""I also think it's time we met with Lucretia and brokered a truce, its not in her interests to pursue a fight at this stage either, even if she wins she loses, she is not an unintelligent fool. I have met with her before, I am sure she will meet with us again. Cairn can come as my escort, I have no fear of the vampires for I have not trespassed against them"
"I know that you wish to broker peace with her, but I am not sure that I can go through with it. I feel no regret in attacking her, and I feel the Inheritor would have me do such a thing. I am not about to apologize for my actions. If you want to try and keep peace with her, I will not stop you, but I eagerly await the time when I can draw my sword on her and set matters straight."
"And when that time comes, may your sword strike true"
So, the plan is to check out whether Gregori is right and directly afterwards enter the catacombs underneath the academies again hoping that Lucretia's lair is still there?
uh, guys?
Cairn rose from his short nap and stretched cramped muscles...really need to run more often... as he caught the tail end of the conversation about what to do next.
Im not one for bargaining with the undead...especially one that seems to have betrayed Solric and slain his love. We can not hope to win a battle at the gates if we are constantly looking over our shoulders for hidden blades or fangs at our backs.
The Sczarni spoke as he began cleaning his musket's barrel with a long rod topped with a cotton swab and soaked in oil.
We must cleanse this city from such abominations.
"Im not one for bargaining with the undead...especially one that seems to have betrayed Solric and slain his love. We can not hope to win a battle at the gates if we are constantly looking over our shoulders for hidden blades or fangs at our backs."
"Your words comfort me, Cairn. I cannot stand the thought of what has become of our city. Victoria can we explain to me again why we should not just go down to Lucretia's lair and put a quick end to this?"
"I would be shocked and horrified to learn that the truce and contract of an Iomedian Paladin can be thrown out the window when it suits them based on their personal petty desires - that their word is no more their bond than exhaled air upon a breeze. You made a deal, and now you are breaking it - the reason that this woman is running loose in this City is because you recruited her into the cause and entreated with her, lets not make this situation any worse by adding even further rash actions that make a complete mockery of the faith - Paladinhood? Shining Knights? If this full story ever found the light of day then how would the people see you other than as just more of the same of what they always had - another leader who preaches one thing and does another who cannot be trusted."
"Proof, undeniable first hand proof, that I what we require. We don't have any authority here, and if this is a grand conspiracy then you can bet Karcau to a brick that Sassandras replacement is a firm ally of Lucretia"
"Like the tournament, you still think that charging in with a sword is the winning move. It's not. You could have been a man with his own title by now, a man ready to deal with the insult to your family and well placed to become a Count, but instead here you stand with no title, no justice, and a dead woman who now only brings you tears... that is why you don't go down to the Lair, because that is no quick ending, that is a short approach to even bigger problems"
"You need to look to the enemy at the gates, and the idea that a new enemy could be sitting on the throne here within days."
"I would be shocked and horrified to learn that the truce and contract of an Iomedian Paladin can be thrown out the window when it suits them based on their personal petty desires - that their word is no more their bond than exhaled air upon a breeze. You made a deal, and now you are breaking it - the reason that this woman is running loose in this City is because you recruited her into the cause and entreated with her, lets not make this situation any worse by adding even further rash actions that make a complete mockery of the faith - Paladinhood? Shining Knights? If this full story ever found the light of day then how would the people see you other than as just more of the same of what they always had - another leader who preaches one thing and does another who cannot be trusted."
Solaric squirms as he is lectured to about breaking his word. Finally, he replies. "Your Grace, in my time with you I have learned to try and see the good in people. Even in situations where there was a great deal of gray. Take your sisters for example. These are not people that I feel comfortable having around this city, but I tolerate their presence because you convinced me that it was for the greater good. Now when I first met Lucretia, I tried to keep that open mind as you have taught me. However, I did not realize that this would unfold to the point of having vampires running loose on this city and destroying it from the inside out. Nor did I expect the Countess Sassandra Livgrace to die from the plague before I was able to save her. Now that it is clear to me what is going on, I feel that I must do something to save the city. Whether I am to be its ruler or not, I am trying to do that which is for the benefit of everyone! With enemies within and without, I fear Karcau will fail unless something is done immediately. When I heard that her undead were attacking the people, I immediately came to realize that she could not be trusted. Is that a mistake to break a contract with her, when she herself has broken her own agreement to leave the people of Karcau safe?!"
