The evil is strong in this one! I will take his eye for my nest!
beak
talon
talon
beak
talon
talon
Firing into melee Karthan tried to find his mark.
The eagle's attack tore at Lamech's face and throat, bits of flesh shearing from him. The cleric cried out in frustration and pain, shrieking in a language unsettling at best, pleading tones emerging from the frustration.
Karthan drew and loosed a pair arrows, one sailed low, the second struck home burying into Lamech's chest. He fell to his knees, gasping his last...then the world changed for all who witnessed. Lamech began to collapse in on himself, bone and flesh and blood crashing in upon a singular point. Crunching and slurping and the scream of air rushing inwards.
The air ripped from everyone's lungs [b]Damage to All , sucking into the central point where Lamech's body was disappearing. As soon as the event had begun, all of Lamech shrank to a point and vanished.
A strange silence settled upon the area...save for the sound of a fleshy pop coming from the box around the corner of the house.
At Mal's side, Zandra saw the glass dagger begin to glitter and shine. Then it began forming fracture lines and fell to pieces, purple smoke whisping upwards and away. Blood began to flow from the open wound.
Next to her, Fir'umil still huddled like a fetus, mumbling to himself in elven. "The emptiness, so cold...nowhere to hide...its eyes see all...even as it slumbers....please, I don't want to see anymore...please take my eyes...please take me away from the cold..."
Zandra packed Mal'undil's wound with a preprepared plaster placing pressure on the laceration. Olivia, if your mistress will show Mal'undil her grace please use it to stop this bleeding!
Karthan, render our cousin asleep, before he takes his eyes! I think he tried to unravel the magic that was killing Mal'undil.
Lau, I want you to check for the necklace Lamech had near the body. Do not touch it, and check the other bodies for glass daggers and strip them of belongings though the daggers may be gone. First though, If the house isn't totally engulfed see if there is evidence inside or at least take a look inside to see what you can see.
Eagle than you for your service, fly high to see if anyone stalks us before you return home.
Thor my great battle cat, please watch our backs while we finish our business here.
Karthan raced to Fir'umil's aid, We have you cousin, you are safe with us. . . . Sleep now.
Karthan checked his cousins body again for any sign of change then bound his hands in front of him. To Olivia he says, For his safety, we need to take him to your clerics, we mean him no harm by this.
Yes I was as death in the long grass, I am stripped death in the dark places. Thor regally prowled the perimeter.
The Celestial eagle stretched and flexed its wings as it gained altitude in tight circles fixing its keen eyes on the scene and surrounding areas below. Soon I will return, but first to see if any threaten the young mistress.
Karthan will help Lau search after he is done placing Fir'umil in a better position. Once the area was searched he places fir in front on him on the horse stating that Fir must be taken to the temple.
Olivia motioned for Lau to do what the elven druid said. The rush of air heralding the final appearance of Lamech must have pulled the remains of Fir'umil's conjured flames with him. She exrended her senses, seeking out any further evil...and found the echoes of something primal fading into the dying light of the day.
The paladin sheathed her sword and knelt down beside Mal'undil opposite Zandra and prayed to the goddess. "Great Iomedae, I call upon your righteous hand to bring back my friend from the abyss. Please great one, do not let him travel thru the twilight gloaming so soon."
Sacred Touch stabilizes Mal'undil
Lay on Hands
She kept her hands upon him, a tear rolling down her cheek. Olivia felt she'd seen something like this before. A macabre remembrance of a long ago vision. But she bottled up the thought tightly and stayed within the shelter of her prayers to Iomedae. There would be no losing any of her friends this day.
She looked to Fir, his face was ashen, ghostly peaceful in a way. Karthan was able to render him unconscious...but what would he be like when he awoke?
"Karthan, if you would see to gathering our mounts. I agree, we should get to the Temple as soon as possible." They could set some of the finest clerics im the city to guard over the wizard's mind. She would see to notifying the Arcanamarium after.
She glanced over her shoulder, Lau was about to enter the house.
He watched out of the corner of his eye as Olivia saw to the half-elf. Her healing didn't seem to wake him...but there was no despair in her bearing. Mal'undil was still alive then. Good.
A deep breathe and he continued his work. The group of musicians; Agidor, the dancer and fhe drummer all didn't possess the same daggers as were in the halfling earlier. But how they were connected...he wasn't sure, but he guessed they were acolytes or sychophants to Lamech. Mal's was an understatement when he described the mad cleric as persuasive.
The box was a curious matter. He didn't have the nature skills Zandra most likely possessed, buf whatever had been in the box was dead. Black and purple gore seeped thru the seems in the wood. What looked like the points of several teeth protruded thru the sides, maybe the creature exploded? The monk hoisted the box, careful of its integrity and brought it to the front. They would need to investigate the nature of the contents later.
Lau ducked into the house to continue the search. Perception Check
It was odd, with all the damage caused by Fir'umil's flames, nothing was burning in the interior. There were char marks abound, the broken windows, but no smoking remains. Perhaps the redirection of the air when Lamech was sucked away? Curious.
The house was sparse. A few cots for sleeping, lanterns. But in the center of the single room house was a dug pit about 4 feet deep, 10 feet across. It was an excavation of some sort. At the bottom, barely visible in the late afternoon, there were strangely shaped stones arranged on the dirt. Brushes were near to hand used to carefully wipe away and uncover them. Together, they formed a shape in the ground. If he didn't miss his guess, the shape they formed matched one of the symbols on the glass dagger he'd seen in Linkah's chest earlier.
The monk felt suddenly cold, taking a step backwards towards the door out of instinct. His vision wavered, but his eyes remained on the arrangement of uncovered stones. They seemed to vibrate and crumble before his eyes.
[b]Willpower Check Failed!!
As the stones crumbled apart, a cold bleakness closed over his heart. Tears ran the course of his face like streams of despair. Lau backed into the door frame and slid along the rough wood until he sat on the ground. He couldn't stop weeping, his arms embracing himself in a vain attempt for comfort.
Was there any hope left in the world? What was the point of their struggle when the end was assured?
Karthan looked over his cousins body, detecting it a sensation of wath along his shoulders and chest. It was the runes. He drew back his robes to reveal those same tattoos he'd seen earlier. They glowed subtly with an inner vibrance. As Karthan rendered him unconscious, the glowing faded. Wards perhaps? Karthan wasn't sure.
What he did know was with unconsciousness came peacefulness in the wizard's form. Fir ceased his mutterings.
Zandra looked Mal'undil over. His breathing was not labored, but rhythmic. His heartbeat was strong but pressured. His color was back and the wounds were healed enough that he should have regained consciousness. Something else was at work here.
"Karthan, he is under some effect!"
[b]"it is the same here. This is beyond us. If we go to the Arcanum they will take Fir from us, the Temple is our best hope. Lau I need your help getting him up. Lau?"
"Lau? ... I will go see what's going on."
Zandra walked into the house and saw Lau slumped. At first she was afraid she had just walked into an ambush, but then she saw that the monk was sobbing in front of a pit dug out from beneath the broken floor boards. A sign of chaos laid there in the pit made from the crumbled remnants of masonry or rock.
The Druid laid her hands on the back of the monks neck and granted him some of the earths mana energy. What could break the monks mind like this . . . Chaos.
Search of the area
search from Karthan
Spellcraft
"Zandra, what is taking so long? We need to load them quickly I do not like this place. What is it Zandra? Why aren't you answering!?"
Thor stops his prowling and tilts his head to scent the air in response to Karthan's tone. He turned and loped towards the house the party's prey had been using as a den.
Willpower
Before him were the vast years of the age, stretching like an endless sea of churning waters. He floated upon the waves, desperately trying to tread the waters. He centered up on Erastil, seeking the strength he needed to continue…but another wave curled and grew and threatened to plow him under. Lau’s feet kicked all the harder. But he felt a presence beneath the waves, overwhelming and irresistible…
He stopped swimming and floated there, waiting for the wave to smash his body. His body would fail and the presence from the deep would consume his spirit.
“What is the use when my end is assured?”
