"How exactly are we going to lie to him?" Zeldana inquired. "We cannot just place a cleric before him and call them by the same name. He knew this man, and thus knows what he looks and sounds like. We do not. So we cannot even fake it."
"But if telling him the truth could hurt him like you said, would not tell him the thing he took the worst, that turned him from a sober man into a drunkard be the worst place to start?" Zeldana pointed out. "I mean for all he knows, he just spoke to this man yesterday, and now he is dead? That is a massive shock for anyone to take in. I would know."
It is as if you are sitting at a table, your harrow deck before you, as you think about the history of Sandpoint you so recently learned. You pluck up a card and look at it, and facts of history read as plainly as the day you first read them.
Everything you said about the first days of the settlement was true. how the 4 families, Kaijitsu, valdemars, scarnettis, and Deverins, attempted to settle at Sandpoint, only to be interrupted by the local Varisian travelers who set up winter camp in this location. In great detail it is discussed about the attempt by the Scarnetti's to slaughter the Varisians, and how you are thankful that they were unsuccessful.
When the compact was settled and agreed to, there was a census taken. The first census of Sandpoint. 108 souls in total came with this initial group. A necessary endeavor to help keep security and to know if the horrid goblins stole into the camp at night to steal children or livestock.
It wasnt until early spring that another ship with more settlers arrived from Magnimar. another 100 souls, bringing the total settler count up to 200. (a note on one of the old scrolls you read indicate that several people caught an illness and perished during the winter months.)
You remember that a census was taken every three months to keep accurate count of was in town, who wasnt. The scrolls of the early census days were accurate, and did list names, but youre drawing a blank as to specific names.
wouldve made things a lot easier in the beginning if Alamon and his cousins werent drunk that night Titus mutters, looking at the the man.
Father Zantus and Lady Kendra both stare daggers at titus for his frank response, but dont say anything.
Skip trying to find the dead guyAmeiko interjects That man is going to figure out something is wrong the moment he steps out the front doors to this place. she waves her hand at the building Heck, he may just figure it out sitting inside this room, in this building that, from his perspective, doesnt exist.
That is a good point. Belven responds. I have no problem lying. I'll take him back to my place. Hey, here's an idea. what if we wrap a bandage around his head and have it cover his eyes. We can claim that its to help his aching head until, what was the guys name, caldus?, caldus can be found and brought to him. I can set up a tent on my property with a cot to help with the subterfuge until this man's ache goes away. Thoughts?
Zeldana let out a small sigh as memories came flooding back to her. But when Titus spoke she too looked at him. Yet unlike Kendra and Zantus she was not silent. "You are a bad person." She stated, as if it was fact and now for all to see, her face a look of sheer disappointment and disgust. Kin or not, she could not believe one who held power would openly be wishing for genocide of her people, men, women, and children, any people for that matter.
"Ameiko is correct. I agree with bandaging his eyes, we do not want him even more unsettled. Gunnar, would you please see to that? Give me a moment to think..."
"There are census for around the start, to keep track of the people because of the local goblin population. I remember reading them, maybe... hmmm"
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Gunnar says "Sure, let me get on that." He isn't a fan of bandaging the man's eyes, it's an affront to his freedom. However, he can't come up with a better plan. Before he does so, he says "There is a spell to help him with taking the news. It only lasts for up half a minute, but it could help with the shock. By the time the spell expires, he could have absorbed the news, so the emotion won't be as strong."
After saying that, the priest explains to the man "You've hit your head pretty hard. Let me put a bandage over that to help you recover. It should also help with the pain a bit.", then goes on to delicately wrap some bandage around the man's head, covering his eyes.
Titus grunts out loud Ive been called worse by far smarter people, youngling.
The lord mayor nods once. Alright. let's make this happen.
Ameiko nods and steps close to Gunnar, whispering for his ears alone
Wrap the bandage around his ears as well. thisll make it harder for him to hear the town noises as he passes through
Daelk allows himself to be bandaged, the occasional groan of soft pain escaping his lips.
