A re-write of the journal entry of Lt. Lars Krollos, one of only two survivors of the slaughter at Oak Tree Cross.

I have lost a bit of myself this day.  I rather important bit so it seems to me.  The part of me that keeps it all together; keeps reality from detaching from me no matter the horrors I witness.  I can still hear the baby crying.  I can feel the tears running down my cheek only to be redirected by the sticky blood splattered across my face.  Not my blood, no not my blood.  I’m fairly certain that I walked past the crying baby without much more than a dull stare.  The image of the child’s mother is burned into my mind though.  Her lifeless hand still resting on the child’s head as if to let it know that everything would be ok even as her other hand rested on a gaping wound in her neck in what was a futile attempt to stem the flow of blood.  I know her but I cannot recall her name.  I feel the tears but little else, my arms are numb and my sword drags behind, held in my hand by instinct alone.

 The orcs swarmed into the village as a crazed horde; their teeth gnashing and their spears and swords finding soft targets among the simple folk here. They reveled in the chaos, howling in their madness, as they ran their blood stained weapons through men, women and children without discrimination.  They seemed to be without end as they poured out of the darkness.  How many did I slay?  The ferocity of the battle leaves me with little detail.  I remember falling villagers and orcs, many of the orcs falling at my feet.  My sword worked in a blur of motion; training and instinct took over at some point when my natural limits should have long been exhausted.  One after another they fell to my blade yet I could not save my people.  The sun crests the horizon, mocking the devastation with its beauty, dawn reveals the slaughter.

The smell of smoke and death still reaches me as I fall to my knees.  Lifeless lumps of flesh, human and orc alike, litter the landscape.  There is no movement.  Still the baby cries, but in the distance now.  I have stumbled a great distance, trying in vain to find refuge from the nightmare.  As I stare blankly back across what was once my home there is a strangely welcome calm.  Death has claimed the battle field now.  I notice the slight gashes on my arms and legs and one across my chest but I feel no physical pain.  My mind struggles to hold on; it would be so easy to step into the blackness.  Perhaps I could hide there and forget.  I cannot.  Somewhere in the smoldering ruins a dead mother holds her child.  I force myself to my feet and once more stumble into the battlefield.

The dream, the memory, is always the same.  

 

The ghoul hounds picked up Leviticus’ trail almost instantly.  Together they raced to the rough orange colored stone wall wailing as they ran.   Their howls were chilling to hear and lesser men may have succumbed to fright.   As they reached the wall they both zeroed in on one of the nondescript holes and then changed back into mists. 

 Namblin, a mere step behind, took the charred coal marker in his hand and marked the spot.  “Here drink these and be quick about it, the hounds will not wait”, Namblin pushed small potions into the hands of the other three.  “Now follow quickly”, the same instant the words left his mouth the gnome shimmered and then became a swirling mass of misty substance.

 The hounds vanished into the hole as tendrils of smoke.  Vlad did not hesitate; he slammed back the potion and threw the empty bottle to the ground where it promptly smashed to pieces.  Bravo and Rush gave each other a quizzical look and then in near unison, shrugged their shoulders and downed the potions. 

 Moving in gaseous form was nothing new for the foursome which proved vital.  At every turn they were greeted with a massive web of tiny veins going off in thousands of directions through the surrounding stone.  Without a trail it would be impossible to track the vampiric demon.  Namblin led the way seemingly linked to the hounds in some way.  The others forced themselves to move in the unfamiliar state relying heavily on their abilities to sense small traces of the magic left behind as the previous gaseous form passed.

 Suddenly they were inside a dark stone-walled room.  The large room was fit for a king, a king in hiding.  Priceless tapestries and equally valuable art adorned the stone walls.  Exquisite furniture matched the room’s elegance, tables and worked iron sconces held lanterns and glowing orbs of magic light.  In the center of the room a pool twenty feet across glowed from the brilliant blue liquid it held.  As Bravo, the last to enter the room, reformed the action was in full swing.  Bravo felt a great tug as he was hit with a spell.  He knew the spell immediately, dimensional anchor.

