The Emerald's Fall / The King's Decree

The Sqwuaks and Anden were unconscious, their bodies folded on the ground where they had fallen, bleedind heavily into the dead Earth.

When Kalina spoke, her voice boomed supernaturally, so loud it could have been heard for half a mile. "What I am doing here can not be stopped. The manifold planar reality itself hinges on this. I am doing what must be done." Her eyes glowed an ominous green, and despite her many injuries her back stood straight and strong, as if some other force kept her moving beyond her physical body. SHe floated ten feet in the air, as if the act of walking was beneath her.

Stella and Theo were badly injured, and having a much harder time not showing it in how they braced themselves. They had traveled and fought alongside Kalina for years now, and she had never been this powerful. Stella clinched her teeth, a mix of anger and frustration finally pushing through as she let it slip out. "Use it. The red arrow." Theo looked surprised for only a moment before steeling his eyes back on his enemy. He moved his finger to his quiver and easily picked out the lone Red Arrow he kept there, a prize from deep within the deepest portions of the forge. The arrow that could slay any wizard. He notched it, and let it fly.

Kalina put her hand up, a wall of complex emerald tinted geometric patters appearing before her, which the arrow hit. However, unlike so many attacks before, the arrow dug through, slowly, as if a will of its own compelled it to pass through the barrier. After several seconds of Kalina resisting, the arrow passed, and with no force lost from Theo's initial shot, found her heart. As it slammed into her chest, she dropped to the ground.

Theo tended to this friends as Stella approached her long time friend and ally. Kalina spat out blood and looked up, the green light in her eyes still there. "Fool. You do not know what you are doing. This world is doomed. Forces move in the east. The reality of all laws and the hellscapes rise against us. The 5 headed dragon isn't the enemy, it..." she trailed off, her strength fading. Her voice no longer boomed, but was a pale whimper.

Stella watched her long time friend pass, the scales that covered her receding as she did. For the first time in years, she could see the face of her old friend. "Find peace in the great sea above, my friend." Stella turned. Sqwuaks and Anden were sitting up, revived with potions the party had brought along for the travels. "Strange things are happening here. When Solomon returns from the south, we will update him on this."

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When the party arrived back at Castle Wyrmbreaker, standing at the gate was Junior Officer's Randor and Zalkin. Zalkin approached and saluted. "Officers."

"You're back! Where are the others? How was the meeting with the king, any word on how we'll deal with the Tiamat?" Theo asked excitedly, ready for a chance to fight another powerful foe once again.

Zalkin looked deeply troubled. "We did indeed meet with King Noa, the fairy king. However, no plans were brought up with dealing with the Tiamat. All other junior officers are fine, they are currently in the north lands informing the nobility of the king's decree, as is custom." The senior officers all looked confused, so Zalkin continued. "I must also do that duty. King Noa has officially declared war on all kingdoms of the lands of Nefetria. He sails here now."