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[Frodo]

*Frodi & El sit down at the table, dumbfounded by the size of the room.  Sarah is, um, concentrating her attentions on Nick, and Nick is doing his best to ignore it.*

EL:  Um, ale for me please.

FRODI:  And I would like some advocaat please.  *pauses for a moment*   So Nick.  This room is absolutely HUGE.  Just how many guests are you expecting?  

NICK:  *chuckling*  Just us Frodi, just us.  

*Frodi & El just look at each other*

EL:  So Tim.  You discovered this city?  So what's the deal with the ghosts?  

*El's tone of voice is quite blunt, and he obviously wants answers.  Tim, clearly not expecting this, chokes on his soup.  Nick is also caught unawares, and pushes Sarah away from him.  He stands up, opens & closes his mouth a few times, then sits back down.*

TIM:  *is very nervous by El's outburst, and starts stuttering*  Umm.. g.g.ghosts you say?  What ghosts?  There are ghosts on this island?

EL:  Yes Tim.  There are ghosts on this island, as I'm sure you are well aware.  Frodi & me were both attacked on our first day here.  

TIM:  Well, um...  *Tim begins to speak, but a sharp look from Nick soon silences him again.*

FRODI:  In fact, what's the deal with this whole castle *turning to Nick*  We found some kind of torture room with a strange-looking chair.  Poor El had such a horrendous experience there, I was quite worried about him.  *glances quickly at El, as if to check he is okay.*

NICK:  *quite angry*  Hey, I invited you here as my friends, and I cured you both!  El, you were injured by a ghost, and I healed your wounds.  We gave you a magical drink, and then we dealt with your numbness in your arm.  And you Frodi, what a state you were in.  I gave you the best medical care, and now you are better than new.  *suddenly changes his tone.  Stands up, and raises his glass*  Now a toast, if you please.  A toast to my good friends Tim, Sarah, Bing, El & Frodi.  I'm so glad you are all here, in this wonderful land.  *Nick smiles round at everyone*

[Nick]

*While everyone raise's their glass's, the large doors, leading into the dinning hall burst open*

*A man dressed in a black cameo uniform walks in. He's presumably a soldier.*

Soldier: Sir, I am sorry to interrupt you and your company. But there has been an incident.

Nick: *Sigh* Bloody hell! Can't I have some damn peace for a few minutes, without another damn "incident"?!...

*Everyone just looks blankly at Nick*

Nick: *Holds head* Fine. Tell me what happened now.

Soldier: Yes sir. We found a man in the woods. After healing him, he somehow escaped from  the hospital. We know it's the same guy, since while he was asleep, we took a Advanced DNA test.

Nick: Hospital? Why the old hospital? That place was only used for the old construction workers. Why the hell would you take him there, when we have a fully functional research lab?

Soldier: Sir, I don't know much about the incident. All I know, is that Commander Cody found him, and took him to the old hospital. Then, he was found running in an alleyway....

Nick: Why was he running?

Soldier:... Um... Ghosts sir.

*Frodi and Quia give Nick a stern look*

Quia: We told you...

Soldier: Sir, we also found a body.

Nick: Body...?

Soldier: Yes. It was the body of a nurse.

Nick: *Nick looks puzzled* Did he possibly kill her? While trying to escape from the hospital?

Soldier: We don't know yet sir.

Nick: What's this man's name?

Soldier: Tracker. John Tracker.

Nick: ... Alright. Where is he now?

Soldier: At the Inn sir.

Nick: Keep guards on him. Then, bring him to me. I also want the body delivered here as well. To the lab's morgue of course. Make sure you have security on him.

Soldier: Yes sir.

*The soldier walks out of the building, and the door closes.*

*Waiters bring the main entrees out of the kitchen*

[El Quia]

The waiters bring all the foods and beverages and leaves quietly. The food aroma makes everyone realize they are very hungry, and they start eating. El Quia grabs his glass of ale and turns to Frodi.

-Frodi, do you know something interesting? I don't like alcoholic beverages.

-Really? Then why did you order the ale, El?

-For this, Frodi- and in one swift movement, El Quia throws the glass in the middle of Tim, Nick and Sarah while shouting three abrupt words of power.

While everyone stand up in surprise, the point of impact erupts into flames, and three lines of fire spread from the central point, and join in a fiery circle around the host and his two guests. The spokes separates the three from each other.