Vladimir was embroiled in combat with an enormous creature that surely inhabited the darkest pits of hell.  It was a monstrous demon that stood twenty feet tall.  Its skin was a blotchy combination of black and green.  The demon’s jaw jutted out an arm’s length exposing long sharp teeth, black liquid ran from the creatures jaw as if a spicket had been left on.  The liquid smoked a bit as it spilled to the floor creating a plum of green smoke, the acid could be heard hissing as it burned the stone floor.  The demon’s long arms ended in taloned hands that gripped great axes whose blades looked to be made of adamantine. 

 Thirty feet behind the battle between human and demon stood Leviticus.  His wounds fully healed and a great grin dominating his face he worked his hands as if casting yet another spell.  Rush stood off to Bravo’s left working furiously as arrows left his bow in a blur and raced toward the demon.  One after another they struck and yet the demon seemed not to notice.  Vlad had several major gashes in his armor and it was painfully obvious that the demon was gaining the upper hand.

 “Shazorix has been waiting years beyond counting for chance such as this Vlad.  I am so pleased that it is you who will satisfy his desire to extinguish life”, Leviticus laughter echoed in the chamber as he seemed to near insanity.  Then with a quick jester and a word the spell left his fingers.

 Rush howled in pain.  Forced to his knees the Elf strained against the deadly spell.  Tinya rested in his hand so close to being launched and now at the mercy of its master who struggled to hold to consciousness. 

 Bravo cursed at the choices before him, none of them good.  He had no time to decide between various courses of action however and launched a spell at the Demon in an effort to save Vladimir.  The spell struck and the Demon grimaced as some good amount of strength was taken from him.  Vlad deflected a blow from one of the great black axes and followed with a series of strikes each one penetrating the flesh of the Demon.  Acid shot from the wounds splashing Vladimir with the deadly stuff.  His skin bubbled on his arms where parts of his armor no longer protected, his element protection exhausted. 

The Demon made a sound that can only be described as a laugh though the acid that ran freely from his mouth gave it a strange gargled sound as if he were drowning.  The axe in the creature’s right hand crashed into Vlad’s side, slicing through his armor with ease.  The sound of breaking ribs was audible enough for Bravo to hear and recognize the sound.  Blood gushed from the wound and the great warrior’s arms went limp but his legs stubbornly refused to buckle.

 For the first time in more years than he could count Bravo felt helpless.  He could not save Vladimir and he knew that his spells would find little purchase against a prepared Leviticus.  The dimensional anchor sealed his fate; he would be unable to flee.  This is how it would end he thought; in the hall of a demented vampire where none would ever know his fate.  Still he worked his hands for yet another spell; perhaps he could take his pound of flesh before darkness came.

 “This ends now brother”, a booming voice sounded from the rear of the stone room.  Bravo’s eyes went wide at the sight of a weathered old man with a bald head and bright silver eyes. 

 “Frank?” Bravo whispered to himself in disbelief. 

 A burst of light leapt from the new arrival and encircled Leviticus.  Arcs of electricity and racing shards of light shot back and forth between the Silver-Eyed Mages.  Leviticus howled in anger, his hands curled into contorted claws as his spells refused him.  “NO, Krytus, you must…re….release me”, Leviticus struggled with the final words as his life force began to leave him.

 “I have watched you ruin the lives of too many, watched you destroy without cause.  I cannot allow our brotherhood to be remembered as you are.  Your debt must be paid”, Krytus spat the final words as the strain of the link between he and Leviticus grew.  His teeth ground as he willed himself to push on.

The power of the connection between the two was overwhelming.  Bravo could feel his arcane powers being drained from him as if a great vortex had been opened, devouring the very essence of magic from the room.  Rivers of sweat ran down Krytus’ bald head as he struggled to force his will on his demonic brother.  Blood ran from his right nostril and dripped from his lip as he grimaced with the effort.