Belven says I shall go ahead and prepare the cot for our injured man. And smiles at everyone a way of saying goodbye, and quickly strides away.
Zeldana completely ignored Titus and waved with the rest, when they had gone she looked to those who remained to explain what she had remembered. "Daelk Nusnar was a stonemason, and his wages and bonuses were the same as any in his line of work. However, in the 6th census his occupation was listed as drunkard and he was never mentioned again. It is likely he never made it to census seven... which would mean we are actually a little further into the founding, I would say, given a census was done right after the agreement was made, it is some time before 4673 AR but after 4667 AR. If I had to guess exactly, I would place is 4670 AR, the first buildings most place up are of wood not stone, if he was a drunkard in 4673 AR then the accident happened that year. Since he no longer is, it must be before then." Zeldana explained as she crossed her arms.
"And Gunnar, your spell might take the sting from origination, but that is not what eats away at you." Zeldana told him as she turned her attention to him. "It is the pain of living with it your whole life. Waking up everyday and having it there. The knowing you are the reason why. No release. That, you cannot guard him from. No one can. It is theirs alone to battle with... and some of us just lose."
"This does not change the original issue I brought forth." Zeldana told Kendra, "We are still in danger, thus my offer still remains. I would rather see Sandpoint and all of Golarian safe than see my own selfishness satisfied." She firmly said. "Though given his state, I am sure this has been placed on hold once more?"
However before Kendra could answer Zeldana let out an audible gasp of realization. "It, was not luck...." She stated before she looked to the doors were they had taken him out. "His soul was drawn to it." She stated, her eyes wide. After making her point to Gunnar she realized something likely no one else in this room could or would. She understood the soul better than them. They shared, grief from one's own actions. Daelk was the reason for Brother Cadner's death. It was his wall. So when it came down, who did he blame most? Cadner, was likely a friend, or possibly something more, but blame is always cast. And Daelk blamed himself.
This all seemed a strange waste of time to the druid. . . But it was what they all seemed to want to do.
"The official registers do mention his passing however. That the wall which did collapse in what was described as a horrific accident, unfortunately did crush Brother Cadner. Given the fact Daelk was a stonemason, and how he reacted after his death, he was very likely the one who built that wall... and when it fell and crushed Brother Cadner, he blamed himself." Zeldana sighed as she rubbed the back of her neck. "I can understand that well... If it was his wall, and it fell and killed someone, that would be an end to his way of life. Not only was someone he likely cared for and knew well lost, but his profession would never recover. Everyone would know it was his wall that killed someone..."
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Gunnar feels perplexed, but still says "So, he was resurrected in Jorn's body, to keep on living the terrors from his life? This seems off. I've heard of people who, when unable to face reality, start believing something else entirely. They create an entire different world in their heads where the terrible things they have to face aren't true. It may well be that this is the case, and he lives again so he can, perhaps be healed of this pain."
Gunnar also wants to convey that he wants to help Zeldana heal from Jorn's death as well, but he can't find the words. He feels this needs to happen even if they manage to bring him back.
"Or his soul sensed kinship." Zeldana said with a shrug. "Souls that do not follow their guides can linger and become ghosts at their place of death or the area which they are strongly tied to. Jorn was murdered in the garrison, and if I was a betting woman I would guess by the wall that fell. Since the garrison is not believed to be haunted, it must have been because he has yet to be judged. A person dies in a place he blamed himself for a death, it could have called to him. I could see a soul reaching out to comfort and apologize, only to end up stuck in the body." Zeldana stated, though it was obvious she was simply theory crafting. None could truly say what happened.
"The problem with living in an illusion is when they fail, they fail hard... and your perception of everything becomes even worse than it was before. But I do not believe this is the case, else why would he start off a drunkard? When he was never one until after the accident?" Zeldana inquired.
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Gunnar says "All we can do now is speculate. I do wonder what the best way to deal with this is. If what you say is true, then if this soul finds closure, it'd be enough for it to back to the Boneyard. I'm not sure how to do this right now, but we may have to just talk to him. We could put him to work, so his mind gets busy as we slowly feed him information."