-Frodi, quick, block the doors! We are going to have a private conversation, here.- El Quia sits in front of the circle of fire and grabs a slice of pizza.- The power of the spell compels you three to answer truthfully and clearly. Now, you will tell us what the heck is happening here, without deception, without choice.

Frodi finishes blocking the doors, and now waits eagerly for the answers, although a bit concerned for the way things are turning out. Nick and Time stares at each other, seeing who is going to answer first, incapable of resisting the compulsion of the spell. Sarah look terrified, and her face contorts as if she is about to start screaming at any moment.

-Nick, you must tell us the truth, you owe us that much- says Frodi.

[Nick]

*Nick jumps up from the table, with a sense of rage in his eyes. It's a look of Nick's that no one has seen before.*

*Nick lifts his hands, and using magic, throws Quia across the room*

Nick: How dare you try to use a spell on me! I'm way more powerful than you. NEVER ever try that again!

Frodi: Nick! What have you done?!

Nick: Stay away from me! Don't move any further!

*Frodi keeps her distance, while a struggling Quia crawls across the floor*

Nick: You really want to know my secrets?! Huh?! Well, let's start with this. Sarah is a hooker that I've become close to. Tim is an honest adventurer, and has questioned ME about my secrets. So don't you dare cast a spell on them!

*Sarah starts crying*

Sarah: Is that what I am to you?! A hooker?! Fuck you!

Nick: Sarah no!

*Sarah get's up, and runs for the door, crying hysterically*

Nick: SARAH! It's nightfall! DON'T!

*Frodi just watches as she runs out the door*

Nick: STOP HER!

Frodi: NO! We need answers!

Nick: What the hell are you doing?! She'll get killed out there!

Frodi: That's our point. What is going on here Nick?!

*Tim stares at Nick*

Tim: I'd like to know to.

Nick: Get out... I SAID GET OUT! ALL OF YOU! Get the hell out of my castle. NOW!

Frodi: But!

Nick: GUARDS!

*A rush of 25 soldiers come running into the room. Equipped with AK-47's.*

Nick: Escort my guests back to the main land. Make sure they get there.

Soldier: But what about the ghost's?

Nick: I don't give a shit anymore... *points at a fallen Quia* And take that piece of garbage with you. *Nick takes a drink of scotch*

Tim: Nick, what is wrong with you?

*Nick turns around and get's on the elevator in the back of the room*

*The guards carry an injured Quia, and escort Frodi and Tim to the front door*

Soldier: Leave now. *Pulls out AK-47*

[Frodo]

FRODI:  Okay, okay, we're going.  No need to point that gun at us, we know when we're not wanted.  And Nick has completely flipped.  *glowers in the direction of the front door, where they have just come from*  He's crazy.  You must realise he's hiding something from you.  Anyway, we don't need this hassle.  We can see ourselves back to the mainland.  Good day to you.

*Frodi, El, and Tim start walking away from the castle, towards the dock.  However, once out of eyeshot of the guards, Tim pulls El and Frodi aside, and speaks quietly to them*  


TIM:  I'm so sorry Nick has acted like this, it is so out of character for him.  He has been holding secrets, even from me, for a long time now.  But after seing his actions today, I just don't know what to think any more *Tim shakes his head, sadly*  But you must understand, he never used to be like this.  But the castle... this town... has changed him.  He has become obsessed with his dark magic.  But he is still my friend.  I watch him sometimes, when he thinks no-one is looking.  He has such pain and such fear in his eyes.  I want to help him.  


*El & Frodi just look at each other, then El explodes*


EL:  Look Tim, he's not the Nick we once knew.  You don't know what we've been through since we came here.  On our first night here, Frodi and I were both attacked by ghosts, and Frodi almost died.

FRODI:  *joining in*  And do you know about his torture room?  Do you know what it did to poor El?  You should have seen him, when he left that room.  *El visibally shudders, as the memory returns*  And now you want us to help Nick???  

TIM:  Please?  He's done some terrible things, I know that, and I'm not trying to make excuses for him.  But the fire, and the loss of his old pub put a tremendous amount of stress on Nick.  He came here after the fire, and that's when he started changing.  *pauses for a moment*  Please?  Help me save Nick from himself.  Please?  

