The party sleeps hard and sound after the day dealing with Vikhor. When they awake the next morning after taking turns at healing in the large bed is becomes clear that Miroslav is not there. A few minutes later he returns...

Miroslav walks in the main chamber just"My apologies for leaving but after yesterday I wanted us all to get our rest. I took the liberty of heading to the village near the base of the mountain. I purchased two mounts for our new friends here and a pack horse as well. I have also secured the employ of a local family to caretake this keep for us. We can decide what to do with it when time permits." as the others are coming down. When he sees them he says...

"There is something poetic about the crew of the Heart of Oak taking possession of the Castle of Crystal... Given what we have been through, I think there is something just in this as well. As long as these locals understand that they are managing this place for us, I am satisfied with this.

"So. I am impatient to be off. We have much to do and the truth is we know or understand little about any of it."

Yaro nearly rushes out and down the mountain to the horses below. He is so happy to be free from this place that he is almost frantic to escape. When he reaches the bottom and can breath free he sees the horses but has no idea which of the mounts now belongs to him, at least on loan at least.

"The jagged peaks which surround this height remind me of parts of my home," says Dyanna thoughtfully.  "Though truth told there is little holding me here should it come down to it.  I wonder what worth others might find in such a place - perhaps your folk, A'kos, would have some vague strategic use for it..."

Miroslav spends some time bundling up the loot taken from the keep including the two ever burning braziers which he wraps in a small tapestry he takes from the wall.

Once down he loads up the pack horse and shows both Cuivi and Yaro the mounts he has purchased for them..."Do not worry about repayment. Your deeds will hopefully be payment enough."

If you want a description of your mounts...please feel free to fill in the blanks:)

As he sits on his mount he says..."So who it is that grabbed the copper ball? You have it yes Loukas? I have Vikhors head here in a bag!" he finishes talking and pats the heavy hanging bag attached to his saddle.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Sun 14 Nov 2010.

"Aye, I have the copper ball." Reaching into one of his pouches he pulls the bauble out and places it on the ground. Once it starts rolling he follows on foot leading his horse relying on his Veles-trained speed to easily keep pace with the mounted party.

When Loukas tosses the copper ball of direction to the ground it sits for a moment as if trying to decide where to go...northeast towards the thick old forests in the land north of the Rus. Miroslav says they are heading in the general direction of Novgorod but that is very far away.

The copper ball and it's followers make good time traveling in the same general direction most of the day. it only stops as the sun begins to set, giving just enough time to make camp before the light gives out.

Miroslav has a nice pot of stew going from supplies he picked up in the village and wine a plenty was brought from Vikhors keep. Turnip, onions and white carrots stretch the cut of fresh venison he was able to procure into a hearty meal for all.

As the party rests by the warm fire Cuivi quietly slips outside the comfortable boundaries of the camp. The old man walks quietly and with purpose to a quite area masked from intrusion but within easy reach of the safety of his fellowship. Here he prepares the ground laying out his skins and furs and with a hushed intonation starts a chant that brings him into contact with the gods of his people.

The next morning after the party breaks it's fast on leftover stew kept warm in the pot overnight, the copper ball begins to roll once again. It continues heading through the thick forests into the northeast.

This pattern continues on for the next week. As the party begins to break clear of the heavy forested area...

The sound of an enraged bird and rough human-like voices echo across the clearing. As the copper ball rolls out of the forest, a three headed giant struggles to contain a gigantic two headed eagle within it's large net. One of the giant's heads glares at you across the clearing roughly 100 feet away while the other two heads focus on keeping it's giant prey captured.

In reply to Nestor (msg #10):


When Loukas sees the brawl before them he stoops down and picks up the copper ball putting it back into his pouch. Glancing back at his friends he draws his sword and as he melts into the woods says, "Three-heads and two legs bad, two-heads good!"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:24, Tue 16 Nov 2010.

