the darkness of daltigoth

8/12/2019 The Darkness of Daltigoth

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COHEN/THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH/ PAGE-1

THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH

The STORMLORD Trilogy

Volume Two

By

Lawrene !" #ohen

$%&&' Lawrene !" #ohen


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DEDI#ATION

In lo(ing memory o) Gran*+a,

Murry Ka+lanMoi-he .en /i01ha2 HaKohen Ka+lan

3 A*ar 3453 6 %'0hFe.ruary 7893

An*

Gran*ma,

Irene Ka+lan

Hi22a .a- /o-e)%5 Si(an 3447 6 %'0h!une %&77


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A#KNO:LEDGMENTS

To my parent! E""y an# $art%n Co&en! '&o %nt%""e# a "o(e o) "%terat*re %n me at a yo*n+a+e, $y tea&er! $r, Cynt&%a .ao 0t&an# t&+ra#e $r, S&ar 4t&+ra#e +enera" %ene

$r, .*#y Gar+*%""o an# $r, Anne H*nt! $ana"apan H%+& S&oo" En+"%& DepartmentPro)eor Car" Ca"en#ar an# Gene Sny#er! 5roo#a"e Comm*n%ty Co""e+e En+"%& DepartmentPro)eor Oar $*ar%e""o an# Em%"y Tra))or# 5er+e! Ne' .erey C%ty State 6n%(er%tyEn+"%& Department an# my "%terary a+ent! Da(e $on%! '&o )%na""y +ot t&e e#%tor at7%8ar# o) t&e Coat to ee ene an# rea# my man*r%pt,

Shadowsong% a rea" "e+en#ary 'or# ra)te# y t&e "ate 7ayne 6rta#t o) t&e So%ety)or Creat%(e Ana&ron%m! t&e rea" Sha*owma2er" Aor#%n+ to ta"e to"# %n ta(ern an# %nna"" aro*n# Sa#%a an# Krynn! t&% mater'or 9*a"%ty "a#e 'a o(ete# y a""! *t none o*"#a))or# S&a#o'maer: a%n+ pr%e, E(ent*a""y %t 'a p*r&ae# y t&e on o) an *nname# 6,S,Senator! an# *ppoe#"y &an+ on &% 'a"" ome'&ere,

Arion% ae# on my o'n a&'oo# ta))! ra)te# o) *n)%n%&e# 'oo# )rom a ap"%n+!'&%& &a )%(e t'%t %n %t )rom (%ne +ro'%n+ aro*n# t&e yo*n+ tree, T&% ta)) 'a p*r&ae#)or ;>?III @14,B I:(e %ne a##e# a rare +o"#en #ra+on: "a' "*t&%n+ ao"%# amet&yt ryta" a"" to %t top, T&ee +o"#en #ra+on "a' an e p*r&ae# )rom 5*t&Hone o) t&e SCA at @1B 30-


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COHEN/THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH/ PAGE-ual to a

fireball. The Test determined if he !as !illing to gi%e himself completely o%er to the magic, and

ho! he did it decided !hich robe he !ould ultimately !ear.

I...passed?

Indeed. You slaughtered a !hite dragon !ith your lightning bolts, then sacrificed an

entire ships cre!, as !ell as your o!n party members, all to obtain the staff you no! hold.

'old, stated $othard, his green eyes glinting in the stark light.

8uthless, and cunning, agreed 5ordant. &er black hair glo!ed like silk. /cts

!orthy of 8aistlin 5a


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COHEN/THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH/ PAGE-1==

tone! '%t& t&e &%#e o) ome '%"# eat er(%n+ a an area r*+, T&e )*rn%t*re 'a ma#e o) 'oo#!

*t (ery o"#! an# &%ppe# %n p"ae, T&e "%nen 'a %m%"ar"y 'orn! an# t&e "anet! '&%&

o(ere# &%m! &a# een pat&e# %n p"ae,

T&e oy! per&ap a year or t'o yo*n+er t&an .aryn! 'ore t&e taar# o) a 9*%re o)

So"amn%a, T&ro*+& t&e open '%n#o'! .aryn &ear# t&e o*n# o) mar&%n+ troop! &o*te#

or#er! an# meta" 'or# "a&%n+ to+et&er %n prat%e, S"o'"y! t&e yo*n+ ma+e #ra%ne# t&e

eon# *p o) 'ater! an# rea"%8e# '&ere &e 'a,

T&e So"amn% Fortre o) Pont%+ot&! &e prono*ne#, T&eyJor at "eat! &eJm*t:(e

een re*e# an# ro*+&t &ere, 7%t& a tart! .aryn rememere# &% #ream! an# '&at %t

porten#e#, $y )r%en#! S%r $ar&am! Garnet! an# Pr%ne $er%#%t&J

Are a"" a)e! S%r $a+e! t&e oy a%# )orma""y! %) a "%tt"e t%))"y, T&e So"amn%

Kn%+&t&oo# 'a not )on# o) ma+%-*er! a"t&o*+& t&ey repete# t&e 7&%te 7%8ar#, .aryn

no##e#! *n#ertan#%n+ t&at t&e 9*%re 'a %mp"y #o%n+ &% #*ty, He:# proa"y 'at&e# &%m!

e(en n*re# &%m! )or e(era" #ay no'! per&ap )or 'ee, A &%p re*e# yo*r party! an#

ro*+&t yo* a &ere,

Fa)n%r "ay *r"e# on t&e "anet on top o) &% )eet, T&e ra(e "%tt"e pe*#o#ra+on &a#

ne(er "e)t &% %#e, An %ma+e )%""e# &% m%n#! &o' Fa)n%r taye# a"o)t! &o(er%n+ *t ao(e t&e

'a(e! re)*%n+ to aan#on &%m! no matter &o' t%re# &e 'a, T&e "%tt"e #ra+on rema%ne#

tea#)at! *nt%" .aryn 'a "a%# %n t&% e#! are)*""y ten#e# y "er% an# t&% 9*%re, Ima+e o)

$ar&am! %n%tent"y or#er%n+ rare me#%%na" po'#er )or &% &%"#&oo# )r%en#! )%""e# &% &ea#,

T&e yo*n+ ma+e: eyero' roe ept%a""y, A""

A"" o) yo*r &%p:passengers! t&e 9*%re amen#e#, I &a# et +et S%r $ar&am, He

'ante# to no' t&e moment yo* 'oe, o*r roe 'ere "eane#, MT% %n t&e &et at t&e )oot o)

yo*r e#, I:m a)ra%# yo*r "eat&er oot 'ere r*%ne#! &o'e(er, I #r%e# t&em o*t a et a I

o*"#,


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COHEN/THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH/ PAGE-1=1

No##%n+ po"%te"y! t&e 9*%re too &% "ea(e, .aryn 'at&e# t&e o"%# oa #oor open! t&en

"oe, He at t&ere )or e(era" m%n*te! "%ten%n+ to t&e n%+&t #r%""%n+ o*t%#e &% '%n#o'!

ta%n+ perona" %n(entory! reat&%n+ #eep"y! an# try%n+ to +et &% emot%on *n#er ontro",

T&at 'a no #ream &e:# &a# It 'a a %ision)rom So"%nar%, He )e"t %t! ne' t&e %+n, It

'a a 'arn%n+, E(eryt&%n+! t&% ent%re m%%on! t&e "%(e o) &% )r%en#! #epen#e# on &%m,

Dor%an 5arrett "e# t&em a **a"! *t t&ey 'ere ao*t to enter a #an+ero* #oma%n o) t&e

ma+%a", He an# t&e 5"a Roe! L*n#ar E"%pe! 'ere t&e on"y one '&o rea""y ne' '&at t&ey

'ere )a%n+, One t&ey entere# t&e Ka#ot&an Gro(e! t&e G*ar#%an Foret o) Da"t%+ot& To'er! a""

et 'ere o)), .aryn an# L*n#ar: poo"e# no'"e#+e an# %"" 'o*"# e a"" t&at o*"# po%"y

&%e"# t&e ot&er,

T&e #oor reae# open! an# $ar&am S'or#&a' teppe# %n%#e, He 'a 'ear%n+

n%+&t"y roe %ntea# o) &% armor, It 'a a ea*t%)*" 'oo"en +arment '%t& t&e Coat o) Arm o)

t&e Or#er o) t&e Cro'n emro%#ere# on t&e )ront an# a, H% +reat'or# 'a a"o trappe# to