*the sincerity in Tim's voice startles Frodi*

FRODI:  You really want to help him?  After the way he's treated you tonight?  

EL:  Look, there's no point in discussing things tonight.  We need to find shelter for the night, away from the ghosts.  Dunno about you two, but I certainly DON'T want another ghost wound, thankyou very much.  The first one was bad enough!  

TIM:  You are right.  Here, I know of a secret entrance back into the castle.  We can rest tonight, then decide what to do in the morning.

EL:  Well lead the way then.  

FRODI:  Besides, it's cold out here.  

*Time leads El and Frodi to the secret entrance, and takes them back inside the castle.  Tim takes them into an old, dissued room, where they huddle in silence, hardly daring to speak, for fear of being caught by the guards*

[Nick]

*Nick walks through his office*

*He pick's up a glass globe, and throws it across the floor. It shatters into a million pieces.*

Nick: God damn it!!

*Get's a very dark look in his eyes, as he walks over to his closet. He slips on a black robe, and walks out the office door.*

Nick: Guard! I'm going out. Lock down the castle for the evening. If John Tracker show's up, send him into the dungeon. And tell him to wait for me to get back.

*Nick waves his hand. And in an instant, the castle goes pitch black. All the torches burn out.*

*He's walks onto the dark elevator, and proceeds to the main entrance hall.*

Nick: I must find Sarah.

*Nick arrives on the correct floor, and he walks out into the great hall. He makes his way to the massive doors, the doors open for him, and he slowly walks out.*

*After walking to the ferry dock, he boards the ferry to the mainland.*

*A small clock starts beeping on the console of the ferry. It's now after midnight. It's....*

Day 3

[Tracker]

Tracker heard three hard knocks on his room’s door. Again and again. Then a rather impatient voice yelled in: „C’mon, Sir! Wake up, the sun has risen. We gotta go soon, the master is quite angry. Well… I wouldn’t mess with him now.”

„I am really looking forward to meet that master of yours” – tought Tracker, curious about the man, because the guards seem to fear him, instead of respecting. He quickly weared his clothes, and went down to the inn. The guards gave him a poor breakfast, and then escorted him along the abandoned streets of the town. It wasn’t looking much better in daylight, except there weren’t any ghosts there. „I don’t see much cars here, sir” – said Tracker to the Commander. „Don’t you feel comfortable walking…?” – told him the Commander disdainfully. „They ought to be low on fuel, otherwise we wouldn’t have to walk. Besides, it seems their master dislikes commoners, for he probably lives out of town…”- the tought of walking dozens of miles didn’t make Tracker any happier.

They were walking for hours now, but fortunately the guards bringed enough food supply for anyone with them. Tracker felt like he were a prisoner. The guards had quite modern equipment – radios, AK-47 automatic rifles, 9mm handguns as sidearms, and grenades of all kind. None of them looked young – battle hardened veterans, probably. The entire situation was miserable from Tracker’s point of view. He didn’t know the forest they were walking through, and escaping would be fatal because of the deadly beings of this land. This master has to be a dangerous person – he stayed in this land between these horros… This means either he is an idiot, or he is worse than all of the ghosts here. And if these lurking horrors fear him, then he is not to be trifled with.

While wandering deep in the forest, they’ve met some guards. They were taking a veiled body on a stretcher. The Commander and the other patrol’s senior officer only communicated with motions of their hands. One of the two guards who were carrying the body accidently stepped on a stone, and dropped the body. The blanket fell from the corpse’s face, revealing an once-young, blonde women. „Move along, nothing to see” – explained the Commander that situation. The guards behind Tracker were whispering something about one of the master’s guests and this corpse. „It seems their master either isn’t so kind to his guests, or the poor women wasn’t clever enough to avoid the ghosts. Anyway, I see even more less reason to trust this man minute by minute.” – tought Tracker. The land under the forest were raising, slowly becaming into a hill. After half an hour, they could finally see the castle, towering over the island like an omen of evil. It was constructed entirely from bricks of black stone, and had numerous towers. Doom and gloom were radiating from it, even in daylight. The Commander pushed in a brick near the gate, and an interface appeared before him. „Master, we have succesfully escorted your… „guest” here.” – he said. A smooth, blunt voice answered: „Our master hasn’t returned yet from his trip in the forest. His last order was to escort Mr. John Tracker to his room immediately, and wait until he returns.” The gate slowly opened, and Tracker could feel sorrow in the air as the large metal doors were revealing the castle’s outer court. He was standing still, but a guard pushed him forward with his rifle. He was slowly moving then, but the clicking sound of attaching a bayonet to the rifle told him it would be wise to hurry.