"Then if what you heard is true, and she has broken her vow, we need to find the proof that she has done this unprovoked. We need to pin the right crime on the right people. We need to create enough space that we can deal with all the threats - and not just stab at them blindly without knowing the full ramifications"
While you kept on talking and discussing the implications of your next actions, Gergori was smart enough to call for Boris Fanalio, head of Kiavelak Academy and one of the most gifted sages of the city.
From your days at the academy you always remember him as a tall, broad-shouldered man who always had an aura of underlying strength, but now he's only a shadow of his former self - haggard and pale.
He seems to notice your surprised looks and before any greetings are exchanged, explains
The plague had also hit me, but thanks to your endeavours, I was able to get some of the holy water.
"That is delightful news, we hope you recover to your past glory... perhaps you could indulge us, but we have a lot of questions"
* Who is now in charge of Karcau?
* Who is going to replace the Countess?
* How soon is the new Lord or Lady arriving?
* Will we likely have their political support?
* Does Lucretia have any claim to title?
source
You're a real jobsworth my dear. Let's agree on the following terms: You - and by you I mean the city - donate enough blood to feed my coven - in return my forces will organise the defence of the city by night. That includes raids and excursions - obviously we can't leave the city for longer than one night - we need our resting places. Once the threat to the city has been overcome I will be given a small fiefdom somewhere north of the Kronstein Ridge - so not in, but at the border of Sinaria - you may call it the first line of defence or something like that. Agreed?
* Has Lucretia been sending her patrols?
* Is there any direct hard evidence that Lucretia has broken her deal (prior to Solaric trying to knife her)?* Has the City delivered on all of its terms?
That should get us started...
Rubbing the graininess from his eyes; Cairn's head swam with all the political machinations that ran somewhat behind the scenes of Karcau and wondered how Lady Victoria kept up with it all. He looked around for wine and food while they waited for this Boris to answer her slew of questions.
Boris takes a small book out of a bag strapped to his belt and begins to thumb through it
Now in charge of Karcau is Prince Aduard Odranti...but as long as he isn't informed of Sassandra's death...no one would question Lord Zekkaran's claim, I think. I'm not sure about the Livgrace line, but most probably Stephen Livgrace is the one to follow her. Stephen has been her during the tournament, I'm not sure where he is now...St. Just should know. As far as I can remember their was a mutual friendship between Lord Zekkaran and Stephen, right? Lucretia's potential title claim is a thing to think about...actually I'd say Prince Odranti would not want a vampire to rule over one of the provinces, but you can never be sure, especially should she have the backing of the populace. Talking about Lucretia: Yes, she has send out her patrols and there are no trespassings on her side regarding the deal. The city also hasn't broken the deal by any means...well, beside the Lord's assault.
"Thank you Boris, it seems that things are as I had hoped, and not as worrying as I had feared. Any last thoughts before I carry out my plan?"
Gregori scratches his head
[b|I wasn't able to follow the conversation you had with Lord Zerkkaran before...what exactly is your plan and can we help you?[/B]
"Stephen Livgrace is a gentlemen and good soul. If the line is to fall to him, I believe Karcau will be in good hands. At the very least, that would free me up to do the Inheritor's will and see that Karcau is saved. Now if my actions have threatened the precarious relationship we have with Lucretia, then I am sorry for the trouble that it will cause us, but I feel no regret for letting my blade give her a taste of the true Warden of the city! So, Victoria, please kindly tell us the next steps in your plan. What is it you wish for me to do? I am eager to draw this sword and fight for this city and I hope your plan has some of that in it for me!"
Yes, please
Boris and Gergori say unisono.
"Cairn and I are to speak with Lucretia, the others do what research you need to identify the leaders and other important targets in the enemy host and how we might remove them, possibly during the confusion of the battle. We can leave the defence of the City to those best suited and familiar with it whilst we concern ourselves with simply decapitating the enemy horde."