&% a! an# a #a++er 'a &eat&e# at &% e"t,

Ho' are yo* )ee"%n+ $ar&am ae#! onern 'r%tten on &% )ae, H% )r%en# "ooe#

"%e &e &a#n:t "ept %n a'&%"e! an# .aryn *pete# $ar &a# pent many "on+ &o*r at &%

e#%#e,

L%e I *t )o*+&t a #ra+on an# near"y #ro'ne#! .aryn rep"%e#, H% )"a&e# a m%"e at

&% o'n '%t! )e"t a 'a(e o) #%88%ne pa! an# )ro'ne#, Ho' "on+ 'a I o*t

T&ree #ay! $ar&am rep"%e#! tepp%n+ "oer, o* "ept "%e t&e #ea#, I:(e ne(er

een yo* t&% a#, T%mer'o") an# $er%#%t& ot& a%# t&ere 'a not&%n+ t&ey o*"# #o )or yo*r

a%"ment,

I:m "*y to e a"%(e! .aryn a+ree#! rememere# &% #ream! an# t&e rea"%ty t&at &a#

)orme# %t, I near"y #ra%ne# mye") #ry, D%# I a(e t&e &%p

$ar&am ma#e a )ae, S&e 'ent #o'n, o*r pe"" )a#e# '&en yo* "ot on%o*ne,

I +*e yo* #%#n:t &a(e t&e tren+t& "e)t to omp"ete %t,

.ae: (o%e 'a a '&%per, T&e re'


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A t&%r# *r(%(e#! $ar&am to"# &%m, A 'e"" a a"" o) *,

A third, T'enty peop"e! o*t o) near"y %ty a%"or, T&e oy 'a""o'e#, He "ooe#

a'ay! tare# at t&e 'a"", T&e e(en "%ne o) +ray mortar et'een t&e "o 'ere tran+e"y

om)ort%n+,

Don:t )ee" a#"y ao*t %t! $ar&am to"# &%m! &% (o%e tron+ an# reo*n#%n+, He p*t

a om)ort%n+ &an# on .aryn:, I) %t &a#n:t een )or yo*! noneo) * 'o*"#:(e *r(%(e#, o*

&e"pe# )%n%& t&at #ra+on o))! #on:t )or+et, T&e a%"or '&o #%e# "ater ma#e t&e )oo"%& m%tae

o) *mp%n+ %nto t&e )ree8%n+ o"# 'ater, T&ey 'ere #ea# %n m%n*te, $ot o) t&oe '&o

*r(%(e# 'ere e%t&er %n t&e "on+oat! or on t&e mae&%)t ra)t Capta%n Dromon# *%"t at t&e "at

m%n*te,

.aryn "%tene#! t&en t&o*+&t )or a )e' m%n*te, H% "o+%a" m%n# rea"%8e# omet&%n+,

Ho' o*"# anyo#y &a(eJ

Ha(e *r(%(e# t&e 'ater 7e 'o*"#n:t &a(e! yo* an# me! %) %t &a#n:t een )or t&at pe""

o) yo*r to eep * 'arm,

*ndure the *lements! .aryn no##e#! an# t&en rea"%8e# omet&%n+ e"e, An# yo*r

armor

At t&e ottom o) t&e 5ay o) Darne! a"on+ '%t& t&e ret o) o*r +ear! $ar&am to"#

&%m, I:m &a(%n+ ne' armor ma#e a 'e pea,

.aryn "%ne#! *n#ertan#%n+, A )*"" *%t o) p"ate armor 'a not omet&%n+ t&at o*"# e

ept %n to! e(en at an eta"%&e# So"amn% )ortre, Ea& *%t &a# to e *tom-ma#e )or

ea& %n#%(%#*a" n%+&t, Fort*nate"y! '&%"e t&e o"# 'eat&er &ere pre(ente# t&e +ro'%n+ o) rop!

t&e m%n%n+! me"t%n+! an# )or+%n+ o) tee" an# ot&er meta" 'o*"# e *n%mpa%re#, T&e

"am%t& &op 'o*"# e #o%n+ a r% *%ne %n#ee#,

Garnet: ma%n+ %t )or me, He a%# %t:# tae at "eat anot&er 'ee! '&%& % t&e ame

amo*nt o) t%me $er%#%t& an# L*n#ar a%# %t 'o*"# tae yo* to re*perate, T&e Kn%+&t-

Comman#er: o*t)%tt%n+ * '%t& rep"aement )or a"" o) o*r m%%n+ +ear! %n"*#%n+ ne' &ore,

.aryn '%ne#, Sorry ao*t F%re)oot,


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A+a%n! #on:t onern yo*re")! $ar&am rep"%e# '%t& a m%"e, 7e:re a"%(e! an# 'e:re

%n re"at%(e"y one p%ee, Can:t a )or more t&an t&at! a)ter a "a& '%t& a #ra+on,

T&e #oor reae# open a+a%n, It 'a t&e 9*%re! ear%n+ a tray o) )oo# )or .aryn, He et

%t #o'n on t&e n%+&ttan#! t&en 'a"e# o*t a+a%n '%t&o*t a 'or#,

Fr%en#"y type! .aryn remare#! no##%n+ to t&e #oor t&e 9*%re &a# *t pae# t&ro*+&,

Treate# me "%e &e:# )o*n# me *n#er a ro,

$ot o) t&e n%+&t&oo# t%"" #oen:t tr*t ma+e! $ar&am an'ere#! p%e# *p t&e

tray! an# ett"e# %t aro .aryn: "ap, C&an+e tae t%me, o* no' t&at,

T%me 'e may not &a(e! .aryn an'ere#, On t&e tray 'ere a team%n+ o'" o) +reen

pea o*p! a &*n o) rea#! an# a m*+ o) re# '%ne, He t%rre# t&e o*p! an# t&en "*rpe# %t, He

*##en"y toppe#,

$ar! my pe""oo It 'a %n my 5a+ o) Ho"#%n+J

T&at: a)e! $ar&am a%#! a"m"y, E"%pe empt%e# yo*r ma+% a+ %n )ront o) me

an# Dor%an, F%rt t&%n+ &e &ee# 'a t&e pe""oo! an# &e prono*ne# %t "ean an# #ry! a"on+

'%t& e(eryt&%n+ e"e %n%#e, T&e n%+&t )ro'ne#, In"*#%n+ t&ree ma"" &et o) trea*re, 7e

o*nte# o(er 1!=== tee" p%ee! 0!4== p"at%n*m p%ee! an# o(er 2=!=== 'ort& %n pre%o*

+em, I &a# no %#ea yo* 'ere t&at 'ea"t&y,

.aryn &r*++e#, Hey! t&e )ort*ne: m%ne y r%+&t o) %n&er%tane, Don:t "oo at me "%e

t&at, I !asp"ann%n+ to p"%t %t *p et'een o*r )r%en#, o* no' me! $ar,

Aye! I #o! $ar&am rep"%e#, An# %t isyo*r! .ae, No one 'o*"# "ame yo* %) yo*

ept %t, o* +a(e *p a at"e an# "an#,

T&at: not my 'ay, For no'! tae '&at yo* t&%n % )a%r! an# pay t&e Kn%+&t

Comman#er )or &% &op%ta"%ty! 'o*"# yo*

$ar&am no##e#, Later! '&en yo* )ee" etter, E(eryt&%n+ yo* &a# on yo*r peron % %n

t&at 'oo#en &et y yo*r e#, o* an +o t&ro*+& %t "ater,

Goo#, No'! '&at e"e aren:t yo* te""%n+ me

$ar&am: )ae )e"", I %t thato(%o*


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COHEN/THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH/ PAGE-1=ueaking. -ell, this is a castle.