The guards and Tracker were still walking through a lot of halls, rooms, and, for Tracker’s suprise, the stairs always lead them down. They were underground now. In a large dungeon, to be correct. Two guards grabbed Tracker’s arms, and threw him into his cell. „You will stay here, and wait for our master.” – said the Commander. „What else could I do?” – said Tracker. „Perhaps you could shut up, for example”- told him a guard, who were staying in front of the cell, watching Tracker suspiciously, who were thinking about his status: „Well done, bloody well done! Now I am REALLY looking forward to meet your master… And ask him a few questions.”

[Frodo]

*Morning arrives.  Light slowly trickles in from a high-up window.  No-one has slept, and tensions are high*


TIM:  So, have you two thought any more about last night?  Should we try and help NIck, or leave him to rot in this hellhole?  

EL:  We have thought of nothing else all night.  I still see those maggots when I close my eyes.  *glares at Tim*

FRODI:  We've both had time to think, Tim.  I'm still furious at Nick, for the way he acted yesterday, and for his torture room.  And we STILL don't know what is going on around here.  

TIM:  Yes, I know all that.  You have every reason to be angry.  But I'm worried for Nick's sanity.  *pauses*  Give him another chance... please.

FRODI:  *beginning to soften*  Well, I suppose he is our friend.  Or rather, he *was* our friend.  And I don't like to turn my back on anyone.  

EL:  *the adventoures side of him kicks in* We HAVE learn more about these ghosts.  We just have to.  They can't be allowed to terrorize the people on this island.  I want to explore this castle, and find out what other secrets Nick is keeping from us.  

TIM:  But we can only do that by helping Nick...

*El & Frodi look at each other for a moment, as if unsure about what to do next.  Finally, after what seems like an eternity...*

EL:  Okay Tim.  We'll do things your way... for now.

FRODI:  But if Nick messes with us once more... just once more... then that's it.  Understood?  


*Tim nods, gratefully*


FRODI:  Okay then, let's go.  


*El, Frodi, and Tim walk to the big wooden door that seperates them from... whaterever is beyond.  Tim slowly opens the door, and motions El and Frodi to stay quiet*

[Nick]

*A man is running through the forest, a dark cloak moves with him in the wind of the morning.*

*It's Nick.*

*He comes upon the group carrying a stretcher. And stops in front of the soldier.*

Nick: Soldier.

Soldier: Uh... master... How can I assist you?

Nick: Show me the body.

Soldier: Sir... I don't think...

Nick: Show me the body!

Soldier: .... Yes sir.

*The soldier pulls back the blanket to reveal a young blond women, almost naked. Nick had seen this body many times before, but not with the bloody deep scratches that pierced her chest.*

*Nick turns pale, and drops to his knees.*

Soldier: Sir! All you alright?!

Nick: ...Yes.... I'm.... I'm.... I need to go..... Take the body to my mourge, in the castle....

Soldier: ...Yes sir...

*As the soldiers carry the body away from Nick, a tear runs down Nick's cheek.*

Nick: Sarah.... I told you not to.... DAMN IT!

*Nick takes a rock and throws it at the ground.*

Nick: If damn Frodi would have blocked her leaving, she would still be alive. Damn it! What have I done?! *Starts crying even more, but tries not to show it*

*Nick get's up, and starts walking slowly back to the castle.*

[Nick]

*Nick walks into the castle courtyard, and proceeds to walk into the main castle entrance.*

*Once inside, a soldier comes running up to Nick*

Soldier: Master, we brought Mr. Tracker here. He's in the dungeon.

Nick: Very good, thank you.

