In a calm manner, the queen tries to ease Elriel's insecurities, "We're sending three specialists with you. Aron Kir was a cleric of Shelyn here in Kenabres before the temple was destroyed... he can help with healing as needed, but he's also quite knowledgeable about demons and their tactics. Sosiel Vaenic is an expert on siege tactics, traps, infiltration, scouting, and the like; he's where you'll be getting your map of the Citadel, incidentally. And lastly, there's Nurah Dendiwhar. She'll be supporting you with her bardic magic, but she's also an expert on the region and knows more about Drezen than anyone in Kenabres at this point, I'll wager. I'm also going to be sending an army of crusaders with you. There's only a hundred of them, but they're all devout paladins of Iomedae. It's not a large army, but you'll be able to move without attracting attention. Trust me, that's an advantage when it comes to demonic foes. They hit hard, so it's best not to give them the opportunity."
With another smile, she continues while moving around the desk with her sword in her hands. She gestures you to kneel, "From this point on, you shall be regarded as Knights of the Fifth Crusade." After touching each of you in the shoulder, she turns around and grabs an old wooden chest which she opens, revealing numerous ornate military medals.
First, she grabs a couple circular blue medals depicting a pair of feminine gray eyes surrounded by a circular silver lightning bolt. "In recognition for the vital information you have provided us..." She then fixes it to each of your garments (with the exception of Hedda).
She then grabs another medal that looks like a demonic skull, the top of which has been pierced by four red-hilted swords, and fixes them to Elriel and Brevon, "In recognition for those powerful demons who have fallen thanks to the strength of your arms."
"You have now full capabilities and the right to lead the army, and even to rule lands. Also, rest assured that each of the knights who will accompany you have volunteered themselves to retake Citadel Drezen." She then returns once more behind the desk.
Turning to Brevon, she continues, "You are quite correct. Despite the name, it's indeed not a sword. It's a battle standard... an artifact once used by Iomedae herself during the Shining Crusade. The church loaned the banner to the First Mendevian Crusade and allowed it to hang in Drezen, where it bolstered crusader morale and, perhaps more importantly, warded against demonic attacks, deceptions, and even teleportation... it should be located somewhere inside Citadel Drezen. At one point, it was held in a special vault, but our divinations have only revealed that the banner remains in the Citadel somewhere. Alas, the same wards that protect it against demons also hamper divination attempts... but we know it's still in there, likely kept as a trophy."
Elriel never imagined that such an honor could be bestowed on a bastard from the Tanglebriar.
He's at a loss for words, not even a snark remark came from his lips.
He silently nodded and accepted the charges laid upon him.
He looked at the medals and beamed with pride, "Of course, we shall recover the Sword of Valor. When do we leave?"
"I am sure these new companions, Aron, Sosiel, and Nurah, are more than capable, and I look forward to meeting them. The same is true of the army of Iomedae's Light, I am sure."
Brevon Sabor, Knight of the Fifth Crusade. He thinks with pride as the Queen presents their medals. He kneels once more, because it seems to be the thing to do. He hasn't had much experience with queens.
Standing, he listens with great interest to her description of the Sword of Valor. "Used by Iomedae herself..." He remembers his most recent dream. No, it couldn't have been...
"As soon as possible," he responds to Elriel. "But first we should meet our new allies. Are they nearby?"
Hedda is aware that she doesn't know much but she has made it her life's work to learn what she can about demons. One needed to know their enemy in order to defeat them. So when Aponavicius' name was mentioned, her heart momentarily skipped a beat. "I agree. The sooner we go, the better. We don't want to risk Aponavicius returning before we can recover the Sword of Valor."
Arrika simply nods in consent to the others' urgency, her glance stealing down toward the medallion at her chest. ::Kelu - Kelu, I'm a knight! Who'd've ever thought that - a little savage kid hauled in by the ear turning out to become a knight of the Crusade?::
Queen Galfrey was quite enthusiastic with your eagerness to depart so she moves around the table and motions Irabeth to open the door. The Eagle Watch Captain also can't hide her hope, "I knew you'd help... I knew as soon as I saw you returning Anevia to my arms."
Kai and Rukzha were surprisingly quite for the whole meeting and, to be honest, have been quite for the last days and even weeks. Before the queen is able to leave, Kai approaches the desk while removing the badge from his tunic, "I'm sorry my queen, but I can't accept such honor and such mission... I have friends and family who depends on me and I feel this isn't the path I should take." There is a bit of disappointment in Irabeth's face but she keeps the door opened for the boy to leave.
After a couple seconds of silence, Queen Galfrey motions you to follow her outside the room and then outside the building, "Our knights are waiting on the outer camp just north of the once proud walls of Kenabres. You should depart immediately, so take your possessions with you and meet me downstairs once you are done in about a quart of an hour."
After a couple seconds of silence, Queen Galfrey motions you to follow her outside the room and then outside the building, "Our knights are waiting on the outer camp just north of the once proud walls of Kenabres. You should depart immediately, so take your possessions with you and meet me downstairs once you are done in about a quart of an hour."