Gregori nods
A sound plan...tomorrow we will have fought the last remanants of the plague and then I'll be able to scout the enemy's camp with jo and Lord Zekkaran...when do you want to visit Lucretia, tonight?
"We have a few conversations to put in place first. The Sharkpool and our friends, the colourful Varisians...we have business before business"
"Gregori, I would be willing to accompany you on a scouting mission. I have had enough inaction for one day. Let's hope our efforts will yield something fruitful. I've had little else but misfortune here in the city."
Hearing that they'd be visiting the vampire, Cairn took several long gulps of the wine he had found. He corked the bottle and tucked into his bag before smoothing his unruly hair back and tucking it behind his ears.
Are we set then? Where and when shall we meet up after our chores are done?
Gregori snaps open his pistol and takes a look down the barrel
I'm set for scouting...I'd suggest going by night, I got a trinket that enables me to see in the dark and I think you are able to do that anyway, right?
he snaps it shout again and nods to the door
Gorian is outside, he'll accompany you to the Shark Pool.
Gregori snaps open his pistol and takes a look down the barrel
I'm set for scouting...I'd suggest going by night, I got a trinket that enables me to see in the dark and I think you are able to do that anyway, right?
"I grew up in the darklands and I will have no trouble seeing what creatures dwell in the shadow."
He snaps it shut again and nods to the door.Gorian is outside, he'll accompany you to the Shark Pool.
"Then, I will not keep him waitingl. I'll see you tonight, Captain. Come find me at the Shark Pool or if my duties require it, the House of the Vigilant Flame."
Solaric exits through the door ready to join Gorian.
As you step outside a strong gust of wind tears at your cloak blows away some red and brown leaves. The massive figure of Gorian stands near the cliff's edge and he seems to stare out at the lake, to the island where you faced the first incarnation of the Ragman. The island's only building, the thin lighthouse pokes out of the lake's surface like a threatening finger.
Solaric steps up next to his friend, Gorian, and comments, "I remember that island well. It was like a rock that stood firm against the tide. I also remember a dear friend rowing us safely out there in the midst of a dangerous storm. I will never forget your kind acts and the bravery you have shown ever since I first met you."
"Solaric, no need to trouble yourself with the Sharkpool, take a rest or spend time doing research... we need to talk business, all very dull. We meet with Lucretia in the darkest of night, just before the Dawn if all goes well. Should things work out well, we shall be kissed by Sarenrae herself as the dawn flowers."
We simply need a few good Sczarni who are prepared to drive a few wagons out of town without getting too fussy about the cargo of corpses 'freshly deceased from plague being moved to a burial plot out of town'. We also want handy men who aren't afraid of getting a little dirty either, the sort who might have used a blade for more than just woodcarvings...no squeamish men, and we need them to meet us when and where we tell them to collect the cargo from at dawn. The real meeting we need to get to is with Lucretia, forget the garlic, take the cabernet.
"Cairn we need to settle this situation before it gets any untidier and out of hand, we need peace here, we need a truce so that business can resume as usual, and I trust you as the sort of man well suited to such enterprise... no shooting things until we need to, but if we need to, we are probably vamp food"
"That is well, Victoria, for if I heard more discussion of Lucretia, I might be tempted to draw the warden and finish the work I started. No, my plan is to do a little scouting with Gregori. A little intelligence on the enemy's movements will never go amiss. If we get lucky, I may even have a chance to strike a few down!"
Gorian, without turning from the lake, nods
Bad times that were and worse times we have now...I'll accompany you and Gregori on your mission...being proactive instead of reacting all the time feels much better.
he straightens and finally turns away from the gloomy panorama
I'll wait at the stables.
-------
At the Sharkpool, Andreanu and his men are more than happy to lend assistance. Quickly a band of twenty cutthroats, thugs and conmen are assembled and to say the least, they look determined to do whatever is needed to do.
Victoria appraises the collection of ruffians.
