Anton stands and stares down the big she-wolf. Her howl is long and loud but still he stands, unshaken, unbowed.
But though he walks with Desna and fears for nothing, he is not a foolish man and knows when the odds are stacked against them.
It galls him to leave the bodies of the men, destined now to a fate no better than that of the sheep they are intimated to be. Everything about this is wrong. And he cannot help but think of his friend, Dantrian, and the very real possibility that he will soon become one of these creatures. Up until now that had seemed impossible, or at worst a mere suggestion. But now, coming face to face with this monster, Anton can fully understand the depths of the alchemists’ fears.
He marks this big she-wolf, inscribes her appearance indelibly on his mind.
We shall see eachother again soon, beast. he thinks to himself.
He begins to slowly back away, arrow still drawn and pointed at the creature.
Come on, back away. There is nothing to be gained from confrontation here. We have to think of the other retainers now. We make for the Lodge, we can’t stay out here a moment longer.
Dantrian nods, his face impassive as stone once more. "Indeed." Rather than backing away, the alchemist simply turns and walks back the way they'd come, seemingly confident that the she-wolf is content to let them leave unassailed. As he approaches Duristan, he simply cocks one eyebrow as if to ask 'You expected a different outcome?' but says nothing to shaken noble. He does, however, wave the essentially defenseless retainers on before him. As the werewolves fade from view, Dantrian glances to Mosswick and offers the little creature a simple nod.
A few moments later, Mosswick's expression falls and he flits over to B'yelka, his eyes shimmering with tears in the torchlight.
Yes, I believe so, Mosswick.
B'yelka offers her shoulder to Mosswick. "No tears, little one. Tears are for the dead and damned. I know of no one here that matches those details." Except maybe the masked elf...
* * *
Once the lodge is in sight, B'yelka asks quietly to Anton, "We are going back out there, aren't we?"
On any given day Anton could be described as cheerful, but naive. Charming, but brave.
Right now he is none of those things. He is angry. And he is determined.
He doesn't take his eyes from the trail as B'yelka asks her question but his jaw is set and his demeanour steely. He knows he cannot lose sight of the fact they are here on the trail of the Whispering Way. But equally the memory of those men's eyes; their dead, pleading eyes, will not leave him and he thinks sleep might be not come easy that night.
You're damned right we are. he replies. But not before I have a quiet word with our gracious host.
Janos' call to retreat meets Ashan's approval as the masked elf backsteps in stride with the young ranger. Never, though, does the body of the fallen attendant leave Ashan's attention. As the group continues to withdraw, Ashan extends his senses out towards where the man's body lay at the lycanthrope's feet. He tries, intently, to seek the life-force of the fallen servant in the hopes of being able to latch on to it.
Sensing the life-force, Ashan closes one fist and draws his hand back. The air around the fallen servant dimples inward and swirls with darkness and motes of starlight before folding inside-out and expelling the servant's prone form adjacent to Anton. Ashan turns, his black eyes meeting Anton's stare firmly. Take him goes unspoken.
____
But there is no life-force to find. Ashan hesitates for only a moment more, then turns into the dark of the wood with a relieved stride.
Dantrian glances at Anton as the Desnan fumes. "We should not be so hasty, Anton. Wherever our business might take us in these woods, wroth vengeance on behalf of those already dead will accomplish little good." He stalls for moment, then seemingly thinks better of stopping. "Say we exact the righteous vengeance you so obviously long for and strike dead that enormous she-wolf and the other so-called Vollensag. What if this Mordrinacht and his ilk are even worse but the Vollensag hold them in check?" He holds up his hand to stave off the anticipated rebuttal and continues, "All I am saying is that the situation within this dark forest is much more complicated than we initially might have thought. We should learn more, as much as we might, before we decide on anything."
The smile returns to Anton's face.
Oh I quite agree, Dan. That's going to be one of the quiet words I have with Duristan.