Cuivi reins his mount in,"indeed, if we can free the bird we may find ourselves a valuable ally in a fight against this monster that would deprive it of freedom."

"As a chicken-eater, I must abstain from taking sides in this matter."

"A Tapagoz," snarls A'kos angrily as he stares across the way toward the brute.  "A scourge indeed!"

With that, he draws his sword and lifts it crying out, "Arpad's honor!"

Kicking Storm's Wind in the flanks he charges into the open toward the struggle ahead.


To Dyanna from earlier: "Wrong side of the range, Ma'am."

In reply to Balthazar the Hedonite (msg #13):

Cuivi presses his mount forward aiming for some slightly higher ground to practice his sling arm from. He calls back as he rides, "Gentle chicken eater, the Magyar has it, this monster has already taken sides against you no matter if you abstain or not."

Also familiar with the three headed giants, Miroslav urges his stead forward behind the Magyars. Hi two handed axe is definitely not made for fighting while mounted so he draws his bow and an arrow from the gorytus attached to his saddle and makes to skewer the giant at least once or twice before getting close enough to dismount and use his axe.

Yaro follows the lead of both A'kos and Miroslav as he spurs his horse forward and almost kneels on his saddle drawing both his bow and arrows. With uncanny skill he lets fly two arrows towards the three headed giant.

There is a gleam in his eye when he lets loose the arrows as if he just knows he was born for this moment.

Jaleh sees the young new comer kneeling on his saddle and give a momentary thought of giving it a try but then decides that fall off her horse at this time might prove to be as dangerous as it is embarrassing so she lets her own arrows fly towards the giant.


:21, Today: Jaleh, rolled 2 using 1d6.
13:20, Today: Jaleh, rolled 1 using 1d20.
13:20, Today: Jaleh, rolled 14 using 1d20.

Balthazar draws his new scimitar but watches the fight from a safe distance, confident the party can handle the giant.  Nonetheless, he turns the weapon all on the defensive (+4 to ac) just in case there's any trouble that comes his way.

A'kos horse seems to glide across the ground with astounding speed and grace, and his sword is lifted high overhead with one hand as he guides the beast with legs and one hand lightly holding the reins.  His warcry lasts nearly a full minute, after which the impact is terrible as both he and the horse crash into the monster with a resounding echo!

12:10, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 4 using 1d6. dmg 3...um, not so much!.
12:10, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 3 using 1d6. dmg 2.
12:10, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 5 using 1d6. dmg 1.
12:09, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 1 using 1d20. the horse att 3.
12:09, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 14 using 1d20. the horse att2.
12:09, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 10 using 1d20. the horse: att1.
12:07, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 13 using 1d12+5. dmg 2.
12:07, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 9 using 1d12+5. dmg 1.
12:07, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 22 using 1d20+5. to hit 2.
12:07, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 18 using 1d20+5. to hit 1.

The Falcon's blade flashes twice; the spume of blood flies, splashing horse and rider in crimson spray as he hits the beast twice.  At the same time, Storm's winds hooves and sharpened shoes hit the beast with fury, yet as he tries to bite the beast he overbalances, and (potential) calamity befalls horse and rider.

(Natty 1 w/ that bite attack.  This should be interesting).  Looks like 25 points of damage, depending upon Storm's Wind's first leg attack (to hit 10).


ooc: I haven't played A'kos nearly as recklessly as I had early on...this was a fun charge!
This message was last edited by the player at 17:16, Sun 21 Nov 2010.

Clambering from his mount Cuivi plants himself firmly and lets loose a stone from his sling.

21:45, Today: Cuivi rolled 4 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 1. Cuivi to hit roll.

OOC: oh well a good first start!
This message was last edited by the player at 21:47, Sun 21 Nov 2010.

Dyanna rushes forward atop her horse and comes to a halting stop within some thirty feet of the brute.  She lifts her arms in a sudden gesture, then begins to weave her hands in and out in a swaying, hypnotic fashion, all the while droning in a low, soft chant that seems to carry to the monster before them.