"We may, may, draw the attention of the guard, but is my intention to get the cargo we might be hauling well past the city gates. If we are stopped our story is that we are carrying coffins back out to Jarovicha for proper burial, that we know the risk presented by the horde at the gates but we have corpses of those killed by the plague and so we cant open the coffins and must make haste - just the mention of us being a convoy of plague ridden bodies should put most inspection off, but should there be a persistent guard, then they shall be dealt with - but I ask them not to be harmed any more than needs be for us to achieve our purpose. Be prepared for a day or two journeying to Jarovicha and back, make sure you have food, I shall cover the cost of incidental accommodation and meals"
With that Victoria prepares to go meet with Lucretia.
"Cairn, my hope is that Lucretia will see reason and let us ferry her far from here. She wished for a new home on the Kronstein Ridge, and until that can be arranged, she needs to be safe. Solaric has gone somewhat mad at the loss of his love, a terrible tragedy, but I fear his oathbreaking and acting out of impulse instead of disciplined temperament might see him lose the grace of Iomedae. I shall see to it that this woman is not a temptation within his reach, and safe from his hands. I will not see him doomed by his over gushing heart. Lucretia will see reason, she will need to withdraw ahead of the full might of the Iomedians coming down upon her leading to her being crushed or left limping. Our way is the least bloody, just be prepared to do what we must for the greater good, even if some of the Iomedians howl at the injustice"
"The things we gotta do eh? One dark sh%^^y deed after another"
"Gorion, you bring me comfort. I would be honored to have you at my side. Let us cling to the hope that this world will be a better place some day, and that through our actions and the grace of the Inheritor, we will see it come to pass!"
Solaric turns from the view. "I will see you at the stables, my friend."
The dark elf departs and makes his way out to the stables to prepare Dart for the ride.
The Sczarni looks neither surprised nor repelled by the deed that is about to be done. Some of them nod, others just look around, play with their knives or give encouraging comments to their neighbours.
Once your little speech has ended, Andreanu claps his hands and brings some motion in the assembly of men
We accompany you to the university but wait outside, right?
-------------
Some minutes later, in front of the imposing building that is the Royal Stables, you meet up with Gorian, Gregori and a band of ten Nightscarves, the best of the best as Gregori puts it.
"Well met, gentlemen! I'm glad to see you all here! Are we all up for a little scouting mission to find out what this enemy of ours is up to? Before we go, make sure you've got all of the equipment you need. The Inheritor always favors the prepared!"
"So Captain, where do you propose we strike off to?"
"Once we locate the lair of Lucretia we will need to move our...cargo...from there"
As far as I understood you in the recent talks, the lair is down in the vaults of Vizyalesh, right? Maybe we should just send in a small group of men at first and gather the others once we are sure everything is safe? There have always been rumours that the academy is full of traps and ghastly creatures.
-----------
We'll ride to the outskirts of their camp...maybe we even catch some unaware guards...I think that kidnapping one for interrogation would be a fine goal for our mission.
The Nightscarves mount their horses and on Dumitru's a silent command the whole party takes off like shadows darting through the night.
Solaric rides up front at Dumitru's side. He remains strangely silent as he ponders the recent events in his life. He is still haunted by the fact that he was too late to save his beloved Sassandra, but he puts that under his own lock and key as he tries to focus in the present. He is eager to take out his wrath on the enemy, and he remains observant, in the hopes of finding them.
As they make steady progress outside of the city, he finds comfort in the rocking motion of Dart's steady gait. Finally, he is able to open himself up to that inner dialogue he offers to his deity.
"Iomedae, I was too late for my beloved, but I thank you for guiding me along a path that I may still work to save your people. I take comfort in the fact that many people were saved by the healing waters from a wretched plague the enemy has brought down upon Karcau. For Sassandra, please guide her safely to your home that I may rejoin her in a glorious realm when my work here is finished. In the meantime, I once again seek your guidance and strength that I may push forward in the darkest places to bring your light to the blackest shadow. Let me take my grief and sorrow and transform it into a tool, a weapon, that you may use to bring your realm to pass. Not my will, but thine, oh mighty Inheritor, be done in and through me. Let my going in and coming out be in accord with all that you would have me do. I ask this in your name. Let it ever be so!
