Later in the day, everyone gathers at the Lodge again, still with no word from Celia.
After some time waiting, you are summoned into the study, where Lady Heidmarch is sitting and chatting with a Keleshite woman in her mid-forties who holds herself with importance and has a keen, knowing look in her eyes.
Her eyes dart to the party members as they enter the room, and in mere seconds, you get the feeling that she has sized up and assessed the abilities of every one of you.
Lady Heidmarch is in the middle of a sentence as you enter. "...always such a pleasure getting to reacquaint with you, Sabriyya. However, I didn't ask you here for completely social reasons."
Looking toward the party, she continues. "This is a group of some of my newer agents. They show much promise and recently discovered something that should be of great personal interest to you."
Both women's eyes turn to the party. Sabriyya's are very curious. Sheila's expression hardens for a second as she realizes that Celia is missing, then quickly smooths.
Reillana inclines her head politely to the newcomer. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Sabriyya. I'm Reillana, a spellsinger and envoy of the Mordant Tower."
Sabriyya inclines her head politely. "Pleased to meet you, Reillana. Please don't keep me in suspense. What is this thing of personal interest that you have discovered."
Barkot shuffles nervously at the back of the group, feeling even more awkward than usual in the presence of someone he considers to be an aristocrat for worthwhile reasons rather than an accident of birth, as her family actually provides a service to the city. "M'name's Barkot. Ma'am. We t'ink, dat is, we found da mortal remains of yer ancestor, Nazir."
He looks around helplessly, hoping someone more eloquent will fill in the details.
Upon hearing Barkot's words, the polite smile fades from Sabriyya's face and her eyes tighten with suspicion and a bit of anger.
Not even noticing that Squint has said anything, she glances sideways at Sheila, who simply looks back with a neutral expression. With a sigh of resignation, Sabriyya finally asks, "Is that so, Barkot? After all these years, you have found the remains of my Father?
You aren't the first group of 'adventurers' to claim such. Let's dispense with the story, shall we?
If you have proof, show it to me."
Sheila interjects politely, "Sabriyya, I believe Jacobadiah is attempting to get your attention."
Finally noticing Squint's attempts to show her the pendant, Sabriyya replies with exasperation. "Another supposed pendant? Well, bring it here." As Squint timidly moves forward, she continues, "Really, Sheila? I've seen many of these since father disappeared. I don't appreciate you stirring up old emotions..."
At that moment, Squint places the pendant in her hands and she can feel the weight and magic of the pendant. Her eyes go wide and her hands start trembling. Quickly turning the pendant over, she runs her finger along a large scratch on the back of the pendant.
Her eyes still large, she quietly says, "Maybe we should have that story after all."
Barkot clears his throat, and tries to figure out how much of the story Lady Heidmarch wants them to tell the Princess of Sails.
"So, ah, we wuz trackin' down dis gal who wuz sapposed ta bring dis Dingus back ta Da Hei... Lady H. but pulled a no-show. Seems she wuz one a' dem Tower Gals, an' we t'ought mebbe she got cross-wise wit' em an' wuz in trouble. Well, turns out she wuz cross-wise, but mainly because da Dingus drove anyone who found it kinda nuts. We tracked her down, she tol' us dat she found da Dingus in Da Crow - dat ol' column from da Irespan - an' said dat da udder Tower Gals wuz hidin' out dere. We, uhhhh, decided ta go see if dere was anyt'in' else innarestin' - like books an' paintin's an' objects of historical importance an' stuff - back where she found da Dingus."
The half-orc takes a breath and a gulp of coffee before continuing.
"Anyways, we go inta da Crow, we send da Tower Gals runnin', an' Squint finds da secret door wheres Natalya - dat's da gal we went ta find in da first place - tol' us she found da Dingus. Paëral gets da door open an' us inta da room, and dat's where we found yer pop. Looked like he got himself inta da room but da door swung shut behind him, an' he couldn't get it open again from da inside. We'd a' brought his body back, only we got attacked by giant bugs 'n' spiders right after dat an' I wuzn't doin' too good so da gang hadda practic'ly carry me back here an' den ta da temple a' Abadar ta get patched up an' da poison knocked outta me. But we're goin' back an' we c'n bring him back ta ya. If ya want us ta."