But he felt a hand upon his back, a firm grip matched to a soft voice calling his name. “Lau? Lau Fu Shan, can you hear me?”
He opened his eyes, raw and stinging from the salt in his tears. The house…he tried to remember how he’d got there…a battle…a man in black robes…
“Lau?” An elf woman, pretty and slight of frame knelt beside him in the house. What was her name?
“Zandra?” he croaked.
She smiled, worry turning to relief. The gesture brought a smile to his own face. “Thank the Green Man.”
Lau gratefully accepted a hand to his feet. His memories returned in a rush and fresh worry entered his heart. “Mal’undil?”
The elf looked away, searching for an answer. “He’s alive, but I’m unsure of why he will not wake.” Another touch of relief as Karthan approached the house.
“This place. Lamech.” Lau’s returned to his normal calmness. There would be answers. Just as Erastil had provided the healing touch of Zandra Dawnsetter that returned him from the abyss, so too would there be a solution for his friend’s malady.
He looked at the center of the room, the stones that had been there were crumbled to dust but the symbol they’d formed remained. The monk pointed it out. “The symbol there in dust. There were stones there that crumbled as I looked up on them.”
The monk turned to the elf, Zandra's eyes were unfocused and she began to mutter something under her breath.
"Zandra, what is taking so long? We need to load
them quickly I do not like this place. What is it Zandra?
Why aren't you answering!?"
The home serves two purposes. Excavating and sleeping. In the corner it appears Agidor’s scroll case survived Fir’umil’s conjured flames. It’s sealed. But Lau’s gesture towards the symbol at the center of the house draws her attention.
The symbol in the dust is the same one her cousin was able to translate. The one he’d said represented a phrase ”unto me” and was inscribed on the blade of the glass dagger he’d sent to the Arcanamarium. He’d estimated that the daggers worked as beacons, sending and receiving.
Zandra knelt down at the edge of where the wood floor ended, looking more closely. There, it seemed as though the dust began to vibrate and rise before her eyes. She opened her mind to study the magical currents occurring, trying to ascertain what may be impacting Mal’undil and her cousin.
A beacon…
A beacon…
A window…
A door…
There is a vastness all around her, open…endless…empty. She is at the center of it and no matter how hard she tries she can’t see. Zandra knows her eyes are open, they hunger for light…any light in this incalculable nothing. She’s never felt so alone, so incredibly cold and alone and helpless. In the midst of that nothing, she somehow new that even the immortality of her life would not be enough to cross its expanse. Zandra Dawnsetter was forever alone, never to look upon the sun again.
…she wept to be so alone. She tried to hitch in deep breaths but only succeeded in drawing the cold emptiness into the core of her being. Closed her eyes, squeezed them shut like she used to do as a child until starbursts flashed. But they never came. Only the tears and the emptiness slowly consuming her from the inside out.
Then a rumble in the black…immensity and horror and the pitiless void looked upon her fragile form. It saw her…by all that was good and green that she would never see again…it saw her!! There was nowhere to run, nothing to stand upon, nothing to see!! But it saw her!!
Karthan enters the house, sees Lau looking on in worry upon his cousin. Zandra kneels over the open dig site, hands clasped before her as tears are rolling down her face.
He looks for any signs of danger as he rushes to her side…something is glinting in the dust at the bottom of the dig site, directly in the center of the symbol.
Only to be Read if Picking up the Glinting Object
Roll a Willpower Check – Target 15
Thor entered the room snarling and hissing like a demon, his toung lapped his maw like the air held a bad taste to it. Karthan moved well out of the way of the big cat seeing that his ears were laid back and he was clearly on a mission. His demeanor changed when he reached his mistress. Getting no immediate reaction from her he head butted her the batted her with a sheathed paw like an over sized house cat. Seeing something was wrong and missing the special connection with her he wanted to take the cub to a place of safety. His jaw unhinged as he slipped his canines gingerly under her belt. No bigger than a small deer Thor lifted Zandra like an errant cub and carried her outside.
Karthan glanced around not seeing what it was that had caused such trouble. He scooped up a sealed scroll case, snatched up the platinum necklace that had somehow been sucked inside, and gave the powdered symbol a good stir with his blade for good measure. No sense in someone else finds this.
"Lau unless you have further business here please get out, I am going to burn this shit to the ground!
“Do it, Karthan. I will have a contingent from the temple dispatched to sanctify the site.” She held his eyes for a moment then pointed to the crate holding the creature Lau had said exploded. “Burn that infestation too.” This was a grim scene. The battle already won, Olivia had not considered the spiritual one still taking place. She set her jaw and chastised herself for not being the first one to inspect the site.
Lau was approaching, his back normally straight and his confidence unshakeable was noticeably weighed down by whatever he’d witnessed in that light-cursed house. He smiled wanly and bowed a head in greeting. “I’ll be fine,” he said, then proceeded to see to Fir’umil who was beginning to stir in his induced unconsciousness.
Zandra was also impacted, eyes searching through some unseen distance, darting back and forth for a way out. Thorendel stood close by, watching her with curiosity but also guarding her. The big cat bared his fangs as the paladin approached their position.
“Easy, my friend.” She stepped firmly, not showing weakness so as to not initiate his prey drive. “I wish to see to your mistress.”
He was reluctant, a growled warning low with the promise of swift death. But he allowed Olivia to move closer and kneel by the young druid’s side. Zandra was muttering something in her native language, so softly it seemed because she couldn’t grasp hold of a breath deep enough to speak louder. It was the kind of thing borne of terrors. Olivia remembered nights in her childhood well enough when she awoke from horrible dreams, unable to breathe, a gasped scream coming out no bigger than a mouse could muster.
The paladin reached for the symbol dangling at her neck, her badge of office, her other hand resting upon the shoulder of the druid. “Whoever does the will of my goddess in heaven is my brother and sister, standing at my side against the rising sea of evil around us. Grant this elf maiden stillness, my goddess, for Zandra has stood for you on this day!”
She felt Zandra warm beneath her hand and cease her whispers. Olivia opened her own eyes to see that the elf’s were closed, her breaths coming in regular intervals as a peaceful sleep overtook the horrors she’d been seeing.
“You have fought valiantly in the name of your mistress, Thorendel. Now another task of you, guard her sleep, my friend. We will be leaving soon.” There was no doubt the mighty tiger understood her words. Olivia had seen such intelligence in other creatures bonded to druids and rangers alike. She secretly yearned for a bond of similar type when the time came for her to choose a mount. She would have preferred a horse, a strong Mendevian horse to carry her into the Crusades. But that might not be possible in Absalom.
“Chaplain-Protector.” Lau’s tone was laced with subtle warning.
She thanked the tiger with a bow and stood smoothly, hand instinctively going to the hilt of her sword.
“Visitors.”
She turned towards the south where the hard-packed road lead towards Mill Street. There were several people approaching, locals by their appearance and garb, coming from the occupied houses they’d passed earlier.
“Ready yourself, Lau.” She turned a head over her shoulder. “Karthan, prepare yourself.”
The ranger stopped his activities. He was accumulating proof of identity from the three remaining corpses that were Agidor’s bardic troupe. In silk-like fashion, Karthan’s bows was in his hands.
“No.” Olivia shook her head firmly, the word allowing for no debate. “We have eliminated this threat. I will not suffer casualties amongst the commoners.”
There wasn’t a lot of time for debate Olivia prayed the elf would listen. With his sister wounded though, it was hard to say. She started towards the massing locals, perhaps 8 in all, a few more still remaining safely at a distance. As she passed Mal’undil’s inert form, she scooped up the cudgel at his belt and affixed it to her own. If things did go south, she would work towards subduing the group first. Lau remained behind, standing with Mal and Fir’umiil’s helpless forms.
“Hail,” Olivia announced, right hand going up in a peaceful greeting.
The bravest of the lot, stepped up to meet the paladin, shrugging off the whispered warnings of the others in his group to stay back. “I’m Aiden…” he managed, then attempted a bow of sorts as he looked upon the badge office and the armor Olivia wore.
Olivia bowed in return. “Aiden, I am pleased to make your acquaintance this day.”