Elriel said goodbye to the monk. Although he had very recently known him, the fact that they spilled blood fighting a common enemy did much to bond them. "Stay strong."
The half-elf then went to gather his meager belongings and was soon packed and ready to go. He had one more stop to make. He did not want to go but he had to. The little girl had suffered too many disappointments in her young life.
So it was that he dragged his feet to the common area where the children were quartered. He wanted to tell her the truth. That he had volunteered on a suicide mission and would probably die but he lied to her. He told her that he would be gone for just a few days but that he would be back. He buried himself in a prolonged hug and hid his tears.
A puffy eyed Elriel joined his companions ready to go...
-----------
Hedda hadn't had an opportunity to settle into Kenabres at all so her belongings were already packed and ready to go. Therefore, it was no surprise that she was the first one to arrive at their meeting place. She subconsciously touched and adjusted her weapons to reassure her of their presence before giving a small nod. Time to take back what the demons stole. And maybe gain some redemption.
"Yes, that's it!" Rukzha exclaims triumphantly. "You are right that they can be used to enchant weapons to penetrate the demons' defenses, but I think they can also be used to enchant armor in the same way, to protect against the demons' magic. This makes me wonder... I've felt the demons' defenses against my magic. It's quite shocking and hard to predict how it'll work. Perhaps I can use some of this material to enchant my mask so I can see how their protective aura will react and be able to work around it to still pierce it? That sounds like a wonderful idea. Perhaps there have been similar ideas by others? I gotta do some research..."
-----
Rukzha's voice is calm and attempting to be soothing as she speaks on the matter. "Elriel, I don't think you did anything bad here. It's not about whether they can defend themselves against your attacks or not, but about what they'll do if you don't attack them. It sounds like this tiefling would have attacked you if you had not taken her out. Think back to the many times I've put our enemies to sleep. Was it wrong to kill them off before they could rise? I don't think so. Sure we could perhaps have redeemed some if given enough time, but that was time we did not have. Though you bring up an interesting point. Perhaps we can be on the lookout for such opportunities in the future? Perhaps there will indeed be enemies we can redeem?"
-----
Rukzha admire's Hedda's combat form. Her admiration doesn't disappear once combat is over. "Wow, that's an impressive form you got there. Quite fascinating the magic this ritual has embedded in you. I wonder if I could do something similar. Change your forms to be more effective in battle. Perhaps Brevon could also benefit from growing larger?"
-----
Rukzha keeps her word and the day after destroying the wardstone she prepeares the spell flight and uses it on Elriel. Flapping her arms and chanting while holding a feather, she infuses him with her magic.
-