Cast Hypnotism.

Jeans drives Donnerhuf in hard on Akos' left hammering his lance into the giant.

The single head turned towards the party looks deep into Dyanna's eyes as she cast her spell over him just before a half a dozen arrows impale or bounce off the giants thick hide. A single shot slung from Cuivi bounces off the creatures thick skull doing no damage.

It's other two heads turn to see who has attacked it just in time to feel Jeans lance and A'kos sword plunge into it;s gigantic body...it wobbles greatly as Loukas leaps upon it's back and drives his sword between the great shoulder blades and into it's already distressed heart.

It falls to the ground almost crushing the dvoriem, still caught in it's net. Within a few seconds the great three headed giant bleeds out from it's many wounds. Loukas standing on it's expansive back.

The dvoriem struggles in the net near the giants shoulder.

Yaro goes and collects his two arrows, as he passes by the dvoriem he draws his belt knife and begins cutting at the net. "Fear not brave dvoriem, we will have you cut free in a jiffy." He looks to the others to see who else is going to help free the magnificent raptor.

Dyanna dismounts, and pulls out a dagger (not her new acquisition, by the way) to assist their newfound companion.

"A beautiful creature," she murmurs as she studies it.  "I've never heard tell of such before."

Within a minute or two, Yaro and Dyanna have enough of the net cut that the dvoriem can poke both of it's heads out of the hole they have created. In another minute the great double-headed eagle is free. It stretches it's great wings which span upwards of 20 feet.

It looks at it's saviors with both pairs of eyes then focuses on Cuivi for a second.

With a great double cry out, it lurches into the air and is gone from sight within a few minutes as it climbs higher and higher.

Miroslav retrieves his arrows as well and checks the body of the giant. He shakes his head indicating that there was nothing on the giant worth keeping.

Loukas sheaths his sword and salutes the dvoriem as it flies off and jumps off the giant's back. "It can only be a good omen that we came when we did to free that noble creature. One might suggest that this was a good representation of what we could do for the Rus: if we succeed in finding/helping the son of Sviatoslav we have saved the Rus from the awful chaos represented by this beast's three heads."

Scratching his lightly bearded chin absent mindedly he once again pulls out the ball, "Well, I suppose it is time to get back on to the path, eh?"

Dyanna chuckles.

"Such symbolism," she says.  "I thought only the Greeks reveled in such omens and signs."

She gathers herself and mounts, thoughtful, replaying the encounter in her mind.

Loukas stretches one last time setting forth again on foot. In response to Dyanna's comment he turns his head, "You apparently forgot my darling, but if I am only half Greek, I am still a Greek! It's my worst side, so be leery of it."

"I am all Greek, and 'tis my best side," replies Dyanna archly, one eyebrow raised.

As he begins following the ball he says over his shoulder, "Then, perhaps, between us we make a complete example of the Greek and then some."

Cuivi clambers down from his rocky vantage point, remounts and rides to rejoin his companions. "It was a good thing just done, Greek, Slav, Magyar, Northman or Frank, all sides showed true courage to dispatch that heartless monster so quickly. His kind have no redemption in them and it is a kindness to the land to remove them. I extend thanks from my heart but also from the friend you saved today. I am most proud to be a humble companion to such noble souls."

Miroslav nods his shaggy head at the shaman..."Yes, tis a good thing to have made such an ally. We may need the help of the dvoriem someday. By the way, keep your eyes on the sky. It seems he may be following us."

The party continue to follow the ball for the better part of the next week. Always heading northeast. Luckily the weather is pleasant...warm days and cool night but not too cool.

There is something about this copper ball. It rolls faster than the wooden one but for some reason your mounts have no trouble keeping up and there always seems to be a clear path before you as if the forest itself was making your way faster and easier both by bolstering your mounts and by clearing the way.