Aiden looked fearfully around the paladin, then back. “They gone?”
“Yes. Vanquished.”
He nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eye. “He tried gettin’ us ta join up, he did.” He closed his eyes and shook his head. “Even kilt our dogs when we a say no.”
“He and his fellows are dead. They will trouble you no further.”
Aiden bobbed and thanked the paladin, waving the others forward and demanding they pay their respects to the Olivia and the others. They offered water and food if it was needed, even a cart if they wanted to harness Mal’s camel Gertrude. Olivia accepted the offer of the cart, considering the condition of three of their members, it was a blessing. She thanked them for their willingness and affirmed with them that clerics from her Order would be back before the night was through to sanctify the site.
After the crowd dispersed, she breathed a sigh of small satisfaction. Any chance to bring Iomedae glory was a bountiful day. But the greater glory would go to her as she and her servants saw to the restoration of her friends.
Karthan saw to removing identifying elements from the bardic troupe, better to show the Rook if questions were asked. Olivia cared little for what the Dhampir would have wanted, but Karthan had something in mind. The elf was made of stern stuff and wouldn’t fall prey to the Rook’s charms.
They gathered their supplies, careful to separate the gear acquired from their fallen foes. The singe-axle cart served to be perfect to place Mal’undil and Fir for the time being. But Zandra appeared to be awake enough, if remaining silent within her thoughts, to ride upon Thorendel’s back.
Karthan was the last to mount up. As the rest looked on, he set fire to the small house, the blaze and smoke reaching up into the early nighttime sky. The elf walked away from the towering flames, face cast in shadow as he weighed a measured the night’s events. Several of the locals came to watch it burn, some crying in relief, others bringing makeshift gifts and other gratitude before the group. It seemed that with the rising smoke, a stifling grip was removed from their throats.
Olivia was deeply grateful to be part of bringing her goddess glory. But as she looked down from her axe beak at the cart next to her, she hoped the price was not too high.
.
.
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[/b][/ooc]
.
.
.
Olivia sat upon the cart alongside Lau Fu Shan. The time to get through the gate had taken longer than she’d anticipated, but then again, even with her station it was difficult to convince the guards at the gate that the people in the back of the cart and Zandra were not carrying disease into Absalom proper. Praise Iomedae that a cleric of Sarenrae on duty recognized Olivia and more importantly the validity of her word.
They continued into the Ascendant Court, passing the myriad of temples before they arrived before the Seventh Church, sight of Iomedae’s seventh miracle where she called down the blue fires to light the ghoul-besieged Absalom. Across the street from the Temple stood the Tempering House, the place of her formal education in warfare.
Once in the courtyard of the Temple, a young page stepped forward to receive them, bowing his respects to Olivia and gawking at the appearance of the elves and their tiger. “See to it Aegius is notified I’ve arrived. We will meet him in the customary chambers.”
“Yes, mum,” the page bobbed and whistled for others to come and attend to the mounts.
“The tiger stays with us, he is bonded to the elf maiden.”
The boy seemed relieved at the news and set about giving instructions to the other stable hands. Then he quickly ran into the temple.
At the main doorway to the Temple leading from the stables, Olivia was met by Aegius, the Priest of the evening watch. He was old, perhaps in his 70s, much the same as the other priests in the church. The Seventh Church served as a place for induction and initial education for those of the faith. Then, once of age, most either graduated to the Tempering Hall to train as a paladin or moved on to outposts throughout the world.
“Chaplain-Protector,” the venerable priest bowed slowly in greeting, his voice a kindly greeting of warmth and comfort. Above him, worked into the stone of the doorway were the words ”Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
“Father Aegius,” Olivia returned his bow. “I regret that I cannot be of more cordial in my greeting, but we are in dire need.”
The old man, white wisps of hair crowning his head, furrowed his brow with concern. He made his way down the stairs from the temple, his frame thin and short. “I am at your service, child.”
“Our friends Mal’undil and Fir’umil have fallen prey to the influence of Chaos, Father. As has a new friend, Zandra.” She provided an arm to the old priest and walked him towards the cart where they lay, then gestured towards the silent form of Zandra Dawnsetter as she sat astride Thorendel. “This is Karthan, her brother.”
”Greetings under the stars that shine upon this city, most ancient of folk.” the priest greeted in formal elven. He raised a left hand that hovered in the air above Mal and Fir, then gingerly in front of Zandra and her faraway gaze. She hadn’t spoken since leaving the house in Copperwood, but at least she was conscious.
She waited and prayed as Father Aegius made his assessments. It wasn’t long before other priests, all equally as old, arrived accompanied by acolytes bearing litters for those who couldn’t walk. Eventually, all those in the courtyard were waiting upon Aegius as he closed his prayers and viewing. Olivia was thankful to be at his side, the frail man stumbled briefly, causing her to step forward to brace him.
“Bring them to my chapel.” He whispered, his breath short and eyes half-lidded in exhaustion. When the clerics in attendance balked at the encroachment of the tiger, Aegius waved them off, having regained some of his strength. “Nonsense, it is the connection to that beautiful creature that keeps our elf mistress upright and walking!”
As they began filing into the temple, Karthan moved close to Olivia and inquired as to where they were going.
“We go to see Liberios, the head of my Order.” She whispered for his ear alone.
Karthan steeled himself before pushing open the doors to the pit that was the Toiling Gent. Under his left arm he carried the lute, case, and other items bundled in the clothing from Lamech and his followers. He carried himself erect and with intense purpose. His eyes penetrating and as stern as an eagle's, he looked for Kreig as soon as he swung the batwing doors. He walked in aware that eyes were on him. He stepped in purposefully and allowed himself and what he was carrying be seen.
If there are other vipers in this nest, let them see this eagle will behead and devour them. let them know that I arrived, but hours ago, and killed fixtures that had been in place for years. Damn near a lifetime for these monkeys and halforcs. The rook will gain from this as well, let them believe he has new powerful allies or acquaintances. All their eyes are on us anyway, let them fear us and the unknown new hunter in this 100 acre wood.
Let them know, I, like the Rook, repay my debts
Karthan stalks towards the dour dwarf polishing a cracked and filthy tankard with an equally soiled rag. Seeing him drop a hand and finger his beloved cudgel, Karthan kept his gaze level. He announced in a flat and quiet voice, carefully loud enough to allow a few listeners to hear in order to spread interest and rumor, "I have personal business with The Rook in a matter important to him, do not delay me or him."
"Day'll come, faerie meat, when you're thrown out like da rest." Kreig spat to the side and rested the tankard on the counter. "When it does, me and da res' a me crew'll be waitin'."
Karthan didn't yield or flinch. The old dwarf spat again and nodded towards the stairs. "He left word you'd be back, faerie-meat. Rooks good that way."
One of the guards Karthan recognized from the afternoon was waiting at the bottom of the stairs leading to the second floor. The human was still garbed in soft leather armor with green and browns, a longsword at his hip. He had a grin that didn't touch his eyes.
Kreig chuckled behind Karthan. "Rook's waitin', meat."
Karthan made his way up the stairs, finding Sebastian standing at the doorway while one of the serving girls was bringing a basin of water and wash cloths. Agrinost sat near the fire, pleasure in his eyes upon seeing Karthan alive. "I see my new acquaintance before me. But I do not see Mal'undil. Where is my friend, Dawnsetter.?"
Karthan bowed his head slightly in a sign of respect for a fellow hunter to both Sebastian and Agrinost. "Struck by one of Lamech's daggers I am afraid, but he still lives. We will move him to the Temple of Iomedae."
"Lamech is dead, I delivered the killing blow myself, unfortunately some of the people that I assume worked at the inn here were also involved with him. They were slain as well and their bodies burned. I brought some of their effects here with me as proof, and to share what information I gathered. There is something at work here far greater than we might have initially guessed. Lamech's work may be carried on by others, hopefully he was not able to unlock whatever it was he was working towards already."
"Shockingly enough Lamech was staying right next door in one of the brothel rooms."
