Lutor tries not to look heavenward - hah! - as Hel speaks volumes. But does listen.
Hel is generally worth the effort.
After Sakkarot is done speaking, Lutor resumes.
"Thank you for your candour, Sakkarot. Do you have any recent intelligence on either the territory between here and the Wall, or the Wall itself?"
Hel listens with what her compatriots know as 'focused attention' -- but which generally looks, to those who don't know her as well as they do, like she's just really pissed off at the person talking. It's certain that her mind is rapidly filing the information Sakkarot is revealing, whether about Thorn or about the eventual fate of the horde the Fire-Axe has assembled. Hm. That doesn't seem quite right, she shares as Sakkarot confesses that despite the great work he will do, he's doomed to anonymity. Isn't it meant to be 'Serve thy master well, and be rewarded'? This ... must be thought upon. The glance she gives after that is primarily to Sir Gallen (who would be king) and Lutor (whose genius is a level or two above her own, however strictly he channels it), but it does touch upon Cole, Demlin, and Wesh as well; after all, the Knot is meant to make plans and decisions together, however much it secretly pleases her for another Knot to turn to her as this one's leader.
That, of course, is when Sakkarot rises, takes up the signal rocket, and moves towards her; she rises as well, smooth and elegant, to receive it and meet his gaze -- though her head tilts in consideration at his question. "Not the whole Wall," she replies, sounding distracted as she considers his stated requirements. "But most fortresses are taken from within; Balentyne is likely to be the same. The question at hand is how quickly we can discover the way of it."
With that, she turns her head, to look at the other five members of the Nessian Knot, pausing for several long moments upon each of them in turn, considering their skills and abilities. "No sooner than two weeks," she finally says, and slowly; "no longer than four." A few moments' thought more, then Hel finally turns her face back up to the considerably taller warlord. "I believe so, yes," she says firmly. "It is a tight schedule, and there will undoubtedly be problems to work around, but it must be done, so we will find a way. Apropos to the conversation," she adds, "do you happen to have any horses we might borrow until we meet again? Two or three would be fine, but six or eight would be ... better. Introductory appearances, you see."
"We can do it," Wesh says confidently. "It will serve Asmodeus and allow us to continue fulfilling our pact with Cardinal Thorn. It may not be easy, but it will be done."
Wesh thinks over the details of what they're trying to do. They need to gain the trust of those on the Wall, but mostly they just need to gain access to the gates and doors. If they can get on the teams for those positions or bribe the men who are, their task should be as good as done.
To Hel, he chuckles and shakes his head. "Horses aren't for riding up here, they're for eating. We don't have any at the moment regardless."
After you give your assent, Sakkarot grunts and nods. "Thorn has faith in you. If you weren't his best, he wouldn't have sent you. Now, go. Hail Asmodeus!"
As you step from Sakkarot's tent, you see Grumblejack and another ogre a short ways away - female, you think - with a bone piercing her nose. She hisses at Grumblejack and throws a spear at him. Grumblejack pulls the spear from the minor flesh wound, licks the blood off it, then breaks it over his knee. The two ogres then attack each other - that's the only way you can think to describe it - wrestling on the ground, biting, hitting, and scratching each other, until eventually Grumblejack seems to get the upper hand. The female ogre responds by shoving a knee into Grumblejack's ribs, squirming free while he clutches his side, and running away. Grumblejack, who is now quite beaten up, chuckles as he stands and says, "What a woman."
This is a fairly normal part of the mating rituals of ogres.
"It seems we have our next orders then. We will sail out in the morning and complete what we need to with the captain and then set our infiltration of Balentyne. We should retire to the ship to rest the night."
Lutor muses.
Perhaps Sakkarot's reward is receiving both the means and opportunity to exact vengeance. Not all rewards are pleasant.
"Good night, Sakkarot, and hail the Dark Prince."
I am feeling a little more enthused about this. Hmmm.
************
Outside, the wizard looks upon the ogres' "wrestling" with a knowing look.
Grumblejack has a different appetite in mind for once., he silently quips to the others.
I'm sure a few words were carefully chosen and aspects omitted so we could not easily manipulate him.
Once they were outside he nodded at Lutor's observation before looking towards the ship. Tonight we debate with Timeon, try to set him upon the bloody but necessary path. It is his to choose... truthfully I'm not sure if he will co operate. If he does not then his fate is clear in that too.