Therere bound to be mice some!here,

T&e ma+e %t #o'n an# poe &% )ear %n a "o' tone, Pa"%n: not &ere to pea *p )or

*, Ne%t&er % Lor# Ga(%nJ

$ar&am S'or#&a' tra%+&tene# o 9*%"y! .aryn t&o*+&t $ar 'a +o%n+ to atta

&%m, T&e n%+&t: eye +"eame# %n t&e "%+&t, Do not e%er"et me &ear yo* ay t&at a+a%n, MT%

%n*or#%nat%on! an# #%&onora"eJ

:T% #%&onora"e to )o""o' a &a")-e"(en merenary ran+er! '&o: *t %n t&% )or t&e

money,

$ar 'a a*+&t *p &ort, I no', 5*t Dor%an: a memer o) t&e peera+eJ&% )at&er

'a a So"amn% Kn%+&t! o I:m to"#, Dor%an: a"o t&e et at '&at &e #oe! an# t&%n+ o*"# e


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'ore, 7e &a(e t'o ran+er to +*%#e * %nto #an+ero* terr%tory, $*& a I &ate to a#m%t %t! %t

a"o mae "o+%a" ene to &a(e a 5"a 7%8ar# to &e"p * a+a%nt t&e "a ma+% trap an#

*n#ea# reat*re #o'n %n t&e ataom! an# a"o to &a(e a"on+ a Spa'n aa%n! on an %"an#

r*"e# y an e(%" #ra+on tyrant,

.aryn %+&e#! an# ate ome more o*p, Any more +oo# ne'

Dan(%" Fe"ra)t: ome'&ere on t&e %"an#,

T&at 'e ne' a"rea#y, Doe &e no' 'e:re &ere yet

No! $ar&am to"# &%m, At "eat! 'e #on:t t&%n o, L*n#ar: eep%n+ * &%e"#e#

'%t& ome %n# o) a#(ane# ma+%, He a%# &e: een 'ea(%n+ &a#o' aro*n# yo* epe%a""y,

Proa"y a(alse 6isionpe""! .aryn m*ttere#! "*rp%n+ ome more o*p, It #e)eat

ry%n+ ma+%, I an:t at %t yet,

$ar&am roe %"ent"y! 'ent to t&e '%n#o', T&e *n"%+&t &one %n &% &a%r! p"aye# o))

&% n%+&t"y roe, T&e o*n# o) mar&%n+ )eet a o"#%er #r%""e# on t&e o"etone )%""e# t&e

ma"" room, So)t"y! $ar&am S'or#&a' poe,

5y my trot&! I #o not tr*t L*n#ar E"%pe, 5*t I &a(e my or#er! an# I am o*n# y t&e

Oat& an# t&e $ea*re, MT% my #*ty to oey,

1poken like a true 0ro!n night, .aryn t&o*+&t! *t &e"# &% ton+*e, I) &e "%(e# t&ro*+&

t&%! $ar&am 'o*"# ome#ay eome a Kn%+&t o) t&e Roe .aryn 'a erta%n o) t&at,

T&e n%+&t roe# to t&e #oor! "a%# a &an# on t&e "at&, Get ome ret! &e a%#! an# "e)t

t&e room, T&e "at& &*t '%t& a meta""% "%,

.aryn 'at&e# t&e "oe# 'oo#en #oor )or ome t%me! "ot %n t&o*+&t, $emor%e

%ntr*#e#! an# &e p*&e# t&em a'ay! try%n+ to onentrate on t&e%r m%%on, T&e yo*n+ ma+e ate

&% mea" aent-m%n#e#"y! menta""y prepar%n+ a trate+y )or +ett%n+ pat t&e Dream'oo#, F%rt!

&e 'o*"# #ea" '%t& t&e no'n, T&e De(%" yo* no',,,,

Dan(%" Fe"ra)t! t&e #e(%" &e ne' %ery!ell, Former "a roe# '%8ar# t*rne# rene+a#e

ma+e, An# a T&orn Kn%+&t! o*t"a' o) t&e Con"a(e, He *e# t&e '%"# ma+% to ome etent! *t

&e ma%n"y re"%e# *pon pe""oo )rom a"" t&ree Or#er o) ma+%! '&%& 'a )or%##en, T&e Re#


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Roe o*"# te&n%a""y "earn ma+% )rom a"" t&ree Or#er! *t t&at 'a not a "anet perm%%on,

T&e%r orro'e# pe"" 'ere "%m%te# to "o'er- an# m%#-"e(e" %nantat%on,

Dan(%" &a# m*r#ere# +ent"e o"# Serannon! .aryn: )%rt mater! an# %#nappe# &%m '&en

&e:# een 9*%te ma"", It 'a Dan(%" '&o:# en+%neere# .aryn: a#opt%on y 5aron ?on

5"a#mere! an# t&en apprent%e# &%m to &%me")! o one #ay t&e neromaner o*"# r*"e t&e

arony '%t& .aryn a a p*ppet r*"er, T&e et 'ay to #er%e t&e%r re"at%on&%p 'a,,,*n&ea"t&y,

Dan(%" &a# tr%e# &% et to e#*e a yo*n+! ma+%a" &%"# to t&e #ar %#e,

.aryn &*##ere#, He ne' &e:# e(ent*a""y &a(e to on)ront &% o"# mater! a 'e"" a

)at&er: o"# apta%n! S%r Cean Ganoe 5"a+aar#! an# t&e ret o) t&e arony: m%"%t%a! '&%&

.aryn &a# %n&er%te#, ear a+o! t&e yo*n+ ma+e &a# *"t%(ate# )r%en#&%p at t&e So"ae

So"amn% o*tpot! eno*+& to a a )a(or o) t&e pot: omman#er .aryn &a# ae# Lor# 7arren

to ota%n '&at %n)ormat%on t&e Kn%+&t&oo# &a# on ?%"#ero))! 5aron ?on 5"a#mere an#

ompany, T&e report &a# een r%e)! *t )r%+&ten%n+, 7&o"e to'n &a# een *rne# an# "oote#,

T&e%r %n&a%tant e%t&er en"a(e# or "a*+&tere#, C&%"#ren a yo*n+ a ten 'ere "e# o)) %n &a%n

to m%ne! or onr%pte# %nto t&e )ore o) #arne, I) t&ey &a# mana+e# to &o"# .aryn %n

Neraa! eep &%m on a t&e ne' aron,,,,

Stop %t! .aryn a%# to t&e empty room, No ene #'e""%n+ on t&e pat! on '&at-m%+&t-

&a(e-een, H% )r%en# &a# a(e# &%m )rom t&at &orr%"e )ate, T&ey:# +ro'n *p to+et&er %n

So"ae! t&e ra#"e o) &eroe, He 'a a 7&%te Roe ma+e! one o po'er)*" t&e Dar Kn%+&t

t&o*+&t t'%e e)ore on)ront%n+ &%m,

No'! &e &a# to )%+*re o*t a 'ay to +et n%ne peop"e a)e"y t&ro*+& t&e "e+en#ary

Dream'oo#! an# #o'n %nto t&e ataom *n#er t&e r*%n o) t&e To'er t&ere,

T&e oy tare# at t&e +"%tter%n+ %"(er8ing of 2rotectionon &% )%n+er,

.aryn roe! p*&%n+ a%#e &% tray, 7%t& appre&en%on! &e tro#e are)oote# aro t&e

o"# tone )"oor to t&e 'oo#en &et, It 'a *n"oe# @'&o 'o*"# #are to tea" )rom an

*non%o* +*et %n a So"amn% )ortreB an# &e "%)te# t&e "%#, In%#e 'a &% '&%te am%te

ma+e: roe! "ean! pree#! an# neat"y )o"#e#, H% "eat&er e"t! o%"e#! '%t& po*&e o) pe""


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omponent &an+%n+ )rom %t, A pa%r o) o)t "eat&er tra(e"%n+ oot! no' ta%ne# #ar ro'n )rom

t&e ea, H% en&ante# t'%n %"(er'racers of Defense! &% &eat&e#Dagger of 8eturning! an#

t&e na(y "*e (e"(et'ottomless 'ag'%t& t&e '&%te pe+a* emro%#ere# on %t,

Ca*t%o*"y! .aryn "%)te# t&e roe! "ett%n+ t&e o)t %" mater%a" *n)o"# y %te"), T&e

'ea(e )e"t "%e +oamer, He &e"# %t to &% )ae an# me""e# %t,

L%e ne', T&e "ot& &e"# no trae o) a"t! or t&e r%ny ea'ater %t &a# een oae# %n,

.aryn ran &% )%n+er aro t&e +arment! '&%& 'a %nter'o(en '%t& %"(er an# +o"# t&rea#, He

aree# t&e emro%#ere# r*ne at t&e ne"%ne! *))! an# &em, T&ee arane r*ne protete# t&e

'earer )rom ma+%a" aa*"t *& a C&arm pe""! eame a &ar# a tee" p"ate *n#er a

ma+%a" armor pe""! an# a"o! apparent"y! protete# t&e +arment %te") )rom p&y%a" #etr*t%on

y t&e e"ement,

T&an +oo#ne! &e reat&e#, From 'r%tten ao*nt! tome ar&%(e# %n t&e "%rar%e at

t&e Aa#emy o) $a+% an# $ater Pa"%n: pr%(ate "%rary at &ome! t&e r*ne 'o(en %nto t&e

roe o) a ma+e a""o'e# &%m to pa )ree"y t&ro*+& t&e G*ar#%an Foret! r%+&t on *p to t&e +ate

o) t&e To'er! '%t&o*t &%n#rane, Any +*et! &o'e(er! 'o*"# e%t&er nee# t&e perm%%on o) t&e

