Astra's Debt of Honour

"New Babylon, it was called," said Splitgrave, "and the Tower thereof. An order of fanatical priests built the tower, to free their dark god, who was in all probability a fiend from the infernal realms. I had heard of it, and of course dismissed it as legend. How to build such a structure? But this religion, cult, somehow managed it, perhaps through divine providence, or demonic intervention, I suppose. But it was supposedly never completed, according to my texts. But that is where my soul has fled, and that is where you must go. I know not how, but you have dug your own graves, so to speak." The lich watched Fred, gauging his reaction. "Any questions?" he added finally.

"I ought to ask Astra a question first, before asking any questions of you, Splitgrave, " Fred said. "I have said I will help you, Splitgrave, but only now is Astra in a position freely to say if she wants to take part in this venture." "I can only give you one answer, Mas... - I mean Fred. (It seems strange to be able to call you that again, though it's a great relief.) As a princess of Aqualaria, it's a new experience for me to be beholden to a man. It's not something I ever expected and it's not something that I welcome. Nevertheless, I cannot help but acknowledge that I owe you a great debt that I may never be able fully to repay. You could have taken advantage of my powers for your own selfish ends, and let me go to serve another master when your three wishes were used up. Yet at great risk to yourself, you set yourself to bring me my freedom."

"You need feel under no debt," Fred said. "Any Allarian nobleman would have done as I have done." "Then Allarian noblemen are noble indeed. I suspect that you may be a little naive on that score. But even if you are right, you cannot change my mind about what I owe you. Besides, you may have need of my abilities. I can no longer grant wishes, but... " Here Astra became insubstantial for a moment, before resolidifying. "... I still can control my form. No prison bars nor chains can hold me, and I suspect that no ordinary weapon can harm me. And quite aside from all of that, what a tremendous adventure this should be." She grinned broadly. "Then thank you," Fred said. The task in front of him seemed less impossible now that he knew he would not have to attempt it alone.

1. Fred turned back to Splitgrave. "Is there any help you can give us?" he asked.
2. "One thing concerns me, though," Astra said, looking serious now. "I have a suspicion that - short of encountering very powerful magic - I may be immortal."

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