After traversing a considerable distance and encountering several foes, many had overlooked the fact that the Lathander party was the true focus of this conflict. The adventurers pressed forward, yet they were not the core players in this narrative; it was indeed most fitting that the Lathander team would engage in the decisive battles.
Alaric and his companions advanced with remarkable speed and safety; they chose not to march upon the ground but instead took to the skies, effortlessly bypassing the treacherous terrain. This not only significantly increased their velocity but also kept them bathed in sunlight, denying the vampires any opportunity to strike.
It was unclear what means they employed to achieve collective flight, but it was undeniably an impressive strategy.
Now, they had chosen to intervene. The timing of their engagement suggested they had likely arrived earlier yet chose to observe until the opportune moment. This reinforced Lynn's conviction: they had not abandoned their search for the mastermind behind the chaos, likely eavesdropping to gauge the situation.
Although they had overheard the vampires openly acknowledge their quest for treasure, Lynn and his companions, despite their verbosity, had managed to remain undisclosed.
Meanwhile, the battle raged on. The dwarf who had flown alongside them now leaped into the fray, wielding his warhammer with ferocity. The mage's raven familiar darted past, tapping his shield, causing it to emanate a brilliant light.
"Celestial Radiance."
Imory, well-versed in luminous spells, exclaimed in recognition, earning Lynn's respect. This mage, who had wept bitterly for his fallen comrade, possessed the ability to wield fourth-circle spells, indicating a truly formidable party.
Under the influence of Celestial Radiance, the nearby vampires were continuously harmed. Two triceratops immediately fixed their gaze on the dwarf, intent on eliminating this adversary. However, the dwarf's extensive combat experience proved invaluable; he took advantage of the terrain, retreating to the corner of a rocky outcrop, evading the dinosaurs' imposing charges and trampling. With a swift swing, he brought his hammer down upon the triceratops' foreleg.
The savage vampires exhibited commendable damage resistance, yet the dwarf wielded a magical weapon. The triceratops' knee shattered under the force of the blow, causing the creature to collapse. Seizing the moment, the dwarf leapt onto the triceratops' back and launched himself toward the other dinosaur.
His diminutive stature did not hinder his prowess; his combat skills were exceptional. While he could not singlehandedly vanquish both vampires, he effectively maneuvered between the two, drawing their attention. Once he had engaged the vampires, the other adventurers seized their opportunity and surged forward to attack.
The vampires, renowned for their resilience, recognized their precarious situation amid the onslaught. In a desperate bid for escape, they attempted to transform into leopards. However, the well-prepared adventurers would not allow this to happen. A net ensnared one of them, and relentless blows followed, with a particularly eager combatant delivering a decisive strike that severed a leopard's head.
Another vampire struggled to break free from its restraints, seeking to escape, but was struck by a golden beam that struck true. Alaric's "Revenge of the Ashes" spell found its mark, claiming its life.
With the vampire vanquished, the formidable Lathander party captured the attention of all present. Lynn exchanged glances with his companions but chose not to retreat. They were, after all, aligned with the forces of evil, and presenting themselves with undue virtue might provoke hostility; a cowardly attempt to flee could invite an assault.
"Esteemed heroes, I am profoundly grateful for your willingness to enter this gorge and assist us in our extermination of these nefarious vampires. Your support is immensely appreciated, and I mourn your losses. Now that we have encountered the enemy, I hope for our improved coordination to eliminate these creatures. I possess a fair understanding of these undead and am prepared to undertake the weighty responsibilities of command. Will you lend your support?"
In a matter of mere sentences, Alaric seized command among the group. He subtly consolidated the adventurers under his command, significantly bolstering his strength. Yet, he understood that the adventurers held diverse motivations and could not rely solely on rhetoric, so he paused to make a promise.
"Our purpose here is threefold: first, to uphold justice; second, to avenge the fallen; and third, to reclaim the artifact. I will not lay claim to any of the vampires' wealth—such treasures are rightfully yours. Regarding the artifact… should you discover it first, I am willing to purchase it from you. The Church of the Dawnbringer is no stranger to rewarding its allies."
Alaric, in truth, was reluctant to relinquish his pursuit of the artifact, yet his declaration provided substantial reassurance to the adventurers, alleviating their fears of being cast aside once their usefulness had waned. Their spirits lifted considerably as they beamed with enthusiasm. Alaric reciprocated their smiles, his gaze covertly shifting toward Lynn's group.
The priests of Bane and Lathander had never been particularly harmonious, and Alaric suspected Finn harbored intentions to claim the artifact. Though he remained silent, it was evident he was contemplating the necessity of action. After a moment's deliberation, he approached them instead.
"Are you also here for the artifact?"
With them, Alaric was less courteous. However, he refrained from immediate confrontation, likely not wishing to instigate infighting before dealing with the vampires. Consequently, Lynn felt no trepidation and interjected.
"Why is it that they can pursue the artifact while we cannot?"
"I hold no authority to prevent you from your endeavors, but I implore you to adhere to our agreement and refrain from unnecessary conflicts until the vampires have been dealt with. Once the undead are vanquished, we can fairly contend for the artifact, and then we shall see who earns the favor of the gods."
Alaric's tone towards these rogues was markedly different. His words, though veiled, essentially aimed to postpone any discord until after the vampires had been dispatched. He believed himself stronger, with more allies, and was confident of ultimate victory—a proposition favorable to him.
Nevertheless, Lynn and his companions were not in a position to reject this offer, particularly given their current disadvantage. Lynn nodded but added a remark.
"However, it is not certain that the artifact can even be found. Haven't you and the vampires been searching for it for centuries? We may not enjoy such fortune. Yet, there should certainly be a share of the spoils from the vampires' lair for us."
"If you place your trust in me, I will oversee the final distribution. I shall not let your beliefs hinder you, and I hope you will recognize precisely what actions you ought to take."