*Nick walks onto the elevator, and pushes the "U" button. The elevator starts going downward.*

Computer Voice: Floor -1 - Underground Entrance

*Nick exit's the elevator, and passes some flicking torches in the very dark, very creepy dungeon.*



*Nick walks for a few minutes, the dungeon is freezing cold, and empty. Void of life. Nick comes upon a door marked "TC 1", also known as Torture Chamber 1.*

*Nick enters the room*

[El Quia]

A damp passage goes into the darkness. Not even the smallest beam of sunlight shines, not even a torch flickers in the darkness. El Quia softly pronounces an ancient word of power, and his left hand starts to glow with a warm light, slightly reminiscent of that of the sun. The spell provides enough light to see in the darkness, without really dispersing the darkness so much as fighting with it.

The group slowly advances, the ears listening for any sound, the eyes open to any sign. The saltpeter accumulated in the walls glows slightly, and the cold dampness quickly makes the group uncomfortable. A rat quickly darts through the group into the darkness, and Frodi tries to hold a startled scream. Then, hear attentive ears hears something and she signals the group to stay quiet. Although both humans can't listen nothing, Frodi's intense expression makes them to obey.

The rasping sound that called Frodi's attention is getting nearer, and a low growl makes her fear the worse. Looking at Quia's and Tim's face tell her that they can listen to it, too. El Quia signals Frodi to quietly retreat a couple of meters. With the silent grace that characterize her species, she quietly shield herself behind the two humans. The tension mounts, while the rasping sound grows nearer and nearer. Finally, two shambling figures stumble into the illuminated area.

-Skeleton! watch out and don't let their appearance deceive you- warns Tim while he draws his short blade-, they are hardy and fast!

El Quia draws his katana, his heart pounding with the mix of excitement and fear of the coming battle. Sooner than he expected, a skeleton is upon him and tries to pound him with a mace. He barely block it, and kicks back the skeleton and lunges with his sword. The attack connects, and some bone from the ribcage flies away. He takes the oportunity, trying to break more bones, but the skeleton retreat a few steps and mindlessly attacks again. El Quia, more used now to the battle, blocks it with a quick parry and strikes at the neck of the skeleton, trying to dislodge its head and succeeding.

Meanwhile, Tim dispatchs his skeleton, and is obvious that he -at least- seems to be having some fun. his sword flashes and dances, striking a bone here, parrying an attack there. At the behind, Frodi looks the battle, lamenting not having something with which to defend her friends.

Three more skeletons enters the fray and the sound of more skeletons threatens to overrun the fighters. A misstep throws El Quia to the ground, and the skeleton raises a nasty looking scimitar. When it is about to end Quia's life, a rock breaks the undead cranium and it falls to the floor, the spell which animates them broken. El Quia looks behind him for a moment, finding a satisfied Frodi holding another big rock while smiling. He quickly thanks her and stands up, while still deflecting other skeletons attacks. Once on his feet again, he scrapes the floor with the katana in a circle, shouting four words of power with an eerie and deep voice. A thunderclap booms and some sparks spread in a circle around El Quia, striking the skeletons surrounding him, breaking some and damaging others. The skeletons continue to mob the two humans.

Frodi, throwing some rocks whenever she has a clear shot, suddenly remembers the the gift from the Lady, the vial with the light from Earendil's Star. She takes it an raises, the pure light shining proud in places where it has never shone before. The skeletons stops on their tracks, the will animating them failing in the presence of such purity. Tim seizes the opportunity and strikes as many skeletons as he can, reducing their numbers. El Quia cast another spell, throwing some skeletons around and making a path through the attackers.

-Quickly, we must press through! Don't lower that light Frodi! and place yourself between Tim and I!

Frodi quickly obeys El Quia, rushing through the confused undeads. Haphazardly, the skeletons retaliate, but Tim efficiently frustrates the monsters efforts. Once in position, they quickly advance, passing through the skeletons quickly. Once free, they start to run.

The skeletons follow them, being now a little more than a dozen. The groups passes lots of open doors, leading into what seems to be some neglected ossuaries. Finally, they reach a stone stair, and let Frodi advance through it while Tim and Quia block the skeletons, pushing and kicking them.

-There's a door here! Quickly, go through it!- shouts Frodi.

The trio passes quickly through it and close it behind them, hoping the heavy wooden door can keep the skeletons from following them. Tim finds a heavy wooden plank and bars the door with it. They let though a relief sigh, seeing as the skeletons stop pounding on the doors, and the calm returns.

-Wow, that was scarily dangerous- says El Quia

-Is anyone hurt?- asks Frodi, concerned for his friend and the other human.

-Just some bruises, it seems, but nothing serious- answers Tim.