"F̶̺͚̞͚̥̯ͦ̀ͣ̔ͭl͆̊͗ͫ̉҉̦͙̙̜̪̪ͅỹ̺̰̮͎͇͚͐̋̍ͩ̄͝ ̧̛̗̦̏̑͒̒͌oͤͯ͟͏̝̙n̴̲̰̪̠͙͙̑͂ͮ͜ ̱͊̌ͭͪ͋̑ͦ͝t͚͊ͭ̍̋̀h̸̛̯̲̙̻̝̗͚̙͌̀̚e̛̥͚̱̦̰̥̟ͧ̆ ̬̠̿̓w̖̳̯̗̠̤̖̙̱̎ͭ͌̏̑̄i̓ͥ҉̨̙̬̘̩̻̥̰ͅn̺̪̹̯ͬ̇͑̍̓͒̊͐̈g̢͔̘̜̤̳̈́͊̇̅̈̆ͥ́͞ş̋ͣ͊͛̓ͭ҉̹͚͠ ̥͓̞̺̹̠ ̜̹͖͎̃̌̈́̈́oͤ̿ͩ́̍̈̎̕͏͈̬͖̫̟̥̮̜ͅf̷̡̥͎̤̫͆͐ͯ̔͂̂̾ͨ̿̀ ̵̫̰͚̩ͭ̓̀͒̿̋ͥ͠l̺̪͖͙̜̎ͭ͐̋̾̿o̡̧̩̫͖̼̦͖̲ͥ̈́͢v͙̰̝̳̬̈́̿ͧͫ̄e̡̟͚̝͔̟̜̎̊ͨͯ̈͂̚.̹̜͕̪̝͂ͤͬ̐͠ ̝̼ͅ ͕̫͐ͬ̍̔F̵̛̪̯͖̯̬ͤͬ̾͋͞l̶̢̠̘̖͕̫̳̈́̀ͣͩ͆̆͢ỷ̲̲̹̮̮̳̃͆͒ͤ͟͝ ̫̩̖̺̘̐̑ͅb͉͚̻̠̃̿ͤ̎͜a̜̣͚͆̓́ͫ̌̉̑b̨̥̩̈́̎̈́̄̈́͑̏̌ỷ̷͚͚͢ ͖̣̲͎ͤ͂f̴͔̳̟̞͈̓ͧ̈̀͜ͅl͙͉̯̩ͧ͑y̻͎̪̔̓͟͝.̓ͬ̿͗̊ͭͤ͂̋̕҉͖͝ ̡̠̱̤̗̪̳̌̎̿̂̍T̻͙͎̤̭͙ͥ̂ͣ̌͂̇͂͝o̷͕̙̭̗̭͛̊͞u̸̾̓͟҉̣ͅc̷̸̩̿̂ͮ͋͜h̏̎̿ͬ҉̧̮͍̞͟į̴̜̦̱̩̒͌͞ ̬ņ̴̗̳̟̫̠̹͋ͩ͟g̴̡̫͈̪̩ͮ̿͛ ̴̮̜̥̪̝̼͕̓̂̐̊ͨ͒ͣͅt̡̳͚͒̆͆͂ͯ͜h̥͙̲͎͖̺͉̮̹̽̿e̺̯̻͈̦̱̗̯̅̈̓͢͝ ̵͉͈͍͐ͭ͐̈́͂ś̨͖̿͛͐͆͒ͨͬt̨͕̼̮͉͐ͧ͆͑̓͊ͥą̸̲̰̦͎̰͛̍̋̈͢r̯͎͈͚̜͖͍͑ͪͦ̍̆̂̽͗͠š̫̠͆̌͆̇̆ͅ ̴̖̟͕̩ͬͦ̽ͯͪ́͊͘ãͭ͑͏̫̙̣̝b̩̳͙̯͍̪̼͙̆̚͜ͅö̡̱͎̥́͌ͤ̓́ͫ͟v̢̰͈̬̮̾ͭ͌ͦe̢̯͖̥̩̱̺̳̓̎ͣͬͩͯ̈́͟ ̝,̡̧̹͚͇͍̘̀ ̝̱͂̿ͫ̀̆ͤ́r̴͈̯̩̰͙̘̊ͥ̀e̦̲̮̙͎̤̯̥̽̄̄à̸͎̣̯͍̘̐̚̕c̶̢͙̞͎͇̰̹̒͂͐̌̈́̒̓̿̀ẖ̰̥͍͔ͮ̓̋̽ͪ̒̒́ ̤̥ ̙̫̝͖̋̈́̚͝f͇͍̝͍̌ͩͬ͊o͉̬͍̘͖̖̻̲ͣ͋̓ͧ͂̔̚͘r̵̜̝̓̆ͪ͆ͤ͞ ̞̜̠͎̫͒ͥ̈͠͠t̷̛͉͔̰̾̄ͬ͟h̶͚̯̲̝̥̳̼ͩͩ͋̈̈́̚e̛͇̪̅̎͆͌͒̓ͯ ̥̻̳̊̋̿͗s̢̱̘̪̣̮̝̿̆̽͗̊̈́͊̓́k̜̖̳̤̜̬̘̦̪͒̈́͂̈ͨ͗̓̅͝y̰͚̺͍͓͓̩̝ͭ͐̓̓̑ͬͯ̓͜.̧̭̰̲̩̮͙ͬ́̓"
-
"There, now you should be able to fly. Try it out." The witch says to the half-elf with a smile.
------
Rukzha is excited to see talk about the magic, so much so that she half forget she's in the presence of the Queen. "We are thankful that we were able to help. I don't want to think about what would have happened if we had failed. The wardstone has affected us in the most fascinating way. For me it has made my magic more powerful and faster. If it is from Iomedae as you say, and I have no reason to doubt you, perhaps she herself is aiding my casting to make my spells come to fruition against the demons faster. I know I'll continue to study and experiment with it more, and hopefully put it to good use against the demons."
"Of course I'll help out with the others. We can't leave the demons to take advantage of our weakened defenses. Your plan sounds like a good one to counteract that. Besides, I'm sure this'll give me ample opportunity to learn more about my magic and the abilities from the wardstone."
Rukzha admire's Hedda's combat form. Her admiration doesn't disappear once combat is over. "Wow, that's an impressive form you got there. Quite fascinating the magic this ritual has embedded in you. I wonder if I could do something similar. Change your forms to be more effective in battle. Perhaps Brevon could also benefit from growing larger?"
"The form may be impressive but that wasn't entirely due to the ritual. I grew in size and had claws before...at least when I got angry. But since the ritual, I can hurt demons easier than before and there seems to be more power to use. Growing in size has its benefits but also makes you easier to hit."
Rukzha's voice is calm and attempting to be soothing as she speaks on the matter. "Elriel, I don't think you did anything bad here. It's not about whether they can defend themselves against your attacks or not, but about what they'll do if you don't attack them. It sounds like this tiefling would have attacked you if you had not taken her out. Think back to the many times I've put our enemies to sleep. Was it wrong to kill them off before they could rise? I don't think so. Sure we could perhaps have redeemed some if given enough time, but that was time we did not have. Though you bring up an interesting point. Perhaps we can be on the lookout for such opportunities in the future? Perhaps there will indeed be enemies we can redeem?"
Elriel felt somewhat relieved by the responses but there was still a nagging feeling that he had done something wrong.
