Beginning Chapter: One ... Two ... Three ... Four ... Five ... Six ... Seven ... Eight ... Nine
Having strapped Tina securely to the sacraficial post, the Baron started some rather complex chanting and motioning. All of a sudden there was a loud rhythmic booming coming from the second floor. He stopped, there was a look of concern on his face. He made slightly different motions, and an image of the second floor door suddenly appeared floating the air in front of the wizard.
Tina's heart suddenly rose. There were six resolute men on the stairs using a ram to beat at the door with six heads -- one of them was Jack Frost. Jack was her new "boyfriend", as the Baron had described him. There was hope of rescue yet.
The Baron scowled. "It's a good thing I always put some slack in these plans." The Baron motioned again. Suddenly the six heads on the door came to life. They started spitting and screaming at the men in the party. The men backed off. When the spittle burst into flames, the men panicked. They dropped the log and ran down the stairs.
The image disappeared and the Baron began his complex conjuring again, undisturbed. Soon a dark shadow began forming in front of the wizard. The shadow began to grow and take the shape of a seven-foot tall, hooded figure. The Baron's chanting grew more frantic. As the conjuring reached its climax the Baron was screaming in eldritch tongues and gesturing frantically -- almost as if he was arguing with this eldritch creature he was shaping.
Suddenly he ceased chanting. He was breathing heavily and sweating. He took a moment to wipe his forehead and neck with a silk cloth, but his eyes never left the creature. The summoned thing had fully materialized, but remained still.
The Baron chuckled guardedly. He moved quietly behind the sacrificial post where Tina was held helpless. He leaned around the post and whispered in her ear while constantly watching the apparition, as if might suddenly strike.
"Meet your guardian, Tina. I've instructed him that he may harm you, but not kill or maim you, and he knows what I mean. He's very strong and intelligent; much more so than any other I summon. I risk him only because his tenure here will be short, and we both know it. Few summon AZ'SROC to this plain, and fewer still live to tell of it.
Tina stared at the hooded being standing motionless facing her. The sight was more than even her drugged mind could bear. She began writhing in her bonds trying futilely to hide herself.
The Baron continued, "Here is the source of my power, Tina. What it is, I do not know. But he brings magic to our realm -- powerful magic!" The Baron stopped for a moment. Eyeing the somber figure cautiously. Then he continued more hastily.
"He knows the amulet. Yes, it's important, but not vital in-and-of itself. Now he knows you too. I've told him of you, and he'll serve you as he's served me. When the drug releases you, you'll remember his name, AZ'SROC, and you'll be able to summon him. It'll be easier with the amulet, but it's not necessary."
The thumping began at the second floor door again. In three strokes it ceased with a splintering crash. The men where now close enough that their footsteps echoed through the ballroom. The Baron spoke his final words.
"When your time comes, summon him with care. I know not his motives, and I fear him. I know not his weaknesses, so I know not if I control him or he merely indulges me. But he is power: power incarnate! You've quested for power; now I've given it to you. Enjoy the fruits of your search."
And finally, his last words -- faster, fainter, more fearful and hopeful than the rest. "I leave you now, may God have mercy on my soul!"
With that the Baron waved his arms one last time and disappeared from the altar.
Beginning Chapter: One ... Two ... Three ... Four ... Five ... Six ... Seven ... Eight ... Nine