"Should I be of further use in interrogating them, let me know. From my initial discussions with them, it seems likely that our attackers--and this Chausiku--are surviving members or descendants of one of the factions of the Order of Arioch. Given their ruthlessness and willingness to utilize summoned apes as allies, I would hazard a guess that it was the faction in favor of using this artifact for their own purposes, probably corrupted by the Ravenous King's influence."
"Possible," Tebati judges. "But if they wish whatever lies within the pyramid for their own uses, would they not have been wiser to let us brave the hazards of retrieving it and then set upon us when we came out with it, all unaware that they opposed us until it was too late? It is as possible that they are of the camp that would rather kill us to a man, civilians and all, and die themselves than see the item removed from safekeeping. In my experience, those who devote themselves unswervingly to a cause fight as mindlessly as those who kill for hatred. At any rate," she shrugs, "it matters little in practice, as whoever they are, they are certainly our enemies."
"We need to know what he knows. So why are we not asking him?"
"That was to be our mission of this morning," she reminds Jakob, "if the camp of our attackers hadn't decided to die to the last man rather than enlighten us as to their motivations."
"Because we don't know who he is or where he is...and he did try to kill us without so much as a 'how-do-you-do.'"
"The attack could have been a misunderstanding or the order could honestly want us dead. Chausiku could be loyally following distasteful orders to try to protect his people or he could have a soul a thousand times blacker than the Storm King. We know nothing of his or his orders motivations.
In any case motivation is irrelevant. We are not here to conquer, we are hear to find out what is in that rock. He knows what we need to know.
As to who or where, we do not need to know that.
Chausiku knows where we are and we have three messengers who will find, or more likely be found by him. At least I think there are three assuming the questioning has not been overly vigorous.
Release a prisoner with a message we wish to talk. At worst Chausiku gains one more soldier. Is not the chance to resolve the conflict or at least learn something about what this is all for worth that?"
"it matters little in practice, as whoever they are, they are certainly our enemies."
Unless of course they are in the right. There may well be good reason to leave the rock to the silent jungle.
"We need to know what he knows. So why are we not asking him?"
"That was to be our mission of this morning," she reminds Jakob, "if the camp of our attackers hadn't decided to die to the last man rather than enlighten us as to their motivations."
"Chausiku has more people. The raids on the supply train confirm that. I strongly doubt the camp goes unobserved. And if that one raid did represent all the order's strength then we have nothing to gain by keeping the prisoner."
Ansha sighs in exasperation and pinches the bridge of her nose. "I don't really care whether they're 'in the right' or not--I'm not going to second-guess their motivations or the reasons that I came to this jungle. They tried to prevent us from finding out what's in that pyramid. That's enough reason for me to want to find out, especially since they tried to kill us to stop us from doing it. That makes them enemies in my book."
She pauses, then continues, "Besides, while I had our prisoners under my spell, they made it clear that should we release them, they would correct their earlier mistake and die fighting us."
The events of the night, assault, and subsequent chase was weighing upon Qhude. He was still battered and bloodied despite the ministrations of both Tebati magic and his liquid curative, and the exhaustion lent a sorrowful tinge to his usually harsh and deadened features. At first he focused upon sustenance and listened as Ansha and Jakob debated.
Then speaking with a level tone "We fight a coward... while his men fought and died, he fled from sight and ran. Had he wanted to speak he would have... but he has not. He was amongst us long enough to ken our purpose and intent... and chose to attempt to slaughter sleeping men rather than talk."
"I do not like keeping men in chains... but releasing them would not bring us closer to Chausiku." halting a moment and casting a glance towards Ansha "If you allow General... I would speak to them."
"Unless of course they are in the right. There may well be good reason to leave the rock to the silent jungle."
Tebati shrugs. "Simply because a man is in the right does not mean I will lie down and let him kill me. I am not for a moment convinced that the Custodian is wise to unearth what has been hidden for millennia, and if any members of the Order of Arioch survive, I would be happy to hear their argument. But these attackers chose violence rather than negotiation. And truly," she glances at Morvius, "even if the Order sent an ambassador to Eleder to lay open to the Grand Custodian everything they know, do you really think, after all this expense and outlay of resources, he would consent to abandon his project?"