Sebastion looks at the materials provided, his teeth grinding when he recognizes Agidor's lute. He handled some of the swatches of garment, sniffing at the to pick up specific particulates...yes, the dancer, Claire...and the ugly drummer, their stench was heavy upon the cloth.
"I feel I've been too lenient, Dawnsetter." The words of the elf dug at the Dhampir's sensibilities. He snapped his fingers and the guard who'd escorted Karthan upstairs entered the room.
"Sir?"
"Bodin, bring me Weiss." Sebastian kept his voice calm, but Agrinost picked up on his mood, the wolf baring his teeth.
Bodin inclined his head and moved off.
The Rook turned to Karthan and gestured towards the basin. "See to your condition, Dawnsetter. I will send word that the servant of Iomedae can continue on to her temple. I don't wish to delay treatment for Mal'undil."
Sebastian folded his arms across his chest and locked Karthan's gaze in his own. "You will stay with me a while and tell me what you know."
Karthan watched how the Sebastian studied the materials noting the way he scented the items and the cues that the Dhampirs rage grew. Karthan knew that a man whom had traveled, lived and methodically excised all those who wronged his mother then tracked down and killed his sire over a span of a century or so would broker no disloyalty or discord within his own house.
He had no concern for Weiss. That man profited, literally, off the backs of the desparate. most vulnerable of the poor and provided sport for the debaised. The fact that he would cater to one like Lamech and knew that he had a "creature" like he had spoke volumes.
Karthan also noted that Arginost betrayed Sebastian's cool and calm demeanor. He made a note to rethink wishing his sister had chosen to bond with a wolf rather than a cat. Thor often remained aloof, a wolf could not help his pack instinct and mirror his alpha's response.
He noted Bodin was the guards name, that could be useful someday.
The Rook turned to Karthan and gestured towards the basin. "See to your condition, Dawnsetter. I will send word that the servant of Iomedae can continue on to her temple. I don't wish to delay treatment for Mal'undil."
Karthan responded, "I thank you." Karthan began to use the offered towels and basin. "And of course I will stay and share what I know. That is why I came here on my own is it not? Otherwise I could have just dropped off the Axebeak and left you none the wiser. You assited Mal'undil. Our meeting was fruitful, without the knowledge shared we might not have faired so well in this venture thus far."
Karthan ran water over his face and began toweling it off. "I am considered a guest in your house and under your protection am I not? The only reason I ask is your doorman seems to think I am to be compromised and will soon be at his crew and his tender mercies. Which forgive me for saying, I do not believe would be so tender at all. He rather hates elves." Karthan offers in a light hearted manner.
Once he finishes drying his hands thouroughly he moves towards the items he brought in with him. "If I may?"
"By all means."
He thought for a moment, considering his decision to keep Kreig on at the inn. "Don't mind the dwarf, he serves his purpose well. I think he is jealous of how quickly one of Mal'undil's associates gains access to me. There is no love lost between Mal and the dwarf." Sebastian thought for a heartbeat then continued. "I will have a word with him. One breech of protocol is enough for one day."
"Very well, I believe you mentioned that Agidor had been changing over the corse of time, or maybe that was Mal'undil who mentioned it. Either way, it seems Lamech may have had a heavy hand in that. Look at these things that were among his sheets of music. His lyrics are of interest, he was singing these songs to us upon our arrival this morning and this one here upon our arrival at the house." Karthan lays the sheets out for the rook to see. "Lamech was dressed like this when I killed him. In these other pictures the victims are dressed the same. Some kind of cult ritual I would venture, but that does not take much insight on my part." Karthan goes on to describe the incident in the brothel and at the house leaving out the recovery of the medallion which is safely with the paladin. He describes the symbols located at each of the sites. . . . I would draw them for you, but any among us whom had magical ability were affected by it. I believe you also have command of magic so I will not put you at risk by doing so."
"I am going to draw a weapon for your inspection. I recovered this after the battle at the hosue as a throphy. I just wanted to give you fair warning so that my intentions are not mistaken." Looking over and smiling at the Wolf, "I rather like my limbs Arginost and would like to keep them intact." Karthan removes the Kukri and laid it on the table. "Besides it being a rather exotic weapon and masterfully crafted, it seems to have other properties as well that I cannot quite place. Perhaps your distinct senses can unlock its secrets. Or maybe your recognize it."
Sebastian recognized the weapon immediately. "I know this blade well." He reached down and grasped the handle. "I killed its previous owner, a rather outspoken merchant from Cassomir."
Turning the blade over, he replaced it on the table and shook his head. "I'd gifted it to Claire a little over a month ago as part of a deal to retain Agidor and his musicians." He shook his head and responded to the questioning look in the elf's eyes. "Claire was the Varisian dancer in the group. The three of them together were in high demand downstairs. In as much as I deem appropriate, I will indulge the locals." The last held an edge to the tone. His indulgences across the street had gone on long enough.
The Rook scratched at his chin, thinking on the other qualities of the weapon. "Ablinos told me it retained a make up receptive to enchantment. In addition, it has the markings of Taldor if you inspect the pommel."
On the pommel was a simple yet elegant relief of the clawing lion of Taldor. However, there appeared to be an additional design etched into the ring about the end of the hilt. "What is this symbol, here?"
"Something new," Sebastian eyed it closely, thinking it looked somewhat familiar. "I've seen something similar but I'd need to research it to be sure."
Another of the Rook's guards approached, clearing his throat at the entrance to the room. There was another man directly behind him. Between the two, the carried a roll of heavy canvas under their right arms. Sebastian only nodded, not looking up from his inspection of the blade.
The two entered the room. They were cut from the same cloth as Bodin, dressed in light armors, one armed with paired short swords in reverse scabbards at his back, the other armed only with a dagger at his belt. A scent of oil entered the room with them, fanning outward as they unrolled the heavy canvas to cover a section of floor. Their work done, they exited the room and returned to the table just outside.
"I hate to disappoint you, Dawnsetter," Sebastian continued, drawing the elf's attention back to the kukri. "...but my sense of such things relied heavily upon Ablinos. With him dead, I'll trust that you will have more luck with it than Claire or its previous owner."
He turned his attentions to the drawings. "The music, well Agidor had a preference for Varisian songs, specifically music out of Riddleport. He did a stint in that little hellhole two years ago. I'd assume that's when he picked up the songs. But these two," he gestured to the one titled Dead and Lovely and then the one titled Exit. "I know Agidor wrote the first not too long ago, an oft requested tune lately. The second, I've not heard him sing it." He hummed a few bars to be sure, then shook his head.
"As for this symbol, as I mentioned, I'm not as connected to magic outside my heritage nor in my own talents as you'd think." He looked up from the drawings and music. "I hate to admit that perhaps your talents may lead you down a similar path. I hope that won't disappoint you, Dawnsetter, for I sense a great deal of potential in you that will rely upon skill and instinct than the crutch of magic."
He looked closer at the drawings.
"But what I do see are constellations drawn upon the their robes. One set for those who are dead...a different for Lamech's."
The Rook went to a bookshelf to the left of the hearth, reaching down to scratch at Agrinost's chin as he went. "I think I might have a volume on cosmology here somewhere."
"Exit is the song he sung as we arrived to confront them. I am guessing it was not just symbolic. I have a nagging suspicion that our arrival was arrainged. I just hope the role we played did not simply further their goals."
Karthan retrieved the Kukri and sheathed it. "I will look into this symbol further."
Thinking for a moment on the constellations he mentioned, "This is the second reference to the stars today. Are you learned in the study of the heavens or just have an interest in the subject?
While the Rook is getting out his book Karthan tries to judge Arginosts reaction to the canvas. Karthan was sure it was meant for Weiss.
The wolf rose and stretched, tipping forward in a bow as he stretched his back, then pulling forward with his front legs to extend his hind paws upwards, then shaking his body in a tornado of black and grey fur. Agrinost padded over to the canvas and began sniffing at it, licking at particular spots. Being laid out, the material was 8 feet wide by 10 feet, the canvas material heavy and oiled and a dark green. There were spots on the canvas where it appeared darker liquid had been spilled, these were the areas at which the wolf lingered.