Lutor does not turn, but continues to mindspeak.
We can attempt to persuade him. Beyond that, belief or self-interest may save him.
Wesh bids Sakkarot farewell with a smile and nod. He hopes to get the chance to feast and fellowship again with the bugbear. The Fire-Axe is quite the individual.
He comments about Timeon, It is ultimately his choice. We can't force him to betray everything he's ever stood before. If he's not willing to make that decision, then we must be willing to grant him a swift end. We can't risk that he might escape or rat us out once we're in Balentyne.
He can choose wisely, or he can die. The same choice that we had, if in a different context.
Though she regrets the lack of horses, Hel does not allow it to bother her -- but she does not respond to the 'Hail Asmodeus', either. If there's one thing she has an aversion towards, it's fanaticism -- it may be, perhaps, the key issue she has with Wesh. "The Cardinal already instructed us to break Balentyne," she says quietly, eyeing Grumblejack before gesturing for him to get himself together and follow. "So we already knew that portion of our orders. I think it might be a good idea," and here she glances over her shoulder at the pavilion within which now sits alone the only member of the Avernan Knot, "to remember that we are Thorn's and our own, not ... taking orders from some other Knot." Should Grumblejack's ogress try to follow, she will shake her head -- Grumblejack has been trained and is still a force of uncertain discipline; another ogre present would make things utterly untenable.
She continues the walk down to the Frosthamar calmly, 'listening' to the others discuss Timeon. We must not throw away such a potential servant so quickly, she reminds the others. Timeon's choice must be clear and unambiguously his own -- without threat of death should he choose otherwise. The things we will do will be done with or without the knowledge he might give us; his committment to our cause must be of his own free will, without pressure or temptation. He has already seen what he might receive; he already knows what betraying us will earn him, though I do not think it would hurt to remind him that if he does betray us, we will obliterate his entire family before ensuring his own death.
So we make no promises of saving anyone, and no matter what he will not get to see his family again; no bribes, no bargains. He chooses to assist us, or he chooses not to; either way, we find a hidden spot, a cave or something, and leave him with Grumblejack. He will hold Grumblejack's boredom in check; Grumblejack will know to kill him if he tries to escape and warn Balentyne. She looks sideways at Wesh. So no casual slaughter. As Timeon is Sir Gallen's squire, it would be his duty to perform anyhow.
Grumblejack follows you back to the boat - the ogress does not follow, although you do catch glimpses of her watching you. As you walk, Grumblejack says, "Grumblejack look forward to breaking human fortress so Grumblejack can see Karlotta again."
Returning to the boat, Odenkirk seems to be rather agitated. Seeing you, he says, "It's about time! Those beasts may not have worked up the courage to attack yet, but it's only a matter of time until they do! I'm not getting paid enough for this! You'd better stay with the boat. We'll be ready to cast off in a few hours, and if you're not on it, I'll leave you behind! And that leader of theirs - Fire-Axe - he's the worst of the lot. I don't trust him one bit. Look at his eyes. He's smart - always plotting. Bugbears shouldn't be so smart."
You see Timeon roll his eyes, and you get the feeling he's been listening to Odenkirk rant about this exact thing since he got back to the boat.
To clarify, Hel, I have no intention of warning Timeon that his life is at risk. The sword can hang above him without him knowing it. As for Sakkarot, he can believe what he likes about his influence over us. We will act as we need to.
He barely acknowledges Odenkirk's presence as he boards.
Wesh smiles at Grumblejack's words. "With luck, you'll get a chance to see her again in a month or less. Good things sometimes take time."
To Odenkirk, Wesh says, "We're here now, Odenkirk. No need to get exasperated anymore. I don't plan to leave again till we've arrived at our destination." And your final destination.
"Our business is done here, at least we should move more swiftly now as we are unburdened by the cargo. Our journey south again might be less eventful as we move through the waters."
"Just cogs in a wheel captain. Do the job and don't pay too much mind to those that don't matter. We won't be leaving and are ready when the ship is. Thank you."
At Lutor's 'clarification', Hel rolls her eyes, clearly exasperated by some failure of communication, but forbears to say any more; the lad is not her minion to be overly concerned about ... but she did expect a bit more capability from the wizard.
