Barely able to haul themselves up the ladder and out of the hole, the group support eachother out of the prison and half stagger back down the gravel path toward Ravengro.
Thin, watery light bathes the Warden's statue as you pass and your eyes are drawn to it as if seeing it properly for the first time. You see the straight back, the strong jaw, take in the look of determination and... nobility... in his posture.
Having fought your way through the worst this prison, this nation, has to offer you can see why the town held Warden Hawkrun in such esteem.... and your hearts are heavy that his beloved's spirit wanders those halls still, withering in her loneliness at his absence.
.........
Kendra's face is drawn and strained as she meets you at the door, immediately slipping her arm under Zed to help him up. She explained her frustration the previous day at feeling as though the party were risking themselves and she were doing nothing, and it doesn't seem as if that attitude has changed.
Pharasma, help them... she whispers under her breath.
Old River bounds out, his bandages fresh and changed on his chest and sniffs at each of you, giving your hands a quick, welcoming lick.
I have water boiling and Jominda brewed herbal mixtures. They may do nothing for your wounds but they'll help with the pain. Kendra says thinly, obviously feeling like the gesture is empty and fruitless. She coughs into a hankerchief and folds it into her pocket.
You're covered in dust... she explains.
She is quite right that you are covered in dust from the collapsed roof, but you get a hunch it was quick thinking on her part to mention it
Of course. Kendra agrees. It looks like you've earned it! Father drank brandy and I have wine I haven't packed up yet. But if you would prefer someonething else I can go to the Laughing Demon, Zokar was asking about you this morning anyway. Quite a few people have been. They have been seeing fewer things and Father Grimburrow said they haven't seen any more undead in the Restlands, but people are still afraid.
When will it be over, do you think?
When you enter the house it is clear she has made even more progress in packing up her belongings and now more or less only the bare essentials remain out of crates and boxes which are stacked neatly in several rooms.
Zed leans on Kendra and his tetsubo, just nodding weakly. "Yes. The splatterman is no more. We have one last mission, but now we must rest..."
The Church is busier than you expect given the time of day. Acolytes attend several citizens who sit hunched in the pews and you note the presence of blankets and cookware in several corners of the hall - it appears as if several families have actually moved in to the church.
Although there are children dotted here and there, they play quietly having been brought up to have the utmost respect for Pharasma and her holy places.
Grimburrow himself can be found in his vestibule, pouring over old tomes, a glass of strong whiskey to hand.
How goes it? he pauses then seeing your condiution. Well I spose I can see right enough that it's hard fought. They should have levelled that bloody place after the fire. he shakes his head and over the space of a few minutes heals your wounds.
He turns to Zed then and says;
It ain't magic I like to practice, son but I figured you'd need to call on me one of these days.
The Father rubs his hands then as if he had something nasty on them before taking a seat once again with a sigh, looking every one of his seventy-plus years.
"Better than you might expect, Father," says Constantin. "We've destroyed Ferramin and banished most of the spirits. One final strike should end this."
The Splatterman is done? Father Grimburrow looks both surprised and dismayed.
He scratches at one of his prodigious eyebrows.
Benjen ain't doing so well in that case. He ain't spoken, he just stares - vacant. Jominda has been looking after him, feeding him, cleaning up his.... she's a wonder that girl. Ms Lorrimor has been helping where she can but she looks like she's feeling the strain herself. the old priest shakes his head. I thought when that spirit were gone Benjen might come back, at least a bit...
He's here. Jominda's with him right now. Maybe it ain't an instant thing, I pray that's the case.
Kazamir, silent and weary through most of the day, nods to Rajuna's suggstion, then follows to the Sheriff's bedside.
Grimburrow leads you out of his office and along a short corridor at the rear of the church. He knocks gently on a smooth, oiled wooden door before entering.
Beyond is a priest's quarters. It is sparse in it's furnishings to say the least. A small cot lies pushed against one wall, whilst a desk and single chair sits against the other. Beyond that the furnishings only extend to a small chest of drawers and a footlocker at the base of the bed.
Depressingly, it actually reminds you of one of the cells in Harrowstone.
The young apothacary, Jominda Fallenbridge, is sitting at the desk when you enter, reading a passage aloud from a book on the desk. You can see she has made some attempt to brighten the place with flowers and candles.
...when necessary to liaise and act in partnership with his Lordship's armed forces...
She is reading aloud the Canterwall Charter of Law.
She looks up as you enter, almost relieved in fact.
You're back! I'm sure Benjen will be delighted. I'm so glad you're safe.
Benjen in fact, cuts a desperate figure. He is clean shaven, but sunken-eyed. He sits half slumped in his posture, staring blankly through the window into the sunshine beyond. He does not react at all when you enter.
Jominda looks crestfallen.
Nothing. I... I know this is silly. she says indicating the book. But he was so diligent and dedicated. He practically knew this Charter word for word.
She smiles sadly. He took me on a date once when we were both younger and all he talked about was wanting to be Sheriff - he even quoted some of this. I just thought if I read something familiar to him... Gods, even if he just told me to 'shut up' or that I 'was boring him' it would be something.
