8
The Tirthandrans probe seems to indicate that what he sees before him is the true appearance of the Seraph and Shaiton. It was almost as if an illusion had manifested for a moment then vanished as far as he could tell. The Shaiton leader shakes his head and chuckles slightly at the responses of Soul Reaver, Kitharsis, and Phaerys and after a moment he gestures with his hand and the shadowy finger uncovers Jharms mouth
"Clearly his time away from his Lady has had an effect on him. You think we Shaiton are the only ones who value strength? The Seraphs and their Lady value strength just as much, if not even more. They use strength to force all to obey and bend the knee, for once all are made subservient then peace shall reign. Those who disagree they destroy."
The Seraphim scowl and shakes his head.
"Wrong! We do not seek to make all serve, we simply wish to protect the weak and..."
Jharm seems to hesitate for a moment, as if struggling to find the words. Venagon is watching him as he speaks though as he hesitates, the Shaitons gaze seems to shift towards Velgeim as a flicker of confusion appears on his face. It is at this moment though that Gulgrim arrives and unleashes the gout of brilliant green flame towards the Shaiton leaders. A surge of power can be felt far in the distance, clearly from the Shaitons fortress. Translucent orbs of purple surround the Shaiton as the flame reaches them. The deadly flames wash over the orbs, the purple flickering and shimmering as it holds back the barrage. A few moments later cracks can be seen spreading across the surface.
"Very well. He has received your answer. Come then and face him."
As before, the Shaitons then get pulled through portals and vanish. At the same time the crystals in the room pulse and shatter, and Jharm drops to the ground as the purple hand vanishes. A second later another purple portal manifests in the center of the room as a deep voice resonates throughout.
"Yes, come forward and face me. It has been too long since I reveled in the chaos of combat against a powerful foe."
The Companions can sense the vast power they have felt previously emanating from beyond that portal. Jharm gets to his feet and scowls and is about to speak when a voice enters the minds of all present, recognizable as Drayvon.
"Seraphim, Companions, I assume the final crystal has been toppled. The entire Shaiton force is withdrawing back to their fortress, all of their leadership has been spotted amidst their ranks. We will continue pushing and work to secure you entry to the fortress proper."
"I do not think that will be necessary General. It would seem He is no longer interested in waiting, and seeing as how we cant afford to let him possibly grow any stronger I see no reason to delay either."
"Seraphim, do you think that is wise? Could it not be a trap?"
The Seraphim seems to be about to respond when he hesitates for a moment as if pondering that likelyhood when a very faint flicker of power seems to emanate from within Vee, similar in fashion to the brief illusion flicker that occurred previously. Jharm scowls and shakes his head.
"Perhaps, but we must risk it. The longer he remains unchallenged the greater chance he decides to push forward. Without Her we can not afford to show hesitation."
"Make yourselves ready my friends, the final battle awaits us on the other side and I have little doubt that He will not hold back in the least.