"even if the Order sent an ambassador to Eleder to lay open to the Grand Custodian everything they know, do you really think, after all this expense and outlay of resources, he would consent to abandon his project?"
"Of course he would. If the likely results did not merit the expense. If there is a spawn of the Rough Beast or something equally pleasant under that pile then the Custodian would be mad to release it. The Custodian may be manipulative and scheming, it kind of goes with the job, but he is not mad."
"I do not care that Chausiku chose violence, why should we be limited by his incorrect choice? He may be mad he may be evil he may be a half-demon chicken it does not matter.Jakob sighs.
"Look all I am saying is that we do not know what in kept in there." Jakob waves his arm in the vague direction of the ziggurat. "Chausiku does or at least knows more than we do. Is it not wise to try to find out what he and his order knows before we let whatever it is into the sunlight."
Tebati sighs in return. "Then try, Jakob. But the man tried to kill us mere hours ago; I have no interest in presenting him with a second chance to finish the job. It is he, not we, who has opted against discourse. While we were making plans to approach his camp and exchange words in peace, he was plotting to kill civilians in their sleep. That in itself prejudices me against his argument."
Tebati sighs in return. "Then try, Jakob...."
"I would love to, save that one we are supposed to go back into the rock, two the group was less than happy with my last attempt at a solo venture and three I would need one of Ansha's 'friends' as a guide and peace offering."
No. The food seemed mostly locally hunted and preserved. The weapons and armour bore no resemblance to Sargavan military gear. The camp appeared to be founded relatively recently (last few months) and seemed to depend on hunters for food.
General Morvius nodded to both Ansha and Qhude as their seperate mentions of the prisoners came up.
You all have full authority to question the prisoners as you see fit. No lethal force though. They will be put to trial in Eleder.
The General answered Jakob's concerns about the structure.
I sympathise, but I do not empathise. The Grand Custodian employed various divination and his finest agents to gather information on this structure; he was assured enough of the power in this place to fund this expedition and assign personnel to it. You do not know the Grand Custodian like I do. He does not make any decision lightly, much less one of such importance. He believes that what has been hinted at within this structure has enough power to save Sargava. Perhaps it could be argued, that it is a risky gamble on his part. But it is an informed gamble. This expedition may save Sargava and I remain utterly committed to it.
Our attackers were certainly zealots. I am reluctant to release one in the hope he can lead us to this "Chausiku"; I suspect our foe is smarter than to fall for that; especially if he is among us. He could use it to his advantage in some manner. I am uncomfortable letting any of these poison-wielding, backstabbing men loose again.
Despite the tension between the General and the Bas'o, he seemed to appreciate the man's similar feelings towards the attackers.
"Remember what I said about them wanting me to release them so that they could die fighting? I strongly doubt they're going to lead you to Chausiku. If we release them, they're more likely to try to kill you, or try to kill us."
"Remember what I said about them wanting me to release them so that they could die fighting? I strongly doubt they're going to lead you to Chausiku. If we release them, they're more likely to try to kill you, or try to kill us."
"I don't see that as a problem. We or I, depending on who chooses to go, would simply be asking the guide to kindly lead us into a trap. That should satisfy the guide's need to try to kill and our need to meet someone higher up in the Order."
"By 'us,' I assume you mean 'you.' I'm not interested in getting killed over your bleeding heart," Ansha rejoins. "I still fail to see the wisdom in deliberately exposing yourself to a life-threatening situation for such vague and uncertain rewards. But tell me this: how do you propose that you guarantee that your 'guide' even brings you to a meeting ground and does not simply attempt to kill you when you're not looking? And what, after that's done, prevents them from coming back and attempting to kill more of us at the camp?"
"By 'us' I merely referred to the guide and myself. I assume no interest but my own.
I also do not see the wisdom in deliberately exposing yourself to a life-threatening situation for such vague and uncertain rewards. Yet the custodian still wishes the ziggurat plundered.
There are no guarantees. But the Order stands to gain more by keeping me alive than by killing me. I am trusting to the self-interest of murderous strangers.
