grew in size as it hovered over the Admiral who was still collapsed onto the stone, uniform smoldering from the lightning strike. "The NEW lords of this realm have commanded me to guard this place.. especially from the Admiral!! Take heed and be gone!" His voice gained strength as he felt the powers he'd called enter into him.

Rannis rolled his luminescent green eyes skyward and twitched his tail. "All you evil types are so tedious." was his comment to the spectre. Lady Platonic was momentarily torn about whether to help catch Simon but turned her attention back to the action on the dais. Wenndolyne and the wolf would surely see to the boy's safety and the Lady could perhaps assist in this battle close at hand.

Wenn cried out to the lad through tears. "Please, Simon..." She so very much feared the lich's attention would catch him ere the wolf-mage could. Yet, shortly after this thought passed through her mind, Ancient Wolf caught up behind Simon and grabbed the back of his shirt within his teeth. He pulled back and the two of them tumbled to the ground. Startled, Simon cried out "He's gonna take me! No!" thinking that Tarnus had nabbed him. Moments later he realized it had been the wolf instead.

Thankfully, up on the dais, the lich was preoccupied. Cartwright was recovering from the blast he'd taken and rose again to his feet, albeit not as steady as before. "I am Paladin Cartwright! You will not stop me! I am the warrior of my Goddess! I am truth, honor, and you are naught but evil! You have no dominion!"

Rannis, perched close by, twitched his tail and raised an energy shield around his alley cat form. He smirked while assessing the lich for a decent strike zone. "I hate that guy. I really do." He was then prepared to help the Admiral put back Tarnus. Letharion had been aiding too, casting a spell of draining, intending to stop or at least weaken any further offensive magic the lich might seek to use. Sir Lancelot fought the urge to jump into this fray, for he had taken guard of the rest of the questors. Still, had he seen opportunity... but there was none.

"And you are about to be a victim, Admiral!" came Tarnus' reply. "You should never have come back. Now your life is forfeit!" Even as the last of the evil one's words faded from the air, Cartwright's chanting became louder, he was chanting his prayer of banishment. The spectre was taken aback as the words reached him and more importantly, their effect began to work against his power.

With Rannis and Letharion to back him, Cartwright directed his prayer more vehemently to the lich. "This is Holy ground! I call upon Tymora to banish you!!" came his final insistent cry of battle as he lunged and aimed his silver holy sword at the lich's eyes.

Rannis nonchalantly drew a paw up to lick it then called out "It's battle time!" while his form started to shimmer, growing the tattered alley cat into a large black panther. The panther leaped forward, claws extended and scratching wildly at Tarnus who seemed hardly affected by Cartwright's hit. Alas, sparks flew in a spray from Rannis' fur as Tarnus managed a defense strike against him. Rannis spun backward through the air, yelping, "Aaaiiiieee!" He landed on four large black paws but immediately slumped to the ground, unconscious.

In the meantime, Letharion was calling upon the power of Asurmen to protect the others and mounting his own magical attack from the other side, but his spells and prayers seemed to have little effect.

Wenn, Simon and Ancient Wolf had now gathered near Lady Platonic again. Platonic hastily called up a spell to help guard herself and those close to her with white light protection, lest the battle before them scatter outward. Simon shivered uncontrollably in Wenn's arms. She whispered to him, trying to allay his fears, but was truly too frightened herself to believe her own words. Soon her whispering seemed more like prayer and Simon's face was wet with tears. He could see the Admiral being attacked by that horrible thing and feared the worst. Even the strike directly into the lich's eyes seemed only to anger him further and his bony hands reached out toward Cartwright.

Simon started struggling to free himself again, "Somebody help him!! I gotta go help him!!" but Wenn held fast. "No, Simon...ssshhh.. You'll only distract him! He needs to be free to fight. You must stay put! He cannot fight and worry about you too." Simon protested and continued trying to wriggle free. "But he needs help!"

This was true, the Admiral needed much help, more than his champions or others present could give and so, he called upon the help needed. He gripped the Symbol of Perthro and yanked to break the chain. As the demon curled toward him to attack, Cartwright smashed the symbol into the demon's face, "Let the power of my Goddess slay you then!" The shape of the thing burned into the unholy flesh. The demon cowered back, steam and smoke hissing from his face as he cried out in anguish.

Still fearing that Simon would run again, and into the worst danger this time, Wenndolyne reassured him. "See how he gains over the evil. Stay here and watch how powerful the Admiral really is." Simon nodded but was still sobbing. He tried to concentrate on Cartwright's voice as he continued to chant his words of banishment to finish off the wraith.