I've tried every concoction I know but even when I can get him to swallow them it doesn't have any effect, he just sits there. I know Father Grimburrow has tried to heal him but physically all his wounds have gone. But after what he went through.... and for how long that thing was in there... who knows what kind of lasting damage that does to a person's mind.
Zed can't help but give a soft sigh of relief. He has never felt healing at even half of the power that the Father courses through him. He stands up and stretches his abdomen. "Thank you Father." Zed follows the others to Benjen.
Zed looks down with pity and remorse at Benjen. Perhaps if we had acted faster, he would not be so damaged. Or perhaps...
Vala arches a knowing eyebrow at Kendra's cough and shoots her a you-can't-fool-me-dear look. She shakes her head as the younger woman begins to hem and haw, interrupting her. As the group gathers themselves to visit Father Grimburrow, Vala gives Kendra's hand a loving squeeze and quietly offers, "We'll talk about what's really troubling you when I get back, sweetie." She smiles warmly, her expression soft and comforting somehow despite all she had seen over the past day.
----
When Vala see's the listless, empty state Benjen is in, a cry chokes in her throat. She pulls a stool up beside the sheriff and Jominda, and takes Benjen's calloused hand into her own. Patting his hand gently, she recounts softly, "He gloated, you know. Feramin. The last thing he did was boast about what he'd done to you, Benjen. He's gone now, but the fight goes on it seems." She gives Benjen's hand a squeeze before kissing him lightly on the forehead in the way that only grandmothers can. "I'll help you however I can, Benjen. You can count on that." She gives Jominda's hand a squeeze at this too, grateful for the care she's already shown to poor Benjen.
Sometimes all you can do is pray. mutters Father Grumburrow.
Benjen's hand hangs loosely in Vala's after she squeezes it and he simply continues to stare, slack-jawed, out of the window.
Zed stares at him for a long time. Benjen. You don't deserve this. Nobody does. Hardships are vital to the mortal experience, but this incapacitates you. You cannot overcome strife without action. Zed bows his head and steps out of the room.
The grim dhampir begins walking down the streets outside, looking up at the gray sky. Guide me Pharasma. This sheriff helped us when others could or would not. He is a good man. A better man than me. He watches the sky stay silent and still. The only answer he ever receives.
Zed begins walking again, picking up his pace. One last thing...
Zed returns to the others, walking into the room with Old River at his heels. He whistles and moves the dog forward to Benjen, scratching him behind he ear. "Go on boy, give him some love."
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Old River lopes to his feet as Zed enters and wanders over to give him a sniff.
How’s it going, old buddy? his doggy smile says.
Kendra leans on the doorframe watching as the pair greet eachother.
He’s been so good. Doesn’t complain about his wound at all and such great company.
When Zed indicates the front door to Old River, his doggy smile turns into a grin and he bounds toward the door, tail slapping back and forth like a whip. He gives a couple of those cough-like barks he seems to have developed.
It is the first real walk he has had since his injury and he trots from one area of the Ravengro Square to another, sniffing everything as if it were the first time he had been there. A couple of children – one of which was the little girl you recognise as Tall Tam’s daughter – come up and say hello to him, scratching behind his ears. He replies with some good natured licks before wandering off to sniff at something else even more interesting.
Eventually you make your way back to the Church. Again, once ushered inside he goes from person to person, sniffing, seeing if there are treats on offer, padding off when none are forthcoming. Some of the acolytes offer quizzical looks but none say anything.
Once outside the door to Benjen’s quarters however, Old River’s demeanour changes. He catches scent of something and his hackles raise immediately. He barks once at the door and then growls deep in his throat. At first he point blank refuses to enter. He simply stands in the corridor, head low and back arhced, growling at the man inside who sits with his back to the door.
From Benjen, there is no response at all.
Eventually, half coaxing and half pulling the big dog inside he pads around the outside of the room, keeping as far away from the Sheriff as he can, eyeing him suspiciously with his one good eye, large teeth bared now, muzzle drawn back. He is so good-natured you have almost forgotten how big and dangerous a dog of his strength must be.
He barks again at the Sheriff, closer now, almost within touching distance and for a horrible moment you think the dog is going to set upon him.
Again, from Benjen there is no response at all, he simply continues to stare out of the window.
Ummm.... are you sure this is a good idea..? Jominda says nervously.
Old River edge closer still, nervously, cautiously. Benjen’s hands hang limply in his lap, mere inches from those teeth. But the dog doesn’t bite. He stops snarling. Now that he is close he begins to sniff at the man, his hands, his feet, his legs. He leans in and nudges at the man’s hand, pushing against it with his thick, bony brow before looking up slightly and giving the merest, faintest lick on the man’s fingertips.
Old River slumps down onto the cool stone floor, huffing as his bulk engulfs the sheriff’s feet.
Benjen does not move. He does not break his stare from that window. He does not reach down and smooth the dog you now know he stabbed so horribly that night. But though his blank expression does not change, a single tear wells in his eye and tumbles down the contours of his cheek.