The expression Timeon gives during Odenkirk's (somewhat justifiably) paranoid rant coaxes one of interest onto her own face, though; perhaps the boy is closer to full allegiance than she thought. To the ship's master, though, she glances at her compatriots, then tells him, "If you wish, you may undock and move a ways out from the pier, but as you said previously, we must cross in the early morning. We rely on your discretion as to specifics, Captain." Normally it should be a concession to his judgement, but Hel's natural (and slowly-increasing) contempt undoubtedly bleeds through, turning courtesy to mockery.
If Odenkirk takes the opportunity to move out into the lake's waters, Hel will remain silent during the evolution; when they are anchored once more and the ship is settled in, crew aft and the Knot to the fore, she will move to where Grumblejack takes up much of the middle of the boat. To him she speaks in a low voice. "Stay awake for a bit longer, and if any of the crew approaches to go around you, warn them away. Non-lethally, please."
As she returns, Faila flaps off her shoulder unbidden, settling onto the ogre's. "So, Grumblejack. Have you considered devoting yourself to the Prince of Hell, Asmodeus? Or perhaps Moloch, the General of Hell, a most powerful warrior ... ??"
Hel pauses to look back at the pair, surprised amusement plain on her face, but after a moment she turns back. "A moment to speak, then. Sir Gallen, would you start? Or perhaps you have some questions you would like answers to, Timeon."
Were Lutor a different man, he might consider that he is a bit quick to dismiss a man to death.
However, Lutor is as he is, and is unperturbed by such a notion.
He remains silent while Sir Gallen and Timeon have a conversation.
After a few moments of no further response from Timeon he proceeds. "You can speak freely, the choice ahead is yours. I wish to arm you with knowledge. You've spent some time with us now, seen that we don't resort to violence alone as a solution. The best tool for the job. If you've learned nothing else about me you know that primary goal is to remove the corrupt stranglehold the Church of Mithra has on Talingarde."
"You've seen what supplies we brought here. You're not foolish, you might not know why we are doing it but for some reason we're supporting these goblinoids. Their general target should be clear. We need to loosen the grip of the Church of Mithra. Many vile deeds are done in it's name though it is not spoken of amongst the people of Talingarde. Some would say we've performed vile deeds, giving weapons to goblinoids, killing soldiers of Talingarde. These things don't bring me joy but they are necessary." Gallen gave a momentary pause to allow Timeon take a moment to reflect on events so far, what he's seen of them and what he's done with them... and interject if he feels the need.
Timeon seems to be realizing just how heavy things are. He stands there, considering as Sir Gallen talks, before he asks, "What makes the Church of Mitra corrupt? I've never met a priest who wasn't kind or noble, and they all seem to genuinely want to help the people. Why is it necessary for us to unleash such violence upon Talingarde? Seeing as they'll likely die upon the Watch Wall, anyway, is this actually a trick to exterminate the monsters?"
"You've seen what they want you to see. Some might be able to be saved yet. They don themselves in the trappings of divine grace and nobility but pay attention and you will see the festering rot more and more as time passes."
"Their stranglehold is so long we must use unsavoury means to remove the hold of the Church of Mithra. For our intent it began long ago... we could spend months traveling to dusty libraries and go back further but lets stick to the commonly known parts of the tale for the most part."
"As you know doubt know House Barca once ruled, but they became decadent and corrupt. The Victor arose and he did some much needed cleaning house, they had become weak and the new order was better for a time. Then came the Learned of course, the Eldest but had no true interest and was derelict in his duties. Next came Hallen, the Mad-” Gallen smiles sadly “who was succeeded by Marcus the Zealous, son of the Learned. Stop and think about that for a second. Marcus did not succeed his father, who as the stories claim was killed by Hallen. This sounds very odd. No five months after the King dies his son claims the throne after his uncle has an accident. Doesn’t it strike you as odd that the line of succession has become so messy here and that there’s been a lot of accidents in the family? One mad son, these things happen. But righteous[i] Paladins sworn to uphold the law help him on his way and find a speedy end to his reign… there’s something missing?"