"I get what you are saying but the problem the way I see it is not that I killed the tielfling but that I enjoyed killing her."
His eyes looked out to an imaginary horizon, "And I'm not sure that my enjoyment was at the prowess of my skill, the fact that I killed a guilty person, or just the plain fact of killing..."
tag?
Brevon is filled with an unexpected excitement as he gathers his equipment, armor, and weaponry. It is good to have a purpose again.
He finds the others just inside the gate, preparing to ride out to the northern encampment. "We've horses then? How long is the journey expected to take?"
Once you are ready to go, the queen gestures for you to follow her. It takes you about an hour to move around the fissures and the rubble that still fill many of the streets, but finally you are able to leave Kenabres's walls behind to find a standing army of knights awaiting for you and the queen. It wasn't an army of shining knights, though, for even if their will and purpose could possibly blind the demons, their bodies and armors were in far worse state... despite this, it showed these crusaders were seasoned warriors, ready to embark in a new mission, probably their last mission, be it for the good or not.
As the army notices the queen, they quickly fall into formation, awaiting for her orders. The queen turns to you once more, "As have informed you, all these men have volunteered to accompany you so you can expect nothing less than complete loyalty." While she was talking, two men and a female Halfling approached your group, even if they awaited for the Queen to introduce them.
"And these are the three experts I mentioned before, that will be accompanying you in this journey... Aron Kir, Sosiel Vaenic, and Nurah Dendiwhar." Each of them nods and bows slightly to you as their name is announced by the queen.
Aron Kir is a Taldoran man on his mid twenties. He has brown hair and no facial hair. He wears the uniform of a low Templar, even if favoring a more light armor, probably to assist him in his scouting job.
Sosiel Vaenic is an Orisiani man on his mid thirties. He has dark hair and beard, both kept trimmed short. He wears a beautiful breastplate with the holy symbol of Shelyn emblazoned on it and carries a glaive.
Nurah Dendiwhar is a small and quite young female Halfling. She has long golden hairs arranged in a long lock. She wears a chain shirt and a green dress over it. At her back, she carries a big backpack full of books and other useful tools. On her waist, she carries a beautiful, and probably magical, horn.
"The journey to Dresden will probably take around four or five days... I suggest you to travel north directly to Vala's Gift and then follow the east bank of the Sellen River north until you come to Vilareth Ford, at which point you can cross the West Sellen and continue north along its west bank to the dry Ahari riverbed, since this route will provide something of a natural trail to follow... well, I've never been one for ceremony, and you've a lot of work ahead of you... I wish you luck in your mission, and hope to hear of your triumph soon!"
Brevon repeats the names and titles of their honored companions as he bows in greeting, offering his hand to Nurah in a gentlemanly fashion. "Truly an honor to accompany you into the heart of the battle. Our concerted efforts can surely only lead to victory."
He looks over the ravaged army with concern, but says nothing of the shabby state of their equipment. He suddenly feels very self-conscious in his own resplendent, multi-hued plate.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Have we any information as to the threats we might face on the journey to Dresden?"
Elriel nodded as the last instructions were given, "We shall not fail you, your Highness. Next time you will see, we will riding behind the Sword of Valor."
He looked at his companions to see if there was any doubt in their faces; this was the most dangerous thing any of them had done. "We'll make the Queeen proud, right?"
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He then neared the scout of the group, Well met, my name's Elriel and I want to offer up my services to scout as needed."
he added, "From the little I know, the Queen's suggestion for travel makes sense. is there anything that she's not aware of?"
tag?
Hedda had never traveled any distance with an army before. Would they be able to remain undetected? It was good to know that they had all volunteered to go because she didn't have to worry about their motivation. However, she couldn't help but look out and wonder how many of them would die on this journey.
She stands with her arms crossed but gives each of the three specialists a nod of her head as they are introduced. She tries to keep her face neutral as both Brevon and Elriel professed surety of their success. If she'd learned anything from her bouts with demons is that nothing ever went as you expected. What she did know was that she'd do whatever in her power to help them take Dresden and bring back the standard.
Aron. Sosiel. Nurah. Arrika nods politely to each of the experts in turn, though her gaze lingers longest on Nurah's backpack of books and tools. I get the feeling I'll be talking to her later.
At the Queen's sendoff, Arrika dips into another low bow of farewell, her eyes fixed on Galfrey's. Kelumarion echoes her own gesture of fealty, extending a paw and dipping his head low. I...I hope we're worthy of your trust, Your Grace. One thing I know for certain...we shall not enter this room and kneel before you again until Drezen is retaken. I swear it. ::Or in other words...we retake it or die trying,:: she finishes privately to her companion, gloom and resolution warring for supremacy in her mind's voice. The great cat, for his part, only lets out a loud huff.
"I'm Rukzha Kerzhuk. It's a pleasure to meet you Aron Kir, Sosiel Vaenic, and Nurah Dendiwhar." Rukzha salutes the others in a military fashion. "Thank you for your help Your Majesty. We'll do our best."
