3.13 - The Shade Well

Anneleigh and Gwyddon in their new forms followed Laria’s instructions to the summoning circle of Malevolent Shade Well.  As Laria predicted, they were able to walk freely among the cultists and their summons. 

“This is so strange.” Gwyddon hissed in Anneleigh’s ear as they walked within arm’s reach of a rather large undead minion and his followers. 

“I know.  I still feel itchy all over.” Anneleigh remarked, resisting the urge to scratch at her fury flesh, which would be a signal to the cultists that she is not who she says.

“No, not our de.... “Gwyddon begins, but cuts his words short as they pass another group. “The idea that we can walk right in and no one can tell.  I would be worried if I didn’t have faith in Laria, and the Vigil, I would be worried we might stay like this.  Forever excluded from society.  If the cultists cannot see through this, the Guardian’s never would either.”

This thought had not crossed Anneleigh’s mind.  She considered for a moment.  “If the curse does not lift when we defeated the Hag, then Laria can speak for us.  She will be strong enough to travel where she pleases.”

Anneleigh could just make out the smile beneath his wolfish exterior before it fell from his face.   She looked forward on the path and saw what had drawn his attention.  They had reached the summoning circle at last.

Around the circle, all equal distant from each other, laid full skeletons.  Between them were etched two markings.  A blue star, drawn in runes and stretching out to the edges at each of the bodies, and a purple circle, containing only the center most points, shining in vapor and light.

“What do you suppose we have to do to summon it?” Gwyddon asked, no longer troubling to keep his voice down.

Anneleigh walked to the center of the circle. 

“You stay at the edge, outside of the ring, and shoot from there.”  Anneleigh directed.  “I’m going to see if this shade well will really know the difference between an Ascended and the Plane of Death.”

She took back her dagger and dragged it across the fleshy part of her paw.  At the moment the blood hit the ground the inner circle irrupted in a flood of red light and fire.  Anneleigh retreated to the edge of the circle and stood with Gwyddon, both shielding their eyes, waiting for the light to fade. 

“Do you think that was it?” Gwyddon shouted over the noise of the crackling flames. 

Anneleigh shook her head as the shade well began to take form, enveloping the light of the flames, growing as it dissipated.

“How do you suppose we fight something that has no flesh?”  Gwyddon asked.

Anneleigh shrugged.  “I don’t know for sure.  I’ve never fought a spirit before.  The blood of an ascended brought it here.  Maybe the faith of an ascended will vanquish it.”

“Are you asking me or telling me?” Gwyddon said with a smile.

Anneleigh glared at him.   “Stay here.” She directed as she turned to enter the circle.

“What do you want me to do while I’m standing here?”   He called.

“I don’t know.  Pray?”  She yelled, not turning her focus from the shade well before her.

For a while they circled each other.  Anneleigh could hear Gwyddon muttering prayers to the Vigil behind her.  The shade seemed to be studying her just as intently as she studied it.  After a few minutes Anneleigh began speak.

"Thedeor, god of the Sword,
may you keep your faithful strong.   

Mariel-Taun, goddess of the heart,
may you bring us light in this darkness.  "

 

The shade took swipes at her, but she dodged them. 

 "Bahralt, god of the city,
may you forever keep Telara safe. 

Thontic, god of the sea,
assist those who seek to save Telara. 

Tavril, goddess of the land,
take pity on your faithful guardian."

 

The shade well, though vibrating with energy, was not releasing it on her.  Her prayers seemed to hold it at bay.   She continued.

 

"Vigil, help your creations to free Telara from the Planes."

 

The shade well began to shudder.

 

"Vigil, answer our calls for help."

 

The shade well’s shuddering became more violent.  Anneleigh could see it beginning to break apart.

 

"Vigil, banish this evil beyond the ward.  Help us cleanse Gloamwood and begin to rebuild Telara."

 

The shade well burst into pieces and evaporated into the surrounding air.  The lights of the casting circle dimmed and the bones of the fallen sacrifices turned to dust.

 

Anneleigh turned to see Gwyddon sitting on the ground, his face in his hands.  When he did not respond she ran to him.

 

“Are you ok?” She said as she shook his shoulder.  He raised his head and Anneleigh could see the tear streaks had matted the fur on his face. 

 

“What’s the matter?” Anneleigh asked.  “Did it hurt you?”  She was confused because, aside from the spots that still floated in her vision from the bright lights; she did not have a scratch on her.

 

He shook his head.  “No.” He said at last.  “But didn’t you see it?” 

 

“See what?” Anneleigh asked.

 

“The Vigil, their light.  You didn’t see it?  OH Anneleigh, it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed.  At first it appeared as bright white pillars surrounding you and the shade well.   As you circled each other they moved closer to you until you were completely enveloped in the light.  And then I saw...”

 

“What?”  Anneleigh questioned.  “What then?”  She was quite as enthralled as he was.

 

“I saw you, not the wolf you, but the real you.  And I don’t know if the shade well saw you too, but two seconds later it was gone.  The light faded and you returned to the wolf you.”

 

She looked down at her paws again.  To her, they had always been paws, but she knew he spoke the truth, not only of a vision he himself had witnessed, when she noticed the wound she had suffered to call the shade well had healed. 

 

“With the blessing of the Vigil, perhaps this means the end to this nightmare is near.”  Gwyddon said as he got to his feat.