I watch Kortt begin to pull a knife from a pile of gold, it's almost completely buried. As it becomes uncovered I realize it's a throwing knife. "What did you find?" I ask. He begins turning my direction. "I've noticed that you carry several concealed throwing blades, I recommend you replace them with this one. It's highly magical." "Magical how?" I ask. Kortt gives the knife a quick flip and catches it by the blade, then hands it to me. "It's a lightning blade." He says. "It reappears in your hand the instant you release it. A skilled knife thrower can throw this three, maybe four times in the time it would take to throw a normal blade. Once thrown the blade moves lightning fast...hence the name." "Sounds amazing." I say. "Thank you." "Your very welcome. Replies Kortt. Then I notice the three brothers approaching, Hades is in the lead. He appears to be headed directly for Kortt so I step back giving them the room they need. "I was hoping you might give me some specifics on my short swords? I can feel power coursing through them but their is something else...something I can't explain." Says Hades. "It's almost like someone is whispering in my ear but I can't make out what they're saying." "May I see one of the swords?" Asks Kortt. Hades without hesitation offers the sword in his left hand. Kortt however does not grab it, instead he begins waiving his hands over the blade without touching it. Sweat instantly forms on his brow and begins dripping down the sides of his face which is now contorted leading me to believe the sword is definitely having an effect on him. "This weapon is tied to the fire plane." Says Kortt. "Powerful does not begin to describe this blade, I needed to be sure it was not cursed before touching it." "Cursed? Is it?" Asks Hades. "I don't believe so, I feel a presence but it doesn't feel evil." Kortt then places a hand on the blade and Instantly his head tilts upwards and his eyes roll into the back of his head. Flames begin engulfing his entire body and the heat it now radiates becomes immediately overwhelming. We all take several steps back. "What do we do?" I ask in a panic. Then as quickly as the flames appeared then begin to dissipate, it's almost like Kortt's body is fighting back and with in seconds the flames are gone. Kortt tilts his head back down and his eyes once again appear normal, He smiles. I quickly scan the others and see they look just as confused as me, he was on fire and now he's smiling? "ARE YOU OK?" I ask. "You were completely on fire and yet I see no burns? How is that possible?" "You don't live for as long as I have without picking up a few tricks along the way." He then looks to Hades. "The whispering your hearing is that of a fiesty little fire nymph. Had anyone other than myself touched the sword she would have gained access to this realm by burning out their body and using it as a gateway. She was over confident, I showed her the error of her way so I don't think she will be trying that again any time soon." Says Kortt. "Why doesn't she have an effect on me then? Asks Hades. "My guess is that you are the rightful master of the blade, therefore you are immune to its effects. In time you may even be able to communicate with her and channel her power through the blade. But I caution you...calling on power from another plane is very dangerous." Replies Kortt. "You play with fire and your bound to get burned!" Hades says nothing, he simply grins. Bit and Titan have found their way back over to us, with everything going on I had completely forgotten about them. I notice Titan looks irritated, I assume he was looking for a weapon his size but was unable to find one. Now with us all gathered together once more...it's time to go, it's time to get Hayden. "Looks like we're all here. " I say. "Are we ready? Can we head out?" "Not quite yet." Says Kortt. "First I need to apologize to Crete." Hades and Grys each take a step to the side so Crete is left standing face to face with Kortt. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed the worse in you. Though your weapons out in the world still scare me I have faith that you will use them wisely. I hope you can forgive me?" Kortt then offers his hand to Crete who takes a moment to assess the situation. He stares Kortt directly in the eye, is he trying to determine Kortt's sincerity I wonder? Just When I believe He is going to reject Kortt's offer, he grabs his hand in a firm grip and says... "I thinks its time we meet this demon." Kortt smiles. "Yes, yes it is." As we leave the vault I turn back to look one last time, I know I will never see such treasure again... but I don't care, right now I just want Hayden back. I needed to find the grimoire to exchange for her safe return and I have. In the process I have met some powerful new allies, so Kasza'Zuel beware, be ready. We're coming for you!