$ater o) t&e To'er! or nee# to e *n#er ome pe"" o) protet%on,

.aryn tare# at t&e +"eam%n+ '&%te am%te )or a moment! t%"" &a*nte# y &% #ream,,,%)

#ream %t 'a, 5"a %" &a# a#orne# &% t&%n )rame, It &a# een t&% (ery ame roe! ma+%a""y

t*rne# "a y t&e &an+e %n &%m, T&e ot o) pa%n+ &% Tet! o) ota%n%n+ an# mater%n+ an

art%)at )rom t&e A+e o) Dream! 'a &%+& %n#ee#, T&e "o o) &% %nnoene! &% on(%t%on!

t&e #eat& o) a"" &% )r%en#J

No! t&e yo*n+ ma+e to"# &%me") )%rm"y, He "%ppe# %nto t&e roe! "ett%n+ t&e o)t

mater%a" are &% %n )or a moment, Fe"ra)t! E"%pe! an# Lo&art are a"" "%ar, I:# ne%er

etray my )r%en#! or e t&e a*e o) $ar: #eat&, It:"" ne(er &appen I:"" not 'ear a "a

roe, Ne(er,


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T&ey:"" ne(er "et * o*t! .% Dromon# moane# %tter"y! +rap%n+ t&e %ron ar o) t&e%r

e""! #eep eneat& t&e So"amn% )ortre, Ne(er,

S*re t&ey '%""! Dor%an 5arrett to"# &%m! o*n#%n+ &eer)*", He 'a tan#%n+ on t&e

oppo%te %#e o) t&e ar! +rap%n+ t&e &%"t o) &% rap%er, T&e ma"" r*y et %n t&e pomme"

par"e# a %t a*+&t t&e "amp"%+&t, G%(e t&e So"amn% Kn%+&t&oo# a year or t&ree, T&e Kn%+&t

Comman#er '%"" a"m #o'n! e '%""%n+ to "et y+one e y+one! an# #rop a"" &ar+e,

o* ne(er a%# yo* 'ere 'or%n+ )or t&e Kn%+&t&oo#! ran+er! .% to"# &%m! ret%n+ &%

)ore&ea# a+a%nt t&e oo" tee" ar! an# "oe# &% eye, T&ey too %t a an %n*"t to t&e%r

pre%o* &onor '&en I o"#-oe# yo*,

o* a"o a(e# t&e ran+er: "%)e! $aran orrete#! try%n+ to &e"p,

Ran+erlord! Dor%an %n%te#, H% eye "a8e# '%t& an+er,

$y lord! T%mer'o") %nete#, T&e &aman 'a tan#%n+ y t&e 'a"" %n t&e e""

orr%#or, He dida(e yo*r "%)e,

7&y #on:t yo* e 9*%et! T%m Dor%an nappe#! t*rn%n+ aro*n#, T%mer'o") &e"# &%

&an# *p %n mo *rren#er! an# tr%e# not to m%"e, T&e &a")-e") ret*rne# &% attent%on to t&e t'o

men %n t&e e""! )ro'n%n+ #eep"y, 7&at yo* #%# to me 'an:t rea""y t&e pro"em, o* a"o

a*e# t&e yo*n+ 7&%te Roe,

I !hat? .% ae#! tra%+&ten%n+,

T&at oy *t &appen to e apprent%e# to t&e &ea# o) &% Or#er, He: a"o &%"#&oo#

)r%en# '%t& t&e So"amn% Kn%+&t '&o 'a '%t& *! and&e: a no"eman )rom Neraa,

A no"eman )rom Neraa! Dromon# repeate# #*""y! *ne"%e(%n+, S%ne '&en #oe

t&e So"amn% Kn%+&t&oo# are ao*t no"e )rom Neraa

Dor%an approa&e# t&e ar, $an! yo* *t #on:t +et %t! #o yo* T&at oy: 'e""

onnete#, He re


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o* near"y +ot t&e yo*n+ ma+e %""e#! t&at: '&at yo* #%#! Dor%an re(ea"e#, He "et

t&at &an+ %n t&e a%r )or a moment,

.%: t&roat "oe#, Ho' #%# I a"mot +et &%m %""e# I or#ere# t&e ma+e to at t&e%r

ma+% pe"" a+a%nt an atta%n+ dragon! )or ry%n+ o*t "o*#

No! t&at: not %t! t&e Ran+er"or# ont%n*e#! tepp%n+ "oer to t&e ar, o* ept

a%n+ &%m to )%"" yo*r a%" '%t& '%n#! to mae * +o )ater, T&at 'a omp"ete"y *nneeary

%n t&ee 'ater, T&e '%n#: )a%r to e+%n '%t&! )rom a"" t&e "%88ar# an# no'torm on t&%

%"an#,

So .% ae#! try%n+ to o*n# %+norant! e(en t&o*+& &e *pete# '&at t&e ran+er:

an'er 'a +o%n+ to e,

1o! a ma+e an on"y at o many pe"" e)ore &e e&a*t &%me")! Dor%an ep"a%ne#,

.aryn 'a omp"ete"y *nprepare# )or omat! '&%& yo*! a a apta%n '&o:# a%"e# t&ee

'ater many t%me e)ore! &o*"#:(e epete#, No' t&at oy % "y%n+ %n a coma! ea*e &e

tr%e# #eperate"y to a(e t&e "%(e o)yourre'

.% 'a""o'e# at t&% re(e"at%on, O&,

h? t&e Ran+er"or# moe#, T&ey:"" en# yo* to t&e m%ne )or t&%! %) t&ey #on:t

e&ea# yo*

$%n%n+: not o a#! $aran ommente# "%+&t"y, He 'a "y%n+ on t&e e"": ot! %n t&e

&a#o', Lot o) +oo# )oo#! eer%e! )ree o#y+*ar# protet%onJ

Ha! &a! &a! &a, o* &o*"# e a tan#-*p ome#%an '%t& t&e arn%(a"! $aran! .% to"#

&%m %tter"y,

$%+&t try t&at! $aran ont%n*e#, Nee# a ne' "%ne o) 'or! '&at '%t& t&e 1!anat t&e

ottom o) t&e 5ay o) Darne! an# '&at: "e)t o) o*r re' %+n%n+ on '%t& anot&er &%p, 7&at:

"e)t )or a )ormer )%rt mate to #o

7&y #on:t yo* +o o%n t&em .% ae#! &onet"y 'ant%n+ to no' t&e an'er, T&e

&ar+e are a+a%nt me! not yo*, T&ey:"" proa"y "et yo* +o! am I r%+&t


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Dor%an too# %n %"ene )or a &earteat! an# t&en no##e#, T&ey on"y arrete# $aran

ea*e &e: yo*r )%rt mate, E(%#ene +%(en y 5aron .aryn: )r%en# &a "eare# &%m,

'aron?

A+a%n! Dor%an no##e#, .aryn Storm % t&e a#opte# on o) t&e "at 5aron ?on

5"a#mere, T&at %#: %n&er%te# t&e t%t"e! t&e at"e! an# a"" "an#,

For a"" t&e +oo# %t #oe &%m! on t&% %#e o) t&e or#er! T%mer'o") 9*%ppe#, One

a+a%n! Dor%an &ot &%m a #%rty "oo, Oay I:"" &*t *p,

Dor%an "eare# &% t&roat! an# re+ar#e# t&e e"ea+*ere# )%rt mate! t%"" "y%n+ on t&e ot,

o* o*"# +o a#(ent*r%n+ '%t& *, 7&ere 'e:re +o%n+! 'e an *e a"" t&e &e"p 'e an +et,

o*:# e &an#y %n a )%+&t,

$aran "ooe# *p! &% epre%on t&o*+&t)*", T&ere:"" e trea*re

T&e &a")-e") no##e# an# m%"e#, Trea*re ap"enty! o I:m to"#, Co%n! +em! e'e"ry!

