Grall cringes at Linah's rebuke, knowing he probably shares part of the blame.
Yet he gives the stranger a stern look as he speaks.
Yes let's make surrre it is him...
Gralls Falchion slips from his scabbard.
We have been met by this crrreaturrre's trrreachery morrre than once, we will take no chances!
He then looks to Zeladiel to secure the person's identity.
Arasmes listened to Linah but offered his own interruption, offering the alchemist a slight grateful nod for his interjection on his behalf.
I fear you have misunderstood me. When I speak of deeds, I am trying to tell you I want to perform them to help this new region. I must earn a name for myself in some manner or another; and I had hoped to do so here, for what I deem to be a worthy cause. What you did was not for glory- but there was glory in it nevertheless. It was incidental to your more intrinsic motivations- much like my own.
I think what you and Almah have done here is admirable; and although Sarenrae is not my patron deity I offer prayers to her daily. I believe I could be an asset to you and yours, Linah Jamil'Kaid.
As Grall bared his steel, Arasmes looked on at him with an amused smile.
The breach of both etiquette and protocol alone... But did the beast even understand my words? I did not ask to be tested upon the end of a sword.
It seems this jann truly has tested your wariness, but please, let us be civil. There is no need to draw your sword. I am actually an expert on such Outsiders, if I do say so myself; expertise you may wish to utilise, rather than destroy... A genie masquerading as a human is outside of their normal range of abilities- in particular, their sheer size is difficult to disguise. Likely a spell from the college of Transmutation, specifically the sub-school of Polymorphing was used to deceive you, or an item within his possession. Zeladiel will be able to test I am who I say I am with something of such minute detail that a genie could not have thought of extracting the information from me... Zeladiel, Linah, Khalid- I invite you to inspect my person and possessions for magical auras. I would rather you be certain I at least, am who I say I am. Let us be done with this.
Zeladiel interposes himself between the blade and the newcomer.
"GRALL! Put that away, NOW!" commands Zeladiel with a look of disgust that Grall hasn't seen since he was a slave.
Zeladiel turns his back to Grall and his blade and addresses the human.
"Master Arasmes, I do so humbly apologise for this behaviour. I thank you for your sacrifice but would not wish to insult you by probing you with my magics. And I certainly do not wish to make a habit of casting spells at my companions every time I regain sight of them." Zeladiel peers briefly over his shoulder at Nuveril.
"However, to satisfy the doubts of my companions would it please you to inform them of our fifth meeting?"
When Grall bares his steel, Garvel takes a long step forward to place his body in front of Almah. The lady herself catches herself from falling backwards with an arm and a slightly unladylike grunt while the single female servant near the door stumbles backwards.
The man stops just short of drawing his own blade but chokes off a command when Zeladiel speaks his first.
Tension spreads through the room like a cloud despite Arasmes and Zeladiel's efforts to calm things.
Grall looks at Garavel, You arrre mistaken if you think I would everrr hurrrt Almah.
This Zayfid creaturrre can appearrr as anyone, we arrre making surrre he is what he says he is.
He looks to the man to answer the question but does not put the blade away until he answers.
"Shame, Lady," Nuveril reproaches Almah. "You dressed for battle with the rest of us when we took Kelmarane. Will you now shrink from steel like a pampered princess? And as for the newcomer," she turns to Arasmes, "it amuses me that he considers the sheer fact of not-being-Zayifid sufficient to recommend him. This town is full of people who are not Zayifid; that does not qualify them as worthy companions."
Garavel remains in his ready stance, one hand resting on the hilt of his scimitar but he now has one eye on Grall and one eye on Arasmes.
Almah seems to go a half shade redder in response to Nuveril's taunt and she scrambles to her feet out from behind Garavel.
Planting a fist in each side she speaks with authority. That is enough! Enough!
There will be no weapons drawn in this chamber! Grall!
I am mindful of the trials you have faced but this is my sitting room not the arena! Be wary certainly but not imprudent! How would this jann have known to impersonate Master Arasmes? From your tale he expected you to fall against the gnolls did he not?
Linah rises with the other. The situation was getting out of hand and needed to come to a stop now, before the consequences became to dire, or in the worst case inrepairable. She puts a hand on Grall's arm and beckons him to lower his weapon. "Grall, please put away your sword", she says and looks the gnoll deep into his eyes. "Please believe me when i say that this is not the solution."
Keeping her hand on the gnoll barbarian's arm she turns to Almah, bowing her heaad. "I appolgize for our behavior. We have been through many trials and we have recently lost a friend dear to us all, and our manor is suffering for it. I can not excuse our conduct, i can merely present an explination. I hope that you can forgive us."
Zeladiel interposes himself between the blade and the newcomer.
"GRALL! Put that away, NOW!" commands Zeladiel with a look of disgust that Grall hasn't seen since he was a slave.
Zeladiel turns his back to Grall and his blade and addresses the human.
"Master Arasmes, I do so humbly apologise for this behaviour. I thank you for your sacrifice but would not wish to insult you by probing you with my magics. And I certainly do not wish to make a habit of casting spells at my companions every time I regain sight of them." Zeladiel peers briefly over his shoulder at Nuveril.
"However, to satisfy the doubts of my companions would it please you to inform them of our fifth meeting?"
