Book 1 - Blackstaff Tower by Steven E. Schend

Author:Steven E. Schend [Schend, Steven E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Forgotten Realms, Fiction
ISBN: 9780786956135
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Published: 2008-01-02T08:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

The Spellplague-warped Pellamcopse remains tainted after decades. Its mutated guardian and the denizens of the wood protect their home fiercely, but the Blackstaff tells us the Pellamcopse Haunt, in his own way, protects Waterdeep as well.

Am Gyrfalcon II, To Walk Lands Afflicted, Year of the Wrathful Vizier (1411 DR)

10 Nightal, Year of the Ageless One (1479 DR)

Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m bored,” Osco said after having paced around the warm study a number of times. “If you’d spent last night fighting an archmage and corrupt Watchmen, then fleeing through the sewers before coming here, you’d be tired too, little man,” Meloon mumbled as he lay before the fire.

Osco wandered past the large fighter and bent down to whisper in Vharem’s ear. “Hey, V, want to explore this place with me? There’s some interesting stuff here—and I’m not talking about the wine cellars, though those were a good find.”.

“I don’t steal from friends,” Vharem said, opening only one eye. “They know where to find you.”

“You used to be more fun, V,” Osco said. “There were a few locks I wanted you to help me with.”

Renaer sleepily rolled over on his couch and faced Osco. “If it’s any of the doors in the tower, I’ve their only keys—and they’re all magically locked besides. There’s things up there you shouldn’t disturb, Osco. Things I know to leave well enough alone.”

Osco sulked as he walked to the table and burled his frustrations beneath a flurry of eating, consuming what remained of the large ham and the bread. In between bites, he mumbled, “Just because I wasn’t up all night doesn’t make lying around all day dull as dwarves.”

Vajra, who had remained unconscious most of the day, rose slowly from the divan and said, “The hin speaks true. We must get to Blackstaff Tower. It has chosen a potential heir. I need to become Blackstaff before that path—and my mind—dissolves. I have need of Varad’s books and counsel.” With that, Vajra vanished.

The only sounds in the room were the crackles of fire and the snorting chuckles of a halfling with his mouth full. The others staggered up from dozing as Osco said, “Guess someone’s disturbing things anyway, chief—and I doubt she’s gone to the kitchens.” With that, he dashed out of the room and cut left down the corridor.

Vharem asked, “Where’d she go?”

Renaer threw off his furs with a growl. “Varad’s books are eithet here or in the tower!”

By the time the whole quartet roused themselves from beneath their furs, Osco’s movement had lit up all the torches back down to the entry chamber. Renaer snapped “Stlaern!” as he pushed past a tapestry and through an open doorway mostly blocked by the wall-hanging. Vharem, Meloon, and Laraelra followed him into the stairwell that led up into a high tower. A blizzard howled outside the slim arrow-slit windows. Ice and snow pelted the tower.

They ignored the smaller landings and doors as they raced past two upper levels and found Osco at the third landing, waiting for them in front of a door.

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