Listening the the tale, Lady Heidmarch nods and smiles, approving of Barkot's discretion, while Sabriyya's face falls, and her eyes glisten.
"This, Dingus... a cursed magical item of some kind?", she looks to Sheila, who nods. "I do recall, just before father went missing, that he started acting oddly. Right around that time, he had acquired a trinket.
He was quite proud of it, it fact, claiming that the fool he bought it from had no idea what he had parted with, but he wouldn't let any of us touch it. He barely let us look at it, but I remember.
Do you have this item now?"
Sheila waves to the party, and has Reillana show the Shard, while she cautions, "We have controlled the curse, for now, but I think that it would still be best that you not touch it."
Sabriyya looks on the Shard, and nods in acceptance. "Thank you, Sheila, and to each of you, for giving me closure." Setting the pendant down on the table, she wipes her eyes with a handkerchief, straightens her shoulders and continues in a more steady voice. "Yes, well, I have no need of father's pendant, for I have crafted my own. You may keep it and whatever else you found with his body. In addition, there is still an outstanding reward for information about his wherabouts, though I had given up hope of ever finding out."
Looking at Lady Heidmarch, she asks, "I'll send the funds to you here. Can you arrange to retrieve his remains?"
As Lady Heidmarch nods her assent, Sabriyya continues, addressing the party directly.
"As well, I may be able to throw the odd contract your way. You mentioned The Crow. I assume that you have found a way inside then, and that there is some kind of Thassilonian facility inside.
Well, I have a business acquaintance who has expressed an interest in some of the creations of Thassilion, specifically a creature knows as a 'sinspawn'. Now, I have no idea what these things might be, perhaps your library here has more details on them. However, if you should happen to encounter any of these creatures, I will pay you a bounty for their heads. I require at least three, but will pay you for others as well."
Saying farewell to the party and to Lady Heidmarch, Sabriyya departs.
As she does, Lady Heidmarch's face grows stern. "Now, where is Celia?!"
Lady Heidmarch's expression darkens, but she waits a few more seconds. When it is obvious that there will be no further reply, she pounds the arm of her chair, and leans forward.
"Family issues?! She missed the beginning of this mission with her family issues, got into some kind of spat with Jacobadiah when she finally decided to show up, and now has gone missing again?!
If she decides to come back this time, the two of us are going to have a long talk about the expectations of a Pathfind..."
Her tirade gets cut off by a knock at the door, and the seneschal steps inside. "My apologies for interrupting, Lady Heidmarch, but as it deals with your current appointment, I thought you'd like to see this message that just came in."
Handing Lady Heidmarch a note, he retreats back into the corridor. She opens the note and reads it. As she does, the anger fades and she slumps back in her chair. "It appears that Celia's brother has gone missing and she has been unable to find him, even after searching all night."[b] Sighing, she continues, [b]"Hopefully, it is not another case of the mysterious disappearances. I will send someone to check in on her."
Crumpling the note, she looks up at the party. "I am sure that you have further preparations. However, I can't send you back out into the field without some competent martial support. It just so happens that another Serpent Runner has recently contacted the Lodge, looking for a more worthwhile use of their talents.
I had not yet made up my mind, but as there is a need, I will send him with you, as long as there are no objections. This will be his Confirmation process, and I will expect your reports."
Standing, she walks opens the door and calls out, "Please send Deric in, if he is still waiting."
After a few moments, a heavily armored man with a greataxe strapped to his back enters the room.
Sheila welcomes him, and asks the party to introduce themselves.
Deric nods with respect to the venture-captain. "Thank you, Lady Heidmarch." The large man looks at each of you without expression, eyes darting to take in all he can from your appearance.
A burly half-orc sits awkwardly on a small chair near the door, balancing a tankard of coffee on one leg. He wears an ill-fitting suit of chainmail that has seen better days, and has a longsword and mace hanging from his belt, along with a small buckler. A ratty cloak is draped loosely across his shoulders, and a fist-sized stone spire covered in astronomical symbols dangles from a leather strap around his neck.
The half-orc gives Deric a wary nod, and sticks out a scarred hand. "Barkot."
Deric is unable to contain a brief smile as the the half-orc introduces himself. His smile quickly fades away. He nods and says without expression. "Barkot."
