[Solo] The Nosdyn Chronology Chapter 9.

[Nosdyn]

Nosdyn sat silently next to N'Jal. He was thinking as he often did, pondering...letting his mind dissect various matters of the week's time period. He looked at N'Jal at that point. "The students are progressing well." Nosdyn said calmly.

"Especially the boy I'd assume, Lancaster's son?" N'Jal asked. "He had the markings of your people engraved on his own flesh...he is quite an admirable boy."

"Yes...there's a war waging in his heart. He fights with the same ferocity now as myself and my son do." Nosdyn paused for a moment. "I have been wondering lately, where does this all lead my master?"

N'Jal thought carefully of how to respond to her champion. "An educated question...but difficult to answer. For a long time, I acted on impulse as well...oft being a free spirit. Before you joined my fold things were decidedly...less organized." She chuckled a moment. "Right now is the calm before the storm." N'Jal said quietly to him.

He nodded. "We've been fighting together for a long time, my master." Nosdyn said to her. "You know by now I would never question you. I just want to know what you're thinking...what happens next?" He asked.

"You know at some point Xyllea's cult will directly oppose us." N'Jal said.

Nosdyn nodded. "I know...I have been considering this too. Perhaps we can at least choose where a battle will take place."

"Would be a direct advantage yes. Why do you fear going to Ettermire?" She asked suddenly.

The question almost caught Nosdyn off guard but he would answer her. "Many will die if we directly engage. I just...don't want to cause needless bloodshed anymore. I've changed my views on warfare at this point. We'd be at a very large disadvantage in Ettermire. Also...there is another element we have to consider."

N'Jal thought about what the old demon was saying. "The Lloth priesthood is what you speak of?"

"Yes...I do not think I can logically fight them directly. Lloth herself...once read my mind, saw my thoughts." He sighed. "Back before Xyllea had completely sold me and my son out." He shook his head. "A battle against Lloth would prove to be fatal for us. Perhaps not you...but for us. Your followers, me, my son, Lancaster's boy."

N'Jal nodded. "We will prepare when the time comes, I will think of something." She said. "But I have always respected your advice and your wisdom, I shall consider what you are telling me very carefully."

***

Him and N'Jal got up a little while later and started to walk around the cavern network for a while together.

Talking about a great many matters...

Nosdyn had deep concern in his heart that he freely admitted to her, a war against Ettermire would prove far too costly. He did not want to loose what him and N'Jal worked so hard to build for so long. He paused a moment and looked at her. He placed his hand on the side of her face. "N'Jal...as you know I do not fear death. For many reasons perhaps, but mainly because of the teachings of my father. It is no longer about what we think about a potential enemy anymore. We have lives depending on us now." Nosdyn said to her very carefully. "We cannot risk losing what matters most."

N'Jal listened to everything that Nosdyn told her. "You've changed Nosdyn. It has been a tremendous pleasure watching you grow. I understand your concern I will honour it. I want to ask you something that I've asked you before but only if it's okay with you." N'Jal said at that point.

"We are speaking freely my master, you can ask me what you need to." Nosdyn told her honestly, matters of the heart and expression had always been difficult for him but he'd come a long way since those days.

She nodded. "Do you remember that night you came here?" N'Jal asked, there was something that was troubling her, a point she was trying to get across. "Do you remember what you promised me?"

Nosdyn nodded. "Yes...I will always remember and I will always honour the promise we made each other that night. This I swear to you."