Short - Run Into the Wizard

"You'll be safe here," Tolgien stopped his incessant shuffling through the cabinets for just a moment, "I think" and he resumed. Finally finding what he was looking for, the old man pulled out a bottle with a long, slim neck and a bulbous bottom, a greenish liquid swishing back and forth as he pottered to the table and banged it down.

"Now, yeh haven't had a proper meal for weeks, I bet, an' my lonely tower won't help ya much either. I'm afraid I don't keep much company any more" he brushed at some dust on the table, giving you a smile, "but yeh won't mind, I hope. Now, what can a lonely wizard an' his tower do for yeh?"

You explained the situation as wholly as you can, leaving out the details about Greg and his descent to darkness. As you spoke Tolgien poured two glasses of the green spirit and made two sandwiches with questionable slices of bread and meat.

"I see," he said, "so the queen has taken yer family. I imagine the enchantment you mentioned was Emeralda, a magic that turns any being into a pure gem." He took a large chomp out of his sandwich, chewing as he spoke, "You've come a long way if you've crossed the dark forest, m'dear, but you've got a longer journey yet. This old man can only keep yeh safe fer a little bit, but even my flying tower has its limits."

You frowned, speaking.

"Now I know that you've been told tales about me, but that's just what they were, tales! Truth is, old Tolgien's running short o' his magic lately, and even the dark queen can find 'im." Having finished his bread and meat, the old wizard took a swig from his glass, his face contorting. "Horrible stuff. Gets yeh where you're going to though, eh?" He looked at your own, barely touched glass and half-eaten sandwich. "Not hungry, m'dear?"

You shook your head, giving a pleasant smile.

"Well, as long as yer happy. As I was saying I've been losing my magic an' even my wards can't protect yeh from her, even here. You'll have to be moving on soon."

Your face took on an expression of discontent and Tolgien stopped you before you could speak.

"Now I'm not going to put yeh out without a hope an' prayer. I gots a gift or two for yeh," and he stood, walking out of the kitchen while you sat, suddenly uncomfortable in the dark, dank room. The dead hearth was hulking and looked like a giant maw while the lurching of the tower became readily apparent. Tolgien appeared just as you began to feel motion sickness.

"Oh, m'dear!" He plunked the things he had brought on the table and grabbed a bucket, pushing it into your lap just in time. "Well now" he said, waiting for you to finish, "I bet you feel better."

You made a wry, sarcastic reply.

"Yes, well, we're running short of time. I don't think we have much more than two bowls."

You nodded once, your face still wry.

"This first item is called the Hanzing Pendant. It will protect you from any direct contact with denizens of the dark one." He put it over your neck as you examined the exquisite jewelry. Simple and elegant, it had a single yellow gem set in silver eagle talons, about the size of your pinkie finger.

"And the second," he began, pulling you out of reverie, "is called Pendelay's Dagger." He pinned the likeness of a small, curved and jagged knife at your breast. "Should you ever need it, help will come in some form."

You blinked, surprised. You'd actually heard of this item, your mother told you stories of Pendelay.

"Finally," Tolgien said, "Terantei's Shroud, an artifact that..." but he was interrupted by a high pitched sound. "Hurry! They're here!" He shoved the cloak over your shoulders, pushing you toward the door. "Trust the dagger! Now go" and he opened the door.

Below you was at least two miles of space between you and the ground, and two swooping figures on broomsticks, cloaks whipping in the winds. The last thing you remembered before you fell was a hand at your back, pushing and then nothing.