Arasmes blatantly ignored the drawn sword as he considered Zeladiel's question.
You were studying in Master Rayhan's courtyard, as I seem to recall. By studying, I of course mean trying not to set his hedge on fire... he said with a grin. We conversed about your studies and compared our respective longbow's virtues before your Master came to greet me. Before I had announced myself, of course. He can be annoyingly anticipatory.
Arasmes considered Nuveril's words and then retorted softly-
I think it is somewhat telling that you choose a single aspect of my words and dance around it in triumph, huntress. I put myself forward offering my steel and skills as well as a not inconsiderable pool of knowledge about various lores- not least my intense studies of the Jann; which I have already posited as relevant to your cause. Perhaps the roar of a manticore on your journey has damaged your hearing- I have read that such beasts are rampant in this place.
The Kellid man looked straight at Nuveril as he continued to speak, ignoring the hubbub around the sword in an attempt to allow the Gnoll to salvage his dignity.
Would you care for it if I were to focus on only a single sentence of your words and base a judgement around it? I could for example, note that you chose not to answer my question regarding whether you trusted the Elf. If I chose to only look at that particular omission; it could speaks volumes...
He paused in an attempt to let that point sink in.
Quite simply however... I was merely offering you the courtesy of verifying my identity before wasting mine and your time touting my own skills. I can hardly put myself forward and petition to join your ranks if you are not even sure I am not your nemesis. I bear none of you ill will for your suspicions; they do you credit as a matter of fact. I also pledge that I will not hold back my knowledge of these Genies from you; this knowledge is at your disposal irrespective of whether you deign to have me accompany you. I would see you armed with knowledge should you have another run-in with this "Zayfid".
Arasmes considered Nuveril's words and then retorted softly-
I think it is somewhat telling that you choose a single aspect of my words and dance around it in triumph, huntress. I put myself forward offering my steel and skills as well as a not inconsiderable pool of knowledge about various lores- not least my intense studies of the Jann; which I have already posited as relevant to your cause. Perhaps the roar of a manticore on your journey has damaged your hearing- I have read that such beasts are rampant in this place.
The Kellid man looked straight at Nuveril as he continued to speak, ignoring the hubbub around the sword in an attempt to allow the Gnoll to salvage his dignity.
Would you care for it if I were to focus on only a single sentence of your words and base a judgement around it? I could for example, note that you chose not to answer my question regarding whether you trusted the Elf. If I chose to only look at that particular omission; it could speaks volumes...
He paused in an attempt to let that point sink in.
She shrugs. "Then let it speak. No, I don't trust him. I trust no one in this room, in this town. Why should I?" She glares at Linah. "You are all so quick to apologize for me, to scold me, to shame me. You forget this pleasant room was taken not with polite words but with blood and battle. Grall may cringe and cower before your disapproval if he wishes, but I am done with it." She looks back at Arasmes. "You want a place in this company? You can have mine. I signed on to kill gnolls, and the gnolls are dead. I am done." With a final scowl at Almah, she stalks out of the room.
Grall lowers his blade as indicated by Khalid but waited for the new man to answer before doing as he was bid by Linah and putting the blade away.
Seemingly satisfied by the answer and Zeladiel's nod of approval Grall puts the blade away.
Grall drops his large head and speaks to their host no longer able to meet her eyes, Almah, I am sorrry for the breech of prrrotocal and dishonorrring you in yourrr home. Therrrre is no excuse...I will submit to yourrr punishment as you see fit.
I have also dishonorrred yourrr guest, I should be punished forrr this as well..., he waits to hear about the expected punishment or lashings, old habits are harder to break than even Grall would believe.
Grall gives the halfing a growl as she storms out almost reaching for his blade again...her words would not be forgotten...
A little taken aback by the reaction from Nuveril, Arasmes was slow to respond to Grall.
Your devotion to your companions safety does you credit and one must consider your background and origins when observing and judging your behaviour. Etiquette and protocol are not ingrained into Gnoll culture and by the standards of most of them... You are quite civil. As far as I am concerned, no harm was done. I see no need for a punishment and you walk along a clear path where you and I are concerned. It is however, not my place to judge you for the slights to Almah and her home. I would not be so rude as to speak for her in this particular matter.
He turned to Khalid and Linah, the apparent leaders of the strained group. He gestured towards the exit.
I apologise if I struck a chord with your companion- I did not mean to give offence. Will she return?
Its apparent to everyone in the room that Grall responds to Khalid and Linah's urgings rather than Almah's.
Garavel stares at the gnoll as if at least half way keen to take up his offer of punishment but the mayoress is more difficult to read as she stares absently at the door Nuveril just stalked through.
There will be no talk of punishment. I am no longer your Mistress Grall.
And I must also apologise to you Masater Arasmes. For the questioning of your honor under my roof. She nods her head. Just the correct amount given your respective stations.
I do not know what Nuveril will do and I do not know how to convince her I am on your side. Her side. Of you all she has the least personal connection with this town and its people. There will always be more gnolls to battle and I fear she will end her life fighting them alone.
My first priority is and must be the safety and prosperity of Kelmarane. Something that you seem to have ensured and for that you have my warmest gratitude. My focus now shifts to what can be done to help you meet this apparent threat to yourselves. So what can I do?
