Nuveril sizes up Arasmes' fine clothing before swinging the goat over her own shoulder by its legs, unworried about the addition of blood and hair to her leather armor and rough apparel. "You will have a fine feast to share tonight," she remarks, "if you can find someone to prepare it for you. The bird-woman in the old tannery is a good cook, if you don't fear her kind."
Perhaps I shall visit her then. I had hoped for more sporting prey, but I enjoyed this excursion with you. Shall we head back? Arasmes said, not reacting to the blood and gore on the halfling.
Nuveril will deliver Arasmes's goat wherever he wants it deposited. After that, even she realizes she could use a bath before the drying blood and bits of goat skin attract biting insects.
Nuveril will deliver Arasmes's goat wherever he wants it deposited. After that, even she realizes she could use a bath before the drying blood and bits of goat skin attract biting insects.
Linah is on to tree planting by the time Arasmes and Nuveril return, the halfling bathing briefly in the river. The mountain flows are at about their lowest but the waters are still cold and clean.
Nuveril rinses the freshest stains off her clothing while she is bathing and returns to the party's home in Kelmarane, her hair dripping but the rest of her merely damp after the exertion of climbing the hill to the town.
When Zeladiel checks in that evening, he is relieved to find Nuveril has returned.
"Greetings. In case you have not been informed, we leave on the morrow. My apologies if that leaves you little time to prepare. By way of recompense, I have exacted payment for us all. If you think it too small, I will pay you extra."
Zeladiel bows, then turns to find Arasmes.
"Payment?" Nuveril retorts incredulously. "For what? I am not for hire."
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Khalid sighs, shaking his head at the latest thing Nuveril has taken offense to.
"Do you not intend to go to Katapesh with the rest of us? If you are going, this is nothing more than compensation for your time and effort. You are a warrior, you could use this money, along with what you have earned in our previous endeavors to strengthen your hammer or perhaps your armor to make yourself an even better warrior."
"Those who pay a person," she replies to Khalid, "tend to expect their payment to purchase obedience. I had enough of fighting battles not my own with the salamanders. Besides, are you not going to Katapesh anyway? Why should you be compensated for doing what you would do with or without this caravan? Ought you not rather to pay him for the convenience of traveling with his party rather than making the journey alone?"
Zeladiel bows to Nuveril again.
"I apologise if I have given offence. You shall not be paid as per your wish. I look forward to departing with you on the morrow."
Again, Zeladiel bows and turns to find Arasmes.
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"Those who pay a person," she replies to Khalid, "tend to expect their payment to purchase obedience. I had enough of fighting battles not my own with the salamanders. Besides, are you not going to Katapesh anyway? Why should you be compensated for doing what you would do with or without this caravan? Ought you not rather to pay him for the convenience of traveling with his party rather than making the journey alone?"
"I see your point of view, Nuveril, but this is a simple matter of signing on as a caravan guard, much like when we first came to Kelmarane. It just so happens to be in line with other goals. Nothing more, nothing less."
"And I had my fill of it then. 'Discover the arsonist.' 'Find my goat.' 'Clear the monastery so Almah has a roof to protect her from the sun.'" She shakes her head in disgust at the memory. "I bit my tongue then because I was promised gnolls to fight. At the end of that journey lay glory! What lies at the end of this journey? The stench of the city, disrespect, and being looked on as a slave. I am stronger now. I won the pugwampi king's hammer. I am a liberator of Kelmarane. I will answer to no camel-driver in exchange for his filthy coin. I fight where I choose, not where I am commanded. I am an ally to be won, not a servant to be bought."
I admit...I agrrree with Nuverrril...although I was just going to rrrefuse the money from the man.
I think we arrre actually a dangerrr to this man and his carrravan. When the evil one infiltrrrates his carrravan it will cause the death of one orrr morrre of them I think. Plus it gives him a place to hide.