As for the guide returning I doubt one warrior will make much difference in a second assault."
Ansha shakes her head. "I kind of doubt that they'll see it that way, but it's your fate you're taking into your own hands. At least, until your 'guide' turns around and picks off a guard or two here at camp."
She pauses to arch an eyebrow at Jakob before continuing, "Doesn't that matter in your calculations? I mean, that argument has a better foundation than 'They'll lead me to their leader and then he'll tell me everything we wanted to know about this pyramid we're exploring.'"
General Morvius thought more on Jakob's plan but eventually seemed to return to his initial stance.
Releasing a prisoner is not an option. There is not enough evidence that it will gain us anything. A sympathetic ear might be a worthwhile approach though, Jakob. Your free to try your hand at getting some information out of the prisoners. I would reconsider your plan with something more to go on.
You all have the morning; if nothing changes, you enter the ruin. Ultimately, this "Chausiku" might have merely sacrificed his men as a distraction. Thus far, it appears to be working and we do not know if time is a relevant factor here.
More to distance himself from the heated discussion than because of a natural pause in the conversation, Morvius returned to his many tasks and duties.
Qhude does not wish to argue overmuch with Jakob, but sees an opportunity to make a point. He points at Jakob's new shirt of chain, cloak, headband and fine weapons "Those are the 'vague and uncertain' rewards that have already come from the ziggurat." before gesturing towards the spot where the dead have been buried "Beneath fresh churned earth are the 'vague and uncertain' rewards that Chausiku offers."
"The ziggurat was not built to hold the golden lingam you liberated Qhude. This trivia," Jakob indicates the same toys Qhude pointed to. "cannot dig Savgrava out of the hole she is in. The Custodian's diviners determined only that something here had the power to save Sagrava. Not that is would, not that it was usable, not that it could be controlled, not that it was friendly, simply that power sufficient to the task was there. My only point was that Chausiku might know something about the nature and scope of this power so focusing on learning what he knows, by whatever means nessessary, would be a better use of our limited resources.
The expedition did not agree, choosing to eat the mushroom before determining its toxicity. This choice is wrong but as I am neither persuasive nor powerful enough to prevent the error I now seek to mitigate the coming catastrophe while praying fervently that my understanding is, as usual, incorrect."
Qhude shrugs at Jakob's grandiose grandstanding "Qhude is but an imbube..." pushing away from the table and adding in level and even words "Just remember Jakob... what fate you bought for the men aboard the pirate ship." though there is no malice in his tone.
As he departs a glance is thrown Tebati's way to see if the sangoma had desire to join him with the prisoners... but with her presence or not, Qhude goes straight from the place of words to that where they are held captive.
Jakob allows Qhude to get out of sight before leaving the tent himself. A short walk takes him to the horse pen where he checks on any injured animals.
[ooc]{Do any of the animals need CLW/CMW spells or are they all out of danger? If so just tell me how many spell slots I need to use.}
As he departs a glance is thrown Tebati's way to see if the sangoma had desire to join him with the prisoners... but with her presence or not, Qhude goes straight from the place of words to that where they are held captive.
Tebati catches Qhude's glance of invitation and rises to follow him, falling into pace alongside him as he heads toward the captives' tent. "If they would not speak under Ansha's enchantments, I doubt there is much we can do to loosen their tongues," she warns him.
Qhude nods "You are right Sangoma" pausing slightly before adding "I will speak to the men that they are... not the isitha they serve."
She returns Qhude's nod, content to serve as witness to whatever the Bas'o intends.
The Mwangi pair found the three prisoners still tied up and gagged inside the armoury. Two veteran soldiers stood guard at the doors of the tent, while the armoury itself was not devoid of activity. It was obviously not an ideal prison, or even an interrogation room. Cruthoniax the gnome was inspecting the tent's small supply of polearms, running his weathered hands over the hafts and blades while he hummed quietly to himself.
Qhude gives the guardsmen a nod, and offers Cruthoniax a nodded greeting also. He then moves to where the prisoners are gagged and removed that which prevents their speech. He then squats a few feet from them, taking a little dirt from the ground and rubbing it between his palms. He regards them without expression and waits for them to speak.