'That is actually not true... if I was still worth the time I could find out... I could ask fate...Damn it... once again useless.' Zeldana thought as her hands tightened around her arms.
"What if we have him work with stone as a start? He was a stonemason after all, and it might start that process for us?" Zeldana suggested, trying to be of use with what she had. "I think also, when the time comes, taking him to the garrison would be the final step... and the most painful..."
"Of course nothing could be started right now until he is healed. Mayhaps either you or Father Zantus could heal him when he sleeps? Given his current state I am sure they'll have him resting. Though we would have to lie to him about who healed him if he asks."
"Yes it was, in both cases." Zeldana stated with a shake of her head. "You need to stop forgetting that the body he is in, is not his. It is like being in a house that does not belong to you. Most people can navigate their homes with ease, some even at night without the need for a candle. But being in someone else's home is different. You have no idea where anything is naturally, so taking that into account the things you learn over time as you grow are not there for him." Zeldana pointed out once again.
"You cannot express a right to something you do not own. If we did that it means anyone has the right to do as they please with anyone else's property. Their body included. Think about it, if Jorn's body does not belong to him first and foremost, what right do any of us have over our bodies even while the soul is in it?"
"This would be so much easier if-" Zeldana's eyes grew wide as she stopped herself midsentence. "Zantus! Where are the oldest bodies in the graveyard?" She swiftly asked.
"You want to talk about the graveyard?" Crusk asks.
"Not the graveyard itself, the bodies." Zeldana answered. "This soul is less than forty years old since the time of passing, if it is indeed who we believe it to be. He also passed in Sandpoint which means he would have been buried here as well. This means his body is still within our grasps and within the time of our magic." Zeldana pointed out. "This means, with a bit of preparations, and luck," Zeldana's eyes flickered to Father Zantus and Gunnar. "The soul will have his own body back, and we can return Jorn as well. The laws of nature and Pharasma can be set right, and all can be balanced."
Ameiko walks over to Corrin, and gently pulls him aside.
Lady Kendra Walks over to Daelk and gently takes an arm. She helps the man to his feet. in a caring voice, she was Sir, We are fetching Brother Cadner as we speak, and he will be with you shortly. In the meantime, let us go to someplace quiet to lay down. I am sure this will help with the pain.
Daelk mutters something, and allows himself to be led off. the two of them slowly make their way to the doors.
Father Zantus looks at Zeldana. Oh that is brilliant, Zeldana! I am rather ashamed that i hadnt considered that possibility... he scratches at his stubbled chin. oldest bodies. hmmm... I dont remember off the top of my head. he snaps his fingers loudly However, Orlin would know. He tends the graveyard as if it's his personal garden. Zantus chuckles he knows where all the dead bodies are buried he quips with a fake sinister tone.
Zeldana let out a small half laugh under her breath at the start of Zantus's words. "You should not lie, it only works when you actually know who you are looking for." Zeldana pointed out. "Guess we should thank the fact he ran his head into the wall."
She however blinked twice when Zantus made his small joke waiting a moment for it to pass, "I need to start cleaning up after myself, and I am sure you two do not want me in the hallowed grounds so I shall leave speaking with Orlin to you all." Zeldana said as she motioned to both Gunnar and Zantus when mentioned the two not wanting her there and then at the group as a whole when talking about speaking with Orlin. Then she moved to go and get a mop and bucket to clean up the puddle she had left in the room.
He sighed.
Loxley had respected Zel’s response to her question and let the woman continue uninterrupted be her.
She had stepped aside and let the ones this actually affected continue. She felt like the outsider she was.
Zel and Gunnar debated, with Lady Kendra adding in when she deemed necessary. She found Bandit and scooped the raccoon up.
She spotted Amieko pulling Corrin aside and wondered curiously what it concerned. The druid seemed to become agitated.
Yeda was still ready with sword, to collect a finger. She started to long for her old tribe as the assembly of city officials carried on.
They have much of the spirit of wind. Perhaps I should make a visit home soon. I would have to clean my head first...