Nuveril looks a little shocked at support from an unexpected quarter, albeit for more altruistic reasons than her own. "If the elf were traveling by himself," she agrees, "he would need the safety of a group and the guidance of those who know the land, and Zayifid would be less likely to target him, as he knows Khalid carries his prize. If you all travel with them, you offer Zayifid a caravan of hostages to use to pry the scroll from you, as he did with Linah's priest at the Temple of the Beast. Would we not be better served with only ourselves whom we know we can trust, rather then being surrounded by strangers, any of whom could be the jann -- or the jann's bargaining chip?"
Zeladiel, we arrre the only prrrotection you need on the rrroad to Katapesh! he says meaning himself and the Nuveril.
He looks to Nuveril, You arrre considerrring not coming with us...you said "you all"? he says surprised.
You would miss whateverrr adventurrres and glorrry arrre yet to come!! Plus do you have anything else to do? he grins
Not that that matterrrs anyways but who would keep the otherrrs out of trrrouble if the two of us werrre not arrround. Do you rrreally think they won't be hurrrt orrr killed without people like you to help prrrotect them? You arrre needed...I will say no morrre on the matterrr as it is yourrr choice as always but...you arrre needed ,I can't prrrotect them all...alone... he admits.
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Khalid winces hearing Grall's comment about keeping the others out of trouble and protection.
"Grall, I think you misunderstand the situation, Zeladiel did not make arrangements to go along with this caravan for protection, the leader of the caravan came to him hoping to secure his services. My involvement with the caravan is really one of convenience, there already a group headed to Katapesh, one that has asked for aid, I am simply going along."
Turning his attention toward Nuveril...
"You make a valid point about Zayifid, a point that is not taken lightly. If you still choose not to accompany us, I will understand, though I will certainly be saddened for the loss. For all of the differences our small coertie may have, I would like to think that we have some measure of fondness for one another. We have already lost Sajan, I would hate to lose you as well."
Zeladiel sighs. Firmly he announces, "I am leaving tomorrow. I am leaving with the caravan, as a guard, like I always do. I shall protect it and be paid, like I always do."
He takes a breath and softens his words. "I'm pleased you are all joining me, and I've secured some coin for those of you who wish to earn it. I'm not concerned about Zayifid. He can't read our minds. He doesn't know we're leaving tomorrow. He hasn't organised a caravan of shapeshifters to murder us in our sleep. We've beaten him and his entire gnoll army, despite his tricks."
Zeladiel's voice become firmer again as he glares at Grall. "As a warrior, I will be vigilant. But I refuse to live as if Zayifid lurks around every corner and inside every heart. I will not let him have a hold over me."
"I don't need another one," he mutters bitterly.
"Now, if we are done, I shall see all of you in the morning."
Zeladiel bows stiffly once more.
"No one can protect them," she corrects Grall, "when they refuse all counsel and advice, determined to do only as they have set in their hearts to do. Zayifid has no need to read our minds; are not all the sheep of Kelmarane abuzz about our business? We traveled here from the House of the Beast by foot, burdened with slaves and invalids; has not Zayifid had time to get here as well? We left him as the sun-priest in Kelmarane and met him already there as the false ranger at the Pale Mountain, so we know he travels faster than we. Is it not likely he that started the rumor about the mighty treasure we found, three days before we arrived? It does not take years of study and consulting with arcane spirits to know that the jackal will lurk around the goat pen. You are a fool, elf, if you believe that 'as you always do' is unknown to your enemy; you would be wiser to do as you have never before done if you wish to elude him."
"If I wish to elude him?! You are so ready to praise the actions of your enemies and ignore those of your friends. It is we who are undefeated, it is Zayifid who lost. Why do you think he dare not face us? Why do you think he skulks and hides in shadows? It is he who is afraid of us. Let him waste his time with simple tricks. He dare not face us without another army and a stronger army. Even you cannot believe he has one already. If he wants this scroll so much, he will follow us and leave Kelmarane in peace. I have no wish to elude him."
Zeladiel glares at Nuveril and looks as if he is about to say something else. Instead he turns and, without bowing, leaves.