an# 'eapon, $any ma+%a" art%)at #o'n t&ere a"o! an# t&e%r )ormer o'ner #on:t nee# t&em

anymore,

$aran: "*e eye )"a&e#! #art%n+ to &% )r%en# an# apta%n, I #on:t mae a mo(e

'%t&o*t .%, He: my %pper! a)ter a"",

T&e Ran+er"or# "ooe# t&o*+&t)*" )or a moment, D*nno, T&e Kn%+&t are pretty

m%))e#! *t I:"" ee '&at I an #o,

.*t t&en! t&e o*n# o) ratt"%n+ ey o*"# e &ear# om%n+ )rom t&e ot&er %#e o) a

"oe# #oor at t&e en# o) t&e e"""o! "at&e t*rne#! an# t&e &ea(y %ron #oor opene#, 5oote#

)eet e&oe# on tone! an# t&ree So"amn% Kn%+&t %n )*"" armor too# t&ere, A "a#y n%+&t 'a

amon+ t&em! arm roe#, In one &an# 'a a ro""e# ro"" o) par&ment, Her eye 'ere "%e

tee" #a++er t&at r%ppe# #%ret"y %nto .%: o*", T&e )ormer ea apta%n tr%e# not to )"%n& *n#er

t&at +a8e! an# m%"e# 'arm"y at &er,

T&e "a#y n%+&t 'a not am*e#, S&e *nro""e# t&e par&ment! an# t&en rea# )rom %t,

Capta%n .% Dromon#! a"o no'n a .% Dono(an! $ater o) t&e &ooner 1il%er 1!an!

re+%tere# o*t o) Nort&ern Er+ot&, o* are &erey &ar+e# '%t& t&e )o""o'%n+ r%me On t&e


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.% '%ne#, So! t&e Kn%+&t o) So"amn%a )%na""y )o*n# o*t ao*t t&e %n)amo*'lack

1!an! '&%& &a# een terror%8%n+ t&e )ore o) Neraa, This could go either !ay. I suppose its

a good sign she didnt name piracy among the list of charges,

T&e t'o )%n%&e# t&e%r on(erat%on! an# 'a"e# a to t&e e"", T%ara "ooe# #eete#!

an+ry! an# (enomo*, 7&en &e poe! &er reat& ame o*t %n an an+ry &%,

o*:re %n "*! Capta%n, Ran+er"or# 5arrett % re9*et%n+ yo*r &e"p on &% 9*et,

Perona""y! I #on:t ee '&at +oo# yo*:"" e #o'n %n an an%ent tomJ

Tomb?

J*t! yo* &a(e a rep*tat%on a a 'or#man, 5arrett '%"" pea %n yo*r e&a") '&en

yo*r ae % ro*+&t e)ore my )at&er, Let me 'arn yo* r%+&t no', I an# a )e' ot&er +oo#

n%+&t '%"" e eort%n+ Ran+er"or# 5arrett: party! an# %) yo* &o*"# e(en thinko) etray%n+

*! yo* 'on:t "%(e "on+ eno*+& to re+ret %t, I:"" %"" yo* mye"), Am I per)et"y "ear

T&e ea apta%n no##e# #*m"y, T&e n%+&t )%"e# o*t! "ea(%n+ &%m an# $aran to t&%n,


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114/423

COHEN/THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH/ PAGE-11uarter? t&e Ran+er"or# &a#

ae# yeter#ay a)ternoon o) t&e areep, In t&e tran+e ta(ern &e ept "o'-ey! 'ore *t &%

&*nt%n+ "eat&er! 9*%(er an# o', He:# pa%# )or &% #r%n an# m*tton '%t& %"(er an# opper! not

t&e +oo#steel.aryn &a# pa%# &%m '%t&,

)ot from the island, are you ranger?

Dorian shook his head. I came to hunt !ild game, and to see if the !oods are as

formidable as the rumors claim.

Youd best go back to the !ild you came from, stranger. -e barely scratch out a li%ing

here as it is. 8a! ore and metals smelted from the mines is the only !ork real here. 5aybe you


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can scare up a couple of pelts in the !ild, but thats about all. )othing gro!s here no more not

since the dragon came.

Dorian s!allo!ed half his tankard, then !iped his mouth and asked, 1urely, one

dragon cant terrori3e a !hole island, e%en one as large as a mountain.

(rost has beasts that ser%e him, the innkeep !hispered, using the dragons old name,

before he gre! smart, and changed it. / harem of female !yrms, and armies of ogres and

!alrus men, led by monsters that used to be men.

He""o T%mer'o") anno*ne#! '&%& p*""e# Dor%an )rom &% t&o*+&t,

Sorry! T%m! t&e Ran+er"or# a%#, H% &ore norte#! en#%n+ *p a "o*# o) )o+ on t&e

&%"" a%r, 7&at 'a %t yo* ae#

I a%#! I:(e een &eer%er )ae %n a )*nera" proe%on! T%mer'o") ommente# a t&ey

ro#e #o'n t&e treet, S&op an# &ome "%ne# ot& %#e o) t&e a(en*e! t&e )o" +o%n+ ao*t t&e%r

*%ne! or topp%n+ to ee t&e para#e o) o"#%er t&at protete# t&em, E(ery )ae 'a #e(o%# o)

&ope, E(en '&en t&e +o# 'ere aent! "ea(%n+ Ana"on *n#er t&e oot-&ee" o) t&e Kn%+&t o)

Neraa an# t&e #ra+on O(er"or#! peop"e &a# &ope, Co*"# t&e 7&%te Dra+on Tyrant &a(e eaten

t&ee peop"e #o'n t&% a#"y

Apparent"y o! $ar&am S'or#&a' an'ere#, 5"%88ar# % t&e "at o) t&e tyrant,

I:(e &ear# te"" t&at '&en t&e ot&er )o*r O(er"or# )e""! on"y t&e 7&%te rema%ne#, T&en t&e *een

o) Darne #%e#! an# t&e '&%te #ra+on +re' mart an# #e(%o*, Frot tarte# &an#"%n+ &%

m%n%on "%e a "e+en#ary tat%%an! (%rt*a""y *t t&e '&o"e %"an# o)) )rom t&e ret o) t&e 'or"#,

T&e "oa" &an+e# &% name to 5"%88ar#, T&ee %"an#er )e"t %o"ate#! a"one! an# &ope &a #%e#

%n t&e%r &eart,

T&ey #epa%re# o) e(er e%n+ )ree o) Frot! Dor%an a+ree#, 7e:"" oon )% t&at! %) o*r

)r%en# t&e "a roe to"# * t&e tr*t& ao*t t&at ta)),

$ar&am "ooe# at &%m! &% "*e-+ray eye o"#, 7&en 'a t&e "at t%me a 5"a Roe

'%8ar# e(er poe t&e tr*t&

Po%nt taen,


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A)ter t'enty m%n*te! t&e proe%on &a# ome to t&e )%rt o) t&e o*ter 'a"" to t&e %ty,

Gran%te tone "o "ar+er t&an a 'ar&ore! tae# )%)ty )eet &%+&! omp"ete"y enompae# t&%

et%on o) Da"t%+ot&, Stone ta%r "e# *p to t&e 'a"" '&ere t&ere 'ere ro*n# to'er! appe# '%t&

p%re e(ery one &*n#re# )eet, 5*ttree# tone'or re%n)ore# t&e att"ement! an# )"a+ )"e'

)rom t&e &%n%n+ p%re, T&e +ate&o*e 'a enormo*! t&e o"%# oaen +ate o(ere# '%t& a

&eet o) +oo# tee", 5eyon# t&e +ate 'a an %ron'or port*""%! ten )eet '%#e an# )%)teen )eet

&%+&,

T&at 'a"" 'on:t top a #ra+on! .aryn remare#! re+ar#%n+ t&e %ty: #e)ene, Frot:

m%n%on '%"" *t )"y o(er %t,

S*& % t&e %nte""%+ene o) morta"! yo*n+"%n+! L*n#ar "*e#, T&en t&ey 'on#er

'&y t&ey nee# *& a * to a(e t&em,

T&e o"%# 'a"" +%(e t&e peop"e &ope! Lor# .aryn! Pr%ne $er%#%t& ommente#,

7%t&o*t &ope! a"" 'o*"# e "ot,

T&ey:# aan#on t&% %ty! an# "ea(e t&e %"an# #eerte# )or 5"%88ar# an# &% %"! S%r

Stan&%on on)%rme#, 5*t t&e 7&%te De(%" 'ant peop"e to r*"e o(er, 7&o '%"" pro(%#e t&e

eat '%t& tr%*te '&en 'e:re +one

T&ey "ooe# *p a t&e port*""% 'a ra%e#! an# "ane# "o*#"y, Hoo(e "ompe# on

o"etone a t&e o"*mn e+an to mo(e )or'ar# a+a%n, .aryn not%e# t&e %nner #e)ene o)

t&e +ate&o*e a t&ey ro#e t&ro*+& arro'"%t an# m*r#er&o"e 'ere %nterpae#! '&ere &ot o%"

o*"# e po*re# #o'n onto *n*pet%n+ %n(a#er, T&e oy &oo &% &ea#, Any #eent ma+e

o*"# o(erome t&ee #e)ene, T&ey 'ere &ope"e"y oo"ete, T&en a+a%n! &e rea""e#! t&ey