It's then that she noticed herself absent-mindedly unsheathing and re-sheathing her sword by at most a few inched.
Crusk performs a song that comes from his orc heritage. It's a song of courage and not might.
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Gunnar says to Zeldana "Well, that's a gamble at best. You know, there is little precedent to such things and the best we can hope for is what we come up with our knowledge of how things work. I would say let's do it and leave it at Desna's hand, but I am sure you will scold me for thinking like this."
"Why? Nothing else I said has had a single affect upon you, Gunnar. After all, I have given you facts and logic of the world and you openly dismissed it. More than once. But then again so did everyone else in the room." Zeldana bluntly pointed out with a simple shrug of her shoulders. "You never answered a single question I asked, nor gave even a moments thought to the multitude of lives we are putting in danger even with this plan. But then again given your and Zantus's own, surprisingly, narrow views on The Great Dreamer, you must believe I am damned so, it only makes sense you do not take me seriously."
Father zantus lifts a hand. now where is that kind of talk coming from, young lady?
"Your conclusions." Zeldana answered simply. "After all, you and Gunnar have stated this event, even though you have no form of proof or evidence of any kind, to be of luck. And that because Desna is one of the goddesses who deals with luck, given one of her own titles is Lady Luck, that is must be her and none of the other deities who deal in luck. Which is bold, I shall give you that, as it could just as easily not be luck in the slightest. You take into no consideration, that you have presented, of any of her other aspects or even that of her views." She explained as she placed her hands upon her hips. "If your take upon such titles and domains is so narrow focused and literal as has been presented twice now, once by yourself and once by Gunnar, then using your logic, I am damned. I am a witch, Zanthus. I have never hidden such, never denied it.... it was the one thing I took some pride in... and Asmodeus is the Master of Witches, is he not, Zantus?" Zeldana questioned with a slightly raised right eyebrow.
"Oh or mayhaps you mean my statement of the unanswered questions? But I feel that is self evident." She added just to cover her bases.
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Gunnar forces himself to be diplomatic "Well, Zeldana, the path you've chosen is yours alone. By itself, it does not regard any god or another. You can pledge yourself to a faith like any other person."
He rubs his temples, trying to come up with a way to say what he wants to say. He says "You are obviously very bright, much more than Abstalar and I could ever be together. Now think of a barber-surgeon. Despite all their knowledge and experience, there is still much that they fail to treat, and there is still a lot of uncertainty. And that is things that they can touch and see! Now, with matters of divinity...", he looks up as if he could see the stars despite the daylight and the roof over their heads. He continues "There's much we can't see, rationalize or even fathom."
Looking back at Zeldana, he says "Which is how the word faith comes about. It's about trust, and taking the leap. Which is why you see that the most powerful cardinals are not necessarily great calculators." Assuming his practiced friendly posture, he says "I can see that you're desperate to know every intricacy of the divine politics. I can assure you, you don't. But I've also witnessed your power, and I am convinced you have a real shot of someday getting there. Maybe just... don't try to take a step larger than your legs."
"Gunnar, I was born this, chosen by the harrow cards at birth." Zeldana firmly told him. "And I told you the gods I follow before. Asmodeus was not among. It seems once more, you were not listening. You hear the words I say, but give no heed to their point or weight."
"And once more you aim for the topic but miss the point." Zeldana signed heavily. "There are things in this world we can never know, one of the best things about mortality is the limited time we have, to strive, to learn, to love. A barber-surgeon looks at everything that could be affecting their patient, and does not pick and choose. Yet you and Zantus are doing just that! You do not need to see everything the world has. You do not need to know everything, but ignoring everything else you should know for a single aspect, that is not faith, Gunnar. Either you believe in everything Desna is, or not. She lights our paths when we think we are most lost. In the depths of darkness her lights always provide a map. She is the song that gives our weary feet the strength to make it home. And when we return, and curl into our covers, it is her who allows us to see our hearts desire. Who shows us warning when needed. Then when we strive for something and our mortality finds us lacking just a bit, gives a dash of luck to see we succed."