Done with his inspection, Agrinost walked over to the room's double-door entrance. Actually, the doors appeared to be braced open, giving the area an eerily inviting feel given the owner's nature. As before, the noise from the common room was muted by some form of warding.
Agrinost paused at the doorway, snout tilted upwards to sniff at the air. There was an anticipatory baring to the wolf.
"Well hello there, gnasher," one of the guards said at the table outside. Karthan couldn't see them, the table situated to the left side of the opening. But Agrinost lifted off his front paws a moment to catch a morsel flung to him. "Best cut of the lot, just like you like."
Almost dog-like, Agrinost shook his head, tail wagging in appreciation as he licked and swallowed the meat. The wolf moved towards the provider of food, front end of his body disappearing behind the wall, but his tail still visible and wagging. "No more, no more, you're welcome. Now I need a bath!" The guard laughed.
"He'll mount you yet, Eric." The other guard chided.
"Shut it."
Done with his visit, Agrinost returned to the room and positioned himself in front of the hearth, seated and facing the canvas. Whatever was going to happen, the wolf had a sense it be happening soon. Agrinost looked over to Karthan, head tilting to the side in query, golden eyes piercing into the elf’s.
Karthan placed a hand on the table to steady himself. He felt a bit torn, like being in two places at once and his bearings were off. He closed his eyes to clear his head…
…Karthan stands in a clearing, snow covering the ground, his breath misting in front of him. The wooded area around him is shrouded in an afternoon twilight, gray skies above him. In the midst of the clearing, he sees a mass of furry shapes writhing and jerking, snarling coming from them.
Wolves…Karthan feels compelled to step into the clearing, to step closer to the mass of wolves as they snarled and nipped at each other…they were feeding.
As he steps closer, one of the wolves raises his head and looks directly at Karthan…it’s Agrinost.
“Come, Young Stalker on the Ridge. Will you not feed?”
Agrinost bites and challenges another wolf to move aside, giving room for Karthan. On the ground, the elf sees the eviscerated body of Weiss, dead eyes staring up into grey skies...
Karthan opened his eyes, finding himself in Sebastian’s parlor, the elf still standing at the table, the Rook still looking through the books on the shelf, Agrinost still looking at him in silent inquiry. Had no time passed?
"This is the second reference to the stars today. Are you learned in the study of the heavens or just have an interest in the subject?”
Sebastian pulled a volume down from the shelf and turned back. He’d felt a sending from Agrinost, his friend excited at the prospect of what was to come. The Dhampir saw Karthan’s eyes and wondered if the elf had felt it too.
Interesting…
He placed the book on the table holding all of the materials Karthan had brought with him. “I’d say it was a necessity that turned into an interest.” The volume on the table was called Starry Night: Skies of Golarion. “I began research into the patterns of constellations as a method of tracking and positioning. Some of my hunts went on for days at a time, so knowing the stars was a good thing when in the stranger wilds.”
He used a finger to draw over one of the renderings from Agidor’s scroll case. Vivid details, an artist’s hand attempting to capture the moment of ecstasy in Lamech’s eyes as he raised his hands above the dead form of a man. Both were garbed in dark robes, but the pinhole constellations were detailed in the drawing upon them.
“This one, looks to be the Ferryman…” He flipped through some pages in the tome, stopping in a particular section. Then turned it towards Karthan so he could see. “…here, the Ferryman constellation…but it’s not quite right. The shape is slightly off…” He turned a couple of pages forward. “Here, the first was the constellation as viewed from Absalom…this other one is more of a match.”
Karthan saw the caption of the drawing stating that the depiction was as viewed from Varisia.
Karthan blinked at the wolf, had he experienced an empathetic sending from a bond like Zandra shared with Thor? Interesting.
Animal Empathy back.
[i]"Thank you for the offer Gnasher, but I have made several kills with my own pack today. My thirst for the hunt is sated for now."[/b]
He then responds to Sebastian, "Ah yes? orienteering by the stars at night. Astronomy for navagational purposes. Can you think of any cults locally that associate with the heavens. It sounds like some sort of alignment is associated with this Lamech's plans whatever they were."
"If you wouldn't mind giving me the name of that book I believe I will make inquires for a copy."
"Keep the book, Dawnsetter. I've not looked upon it in at least a year." Sebastian smiled. "Besides, should it cease a use for you then gift it to Caleb. The old man will enjoy such a tome."
"To your question regarding cults…” He closed the book and pushed it over to Karthan. “…Absalom is long suffering when it comes to the worship of deities. Norgorber cults, worshippers of long dead individuals that haven’t even ascended into godhood.” Sebastian shook his head and clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “There a dozen fools on every corner of the Ascendant Court, Karthan Dawnsetter.” He held up a warning finger lest the elf think he was making light. “But for every dozen or so, there is one who is firm in their beliefs. Firm to the point of blood, the point of sacrifice. They are the ones to be watchful for, if not fearful.”
A man cleared his throat at the doorway to the room. It was Eric. He nodded to the Rook and returned to his seat.
Sebastian just continued. “Keep a weather eye out for those who fall into the latter category. You’ve encountered one such individual.” He stabbed a finger at one of the drawings of Lamech. “This one was a true believer, by all accounts. It only takes one to raise hell. On a day when you have more time, I’d be glad to tell you about Karzoug and the trouble he still causes today. Zealots are a tricky thing. I prefer to deal with more reasonable people if I can help it.”
There was scuffling coming up the stairs, Bodin returning with Weiss. To the Rook’s left, Agrinost stood from his sitting position, eager. A step or two brought Sebastian around the table so the wolf was on his right side, the elf on his left, the canvas covering just in front of his own feet. He waived Bodin into the room, the armsman pushing Weiss ahead of him until he stood upon the canvas.
Sebastian held his council. The worst thing to do in a situation like this was to be the first one to speak. Besides, he wanted to study the human for a moment…the labored breathing, skinny but tobacco smoke had hampered his lung capacity. Carotid artery throbbing with exertion and fear. Eyes wide at first but now squinting in the little light that was available in the parlor. An innkeeper, he wasn’t used to the appearance of wolves, especially one as large as Agrinost. From what Sebastian knew about him, Weiss had been born and raised in the Coins district of Absalom…perhaps had thought his big chance to get out had been to join up with a few others to work at the inn across the street.
Weiss’ eyes stayed on the wolf for quite some time before he spotted Karthan to Sebastian’s right. Then he licked his lips, hand going to his chin to wipe at the stubble there…a lie already forming in his human mind.
“What’d I do, boss?” Weiss had to draw his eyes away from Karthan to look at Sebastian, like he was wary of losing the position of a particularly dangerous adder. He unconsciously began straightening himself, smoothing out his clothes, running fingers through his hair.
Sebastian remained silent. But he extended his will outward. Intimidate Check
The innkeeper licked his lips, there was a quiver in his knees as he looked down to the floor. His eyes opened wide when he saw the canvas and he began to shift from foot to foot. “I didn’t do nothing wrong, I swear.” His voice was barely a whisper. Fear was permeating his essence, Sebastian could smell it no him.
Agrinost growled in anticipation. Weiss froze his movements. “Look boss, if it’s about this guy here, they came into my…err I mean they came into your inn and blasted out one of the customers, a good paying customer…” His hand darted to his belt but halted in mid motion as Agrinost lunged forward, teeth bare and eyes now shifted from gold to a nearly glowing red. “Money…money boss. He paid good…”
A dripping sound, Weiss had lost his bowel control. The wolf sniffed at the air near Weiss and then turned away, growling a warning and returning to the Rook’s side.
A coin purse on a draw string, he pulled it from his belt and held it out to the Rook. “He paid me 500 gold and a garnet to let him stay, no questions. That’s more than even Bella makes in a month!”
Impressive, even under the influence of his will, Weiss was able to lie to Sebastian. The Rook cocked his head to the side, an eyebrow lifted in question.
“Ddid I sssay, 5? I meant a thousand gold and a garnet.” Weiss pulled a second pouch from the small of his back this time.
“I know every guest of my establishments, yet I didn’t know this one.” Sebastian spoke for the first time.