Gallen leans in "Paladins of Mithra, sworn to uphold the law kill a King. Were any of these men ever held to account? No, they did as they were told by their masters in the Church. Hallen, [i]the Mad. They're the Kingmakers, they took a man that was not next in line for the throne and cheerfully backed him. Why? I believe they saw someone they felt was troubled and easier to manipulate but when it went wrong they had their scape goat. They force the weight of the crown on his shoulders as they hoped him to be their puppet, their man... but the pressure was too great, surely even they wouldn't have broken with the line of succession to back him so swiftly. But the truth to the public merely speaks of him being the Mad!" He turns his head a little to the side. "This doesn't sound kind or noble to me, could it be that all the deaths under him were his idea... or is he saddled with the guilt, safe and silent in his grave who would speak up for him. It's not like the Church of Mithra has used the state to dispose of their enemies."
"Or perhaps there is another answer that explains this line of succession. Why there are no records from the time of anyone objecting to Hallen taking the throne. Marcus the Zealous was not the son of the Learned. I mean if he had been he would have succeeded his father, according to the history books a mad man with a flaming sword killed his brother and they chose him to be the King over the man’s son and heir? Hallen claimed Mithra guided him, a man everyone admits was somewhat imbalanced. The Church of Mithra, kind and noble... not a word of descent. They are complicit at the least in every step he took. Then his successor who was previously overlooked comes forward becomes known as the Zealous." Gallen raises and eyebrow, his eyes glisten with a long smoldering anger. "That sounds strange to me, that sounds like a convenient lie."
Gallen takes a slow breath "But lets get back to the history books, be mindful of what I said but even the accepted facts still betray them. The Zealous bans worship of Asmodeus and exalts Mithra. The Church of Asmodeus was the cause of Hallen’s poor mental health. The Church of Asmodeus who at that time was not particularly populous or powerful? Or did this young man who claimed to be the son of Martius need a scapegoat that was at the time neither powerful or populous enough to be a big problem. Give the people someone to rage against. Someone to blame other than the oath breaker Paladins. Other than the kind and noble servants of Mithra who slither about the throne. One day backing a man guided by Mithra who killed his brother- surely something they'd denounce if they believed it untrue. And another day paladins sworn to defend him, killing him mercilessly... if you should me a Paladin of Erastil or Torag you would more easily convince me of the possibility of their noble spirit.”
"One of Mithra? No, if they are kind or noble they they are a foolish catspaw for their superiors in the church. A church who has sunk it's claws so deep into the throne they set up and dispose of heads of state as suits their needs, as suits their petty goals. To shake Talingarde from their foul hold we'll have to take drastic actions. I've tried more subtle, less bloody means. I've dedicated my life to it, what we do next, they've exhausted more reasonable actions." Gallen sighs, looking tired but resigned. "They've forced my hand, they've made it necessary."
Wesh listens quietly as Sir Gallen slowly and methodically dismantles the fundamental pillars of Talingarde's nobility. The antipaladin's thorough rebuke of the church of Mitra is also something to behold.
Feeling his words would only get in the way, the fighter remains silent after Sir Gallen finishes. Wesh is eager to hear Timeon's response. How could the lad not see the truth of their side now?
Lutor watches, impressed by Sir Gallen's conviction.
And wondering how Timeon will respond.
Hel, on the other hand, is not overly impressed with Sir Gallen's arguments; she has (in her opinion) much better ones to hand. However, instead of looking contemptuous at his thoughts and conclusions, her expression is one of thoughtfulness; for all his bombast, he has from the facts constructed a complex theory that explains everything -- and in such a manner that she must indeed consider whether or not his theories may be possible.
While in this thoughtful mood, her flat gaze turns towards Timeon. After a few long moments of silence, she says, "If you have more questions, boy, ask them. To specifics, or to our experiences. We are here for you to ... use as resources for the entire truth of our experiences, not just what the Church of Mitra desires the masses to believe.
"So ask."
Timeon gawks at Sir Gallen's explanation, and then says, "But...that's not what happened at all. Markadian the Mad killed his brother, then declared himself to be king, regardless of the existence of Markadian IV. That's what they taught us. Markadian IV chose to stay away so that he would also not be killed. And didn't Markadian the Mad die because he tried to fly from the top of the Adarium without his magic wings? It was more of a suicide, wasn't it? I mean, I think it makes sense that the Church of Asmodeus was used as a scapegoat, and probably wasn't involved, but the rest of it was hardly wrong."
"Is that what they told you... but they didn't denounce him even then? One thing to say he is mad and remove him quickly. Another to stand by, at least silently condoning his divine claims until it became inconvenient... with his sworn bodyguard. Then they killed him. That's 'hardly wrong'?" Gallen raises an eyebrow. "The lies take time to slowly shift into place, I suppose another few decades left unchecked they'll twist the tale further."