"I do not need to know everything about the divine politics, I just do not ignore it when it suits me. I actually take in the entire picture, and how it all plays together. And I can assure you, even if I still had my power, I never would. That is knowledge no mortal will ever have." Zeldana stated, but then she looked ashamed as she said "You actually have never seen my power Gunnar... I lost my magic a little over two weeks ago just before Jorn was murdered... what you saw at Thisletop, that was the remaining embers. I have no spells left. I am useless... my knowledge is all that I have remaining to offer... and you have dismissed it at every point." Her voice had began to break as she spoke. Making her stop to take shaky breaths. "You could not even do me the decency of answering a single question I asked you. So please, do not lie to my face and call me bright when neither of you even deemed it worth your time to listen, to answer, to provide guidance." Zeldana fought back the tears as she stepped away from them, wrapping her arms around herself in a protective manner.
'This should not be a surprise to you... you where born under the sign of the Stargazer... the fool.' Zeldana thought. 'I was never more than that... even Anx knew...'
** spoiler omitted **
He said finally.
The look in Zeldana's eyes at Gunnar was nothing more then confirmation. As if his words sealed her fate.
Zeldana simply stook her head at his question. Though she was sure it was not meant for her. "I need to clean up. I trailed the water in, I will not leave it to another to clean." She stated before she looked at the others. "You all of course do not need to remain, I am sure you have more important issues to take care of. Should you need help with anything you have but to ask. I will do what I am able to for you, as always." She reassured them, giving Loxley and Yeda thankful nods, and Corrin a nod with a small smile.
Thank you brother Gunnar. You have done well in your attempts at addressing a followers needs. Now, allow me
To which Father Zantus provides a master class in greater Desnian theology. He picks apart Zeldana's arguments, her stances, her logic. He provides counterpoints her to cool logic and reason with the warmth that is found in faith. he pulls in other deific points of view, citing the Radiant prism and it's interplay of similar yet strikingly different theologies and aspects.
and yet, Father Zantus proves why he is the caretaker of the Sandpoint faithful. He could easily be the harsh school teacher, the taskmaster, the judge upon his seat. but instead, he is soft, kind, caring. He smiles, he guides. He engages Zeldana, prompting her for answers, to which he replies with encouragement and gratitude.
Now, dear Zeldana, that is why Daelk's arrival is an aspect of luck. He is on an incredible journey, while we help jorn, we will also ensure that Daelk's journey is not one that is interrupted. Whatever happens, happens.
he reaches out and gently squeezes her shoulder. Now, You go get changed. I will clean up this mess. he smiles Hang on. what do you mean, you lost your magic?
Thank you brother Gunnar. You have done well in your attempts at addressing a followers needs. Now, allow me
To which, Father Zantus, Sandpoint village cleric, follower of Desna and, but proxy, the deities of Abadar, Erastil, Gozreh, Sarenrae, and Shelyn, begins to lecture Zeldana...
He begins to talk about Desna, about her blessing upon this man for daelk being brought back to life, to how it was fortuitus for brother Golzar to have been able to administer his faith upon this fallen man...
but, the more he talks, the greater his brow drops. his frown lines grow deeper and deeper... his voice trails off.
Hang on... wait a minute he begs off.
he holds out a hand, and squints his eyes shut. his lips move silently, mouthing words quickly. his brow begins to bead with sweat. his brow furrows deeper.
his eyes snap open.
Oh gods! he blurts out. a look of horror fills his face. oh this is bad. this is really really bad. he begins to wring his hands as he looks at Daelk being led away. this is really really really bad.
he looks at Gunnar. URGATHOA! he says urgently. The Goddess of undeath! she will want him! Zantus grasps the front of Gunnar's shirt with two fists. The Pallid Princess! the queen of the Undead. The First undead! She will want him!
His face takes on a haggard look, one filled with absolute fear!
Father Riclek warned me that if i neglected my studies i would come to regret them. he lets go of Gunnars shirt. I- I- I had no idea it would come to my doorstep. And by Desna's quirk of luck, the aspect of Desna I enjoy, i pray to, i listen to, Oh! how she tests me so! She places this luck to test our dedication!
he looks around, and spots Yeda and Corrin and Loxley.