She then turns to Brevon and says in a more somber tone. "Though our victory is not certain, we will nonetheless do our best. We can't lul ourselves into thinking we got this win, but rather we got to stay on top of things and always be on the lookout for things we can do better as well as trying to figure out what the treacherous demons are up to so we might best combat it. Hopefully we'll be successful in our strike mission and not end up drawing the attention of all the demons in the world-wound."
She turns back to their new companions. "It's nice to have more experienced people to work with. But what's even better is to share those experiences so we can all benefit. Could you perhaps tell us a bit about your experiences against the demons? Though I guess we don't have to wait here for that, it can be done on the road."
Before leaving, the queen quickly answers Brevon's question, "When demons are involved, you can expect every kind of trickery and danger, from unnatural weather, to cultists and roaming beast... I believe that the small size of your army you'll be able to scare off wandering monsters and demons but also not attract attention from larger groups of enemies." She then wishes you luck once more before returning to the ruined city.
Elriel and Rukzha both find the route traced by the queen to be the best one to pursuit, and this opinion is also shared by all the three experts. Sosiel gives you a bit more information as the queen departs and you get ready to march. "We have discussed this route among us before... it seems to be indeed the fastest and safest route to Drezen. If everything goes as planned we might reach the city in about five says. We also have a pretty good amount of supplies, enough for the march and also an additional 5 days to take the city... I'm not sure if it is enough, so I believe it would be in our interest to resupply if we get the opportunity."
To Rukzha, Nurah answers with a smile, "Yes, I believe we should have this conversation on the road. We have little time to spare, right?"
---
Once everything is settled and arranged, you start to move, riding the horses that were provided to you. The eight of you move on the front of the army, and from time to time the lieutenant of the knights comes to you, specially Brevon, for information about the route and possible dangers. After you ride for about 20 miles, Aron rides closer to you. "I believe we should spend the night in the town of Vala's Rift, about 8 miles ahead of us. It is Kenabre's primary source of food and grain, and I hope we can find another wagon and more supplies to allow us more leeway while taking Citadel Drezen. What are your thoughts?"
You are currently marching among low hills, still covered by vegetation, even if in a poor state... a couple miles to the north you can clearly see that most of the vegetation is dead, undoubtedly a side effect of the Worldwound.
Brevon was quite surprised as the Knight Lieutenant came to him for advice. He had had no military experience himself, and only basic training with weapons. Why, he had only recently donned plate armor for the first time! He marveled how his life had changed in such a short period of time, and at all the wonders (and horrors) he had experienced.
Perhaps She was watching over him, afterall.
He clung to this thought in spite of his uncertainties, trying to steady his voice and answer the Lieutenant's questions and requests as best he could. Afterward, he would often discuss the issue with his companions, pinpointing his weaknesses in strategy and shortcomings in planning, and think on how to better address the next problem. And while in the beginning he felt like a child with a large, complex toy, he eventually began to gain more confidence in his choices, his friends, and himself.
He was changing, even if he did not realize it.
"What do we know about Vala's Rift today? It has withstood the demons? It could very well be a breeding ground for demons, or even a trap. Here we are exposed on all sides, especially from the sky. Have we scouts we could send ahead to determine the status of the town?" He turns once again to his allies for input.
"What do we know about Vala's Rift today? It has withstood the demons? It could very well be a breeding ground for demons, or even a trap. Here we are exposed on all sides, especially from the sky. Have we scouts we could send ahead to determine the status of the town?" He turns once again to his allies for input.
Elriel agreed, "Yes, it would be wise and much quicker to send a couple of people in town to find out what the status is."
He turned to the Knight Captain, "Do you have such men? If not, I can ride out there and remain low while I check things out."
He then peered out ahead, "You're right about resupplying. There's likely nothing to scavenge in that dead land. Especially fo this many men."
Aron shakes his head in denial, "Unfortunately we have no such knowledge. Valas's Rift is such a small town that it is entirely possible for it to have survived simply because of its size, perhaps being ignored. We haven't received any news about it, though..."
Saying this, Aron mounts on his light horse and starts to move away towards the mentioned direction, "I'll take a look at it. I'm pretty experienced in my job, so you don't need to worry about it." This last sentence was actually directed at Sosiel, who appeared to be ready to protest. Even so, the cleric of Shelyn addressed the scout, "Be careful anyway, my love, and may the Eternal Rose guide you home back to my arms."
---
From time to time you receive signals from Aron as he scouts ahead of you, at least until you get really close to Valas's Rift is supposed to be. When this happens, Aron signals you to wait as he scouts the village. A couple minutes later he comes back, his visage saddened by grieve. "The town is no more, reduced to charred and abandoned ruins, much like the most destroyed parts of Kenabres. I've found no one on the streets, neither enemies nor survivors. It may still be possible to find shelter and, perhaps, some food, but it will take much more time than simply buying or requesting it."
With this, Nurah comes closer, bearing a map of the region. "I believe we have little choice here in terms of shelter. Valas's Rift is the closer town by far and it would take us too much time and a big detour of our rote to seek another town... we can camp on the ruins or on the open fields."