"Even you can see already that the Church of Asmodeus was a scapegoat. They silently endorsed him and his divine claims... this is 'hardly wrong', that's what they've drummed into you your whole life. The cracks begin to appear. Just some of the rot beneath the surface of the self righteous ideas extolled by the Church of Mitra."
"That's the noble kingdom of Talingarde under the yoke of the Church of Mitra? Regicide? Blasphemy-" Gallen can't let out a chuckle at this point. "And at best if we swallow their lies with open eyes negligence and the knowing persecution of those innocent of the crimes they are accused of? Don't think I claim all of the priests and followers of Asmodeus butchered might not be guilty of other crimes, they were innocent of this. Some are willing to serve but lack the discipline to uphold true order."
"We can sit back and let the rot fester or act. It requires dedication and sacrifice to save this kingdom. Those goblinoids will kill people, good, innocent people but more merciful means to remove the Church of Mitra have failed. The longer we wait, the worse it will be. The higher the butchers bill. I will mourn their passing and though I do not swing the blade I accept there will be blood on our hands. I will carry this burden knowingly, my part in the vile acts to come. Any man who truly loves Talingarde would."
Gallen's voice is lower, hushed, hard to hear forcing the listener to lean in and strain. "I am but one man, if all the devils in Hell offered to right all the wrongs here for my soul, no reward but eternal torture, and I alone had to pay the price I honestly would... but it is no small task and one man's suffering will not be enough. I do as much as I can but I can not do it alone. Disciplined men and women, who will do what is needed. They are the ones who can help me. You can help me, you can help Talingarde."
"The Church of Mitra is the enemy," Wesh says, trying to support Sir Gallen's passionate plea. "It must fall if Talingarde is to rise to the heights it's capable of achieving. Taking down the wall is but one step of many, but an essential one. We need all the help we can get."
Wesh's words are fall less eloquent than Sir Gallen's.
Cole offers a slow clap.
"A fine speech Sir Gallen a fine speech indeed. Would you like me to remind the boy of his training?"
"All here have walked different paths until they have started to converge here. Everyone's insights will be useful. We're still individuals with our own viewpoints but unified by the threat."
Cole yawns speaks a few divine words of magic then stands and approaches the boy.
"Sir Gallen. I will take that as a yes. Young Tim here is a bit tired. He has had much to take in. Perhaps a break for tonight. Tim you remember our time together? That was a drop in the bucket at what you can have with your loyalty to the Dark Prince. His faithful are rewarded with pleasures of the flesh and whatever else you may desire if your faith is true. I have nothing to offer here and now on this ship, but open yourself to him. Pray with me and understand from the destruction and burning of this land new kings will arise in service to our Dark Prince. Think like a squire no longer and think of what is best for you and your family. For this is now your family Tim. The Nessian Knot. Will you pray with me?"
Cole extends a hand to help the boy up.
[ooc]Well that wont do using a Villain Point for re-roll
Lutor shrugs, seemingly nonchalant.
"I was a member of a family regarded as loyal by the Mitran powers that be. The moment I exercised my right to defend my name, both turned on me. The Mitrans and their lackies will use every soul on this island for their own gain - and turn on them for convenience, not piety."
Perhaps those words will seep in through the cracks that Gallen has deftly forged. And awaken him to how little the Mitrans care for him.
Hel listens without comment, her gaze shifting to each person as they speak. She does not envy the decision that Timeon is being put to; for her, it was something carved from years of unanswered prayers, of observation of the pious and the guilty -- and far too often, both were the same people.
"No," she says quietly at Cole's suggestion of a 'break'; "no break tonight, not without an answer. Which may," she concedes to the youth, "be yes, or no, or even 'not yet'." A glance at Cole, another at Lutor and Wesh, and a final long one at Sir Gallen, then she addresses herself to the youth once more.
