Act III, Chapter sixty "Company vs Rider" 03/02/2024

Whilst Berrick and Lotty are continuing their journey outside the city to reach the slums Null continues her journey inside of longhouse still being closely followed by the spectral horse, Null surmises the horse was probably once a beast but now an undead creature. Flynn, still in the jar Null is carrying, messages via his book that Null should steal the horse; Null explains it has a tattoo, XIX, and Flynn relays this to Lotty.

Null takes a potion of tongues and asks the horse "WTF?" whilst it seems to understand she doesn't get any response back. Null slips in to a room when she hears two guards approach, the horse follows as the guards walk past wondering where the large spectral beast disappeared to. Whilst Null keeps trying to communicate with the horse Mordecai pulls up a large screen inside the jar so he and Flynn can enjoy the show with some popcorn.

Outside the city Berrick receives a painful (literally) vision of Null lying dead in the snow before him, not wanting to waste any time Berrick polymorphs he and Lotty in to birds and they both fly as fast as they can to the longhouse.

Outside Calitrax's room Null notices ornate filigree carvings around the room, not unlike the ones around the necrostones. She's unable to ghost walk through the carvings but does manage to crawl under a gap at the bottom, finding herself inside the belly of the beast she at least has managed to ditch the horse.

First, Null finds what seems to be a servant's quarters, not much to see but Null does manage to pocket a book that accounts for garrison movements detailing movements of guards around the city.

Inside Calitrax's main room Null sees a table with books on the history of Zanidonia, maps and plans, lots of ornate jewellery and a decorative vanity unit with some seriously strong perfumes (being undead probably doesn't smell too good). Null is searching for what might be missing hoping for clues on Calitrax's phylactery; she does notice there is a masculine looking crown on the bedside with the feminine counterpart missing from the other side, could her crown be her phylactery?

Before there's time for any more snooping Null hears noises outside, still invisible she Rainbow Six's it up the chimney. The Ashen Rider walks in, seals the door behind him and declares "you can come out now" knowing that even being invisible wont hide her from the Rider's sight she floats down and hoovers in front of the rider.

Ashen Rider: "what are you doing here?"

Null: "I'm snooping - trying to overthrow an evil tyrant you know... what are you doing here?"

Serving my purpose

What purpose is that?

Why do you defy what you were made for?

I prefer to be free

No one is free

evidentially, I noticed the mark on your horses neck

I'm surprised you would come here alone

well, I'm pretty stupid - I'm surprised you would have secret meetings behind Calitax's back

who said I did, we all serve our father's will. I was told that you removed your brand

Yeah, I don't like the burden of an arcane yoke

and which yoke do you prefer, the one given by your mistress or these idealistic views of freedom?

I don't understand, why is it Azer or the alternative being something horrible, why is your belief staked on this one person? If he even is that anymore

Because he's the one that can grant me freedom

from what?

exitance

you want to die?

I can not. But once I have served my purpose I will be obliterated and can finally rest

that's hardly a reason to wreak havoc on the world

I think it's often wreaked without any reason at all

why do you think Azer is your only key to freedom when he is the one who gave you this yoke.

He bound me to this form long ago

Why, who were you?

I would not serve him in life so he bound me to serve in him death, we were on opposing sides during the schism

does he know you're here right now speaking to me?

of course, but this chamber does provide protection from divination but he would know I was following you

Well now's the time to discuss alternative options

can you offer me oblivion?

no but with Azer's death it will come to you

You believe you can kill Azer?

yes?

With that the Ashen rider decides to test Null's ability to kill Azer and starts a fight. Flynn pops out the jar and the two fight hard against the rider's powerful attacks. The rider's abilities to prevent healing make it a tough fight for Null and Flynn but they still manage to deal some powerful hits of their own, it's not enough to save Flynn as the rider unleashes a devastating blow turning Flynn to a pile of ash. There's nothing Null can do as she watches her friend disintegrate before her eyes leaving a pile of ash, potions, scrolls and his prosthetic hand.

Over the slums Berrick is hit with another vision of his friend knocking him out of pigeon form he begins to fall, quick thinking he uses feather fall to slow him down enough to land on a roof top, knowing he can't concentrate on keeping Lotty in bird form and polymorph himself again Lotty shrinks down to a more carriable size and Berrick quickly transforms back in to bird and carries Lotty to the long house following where his instincts take him, they land on a balcony and Berrick bores an opening through the door wasting no time in running to the aid of their allies.

Berrick compels the Ashen Rider to duel him drawing the focus to give a battered Null a moment to find her footing and start laying in to the rider. Whilst it was a bold and brave move drawing the focus of the rider ends in Berrick losing consciousness, with the duel over the rider returns his attention to Null and Lotty but the two are motivated and whilst Lotty stands guard over Berrick's unconscious body to deter any fatal blows the ladies lay in to the Rider and finish the job - at least until he reforms again the next day.

The fight has drawn the attention of guards outside and the trio can hear the door about to come down, Lotty & Berrick seem unable to sheath their weapons so do their best to grab what they can as they fly out of the city, Null grabs Flynn's belongings whilst Lotty scoops up a vial of his ashes and Berrick takes what he can from the table of books and maps.

Dodging arrows as they flee they aim for the back of the long house using the natural landscape to avoid line of sign from any archers and ballista and take a moment to pause on an outcrop in the mountains. Berrick flies around above Null & Lotty to keep a look out before a vision of an unknown gnome falling victim to an exploding collar sends him spiralling out of the air. As he feather falls to safety Lotty lets Null know Berrick's suffering from something again but he's not telling her what.

Our heroes, now down to just three take stock of what has just happened, they've got some good intel but their presence is known and they've lost a dear friend. Even though she know only a wish spell will bring Flynn back Lotty reassures Null they'll get him back and this is only a set back, the Ashen Company don't leave people behind.