 The Demon too could not help turning to see what caused such a powerful flux of power.  Seeing Leviticus in danger the great beast turned to slay the old man who seemed to be the cause.  He took one step and Tinya exploded through the back of his head.  Her gleaming tip exited his forehead, her shaft stuck in the brain stuff inside.  The Demon’s eyes tried in vain to see what had caused such a punch to his head as the blade erupted from his belly.  Vlad also recovered and with both hands on the pommel he had shoved his sword through the Demon’s back to exit the other side.

 The demon toppled and slammed lifeless to the ground.  Near death himself, Vladimir stepped on the Demon’s back and with some effort, drew the sword from its back.  Slowly he walked toward the two silver-eyed mages, the gash on his side flowed with dark liquid that now coated his leggings.  As he approached Leviticus the vampiric mage struggled to turn his head.  His eyes screamed of pain, veins bulged on his face and hands while the cord between he and his brother robbed him of life.  Unable to speak Leviticus mouthed, “Please….end….me”. 

 “My pleasure “, Vlad spat as his sword cut an arc though the air and with deft aim removed Leviticus’ head cleanly from his shoulders.  The magical vortex between the two silver-eyed mages abruptly ended in a blast of light sending Vladimir off his feet to land on his back on the hard stone floor.  Krytus stood, waivered for just a moment and then fell face first to the floor.  His head made an audible crack as it smashed against the stone. 

 Bravo and Rush raced across the room to Vladimir.  Rush bent down and raised the warrior’s head with his hand.  Vlad’s eyes opened and a slight grin crossed his acid marred face, “We did it.  Tell me the bastard is finally dead.” 

 Instinctively Rush looked over his left shoulder at the lifeless bodies of the mages.  “He is dead my friend.  You however are not so lucky, drink this liquid and we will have you dancing a jig in no time”.

 “If it is all the same to you”, Vladimir struggled, “I think I will put an end to my own travels here and now.  Tis time for me to see those I love who have long since passed.  My vengeance has given me life for far too long and it is time for me to go.”

 Bravo looked over at Rush the bottle of healing in his hand, “Seems a damn fool thing to do.  Why not go home and die a natural death with a cool mug of ale by your side?  There will be an eternity to see those you love and time to love again while you’re here.”

 Rush rested a hand on Bravo’s forearm, “He speaks as a man who has lived his life to the fullest Bravo.  There is wisdom in his words.  Let him go.” 

 As Bravo shook his head Vlad’s fingers worked at a small pouch on his belt.  Whispering he poured the contents of the pouch into Rush’s outstretched hand, “Give this to that little bastard Namblin.  Tell him I said he’s a fool and a person of his size should really consider the circus.”  Vladimir smiled and content to embrace the unknown he drifted away as if to go to sleep.

 Rush looked down at the ring, a simple, yet beautiful thing.  It was a ring made of strange black stone with rivulets of orange here and there.  “Well worth the price I would say eh Bravo.”

 “I’m not so sure, it was a costly hunt my Elvin friend.  Now let us go home.” 

 

“How many more ‘jumps’ will we need to get there Namblin”, Vladimir was more than a little agitated by this point.  It seemed to him that Namblin was enjoying the non-stop travel from one portal to the next a little too much.

 “Had I the locations, I could have gotten us there days ago”, Bravo had been fuming for quite some time.  It was fairly obvious that his patience with the chaotic nature of the Gnome had long since expired. 

 Namblin simply smiled to himself, knowing full well that what Bravo said was at the same time true and entirely impossible.  One’s mind had to be wired for chaos to understand the portals the way he did and he knew it.

 Namblin ripped another hole in the blackness in front of the group.  “Gird you loins boys and kiss you mommies goodbye, next stop is the Domaraus.”