Janos ensures that the entire group is making swift progress back to the lodge before he turns around and glances back. Hopefully, you see us as easily cowed prey. That will make it all the more satisfying when we avenge those men.
The Ranger easily catches up with Dantrian and Anton. He lowers his voice to speak to them. "Well? Dantrian, what do you think? Warring packs? Territory dispute? I didn't think werewolves retained their mind when they changed. But they seem to have organized themselves."
"Retain their minds? In a sense, no they do not. But neither do they become mindless cretins. Their minds remain their own, but they are altered. Twisted. Past knowledge and experiences are not lost, but the curse changes everything else. It is a... horrible thing to contemplate." He shakes his head and the accompanying thoughts away. "The fact that they have created a society, multiple societies even? That they have established borders, perhaps even a culture? Nothing in all my years of study would ever suggest such a thing possible. It is... daunting to consider the implications."
"The thought of those creatures organizing under someone's banner? Yeah, that's going to keep me awake until we deal with them, somehow. And did you see the size of her?" He breaks off, shaking his head slowly.
The Six and Duristan's group quickly retreat to the Lodge. They can feel eyes watching their retreat at first, but nothing bothers them on the return journey. At the gate, they are met by the hafling porter, Belik.
He wears an apologetic grin and carries a silver tray holding hand-carved wooden mugs containing a steaming beverage. Belik calls out and beckons the hunters over. "Please accept my most sincere apologies for my inappropriate behavior earlier. I was not informed of your coming and acted hastily on behalf of the lodge warden. I can assure you that you will suffer no further ill treatment during your stay at Ascanor Lodge." He politely offers the group hot coffee, and then continues. "If it’s convenient for you, my master requests your company at this time for a brief introduction and to offer his apologies as well."
Duristan appears to still be in shock. He turns to the remaining two porters and says, "You may go. Take tomorrow off. I'm sorry for what happened out there." The porters nod resignedly, and quickly head for the closest source of strong liquor. Duristan turns to the Six, ignoring Belik. He appears to be totally crestfallen, like a puppy that expects to be whipped by its master. "I..." he begins, stammering lamely to a halt a second later.
Belik stands awkwardly to the side, holding up the tray of coffee and smiling mechanically. His darting eyes betray his confusion at the tenseness though. "Did, uh, something go wrong?" he asks.
As the group approaches the lodge, Ashan turns to regard Janos. "He was dead," is at first given no context. But then, "he will not turn. His life is lost," puts a note of finality on their harrowing encounter. With that information relayed, Ashan falls back to the rear of the group to quietly observe their interactions.
Ashan is so cryptic... why is he here, really?
* * *
Assuming an air of normalcy, B'yelka tries to soothe the porter. "Dear Belik, things went exactly as they were expected to go. We followed a fair man into dangerous woods, he saw the error of his ill-wisdom and now we are here. And, we are ever so grateful for your service tonight." She picks up a cup of steaming hot coffee and sips. At least something went *right* this night. She gestures to the Halfling and his tray of coffee, "Have the good manners to accept the man's offering. Ακόμη και αν αυτό δεν βοηθήσει, δεν μπορεί να βλάψει."
Turning back to Belik, "Now dear boy, can you show to a warm room and a crackling fire? We have much to discuss and I am unsuited to this chill" She gives a shudder to emphasize her point.
As they walk she leans her head into Mosswick still perched on her shoulder, "Και πείτε αφέντη σου ότι ο έλεγχός τους δείχνει ότι υπάρχει ελπίδα. Ω, και πες του να χαμογελάσει, πάρα πολύ."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The moment B'yelka speaks in Azlanti, Ashan becomes tense and his attention quickly snaps in her direction. For a moment it seems as though the specter of an elf may say something, but instead he relaxes and shrinks back to the periphery of the group. Ashan remains there, a lingering shadow on the wall, awkward in contrast to the warmth and comfort of the lodge in his trail-dusted, timeworn robe and ornate mask.