Weiss made the mistake of taking a step forward, pleading hands out offering the two pouches full of coin. “Please, take it all, boss. I didn’t mean nothin’ by it, honest.”
“That makes it worse. I’d have hoped your death would have meant… something.” His hand moved in a blur, going to the hilt of his Aldori dueling sword. It was out of its sheathe, the leading edge across Weiss’ throat in a single motion.
First Attack (Favored Enemy)
Damage
Second Attack (Favored Enemy)
Confirm Critical (Anatomist +1)
Damage
Damage
The first strike cut through most of the innkeeper’s throat. Sebastian gracefully stepped forward, in the same motion pivoting his grip to guard position and letting his weight and thrust stab the blade through Weiss’ heart. As quickly as the blood had begun to pump from the man’s neck, it stopped as his heart was cut in two.
Weiss’ eyes opened wide, then clouded over. He fell to his knees and onto the canvas, Sebastian withdrawing his blade with one hand and drawing forth a cloth from his belt with another. He wiped his sword clean and sheathed it, letting the blood-stained cloth fall upon the dead man at his feet.
“I cannot afford leniency if I’m to have order. And I will have order.” He spoke to Weiss inert form, then snapped his fingers. Bodin and Eric stepped into the room and began wrapping the body in the canvas. “Take him to the basement. I’ll not have his stench linger here. Then close up the inn.”
Bodin was crouched low, ready to lift one end of the now wrapped body. “And the girls?”
Sebastian shrugged. “Let the pleasure bars have their fun, I attempted to enter the business in a small way and it has become more trouble than it’s worth. Employ them as attendants here and have them clean up the inn. I’ll have new management installed within the week.”
“Not all will go for that, boss.”
A well-oiled boot tip kicked at the wrapped body. ”Take his right hand and post it on the door of the inn. Put the dagger through that ridiculous tattoo of a porcupine. Then explain to them that they are more than capable of lending a hand, one way or another.”
Bodin grinned, as did Eric. Both bowed, smelling of respect and confidence, and hoisted the dead innkeeper to depart.
“Boys,” the Rook held them for a moment more, stooping low to toss them the two bags of coins Weiss had dropped. “Spread this around the ladies. See if they know any more about the man who stayed there. Report back to me what you find.” He nodded for the men to leave with their canvas charge.
“Agrinost and I will be hunting later this evening, Dawnsetter.” He turned back to Karthan, and gestured to the north. “There is a small bit of land to the north of here, holds a wooded area Agrinost and I frequent. Should all things get settled with your comrades, especially Mal’undil, I would be pleased to have you along.”
Karthan accepted the book with thanks, "Thank you, I shall make good use of this book. I have no doubt it will be important lore needed to solve the puzzle before us and I shall use it to expand my own knowledge as well."
---------------------
As Weiss was brought up Karthan took up position next to the Rook and looked on. As the Rook spoke to the man he saw that the human began lying to the Dhampir; bad move. In the end Weiss had failed to inform his master of a unique guest, had taken a substancial bribe to keep it from him, then tried to steal his money. Karthan thought that had the man been truthful the Rook might have listened.
The mans death was . . . Surgical? Far less bloody and barbaric than Karthan had prepared himself for. The Rook made it quick and relatively painless. Karthan also took note he performed the execution himself. No doubt he did this to send a message to his own guards. Sebastian was a dangerous creature. Karthan noted that the Dhampir's swordsmanship was baised on the Aldori human's method. Karthan knew he was fast, but he was shocked at how blindingly fast and powerful he was. He also noticed the control Sebastian demonstrated after the spilling of blood.
After Weiss was dealt with Karthan remained stoic in emulation to his god the Silent Stalker, but he feared he would have to speak for the women housed in the brothel, but relaxed when Sebastian hand waived the suggestion of having them liquidated. The Rook would put them under new management. Sebastian was harsh, but Karthan supposed they were safer under his protection than they would be anywhere else in the coins. Maybe they would give their master some useful information.
The Rook offered Karthan a place in his hunt. Karthan wanted nothing more than to be on the hunt again, but was insure of the prey the Rook had in mind.
"I would like nothing more than to sit and hear your tales, for each one would undoubtedly be filled with intrigue, wisdom and lessons. However I must decline for tonight I have to see to my stricken companions. Whatever Lamech did in that house it fell all but the Paladin and I. They must be seen at the temple. Honestly I do not know what the out come of their condition will be. I would like to send you word of Mal'undil's condition. How should I send word?" without fearing that the dwarf will kill what urchin I trust to send.
"Furthermore I fear my own journey will take some time to complete. The Drow took my parents along with Fir's father. I thirst for vengeance, but now it seems there are more immediate things to put to rest. Perhaps one day though we will have more time and I will have tales of my own to share."
"Very well then, Dawnsetter." Sebastian inclined his head and drew in an ever so slight amount of scent from the elf. "I'll look forward to both the good news regarding Mal'undil's improved condition, and to our joining in a proper hunt."
He walked Karthan as far as the opening of the parlor and waved a hand towards the exit. "Should you wish to contact me, you may send word via the Splendid Lass, a small tavern on the southside of the Merchant's Quarter where you're staying. Just ask for Lester." He smiled graciously, his enlarged canines gleaming in the light of the receiving area. "Or you can always pay me a visit directly. My doors are always open." He inclined his head once more and bid the elf farewell.
Downstairs, people were still bending each other's ears as they speculated on Weiss' fate. Good, let them talk and wonder. So long as they realized order was the rule of Sebastian's territory. There was still a burning embarrassment at Weiss' duplicitous actions, but his anger was mitigated knowing he was dead.
At the least, the elven ranger had potential. The Rook watched him go and wondered if Caleb had sunken too many of his hooks into the newcomer already. Then there was Karthan's sister. Kreig, for all his faults, was at least forthcoming with his information. She apparently had an "uppity bent" to her mouth that caused Kreig to squeeze his fists and hunger for Bruiser and a fresh head to bash.
Perhaps there would be potential there as well. But is she was indeed a druid, which the possession of a tiger would strongly indicate, then she would be less likely to be of service to his...enterprise.
Time would tell. And time was something that the Rook had in spades.
Karthan walked out of the Toiling Gent with his head held confident for the assembled observers to see. He went to the stables and prepared his horse without delay. While he had a lot in common with the charismatic Dhampir, there were many things that he differed on. For one thing he did not have the natural need to dominate a flock nor the insatiable blood lust. He would speak with Mal'undil, the half elf would know the man's true nature and would have known his deeds over time, still he did want to hunt with him, just not innocent prey. Hopefully Sebastian did not fall into that type of Dhampir.
Giving his steed the motivation he needed he made his way to the temple hoping to find all his party alive and well.
As Karthan prepared to part company with the Rook he remembered the question that had been burning in his mind, "One last thing, if it isn't a breech of manners to ask, what name did Agrinost grant Mal'undil?"
Sebastian looked up from his ruminations, Karthan had paused at the top of the stairs to ask a question. An intriguing one that told the Rook more about the elf. He would know depth of the people in his midst, rather than that which is on the surface. Good. His respect for the young ranger elevated.
"Agrinost took a long time in the naming. I think in part due to Mal'undil's shared human and elf heritage." Sebastian thought on the images he usually saw when Mal entered the room, the shared impressions of his animal companion. "A complex set of images and smells and memories. So many that match Mal's personality and presence. Solitary hunter of the Waking Dream who has found the sun."
The wolf padded forward and licked at Sebastian's hand, a playful nibble at his to forefingers. "You know, the great thing about their names is that change over time. They recognize that our natures can change and adapt." He thought on how different Mal had been the first time he'd met him. The half-elf had been going by the name Feyd back then in ode to a ruthless character in stories.
"Farewell, Dawnsetter. Keep your nose to the wind and your eyes upon the path."
At the main doorway to the Temple that opened to the stables, Olivia was met by Aegius, the Priest of the Evening Watch. He was old, perhaps in his 70s, much the same as the other priests in the church. The Seventh Church of Iomedae served as a place for induction and initial education for those of the faith. Then, once of age, most either graduated to the Tempering Hall to train as paladins and templars or moved on to outposts throughout the world. So the church held the very young of the orders and the elders who measured out wisdom and instruction.