Soon the landscape begins to look familiar to both Miroslav and Yaro...

Yaro scans the countryside as the continue to travel.

"This is beginning to look like familiar terrain. I have been here before. Unless I am mistaken, soon we should come upon the shores of Lake Beloye, The city of Beloozero lies a bit to the south of here."

The strange journey is all a bit much for young Yaro but he is finding some comfort in seeing familiar lands. In fact he can feel his home in almost near by Novgorod calling his soul.

Jaleh rides up next to A'kos and lets her horse nudge his. Once we finish this quest, we need to retire to the estate for a while. I am feeling low on energy." Her faces a bit of concern as she speaks.

A'kos eyebrows raise but he says nothing, knowing the woman's mercurial moods.  He nods once instead, and offers an encouraging smile.

As predicted by Yaro...within a half hour the party sees the shore of a great lake in the distance, Lake Beloye. Yaro estimates that the city of Beloozero lies roughly a hours ride to the southeast along the shore.

The copper ball continues to lead you tot he lakes shore. After your long journey the sounds of crashing waves are a nice change form the sounds of the forest. You crest another hill to come upon a beautiful view of Lake Beloye...this is a very large lake, you can not even make out the distant shore. In the distance you see a small fishing boat and beyond that a forested island possibly a mile in diameter at its most narrow point and two miles at it's widest point.

The ball picks up speed and stops at the shore. It's increase in speed makes it reach the beach a few minutes before you do.

As they traveled behind the ball Loukas sings, or at least hums, old Rus songs as he enters a near meditative state that opens his senses to their surroundings, so the shift from forest to lake is quite acute to him, and he relishes it. Despite this state and the fact that he is afoot he has no problem keeping up with the copper ball until it speeds up, so he is with the party as they find themselves on the shore of the lake... "Perhaps we ought to have brought the Heart of Oak with us?"

Yaro stops his horse right at the waters edge and looks out over the familiar lake. "This heart of Oak you speak of, a ship yes? I have never been on an ocean going ship, river barges and fishing boats yes but not a real ship. Perhaps someday."

Has the ball just stopped?  Can Balthazar just pick it up now?  If so, he says, "I believe this island beyond is our destination - but yeah, we need a boat."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:27, Sat 27 Nov 2010.

The ball has indeed stopped...but even as the Hedonite stoops down to pick it up the wind begins to blow and the horse seem agitated, almost frightened by the wind. Dark storm clouds gather over the lake at at alarming and unnatural rate.

OOC: Since I seem to have posted at the same time as Nestor, I'm re-editing this to reflect the story better.

Loukas nods in affirmation to Yaro's question, "Yes, it is the name of our ship and you would be a welcome crewmate."

Having born the copper ball when they were not following it since taking it from Vikhor's table, Loukas can not help but feel somewhat possessive. When Balthazar moves forward towards the ball he bends over and picks it up himself, "It has led us here, but this is not necessarily our final destination. Once we figure out how to get to the island, something tells me we may yet need its guidance..."

When the winds suddenly pick up he looks up at the sky over the lake, "Or maybe we are expected?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:43, Sat 27 Nov 2010.

"This seems to have a familiar feel to it," Dyanna says a bit breathlessly.

Sitting ahorse, she awaits what the fates have in store.

Miroslav urges his nervous mount forward..."Remember the wooden ball popped when it lead us to our destination. If this one has not yet popped then we must assume we need to get to that island."

The winds pick up and the water becomes choppy.

"It seems we shall not be welcomed with open arms," notes Dyanna, raising her voice to be heard over the wind and pounding surf.  "And how do you propose we reach yon shore?  Swim?"

Looking about for any signs of a rowboat or canoe that had been used by others, Loukas scratches his beard, "Perhaps we build a raft?"

Miroslav points out the fishing boat in the distance to those who have not noticed it yet..."Still it is far off and does us no good here."