I must confess I do not know although again I fear that seperating can only play into your enemies hands. In any event, I think we have had enough discussion for today.
Master Arasmes has been given quarters befitting his station nearby. One of the new adjacent houses for visiting guests. I have had servants maintain your own dwelling. Perhaps Nuveril will return there of her own volition?
Grall I am sure Haleen is eager to see you. I am surprised she is not here already although for most of your time away she seemed impervious to worry. I will tell Undrella and the others of Sajan's passing and the manner of it.
I will turn out as many guards as I can and have them report anything suspicious. I fear even Elia is ill-equipped to locate a shapechanger though.
With her back to Arasmes she gives Khalid a "we will talk later" look.
Nuveril makes her way back down to the battle market floor, the guards on the steps quick to get out of her way.
In the market her appearance attracts just as many eyes as before. Several traders even make to approach her until they meet her eyes. And then they fall back before what they see there.
The halfling notes absently that the half-orc fist fighter that was so keen to challenge Sajan before you left to fight the Carrion King is nowhere to be seen.
She has her pack, several days of food and water. She could go anywhere...
Linah stands stunned at Nuveril's words visibly shaken. Instead of briding the gap between the newcomer and the group she had shot a splinter through the party. She had tried her best to help. She was determined to see to that Nuveril found her sister. Still the barbarian didn't trust her. That realization was the thoughest of all.
"I will try and talk to her. Please excuse me", she says wearily and leaves the tent to look for Nuveril.
Linah wanders up to the halfling barbarian. "Can we talk?"
Nuveril is heading out of Kelmarane, back the way they came, back to the blink dogs' territory. She sighs wearily as Linah calls after her but stops and waits for the cleric to catch up to her, without looking back. "More talk. Always talk. What is it you have to say, Linah?"
Linah steps up to stand next to the halfling. She looks out into the distance. "Yes, there is always more talk. It is who i am and what i believe. I can not change that." Linah looks to Nuveril trying to make eye contact. "I can not change what you are either. I can only ask for your understanding. With what happened to your parents and the treachery displayed by Zayifid, i can understand that you are suspicious about my faith. What i can not understand is why you are suspicious of me. What have i done to harm you? What has Khalid, Grall and Zeladiel done to deserve your distrust?"
"I see you as more than an ally. I see you as a friend. I have put my trust in you and i have yet to regret it. It pains me that you look at me as a threat." Linah sighs and looks back to the horizon. "I can not stop you from leaving. And if that is what you want i will not try to stop you. But i do not want us to part as enemies. I do not want you to leave."
"In a few days time i will leave with Zeladiel for Katapesh to help him discover what the sunset ship wants from him, and make sure that they do not get it. The letter he recieved talked about the rough seed. So did the journal we found underneath the House of the Beast. The journal that also spoke about your sister. We would be stronger if you joined us."
I apologise if I struck a chord with your companion- I did not mean to give offence. Will she return?
"It is we who have given offence, and we who must apologise. Nuveril is not without honour, but she is a barbarian with no knowledge of civilised customs, and no desire to learn them. While Grall may forget himself, he at least realises the benefits of civilisation and even wishes it upon the lesser races. The halfing rejects all she does not understand, which is to say most things. But I have reason to believe the blood of Andrathi may flow through her veins. If so, the gods must have some purpose for such an anomaly."
Grall eyes keep pulling him to the outside...as the tone gets more civil and things calm down he looks to Khalid, I am of no use to you herrre, you have things well in hand Khalid.
I will speak with you again in the morrrning. I trust yourrr judgement in all matter, if Master Arasmes should join us the I will accept yourrr decision. I will not let Zeladiel make this journey alone.
He nods to the newcomer...
Once he is dismissed he heads straight to Haleen...after this long journey he yearns for his love...
Linah steps up to stand next to the halfling. She looks out into the distance. "Yes, there is always more talk. It is who i am and what i believe. I can not change that." Linah looks to Nuveril trying to make eye contact. "I can not change what you are either. I can only ask for your understanding. With what happened to your parents and the treachery displayed by Zayifid, i can understand that you are suspicious about my faith. What i can not understand is why you are suspicious of me. What have i done to harm you? What has Khalid, Grall and Zeladiel done to deserve your distrust?"
"I see you as more than an ally. I see you as a friend. I have put my trust in you and i have yet to regret it. It pains me that you look at me as a threat." Linah sighs and looks back to the horizon. "I can not stop you from leaving. And if that is what you want i will not try to stop you. But i do not want us to part as enemies. I do not want you to leave."
"In a few days time i will leave with Zeladiel for Katapesh to help him discover what the sunset ship wants from him, and make sure that they do not get it. The letter he recieved talked about the rough seed. So did the journal we found underneath the House of the Beast. The journal that also spoke about your sister. We would be stronger if you joined us."