&a# at o*t a"" t&e%r ma+%-*er "on+ a+o, T&ere 'a no one o) '%#om an# po'er to re%n)ore

t&e%r e))ort '%t& #'eomerra)t an# en&antment, $ay&ap t&at re# roe# ma+e '&o:# "e)t &%

pe""oo e&%n# *nto"# ent*r%e a+o &a# one &e"pe#! *t &e 'a "on+ +one,

I &a(e to te"" $ater Pa"%n to eta"%& a preene &ere a+a%n! .aryn m*ttere#, T&ee

peop"e are #e)ene"e a+a%nt ma+%a" atta, Fa)n%r peepe# %n a+reement! an# L*n#ar: ear

t'%t&e#,


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You must be uirrels of

the !oodlands perhaps? L*n#ar ae# %n a "o' (o%e, -hy do you think the peoples of

/nsalon hated the knighthood for three centuries after Istars fall? They rightfully blamed these

lunkheads for propping up that imbeciles reign, e%en as he brought do!n the fiery !rath of the

gods.

.aryn tare# at &%m, He ne' &%tory! an# '&at L*n#ar a%# no' ma#e ene, He &ate#

to! *t t&e oy 'a )ore# to a+ree '%t& &%m on t&at po%nt, 5aybe so, but the knighthoods

finally beginning to accept us.

Dont make me laugh! L*n#ar a%#! a t&ey e%te# t&e +ate&o*e an# tarte# #o'n t&e

treet o*t%#e t&e 'a"", T&e &o*e &ere 'ere *t a 'e"" ept! *t t&ey eeme# o"#er! "e

)re9*ente#, Fe'er peop"e "%(e# &ere! t&oe '&o "ae# t&e )*n# to *y property %n%#e t&e

%nnermot 'a"", T&ee 'ere t&e m%##"e "a! mer&ant an# +*%"# mater! o"er an#

*t&er an# tanner! '&o rat&e# o*t a #eent "%(%n+ an# o"# t&e%r +oo# at maret, The

1olamnics are using you. 5a


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'ecause youre a mage. These ignorant creatures are beneath our notice. Youre

beyond themJ

$entlemen! Da""yn a##ree#! &a(%n+ t*rne# aro*n# %n &% a##"e to ta" to t&em, I%e

understood e%ery !ord you%e said. /nd doubtless, Im not the only 1olamnic night !ho does.

The 1il%anesti, ;ualinesti, and e%en aganesti established temporary homes on this %ery island.

-ord is, my people are here in force. You might consider holding your con%ersation at another

time, and I !ill thank you to cease insulting my knightly brotherhood,

.aryn 'a""o'e#, He:# )or+otten not to *e E"(%&! *t L*n#ar &a# ont%n*e# t&e

on(erat%on %n %t! o &e:# *t nat*ra""y )o""o'e# a"on+,

L*n#ar m%"e# patron%8%n+"y *n#er &% #ar &oo#! an# ont%n*e# &% on(erat%on '%t&

t&e oy %n Neraee,

A&!/nother fool. /n elf that


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.aryn )ro'ne#! #eep %n t&o*+&t, -hats left? 1olamnic? -e surely cant speak in

*ldritch. The &oly Tongue of 5agic is only to be used in the casting of spells.

.*t t&en! L*n#ar E"%pe e+an ma%n+ #eep! +*tt*ra" no%e )rom &% t&roat, It a"mot

o*n#e# "%e ro e%n+ +ro*n# to+et&er, .aryn: &ea# p*n %n L*n#ar: #%ret%on, He at*a""y

understood'&at 'a e%n+ a%#

&o! about the 5other Tongue, then? L*n#ar E"%pe &a# *t ae# &%m,

T&e yo*n+ ma+e: eye '%#ene#, He%tant"y! &e repon#e#, &=ho!=&o! can=I=

under=st=stand you?

This is a %ery ancient language, in a mode rarely used. /s old as *ldritch, and as

cherished. Youll soon remember, Young ne.

.aryn not%e# t&at S*n#er 'a tar%n+ %n t&e%r #%ret%on, He o(%o*"y e%t&er *n#ertoo#

'&at 'a e%n+ a%#! or 'a on t&e (ery e#+e o) *n#ertan#%n+, 5*t! .aryn not%e#! &e 'a t&e

onlyone,

T&e oy *##en"y )ae# )or'ar#, A part o) &%m! "on+ *r%e#! *##en"y )e"t a (ery tron+

atta&ment to L*n#ar E"%pe t&at 'ent eyon# t&e on# o) '%8ar#"y rot&er&oo#, .aryn &a#

"at &ear# t&% "an+*a+e o (ery "on+ a+o! e)ore &e:# een %#nappe# an# taen to Neraa! e(en

e)ore &e:# ome to e Serannon: 'ar# an# apprent%e,

H% mot&er *e# to %n+ &%m "*""a%e %n t&% "an+*a+e

7%py memor%e )"oate# *t o*t o) rea&, Ima+e o) a 'arm a(ern! '%t& +"%tter%n+ +em

t&at 'ere eme##e# %n t&e (ery 'a"", In t&e enter 'a an *n#er+ro*n# poo" o) 'ater! )e# y

tream an# a 'ater)a"", G"%tter%n+ 'ater! oo" an# o)t, Dr%pp%n+ e(ery'&ere! e&o%n+J

1o, you #oremember! L*n#ar tate#! o(%o*"y rea#%n+ t&e %ma+e )"a&%n+ t&ro*+& &%

m%n#, .aryn "o'"y no##e#, *"cellent,

T&e yo*n+ 7&%te Roe rema%ne# %"ent )or t&e ret o) t&e a)ternoon, He n*m"y 'at&e#

a t&ey pae# +ar#en an# %ty par, T&ere 'ere ome o"#! #ea# &* o) tree tr*n! o(ere#

'%t& %e an# no', Oa! map"e! an# a&, T&e on"y %+n o) "%)e 'ere t&e p%ne an# e(er+reen


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tree, T&e #ra+on &a# not on"y a"tere# t&e "%mate! &e:# &an+e# t&e )"ora an# )a*na, Spe%e

ommon to o"# "%me 'ere a*n#ant &ere, E(eryt&%n+ e"e 'a "on+ #ea#,

/t least the lumber


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T&e no' tarte# to )a""! "%+&t"y at )%rt, F"*rr%e "e' %n t&e%r )ae, A"" aro*n# t&em!

t&e )e' peop"e "eare# t&e treet! &*rr%e# a &ome, A &*& )e"" *pon t&e %ty, It 'a "%e a

)ro8en )a%ry"an#! e(eryt&%n+ o(ere# %n no'! an# %%"e &*n+ )rom roo) an# tree ran&e,

5ro'n "ea(e an# +ray %e, A"" #eept%(e"y 9*%et an# peae)*",

I t&%n 'e:# etter )%n# o(er e)ore t&e 'eat&er t*rn 'ore! La#y T%ara a""e# to t&e

ot&er, T&ey &a# ome )ar! an# 'ere at t&e e#+e o) t&e Aan#one# *arter o) Da"t%+ot&, T&%

'a not t&e et o) p"ae to )%n# &e"ter )or t&e n%+&t! )or t&e pop*"at%on &ere 'ere "aorer!

peop"e '&o e++e# or to"e )or a "%(%n+ '&en t&ey o*"#n:t )%n# &onet 'or,

I no' o) an %nn neary! my "a#y! S%r Tar+on anno*ne#, T&e 7&%te Sta+, Not t&e

et o) ta(ern! *t Mt'%"" er(e,

Ho' )ar T%ara ae#, 5y no'! t&e no' &a# tarte# to )a"" '%t& a p*rpoe, It 'a

a"rea#y t'o )eet #eep )rom pre(%o* torm! an# t&ee )"ae 'ere '%)t"y a##%n+ to '&at a"rea#y