Arrika squirms in her saddle, visibly nervous at the ruined town ahead. Still, though, as the halfling had said...there seemed to be little choice. (And from how gingerly she sits on the saddle, it seems her stamina for more riding is a bit low.) I know it's a risk - we don't know much about what could be in the buildings. But I'd feel better in the ruins, rather than in the open...at least that way we've got a little bit of protection, even if it's just walls. We'll have to check the buildings first, of course, to make sure nothing's hiding inside - I can check for any magical traces.
"I prefer the ruins too but is there enough space there for the army? If not, we'll have to camp in the open. No matter where we stay, I agree with Arrika that we need to clear the ruins and make sure there are no surprises."
Brevon raises his eyebrow slightly at the exchange between Sosiel and Aron. "Are you two...?" he asks when Aron is beyond earshot.
_______________
He nods his head in agreement with Arrika. "Yes, you're right my dear. We know nothing of the ruins, but we know less of what hunts the fields. We can scan the town as best we can--for magic, for evil, and for survivors. Place the camp squarely within the ruins, and post our strongest combatants to watch duty. I will stand guard as well."
He pats Radiance gently on her hilt, comforted by her reassuring weight.
Elriel merely nodded, "Agreed. Let's get to a large building, make sure it's clear, and then have the army move in. If no large building is available then a series of close buildings close by will do."
He peered out at the bleak landscape, "Anything is better than out in the open."
------------
On the road Rukzha follows up her question from earlier. "So, what experience fighting demons do you have? Honestly, this is my first confrontation against them, so it's nice to have someone with more experience fighting these foul enemies. Though we have faced a wide variety over the last few weeks."
----
The Queen's words are still fresh in Rukzha's mind as they approach the burned out village. "I'm worried this is some sort of trap. Remember, the whole attack on Kenabres was ultimately meant as a trap, even if we did foil it. We should be careful as we investigate the ruins, which I agree we should. Though I do wonder, how much extra protection does it really offer to sleep in there anyway? Perhaps we can investigate and then make a decision on where to sleep after."
"Maybe none," Brevon acknowledges, keenly aware of the half-orc's superior intellect. "So of course we'll investigate. But the soldiers...all of us...would probably feel safer tucked within the ruins. And that's just the same, isn't it? The belief in having something can be just as good as actually having it, at least for the night."
Since Aron is most of the time a couple miles in front of you, only Nurah and Sosiel were able to answering your questions, even if Sosiel had also some words about Aron.
"I must confess that I'm not that knowledgeable about demons..." the small Halfling woman speaks, a bit ashamed, "...only enough to know that no matter its size, shape, or color, you better keep away from them. I first came to Kenabres during the Forth Crusade under the service of my master, Lord Axilar Trezbot, even if everything changed when all his house and servants were murdered by tieflings and those blood-soaked demons... Babaus, yes, that is the name. I was only able to survive because I was ignored I think." She shrugs before continuing. "Before the attack, I always helped my master with the tactical planning, and so I've learnt a lot about Old Sarkoris and the old Crusades, and even if I've been working with the Queen for the last months, I confess that my experience is still lacking in the matter of 'demons'."
"This is no shame at all, Nurah!" comments the always joyful Sosiel. "Not everyone needs to be an expert in everything. I, as an example, am really fond of beautiful paintings, but I have no skills at all for the noble arts of the music."
Leaving his joyful manners behind for a couple minutes, Sosiel continues, "It is quite difficult to not have some contacts with demons when you live in Kenabres for a couple years, but luckily I've never had to fight one. I came here from Andoran with my brother, and even if he's been missing for some time, I've remained, tending the wounds of all those in need... the ugliness of the Worldwound is atrocious... of the three of us, Aron is the one with the most experience, since he worked beyond the enemy lines for many years." You can notice proud in Sosiel's voice when he mentions Aron.
Sosiel smiles warmly, "Yes, we are. I've met Aron when he needed my skills as a priest and healer, and what started as a friendship, soom blossomed in something beautiful. I thank the Eternal Rose everyday for his presence. I know it is not usual, but the Goddess blesses us nevertheless, for all kinds of love is beautiful in Her eyes."
Nurah is quick to praise your decision, "The Queen once more showed her wisdom in trusting this mission to you, and I feel honored to be part of it." She bows slightly. A bit less flattering, both Aron and Sosiel nod as well, before Aron continues. "Very well, follow me and I'll lead you to the town, where you can search it."
"Meanwhile, I'll talk with the sergeant so we can move the soldiers closer, even if we'll wait for your signal." Sosiel complements.
You follow Aron without any trouble and are able to notice how the young man moves around, his gestures and precautions, all good signs of a skilled scout. The small town of Valas's Gift unfolds before you, or at least what have been left of it... even if in ruins, you are able to discerns a bit of its former structures.