"Katapesh!" she chuckles bitterly. "When you have all made it clear I am not fit to open my mouth even in Kelmarane? The three of you, you treat Grall and me like pets, or children. Only Grall is the favored pet because he is the most domesticated. Are they not back in the battle market apologizing for the barbaric halfling who is too ignorant not to speak what is in her heart, too uneducated to believe that wealth and possessions and the accident of birth make one person more worthy of respect than another? Sajan understood that it is a person's deeds rather than his rank that should demand respect. But Sajan is gone. And now we have this stranger, who has wealth and position and speaks of the value of his vast knowledge," she says sardonically. "A friend of the elf, to talk over my head about things I do not understand and tell me where to turn my hammer and where to put it away. Grall may choose to grovel for your approval like a chastised puppy, but I am not a slave. I am a warrior, and free!"
She looks toward the cleric, and her voice softens. "There are more choices than simply trust or distrust, friendship or enmity. Does the lion trust or distrust the eagle? Or are their worlds too different for the word to have any meaning? I trust you do to as you think is best, both for the others and for me, but what you choose for me with a full heart and the best of intentions might not be what I would choose for myself. It does not make you my enemy, but it makes us different."
She stares up at Linah. "I have never asked any of you to change, to reject the ways of your people, but with every rebuke, that is what you are asking of me. My tribe values the man who speaks his mind and is strong enough to back his words with his arm; your people seem only to value those who twist their words to please the powerful and hide what is in their heart. If a party of the Lions of the Savannah had returned from slaughtering an army of gnolls, they would have been honored by all! Instead, I am shamed for daring to speak the truth before my 'betters.'" She spits the word resentfully.
"This is no place for me. There is no place for me. I cannot go back to the Lions. In Kelmarane, all I see are the faces of those who killed my mother. My sister... if she even still lives, she is 'civilized' like you. What could I ever be to her but what I am to you all: an embarrassment?" She turns to gaze at the horizon decidedly. "You do not want me in Katapesh. I would be always saying the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing, being the wrong thing."
Linah looks at Nuveril with sad eyes. "I guess that you are right. We have expected you to take our customs as your own without considering yours. You are not an embarrassment. You are a friend, and it hurts me greatly that i have made you feel anything but that. I am sorry."
She draws a deep breath. "We both believe that is is your actions that make you what you are, not your wealth or your social statue. But neither is it a cause for disrespect. I believe that you should reserve judgement until one has shown you who they really are. I think at times that your accusations have gone to far, but when i have snapped at you i done the same. I am sorry for that as well", the cleric says with a heavy voice.
"There is a place for you with us. If you want it."
Nuveril continues to stare out into the wilderness for a few moments, then nods slowly. "I am going to find the ancestor-dogs and hunt with them, as I promised. I will sleep with them in the field if they will have me." She turns to look at Linah. "And then I will come back. If you all wish the stranger to join us, I have no objection, but I will address him as I do the rest of you, as a man, not as a prince. He gets no special treatment from me."
"I do not think you want me with you in Katapesh, however. Discuss it well. Here I am at least known for my deeds, and I am still not welcome in polite society. In Katapesh, I am nothing but a barbarian and a member of a slave race. If I spoke in the presence of a noble of the city as I spoke before Almah, what would they have done to me? Arrest me? Beat me? If your mission requires you to flatter rich fools, I would do nothing but hinder it. I make no promise to do as Grall does, to keep my mouth shut and my eyes on the ground like a servant. Add to that the fact that I could die more happily never having seen Katapesh than having been persuaded to go there."
She sighs. "You are not to blame for everything done by those who claim to follow your Sun-Lady, any more than I bear responsibility for the deeds of other Lions -- or other halflings. Khalid is a good leader," she admits. "You are...." She doesn't know how to finish the sentence but reaches out to touch Linah's hand gently with her rough fingers. "As for the rest ... they are not Zayifid," she shrugs with a smirk. "I will return tomorrow." With two fingers, she touches her head and chest to Linah in farewell.
"Thank you", Linah says and gives Nuveril a smile. "If our mission require us to flatter rich fools, then I can keep you company and leave such tasks to someone else." The cleric relaxes and her shoulders rise as if a weight have been dropped from them. "I am so tired, I should go rest. I will see you tomorrow. Have a good hunt. Be safe." Linah repeats Nuveril's gesture and watches the halfling as she walks out onto the desert plains.
Relieved she turns and walks back to Almah's tent. "Nuveril has gone to hunt with the blink dogs. She will return tomorrow."
As late afternoon begins to give way to evening Nuveril leaves the town behind while Linah returns to the others.
Kadisa has already left to see the church. Khalid stays on to have a private discussion with Almah while Linah, Zeladiel and Arasmes make their way to the group's dwelling in the lower town, the old harbormaster's manor. The later two discuss news of Zeladiel's master Rayhan and his concern that his student had suddenly become immune to his attempts at scying. Counting the days Zeladiel at least is able to conclude that the block occured at the same time as the group retrieved the mysterious scroll of Kakishon.
Grall returns to the small house that he shares with Haleen.
Haleen is waiting for you and gives you a tender welcome although she fusses at some of the new scars you've managed to pick up.
As Almah suggested she seems saddened but not at all suprised at news of Sajan's passing although she waves away at least for now how she could have known of it.
She is pensive but thoughtful when you tell her about the scroll and the deceitful jann and reinforces what Almah said about the rumours sweeping through the town. One tale at least is that the mysterious treasure is a scroll although plenty of other possibilities are mentioned as well.