Tebati stands a few steps behind Qhude, close enough to bear witness but making it clear to the prisoners that the Bas'o is taking the lead in this encounter.
Qhude gives the guardsmen a nod, and offers Cruthoniax a nodded greeting also. He then moves to where the prisoners are gagged and removed that which prevents their speech. He then squats a few feet from them, taking a little dirt from the ground and rubbing it between his palms. He regards them without expression and waits for them to speak.
The Mchawi already questioned us one of the Bekyar muttered, as the three watched Qhude warily.
Regardless of whether the men were speaking in common, Qhude responded in polyglot after nodding "I am sure she did... but that is not why Qhude has come." pausing for a few moments before continuing "I wanted to look upon you... and remind myself."
There was a tangible pause.
... of?
With a baring of teeth that was half smile and half grimace Qhude answered "I also was once slave to a dark master... but have been saved by my family. When I look at you I see a darkness that could have drowned me."
Pausing for a few moments he continues "You will spend the rest of your life in chains... with nothing but stone and steel around you."
The Bekyar men said nothing in response to Qhude's words. They did not meet his gaze but it was clear that life imprisonment was not something they liked the sound of.
Frowning as the bekyar do not even meet his gaze Qhude hisses and berates "Are you so broken that you cannot even look upon me?" opening his mouth to speak further, but stopping himself. He pauses for a moment more to see if the bekyar respond...
Two of the Bekyar kept their heads lowered but the youngest one raised his head defiantly.
No matter what words you use, we understand you seek information from us. You will receive none, Qhude. We are utterly devoted to our cause. There is nothing for us to discuss.
Perhaps it was impetuousness or a desire to not appear as broken, but the young man spoke once more despite his body language initially suggesting he was finished.
In time, the stone and steel of Eleder will offer us freedom long before you find yours. You shall see the truth of my words, but by then it will be too late for you he promised. He rested his head back against the armoury tent wall and closed his eyes purposefully.
"What is your cause?" Tebati puts in quietly. "I do not doubt your devotion, but surely you are more likely to further it by letting people know what they are doing that you object to."
Qhude straightens and was to walk away before Tebati offered her words. He paused to hear the answering of them.
With Tebati and Qhude taking their leave to go and try to see if they can glean any information from the prisoners and with Jakob visiting the stables, Kieran is left in the company of Ansha. The half-elf sighs before turning to the enchantress, thinking a little chat might help pass the time.
"So," he begins with a shrug, "it appears that our cook is not some powerful evil summoner of simians." He pauses before adding, [b]"At least so far."
"Do you think the two of them will have better luck with the prisoners?"
"What is your cause?" Tebati puts in quietly. "I do not doubt your devotion, but surely you are more likely to further it by letting people know what they are doing that you object to."
The man answered lazily in Polyglot, not opening his eyes. He gave a heavy sigh.
Knowledge is dangerous, Tebati; especially when a captive shares it.
He didn't seem willing to elaborate on his irritatingly vague statement.
Ansha shrugs at Kieran. "I'm not so convinced. He's definitely hiding something. It's possible Tebati and Qhude may find find out some answers I didn't--there are definitely questions I did not think to ask at the time. But I'm not sure our guests will be inclined to give them answers even if they think to ask the questions."
She pauses, mulling something over in her head. "What do you think? If you were a shaman in league with the ape-king, where would you run off to when your first plan failed?"
The man answered lazily in Polyglot, not opening his eyes. He gave a heavy sigh.
Knowledge is dangerous, Tebati; especially when a captive shares it.
"Yes," Tebati answers dryly, "you run the risk of achieving your goals without unnecessary violence." She turns her back and walks out.
Following after Tebati as she departs Qhude waits for them to be outside of easy earshot before he touches her shoulder to have her pause and turn to face him. Still speaking in Polyglot, he states flatly "Last night a mist lifted from my mind Sangoma... I realised that the induna is no better a man than you or I." Qhude's righ hand slipping to his neck to clasp his amulet.