 Michael and Brovandian began casting spells.  Magic waves flowed into all five members of the group.  Michael was a very old cleric; his divine powers were second to none.  Long ago he had joined with Vladimir to hunt down and destroy Leviticus.  Both being human, Michael and Vlad were forced to stay within the mystery of the portals.  They aged differently here, slower.  It gave them both time to track their prey.  It also gave them both unwelcomed time to contemplate the people long lost by living far beyond their expected years. 

Bravo was young by comparison.  Still at the height of his power, he is both a powerful wizard and an integral part of the political structure of Mythgar.   Only his confidence in Corwin of the Shadowmark Rangers and Kit of the Knights of Corellian gave him the assurance that things back home would be handled as he helped new friends and old track down Leviticus.  Bravo had lived through the time of the red sun in Mythgar and the corresponding flux in the powers of the arcane; since that time he had not aged a single day by all appearance and examination. 

 Suddenly a huge oval opened in front of the group exposing a long courtyard made up of a strange but beautiful obsidian stone.   Large columns of orange and blue rose from the stones eighty feet in the air to bear the weight of the immaculate carved ceiling.  The grand hall seemed to be a meeting place for dignitaries who call the underworld their home.  Two devils standing fifteen feet tall were only a handful of feet from the portal.  They had dark orange and black skin, wicked horns and four arms each that ended in talons that looked like they could shred mythril. 

 Just beyond the devils holding court with a silver eyed mage were two creatures all five were very familiar with.  Cambions, more precisely Cambion Dread-Lords, these foul creatures were never far from Leviticus and these were his personal guard.  The Cambions were the first to react, they are imbued with heightened senses that are beyond compare and they felt the opening the portal when no one else could.  One stepped between Leviticus saving the mage-demon’s life while unknowingly ending his own, the other stepped toward the intruders.

 Namblin was gone as soon as the portal opened.  Vlad had known all along that he would not partake in the battle, it just wasn’t his thing.  Rush had loosed two arrows as the portal opened, one being Tinya, and he had already loaded a third.  Tinya struck true as always striking the Cambion Dread-Lord in front of Leviticus square in the chest.  Levi had been the target of course and had the Cambion not acted on unnatural instinct it could have all ended right then and there.  The Cambion barely had time to grimace before he turned to stone.  The magic released from Tinya was a very chaotic thing indeed, sometimes doing little and sometimes causing instant death.   The second arrow slammed into the devil to Rush’s right.  The third would find its home within a few inches of the previous shot.

 Vlad had turned a ring on his finger and now stood just feet away from the remaining Dread-Lord.  A magic shield of some sort had interrupted his dimension travel short of his intended target of the silver eyed mage.  Cursing, Vladimir unleashed a viscous blow on the Cambion that was only partially blocked.  A gash opened up on the Cambion’s shoulder and dark blood gushed immediately from the wound.  It would take much more however to take this thing down and Vlad knew it.

 Michael was on the move, nearing the devil with the arrows already protruding his body; hands working as he conjured a spell.  Bravo stepped from the portal and disappeared; now invisible he maneuvered with a clear view of Leviticus.  A blast of light shot from Michael’s entire body and the Devil

 screamed has his body ripped apart from the inside, blood and gore dissipating and vanishing in mid-air.

 Towards the back of the hall harsh and cruel words were spat from Leviticus as his hands worked in a dazzling display ending in the release of a powerful spell.  Bravo was ready however and countered the spell with a quick jester.  Groaning with the effort, Bravo realized how difficult this would be and that countering Leviticus’ spells would be a 50/50 chance at best.

 Mere feet from Leviticus the Cambion landed a solid blow against Vlad’s breast plate.  The magic armor absorbed most of the blow but still Vlad took substantial damage.  This was no ordinary dread-lord, as if a normal one wasn’t enough. 

 The remaining Devil cast and swirling flames covered Michael from head to toe.  A rueful grin from the Cleric was the only reaction as the flames seem to have no damaging effect, only managing to magnify the cleric’s presence.  His choice of elemental protection was a wise it seemed.

