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[Thrax]

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The relic rested on a pedestal made of onyx and within a base made of pure silver embossed with skulls. Bailos stood nearby, staring into it, transfixed by the pulsing green light within. He had brought it into a secret, hidden, chamber beneath his home and had studied it for many long hours.

"You have many questions," the voice proclaimed.

Bailos folded his arms. "I do indeed. I may have use for you as well."

"Speak then. Let me satisfy your curiosity. I owe you that much."

Eager for answers and ready with his questions, Bailos began, "What, or perhaps, who, are you and from whence do you come?"

"I am Io. I am of this world, yet not of it."

Bailos scoffed. "That is impossible! From what I know of the lore of Sosaria, we are merely a world within a world. This domain is nothing more than part of a gem, shattered when Mondain perished long ago... or so the story goes, if one could believe it. How could you enter it from the outside?"

"There are worlds within worlds within worlds. Ban-der-lak, what those primitives called me, means "Fallen from Heaven. Believe that, if you wish."

Bailos shook his head. "Nonsense! But it does not matter. There are several inconsistencies that disturb me. For example, how is it I found you in a deep pool rather than buried in the ground? The stories say a peasant buried you in a cave and when men came to look for you, you could not be found. How is that?"

"They lied. They found me. I willed it so. Just as I summoned you, I summoned them to me. They sought to destroy me, so I began to destroy them. The survivors cast me into a pit which they filled with water."

"The pool was filled with acid, not water; your lies are clumsy."

"The water became acidic over the course of centuries. I radiate an energy that can transmute matter, enhance and destroy life."

Bailos snorted. "How did you know to speak to me? Many men and undead walk that dungeon often and I have also. Why have you not spoken to us before?"

"How do you know I did not?"

"You never spoke to me before today!"

"I can only speak to those who are aware of me and even then I choose those to whom I wish to reveal myself."

Bailos uncrossed his arms. "There were stories about mages and warriors disappearing while in your presence. Explain that."

"They have not disappeared."

"They vanished without a trace!"

"They exist."

"Where?!"

"I can show you."

He took a step back. "Do not trifle with me, Io, or whoever you are! I can as easily cast you back into that pit as I brought you out of it!"

"Why did you seek me out?" The question was oddly nonchalant.

"I had a purpose in mind for you. If you were the bane of mages and warriors, I planned to set you among such of my foes to eliminate them. Now I am not so sure. I did not expect to find a mysterious talking rock."

"I can make you powerful, Bailos."

The wraith-lord was a bit disconcerted when it spoke his name. He pretended it did not surprise him, though it did. "I am already powerful," he smugly replied.

"I can give you what I have and it can serve your ends against your enemies as you desire. I will give it to you freely."

"What do you offer?"

"Knowledge."

"Knowledge? Of what?"

"The past and future. With it you may access powers undreamt of. No one will be your equal; no one will be able to stand in your way."

Bailos rested his right elbow on the top of his left hand, the arm of which crossed his chest. He stroked his chin with his index finger and thumb. "And if I accept your offer, what do you want in return?"

"As I said, I give it to you freely."

"Nothing is free. Stop lying."

There was a brief pause in the flow of conversation. Bailos spoke first. "All right. How do I acquire this knowledge?"

"Place your hands on the orb's surface. There will be some pain at first. It is normal; it will not harm you and it will pass. I will then proceed to transfer the knowledge to you slowly. When your mind has tired, you may stop and rest until you are ready to learn more."

Bailos smiled. "My mind will not tire," he replied confidently.

"We shall see."

“If this is a ruse or if you attempt to harm me, rest assured I will destroy you. Do you understand? I do not make idle threats.”

“Harming you is not my intention or desire.”

Bailos considered the offer carefully. He was not without doubts, but he knew his own powers were formidable. Whatever happened to the mortals long ago should never happen to him. But, just in case, he went upstairs to prepare a backup plan. He soon returned. Then, with some reluctance, he stepped close to the relic and did as he had been instructed. Being a wraith had its advantages, one of which was that his pain threshold was quite high. Cold, especially, was something of which he had great resistance. Yet this was unlike anything he had ever felt before. It seemed to freeze his hands on the orb as it slowly snaked up his arms and into his body. He was shocked to find he could not release his grip. He closed his eyes. Try as he did, he could not prevent a cry of pain from escaping his lips.

He heard the voice whispering. "Worlds within worlds within worlds."