Page Two

Gwenliba imprisoned VerNous in an earthy cyst embedded in layers and layers of sediment and gravel. Yet the growth has swelled enormously over time, building up a tough-as-granite shelling which puts Niseka’s heart ill at ease. His zealousness wanes considering his fastidious, possibly erroneous calculations, and he groans/curses to himself as he fights through the dark to test the hardiness of the ovoid structure. With them they carry an unadorned spear that he would use to pierce the massive pod, yet now he doubts it will even make it pass the shell. That would be unfortunate since it was no easy undertaking to procure the unappealing relic. It was stolen from Gwenliba’s private armory where each weapon is imbued with his signature aura and strength to undo natural phenomena.  In addition, Niseka attached a talisman to the spear that once belonged to VerNous, these formidable talismans integral to the miraculous existence of every issar.  He must think fast on how to combat his miscalculation.  Then it occurs to him to search meticulously for a weak spot- a severe crack, or bubble of air underneath the surface.  Soon he finds the perfect spot, making him confident that the spear’s enhanced properties will singe easily into the thickness.  The energy released would then melt the incision site and the entire growth would be reduced to nothing. Meanwhile, its human content would remain unharmed, or so he hopes. Niseka looks to Nelet and commands,

            “Hand me the spear, then stand back. Nearly two hundred, virtually insufferable years I have prepared for this moment. If things were to go wrong, I fear I’ll never have a second chance.” Nelet gives him the staff and Niseka raises it ready to strike. But first, he proclaims,

 “VerNous, I will free you of your confinement and undo this injustice!” With that he strikes the spear into a plate of soft tissue, and as expected, it sinks into the growth causing a massive split. A warm energy radiates from the slit, currents of searing vapors striking his face.  He turns away, but continues to press hard until the entire spear rest in the growth.  When spear reaches the core, it punctures a membrane, releasing acidic fluids at the base of the growth. This also causes it to shake violently. Niseka realizes he can do no more and retreats from the volatile hemorrhage.

Nelet