She looks at you with a bit of sadness. Did you find your aunt?
You leave Kelmarane behind, the stink of the settlement fading from your nostrils to be replaced by sweet clean air blowing in from the south. You have a general idea of the location of the ancestor dog's nearest primary den although you've never been there.
From experience the dogs roam far and wide. They may well be absent tonight but out of the mountains the nights are cool but not unpleasant and you could easily manage with your bedroll and blanket if you had to.
You find the den, a large natural cave, after an hour and a half or so and a half dozen, or about half the adult pack, are there. They welcome you warmly enough in their fashion after the grizzled alpha nods as if in acceptance. The large male is not as quick as some of the other adults but seems to hold his place in the pack regardless. The ancestor dogs seem to honour wisdom over physical strength unlike mundane animals.
You set your bedroll and close your eyes.
..................
Hours later you are awakened by a cold muzzle in your face. Opening your eyes to the pre-dawn light you expect to see the once-juvenile but another dog entirely looks down at you. This one is old, very old, her muzzle streaked with white. You have never seen her before.
Silently she pads towards the cave entrance and stops, looking back as if bading you to follow. The other dogs remain asleep.
Aside from Nuveril you find your beds early and rest well. It is a new day.
Grall nuzzles with Haleen. When he brings up the scroll as he tells their story, a scowl comes over his face. I fearrr that it will take me away frrrom you, it brrrings the bearrrerrr grrreat dangerrr. I fearrr forrr whomeverrr carrrrries it. The cowarrrd Zayfid may trrry to strrrike if he finds out wherrre it is kept.
I must go to Katapesh with Zeladiel, will you come with us? I want to finish my prrromise to your uncle that I would brrring you back. He has kept his parrrt, I am frrree. I feel I still owe him a debt of honorrr...it would be good forr you to at least see him beforrre he passes. If not forrr him we might all be lost.
When they talk of his Aunt, I neverrr rrreally talked with herrr. Maybe it was the confusion of the battle and the ensuing death of many Gnolls, I am not surrre. She prrrobably fled with what followerrrs she could.
My people arrre lost Haleen, tools to be used by the Rrrough beast for his destrrruction. They will be grrround to dust between it and the forrrces seeking to stop him.
He rough and scarred hand reaches and grasps hers. I don't deserrrve you...why arrre you still herrre?
To Grall, love is so much harder to handle than hate....
Zeladiel spends little time resting- he finds himself thinking too much. He thought he had come to terms with his parent's deaths. It had all been so long ago. Without them he has grown, matured and become an adult. He thinks his parents would be proud of him. He feels guilty that he can't remember his father's face. When he remembers his mother's face, her lifeless eyes stare through him. And so Zeladiel is busy.
He searches for news of caravans heading back to Katapesh, hoping to sign on as a guard. He apologises to Almah and to Garavel for 'abandoning' them, promising a swift return while hoping he tells the truth. His possessions are sorted and readied and sorted again. He joins Khalid and checks up on the sales of the party loot. He forsakes Grall and instead spends time catching up with Arasmes, asking questions about what is happening in Katapesh. He joins Linah in regular prayers and studiously avoids discussing Nuveril with her. He wonders if Nuveril misses a family she never knew, but Zeladiel does his best to avoid the halfling. She could only be a liability in Katapesh, and yet he wants her hammer at his back. He wants them all to come. He will need friends he can rely on, friends he can trust. For he knows only too well the complex schemes and plots unfolding everywhere in Katapesh. No one can be trusted. No one will be safe. And so Zeladiel remains silent and invites no one.
"We will speak more later I am sure but for now I need to retire. The dawnflowers blessing upon you all", Linah excuses herself and leaves the meeing. She steers her steps towards the church of Kelmare.
She is unprepared for the overwhelming serenity that sweeps over her as she enters the temple. Almost to the point that she looses her balance when her legs nearly melts away underneath her. Linah manages to steady herself against a wall and remain standing. The light inside the church radiate with life. Powerful yet gentle. Linah hadn't realised how much she had missed this place. She could feel her doubts lifting, growing lighter to bear.
The cleric reaches into her backpack and produces a lenght of silken cloth and a metal star. The belt Sajan wore with his monk vestments and one of his throwing stars. Linah kneels at the temple entrance and with some words of power she melds the items to the stone floor. The belt creates a circle for the star to rest within. Before completing the spell Linah writes a few words around the circle in a elegant and flowing script.
In memory of Sajan Krama Sumna. Without him none of this would be possible.
May she bless you also, Linah Jamil'Kaid Arasmes replied politely. As the group left he turned to Almah-
Well, Almah... That went about as well as I had expected it to. Drawn swords, identity verifications, threats and a complete breach of etiquette. I am sorry for my part in their reaction. Does it not worry you how fractured your greatest allies are? Of course, they have been through a lot lately... Are they usually this chaotic?
For his part, Arasmes was not intrusive. He had made his offer to Linah, Khalid and the group they championed and did not seek to press his presence upon them. When he did encounter any of them in the town he gave a polite wave and smile but never sought conversation unless it was initiated by another.
