Continued from S3-3-1: Andromida "'Romi" Feraer. “I’m sure I lack the assets to entice you into such perilous action,” ‘Romi replied, continuing her innuendo. “But if you dare to go where few have to claim what you want, I would be most grateful if you brought me what I desire as well.” “So, if we go into Troos, you will not accompany us?” Blade had found ‘Romi’s veiled allusion amusing at first, and had to admit she found the rewards she offered nearly as attractive as Rynard and Syn, but the word play had gone on long enough for her taste. “I’m not well skilled in arms,” ‘Romi confessed, “and would likely be more of a burden then an aid. But I’ll go with you as far as Barlimm… I’m told it is the closest civilized place to the forest… where I’ll eagerly await your return.” “I don’t see that we have much to gain,” Blade announced goatingly, while she eyed ‘Romi’s risqué garbed figure with a dismissive look. “Oh, don’t you?” ‘Romi shot back, falling for the Dharijorian warrior’s taunt, and then turned to Syn. “I know what the plants you seek are used for, even though I lack the knowledge of how to make it myself… the Elixir of Invulnerability! For such a prize, you’ll face the perils of Troos with or without the rewards of my gratitude… Wouldn’t you, lord Darkwolf?” Syn grinned slyly at the nickname he had carried for many years… Since he ventured into Argilimiar’s southern reaches and summoned Roofdrak, the beastlord of canines, to put down a pack of Dorelite raiders who drove an army of wolves before them. He knew that the tale of how he had turned the wolves against their masters had spread quickly, founding the reputation and mystique that has followed him ever since. “I intend to!” Syn acknowledge, looking to Blade and Rynard with conviction. The grimoire he had earned from Pieto Dotta for his daughter’s rescue from the Mabden slaver Dregolath Xorn contained the formula and incantation to make the Elixir of Invulnerability, one of the rarest and most potent potions known, which granted flesh and bone the resilience of steel. “Then all that remains in question is if you will accept my gratitude as just reward for what I desire?” ‘Romi cooed, turning her seductive eyes from Syn to Blade, and then letting them linger on Rynard. “Well, if we’re going any way, we might as well fulfill the lady’s desires,” Rynard offered, tearing his eyes away from “Romi’s lushish figure to look to Blade and Syn hopeful of their compliance. “We’ll see,” Blade replied in a tone of reluctant acceptance, knowing that the Filkharian rogue would likely be the one to benefit most from the favors of ‘Romi’s gratitude. Then she looked to Syn, wondering just how many more secrets he hid in the dark depths of his inhuman soul, and if anyone would ever know all that dwelled there… or if any human truly should. To be continued on S3-3-3: Durg of Org. The second image from the third "book" of my Stormbringer characters' adventures. Thanks for looking... Hope you enjoy! Comments and suggestions always welcome and appreciated!