After Zel walks out, I guess therrre is no morrre to say. I am going with Zeladiel even if I don't agrrree wit the Carrravan idea. We will have to be extrrra vigilent...Zayifid will be looking forrr his chance to strrrike out at us.
We have a long jourrrney ahead, good night.
Nuveril glares after the elf. "He is so clever he needs none of us but will defeat Zayifid alone with his extreme sagacity," she complains to Khalid bitterly. "He declares what will and will not be done and expects us to comply, without a tongue in our mouths or a thought in our heads. I will not 'keep my place' and follow him mindlessly. I am not his hired lackey. If he does not want my opinion, he does not want my hammer." She stalks off in the opposite direction than the elf took.
Perhaps Sajan's loss has never been more keenly felt as you seperate. There is no easy fix for the group's divisions, no magic salve to heal over your differences.
Night falls as is its wont.
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It takes a very long time for you to find sleep, Haleen softly snoring beside you.
When do you do sleep it is of being hunted. You run alone through the desert, your unseen pursuers an implacable and remorseless enemy. You stumble upon an oasis. In the distance you can see the shining walls of a great city.
It is when you stumble toward the cool green waters that the ground gives way beneath your feet and you fall into blackness.
You dream of a red-headed man. A comrade once, a friend. A jokester, a trickster but a brother.
How did you fall so low?
He will not come at you from the front, not ever...
Your rest is fitful. A mirror perhaps to your mood.
Your mind turns to the forgotten journal, the only evidence that your sister is still alive. Or was.
But it makes no sense. You have the name of a halfling but not the one you want. The name of places you do not know. Why did the scroll rest as it did in the tomb? Why was it there at all? If your sister lives do you even want to find her?
The others leave after dawn but you wake before, well before.
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In the morning you find the merchant, Radi Hamdi at the appointed time.
His caravan is indeed small. Three herders of mixed Keleshite and Badawi descent wrangle a half dozen camels and a trio of evil looking mules who will take turns pulling a small wagon. For the southern journey their loads are light. All three men appear taciturn, so browned from the sun it is hard to tell their ages.
The merchant himself is the opposite, full of what seems to be nervous energy and good humour.
Friends it is good to see you! Why no gnoll will dare to darken the trail of the Heroes of Kelmarane! He steals a half glance at Grall.
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Khalid arrives, looking over the small excuse for a caravan...
"Good morning, Radi." the inquisitor says, briefly scowling at the potential slight to his friend and companion, Grall.
"What exactly are we guarding on our way to Katapesh, Radi? This hardly seems enough to make the journey and the costs of that journey worthwhile." Khalid asks keeping an ever present eye out for the wayward Templar that haunts Vardishal's memories.
After the cermony to commemorate the deeds shown to her by Nuveril Linah does what she can to introduce Kadisa to the temple he shall take service of. She then retires to scribe some scrolls for the journey. The cleric works until dusk unknowing that the rift she thought mended has once again sprung within the party.
The comfort of a good nights sleep outweighs her weariness of having to strike out so soon and leaves Linah in a good and upbeat mood. Her eyes are no longer tired and her step is once again light.
"Good morning, master Hamdi!", she greets the merchant. "Is everything set to travel?"
Having tracked down Arasmes the night before and updated him on their imminent departure, Zeladiel is waiting the next morning as his companions arrive. He rises to greet each in turn, then sits again to look down the road to Katapesh until the next arrives. Finally, he stands and starts pacing nervously.
"What's keeping the others? We should be leaving."
Grall takes no notice of the merchant as he and Haleen arrive with Khalid.
With Sajan gone he prepares to scout just ahead of the Caravan.
Kadisa is grateful for the assistance and seems to be getting on well with the acolytes. His acolytes now you suppose.
As you say your final goodbyes he takes your hand.
Thank you Linah. For my life and what you've manage to achieve here.