The slim elven woman in studded leather armor stands a small ways apart from the others, the ornate mask she wears concealing everything but her eyes, which watch the newcomer intently.
"Reillana Myerishil, recently of the Mordant Spire. You are a native of this city?"
Deric nods a little further for this one. "Reillana, I am originally from Korvosa. I grew weary of the monarchy there. I traveled here so that I may make a positive influence on Golarion before I pass."
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"S-s-serpent runner?" Squint asks as Lady Heidmarch calls in Deric. "What's a serpent runner?"
A short (for a halfling) and balding figure with well-weathered olive skin and permanent worry lines stands near the half-orc's chair, holding a tea cup in both hands. The stubble of two weeks' worth of trail life dots his chin and neck, though his clothes appear well-washed and wrinkle-free where they extrude from behind his well-oiled lamellar cuirass. A crossbow rests on his back.
"H-h-hi. I'm Squint," he says, holding out the cup of tea to Deric before retracting it and offering a smooth hand that bears a signet ring. Despite the awkward gesture, the smile brightens his face considerably as he shakes the larger man's hand.
Deric lowers to one knee for the halfling. "Serpent Runners are just actors in a gladiator environment. They are nothing special at all. It is nice to meet you, Squint." Having a friend with a similar issue in childhood, Deric gently lays a gauntlet on the halfings shoulder.
Deric stands and moves toward the shrouded elf who has yet to speak. "I am Deric. And you are...
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Barkot takes another gulp of coffee and begins to speak. Although his eyes wander around the room, he is clearly addressing the newcomer to the group.
"So jus' 'fore ya got here, we filled in da Princess a' Sails 'bout what we wuz up ta when we found her pops. Here's what we told her:..."
Barkot clears his throat, and tries to figure out how much of the story Lady Heidmarch wants them to tell the Princess of Sails.
"So, ah, we wuz trackin' down dis gal who wuz sapposed ta bring dis Dingus back ta Da Hei... Lady H. but pulled a no-show. Seems she wuz one a' dem Tower Gals, an' we t'ought mebbe she got cross-wise wit' em an' wuz in trouble. Well, turns out she wuz cross-wise, but mainly because da Dingus drove anyone who found it kinda nuts. We tracked her down, she tol' us dat she found da Dingus in Da Crow - dat ol' column from da Irespan - an' said dat da udder Tower Gals wuz hidin' out dere. We, uhhhh, decided ta go see if dere was anyt'in' else innarestin' - like books an' paintin's an' objects of historical importance an' stuff - back where she found da Dingus."
The half-orc takes a breath and a gulp of coffee before continuing.
"Anyways, we go inta da Crow, we send da Tower Gals runnin', an' Squint finds da secret door wheres Natalya - dat's da gal we went ta find in da first place - tol' us she found da Dingus. Paëral gets da door open an' us inta da room, and dat's where we found yer pop. Looked like he got himself inta da room but da door swung shut behind him, an' he couldn't get it open again from da inside. We'd a' brought his body back, only we got attacked by giant bugs 'n' spiders right after dat an' I wuzn't doin' too good so da gang hadda practic'ly carry me back here an' den ta da temple a' Abadar ta get patched up an' da poison knocked outta me. But we're goin' back an' we c'n bring him back ta ya. If ya want us ta."
"So dat's what we told da Princess a' Sails," Barkot continues. "But dat ain't da whole story. See, da Dingus - or as Da Heidmarch calls it, da 'Shard' - is jus' a piece uva bigger gizmo, and dis Gizmo, it's old. Like, before Eart'fall old, from ancient T'assilon. Jus' dis one piece by isself has powerful magic, an' it can make ya nutso ta boot. Rei here, she's gotta handle on it, dough, so we let her carry it. Whaddever ya do, don't touch da Dingus yerself unless ya wanna turn inta a real jerk. But Da Heidmarch, she's worried dat dese ol' wizards from T'assilon, da Runelords, dey're startin' ta come back, and she wants ta get all da pieces a' da Gizmo tagedder ta give Varisia somet'in' dat c'n pertect da people 'gainst da Runelords. An da Dingus says dat da next piece might be furder inta da Crow dan we got before, so we gotta go back."