You three! Come here! Father Zantus clasps onto Zeldana's and Gunnar's arms, and drags the both of them to Yeda, Corrin, and Loxley.
This is bad! Yeda, Corrin, Loxley, please go with Daelk. He has become the most important man on Golarian! Dont let anyone near him!
he shakes Gunnar's arm You son, begin to pray. Pray to Desna like youve never prayed before! Beg! beg for help! Beg for providence! Beg that her luck has been bestowed upon the man so he has not been discovered by agents of the First Undead. Pray that no necromancer has discovered a purified void.
he shakes Zeldana's arm you, young lady, are coming with me. we must get to the boneyard at once! To orlin! he will know where Daelk's body is buried. He pauses, and then looks fully at Zeldana. Thank you, child, for showing me that at times, intelligence absent wisdom can sometimes still be a boon. he pats her cheek. And as we hurry, you will explain to me what you mean by Lost your magic.
Zeldana watched Father Zantus go back and forth in such a state she had never seen before. However the look on her face was a mixture confusion and apathy. 'Oh now he heard what I said... The fact no one listens is going to be the death of so many...' She thought to herself as she left out a small sigh.
"I am not a child." Zeldana muttered in a simple matter of fact tone, the darkness in her violet eye had returned. But she did not seem to mean it in an insulting way, more like she was correcting someone's mistake.
"I do not believe it needs much explaining. I cannot connect to my harrow cards. Thus I am unable to access my magic... also my cards are silent..." She shamefully admitted. "I can still feel the strands of fate, and change luck a bit... But outside of the spells my grandmother taught me as a child... I can cast nothing else." She explained as he pulled her along.
Yeda looks at Corrin and Loxley as if to ask
Is he really giving the orders now?
She waits to see how Zel reacts, confirming that she's really going to head of with Fr. Zantus. After they depart she sighs.
Well then, Daelk. Where are we off to?
"Yes, where are we off to?" Crusk begins.
Loxley tried to split her attention. Part of her was attempting to follow the conversation on the floor. Another part was watching Ameiko and Corrin’s hushed conversation with some curiosity.
Loxley returned Zeldana’s nod and gave the other woman a warm smile.
”As will we.”
Unexpectedly, Titus approached her. The man’s voice was low and she almost didn’t hear him.
She blinked at him, unsure for a moment, but she managed to reply with a small nod.
”Yes, uh, thank you.”
It had only been a short time ago, but it had felt so much longer.
”I pray that will be unnecessary anytime soon.”
She spoke in her own hushed tone.
Suddenly, Father Zantus began to yell. Which, to be fair, there hadn’t been a lack of raised voices, but there was something different this time.
Loxley turned her full attention to the cleric as he called to them and pulled Zel and Gunnar towards their little band. Loxley took the opportunity to excuse herself from Titus and join the others.
She didn’t want to admit it, but she wasn’t any more sure of what to do with ‘not-Jorn’, or rather Daelk. It was going to take a bit of time to get used to that.
”I suppose we are to keep watch over you for the time.”
The arcanist said as she crossed her arms. Though She was hardly sure what they were going to do should a god truly take interest in their new charge.
Crusk wonders how long it will take for him to learn the bagpipes. He knew that the bagpipes were part of his orc heritage. He looks at Zeldana.
"Sorry, Zel, but I'm going to procure some bagpipes," he says.
He turns to Loxley. "You're Royal Majesty," he began in low tones. "Daelk apparently is our problem. If you like, I can check out an experiment. I want to see if not-Jorn -- or Daelk -- can respond to certain types of music."
He paused and looked at his blood sister and sighed.
"Later I suppose the priest beckons."
He drew himself up to his full height and frowned. He almost thought to ask if the mayor approved of the usage of the words Anyone... cause he wasnt above pushing Daelk near Titus just so he could hit the man.
He Shrugged at Yeda and fell in behind Daelk.