All the mounts except for A'Kos's and Jean's a spooked and are getting harder to control as the wind increases and the water becomes even more choppy.

Glad not to be on a horse Loukas looks at Miroslav, "Yes, but I am unsure I would want to be in a boat in this weather... By the way, is it just me or does this sudden weather seem to be suspiciously coincidental with our arrival? Perhaps whomever is out there does not wish us to pay visit?

"If so, then what?"

Remember we seek the death of Koshchei...or at least that is what the copper ball was going to lead us to. I would imagine he has made finding whatever holds his death unpleasant to reach."

With some difficulty he wheels his mount around and says..."I suggest that we retreat for a bit and see if the winds die down when we leave the area of the lake."

Jean chirps to the nervous horses and beckons them closer.

"Ride close by and your mounts should be calmed."

OOC: All allies within 10feet of Sir Jean are immune to fear.

He then wheels Donnerhuf and makes to follow Miroslav's suggestion.

Nodding in agreement and looking down at the ball in his hand, "Yes, I think you are right... What if we were to destroy this thing, or throw it into the lake. Such an action might indicate to them that we are not necessarily here to fight anyone. After all, we simply want the Prince and to inform them that we have done their work for them... Right?"

OOC: Am I misremembering something -- we aren't necessarily here to kill The Deathless are we? It's that Vikhor's intention was for us to use this to find and kill him and by using it we might give the wrong impression. Right?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:51, Sat 27 Nov 2010.

Yaro edges his panicked horse nearer to Sir Jean. As the begin to retreat he looks up at the rumbling sky and says "This storm may be something of an alarm for when outsiders get to close to the death? But that does not explain the fishing boat, would that not have set off an alarm?"

"Sounds like some scouting is in order.  Retreat back to the treeline, and I will report back in a little while."

Balthazar casts invisibility and fly and takes off in the direction of the fishing boat and the island, flying high enough to spot any other boats in the vicinity or structures on the island.

As the party heads back to the treeline, things go as predicted. The wind dies down and the water starts to calm. Balthazar vanishes from sight and presumably heads out over the water.

Once again the wind whips up and the waves crash.

Jaleh leans over her saddle bow and pats her fine stead on the neck in a calming manner. "There, there, you'll be fine."

A few minutes after Balthazar flies out, the winds stop and the water returns to calm. The boat begins to head for shore.

As it gets closer you can see that it is more of a ferry or perhaps one of the many barges that ply the rivers throughout the empire of the Rus. As the vessel gets closer you see that there is a boatman aboard...the closer he gets the more skeletal he looks until he has reaches the shore and it is clear he is a skeleton in a black cloak.

Balthazar remains unseen...perhaps he is still invisible or a worse fate has befallen him.

Jaleh takes one look at the boatman and says "There is no way I am going to get on a boat with that thing as the captain! We will need someone to hang back with the horses of you are all foolish enough to ride on deaths boat. Let that be me."

She lays a dusky hand on the Magyars arm "There is no sense in trying to talk you out of being among those that go so for me, be careful."

A'kos grins at the little woman and replies, "Careful?  Um, sure..."

His laughter is loud as he heads towards the ferry and says, "Let me guess...a gold for passage?"

With a glance towards the ferry Loukas adjusts his pack and begins to follow A'kos, "We have come to see a legendary fellow known as 'The Deathless', Jaleh, who serve no less mythic Baba Yaga. That their boatman is not human should hardly be surprising - frighening yes, surprising, no."

"Aiee, aiee, Charon!" breathes Dyanna, her eyes wide at the apparition before them.  "The boatman has come!"

Slowly, she gathers herself and follows behind the others.

With a groan Cuivi dismounts and leaning on his staff moves to board the boat. "So, are we expected or is this island so frequently visited that a sleepless ferryman is required?" the old man raises an eyebrow. "I fear that we are as yet still pawns in this game." The concern in his voice is clear. He turns to face his companions as he boards and winks,"it is a shame we all have to board this craft together where our enemies can see us." His eyes twinkle with delight as events rapidly become more interesting.

