With the adrenaline fading--even if her mind is still a little foggy from the use of the mutagen--Arma starts really taking a look around. "Huh...well, hold on."
She takes out the notes given to them by Carver on the locations he hoped to find on the island.
Ancient Observatory: Somewhere in the mountains of Ancorato, Durvin Gest became lost during his expedition and stumbled upon an ancient tower that contained a trove of Azlanti writing, star charts etched into the walls, and a still-functional orrery used to chart the movement of the planets. Durvin was driven from the observatory by packs of creatures Carver believes were aberrations called chokers. Unfortunately, Carver does not know exactly where this observatory is—or even if it still stands after so many centuries.
"I think we've found our old observatory, guys. Hm...wonder if the hag took care of the chokers. Or if we have to watch for those buggers on top of everything else." Arma frowns at the thought. "Anyways--I think this might be worth heading back to town and reporting in. But first, we gotta figure out what we're gonna do about that cyclops, yeah?"
"True enough. Any idea how we can convince him that he's actually free to go?" Tessa asks, "He seemed pretty thoroughly cowed last time we met him."
"We can try to convince him. Since he can't see he might not believe us. We can't leave him here. He would starve without outside help." Relia tries to think of what they might do with the creature.
"Let's see if we can convince him he's free." Tessa decides.
She makes her way to the chamber with the cyclops, and looks at it, [b]"You've served here.... how long again? Do you want to stay, or go?" she asks.
Relia follows Tessa. "We want to give you your freedom. The hag is dead. We would like to take you back to your family if you have one."
The cylcops cringes initially when you return to speak to him, but when Relia mentions the hag is dead, he perks up. "You have slain Helekhterie? At last, that monster is no more! She has kept me prisoner here for nine years now. During that time, I have been bled, mutilated, and tortured. She has even taken my eye! I am glad that she is dead. I hoped she suffered as much as she made me suffer."
He turns his unseeing gaze on Relia. "I am Aeroclyse, and I am in your debt. Helekhterie abducted me from my tribe on an island in what you humans call the Shackles. I long to return to my people, and will be grateful if you could get me back to them. But first..." He tugs at the chains around his wrists and ankles. "I would appreciate if you can release me from my bonds."
"Of course, Aeroclyse. We'll do everything we can to help you." Tessa reassures the cyclops, "I wish we could even restore your eye, but I think that's beyond our ability, unfortunately. However, getting you out of these chains is something we absolutely can do." she raises her hand to work magic, then shakes her head, "Right, out of spells for today. Abigail?"
Abigail senses no deception from the cyclops. She breaks the chains holding him down, and he straightens to his full nine-foot height, wincing in pain as his muscles and joints ache. "Thank you. I am ready to leave this accursed place for good."
"The sea hag was deranged, convinced that she was the vessel through which the broken art of prophecy would be brought back to the world. She believed my presence here would somehow help her achieve her so-called destiny. You see now what came of all that."
Aeroclyse grunts. "Not all of my kind have fully devolved into savage brutes. Though we are a far cry from the glory days of our ancient empire, some of us still maintain some semblance of dignity."
"Cyclopes? Yeah, I think it was... Gol-ghan or something like that? It was a very, very long time ago, let's just say that. Long before Aroden ascended, probably before Earthfall even. But it was quite impressive, if I remember my readings right. But yes, you are welcome to leave, Aeroclyse, I just wish we could help you more."
"That's interesting. We'll get you out of here, and take you back to our settlement. Then we'll figure out how to get you back to the Shackles. We're a long way from there. It may take a while. At least you can feel fresh air, and the sun." Relia carefully reaches out to touch his hand. "I'm Relia, Aeroclyse. It's an honor to meet you."
She'll try to lead him out of the building. "We'll come back here later and explore ok Tessa?"
"Not to be rude," Arma says carefully, "But I dunno if it's a great idea for him to come back with us to town. Not meanin' no offense, but I think some people might be...intimidated, by your personage."
"None taken," Aeroclyse rumbles. "But I will not survive on my own blinded as I am. What would you suggest I do?"
"I'll walk with him. I don't have any way of sending a message to the village. Abigail can you move quickly and get to the village first. We can worry about the ship when the time comes."
Abigail moves slowly and carefully across the island while the rest of you escort Aeroclyse out of the tower. It is slow-going with the blind cyclops, who must walk carefully to navigate the difficult terrain without a mishap. You set up camp to rest of the night after a couple of hours, and Abigail continues on ahead of the main group again.
Early the next afternoon, she reaches Talmandor's Bounty. The colonists are overjoyed to see her return, and it isn't long before Ramona Avanth seeks her out. "Welcome back! You were gone for quite some time. We were starting to get worried. What happened? Where are the others?"
"Ah, I see," Ramona says. "Well, as long as you are certain this cyclops won't be a threat to us, then I think it will be okay to bring him here. I will speak to the others to let them know what to expect so that his appearance won't startle them. I, for one, am very interested to hear what this cyclops might be able to tell us about what's been happening on this island. Maybe he'll even have a clue as to what happened to the missing colonists."
Relia helps Aeroclyse navigate the terrain. "How long have you been here? I'm interested in hearing about your home if you feel like talking about it. I'm a midwife, and a colonist on this new land."