 Rush locked in on Leviticus and just as he began to fire his well trained eye caught two very large Cambion’s racing from the back of the hall towards their master.  These two stood two hands taller than the dread lord now in combat with Vladimir.  “Hmm,” was the only reaction from the Elf as he released his arrow and raced towards Tinya now resting on the ground near the stone Cambion.  The arrow flew true striking yet another barrier in from of Leviticus, the magic tip sparked at the impact and then fell helplessly to the floor.

 Vlad also saw the approaching Cambions and knew the window of opportunity to destroy the elusive silver-eyed devil was quickly closing.  His sword moved with unnatural speed and unmatched skill, blow after blow finding purchase against the body of the Cambion whom he had been fighting.  The last blow was an uppercut that sent the blade though the lower jaw, exiting the top of his skull.  The Devil fell heavily to the floor as Vlad slid his sword free and moved towards his nemesis.

 Leviticus again spat cruel and hateful words and a great wave of darkness exploded from his body covering the entire battlefield.  Bravondian swore as his attempt to counter the spell failed.  The pain was great as it seemed all the fluids were ripped from his body.  Still he had avoided most of the damage as did Vladimir.  Michael and Rush both retched as the spell seemed to impact them the most.  The silver-eyed mage had enhanced the spell in some way, its power greater than it should be and thus making it impossible for Bravo to counter.

 The remaining devil took the opportunity to strike at Michael; all four arms pummeled the cleric, talons removing great clumps of flesh.  Blood shot across the room much of it leaving a warm and welcome trail across the devil’s chest.   The damage was catastrophic but not quite enough to kill the holy man.

 Vladimir growled a quick word of magic that awoke the amulet around his neck.  “Got something for you, you blood sucking gnoll turd!” Leviticus eyes widened alarmingly as Vlad stepped through his protective bearers.  The anti-magic field from the amulet suppressed not only the shields that protected him but effectively rendered him helpless.  The silver-eyed mage knew he was no match for the warrior without the aid of his powerful magic.

 The plan had been devised long ago and discussed to every possibility and every detail.  Both Bravo and Rush knew that the anti-magic shield was part of the plan so neither would be of much help against Leviticus until the shield was removed.  Rush gathered up Tinya and with flawless execution rose and fired a different arrow towards the rushing greater Cambions.  As was customary the arrow found its mark, striking one of the Cambions in the neck through the impossibly small gap between his helmet and breast plate.  Still the demon-spawn charged ahead.

 Michael was in trouble and Bravo knew that something had gone terribly wrong.  One of the blows from the Devil had severed an artery or the like and Michael was dazed.  He would be unable to defend himself from another series of attacks.  With no time to waste the mage cast an anti-gravity field under the Devil.  This would only provide a moment of reprieve as the Devil could fly and likely dimension hop as well.  Using his staff for an additional spell Bravo activated the dimension door ‘popped’ across the room and grabbed hold of the cleric.  Blood still sprayed from Michael’s body covering the invisible mage in a strange visage of bloody garb.

 Leviticus backed away in vain as Vlad slashed and pummeled him with his sword.  Without the benefits of magic it would take considerably more time to kill a vampiric demon but the trade off was worth it.  Leviticus was not a match for Vladimir but he was far from helpless.  His black rapier was normally reserved as a show piece but he knew how to use it well.  With its magic properties suppressed however it was little more than an irritant to the highly trained warrior.   

 “RUSH!” Bravo screamed at the top of his lungs.  He knew that the archer was the best chance to stop the devil.  Rush spun around, Tinya notched and fired.  Tinya raced true and promptly hit the devil and bounced, doing no damage whatsoever.  “NO! You bitch, not NOW!” Rush cursed his artifact weapon.  Her fickle nature had surely sealed the cleric’s death.  His next two arrows found their mark inflicting damage on the devil but not nearly enough.