Dantrian takes a proffered cup with a nod but does not drink. As B'yelka speaks with Belik, the alchemist turns his attentions to Duristan, observing the man as he dismisses his servants and shock gives way to guilt. He knows there is nothing he can say that would help at the moment, so he offers the noble an understanding nod.
His eyes then shift to regard Mosswick and he gently shakes his head.
---
She mistakes cooperation for control, Mosswick. The curse alters those afflicted in the most profound and fundamental ways, changing their hopes, goals, motivations, ambitions, desires, and appetites. Their personalities are twisted and shattered, like the pieces of a broken and shadowy mirror. Lycanthropy renders the bearer savage and bloodthirsty; cruel. Feral. The fact that these ones here in the Shudderwood have learned to cooperate and live in community with one another is not a sign of hope, Mosswick. On the contrary, it is chilling to consider what harm and havok they might wreak if their communal eyes are ever set beyond the borders of these woods.
---
Mosswick nods in understanding at his master then turns to regard B'yelka. He shakes his head slowly, certain Dantrian will not be smiling any time soon.
Anton takes a cup of steaming coffee from the tray and taskes a sip, enjoying the bitter, hot liquid.
He makes his way to Dantrian and asks;
Dan, this nobleman is a reckless fool. But do you think there might be any truth to the scar protection he bares? And if so could it help you? his tone is of hopeful optimism as if far more usual for the Desnan.
Duristan stands silently a moment longer. Then he seems to find himself somewhat. "Go to meet the Lodge Warden, I will handle the payment for your rooms," Duristan says. "I will seek you out to speak further tomorrow." With that the nobleman excuses himself, and heads for his own room. Apparently he had no desire to talk about their experience with the Vollensag in public.
Belik stands there until the group makes to follow him, implying he expects them to take him up on his invitation. Once they are ready, he leads them into the lodge, through the Great Hall, and up the south stairs, stopping at the door to the reference library , where he knocks three times. The door creaks open, revealing a circular room with book-lined walls and an older scholarly-looking man.
Belik bows low and presents a formal introduction, "Esteemed guests, may I present Estovion Lozarov, Lodge Warden of Ascanor."
Estovion says, "Thank you, Belik. That will be all." The porter bows and leaves immediately. The Lodge Warden waits until the halfling’s footsteps fade off down the hall before speaking. "Good evening. Please do not hold the actions of my porter against him. The error in your improper greeting was entirely mine. I wasn't initially aware of your connection to the Order. A sending from Judge Daramid cleared that up though," — he pauses here to wink — "Rest assured, however, that all of the lodge’s facilities are at your disposal, including our libraries. While the general library is down the hall, this one," he says, gesturing at the book-filed shelves, "is likely better suited to your research. Is there anything I can do for you now, or shall I have Belik see you to your rooms?"
Dantrian's gaze narrows dangerously as Anton speaks, his eyes bouncing left to right to indicate all those who are gathered around and within earshot. "I do not think it can help with my research, no, but it is certainly worth investigating despite my skepticism. I would be surprised though to find it anything other than the work of a charlatan; a means to part wealthy nobles raised on fairy tales from their coin."
---
As Belik turns to lead the others to the lord warden, Dantrian tosses the untouched contents of his cup aside as he follows along. The alchemist hands Belik the empty mug as the porter excuses himself from the hall. Dantrian then listens to Estovion's introduction, and nods in understanding as he explains the group's sudden change in treatment by Belik and the lodge.
There was no offence taken Mr Lozarov. Anton says, offering his hand to the warden. Anton Klasnic. These are my companions, Dantrian, Janos, B'yelka, Drosil and Ashan. My thanks for your hospitality.
The paladin is surprised that Judge Darramid would send word of their arrival, especially that they were even remotely affiliated with the Order. Still, he feels she must know this man and that he could offer some assistance.