"I have no family outside the umkhaya..." trailing off slightly before starting on a slightly different track "I burnt my flayleaf Sangoma... it is time that I cut free my past and looked forward."
Tebati cannot restrain a look of approval when Qhude announces he has disposed of the drug, but she waits for him to finish. "What do you see when you look forward?" she prompts him.
Qhude speaks with confidence but not fatalism when he replies "Darkness... but at the least it is before me... and not around me."
After a few seconds pause the bas'o asks in a more halting tone "I would ask of you a token Sangoma... it does not need to be much, but I would fashion a totem of our umkhaya." taking his hand away from his amulet to rest upon his newly fashioned leather armband.
The activity in the Camp continued, having slowly grown in intensity as the first two delved levels of the ancient structure were meticulously examined and the discoveries made studied to exhaustion. General Morvius had also doubled the crews assigned to force a clearing around the camp, extending the killing ground between the walls and the jungle.
The kitchen staff occasionally shot glances at Ansha. Some were hostile, but some seemed to be expectant; Ansha had agreed to apologise publicly.
Tebati notes Qhude's gaze falling on her glass charms and draws her dagger. Cutting off the knotted end of one string, she carefully removes a single blue-green bead and lays it in the Bas'o's palm before reknotting the strand. "I suppose we will not all be together again for a while," she says with sadness in her voice, "with my cousin scouting the supply route while the rest of us go into the structure."
Qhude takes the bead reverently "Thankyou Sangoma... and yes, N'bellocq needs to be away from us... but I will carry him here" thumping his chest with a fist. He stands silent for a few moments before excusing himself "Excuse me Sangoma, I should bid him well..." and with that he moves off to find N'bellocq and bid him farewell for the short term.
It was time. Ansha returns the hostile looks of the kitchen staff with a bright, sunny smile as she takes up a position conducive to being heard by those she had agreed to apologize in front of.
"Men and women, fellow-laborers of the camp! Lend me your ears!" Ansha calls with a sweep of her arm. Waiting for those around her to give her their attention, she then continues, "No doubt you have heard a name upon the wind, connected with the vicious assault we endured: Kamishah! It was a sad day I first came to suspect our dear cook of complicity with those who harass and hinder our work, as well you might imagine. Who could think ill of Kamishah the charmer, Kamishah the cook, Kamishah whose heart is big enough for two women at once?"
She pauses a moment. "But thankfully, recent events have proven that I was wrong about Kamishah. I was wrong that he was the ape-summoning shaman; yea, why would the ape-summoner have need to attempt to turn your hearts against me, your beloved elf-maiden? And yet this very thing Kamishah did when I accused him before you all--nay, no ape-summoning shaman of dark powers would feel so threatened! Let it be known, then, that your elven friend is ever vigilant that truth be upheld and no slander befall a soul that deserves it not! Kamishah, I am sorry."
Affecting a sad expression, she says, "Sorry that I mistook you for a diabolical, philandering mastermind; sorry, too, that you felt so threatened by my words that you would seek to darken my own name and draw further suspicion upon yourself in the so-doing--for, what need have the innocent to deflect blame? Yes, Kamishah, I am sorry, for no doubt you are blameless even in this--far be it from me to think otherwise. But instead of fear and suspicion, in the spirit of this venture, let us redouble our efforts to work harmoniously to the greater glory of Sargava and her shared destiny--colonial and Mwangi, elf and man, side-by-side in peace and prosperity! And on a more personal note, let the two of us put this behind us and begin again, that we too can exemplify the Grand Custodian's vision for a unified, harmonious nation where no one need cast aspersions on another!"
Tebati arrives back in the main area of the camp in time to witness Ansha's theatrical apology and listens to her performance with amusement. She watches Kamishah to see how he might react.
After wishing N'bellocq well on his trip Qhude is halfway to his bedroll when Ansha begins her speech. Though he does not understand many of the words and is sure that the elf is twisting her intent... she is still one of them. Qhude moves to stand a few feet back from her shoulder, silently and passively showing support through his presence.
Listening to the speech.
to himself. "Oh dear, dear, Ansha. Not your best work. Good thing we are going back into the pile. Might well be safer in there, fewer torches and pitchforks at least."