-The same here. Add a couple of scratches.- El Quia let his breath to go out forcefully, trying to calm down his breathing.

-Well, then there is nothing to worry about: skeleton wounds aren't very different than any other normal wound.

-Well, that's a relief!- says Frodi, still somewhat shaken by the experience.

The group calms down and cleans themselves from bone fragments and the occasional blood drop. Frodi puts the vial back with her other things.

-Let's continue illuminating us with your magic, El. Earendil's Star is way too bright, it surely can be seen from farther than yours.

-Good call, Frodi. Now, I wonder about those skeletons. Why there are so many restless bones here?

-I don't know- answers Tim. -Maybe it has something to do with Nick and the ghosts? We surely must investigate. By the way, Frodi, is it really Earendil's Star? I heard the legends about the trapped light of the star, but never seen it with my own eyes. How did you obtained it?

Frodi doubts, not sure if she must share the story with this man. She looks at El Quia as if looking for some counsel on what to do, but finds the same kind of curiosity in his eyes. Not a hungry look, but a honest one, one looking for answer just for curiosity's sake. She arrives at a decision.

[Tracker]

Tracker was sitting on his sturdy bench in his small, dark cell. The guard was still standing before the cell’s door. „It is obvious they were just playing with me. The question is, what does Nick seeks to learn from me? I have to escape. People are falling like insects here. That means this so-called „Master” doesn’t regrets such deeds. I shall leave this damned place by any means. Those Armani wearing bastards in the agency were absolutely wrong about the situation. This is a goddamn butcher, not a „slightly strange place because of a few recent murders”. I need to go away from here…” – tought Tracker. The guard was listening to his radio, which was loud enough to be heard in the dungeon cell: „Dungeon guards, listen up! The prisoner shall be escorted to TC-1. No harm shall be done to him. Must be taken alive and awake. Over” The guard pressed a button on his a radio, and started to speak: „It’s Dungeon guard, orders understood. Over” He was taking the cell’s door keys from his pocket, and pushed it into the ancient lock. The door was made of large metal bars. As it slowly opened, the guard pulled his AK47. „Don’t try anything” – he said. „I have to be alive, so don’t try anything” – replied Tracker. The guard punched him in the face with his rifle. It made Tracker furious. He wanted to hit the guard with his fist, but as he moved his arm toward him, a small explosion made the guard burning. „What the hell… This has happened to me before… In the forest…” – tought Tracker – „Pyrokinesis! It seems I shall be in a certain mood or situation or place to perform it, though.” He ran out of the cell, but finded out that the corridor ends near it. He ran in the other direction. At the end of the corridor, there were stairs leading upwards. When he reached the upper floor, five guards rushed towards him. Suddenly, Tracker noticed a flame on his hand. It felt like he were holding something heavy, even though ordinary fires don’t weigh anything. He threw it at the guards, making them falling to the ground. And then again, he was running upwards on the stairs. At the very top of the stairs, there was a huge metal door. Tracker focused his energy, and threw another fireball, this time to get rid of the door. The explosion blasted it off, and when Tracker came out of his cover, he saw the Master standing on the door: „I am so glad to meet you, Mr. Tracker” – said the Master smiling, but his eyes weren’t showing joy. „Aren’t you the infamous Nicholas Zarano, I suppose?” – asked Tracker, showing no emotion.

[Nick]

Nick: Yes am. *In a very devious tone* I can see that your very well trained in the art of survival and combat.

*He walked down some steps in front of him*

Nick: So, lets cut to the chase shall we? I read your record. Apparently your occupation is listed as unavailable. *Cross's arms* So why don't you tell me who you work for?

Tracker: I don't work for anyone.

Nick: That's what I thought.

*Nick lifts his hand, and as his hand moves, Tracker's body lifts of the ground. Nick starts to close his hand to make a fist.*

Nick: So how does it feel to be strangled? The more I close my hand, the tighter your windpipe will be.

Tracker: You... can't.. break me.. *Gasp*

Nick: Haha..... You really think so? *Nick thinks for a moment, then he quickly closes his fist even more*

Tracker: Ackkk... *Gasp* *huuuk*

Nick: Tell me damn it! Who are you working for?! Are you a spy?! A mobster hitman?! WHO?! Tell me!

