We are outsiders here, says Darian, it stands to reason that in a community this small, we will attract attention. But if we want to complete our mission, we have to talk to people, the Baron will think we are suspicious no matter what we do. I think that Lord Almir is no friend to him, whether or not he will help us, remains to be seen.
Darian continues walking to the Dead Well.
"You're right of course. We're bound to be noticed."
A few steps later Nathon has a different thought. "Maybe we're going about this wrong. Maybe we should go to a friend of the baron and tell them that we want to join the baron's cause. Just because the baron's troops aren't welcoming recruits, doesn't mean his friends won't."
An interesting idea, but I don't know how practical it is. From what I have heard the Baron does not have friends, just troops and subjects. And since he never seems to leave his castle, attempting to curry his favor by cozying up to his friends, (if we can find them) may prove more trouble than it's worth. Remember, we do not have an unlimited amount of time to achieve our objective.
Nathon sighs glumly. "You're right. That castle wall is looking impassable. I hope the others found something better at the temple. Or that this errand will turn something up."
Perhaps they have, or perhaps we will, the task may seem daunting but we've only been here a day or so, an opportunity may present itself in the meantime, so all we can do is persevere and not lose heart.
Darian looks at Nathon and says, Now that I think about it, we do not really know each other do we? what twist of fate brought you to this endeavor?
"Perhaps fate was untwisted. Or maybe it has a sense of irony. My father was just such a man as the baron. I left home because I couldn't abide the way he treated the people. I've drifted mostly since then. Desna and Cayden Caillean guide my steps. I hope."
Nathon looks straight ahead, frowning during this recitation.
"Now you know my deepest secret. What's yours?"
Have you ever heard of the "Shadow Pack"? Darian asks.
Nathon looks quizzical. "Never."
The Shadow Pack is a group of Druids and their supporters, who live in the Artfell Forest, and are violently opposed to logging and any exploitation of it. My family has been involved with them for years and I was briefly a member of the organization. Darian says in a somber tone of voice.
Pausing he stares off into the distance, then says, That all changed a year ago, in an effort to drive back the loggers the Shadow Pack enacted a ritual on a large number of volunteers, a ritual that killed many people including my whole family. I could no longer be part of a group that was comfortable with such "acceptable losses", so I left and joined the Greenfire Circle, which brought me here.
Nathon looks blankly at his companion for a second. The enormity of what Darian has said stuns him.
"I -- I, I'm sorry, Darian. That's ---. That's just wrong. I mean terrible. How do you carry that with you?"
For a long time I could not Darian says. The day my family died, I walked away from the Shadow Pack and everything I had ever known, not really caring if I lived or died, indeed I wanted to die, I just didn't have the energy to kill myself.
Darian peers off into the distance, looking more at his memories than his surroundings, he says,Looking back on that time I think I wanted to punish myself, a quick death would have ended my pain, I deserved to suffer, or so I thought, as much as I was capable of thinking anything I suppose. If I had not encountered Tablic, the leader of the Greenfire Circle Druids, I am sure I would have wandered to my eventual death, through starvation, dehydration, exposure, or something more violent.
Darian looks back at Nathon, Tablic convinced me that me dying would be a pointless gesture, one more corpse on the pile would accomplish nothing accept allow me to escape from the tragedy I played a part in, a minor part true, but still a part.
I believe that is why I am here more than anything else, to lose everything that gives your life meaning, to experience such tragedy, I do not hate anyone enough to wish that kind of pain on them.
Darian pauses and smiles at Nathon, But enough dwelling on the past, what has come before can not be changed, it is the present we have to deal with.
With renewed purpose he sets off for the Dead Well.
Nathon and Darian get to the deadman's well
A two-story construction of stone and timber towers above
the rooftops of nearby buildings and rivals the watchtowers
for prominence. A sign near its entrance depicts a stone well
surrounded by weeds. Bronze letters affixed to the sign above the
picture read “The Dead Well.”
Long-railed hitching posts frame a wide stoop and tall, narrow
pine doors providing entrance into the inn. Wood smoke wafts
from stone chimneys rising from the steep, wood-shake roof,
carrying the promise of warmth and a hot meal within.
This looks promising, Darian says to Nathon, Shall we? and with that he opens the door and enters the building.
Nathon nods and follows Darian into the building.
Once he enters the building, Darian steps aside so that Nathon can enter, then pauses a moment to survey the interior.
In the Dead Man's Well, Darian and Nathon see the inn-keeper.
and a few others about.
who are not in uniform.
------------------------
Ezekial and the rest head back to the Conquers blade.
They seem to be closing for the night.
Tina spots you all coming back in and greets you
"Sorry, but we'll be closed soon,
so if you need a drink you should order it now."
Nathon moves casually toward the innkeeper. "Mr. Willhuff? We'd like a quiet word with you?"
Sense Motive:
Darian follows Nathon, for now he'll let him do the talking.
He quietly replies "A mouse won't squeak, if a cat's near."
What do you have that we could eat for our Dinner? Darian asks in a normal tone of voice.
Still a little rattled from the events at the pact house a stiff drink sounds like it would hit the spot, "I'll have a shot of your cheapest whiskey and mug of cheap ale to wash it down with, thank you Miss Tina." He gives a little bow of his head.
Then moves and falls into the chair next to Ezekial, "Oh man Zekee that was a crazy place, hope the others found something better out. Though I made of made a good impression with that pact leader." The tiefling comments in a low tone and ends with a forced smirk. "Order up a drink its on me, same to you little lady." Thraxin offers his new friends.
|
Ezekial orders an ale. My thanks Thraxin. When the drink arrives he takes a bing swallow and relishes the cool liquid in his mouth and throat. He then starts to drink more slowly, enjoying sips between words. I sense that it would be easy to become entrapped in your own words in that place. I am not so comfortable in that hall.
"I still think you made a mistake there. I've heard of these places before. They're ways to suck you in to worship and binding to...well" here her vice drops to a whisper "Asmodeus. If, in fact, he or a subordinate was listening, we may be in trouble"
"We have a few of the staples; potatoes, meat, stew."
"I hope you enjoy your drinks.."
*** At the Dead Well ***
"Meat and potatoes then, please. We should eat well while we can."
Thraxin grabs his shot of whiskey and raises up to Tina, "Thanks Tina, I most certainly will." Then he gives her a wink and takes the shot. Letting the liquid burn down his throat and help forget about the pact house. He waits a moment before chasing it down with his some of his ale.
He turns to Tarasi and replies quiet tone, "I know it was a little risky ,but hopefully I can build a trusting relationship with the Lady of the pact house and find out a lot more about its current worshipers. " As he takes another drink, he points to his temple "Don't worry disciplined mind." He tries to smirk but it gives way to a confident chuckle.
I'll have the stew, please. says Darian. Is there any bread?
"One meat and Potatoes and one stew coming up."
What do you have to drink here? Darian asks.
"A nice mild lager, maybe?"
"I think I'll stick with tea, thank you." Tarsi smiles ruefully. {b]"Stew, please. And some chicken for Buster, here."[/b]
An ale, please. Darian says.
"And that lager."
Ben gets you your drinks
"Here you go, your food will be ready in a moment."
Thank you. says Darian accepting his drink. As Darian takes a sip of his ale, he looks around the interior of the building.
"What now, Darian? Do we eat a quick lunch and meet the others? We can always come back. They might like this place."
Might as well, I suppose. Darian says with a shrug. If nothing else, we'll get a meal out of it.
Ezekial Dune