"Timeon, while Mithra may indeed be a good and holy God, and while there may undoubtedly be sacred individuals within His Church, the unfortunate fact is that overall the Church of Mithra in Talingarde has failed to follow that lead; it is corrupt, as has been House Darius." Hel points at Timeon's master. "However impassioned Sir Gallen is, however personally he takes the situation, however jumbled his expression of the logic, he has his facts correct. Markadian the Mad became a fratricide and regicide all at once, slaying a king who by all rights was the wisest of the line, one who understood that he who rules least -- who extends his power only when it is truly necessary -- rules best. The Church, instead of acting immediately -- for after all, Hallen was only one man -- acted not at all, instead preferring the appearance of order instead of actual order, and only when Hallen's blasphemies were beyond even their tolerance did they move -- and if you truly think Markadian the Mad tried to fly without his wings, you are near to being willfully ignorant, which is something I for one am not willing to tolerate for long.
"Then Marcus took the throne, and Markadian the Zealous ..." She pauses, examining Timeon thoughtfully before continuing with slow, careful deliberation, as if speaking to a child -- for in many ways, Timeon is still a child. "There are other gods besides Mithra and Asmodeus, Timeon. Abadar the Gold-Fisted, whom Sir Gallen reverences; Desna the Resplendent, goddess of dreams, Sarenrae the Dawnflower, Aroden the Last Azlanti who is now dead, Iomedae the Inheritor and once Aroden's herald -- the worship of all these gods was banned, forbidden by the same stroke of the pen that banned giving Asmodeus his due. All those whom I have named are known to be righteous gods, and though the Church of Asmodeus was and continues to be especially blamed, to worship the Redeemer Sarenrae is declared as much blasphemy as worshipping some demon lord from the infinite layers of the Abyss."
She pauses, her head tilting. "The Church of Mitra and the King of Talingarde declared as anathema the worship of other gods of law and of good. Is this the work of a good and just clergy and king? Or are they seeking a state in which they control everything -- the king with his laws over the people, the Church with their declarations that only they hold the truths of the soul. Witch-hunters burn devout Mitrans for keeping knowledge alive, because if knowledge of other ways is allowed to flourish, the appearance of the infallability of the Church cannot stand. Innocents your own age, yes and younger, are beaten daily and raped nightly, and those who do so are declared to be just and only trying to save the child from sin, because the Church cannot admit to making mistakes." She shakes her head. "And in all this, where are the voices of disagreement, who would speak to truth and rightness? Or -- and here I have long had reason to doubt -- is Mitra's goodness and righteousness, in their threefold aspects, simply a complex deception? Does he simply not care what happens in Talingarde? Or might it be that his saints and prophets are silenced when they voice just such doubts about the acts of the Church and the Crown, in order to maintain appearances?"
"Appearance is much more important than truth to the Church of Mithra and the House of Darius, Timeon. The hold of both must be broken, shattered so thoroughly that even the most dim-witted peasant in the field begins to wonder why he must use the rudest of tools to plow his acres while a dazzling carriage crusted with gold and silk and carrying upper priests of Mitra go by; why such wealth in the hands of the powerful, and such misery in the hands of the peasants?" One hand lifts towards Cole, and past him to where Faila chats up Grumblejack. "Asmodeus is concerned with reality, with how things actually are. He is equally forthright, and states that a social order should exist, and that the competent should stand at its peak, while the incompetent should be removed from their place, and put to using whatever small competence they do have -- forcibly if necessary, for the sin lies not in deposing a king, the sin lies in not deposing a bad king. He says that we should do all things to the best of our ability -- and that, if we are very able in something, that we should take pride in our ability, and put it to its best use."
Hel stares at Timeon, flat and factual. "You have a heart that wants the best for everyone. So what is best for everyone? A king and church that strives to force everyone to believe only in one god and who will burn you for saying otherwise, when there are -- self-evidently! -- others, and good ones too, in the world? Who make bad decisions and refuse to admit to them, claiming facilely that the evils perpetrated on innocents are done to prevent those innocents from falling into sin? Or raising a sword, a shield, every weapon to hand, to destroy such a monstrosity that strives to conquer our minds and bodies and spirits to beliefs it professes but does not hold itself to, and replace it with ... something that does hold itself accountable?
"You have talent with sword and shield, Timeon. You could continue to be what Sir Balin of Kierkegaard desired you to be -- eager, hopeful, but blind to reality, a little dim, and a bit cowardly. Or you could grow under Sir Gallen's hand, be made to become strong and smart and brave and honorable, and become one of the greatest knights of Talingarde, lending your might and purity of heart to tearing down the rotting house with the pretty facade instead of leaving countless souls to rot with it."