 Bravo howled as he desperately worked at another spell.  He knew however that he would not be able to act in time.  The devil unleashed a spray of acid from his mouth as he flew towards the mage and the cleric.  Bravo threw Michael away from him, trying to send him from the cone of acid while rolling the opposite direction in the same moment.  Dazed, Michael was unable to help himself and despite the efforts of the mage he was bathed in sizzling death.  Little more than a moan escaped him as the flesh slid from his body.  Bravo managed to escape once again taking minimal damage and was already rolling to his feet.

 This was not in the plan.  Rush needed Tinya to take down Leviticus at the appropriate time and now she lay across the hall some sixty feet away.  The greater Cambion dread-lords were closing on Vlad and even with his talents he would not be able to fight them both while maintaining the necessary proximity with the silver-eyed mage to keep him from casting.  With the healer seemingly dead, things were going badly for the heroes.

 Recovered, Bravo launched a disintegrate spell at the Devil quickly followed by yet another from his ring.  The devil was unable to magically defend against either and his body seemed to implode and he vanished. 

 At the other end of the hall Vlad struck again and again hitting the silver-eyed mage across the shoulder and chest.  Blood oozed from several places on the vampire now, a unfamiliar feeling to be sure.  Not truly undead, Leviticus was quite able to feel the pain and dreadful concern was now evident in his eyes.  But his death, at least at this moment, was not to be.  The two greater Cambion dread-lords entered the anti-magic shield.  Swords moving in a blur they struck at Vladimir and moved to cut him off from their master.

 Rush grabbed Tinya and quickly turned to evaluate the situation.  Both Devils were destroyed, one Cambion had his skull run through by Vlad’s sword and other stood a lifeless statue.  Two giant sized Cambions were beating on Vladimir and Leviticus was backing away from the anti-magic shield.  Bravo was up and cursing up a storm, no doubt ready to unleash some arcane hell on the enemies that remained but Michael was dead.  His body nearly melted away from the thick goo of acid that still lingered.

 The problem for the moment was that Vlad’s anti-magic shield was directly in the path of Rush and all three remaining adversaries.  Tinya went quickly back into the sheath, a normal array of magic arrows taking her place in Rush’s hand.  One after another the shafts flew each finding their way to the great Cambion to Vlad’s left.  Their magic properties were stripped bare however as they entered the sphere and the natural protections of the Dread Lord’s prevented them from doing any damage.  Rush moved quickly to find an angle that would allow him to strike at Leviticus.

 Bravo too found himself blocked by the anti-magic shield.  His next move however was to lock down Leviticus with a dimensional anchor.  As he moved for line of sight he enacted a brooch that healed his wounds.  With Michael gone they would all need to rely on their own magic to heal damage.

 The blows were coming in fast and furious and Vlad could not work around the two giant Cambions to keep Leviticus in his range.  Vlad quickly dismissed the anti-magic shield by touching the amulet that had created it.  He managed one quick strike catching the Cambion to his right off guard as the magic in his weapon and on his body returned.  The sword went deep into the Cambion’s thigh but his expression was void of any pain, void of any emotion whatsoever.

 Suddenly the Cambion to Vlad’s left broke from the battle and raced back towards Leviticus.  A small dark pearl was thrust from his hand ending in a burst and then a rip of darkness appeared, hovering in the air near the silver-eyed mage.  At the same time, Leviticus was casting yet again.  Safe from any anti-magic he would end Vladimir now and put an end to this endless running.  His fingers worked and arcane words formed on his lips.

 Rush yelled “They mean to escape Bravo, cast the Anchor!”

 But Bravo knew he could not, he recognized the spell that was being cast and he knew the spell could easily end Vladimir’s life.  Instantly he dropped the dimensional anchor spell and launched a counter to Leviticus’ spell.  It was a mere alteration of a spell he knew all too well and countering it was quite simple this time.  Leviticus cursed loudly as the spell fizzled.  The Cambion closest to him was earnestly gesturing for Levi to jump through the newly created portal.