((break?))

At last, the smoldering demon crumbled into a heap on the dais. What was left of him, mostly cloth and charred bone, tumbled down the temple steps. Cartwright's voice had gone more quiet as he turned to watch the motion. "I left you once Tymora, but no more... Today I make amends."

Ancient Wolf padded over to Rannis. He assessed the panther lying nearly dead, only shallow breathing to evidence that he survived. Lady Platonic followed and asked of his condition. To her mind, the wolf replied **Too much of his lifeforce used at once, in his attempt and the lich's counter attack.** Almost before his thought was finished, the wolf was shrouded in bright light and shifted from wolf to elderly mage again. He pressed his hand upon Rannis' chest, allowing energy to flow to him. "We must help him quickly, add to his drained energy that he may heal and recover." Immediately Lady Platonic descended to her knees, holding her pendant in one hand and caressing the panther's fur with the other, radiating healing and restorative powers to him.

The Admiral slipped to the stone, his battle done, all his energy expended. Sir Lancelot ran up to Cartwright as Simon looked up to Wenn and pleaded, "Can I go to him now?" She shook her head and her hoarse voice whispered "No... not yet. Give those who can help, room to come to his aid." She was really thinking though... let us see if he yet lives. Sir Lancelot looked up and around at the others, a helpless expression on his face as he whispered, "He isn't breathing..."

That was it for Simon. His eyes lit up with anger focused at Wenndolyne for holding him. "I need to see him!! I need to go see that he's alright!!" Wenn looked into the lad's face and nodded, releasing her hold on him. "Go, Simon... Go." If the man was dead, then Simon could not be in the way of persons helping. But if he yet lived... It was a hope. She called after Simon as he jumped up and ran toward the Admiral, "Tell him how much you care for him!"

Rannis' large luminescent green eyes flickered open at last. He struggled to raise his head off the stone floor and look at the mage and the lady aiding him. "Did I... Did I get him?" came a weak rumbling voice from the throat of the magical panther.

Lord Wolf slowly withdrew from his energy link to Rannis and smiled. "Aye, ye all did, I think." The panther twitched an ear and his mouth drew into something of a smirk while his head lowered again heavily. He whispered, "Good." before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, resting then to allow his lifeforce to continue rebuilding.

Simon dropped to Cartwright's side then lay over him to hug him, crying against his chest, saying over and over, "I love you... please don't go away. I love you... please don't go..." By this time others in the group who had power and means, had gathered and there was a murmur of prayers, chanting and spells, anything that might save Cartwright's life. Lord Wolf, Lady Platonic and Wenndolyne moved to stand over the Admiral as well. Gradually as they all watched, a silver glow began to surround the prone body of the Admiral and Simon felt something happening to the man. He sat back, hoping to see him wake up.

Wake up he did, then he sat up as if nothing was wrong with him. Cartwright sat up straight and looked around at all of them. "Who are you people? What are you doing here?" The gathering looked at him then at each other then back to the Admiral again as he rose to stand. Simon backed away from him and ran into Wenn who gently rested her hand on his shoulder.

"Who are you people? What are you doing here?" The Admiral repeated. "Who leads you? He must speak or Cartwright will die."

There was almost a collective gasp from the crowd but Sir Lancelot's voice came through the shocked whispers. "I shall speak for us. The Admiral must live."

The image of Cartwright turned his eyes to Lancelot. "Why should I save this man? He did forsake me once." The unfamiliar and unnatural voice echoed from the Admiral's familiar face. "I am the voice of Tymora. Why does he deserve to live? I shall judge him upon your words."

Lancelot proudly began to argue in Cartwright's defense. "He honors the code of chivalry, is faithful to his friends, just in his treatment of all and trusted by all good who know him. He was wronged here and left his faith behind but came back to settle accounts and make atonement, which he has done this day. He deserves not only to live but to be restored to his rightful honor, to full paladinship."

Through Lancelot's speech, Simon whispered with his small voice, "I love you.. come back. Please come back..." while others quietly spoke their confirmation of Lancelot's words. Lancelot extended his hands out and gestured to the crowd, "All these have come in support of Admiral Cartwright, knowing his sense of honor and duty as well as his devotion to Tymora. He is our friend and noble help in time of need." Lancelot glared at what appeared to be Cartwright but clearly was not. "To let this man die would be a great loss among all honorable men... and he had led us to believe you were more just than this."