“Chaplain-Protector,” the venerable priest bowed slowly in greeting, his voice warm and kindly and full of comfort. Skin taught over high cheekbones and a frame thinner than looked healthy, Aegius had seen his share of the world before settling in Absalom to be a teacher. Normally picked to handle the weekly sermons, his easeful tone brought with it a sense of peace. Some of her fondest memories in Absalom involved Father Aegius.
The old man held his smile as he descended the marble stairs from the south entrance, brown eyes surveying the situation. Above him, worked into the stone of the doorway were the words ”Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
“Father Aegius,” Olivia returned his bow. “I regret that I cannot offer a more cordial greeting, but we are in dire need.”
The old man, white wisps of hair crowning his head, furrowed his brow with concern. He made his way down the stairs from the temple, his frame thin and short. “I’m at your service, child.”
“Our friends Mal’undil and Fir’umil have fallen prey to the influence of Chaos, Father. As has a new friend, Zandra of the Kyonin Realm.” She provided an arm to the old priest and walked him towards the cart where they lay, then gestured towards the silent form of Zandra Dawnsetter as she sat astride Thorendel.
Next she nodded towards Karthan who’d just arrived “This is Karthan, Zandra’s brother.”
”Greetings under the stars that shine upon this city, most ancient of folk.” the priest greeted in formal elven.
Heavy robes of his office whispered along the paved area leading towards the stables. More light began blooming around them as squires and servants set about lighting lanterns fixed to the columns surrounding the area. The lanterns pulsed to life, bathing the area in a soft glow to drive back the descending night.
“Let me see what we’re dealing with, my dear.” He raised a left hand that hovered in the air above Mal and Fir, then gingerly in front of Zandra and her faraway gaze. The elf hadn’t spoken since leaving the house in Copperwood, but at least she was conscious.
Olivia waited and prayed as Father Aegius made his assessments. It wasn’t long before other priests, all equally as old or older arrived, accompanied by acolytes bearing litters for those who couldn’t walk. Eventually, they were all waiting upon Aegius as he closed his prayers and viewing. Olivia was thankful to be at his side for the elder stumbled briefly, causing her to step forward to brace him.
“Bring them to my chapel.” He whispered, his breath short and eyes half-lidded in exhaustion. When the clerics in attendance balked at the encroachment of the tiger, Aegius waved them off, having regained some of his strength as they’d mulled about. “Nonsense, it is the connection to that beautiful creature that keeps our elf mistress upright and walking!”
Lau, silent up until then, stepped forward to speak to Olivia. “I will depart and head to my home and seek council. I will return in the morning to see to their condition.” The monk bowed respectfully to the group and turned to go.
As the rest began filing into the temple, Karthan moved close to Olivia and inquired as to where they were going.
The paladin glanced in his direction, leaning in close. “We go to see Liberios, the head of my Order. Between him and Aegius we will get answers regarding the fate of your sister and our friends.” She whispered for his ear alone. A pause, weighing her next words. “I trust your visit with the Rook was profitable.”
She held up a gauntleted hand to forestall a response. “Later. We can discuss the information later.”
They continued into the temple, weaving through the wide corridors and passing through one of the main sanctuaries on their way to an ascending staircase. Many eyes followed them, concern, greeting, surprise at the appearance of Thorendel, even suspicion at the appearance of elves But they all saw the look on Aegius’ face, most whispered prayers to Iomedae for whatever challenge lay before the aged cleric.
There was immensity to the Temple, from the large flag stones paving the floors to the walls and casements and ceiling heights. Even in the midst of a spiraling staircase, two mounted knights could ride in parallel. They passed four levels, mostly classrooms and dormitories with the fifth level the rooms for priests and instructors and guests. Beyond that were meeting halls and a private chapel belonging to Genedair the Faithful, head of the order in Absalom.
But the group stopped at the fifth level, bringing Mal and Fir upon their litters to a large alter at the center of a private chapel. Perhaps only as many as ten or fifteen worshipers could fit comfortably there, a converted classroom that had been a gift from Genedair to Aegius. Once the wounded and Zandra were settled into place, the attendants departed save for Aegius’ personal assistant.
“Go ahead, Perciville, I shall be in good care with the Chaplain-Protector to attend my needs.” Aegius waived the blond-haired boy, dressed in white and orange livery out of the small chapel, a gesture indicating he could shut the two heavy wooden doors behind him.
In the chapel, there were three rows of pews divided down the middle by the aisle leading from the double doors to the altar. It was here that Mal and Fir rested upon a raised dais, comfortable blankets and pillows appropriated along the way up the stairs supplied for their easeful repose. Zandra, at the guidance of Karthan sat upon the first few steps leading up to the dais with Thorendel curling at her feet. Torches in sconces supplied a gentle light to the room that would normally be supplied by the large windows on the western side of the chapel. Stained glass holding mosaics of various images of Iomedae in battle and prayer would normally bathe the chapel in golds and reds and yellows.
“I assume the source of their malaise lay amongst this gear?” A new voice inquired. A figure stepped from the shadows behind the dais, an oaken door reinforced with iron bands opened on silent hinges behind him. Aegius’ private study.
Heavy boots, the sound of armor and the hushed language of cloth dragging along the flagstone. Out of the shadows came Liberios, head of the Chaplain-Protectors in Absalom. Olivia stepped forward, a hand to her heart that then swept outward to signify her open soul before Iomedae. “Yes, Master Liberios.” She nodded to the box peaking out of Mal’undil’s satchel. “It contains weapons tainted by Chaos.”
Liberios grunted once. He was older, but a definitive age was hard to come by when viewing his broad shoulders beneath the meticulously maintained full plate he wore. Grey hair festooned his temples like the wings of an eagle, but his crown was nearly white and receding. A narrow face with hard eyes of darkest blue. He rested a hand upon the hilt of a longsword.
“What sort of weapons? Daggers?” A second voice, silky smooth came from the room behind the dais. A slim shape came through the opening garbed in long robes, hands folded within the sleeves, cowl raised and shadowing their face.
Chaplain-Protector Duneheim looked to him, inclined her head and replied. “Yes, Master Beleg.” Strange he would be here, now. Normally he met with Fir’umil in the Arcanamarium.
The new figure drew back his hood to reveal the face of an elf. He nodded slightly to Karthan, a simple greeting in elven; ”Greetings, youngling. I am pleased to see Fir’umil’s blood flowing beneath yours and your sister’s skin. I am Beleg Cúthalion.”
At the dais, Father Aegius began ministering to Zandra first, chanting a Restoration and placing a medallion baring the sword symbol of Iomedae about her neck.
Next Aegius moved to Fir’umil, drawing back the wizard’s robes. Master Beleg stepped forward to the cleric’s side and waved a warning finger. “Be cautious in and around these wards,” the elf indicated the tattoos adorning Fir’s chest and shoulders. “I will subdue some to allow you to work safely.”
Beleg gestured in the air, two of the rings adorning his right hand glowed ever so slightly. His work done, he turned to Karthan and gestured him forward. “Tell me what you saw, Karthan Dawnsetter. Do not leave anything out.”
To the right of the dais, Liberios stooped and gathered up the case holding the glass daggers.
The onslaught of chaos threatened to rise up and crush Zandra like a wave against the jagged rocks of despair. Her mind reeled and wilted at the visions that swam before her stripping away the layers of her personality and individuality like the skins of a caramelized onion being flenzed by a sharp knife in a pan of boiling oil. It was not worth struggling anymore, she was nothing, all was nothing, chaos was the totality of the universe . . .
Zandra felt a primal rage one not wholly her own, but connected some how. An urge to protect a cub, an instinct so base that it overrode her own sense of self preservation. It was worth challenging a dragon if it meant saving its young or extending its life a few more we seconds. Zandra snapped back into her mind somewhere just enough to know that she needed to escape her mind. She felt a jolt, then a jar, and then a lurch. Thor had her and he was carrying her away. She was safe . . . She could now do what was needed.