"ay t&ere,

T'o or t&ree "o! maye )o*r,

T%ara no##e#, Stay &arp, 7e:"" top at t&e %nn )or a )e' &o*r *nt%" t&e torm pae,

Goo#! Mt% near"y *ppert%me! Garnet +r*m"e#,

A"'ay t&%n%n+ o) yo*r toma&! $ater D'ar) a n%+&t to Garnet: "e)t ae#, H%

'or# 'a t%"" o*t! *r(ey%n+ t&e *%"#%n+ a %) &e epete# a +an+ o) &oo#"*m to atta at any

eon#, Hoo#"*m or 'ore,

Not&%n+ 'ron+ '%t& a +oo#! &ot mea"! "a#! Garnet to"# &%m, A )*"" toma& '%"" mae

ye "e %ttery,

Some&o'! I #on:t t&%n yo*:"" )%n# t&e men* to yo*r "%%n+! Garn! $ar&am a##e#

'%t& a m%"e, It 'on:t e t&e Inn o) t&e Lat Home,

It 'an:t, 7&en t&ey arr%(e# at t&e ram&a"e %nn! on%t%n+ o) t&ree o"# 'oo#en

*%"#%n+ an# a ta"e! .aryn a' to &% &ore &%me")! ma%n+ *re t&ere 'a )re& &ay an#

'ater %n t&e ta"", T&e p"ae me""e# o) *r%ne, He remo(e# t&e %t an# r%#"e o G*t o*"# eat!

an# t&en 'a(e# o(er t&e ta"eoy, o* &a(e )re& oat


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T&e oy &e%tate# a moment! an# t&en no##e#, Aye! my "or#,

.aryn "%ppe# &%m t'o %"(er o%n, T&at: )or my &ore, Keep an eye on &%m! an#

t&ere: more )or yo* "ater,

T&an ye! %r,

5oy,

5ot& .aryn an# t&e ta"eoy "ooe# *p at L*n#ar: tone, It too .aryn a eon# to

rea"%8e &e meant t&e ta"e &an#, T&e teena+er 'a o(%o*"y 'ary o) t&e ot&er ma+e: "a

roe, Jye! m%"or#

T&% % )or $oon"%+&t, Fre& oat, I) I ome a an# my ta""%on &o*"# te"" me &e 'a

m%treate#! I:"" t*rn yo* %nto a pa&ore! E"%pe %ntone# #ar"y, T&e #ar e"): #emeanor "e)t

no #o*t t&at &e 'a #ea# er%o*, He #roppe# asteelp%ee %nto t&e oy: trem"%n+ &an#,

T&at +oe )or t&e yo*n+ apprent%e: mo*nt! a 'e"",

T&e ta"eoy 'a""o'e#! *na"e to pea, He mere"y no##e#, .aryn #%t%nt"y &ear# a

t%n"%n+ o*n#! an# rea"%8e# t&e poor %# &a# oae# &% ree&e,

T&at 'a *na""e# )or! L*n#ar! .aryn tate# )"at"y, He:# #e"%erate"y ae# Fa)n%r to

t*rn %n(%%"e o a not to poo anyo#y, He )e"t t&e "%tt"e pe*#o#ra+on 9*%rm '&en t&e 5"a

Roe et &% eye on .aryn,

7%#om ome '%t& eper%ene! o*n+ One! L*n#ar E"%pe a%# rypt%a""y, Come

on, 5y no'! t&oe m*"e-&ea#e# oo &a(e e%t&er 9*e""e# t&e ommon room %nto *tter %"ene!

or tarte# a ra'",

.*t o*t%#e! t&e t'o ma+e o*"# ee Da""yn Foretr*nner ten#%n+ &% pe+a* %n t&e

orra", T&ere 'a no room )or t&e 'on#ro* eat to prea# &er '%n+ %n t&e ta"e! an# &e

#%"%e# t&e me"" o) t&e p"ae, T&e e")%n n%+&t a' to %t t&at &e &a# eno*+& oat an# 'ater!

t&en 'rappe# &%me") %n &% '&%te 'oo" "oa an# &ea#e# to'ar# t&em,

Pe+a% are *e# to 'eat&er "%e t&%! &e ep"a%ne#, P"enty o) r%p! )re& a%r

%n(%+orate &er,


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COHEN/THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH/ PAGE-14uire?

T%ara p*t &er &an# on t&e ta""er n%+&t: &o*"#er, 7e an:t ot& o) * +o! o"# )r%en#, I)

omet&%n+ +oe er%o*"y 'ron+! I 'ant yo* r%+&t &ere, T&ee &%"#ren '%"" nee# a (eteran

att"e)%e"# omman#er to "ea# t&em,

Tar+on tare# #o'n at &er! *t rea"%8e# &e o*"#n:t ar+*e '%t& t&at "o+%, T&ey &a#

)o*+&t many att"e %#e-y-%#e! &%p #eep %n "oo#, T%ara on"y o*t-rane# &%m y )%(e year!

&er r%e to t&e Or#er more a mo(e o) po"%t% t&an anyt&%n+ e"e! e(en t&o*+& t&ey ot& ne' &e

&a# earne# %t on &er o'n mer%t, Gr*#+%n+"y! t&e n%+&t no##e# one! t&en a"*te# &% *per%or

o))%er! r%+&t )%t "amme# a+a%nt &% &%n%n+ %"(er reatp"ate,

Sno'mane '%"" t%"" e a"%(e '&en yo* emer+e )rom t&oe (%"e rypt! my "a#y! Tar+on

to"# &er, T&% I 'ear, o* *t ret*rn to * '&o"e an# &a"e,


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Co*nt on %t! T%ara to"# &%m, T&e ot&er &a# a"rea#y +at&ere# at t&e "oe# +ate to t&e

ma+e: o"# "an#, S&e t*rne# on one &ee"! an# tr*#+e# t&ro*+& t&e no'! a to t&e pa%r o)

ma+%-*er, T&e oy! .aryn Storm! too# "oe y &% )r%en# '&%"t t&e e"(en 5"a 7%8ar#

approa&e# t&e +ate'ay! t&%n arm o*ttret&e#, E"%pe poe %n a eee&%n+ tone! %n a p%#ery

o*n#%n+ "an+*a+e &e o*"# not *n#ertan#,

I res$e/tf%lly re0%est entran/e of the -aster of the Tower of Daltigoth, and free

$assage thro%gh the en/hanted forest of Dreamwood,

.aryn 'at&e# a Da"amar: tar p*p%" repeate# &% re9*et t&ree t%me %n E"#r%t&,

T&en! t&ere 'a a )"a& o) tr%p"e moon"%+&t re)"ete# o)) t&e ter"%n+ %"(er ar! a t&*n#er"ap

"o*# eno*+& to poo t&e &ore! an# )aery )%re t&at "%n+ere# %n t&e a%r e)ore t&em, S%"ent"y! a %)

%n a #ream! t&e +ate parte#! an# ya'ne# '%#e to a#m%t t&em, T&e #ar '%8ar# t*rne# to )ae

.aryn,

I 'an:t ent%re"y erta%n t&e pa'or# 'o*"# 'or a)ter a"" t&% t%me! L*n#ar on)%#e#

%n &%m, .aryn )ro'ne#, T&e e") poe a %) &e:# at*a""y een &ere '&en t&e to'er t%"" too#!

*t t&at 'a (%rt*a""y %mpo%"e, Da"t%+ot& To'er &a# een #etroye# y t&e Con"a(e o(er

t&ree &*n#re# an# %ty year a+oJ

f course, hes an elf+ 1tupid of me. &e !as probably an apprentice my age, relati%ely

speaking, !hen he !as last here, That story of %isiting the ruins before his Test at -ayreth

must%e been nonsense.

N*%tar% an# So"%nar% are %n on*nt%on, Are yo* prepare# to at t&e pe"" '%t& me!