Arasmes eagerly told Zeladiel all about current happenings in Katapesh and asked him to inform him of anything that could be useful on the journey there. Although the nobleman found it amusing that he would be travelling back the way he had came in such a short time, he simply assumed his presence with Zeladiel when he heard that he would make a journey there.
Although the staggeringly intelligent warrior/scholar had clearly realised that some things were being left unsaid, he did not press Master Rayhan's former apprentice for information.
A surge of divine power adds itself to the strength of Linah's spell. Sajan's items are now embedded in one of the great stone blocks that make up the church's foundations. Part of them, but visible also along with their enduring message to everyone using the great double doors.
The Vudrani monk had a different pantheon of gods entirely and a different patron but the priestess has the strong feeling that her sun goddess approves.
Grall nuzzles with Haleen. When he brings up the scroll as he tells their story, a scowl comes over his face. I fearrr that it will take me away frrrom you, it brrrings the bearrrerrr grrreat dangerrr. I fearrr forrr whomeverrr carrrrries it. The cowarrrd Zayfid may trrry to strrrike if he finds out wherrre it is kept.
I must go to Katapesh with Zeladiel, will you come with us? I want to finish my prrromise to your uncle that I would brrring you back. He has kept his parrrt, I am frrree. I feel I still owe him a debt of honorrr...it would be good forr you to at least see him beforrre he passes. If not forrr him we might all be lost.
When they talk of his Aunt, I neverrr rrreally talked with herrr. Maybe it was the confusion of the battle and the ensuing death of many Gnolls, I am not surrre. She prrrobably fled with what followerrrs she could.
My people arrre lost Haleen, tools to be used by the Rrrough beast for his destrrruction. They will be grrround to dust between it and the forrrces seeking to stop him.
He rough and scarred hand reaches and grasps hers. I don't deserrrve you...why arrre you still herrre?
To Grall, love is so much harder to handle than hate....
I will come. I think I need too although my powers are still ... uncertain. I will speak to Uncle. My father too if needs be. I won't go back though. That part of my life is over and they will need to accept that.
As to the last, she steps up on tiptoes to carress your face. Silly gnoll. I am here because I love you. And this time I will not be left behind.
Later you meet with Almah alone and fill her in on the precise nature of what you found in the Temple of the Beast.
She has no helpful information on the scroll herself but does urge you to seek out others who might. Father Zantus knows many of Nethys secrets. Whether he knows of this one I do not know. If there is anyone who would though it must be Zeladiel's master Rayhan. The elf has probably mentioned it but the mage is an expert in the lore of old Nex.
Well, Almah... That went about as well as I had expected it to. Drawn swords, identity verifications, threats and a complete breach of etiquette. I am sorry for my part in their reaction. Does it not worry you how fractured your greatest allies are? Of course, they have been through a lot lately... Are they usually this chaotic?
Goddess knows it concerns me quite a bit. She smiles. But as they say a beggar cannot be a chooser. The initial task of retaking the town with a handful of soliders was close to foolhardy. And the reality was so much more than that. They are each formidable individuals and together there is something of greatness in them. The goddess's hand as it were.
I learnt early on I could only hope to guide rather than direct them. I realised that the prosperity of the town, my town would rise and fall on their efforts and I have been proven right. It will be a pleasure seeing if you have better fortune, Master Arasmes.
The quarters allocated to you are comfortable, perfectly callibrated to be suitable for a person of your status, although you have not spent much time there. You have two servants to attend to your daily needs. Certainly they report back to Almah as to your doings but that is simply to be expected.
It is an intriguing dance that you are stepping with Almah. You are hardly a smooth talker but then you have got the definite impression that she is more attracted to men of intelligence and action, qualities you believe you exemplify.
You have judged your progress by her factors apparent illease. By that measure you seem to be doing rather well.
You have heard all of the rumours winging around town. The product clearly of some kind of focused campaign given their scope and timing. The only difference is the exact nature of the treasure itself.
You follow the old dog back in the direction of Kelmarane. Even moving carefully, you have no trouble keeping up. She walks slowly, seemingly with more than a touch of arthritis in her hind legs.
Dawn breaks as you walk, the dog stopping momentarily to take it in. She raises her muzzle to it, basking in the glow.
You walk around a hill and up a slope you can see the town above you, about three quarters of a mile away. You are about due west of it with the pesh fields a few hundred yards to your left.
The dog stops and turns to face you, herself directly between you and the town. With great care she begins to draw her right paw in the dirt, making intricate patterns and growling.
You are not sure what is going on until the image begins to form in the air. It is slightly to her side, an imaginary vista overlayed across your view upwards. You can see through it but the dog is changing what is there. A sapling stump becomes a tree, waving slightly in a wind that you cannot feel. Bushes disappear. In the distance the far buildings of the town change, new ones springing up and existing ones falling down. Some begin to burn, silent flames reaching up to a subtly different sky.
Into that field two women comes into existence. Stumbling down the slope, running almost directly at you.
The first is one of your race, a halfling, or so it seems. Her hair, iron grey, is set in rings and deep wrinkles tell her age. She wears a servant's smock and apron and clutches a small bundle to her breast, cradling it tightly with both hands against the ripping fingers of undergrowth.
The second is a human woman of middle years, perhaps a merchant or a tavernkeeper by her clothes and the long ornate dagger she grips.