The town was built around a large open square and in front of it once stood a quite large church of Iomedae. A couple large buildings once stood around this place, but the remaining houses were generally small. All the buildings were burned, even if the stone structure of the church seems to still hold itself. Around the round square, you can see dozens of bodies, maimed and crucified... by their different sizes, it appears both small children and full-grown adults shared this fate.
After almost an hour looking around, you find no evidence of live, not even vultures. The most recent signs reveal to be a couple days old.
"Sarenrae, does your light reach even the darkness within the souls who crafted such exquisite suffering? Even those who lay their hands upon the children?"
Brevon whispers the words into his helmet before lifting the visor to better survey the landscape.
"Why are there no vultures? Why does nothing feed on the carrion? It is a trap?"
A message, certainly. Otherwise there's no reason for... Arrika's voice catches, and she pauses for a moment as if trying to hold back from being sick. ...for all this. This....drama. she finishes weakly, trying to block out the grisly view. The church looks to be the biggest building around - it'll be our best bet for sheltering everyone, and maybe the holy ground will still protect us. Or... A dark chuckle bubbles out to interrupt. Or they're waiting there to ambush anyone who happens through - it is the obvious choice for anyone who'd show up here, after all.
The bloodrager could feel her anger simmering as she surveyed the horrors displayed in the town square. "Demons don't need a reason for such carnage. This is what they do," Hedda said bitterly, "for fun."
Disgusted by the scene, the half-elf started to cut down the bodies, starting with the children.
He asked, "Come help me. These people deserve better than this. We can't leave them like this."
Elriel continued to work in cutting the bodies down. "A mass grave or a mass pyre would be better than this."
Rukzha is disgusted by the sight, though it's hard to make out her facial expression from underneath the mask. She moves to help Elriel. "I agree with Elriel, we can't just leave them there. Let's get them down. While Hedda is right that they could have done it for fun, they could also have done it as a sort of trap, hoping we would come to cut them down. Maybe the bodies are riddled with disease or trapped with magic. I'll scan for magic, but I advice you to look closely before actually cutting them down Elriel."
Rukzha will scan for chaos/evil before scanning for magic, using the new modifications to her mask.
Despite all your well placed suspicion, Rukzha isn't able to find any kind of magical aura, neither present at the moment, nor as a residual magic, left behind by some sort of ritual... in the end, it appears that Hedda was correct and the execution was probably just a 'for fun'.
Aron finishes to scout the surrounding terrain, assuring you that as far as he can tell, there is no sign of ambush or trap. "I could not find any evidence of a trap, nor any sign of recent activity. Even if we are fighting demons, this close to the border we often find more tieflings and cultists than real demons, and unlike the outsiders, the former have to eat, sleep and s@*@, if you pardon the word... I have not found any evidence of any of this."
He jumps atop his horse and points it to the mass of soldiers, but, before going away, he asks you just to confirm. "Should I call the others? It is already getting dark and even if trained, those men will need more than a couple minutes to set up camp."
He jumps atop his horse and points it to the mass of soldiers, but, before going away, he asks you just to confirm. "Should I call the others? It is already getting dark and even if trained, those men will need more than a couple minutes to set up camp."
Satisfied with the scout's report, Elriel nods, "Yeah, go and call them over. We should keep double watch tonight just in case. And let's see if we scrounge up anything to eat. Even some squirrels would be worth it."
Arrika nods at Aron's question. Yes, get everyone up here - the closer we stay the better, if there's no sign of immediate trouble. I'm not much of a hunter, but I'll help to fix whatever anyone can rustle up for food, make it at least edible.
"I can help hunt. Let's just hope it's not as difficult as our last hunting trip."
...It is already getting dark...
The strange but familiar feeling of deja vu passes over Brevon, and he crinkles his brow, frowning in frustration. "Yes...the hunt..." he agrees absently, unsheathing Radiance and whispering a word to her, coaxing her light awake. He holds her before him, like a torch, still marveling at his fortune.
"And who knows what horrors the night will bring."
Rukzha shakes her head ruefully. "While I would love some fresh food, I don't think there is much hope of catching game near here. If the demons haven't killed everything, they have at least scared it away. Besides, splitting up would leave us weaker if the demons actually do have something planned. I would rather we stay here. Though then I don't know what to do about the food situation. We don't have much hope of catching edible game in the worldwound. We should have foreseen this much at least." Rukzha blames herself for not suggesting that they bring more food and her voice clearly shows it.
Aron returns with the rest of the army and after a couple orders from the lieutenant, all the crusaders start to set up camp: some get the tents set while others take care of the horses, prepare food, and, most importantly, scout the area and set up a watching plan. This group experience makes it much more easy to lead them.
No crusader finds something dangerous. It appears the small town is indeed abandoned.
Brevon sits at the small campfire, Radiance resting gently across his lap. He caresses her hilt, and with each brush of his fingertips a latent memory floats through his consciousness--a soft hazel eye blinking in the morning light, a kettle gently boiling in the fireplace, a stray hair, long and brunette, found among his papers...
Anything to take his mind off of the victims in the square.
