Baldris Ephyrm defeats the blackguards at the entrance to the Dark Academy

They arrived at dawn, the gates were manned by half a dozen sentinels.

"I do not know the secret paths the rescue party has taken, but I think we can best aid them now by providing a distraction. So I say we go in the front doors." Mengara said, her jaw set with resolve, though her eyes were afraid.

Baldris laughed and dismounted. "I like it. This is just my kind of plan." He threw his cape clear of his sword and swaggered up to the sentinels. "Excuse me, gentlemen, but I think I'm lost. Is this the Rattlesnake Lounge in the Vale of Faluri?"

The guards reacted wordlessly, flanking him, one readying a net, another a pike, four with swords, but Baldris moved amongst them with brutal swift motion, cutting each down and then making sure every opponent was dead.

"Feels like the arena back home. Ladies, I believe we're invited in."

Lis snorted a laugh despite the gorey display. They went to the great doors and Lis muttered an incantation. They swung inward silently, to darkness.