"Or you could still be back in gaol," notes the Falcon with a grin.

A'kos's grin inspires one from Loukas, "One is ever a pawn in somebody's game... Even the game players are moved by their Gods, are they not?"

Turning to the entire party he becomes more serious, "Look, before we go any further, I think we all need to be in agreement on matters. We are going to that island to confront The Deathless and his Mistress, but not necessarily fight them. We are mighty warriors, but these are beyond even that puffed up fool back in the Crystal Castle. Should they be unwilling to return the Prince, then I am willing to fight them, but otherwise...

"Well, do we agree?"

Invisibly, Balthazar answers "Agreed".  His voice comes from somewhere up above.

"Ever were such beings prone to negotiation in our lore," muses Dyanna.  "I see no reason why these should be any different."

Yaro nods in agreement even though he is just along for the ride. He knows he is new and has no say in such matters. He feels lucky that he is even allowed to tag along.

"Remember, this ball was to lead us to the death of the deathless one. Presumably it is hidden on this island. I want that if we find it, we do not touch it or a battle will be the only outcome. We may be able to defeat the Deathless but that will bring the wrath of Baba Yaga down upon us.

Says the big Rus as he heads for the shore and the ferry.

As you board the ferry a skeletal hands is extended but no words are spoken. Miroslav does as suggested and drops a gold coin into the palm. It seems to absorb right into the bone. He looks and does a head count of all that are coming along and it looks like only Jaleh stays behind...he drops a coin in the bony palm for each party member.

Once everyone is on board the barge begins to move. In less time than possible the ferry bumps again the opposite shore. The Ferryman waits patiently for his passengers to disembark.

Jean steps boldly onto the shore as soon as the boat has landed.

"I fear no creature of evil no matter how storied."

"However if we can recover the the Prince through negotiation or guile I will stay my hand."

When they arrive on the island, Loukas steps off and looks around. It is not without trepidation that he does so. If it came to fighting The Deathless, he would do so and do so bravely, but he knew that he was unaware of the legendary warrior's weaknesses not to mention Baba Yaga's. This is a storied place and regardless how fabulous a story there is always some truth to it. The trick is knowing which bits are true. He could only think how much he hated puzzles...

Miroslav prods Loukas's shoulder'Drop the ball and see where on this accursed island it takes us." with a sausage-like finger and says...

When a good distance from the dread ferryman Cuivi laughs, "Yes a shame indeed great warriors that those who would play games with us have already neglected one pawn. A pawn left unguarded will prove the most powerful of foes." He winks once more and waves a salute to the unseen mage. "Perhaps that which guards the death of the deathless may stand in our way but I do agree to bargain at first. But any blow against the hag of hags is worth the risk of my own life, I will not back down."

"Ach, this sister of Circe' will attempt to beguile us if we do not have care," muses Dyanna, "though there is hope that she will seek to parlay with us to both our gain.  Be cautious, however, as her words will be filled with half truths and great promises, with little intent to keep faith with us...such witches are haughty by nature, and full of capricious deceit."

"Sir Jean, you would be wise to listen closely, and watch even moreso as she may attempt to ensnare with her words those who speak for the group."

Loukas took the ball out of his pouch and with a glance around drops it...

The Knight simply nods to acknowledge his agreement with Dyanna's words and prepares to follow the ball.

The ball hits the ground and immediately begins to roll once again. It heads directly inland and once again the brush and forest seem to make way for you. It takes you into a large clearing, a huge oak stands at the center.

As you move towards the tree the isle becomes deathly quiet, unnatural. High pitched moans rise up from all around you then off in the distance you can see flaming hooves sparking in the sky.

Six massive armored warriors astride skeletal horses burst from the forest and stand between your party and the tree. They draw their swords in unison and point them at you but make no hostile move forward. They are about 30 feet away.