He smiles across the fire at the others, the dancing light casting tenebrous shadows across his tired face. He sips from his waterskin, grateful to have mages among them to cast create water. He still marvels at magic and wonders how the world would ever manage to get by without it.
"How are you faring, friends? I am more acclimated to cozy libraries and open-aired stoops, myself. It is a terrible thing, what has happened to the poor souls here, but on the morrow we shall commit their bodies to the grave, with holy rites spoken. It reminds me that we've all lost those we love in this awful, awful war. Do you care to speak of those you have lost, so that we might remember them in spirit?"
Hedda sat with the others around the fire. At Brevon's question she succinctly answered, "Faring better than most." She looks in the direction of the square. She finds it sad that she isn't even surprised at the depths of the depravity that the demons will delve. That doesn't mean she isn't bothered by it but she's almost come to expect it.
"Those I loved...died before the war got really bad. Maybe that's a blessing for them. It definitely got me involved in the fighting." Her eyes got a far away look for a moment before she continued, "But I did lose a crotchety old commander. A vrock ripped out his heart so I cut out theirs."
Elriel was sulking and kept busy tending to his blades.
When Brevon asked the question, he matter-of-factly spoke, "Mother is all I have and she safe back home. I hope. I actually came here looking for my father but haven't quite found him yet."
Elriel then offered to take a round of watch, if nothing else than to get to know some of these crusaders he was traveling with.
At Brevon's question, Arrika visibly clams up, drawing her knees close as Kelumarion shifts to curl against her side. Her expression contorts, and it's clear she's fighting back tears - and more than a little anger. Finally, with a deep breath, she manages to compose herself enough to speak. It...wasn't the demons that got Mama. I - I wish it had been. But she died because - because -
Another steadying breath. We were coming to Nerosyan for a better life. Mama didn't want to abandon the old ways...but with Papa killed hunting, there wasn't anything left in Gundrun, except people taking advantage of her or pushing her around. Even with Kelumarion bound to her - no one respected the god of a dead clan. She thought being around the crusaders would give us a better chance...she'd planned to sell herbs and medicines, to help the fight. And then...
...then we were stopped. Southron witch hunters. They said Kelu was a demon, and Mama a witch consorting with evil. That she had to be given to judgement, and that my only chance to escape her taint was to submit to them... Her expression grows only more grim, and she pushes back her sleeves to reveal the scarred remains of a horrifying panoply of cuts and burns on her forearms. Everyone recognizes the ugly kind of evil...but one saintly mask, and no one suspects that "heroes" can be monsters, too...
"The witch hunters..." Rukzha says slowly while shaking, though her voice is flat. "Even after all we've seen and been through, some of the things they did still ranks up there amongst the most terrible things I've seen and experienced." The witch looks with longing over to Arrika who has someone to share this vulnerable moment with.
"Just like they killed my foster father too, just like Arrika's mom. He was tortured to death. Luck and the Order prevented it from being to the death for me as well..." She grabs her side, where underneath her clothes a burn-scar remains from her ordeals with the inquisitors.
"Just like you, I might be more used to libraries. But I've also experienced torture and before that Ghortuk's experiments. Though what is happening here is still horrible. We should do what we can to minimize it happening or even possibly prevent it entirely. My motivation for helping fight the worldwound grows with every terrible scene we witness."
The night goes on without any incident. Despite the general feeling of this place being a track, the abandoned church provides enough protection against the cold and the wind and you hear no alarm from anywhere.
On the following morning, the sergeant informs that no crusader had spot anything, which is a bit reassuring. In the end, it appears the queen was right... the size of this small army had indeed prevented any single roaming monster or demon to threaten you, but also kept you hidden from major demonic forces.
Once the sergeant finishes his report, he asks about the plan for today. "Commanders, what are our orders? Some soldiers reported to have found a small amount of supplies, which suggests that we might find more... but it would also delay our march and also consume a portion of our resources. No one reported any sightings of survivors, but it might be possible for a couple of them to still be around." Aron, Sosiel, and Nurah nod and look for you, also wanting to know your opinion.
"No known survivors. Only traces of existing, additional resources. Meanwhile, our enemy musters its strength in Drezen. I believe it would be prudent to continue marching on without delay. The longer we tarry, the greater the risk our presence should become known."
Rukzha taps her mask. "I wonder... A bit of effort might go a long way in this case. Magic or supernatural senses can find something quickly if there is anything there. It might not help for caches or items or supplies, but it could help for finding people. I'll try to use my mask. Arrika, you can summon earth elementals, right? I think I've figured out how to communicate with them. They can detect anyone touching the ground, so they could quickly find someone regardless of hiding place. Now thinking about it... We should have done this last night. It would have found out if there was anyone waiting to ambush us as well. At least that didn't happen. Back to this case though, this is a small town, so it shouldn't take long to search most of it, especially if there are more than one elemental."
I haven't done earth elementals before...but I think I've got the idea of it, Arrika answers nervously. A few small ones shouldn't be too hard. But they won't be around long - a few minutes, at best, and that's only if I divert focus from keeping Kelumarion manifested. Will that be long enough to cover much ground?