Images form behind the two, they are being pursued. There are a half dozen perhaps. Those who follow are tall, human sized. They do not seem quite human though. Their eyes seem to glow an almost unearthly red, full of hatred and rage. One bears a hatchet, another a kitchen knife, another a table leg. They are screaming through open mouths although you cannot hear.
The chase can only end one way. The halfling woman's legs are too short, the pursuers too close. The human woman seems to realise it too. With a cry to the other, she stops and turns, burying her blade deep into the chest of the closest. Howling, the rest fall on her.
The woman manages to take another one perhaps but the end is predictable. The group do not appear content with just killing her though, what is left on the ground is barely recognisable.
Meanwhile the halfling woman runs on without looking back. She is very close to you now. There is a well concealed channel around the hill, the way you just came with the dog. If she could make that then perhaps she could be away.
... but then she loses her footing. You can imagine the cry of pain from her open mouth as she slides. But still she holds the bundle up with both hands, protecting it.
By the time she regains her feet, the chasers are nearly on her again. There is no pity in their eyes, no mercy.
The woman risks a look backward. There is nothing she can do now. She cannot fight. She cannot escape.
She continues to try the last anyway...
She must be able to feel their hot breath on her back...
... and then from your side, the side you cannot see, come an equal number of small four-legged forms. The ancestor dogs, they appear and vanish and appear again, snarling and biting, driving the humans back, despite their fervor.
The woman runs on, passing the edge of the image. You fancy that you see a clump of black hair sticking out one end of the bundle. If the tiny figure within ever cried out you could not have hear it.
With that the image collapses. All is as it was. The dog looks at you. She looks tired and old.
Above you the town is quiet. It is a new day but noone is about yet.
A day and a night has passed as you have rested following your trials. It is the 6th day of Rova.
As she promised Nuveril returned yesterday.
Master Arasmes has come to your dwelling at Zeladiel's invitation to discus travel plans. By now all of you are aware of the elf's desire to circumvent his apparent deadline of months end imposed by the mysterious Captain of the Sunset Ship.
Grall has brought Haleen, the petite woman wearing a simple blue dress although the heat of the day seems to trouble her about as much as the barbarian.
That evening Grall searches for Khalid until he finds him and takes him aside.
It is too dangerrrous forrr you to be alone anymorrre. While you carrrry "that which we have found" I will accompany you. I wish you to stay with Haleen and me forrr now, it will be saferrr.
You arrre ourrr pack leaderrr but sometimes the pack knows betterrr and must be listened too as well...
Linah had spent most of her life walking with Sarenrae. By now she was confident that she could represent the will of the goddess, still the feeling of approval from her matron was a welcomed reassurance. Her weariness disapates when she approaches the altar and begins to pray.
That evening Linah falls into an untroubled sleep. Her past trials are laid to rest behind her and she wakes up feeling the strengthened and determined to overcome the comming trials as well.
She nods at Arasmes and greets the keleshite he enters. "Good morning, master Ik-Abhald. Sarenrae's blessings be opon you."
Already in good spirits her face cracks open in an even wider smile when Grall joins with Haleen. "It is good to see you again, Haleen. I trust that you are well?" she asks and bows to the girl.
But the old halfling woman, who is she? Her mother's mother? Her father's? Or simply a woman of no relation, trying to save her own life and that of a helpless child? As for the bundle, her heart tells her it is her, although it could as easily be her sister; both somehow came alive out of the charnel house that was Kelmarane. Where was her father? And the other twin?
As the vision fades, Nuveril kneels before the messenger-spirit dog in respect, her head bent low to the ground. "Thank you, ancestor-dog, for this vision, and for my life, or that of my sister. I am sworn to hunt with your pack today, in commemoration of our triumph over the gnolls. I would be honored if you would take the best of the meat I kill as some small repayment for the debt I owe you."
Before heading back toward the rest of the pack, Nuveril stands and examines the slope of the hill, trying to pick out the precise spot where the human woman met her death. She then drives one of her javelins into the ground at that place so she can find it again. Laying her hand on the soil into which the blood soaked, she puts two fingers on her chest in respect to the dead. "Thank you," she whispers. "You died a warrior."
Nuveril rejoins with the pack for the hunt. She uses her knife to cut up the rabbits she catches, sharing the meat with the dogs. She makes sure her first friend among the pack gets a good share, but she preserves the tenderest bits of meat for the old messenger-spirit dog, if she agrees to accept her gift, saving the stringy muscles and tough bits to the younger dogs with stronger teeth.
On her way back to Kelmarane, she passes by the hillside where the dog had taken her in the morning and stops where her javelin is piercing the soil. Judging by their manner of dress, the human had been the more important of the two women. It could easily have been the other way, with the halfling being caught and the taller woman with her longer legs getting away. Why would a woman so willingly give her life to save a halfling and a child?
Nuveril returns to Kelmarane in the mid-afternoon. She is somber and filthy, the road dust from the long journey added to by the dirt and blood from the successful hunt. She approaches the door of the house Almah deeded to the group but barely darkens the threshold. "Linah," she asks quietly, not bothering to greet anyone else inside, "will you come?"
|
That evening Grall searches for Khalid until he finds him and takes him aside.