The fiery mount land just in front of the six warriors setting the surround grass briefly aflame. It's rider is dressed in black armor and long white hairs flows from under a massive horned helm. The ivory of a jawbone juts out beneath the helmet.

"Who dare steal the death of Koshchei!" it hisses.

Jean maneuvers Donnerhuf directly in front of the fiery steed and faces the fearsome rider across only a few feet. He also makes no aggressive moves but rests Nail casually across his saddle.

"We have come to steal nothing. We seek the return of our Prince and nothing more."

Loukas steps forward, but does not draw a weapon, "We only come here to ensure that the deal Baba Yago offered Knyaz Sviatoslav is fulfilled: we followed her ball to Vikhor and she said that Vladimir would be restored to the throne.

"Vikhor is dead. We did not find Vladimir in his cells, so we followed his ball..."

Balthazar takes a vantage point in the sky above the combat and does not give himself away.  Does he see anything unusual about the tree?

The young archer remains in the back, ready to use his bow if need be. Like all Rus he had heard of the Deathless but only in fairy tales and the like. Never did he believe that such a demon existed.

Miroslav steps forward and dumps the contents of the bag he had been carrying on the ground before Koshchei. Vikhors bloody severed head falls at the flaming hooves of the Deathless One's mount.

"He urged us to steal your death and then kill it. Instead we slew him and brought you this trophy."

Koshchei smiles grimly upon seeing the head of the corpulent djinni. He looks back up at the party..."This is good! I thank you for this gift...but still there is the matter of you coming here. But first...I will give you a ball of pure silver that will take you to Baba Jaga. If she has made a deal then she is the one who will need to honor it. I am not her keeper."

He reaches into his armor and digs around in his chest cavity and produces a small silver ball partially covered in a tar like substance. He tosses it to Loukas and says..."This will take you to the Hag herself. Be wary of her words and actions. She has fooled much wiser than you lot."

The copper ball begins to roll past Koshchei bu tit is stomped into the ground by the flaming hooves of his steed as he talks.

The Deathless looks down upon the party and continues..."Very few set foot upon this island and live and those who do live, do not remember...once you leave here you will remember the events but not how to find this island. You may even walk the shores of Lake Beloye and the island will remain hidden. You shall never find it again without such an aid as your copper ball."

His eyes begin to burn like two white hot flames..."You must never again seek this island, I warn you only once."

"And here I was just getting used to the place," mutters A'kos, glancing around.

Privately he wonders at what damage he might inflict upon the dead warrior upon the flaming steed.

Cuivi nods his approval, "Indeed a fair bargain great sorcerer. I am an old man and unlike yourself am not immortal, to gaze on the mystic Island of Koshchei just once leaves me in awe. My friends here are young and impetuous, I fear by myself I could not ensure they kept their word on this matter. So I also agree to what is undoubtedly your other demand, we shall allow you and your henchmen to escort all of us that you see standing before you back to the ferry. Leaving the great bargaining chip of your soul untouched, buried beneath your tree. I assure you, you would never see any one of us risk disturbing that particular treasure."

Koshchei smiles grimly at the mention of the tree and replies..."The silver ball will be your escort."

The tree itself seems to writhe when it is spoke of. The motion is subtle but it can be seen.

Loukas looked askance at Cuivi for mentioning the tree. For one who just called himself wise it seemed rather foolish to point out to a being like Koshchei that one was aware of his greatest point of weakness. Indeed, they were lucky that The Deathless did not decide then and there to attack. Clearly it was time to be moving.

Loukas bowed respectfully, and then turned to his friends, preparing to follow the silver ball back to the ferry, "Let us not overstay our welcome."

Dyanna brings her mount alongside the recent addition to their party.

"Cuivi, I would learn what lore you may possess regarding Koshchei's tree," she says in a quiet voice.

She is sure the Deathless likely has heard her on some level, but she keeps her tone even, neutral as her interest is academic in nature.  Still, she is intrigued.

