[IRP] Return to the Dread Isle

[Andy]

After Wratt shot at the thing with glowing eyes, Tiras heard a grunt, as of breath being knocked out of someone's chest. And with that breath came words.

"This is a message from Lord Nergal, 'I await you at the Dragon's Gate.' This is a message from Lord Nergal, 'I await you at the Dragon's Gate,'" the melodic voice kept repeating ad nauseum. The creature with the glowing eyes emerged from the forest. A concealing mist of purple and black smoke wreathed her form. Her clothes were tatters, but it was evident that the woman had been a warrior. She clutched her sword hand at her side, where once, a sword might have dangled. Her other hand grasped the bolt that was buried in her chest. Her jet black hair was matted down, mixed with sticks and leaves. There was an otherworldly appearance about her.

Tiras ran forward, drew his sword, and thrust the blade through her, up to the hilt.

She responded by thrusting the bolt into his right arm, just above the armor protecting his forearm.

"This is a message from Lord Nergal, 'I await you at the Dragon's Gate,'" she kept repeating, now with more vigor.

Tiras kicked her off his sword and decapitated her. Instead of her head flying off, however, she just slowly dissolved into dark mist. The squire stared at the spot for a long moment before the pain brought him back to the present. Tiras fumbled, trying to sheath his sword. His right arm was hard to move, and he could feel the blood starting to run down into his glove. At last he managed and was turning back to the fire to tend to the bolt still in his arm when...

"This is a message...," he heard again. The voice was masculine this time.

"What the hell?" Tiras looked back and forth, trying to determine where it was coming from.