She let her shoulders drop and her body relax. She felt her consciousness leaving her brain slowly sinking and melting away shrinking from the chaos and she slipped downward . . . Downward . . . And into her heart.
Her heart, now her mind, pulsed rhythmically. It had but one care one function, to keep beating. To keep beating is to keep breathing, to keep breathing is to keep living to keep living is the purpose and awareness of this purpose is proof that she was alive.
The heart would keep beating until something outside its control would make it stop. It was unaffected by the chaos outside herself that affected the mind with its endless capacity for imagination and fear of infinite calculations and probable possible outcomes. The chaos had no place here in the orderly heart that was now the center of Zandra.
The Druid was in a safe space now. She needed calm and balance, order.
You are calm and balanced now cub, I can feel it. Our hearts beat as one.
You saved me Thor.
You saved yourself I just took you from the sour smelling ones den . . . The hard shelled one that smells of incense and sweat and flowers approaches!
Let her come to me Thor. I must repair my spirit, mind and body. I must process what I have seen and capture that which can be used. The enemy has revealed itself by trying to take me by ambush. Now I must take control of what it has shown me so that I might make it our prey.
The big cat strode into her vision, but somehow Thorendal was much bigger, much more powerful and intelligent than she had perceived him to be before.
Lay down on my back my cub and grasp my neck, I shall carry you.
Zandra did as she was bid, burying her face into the sweet smelling fur and clinging to the cats warm body. They were moving now in a rhythmic motion that matched that same rhythm that was in their hearts.
Zandra matched her breathjng to it. breathe in...
breathe out...
You breathe in...
You breath out...
Well done.
When you are ready close your eyes.
Zandras eyes opened and remained fixed in a thousand yard stare. Olivia and Karthan looked her over with concern, but were so far away now they might as well have been on the moon. . .
Almost as far away her mind was feeling stress at the moment, it was like having a storm or a hurricane in the center of her being.
See the chaos that this storm brings, but breathe in and out. You are safe.
Zandra was within this hurricane, but now with her new found eyes saw that there is an eye to this storm.
Screaming Eagle soared above this chaos and was with her carrying her up in his claws
See that you are able to soar from high above the earth like an eagle, soon you shall be able to shed your skin on your plane and you can fly like this. Look ahead and see the still, calm center - the eye of the storm. Fly there stretch your own wings.
Zandra began to panic she only had arms! She was falling into the storm! Screaming Eagle dove with her his wings folded, feathers ruffled riot with the wind of gravity and the turmoil of the storm below. His eyes burrowing into hers and his triumphant scream drowning out hers born of terror.
FLY . . . LIVE . . . SOAR!
Zandra was naked she spread her arms and they turned into wings, her skin became eagle feathers, she was screaming eagle now! Her screams became those of an eagle soaring, master of the sky and able to see everything below. She circled and dropped down . . .
She found herself now in the center of the storm. She could feel and see the chaos around her, but she felt very peaceful.
She was relaxed and calm.
Zandra could see that the storm was like life. She could see what is going on around her and see things that could overwhelm her, but they don't.
They don't because you are in the eye of the storm, you are in the center where it is peaceful and calm. You are with me Zandra. I am true chaos, I am life, I am the four seasons and time and your world. I am nature and I heard your call. An impossibly loud and deafeningly gravelly voice called out to her from beyond in a kind fatherly voice.
The ground below her opened its eyes mountains formed the features of a face! the snow capped mountains it's eyebrows lakes its eyes and an ocean it's, his, mouth. The face was the eye of the storm, the chaos around it became his hair and beard. He was the Green Father, the Green Man.
She could see clearly that she did not have a choice of whether to step into the storm.
Chaos is a part of the world, it is part of me and it is a part of you. Chaos brings change, chaos breeds creativity and defends against absolute order which is stillness and the absence of time and life. The balance must be maintained for without either there is no life, no you, no me.
Zandra could now see that she had a choice of how she would react. You have a choice whether you step into the storm and get carried away by the chaos or to stay calm and maintain the balance, peaceful and at ease.
She continued her journey gaining power from he storm flowing with it winding it into a tower slowly build and riding it back into her mind. Using the powers left at her disposal to rebuild herself. The taint remained, but there was nothing she could do about that at the moment.
Soon she was able to look upon what she had been shown she began to remember and recall. The symbols, what it meant, what had happened and she became aware that the had been aware the whole time.
A man, the priest was there with her. He was joined with others. They were calling her back to their world, her world. They were lifting the taint that she could not remove on her own.
A new voice came, but this time to her ears . . . "You will be refreshed and calm, and you will open your eyes."
Zandra blinked and felt herself balanced on this earth.
Riding from the slums and into the temple district, Karthan saw a distict change in scenery and the kinds of people on the streets. When he stepped into the great hall he was directed down a few corridors ultil he came upon his group gathered about an elderly priest in heavy robes.
Olivia nodded towards Karthan as he made his arrival known, “This is Karthan, Zandra’s brother.”
Karthan was caught reading the words over the archway when the priest addressed him.”Greetings under the stars that shine upon this city, most ancient of folk.” the priest greeted him in formal elven, both suprising and impressing the young hunter. The time and dedication necessary to master the language as a second tongue was beyond most humans. Karthan suddenly felt greasy and unwashed, tainted somehow in the presence of the grandfatherly man who addressed him. Karthan found himself at once embarrassed and humbled for his initial impression of the man as weak. There was something else that bothered him, but he could not quite put his finger on it.
The priest did something over Zandra which taxed him greatly. Then it was announced they would go to a private chapel before going further.
They continued into the temple, weaving through the wide corridors and passing through one of the main sanctuaries on their way to an ascending staircase. Many eyes followed them, concern, greeting, surprise at the appearance of Thorendel, even suspicion at the appearance of elves (Karthan matched those gazes with his own),but they all saw the look on Aegius’ face, most whispered prayers to Iomedae for whatever challenge lay before the aged cleric.
Liberos's arrival didn't excite Karthan much, the arrival and appearance of The Lord Paladin was not unexpected nor out of place here in the temple, but Beleg was of interest. The Elf had the air of the Elven Court about him and was incalculably old having begun to show the autumn of his years. Hearing the Paladin and Wizard speak of the daggers raised Karthan's suspicions. He knew there was more to the situation, but now he could see that the matter concerned at least the church, a military order, and the school of magic. Strange bedfellows indeed unless the threat was so great it forced them together.
Karthan also didn't understand Beleg's intentions in his greeting, he tried to measure his meaning. Those of the court could deliver words that were like the hairs of a person's head. They all came from the same source, but all led to different ends.
"Greetings to you most learned and esteemed weaver of magic. May Findeladlara allow you to stand in her mithril archway in the light of the setting sun." Karthan replied back politely.
"Be forewarned Lord Liberos, the case is warded by an enchantment that Mal'undil knows the workings of."
"As far as the story goes, it began when our cousin Fir'umil and the lady Olivia came to the home we were guesting in and requested our assistance in inspecting several items of evidence from recent disappearances in your city . . . " Karthan went on to give them the majority of the details leaving out most of the details of his visit with the Rook save for the important details involving the stars and the book he had been provided by the crimelord. He covered the battle with Lamech as l from his point of view and reported all he had seen there. He kept his private thoughts out of the matter and made his report factual and to the point.
Zandra blinked and then opened her anew, this time looking through them. She stands and takes Ageius by the hands and presses his between hers channeling a small amount of her vitality to him trying to blunt the drain of energy he had expended to tend to her companions and her.
"Thank you father." Then releasing his hands she turned and addressed the assembled group in earnest and serious manner.
"As you already know, but out of tradition and proper courteously, I am Zandra Dawnsetter, Druid and follower of the Green Way. I have been shown the serious nature of this threat we all face. I trust that we may share what we all know here as even the health of the natural world hangs in the balance. I confronted chaos and viewed into our enemies nature. Let me tell you know what I have seen and the places I walked to make it back here . . . "
Zandra recites and describes as best she can everything she had seen leading up to the battle and then the "contact" with the chaotic force and images of what she beheld.