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[Thrax]

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Niitiize, former avatar but forever priestess of Quaestra Concordia, the eternal nemesis of Oggaroth, knelt in prayer before the portrait of her goddess at a shrine in Covenir Castle. She had spent many days praying fervently, asking, pleading, that the goddess answer her call for aid to rid Sosaria of the chaotic menace that was Spawn, the avatar of Oggaroth. "Please hear me, Mistress," she prayed out loud. "The land reels under the terror of thy enemy. The prophecies hold true. He has come and is destroying everything. Aid us, Mistress, in our hour of need. I beg thee..."

The lilting, compassionate, unmistakable voice she knew to be that of her goddess echoed in the tiny room. "Even gods have limitations, my daughter. I cannot alone defeat him."

"Then all is lost!" she cried. "We are doomed!"

"Nay, never relinquish hope. I have found another god who will aid me in diminishing the scope of his powers. We cannot destroy him, but we can bind him, and soon shall. Lift up your head and countenance, for your salvation draws nigh."

Niitiize waited for further word, but none came.

Another god?

She wondered who it was.

Relieved of a terrible burden, and filled with joy, she hurried away to speak the good news to the Regent.

[Tia-Setri]

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The Queen was surprised to see the woman that Lord Thrax had sent to greet them at the meeting at the Palace. She looked flushed but excited. "My dear are you alright?", she asked her.

"I wish to speak with the Lord Regent, I have good news, though some he may be able to shed light on.", she said catching her breath.

Tia regarded her, "he is not available but I would be more than happy to assist you. Please have a seat."

The woman looked at her and sat at the large table across from the Queen, "Well, I was asked to aid in stopping Spawn and Oggaroth, though the Goddess cannot defeat Oggaroth alone, she may with the help of another God. I know few people here follow Gods, but I was hoping the Lord Regent or even you may understand this."

Tia looked at the woman, "I am not well versed in these ways. However though we follow virtue we have kept true to our deities. Lord Thrax said you have been given protection at his home. Speak with his wife, my sister. She is a High Priestess and will know more as she helped find the spell that bound him the last time. I feel that is the best help I may be able to offer."

"I will do that, thank you. ", she rose and bowed. "I will make hast and thank you."

Tia watched the woman leave and let out a small "sigh". She hoped this would work.
_________________
"The ability to speak does not make you intelligent."
-Qui-Gon Jinn (Star Wars Episode I)-

[Thrax]

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Niitiize had no trouble in finding Thraxstadt. She had known the place previously when its owners had been members of a brotherhood known as the Saints of the True Covenant, whose champion and matron deity was Concordia. It was then known as Pegasus Bay and was a far more lawless region than it was currently.

Upon exiting the woods to the approaches of Whitehall, she was accosted by a man dressed in black robes, wearing a blood-red helmet. "Halt! State your name and purpose, and be quick! Keep your arms at your side. Speak now!"

The tranquility of Concordia's favor made her immune to terror. She replied calmly, "I am Niitiize, High Priestess of the goddess Quaestra Concordia. I come seeking the Lady of this estate, Baroness Ishtar Thraxanduril. I come without malice nor weapon."

Anthraxas winced at the name of the goddess. His first instinct was to paralyze her and then kill her slowly. He knew Oggaroth would want that too. Just as he was about to take action on his impulses, the Baroness appeared from inside the temple of the Sun and ventured upon the scene. "Who are you? Please state your business," she politely demanded.

Niitiize repeated herself and Ishtar nodded. "I am expecting you. My sister sent word that you would be coming. You are welcome here," she said, then cast a glance at Anthraxas as if she knew what he might be intending. "She is a guest here, an honored one. I give her the right of safe passage at all times in these lands. See that no harm comes to her... please," she added.

Anthraxas sheathed his kryss and nodded, gritting his teeth, and then rode off to the east.

"Idiot," Ishtar muttered. She turned her attention to Niitiize. "Please, come inside. We have much to discuss."

The two entered the temple together where they continued the conversation.

"My sister tells me that you have news from your goddess that can be of use to us in binding Oggaroth," Ishtar declared. "Share it with me, if you will?"

The Priestess sat down at a table as Seknakht served them food and offered drink. "Thank you," she told him as he poured wine into her goblet. "I have been in prayer ever since I left your meeting that night. My faith is one that venerates patience, so answers from her are not always immediately forthcoming. However, she has spoken to me about "another god" who she has found to help us. She did not provide a name, but I knew the Regent would be interested in the information. Your sister wished me to speak to you about it. Might you shed any light on this? Is there a god who would be willing to aid us?"

[to be continued]