Barkot sits back in his chair and finally fixes his eyes on Deric.
"Any questions?"
"That's Paeral--our scout, archer, and trap-handler. Have you been briefed on what we're working on, Deric?"
"Thank you, Barkot. Reillana, rumors and some reports. I believe I am up to speed on your endeavors. Quite impressive, I must say. My blade and bow are at your service."
Lady Heidmarch stands and nods in acknowledgement. "Good. I hope this pairing works out.
Deric, I will additionally inform you that these shards of the Sihedron are tied to the reasons that I formed this Lodge in the first place, and I take a very active interest in the proceedings of this group. That interest comes with boons that the average agent might not receive. However, it also means that I am always keenly aware of your comings and goings and expect regular reports."
She grows somewhat pensive. "Something is happening. These pieces are emerging after thousands of years of hiding, and it will only be a matter of time before competing influences become aware of them.
For now, we are ahead of the curve, and I want it to stay that way. Discussion of the Sihedron and the true nature of the shards should stay within this room. Understood?"
She pauses to look at each of the party members to ensure that they have grasped the gravity of the situation, then dismisses you.
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"Once activated with the Ioun Stone, the curse is no longer a threat to anyone, Jacobidiah, at least as far as my research has shown.
There is much about the shards that we simply don't know. However, I believe it to be safe for anyone to use."
After completing their purchases, the party waits for dinner time, when the mists start gathering on the harbor again. They proceed back to the docks, retrieve the boat that Lady Heidmarch has commissioned for them and set off for the crow.
For the first time, Deric gets a close up look at the enormous bridge piling, and the carvings of crows that give the piling its name. Standing two hundred feet over the water and ending in a broken top, the enormous bridge support is impressive when viewed from up close.
The party leads him through the busted down secret door and up and up and up through the entry stairs. Even wearing full plate armor, Deric hardly seems to be breathing hard after the nearly two hundred foot climb.
Navigating the jump over to the hanging platform is frightening, but everyone helps each other and the party soon finds itself once again crawling through the access way into the secret portions of the crown.
Then down through several levels, until they reach the Siccatite Door, a gigantic double door that appears to be made completely out of a skymetal.
Heading into the pool chamber the party pauses to consider how they will approach the ant and spider level.
As they pause, they hear a fit of coughing and sneezing coming from the left-hand corridor.
"Ya gotta watch out fer giant 'meebas in dis pool," Barkot whispers to Deric. "Dey're disgustin'. Aldough," he continues, "I don' t'ink we ever heard 'em sneeze before."
The half-orc loads his crossbow.
Deric remains still, so as not to alert the sneezer to their presence. He nods at Barkot and glances at the pool. His shield is gently lifted from its home on his left hip.
Heading quietly toward the sounds, Paeral nears the stairs down to the ant mounds.
As he does, he sees a small, blue-skinned, bulbous-headed, hideously ugly thing. It may be the same creature that was encountered in the battle with the ants, but he can't be certain.
The creature is sitting on the steps, looking downstairs, and muttering to itself.
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"Deric, this is Ulyi," Squint says as a means of introduction as the summoner hoists his pack into the saddlebags of the fearsome-appearing two-legged bird-like creature sporting a leather mask, jagged claws on two flexed forearms, an elongated neck, and a maw full of razor-sharp teeth. "Ulyi is my eidolon."
Deric smiles as Paëral slinks away.
replying to Ulyi, Deric whispers "Yes, I am."
The creature begins to stand up and turn around.
Blade and wand at the ready, Reillana has quietly followed along in the group's wake, eyes alert and and considering.
In the silence as Paëral scouts ahead, the woman speaks up softly, "Is it possible those small blue creatures have been here long enough to uncover some of the Irespan's secrets? I'd like to avoid killing them if it can be helped."
Looking back toward the pool room, the creature notices the light coming from the balcony and starts walking back to investigate.
As it walks that way, it suddenly notices Paeral standing in the middle of the room. It lets out a shriek of terror, and turns to run.
As he runs down the stairs the creature shouts over his shoulder.
Barkot sticks a finger in one ear, wiggles it around, and flicks off the crud that comes out with it. "What'd he say? Hells, what'd you say, Squint?"