It is too dangerrrous forrr you to be alone anymorrre. While you carrrry "that which we have found" I will accompany you. I wish you to stay with Haleen and me forrr now, it will be saferrr.
You arrre ourrr pack leaderrr but sometimes the pack knows betterrr and must be listened too as well...
Hearing the gnoll's concern, Khalid smiles, "Grall, you know very well that my role as company's leader is not a role that I relish, but one that I serve out of duty. While I may not always heed what advise Linah, Zeladiel, Nuveril, or you may have for me, I do always at least listen provided the time. If my staying with you and Haleen will ease your mind, I will do so, my friend."
But no eyeing my mate! he grins at Khalid...
It is about this time that you suddenly notice that Gralls fur , or what is left of it, is starting to take on a Red coloring unlike most Gnolls that you have met.
Maybe it is the sun, maybe it is his belief in Sarenrae, or maybe some odd exposure to Haleen...it has been gradual but he definitely looks a little different.
Nuveril returns to Kelmarane in the mid-afternoon. She is somber and filthy, the road dust from the long journey added to by the dirt and blood from the successful hunt. She approaches the door of the house Almah deeded to the group but barely darkens the threshold. "Linah," she asks quietly, not bothering to greet anyone else inside, "will you come?"
"Of course I will", Linah anwsers happy to see Nuveril return. She excuses herself and follows the halfling.
Linah walks next to the halfling barbarian. She walks in silence waiting for Nuveril to say the first word. As they walk it becomes appearant that the barbarian has other things on her mind. Linah almost looses hope before Nuveril points out the landmark. She places her hand on Nuveril's shoulder before approaching the site and kneeling next to the spear. "Do you know who she was?" she asks Nuveril.
Khalid has moved his possessions from the wharfmaster's house to Grall and Haleen's cottage in the upper town. It is not large but large enough to avoid embarassment. That leaves Linah and Zeladiel in the house with Arasmes quartered near the market. Nuveril of course has spent time elsewhere.
6th of Rova
She nods at Arasmes and greets the keleshite he enters. "Good morning, master Ik-Abhald. Sarenrae's blessings be opon you."
Already in good spirits her face cracks open in an even wider smile when Grall joins with Haleen. "It is good to see you again, Haleen. I trust that you are well?" she asks and bows to the girl.
I am well Linah and pleased to see you hale. The woman presses her hands against yours and kisses you on the cheek. I am very sorry about Sajan.
Aside from the daemon's influence, you've come to know the former flame witches cheery countenance quite well. She seems to avoid use of her magics though, her hair having grown back to a respectable length in the last eighteen months.
I'm here because this time Grall is not leaving without me. She settles into a chair and folds her legs under her.
Now I am biased but I would think the larger the party the better both to avoid fights and have many sets of eyes to spot this jann. I bet now the gnoll threat seems to be over Almah would offer to send soldiers as well.
Kind of assuming that we have all gathered the next day...he addresses Zeladiel in front of the others.
Zeladiel, you will not make yourrr jourrrney alone. You have been a steadfast frrriend and ally and we stand with you, whatever may come!You seem like you arrre marrrching to yourrr doom, what is it exactly that someone wants from you...I don't rrreally underrrstand it all...
"I can take some comfort in that his spirit is at rest, but his passing is great loss", Linah replies. "I need to leave, but I will be back soon."
It is a sombering moment for Linah when she listens to the hafling speak. She gives her a nod as the barbarian finishes then turns to adress the marked ground. "I do not know your name, but I do know of your actions. Granting life to your fellow man at such high of a price takes bravery and a kind soul. If all held the strength, courage and benevolence you displayed this world would be a kinder place to live in. I do not know if you are listening, but I would like to say thank you."
Linah finshes with a prayer to Sarenrae then rises to her feet. "I will ask master Kadisa to plan a tree here and to care for it while I am gone", she tells Nuveril. "Are you ready to head back?"
Nuveril has never made any attempt to warm to the flame witch, contemptible both for her profession and for her past servitude to the gnolls, preferring rather to leave when she is present than to abide her company. With both Haleen and the newcomer Arasmes in attendance, she sits in a window, more outside the house than in, and glares at the interlopers.
Kind of assuming that we have all gathered the next day...he addresses Zeladiel in front of the others.
Zeladiel, you will not make yourrr jourrrney alone. You have been a steadfast frrriend and ally and we stand with you, whatever may come!You seem like you arrre marrrching to yourrr doom, what is it exactly that someone wants from you...I don't rrreally underrrstand it all...
"I am grateful for your concern and for your desire to accompany me but there is nothing for you in Katapesh," Zeladiel responds dismissively.
"Someone has sent me a letter concerning a debt my father owed them. The writer claims to be captain of a legendary ship not seen for decades and the debt owed is supposed to be a Rough Seed. I have no proof they speak the truth." Zeladiel's eyes dart briefly to Linah."If the letter is a fake, your time will be wasted as well as mine. If it proves true..." Zeladiel pauses to choose his words. "...the contract has nothing to do with you. There are no battles to fight in Katapesh. Only lies, deceit, treachery and murder. Many die from poison without ever knowing they have an enemy, let alone facing them. They have a name for warriors like us in Katapesh - Pawns."