I'm sure I don't need to ask this but our work with the Order is of a sensitive nature, I'm sure your discretion can be counted upon. he adds with a smile. So what is the history of this Lodge, Mr Lozarov, have you been warden long?
Janos nods curtly to the scholarly looking man. "'Warden' is it? An interesting title for the master of such a Lodge." He listens to Anton's inquiry and nods again. His friend had a good way at setting people at ease. The Ranger glances down and winces, taking a step back. The boots which had served so well in the forest were evidently not immune to tracking mud and pine needles into the Lodge. He hopes the porter can clean it with ease.
There was no offence taken Mr Lozarov. Anton says, offering his hand to the warden. Anton Klasnic. These are my companions, Dantrian, Janos, B'yelka, Drosil and Ashan. My thanks for your hospitality.
The paladin is surprised that Judge Darramid would send word of their arrival, especially that they were even remotely affiliated with the Order. Still, he feels she must know this man and that he could offer some assistance.
I'm sure I don't need to ask this but our work with the Order is of a sensitive nature, I'm sure your discretion can be counted upon. he adds with a smile. So what is the history of this Lodge, Mr Lozarov, have you been warden long?
"I and the Lodge are not affiliated directly with the Order, but I have provided them with open invitations to visit here. Poor Belik and the rest of the staff are unaware that the Order exists. Also, when you showed up with notes from Count Caromarc, I didn't make the connection immediately. Then I received a sending from Daramid saying that some friends of the Order were coming to the Lodge, and strongly suggesting I treat you well. I wouldn't want to jeopardize our understanding with the Order, so here we are." the Warden replies. Then the warden realizes he hasn't answered Anton's question yet. "I have lived here all my life, sir. My father was Lodge Warden before me. The Lodge has been here for many generations, a haven to the nobility of Ustalav in this dark wood."
Dantrian nods appreciatively at the warden's further explanation, "It is encouraging to find someone who shares our respect for the judge and her Order, Warden. Has anything strange or out of place occurred here recently? We have been pursuing the party responsible for the death of a friend of ours and have consistently found trouble or mayhem in their wake."
All your life? Anton asks with some surprise. Are you not concerned with the creatures in the wood?
He nods in agreement as Dantrian asks his question;
Aye, has anyone suspicious come through here in recent weeks?
"No, I don't think so. Well, other than you all," Estovian says. "Who exactly was this party?"
In many ways Warden, I feel like it is better that you don't know. But trust you would know these people if you saw them. Dark riders, moving with haste and an air of malice about them.
Is there anywhere other than the Lodge that could provide safe shelter in the Shudderwood?
B'yelka nods in agreement with Anton, "Safer for all, really."
Janos agrees. "Warden, they're right. We'll protect you from the specific circumstances, though your extensive library may help us. For now, though I think you have a more immediate problem. Do you know much about the werewolves in the forest? We encountered one tonight and she killed two of Duristan's men easily. She spoke of a 'Silverhide' pack. Do you know anything about how these packs are organized?"
"With what we encountered out in the forest tonight, my recommendation is not to allow any of the other Lodge members to wander the forest. They should be warned. Duristan may be spreading the news as we speak, even."
Is there anywhere other than the Lodge that could provide safe shelter in the Shudderwood?
"Not that I'm aware of. There are werewolves and worse infesting the forest," the Warden replies.
Janos agrees. "Warden, they're right. We'll protect you from the specific circumstances, though your extensive library may help us. For now, though I think you have a more immediate problem. Do you know much about the werewolves in the forest? We encountered one tonight and she killed two of Duristan's men easily. She spoke of a 'Silverhide' pack. Do you know anything about how these packs are organized?"
"With what we encountered out in the forest tonight, my recommendation is not to allow any of the other Lodge members to wander the forest. They should be warned. Duristan may be spreading the news as we speak, even."