She shrugs. "Up to you. But a part of me hates to think you might be stupider and more cowardly than Grumblejack."
For several long moments, Timeon looks from Gallen, to Hel, to Cole, to Lutor, to Wesh, to the deck, and then back again as he tries to process everything you've told him, everything he's seen you do, and everything he was taught. It's a lot for him to take in - destroying the pillars someone's entire belief system were built on and then trying to replace them with new ones immediately can be...overwhelming...to say the least.
In the end, he comes to the only decision he can - the one that makes the most sense, and the one that the Nessian Knot had already come to. The Watch Wall would have to fall, the Darian kings would have to be removed, and the Church of Mitra's power broken, in order to save Talingarde from itself, and allow it to achieve its full potential.
Timeon kneels before you, saying, "I, Timeon of Balentyne, do hereby swear my allegiance to you, as my masters, and will obey your commands, from this day forward, until such time as death has claimed me. I do this not in expectation of rewards nor in fear of life, but through my own will. To do what must be done." Finished, he looks up at you, awaiting your response.
"Good lad, now it's time I get some sleep. Big day tomorrow."
Cole heads off to get some rest. For tomorrow they sail for there final port of call and the destruction of the captain and his ship.
Lutor gives Timeon the faintest of nods.
But one borne of actual respect.
Brighter than he looks.
Hel glances after Cole and his cavalier attitude with a good deal of irritation in her expression; however, she waits for Sir Gallen to accept the loyalty -- the fealty of the young man who has just committed himself to them and their cause. A glance at the others, and via their private communication, she reminds them, Cole, we have more work to do this night -- gaining all the information we can on Aldencross and Balentyne from Timeon. There's no rest for the wicked. Despite the method of communication, the irony comes through.
Wesh follows Lutor's example and gives Timeon a nod. The lad isn't the fighter's squire, but Wesh still expects him to make a good soldier. Perhaps Wesh could give the boy a few tips when Sir Gallen isn't busy training him.
Cole looks back to Hel with a bit of sadness.
"You're right, but I doubt your will get anything I don't already know. Timeon how long has it been since you have been to Aldencross and the fort? Details on watch shifts and such change all the time. Most of our Intel will need to be gathered there, but I will set and assist if I can."
"I would accept your loyalty. But Aldencross and Balentyne will suffer in the days to come, I will not offer lies of it being spared. Your local knowledge will not only make our mission easier but it might expedite the process..."
Hel's eyebrows lift slightly, but Sir Gallen's words are precisely what she was arguing for; as a consequence, she still doesn't physically say anything, only watching Timeon's reactions.
"I...I realize that, and I know that it means people...people I care about...will be in danger. But...if Talingarde truly does need this...then...I will do what I can to help. What...what do you need to know?"
Timeon is willing, and he understands what must be done on a conceptual level, but he's still coming to grips with everything. He will help you, though, and he won't lie to you.
Lutor continues to watch Timeon from behind his hood but he is uncertain of the boy's true feelings on the matter.
"Who will flee, who will stand and fight? Who would be likely to capitulate? Thats just the people. The land itself, maps contain only so much detail. Local knowledge can be a boon though it is hard to be sure which details will prove to be most relevant."
... whoof!! Just squeaked by.
Hel nods slightly, glancing at her companions as they appear somewhat uncertain as to Timeon's struggle. He will do as he has said, she 'tells' the others, though his heart is mourning the necessity.
To the boy she therefore reveals the plan directly. "Very good, Timeon. I am ... pleased ... that you have recognized the necessities under which we labor. First, we need to know of any caves or such, some place as we might conceal you and Grumblejack until it is time to strike. Grumblejack, for all his bluff loyalty, has ... impulse control issues, and gets bored easily. While we considered leaving him here, his brute strength is an asset, and we are loathe to leave such behind if there is any way at all we can keep it hidden until it is needed. Hidden, and under control -- which means you. Like during the seal hunt, you will have to keep watch, keep Grumblejack under control and ... less bored, shall we say. Whether that means playing simple games, or practicing with heavy padding on your weapons to keep them relatively quiet, whatever works -- but we will be relying on you to keep him on a short leash."