[Tracker]

„I… tell… you…” – told Tracker while he was nearly dying. Nick opened his fist, and Tracker fell to the ground. „So, would you be so kind to tell me… WHO THE HELL SENT YOU HERE?!!” – yelled Nick. Tracker was thinking for a moment: „If I tell him the truth, he kills me, if I shut up, he kills me…” He said: „My employer… sent me here to get rid of… well, his source of annoyance” Nick was bored of this: „Yeah, me. You haven’t told me any news. Now you die” He was raising his hand again, to close his fingers on his victims throat.
- I am here to help you – said Tracker.
- Help? I’ve no need of help – told him Nick.
- Really? The ghosts told me otherwise last night.
- WHO IS YOUR EMPLOYER?
- I’m no deaf, you bastard. Do not shout at me! – shouted Tracker. – Let’s make a deal: you don’t ask about my business and I won’t mention yours. So?
- I can get rid of my problems alone.
- It doesn’t seems so.
A voice from Nick’s pocket could be heard: „Sir, we have seen Quia and his friends on the security cameras. They’ve crossed the old sewers, without getting killed by the…” Nick we’re screaming: „HOW COULD THIS BE POSSIBLE?!! WHAT WERE YOU DOING BASTARDS OUT THERE?!!!” The voice were frightened, but still added: „But Sir, they’re heading towards the electronic database, and you’re closer to it than the guards…” Nick was so angry he didn’t know what to say: „Do not tell me what to do, fool being” He raised his arm, and threw Tracker to the wall, who was once again, unconcious. „Not even someone so powerful like me can be everywhere…” – said Nick – „I deal with you later, Tracker.”

[Frodo]

*Frodi hesitates, unsure of what to do.  She doesn't want to keep secrets from her good friend El, but at the same time, she is unsure is she should trust Tim.  Tim and El both watch her, both waiting for an answer.  Eventually, she decides.  Making sure the vial is not visible (especially by Tim's eyes), she sits down against the big wooden door, and motions the men to do the same.*  

FRODI:  There is a land... far from here... known as Lothlorien.  I travelled there, with some friends, many moons ago.  And the Lady Galadrial, she rules that land.  Such wisdom... such compassion... such power.  She truly was a Lady Of Light. *Frodi smiles to herself, as she remembers events of a time long ago*  My friends and I had a dangerous journey ahead of us.  She gave me the vial to light my way in times of darkness.  I've kept it with me ever since.  

TIM:  So the stories I heard are true, then!  Oh, how I would love to meet the fair Lady...

EL:  *eager to learn more himself, but at the same time, not so sure that Tim should learn more*  Wow, you really are a plucky young thing then, aren't you Frodi?  *playfully punches Frodi on the arm*

FRODI:  *in the same playful manner, sticks her tongue out at El*  You better believe it!  

EL:  But come, we must continue our search.  

*The group stands up again, and begins to move off.  The corridor is long, with no visible exits.  El, Frodi & Tim hear loud screams from time to time, but can't tell where they are coming from.  All the while, El, is becoming increasingly frustrated.  Eventually, they reach some tall stairs, and begin to climb up.  But when they reach top of the stairs, it appears to be a dead end*

EL:  *frowning*  Something is not right here.  How can a corridor lead to nowhere, like this?  

*El raises his hands, and utters a few words of power.  The dead end dissolves into what appears to be a cave with many exits.  El closes his eyes, and concentrates for a minute.  Frodi watches, impressed with her friend's magicial abilities*

EL:  We should go through this exit, I think.  

*El leads the way, and the team follow him through the exit.  There are many tunnels leading away from the main pathway, but El continues in a straight line.  Suddenly Tim lets out a gasp*

TIM:  Wait, I know where we are now.  The Torture Chambers are near here, and from there, we can get back into the main castle.  Come on, this way.  

*The trio tip-toe through the Torture Chamber area, but something is clearly bothering Frodi.  Her hobbit ears can hear some-one moaning oh-so-softly.  Unfortunately, no-one else can hear it.*

FRODI:  There is some-one behind that door *pointing to a door*  I can hear him.  

*El, not hesiting for a second, kicks in the wooden door.  Beyond the door lies a semi-conscious, very bloody, Tracker.  His breathing is very shallow.  Tim, knowing that Nick must be behind this, turns white as a sheet*