"I'm afraid that's not really my bailiwick," the Warden says. "You'd be better suited asking Delgros, or examining the traveler's journals in the library here. Delgros has hunted these woods for decades, and the journals contain many travelers through the Shudderwoods' notes."
Thank you Estovian. I'm sure we will have more questions in the morning but it has been quite a day and I for one am looking forward to a hot bath and cool linens.
I am going to retire for the evening, good night everyone
With a nod, Anton leaves and goes in search of his lodgings
Dantrian nods as the conversation comes to its seeming end. "Thank you for your hospitality, Warden Estovion."
Well, looks like more reading. Or not. I think I will mingle and find out what is happening in the now. B'yelka says her goodnights and makes her way to her room. She tells Belik, "Please have hot water drawn for a bath. Too many days on the road and I am need of a good soak."
Esotvian nods, smiles, and bids the Six good night. He then retreats into his own private chambers.
Belik is waiting for them on the other side of the far door. He leads them to the only two available guest rooms in the lodge. In total Ascanor Lodge has seven rustically (though luxuriously) appointed private rooms for the use of its guests. Each contains a bed, chest, desk, chair, and fireplace, and has an exterior balcony. Each guest is given a key to his or
her room’s good wooden door
Once Belik shows them their rooms, he tells them they are free to explore the lodge and the estate grounds, mingle with the other guests, or conduct research in the library. He directs B'Yelka to the three small washrooms on the first floor. The maid there can prepare a hot bath for her.
As the group is led to their rooms, Dantrian turns to Anton and asks, "Will you be sharing a room with B'yelka while we are here?" While the question may be jarring and unexpected, there's no discernable judgement in his tone and the question is asked in much the same way as one might inquire if someone prefers sugar in his or her tea.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
When the group retreats from the Warden's chambers, Ashan remains as quiet as he had during their initial conversation. Tense and seemingly uncomfortable in these surroundings, it is the first time his companions have witnessed him express anything other than casual indifference for a situation—even when presented with the lycanthropes in the dark of the wood. Eventually, Ashan breaks away from the others, motioning to Belik. The two share a brief exchange in quiet, and it appears that Ashan moves to follow B'yelka.
The two do not travel far together, and Ashan seems disinclined towards conversation. But it becomes readily apparent that there is something about him that exists beyond mask, magic, and mystery: Cleanliness. When the pair reach the washrooms on the first floor, Ashan politely opens B'yelka's door for her, then shows himself to the next down the hall.
It appears even phantoms need to bathe.
_____
Anton blinks in surprise at the alchemist's question.
I... we... he falters.
For as long as he can remember Anton has been good at reading people. Knowing when they were upset or angry, determined or wavering but most of all when they were dishonest. It was something about the way they held themselves, set their jaws or even just avoided his eyes. But despite that, he had never picked up the habit of falsehood himself.
He sighs and runs his hand through his hair.
Nothing happened between us, Dantrian. Fool that I am I thought it might but.... she just wanted a shoulder to cry after Tibideau left. She was drunk and upset.... I don't think she remembers what I said. In fact, as foolish as I feel I hope she doesn't.
So no. he says with a wry smile. We won't be sharing a room.
Dantrian offers a half nod, "As you will. Ours is likely to be very crowded in that case." He thinks for a moment and adds, "That may be to my benefit, however. If B'yelka maintains her own room, there will be more of you present shoud..." he falters, searching for the right words, "-should I have another episode during the evening hours." His glance then flits to Ashan as the assumed elf follows B'yelka to the baths. He shakes his head gently and adds, "If Ashan will be working with us going forward, he should know as well; and soon. I would not want him to panic should I- waver in the midst of a crisis."
If anyone should be concerned about secrets Dantrian it should be him. How do you trust a man who hides his face behind a mask?
"All men do in one way or another, Anton. He simply does so in a more literal sense."