 Tinya was in mid air as Leviticus stepped towards the portal.  She gleamed brightly as she streaked through the dimly lit hall and slammed into the wizards back.  Leviticus feet were taken from him and his arms flew away from his body as he fell through the portal.  The Cambion could be seen reaching for him as the portal began to close.  “NO!” Vladimir howled, “NOT AGAIN, YOU SHALL NOT ESCAPE ME AGAIN!”

 Vlad’s weapon moved in a dazzling display, one blow removing the Great Cambion’s hand, the next smashing into his side slicing through the thick black plate and the third he drove straight into the massive demon spawn’s chest.  The giant Cambion fell as the portal closed. 

 The three stood in disbelief.  So much effort wasted.  Leviticus would take months to track again and he will have rebuilt his defenses.

 “I got him really good with Tinya.  He might be finished”, Rush didn’t sound convinced and it was obvious neither Bravo nor Vlad were either.

 “Yeah well not likely my friend, not likely”, Bravo glanced back at the bubbling mess that was once Michael.  It made the bitterness of missing their prey sting that much more.

 “Why all the long faces”, Namblin was standing there, a slight grin on his face.  In his left hand he held a piece of orange fruit; juice ran down his chin as he talked.  “Well Vladie my boy, you seem to have screwed the pooch once again.  What would you do without a Gnome to pull you up by your boot straps?”

 Vlad moved quickly.  In an instant his sword tip rested menacingly against the traveler’s throat.  “One more word from you and I’ll make that grin permanent”, Vlad Growled.

 “Word”, Namblin mumbled and with that he blinked across the room.  Vlad’s thrust hit open air and was intended to kill.  “Okay, okay relax old timer.   I told you I found his home did I not?”

 “Yes you did and I presumed this was it.  How about you stop talking in riddles and come out with it or I will ask bravo here to turn you into a pile of dust!”

 “Oh may I….Please”, Bravo mused out loud.

 “Nope this isn’t his home.  Give me two minutes though and I will have you there and we can be done with this once and for all”, Namblin began busily digging through his backpack.  Finding what he sought he began flipping through the pages of his journal.  “Ah, here we go.”

 Five minutes later another portal had been opened.  It opened onto the roof of a palace of some sort. The palace rested in a large cavern the tall walls reflected the burning light from pools of lava on the ground below.  Just in front of the portal lay the Cambion.  Gashes and wounds caused by magic covered his body.  A pool of dark liquid marked the ground where Leviticus must have fallen as he exited the portal.  Tinya lay in the middle, gleaming, waiting for its master to retrieve her.  In the distance below, somewhere in the palace, battle was taking place.

 “Seems like we may have had some help”, Vlad said.  “Perhaps they finished what we could not.”

 “Not likely”, Namblin was pulling something else from his bag; two small globes. 

 “I recognize this place, or at least part of it”, Bravo said as he started into the distance at a long arched bridge to the west.  “Fitting that we should hunt this bastard down so close to his attempt to seduce me.”

 Namblin looked longingly at the globes for just a moment before rolling them on the ground.   They burst open in a cloud of mist and two foul looking hounds emerged.  Five feet at the shoulder, their long fangs dripped green goo onto the ground as they panted.  Their eyes burned with fire and great holes pierced their skin revealing the bone and sinew underneath.

 “Ghoul Hounds”, Namblin said matter-of-factually.  “Found them on the plane of the undead.  Nasty little critters until you learn how to control them.  But, if you want to hunt something with even a hint of undead in his makeup, then they are what you need”.

The top of the palace was riddled with holes as was the wall of the cavern.  A vampire in gaseous form could have entered any of them.

 “Find the vampire boys, and be quick about it”, Namblin spoke to the ghoul hounds and they immediately began sniffing the ground and air as if they were hounds on a fox hunt.