I fear the path that Sarenrae has placed you on is a hard one. But if I may give you some advice, do not let it harden that generous heart. I have seen how much your companions look to you and not just for healing. I suspect they need you more than they realise.
May you walk forever in her light until we meet again.
It takes no particular skill to determine that Radi doesn't seem overjoyed to go too much into specifics about his goods. Nevertheless, he responds to Khalid's question.
In terms of goods only a half load to be frank. The more profitable journey was the one here with supplies for the town. With the northern route opening up though I do have a few choice items to sell from the Orisini markets. Plus scrip and coin of course. And the animals. And myself. One never knows what to expect in the shifting sands of the desert.
You study the man carefully with one eye while keeping the other on the surroundings. The merchant is presenting a genial front which may well be genuine but you suspect he is more canny than he lets on and his words in this case seem carefully selected to you. He is definately very keen to have you all as part of the caravan though, you do not think that is feigned.
The three herders go about their task with practised efficiency. They are of a type often seen in the markets, fields and warrens of northern Katapesh. Part-Keleshite, partly of the southern desert tribes they are of an ethnicity that is generally looked down on by both groups. They speak to each other in a mongrel Badawi that has little in common with the traditional nomad tongue and less still with the variation that the savannah tribes such as Nuveril's speak.
Haleen perches on a rock while you wait for the rest of the group to arrive. The small woman wears a set of practical travelling clothes under a light chain shirt, a scimitar belted to her side. The former flame witch seems to have made a few purchases from Zantus and Arjun's shop before getting ready to leave, a brace of potion vials rests loosely around her shoulder.
The merchant turns to Linah.
We will be shortly. As soon as the remainder of your group arrives I would say.
When the rest of the party wakes and readies to leave in the morning, Nuveril is nowhere to be seen, apparently having taken her gear and departed before dawn.
Two more figures walk down the road but it is Arasmes and Garavel rather than Nuveril. The halfling has her own plan it seems.
The man hands a small leather folio to Khalid. A gift from my mistress. Letters of credit drawable from the merchants listed in Katapesh. Two thousand gold each. You've more than earned it.
The factor is expressionless as he hands a letter to Arasmes. And this is for you my lord.
We have all come a long way together. He half grimaces as if he notices Nuveril's absence for the first time. You will always be welcome here.
Grall shrugs his shoulders then looks at Khalid waiting for him to give the order for them all to move out.
Never one being good at handling compliments, Linah blushes uncontrollably at Kadisa's words. "You give me to much credit", she finally insists. "Thank you for your advice. I will do my best with what the dawnflower entrusts with me."
Linah grows visibly more worried the more time that passes without Nuveril showing up. "It is a most generous gift, master Garavel. I have a feeling it will be most useful wherever this path leads us. Please convey our sincerest thanks to Lady Almah", she says and is just about to ask him if he's seen Nuveril before Khalid confirms her fears.
Turning his attention to his companions and Radi, "Apparently Nuveril will not be joining us. If there is nothing else, we should be on our way."
"Why?", she asks perplexed. "When I spoke to her two days ago she was coming with us to Katapesh!"
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"It is more of an assumption at this point, Linah. She knew when were to leave, and unfortunate as it is, she seems to have chosen not to re-join our little coertie as we head to Katapesh." the inquisitor states, rather matter-of-factly before finishing with a bit more sullen tone to his voice, "It is shame really, first we lose Sajan, and now Nuveril. At least she still lives though."
"Not coming? Ridiculous. She's the line of Andrathi and tied into your scroll. Master Rayhan will hopefully be able to tell us more. I'll go and fetch her. I don't have time for this. I thought she wanted to know her family."
Zeladiel runs off calling, "Start without me. I'll catch up within the hour."
"Not coming? Ridiculous. She's the line of Andrathi and tied into your scroll. Master Rayhan will hopefully be able to tell us more. I'll go and fetch her. I don't have time for this. I thought she wanted to know her family."
Zeladiel runs off calling, "Start without me. I'll catch up within the hour."