"We go as guests, Lucretia will be interested in what we have to say, so we need not sneak about or go poking where we are not invited. We just need to find her or her henchmen and simply be invited"
Cairn had missed the entirety of the planning as he had found himself amongst a bevy of cousins, uncles and friends. They were eager to hear his tales of the last few weeks and many of them jested that he was told even taller tales than old man Clentius...id never heard that he'd ridden a dragon before...bet he didn't fall off though... the youth laughed along with them and clapped many a shoulder and shook many a hand in return.
With the pleasantries out of the way Cairn returned to Lady Victoria.
These are good men M'lady and they're ready to go to work. Are our plans set?
So much the better Andreanu grins without joy and grips the hilt of his sword with one hand and pushes open the black gate of Vizyalesh with the other.
Even though you have entered the place on many an occasion before, the endless black corridors still give you the shivers.
Andreanu takes a torch and looks at Cairn
Ladies first, my friend.
--------
Gregori has been silent for most of the ride by now, but as you pass a group of firs, he muses aloud
M'lord, are the shadows our friends or foes? Aren't they creatures of the sun for that they can't exist in darkness?
Victoria strides forth with her men following on, looking like a queen in command sweeping into a formal occasion.
"M'lord, are the shadows our friends or foes? Aren't they creatures of the sun for that they can't exist in darkness?"
"You are quite the thinker, Captain. Let me tell you my thoughts on the matter. Shadows are foes that can be dark and dangerous and we must always be weary of them. They have a way of entering our lives when the light is shining brightest. They try to cut us down and drain us of strength when we least expect them. Their methods are stealth and surprise, and they are not likely to attack us in any way other than with a stab in the back. However, through the grace of the Inheritor, we are given the opportunity to be of service when we find shadows in our lives. It is by overcoming the shadows in our lives that we climb the ladder of ascension that takes us closer to Iomedae's realm. We must use these opportunities to take down the shadow and show others the light of the kingdom to come! Does this make some sense to you, my friend?"
Gregori is silent for a moment and only the horses' hooves disturb the serenity of the cold night
It does m'lord...but I fear we will be wishing for shadows once eternal night has fallen...that was what the Ragman wanted, right? Turn Sinaria into a land of darkness...
----------
Deep in the womb of Vizyalesh, you finally reach Lucretia's throne room again. A bit nervous, but still determined Andreanu and the Sczarni flank Victoria as she strides into the room, when suddenly torches light up and plate-mailed warriors step out of the darkness.
And from the dark distance of the room Lucretia's voice echoes over to you
The traitors? How unexpected.
"It does m'lord...but I fear we will be wishing for shadows once eternal night has fallen...that was what the Ragman wanted, right? Turn Sinaria into a land of darkness..."
"Yes, the Ragman spoke of a land of darkness, but as long as I breath life, I will do everything in my power to stop that wretched villain. I have slain him once before and I will do it again until there is no further hope of his returning! It is easy to be overwhelmed at the thought of such dark evil, but we must keep light and hope in our hearts. We have a great task before us, but with the Inheritor's guidance we will prevail! We must live in the moment and take on this evil one step at a time. It is better to not think of the magnitude of what we are facing, but know that little by little, our acts with persistence will take down this Ragman and his minions!"
"Traitors?" Victoria looks about questioningly "Have we been joined by another party I am unaware of? If you speak of Solaric, then he could arguably be considered your betrayer, but he has not heralded traitorous or mutinous thoughts to Karcau, but you'll note by his absence that we are not here as the bargaining agent of the Iomedians, but rather as interested parties in a bargain that was struck... before I continue though, you perhaps have something you wish to get off your chest?"
Caairn realized he was holding his breath as they entered the vampire's lair and quickly waved to his brethren to let go of their steel that everyone seemed to be gripping... and who can blame them?... He relaxed and let Victoria do the talking as he kept his eyes peeled for the same said betrayal he expected from the undead.
Johenric stands next to Solaric and nods.