Yeah but I can usually see through the figurative masks men wear. He might not have evil in his heart, but that doesn't mean he's entirely good either. I'd just like to find out a little more about this man before we through our lot in with him entirely. Isn't that the smart move here?
B'yelka takes a long and well deserved bath and is not at all aware that the maid helping her would much rather be in bed. This is not such a bad lodge. Though I am not really one for hunting, the staff is good. Once she is done with her bath she instructs the maid on which dress needs to be prepared for tomorrow's entertainment. Oh, yes, the black one. These hunters need to know exactly who they are dealing with. She smiles at the maid and bids her adieu, dismissing her for the night.
She sits in an arm chair near the fire that is barely more than embers now. She sips a fragrant tea from beautiful if rustic porcelain. Oh, yes, very nice indeed. The road will never compare to such comforts. Her mind wanders a bit, and she comes back to something profound. Will I ever be able to stop being an adventurer? Would I stop? She chuckles to herself as she lays down and pulls the big down comforter over herself and sleep takes her away from a wood full of wolves and beasts.
Janos waves the others on to find their rooms. "I'm going to find Delgros. He's bound to have heard what happened by now. I think a chat about the dangers of the Shudderwood may be in order." The Ranger goes off to find his fellow woodsman.
Janos is directed to the huntsman's cottage outside the main lodge building on the main grounds. When he knocks on the door, Delgros' gruff voice calls back. "Yes, who's there?"
"It's Janos, the woodsman who arrived recently. May I come in, I think we need to talk about what's going on in the Shudderwood."
"Delgros, you were right. Have you heard what we saw in the wood tonight? A werewolf killed two of Duristan's men. I thought I would some and talk to see what you know of the werewolves. A man like yourself must know the wood and its creatures. It spoke...spoke to us of a 'Silverhide' pack. What do you know about the them and how they organize themselves?"
"I come to you since you must be the expert in these parts. Far more so than any of these nobles. Even the Warden said so."
"Of course it is, yes. But that would be true regardless of whether he wore a mask or not." He pauses then and regards Anton, "I am curious though, what does Desna reveal to you about me? Was I any less worrisome to you when our paths first crossed in Ravengro? Is my affliction apparent in any way through the eyes she has given you?"
"Come back in the morning, kid. It's late," is Delgros's reply. He ignores Janos after that.
***
The rest of the night passes without incident. In the morning, there is a note just outside the door of the guestroom Anton and Dantrian are in, laying on the floor.
Some secrets are better left uncovered. Leave Ascanor before you too fall prey to its curse.
She tells me that you're a good man. And that something terrible has happened to you Dantrian. I can see there is no evil in your heart, even when the curse strikes. But seeing that thing yesterday, and if you were to fully succumb.... I just don't know. Anton answers truthfully
Anton sleeps fitfully and wakes with a stretch. He pulls himself out of the comfortable bed and pads along the floor quietly to the wash basin. He needn't have bothered though, he can see Dantrian's eyes are already open in the gloom.
That's when he notices something under the door.
So much for the warm welcome. he says, showing Dantrian the note
Dantrian nods as Anton shares what his goddess reveal to him. "Interesting. Thank you for your candor, Anton." The silver-haired alchemist doesn't seem surprised or upset, he simply accepts Anton's explanation. As the evening winds down, Dantrian brews himself another cup of his pungeant tea before retiring for the night.
---
Dantrian reads the note then sighs, obviously unamused, "Hmmm. It is a shame Tibideau left our company so soon. An anonymous note warning of secrets and dire portent? This is just the sort of drama he and B'yelka would delight to swoon over." He hands the folded paper back to Anton and shakes his head, "Scare tactics or genuine concern? The lack of a name or identifiable source makes me suspect the former, but frankly, I care little for such pageantry either way."
Mmmm. If they think this will scare us off they are sorely mistaken. In fact, the opposite is true. Still, I think it prudent to find out a little bit more about those who share the Lodge with us.