Apprent%e Storm L*n#ar %n9*%re# )orma""y,

.aryn no##e# o"emn"y, Aye! $ater E"%pe,

T&e #ar e") m%"e#, Gat&er t&e ma+%! mar&a" yo*r po'er! an# en# t&e "a' o) t&e

*pernat*ra" to yo*r '%"", T&% (ery morn! 'e #een# %nto t&e rypt '&ere )ore(er ret t&e

rema%n o) t&e Great $ater o) o*r Art,

C*t t&e )"o'ery pee&e an# at yer pe"" a"rea#y! L*n#ar! Garnet +r*m"e#!

tamp%n+ &% oote# )eet, It: o"# o*t &ere


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T&e e") re+ar#e# t&e #'ar(en 'arr%or )rom t&e &a#o' o) &% #ar &oo#, So)t (e"(et

r*t"e# a t&e '%n# a*+&t &% roe, M7are! $ater D'ar), MT% )ar o"#er '&ere 'e are

+o%n+,

T&e t'o '%8ar# no' too# )a%n+ ea& ot&er! arm o*ttret&e#! eye "oe# %n

onentrat%on, A)ter a )e' moment! t&e%r &an# e+an to +"o'! an# t%ny )"%er%n+ "%+&t "%e

)%re)"%e *rro*n#e# ot& roe# )orm, T&en! moon"%+&t &a"oe# t&em! "%+&t an# &a#o'

enme&e#! an# par o) e"etr%%ty are# et'een t&e%r *pra%e# &an#, A one! t&e t'o ma+e

poe to 'or# o) po'er

Ast tasarak ava%n sin%ralan krynaw, Tolin&

Fa)n%r! .aryn: )am%"%ar! re+a""y "%)te# &% &ea# an# prea# &% '%n+, Ener+%e +at&ere#

*n#er t&oe ma"" "eat&ery p%n%on, T&e pe*#o#ra+on t*rne# an# re+ar#e# t&e aem"e#

n%+&t! ran+er! "er%! an# ma"" )o", At t&at moment! $ar&am S'or#&a' t&o*+&t t&at

Fa)n%r &a# a "ot %n ommon '%t& &% "ar+er o*%n! an# &e rea"%8e# t&at &% &%"#&oo# )r%en#

.aryn 'a a memer o) a 'or"# &e o*"# on"y +et a +"%mpe o),

Ast tasarak ava%n sin%ralan krynaw, Tolin& t&e ma+%%an repeate# %n &armony!

"%+&tn%n+ eem%n+ to ra"e et'een t&em an# rea& o*t )or t&e%r party, At "en+t&! ot& '%8ar#

opene# t&e%r eye! po*re# t&e ontent o) t&e%r po*&e %nto t&e%r r%+&t &an#! an# toe# t&e

ro'n! aromat% po'#er o(er t&e &ea# o) t&em a"", It )e"" "%e ente# ra%n! an# $ar )e"t

%n(%+orate#,

Ast tasarak ava%n sin%ralan krynaw, Tolin& t&e pa%r o) ma+e prono*ne a )%na" t%me,

$ar&am "ooe# aro*n# &%m an# +r%ppe# &% 'or#: &%"t, He:# ne(er )e"t more a'ae an# a"ert

%n &% ent%re "%)e,

H*rry! L*n#ar E"%pe 'arne# t&em a"", T&e pe"" '%"" on"y protet yo* )rom t&e

Dream'oo#: en&antment )or t&ree &an#pan o) t%me,

T&e e"(en ma+e t&en t*rne# &% a on t&em! an# entere# t&e +ro*n# o) t&e r*%ne#

To'er, He 'a t'enty )eet a&ea# o) t&em e)ore $ar&am mana+e# to +et &% )eet mo(%n+, Not


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COHEN/THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH/ PAGE-21uickly !ith fire, the only thing that can truly harm it. Is it my fault those t!o

imbeciles stood too close to allo! me to kill it?

*clipse, youre part o)a team of men, .aryn to"# &%m, 5en you%e s!orn to

protect+

I s!ore no such thing, 1torm, E"%pe to"# &%m )%rm"y, /s I said ere this. I s!ore to

see these fools safely to the ruins and do!n into the catacombs. I said nothing of getting them

out ali%e, yet I ha%e done so. 0ease your bellyaching, little !yrmling. -e ha%e yetanother

battle to figh, !ith 'li33ard, (elcraft, and all of their henchmen.

This isnt o%er,.aryn prom%e#! an# ent #o'n to &e"p &% )a""en )r%en#, $ar! are

yo* a"" r%+&t


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T&e n%+&t no##e#, 7&atJ'&at %n# o) "an+*a+e 'a t&at

T&e '%8ar# m%"e# #o'n at &%m, A*"# H%+& 7yrm! t&e ma+e ep"a%ne#, T&en! &e

"ar%)%e# )*rt&er '&en &e a' &% )r%en#: 9*%88%a" epre%on, Draon%,

$ar&am )"a&e# &%m a m%"e, I m%+&t:(e no'n, E(en a)ter a"" t&ee year! .aryn

Storm! yo* t%"" )%n# 'ay o) *rpr%%n+ me,

Come! my )r%en#, T&e )%+&t % *t e+%nn%n+! .aryn to"# &%m! an# &e"pe# t&e armore#

n%+&t to &% )eet, T&en! t&e 7&%te Roe ent #o'n to retr%e(e t&e en&ante# "a#e, o*r

'or#! S%r $ar&am,

I t&an ye! +oo# ma+%%an! $ar&am to"# &%m, He +rape# 1hado!song'%t& &% +oo#

r%+&t &an# &e t%ppe# %t %n &% )r%en#: &onor,

Gent"emen! t&e eat % "a%n! an# att"e yet a'a%t *! Dor%an to"# t&em a""! ran#%&%n+

&% 'or#! o %t a*+&t t&e "at ray o) t&e ett%n+ *n"%+&t! an# "a8e# re# a "oo#, In an'er to

&% a""! t&e ra(e ompan%on! ten a"" to"#! mar&e# o"#"y o*t %nto t&e 'or"#,

END OF T6E DAR"!ESS 52 DALTI'5T6

READ THE E#ITING #ON#LSION IN

ST5R-2R5!T


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A'-' C)( 25 10 +4 F"()eG +1 F)iht tee)G +2 Fdete'it9G

@!"h AC 12#)(tfted 15

Initi(ti8e -difie' +2 +2 Fdete'it9G

#'tit!de (8e + 7 F(eG +2 F"ntit!tinGRef)e (8e +5 3 F(eG +2 Fdete'it9G


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Skill Focus 34now Architecture5

'eapon Focus " n)ede .d!nenee'in Int 1 +0 +1

>n)ede .hit'9 Int 1 +0 +1

>n)ede .)"() Int 05 +0 +05>n)ede .n(t!'e Int 0 +0

Liten


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COHEN/THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH/ PAGE-3n)ede .)"() Int 4 +1 +3

>n)ede .n(t!'e Int +1 +5 +2 F!'8i8()G

>n)ede .ni)it9 Int 5 +1 +4>n)ede .'e)iin Int 2 +1 +1

Liten


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COHEN/THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH/ PAGE-


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COHEN/THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH/ PAGE-n)ede .hit'9 Int +4 +5

>n)ede .)"() Int 5 +4 +1

>n)ede .n(t!'e Int 5 +4 +1>n)ede .ni)it9 Int 5 +4 +1

>n)ede .'e)iin Int 5 +4 +1

>n)ede .p)(ne Int 5 +4 +1

Liten


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COHEN/THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH/ PAGE-niht f the Li)9 5 % Leend('9 @("ti"i(n 7L(f!) E8i)Rep'eentin DM

Strength @ .+4

De"terit# & .+2

%onstitution ,.+2

Intelligence $.+1

'isdom ( .+1

%harisma ! .+3

Size Medi!-

Heiht 6 3

10 +5 F'e(tp)(teG +2 Fhe(89 tee)G +2 Fdete'it9G

@!"h AC 12#)(tfted 17

Initi(ti8e -difie' +2 +2 Fdete'it9G

#'tit!de (8e +17 15 F(eG +2 F"ntit!tinG

Ref)e (8e + 6 F(eG +2 Fdete'it9G


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COHEN/THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH/ PAGE-n)ede.d!nenee'in

Int 3 +1 +2

>n)ede .e'(ph9 Int 3 +1 +2

>n)ede .hit'9 Int 3 +1 +2

>n)ede .)"() Int 15 +1 +05

>n)ede .n(t!'e Int 4 +1 +3

>n)ede .ni)it9 Int 25 +1 +15

>n)ede .'e)iin Int 3 +1 +2

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COHEN/THE DARKNESS OF DALTIGOTH/ PAGE-niht f the Li)9 Sneak Attack +d! 3level 5 Demorali6e 3level (5 Fight to the Death 3level $5 Sneak Attack +(d!8 1nbreakable 'ill 3+( bonus5 3level ,5

A'-'ed Mi)it9 .)e8e) 6 Sne(* Att("* +3d6 .)e8e) 7 /n'e(*()e


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the darkness of daltigoth

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