"What?", Linah gasps. "What are you saying? I am coming with you", she says and follows Zeladiel. On the way she hounds the elf with questions. "Who is Andrathi? How is she connected to the scroll? Why have you not talked of this before?"
Grall frowns as the others start to walk off...Should I go and keep an eye on them Khalid? he says protectively...
You finish your goodbyes to Garavel and the small caravan begins to move as Zeladiel and Linah (and possibly Grall) dash back to the former Wharfmaster's home. There is no sign of Nuveril or her belongings and with nothing to work with, mundane or magical, the elf and priestess have little option but to re-join the others.
As you track the river you pass the abandoned monastery on your left, perched high in the foothills overlooking the town. With that the caravan loses sight of civilisation completely.
This early in the morning the temperature is pleasant although it will be blisteringly hot by the noon hours. Travelling early in the morning, resting through them and resuming travel in the afternoon and the evening is the norm.
The route to Katapesh is quite a bit more varied than the fateful one you took overland from Solku over eighteen months ago, with three distinct terrain types.
First, you have several days moving through the rocky hinterlands with which you are all too familiar. Second, you will cut through the savannah, home of the northern Badawi tribes, the lions of the savannah, dry as dust this time of year. Third, the low grass gives way to an arid zone that rapidly becomes a sandy desert that stretches all the way to the fertile valley within which grand Katapesh sits at the edge of the blue-green sea. Perhaps not the true desert of the southern lands, with dunes a hundred feet high, but desert enough when travelling through it.
Several of you have done the route before, Zeladiel the most and Arasmes the most recently.
There are few settlements along the way, at least permanant ones. It is dangerous, infertile territory with the constant threat of gnoll raids and other monster incursions, a region of ruins, left abandoned to the sands. The tribesmen are an exception although even they move their camps with the seasons. Though their numbers are relatively small they work together to patrol their lands for threats, the gnolls most notably although of course that encourages the humanoids to organise in greater numbers themselves when raiding. The Badawi should be no threat to you though, or let themselves be seen, unless you present them cause.
There is no formal caravan trail, although the way does go along rough lines, determined primarily by the oasis and other water sources enroute. Water is life for any caravan and even for one fortunate enough to have divine spellcasters no caravan master would move too far from it. Every seasoned traveller knows these although given the season you would expect other caravan activity to be light.
So perils there are although few you might think able to challenge the Heroes of Kelmarane....
Zeladiel scowls back to the caravan, offers a heartfelt apology to the caravan master and takes his position with the caravan. While he never shirks his duty and answers every question directed to him, his sullen attitude radiates from him with the intensity of one of his fireball spells. Except it doesn't go away. He nods impatiently at attempts at conversation, searches the horizon instead of looking at his companions and answers questions as curtly as possible.
Zeladiel's grim demeanour surrounds him like a shield.
Grall ranges ahead of the Caravan by about 100 feet looking for any signed of danger...
When the caravan stops he make a wide circuit around the caravan with about a 100 foot radius and looks for tracks...
"What?", Linah gasps. "What are you saying? I am coming with you", she says and follows Zeladiel. On the way she hounds the elf with questions. "Who is Andrathi? How is she connected to the scroll? Why have you not talked of this before?""Not coming? Ridiculous. She's the line of Andrathi and tied into your scroll. Master Rayhan will hopefully be able to tell us more. I'll go and fetch her. I don't have time for this. I thought she wanted to know her family."
Zeladiel runs off calling, "Start without me. I'll catch up within the hour."
Either is fine as you like. They are moving at normal travelling pace you'd catch up pushing it for an hour.
With Grall out at point, the caravan rolls on through fairly dull terrain until the searing heat forces a stop. It is the gnoll barbarian that first notices a small figure approaching from a distance, resolving into the missing halfling.
Who goes therrre!?!?! Frrriend or foe!!! he barks a quick laugh.
You finally decided you couldn't let a Gnoll hog all of the glorrry? as she walks up...