Miroslav nods at Loukas and says..."Yes, back across the ferry then to where the silver ball may lead."

The tree writhes once again when when Dyanna speaks of it. Koshchei , if he has heard her, makes no sign of it.

Jean sits his horse looking calmly at the Deathless until the others have begun to move away. Only when they are well clear does he sheath Nail, wheel Donnerhuf about, and ride after them

Cuivi grips the reins of his mount tightly, his weathered knuckles visibly whitening. He waits momentarily with Jean, deep in thought, sighs and turns his mount. As the party nears the ferry he draws close to Dyanna, his eyes show great sorrow. "My dear perhaps if you had appeared more vulnerable in his sight that monster would have had you for his own. I had hoped he would follow, sometimes the wisest course is not the safest, I considered something rash back there but there are more lives at stake here than just my own." He shakes his head,"I fear our invisible friend will not have opportunity to achieve much in the dirt of the tree, no more on what lies there will I say. Perhaps I shall return when I have more control over the outcome, we are but puppets as ever."

The party heads back and the ferryman does not collect his fee for a return visit. Within a half hour the party is back reunited with Jaleh on the shore of the lake. The island, while surely still there cannot be seen any longer.

Taking out the silver ball Loukas doesn't pause before dropping it adjusting the pack on his back, and beginning to follow.

"I see it didn't eat you or take your souls, or anything." Jaleh commented when everyone made it back.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:24, Wed 08 Dec 2010.

Miroslav smiles at Jaleh's remark and says..."Now I better understand your reluctance to join us! You were afraid you would starve the poor creature!" He continues laughing as he urges his mount to follow the silver ball which is now heading due south at an even faster rate than the other balls had moved. He follows closely behind the young dedicant of Veles.

Loukas smiled and winked at Jaleh, "Perhaps."

Yaro smiles and kicks his horse in the ribs. He brings up the rear, not daring to be near the head of the party. He does ride with his bow across his lap, arrow at the ready, just in case there is trouble.

A'kos roars his approval at Miroslav's remark.

"Have a care, Ruskite!" he shouts.  "She'll pack a fair wollop in such a small frame!"

"Let him have his laughs, A'kos" Jaleh remarked to the falcon. "Although, one would wonder if I had soul why I worry about starving something."

The party follows the silver ball south...time does not seem to flow correctly neither do your bodies reaction to it. As you follow the ball it seems as if a day passes by in an hour followed by an impossibly fast night.

None of you are exactly sure how many of these quasi days have passed by but Miroslav says that you are nearing Kiev.

You are following a strange dirt paved road that forks into three different paths with s signpost in the middle. The silver ball stops at the base of the sign and pops out of sight just as the others had done.

Dyanna attempts to discern the reasons behind the strange mode of travel, and what type of power drives the silver ball onward.  When it disappears next to the signpost she mutters, "Here we go again..."

Quietly she makes ready a spell and waits for what happens next.

While travel with the ball had been decidedly odd and somewhat unsettling, there was also something utterly fascinating about the experience. While they followed it they were seemingly outside of mundane events. It was an excellent preparation for dealing with Baba Yaga...

When they found themselves signpost he looks about in a impotent attempt to orient himself. He had never been to Kiev. His mother was born in Kiev. He had extended family there he had never met. Indeed, he had once met his mother brother, Uncle Sergei, when he visited them in Byzantium, but that was years ago. He had been six years old and he had no idea whether the man was still alive.

Of course, it was not likely that they would make it to Kiev this trip...

He stepped up to the post and read the sign.

OOC: Sorry for being so busy recently.

Balthazar obviously didn't get a chance to hunt around in the tree, though if I'd been able to get online last week, who knows?

He reads the sign as well.

The sign is in a strange script, only Loukas and Miroslav are familiar with it and only Loukas can read it completely.

Opening a new thread...To the Baba Yaga!