She lifts a hand, and flips out two fingers. "Second, Aldencross and Balentyne. We need to know all you remember about the people -- the commander of the fortress, his captains and lieutenants, the mayor of Aldencross, the priests in the garrison and the town, the couriers who keep the fortress in contact with the rest of the Watch Wall. Anyone who has influence. How do they use that influence? What are their attitudes, their personalities, their little quirks? What rumors do you know of them?" She waves vaguely. "Everything you can remember. Though high and sturdy walls are the physical representation of the Watch Wall, it is the personalities inside those walls that provide the real defence.
"Sir Gallen, however," she concedes, "is not wrong; the lay of the land is important as well. Have you heard rumor of any secret entrance to the fortress? How well can the fortress see the town, and vice-versa? How far away is it? Is the area mostly fields, or is it forest -- particularly between Balentyne and Aldencross? Are there any particular gulleys that might offer concealment from one or the other?"
Add whatever modifiers are appropriate. +3 for Int, +5 for Wisdom, -2 for Charisma ... though I'm hoping Charisma is no longer necessary. ;)
Nodding at Sir Gallen's words to Timeon, Wesh says, "As Sir Gallen said, it's hard to be sure which details will be the most important. So keep in mind that - in addition to answering our questions now - we'll likely need you to be able to answer questions at a moment's notice after we've reached Aldencross and Balentyne. Your ability to answer quickly under pressure will be essential, so please do whatever you need to do to prepare yourself mentally before our arrival."
Timeon blinks and looks a little overwhelmed by your rapid-fire questioning, but he takes a deep breath and says, "It's been several months since I've been to the fortress and ho...Aldencross. There are forests near Aldencross that might contain such shelter, but I've never spent much time in them, so I don't know whether or not they do. People from town rarely go into the woods, except for hunters, so there should be a fairly low chance of encountering anyone there. For the physical terrain, Aldencross is about a mile west of Balentyne - we'll actually walk by Balentyne on our way to Aldencross, if the captain sets us down on the shore of Lake Tarik. The terrain is mostly flat between Balentyne and Aldencross, rising to a hill that the fortress itself sits on.
"I don't know anything about watch patrols or guard shifts. My time in the fortress was fairly short. I can tell you that most of the guards in the fort come from Aldencross and the surrounding farms, and most people are related to someone stationed at Balentyne. Before Sir Balin chose me as his squire, I was going to enlist there. Balentyne's commander is Lord Richard Thomasson, Duke of Havelyn. There are four captains each under him - Captain Zack Eddarly, Captain Franz Mott, Captain Ryan Varning, and Captain Samuel Barhold. I think there are somewhere around 100 soldiers. The main priest of Balentyne is Father Carthas Donnigan, and there are several acolytes under him. The only other people of note in the fortress are Mad Martin and the Magister, Tacitus of Morimun. He's supposedly a wizard of some kind."
Timeon thinks a moment, then says, "If you have paper, I can try to draw you a map of part of the fortress. I haven't seen much, but I know where the rookery is. Lord Havelyn and Sir Balin took me up there to send my enlistment into the Knights of the Alerion headquarters in Matharyn. The towers of the Watch Wall communicate by raven. Mad Martin is the rookery keeper. He never leaves the rookery, and even talks to the birds like they're people. A raven dispatched from the Watch Wall can call reinforcements from any other. That's what makes the Watch Wall so effective. They don't need a lot of soldiers because they just need to hold out long enough for reinforcements to arrive."
Continuing, he says, "As for the town of Aldencross, the Lord Commander of Balentyne is the town's lord. However, the town is large enough that Lord Havelyn's appointed a reeve to handle the day to day business, named Dominik Vallison. Father Donnigan is the head of the church in the town, but he's busy with his duties and only comes in on holy days. The Church if St. Alden is kept by Brother Justin, who handles the day to day ministry. I don't think Brother Justin has any kind of divine gifts - I've never seen him use them, at any rate. Once you'll get there, there's only one inn that caters to visitors - The Lord's Dalliance. It's run by Bellam Barhold, who's brother to Captain Barhold. Off-duty soldiers frequent the inn, as well.
"While the Captains all of have quarters in the Watch Wall, all except Captain Barhold also have homes in Aldencross. My family actually lives near Captain Mott's house. One time, I saw Captain Eddarly go to the house in the evening, and Captain Mott's wife, Kaitlyn, greeted him very warmly. It seemed strange, since Captain Mott wasn't home."
"Good good. I have all I need then for now. I'm getting some sleep.