His words hung in the air a moment and some in the group wondered if Lancelot was not risking his own life by making such a statement to an obviously powerful being. Finally, the image of Cartwright spoke, "I have what I need then... reason to preserve Cartwright's life and if he is to live, he shall be a paladin in my service as well... So be it, he shall not die this day."

Simon looked up, tears streaming down his face, making his own plea then, "Please! Bring him back to me!"

The Admiral looked down to the lad and smiled. He knelt before Simon and arched a brow, "Before I bring him back to you... perhaps a gift. After all, you are most certainly innocent in whatever may have occurred here."

Simon swallowed as he stared at the man who looked like his adopted father but didn't sound at all like him. "Gift?" Simon asked.

The man nodded, "Yes, a gift the paladin would wish you to have." A hand reached out and tapped Simon's temple to which Simon only blinked. Wenn was worried but she looked to Lord Wolf standing near, hoping he and his magic could somehow determine if this situation was good for the lad. The old mage returned her gaze with a smile and a reassuring nod, as if reading her silent question and answering it. Simon, nor Wenn, nor most of the others, would realize until later that the brief touch from Tymora restored the boy's memory, negating the effects of the horrid spider bite.

As Cartwright's hand withdrew, he was again engulfed in a silver aura. When it faded and those eyes looked into Simon's eyes, the boy knew immediately that Cartwright was back again. The Admiral was whole, healed and paladinship restored. Simon lunged forward and wrapped his arms around Cartwright's neck. The Admiral hugged him tightly and stood up with him then put Simon upon his strong shoulders. Lancelot reached out to shake the Admiral's hand and welcome back his friend. Soon the others clamored around him to add their welcoming and gratitude for his return.

Paladin Cartwright looked around at all his friends, "Let's go home!" to which they all cheered.

By this time, Rannis' lifeforce was restored enough for him to walk, though he felt the panther form was a bit much to contend with. He used the minimal amount of energy necessary to shift back to the tattered alley cat and Lady Platonic volunteered to carry him. As a group, the questors began to retrace their path back to the docks.

Simon bounced along happily on the Admiral's shoulders, then let out a cry, "Hey!! I remember! I 'member it all!! You... the firehall... the ship... everything!" He was crying and giggling at the same time. He and Cartwright chatted all the way back, gleefully recalling Simon's memories together.

Wenndolyne looked ahead to see that Simon was in good care and sighed as she put her wishing gem back into her pouch. Her attention was drawn by a bright light flaring and fading beside her. She hadn't realized the elderly mage had been walking so close and was quite startled that now a large white wolf was padding along at her pace.

**Beg pardon.** The wolf's thoughts entering her mind, made her jump again. **I meant not to frighten, m'lady.**

Wenn looked down at the wolf's face and his sparkling deep emerald eyes were looking back at her. "I... I am not accustomed to much magic use."

Ancient Wolf hissed a snicker. **Well, perhaps, but this form is much more suitable for travel.**

Wenn relaxed a little in the company of such a being. He seemed gentlemanly enough. She grinned. "Aye, four paws rather than two feet, perhaps I see the benefit of this." Without thinking, her hand drifted down to gently brush the fur on the wolf's head and rub his ear. There was a wolfish grin and then he playfully licked her hand, eliciting a giggle.

As the questors gradually made their way to the docks then up the gangplank, the Admiral and Paladin Cartwright greeted them and again thanked each one. After the last had come aboard, including a large white wolf this time, Cartwright headed toward the wheel of the ship. Simon looked back over his shoulder and waved, bidding farewell to the Temple of Tymora and Water Deep.

Through the same method as their arrival, the Admiral called upon the Keeper of the Planes to transport the ship and all its passengers back to the harbor at Camelot, where a now weary group disembarked and retired to the firehall of Camelot or their own homes.

Having waited with worry most of the day in the firehall, many rushed to greet Cartwright and Simon as they returned. A fine celebration ensued, with Simon and the Admiral sharing the adventure and their news, including the return of paladinship and Simon's enthusiastic telling, all over again, that his memory was back.

Wenndolyne made her way through the hall and listened to all the excited voices recounting the events that she herself had witnessed. She looked down to say something to the wolf, but he was gone. Her brow furrowed and she continued on to her usual place at the hearth, pondering where he might have gone to, so abruptly. Ere long though, she was sipping wine and writing in her journal, wanting to jot down at least enough of her first big adventure in Camelot so that she might do it justice later.

(AC/dp/ew/dj/etc...channel)