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Kazamir is still and quiet for a long time as he considers the stricken Sheriff. He mutters a brief thanks to Jominda, then kneels at Benjen's bedside. He fumbles with his neckcloth and collar, eventually bringing out a tiny leather book, hung round his neck on a braided leather cord. With a practiced gesture, he opens it - there are only a pair of thick vellum pages within, showing a black-and white checkerboard pattern.
He takes Benjen's unresponsive hand in his own, placing it over the book, and prays, silently.
Lady of Secrets, even if he never lifted a thought to you, here is one of your own, sore afflicted. Where his tortured mind now lies, this is a secret worthy of You. Help him, Lady, or the good Father to help him, or, if need be, help your servant and his worthy friends to help this man. Let it be found to be so.
Returning the uninteresting hand to the Sheriff's lap, Kazamir stands awkwardly and, after a moment, seeks the clean air out side the church.
As he waits for his friends, he mutters, "Too often is it the case that a villain is brought to justice too late to help those that...". He trails off, shaking is head.
Vala pats Kazamir on the shoulder encouragingly before offering quietly, "There, there. We've had enough sad thoughts for one day. Benjen's in good hands and there's naught we can do for him now, but there is something we can do for Raj and for poor Vesoriana yet. Let's find what rest we might and see an end to the horrors of Harrowstone with the light of a new morning, hmm?"
I wish you luck, Ms Cross. Father Grimburrow says. I hope you finally clean up that place. But the question remains as to what they wanted there and whether this is just the start.... he adds sternly.
Zed watches as the tear falls down. That's all I needed to know. Zed walks up to Benjen and puts a hand on both his shoulders. "I know you're still with us. Keep fighting. We will get you back. I swear on it by my holy vows and my family name, I will get you back."
"YOu have the right of it, Vala. Lets get some rest."
Constantin stares at Benjen, his dark eyes piercing. His jaw clenches ever so slightly.
Those who've heard his mind-voice can just barely, at the very edge of their consciousness, sense a slight hummmm. It rumbles like angry thunder waiting to break. Constantin's short hair lifts ever so slightly and slowly, as if unseen static is sending it apart.
Then he closes his eyes and shakes his head and it all stops.
"Ferramin's last laugh... he has placed the lawman in a prison," Constantin says.
"Well, justice is coming to town."
As you file out of the room Old River gives a final look over his shoulder, tongue lolling crazily. With that one good eye it looks like he is tipping you a reassuring wink;
Don’t worry two-leg friends, I’ll sniff out the big fella and bring him back. it says.
........
Back in the Lorrimor House, you go through the now familiar routine of washing up and helping prepare dinner. Zokar Elkarid, owner of the Laughing Demon Inn calls over in the late afternoon. He shuffles awkwardly and offers you a large shoulder of pork, saying; ’Least he could do is see you eat right enough.
Aside from his welcome appearance, the evening passes without incident.
Constantin seems to have recovered quite a bit from his earlier slump.
To Zokar he says, "Thank you so much. Really, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Will you be staying for dinner? I don't think Kendra will object to me inviting you."
Later, over dinner, he says, "I feel like defeating Ferramin has really showed that we can achieve something good. Like we faced down real horrors and succeeded. I think... I think Benjen has a chance, too. I hope we can help him."
To Kendra he says, "I know you're all ready to leave Ravengro behind, but at least we're leaving it better than it was." He gives her a wry smile.
Even after everything that's happened, this has always been my home. Kendra agrees. It will be hard to leave but I can't be here without thinking constantly of father. I think he would want me to move on and finally do something with all of the knowledge he gave me.
Perhaps in Lepistadt I will be able to do that, maybe even follow in Aunt Vala's footsteps. she adds with a smile. Give me some tips on handling unruly students, Auntie? she jokes as she cuts into the pork.
It's a shame Zokar couldn't stay, but if anyone is doing well out of this crisis in town it's him, when people get no respite from prayer they find it in alcohol I suppose.
Vala nods hopefully at Constantin's words regarding Benjen as the group shares dinner. "I mean to, dear. I mean to."
Then, at Kendra's joke the old, white-haired woman chuckles, "Oh, I think you'd be more than capable of holding your own, sweetheart. Your bigger problem would be with doe-eyed young men looking to woo their fair teacher." She smiles, the crowsfeet and wrinkles in her cheeks deepening. "Though I suspect you'd be more than capable of handling yourself in that respect too."
---
Later, after most have gone to bed, Vala approaches Kendra. "You care to tell me what was really troubling you when we first came back tonight? And don't try to tell me it was dust, child. I may be old, but I'm not that old."
I'll be too busy to think about romance I hope Auntie. Besides I'll have you and Professor Derleth to look after me!
You send a certain degree of fondness In Kendra's voice when she mentions Professor Derleth
.....
Later, when Vala approaches her as she clears away the dinner things;
Oh Auntie, it's really nothing to worry about. I'm just feeling a bit under the weather. It's not even worth mentioning given the terrible things you have endured.
Constantin wipes his lips with his napkin at the dinner table and says after Kendra comments about Professor Derleth, "Just so long as the university doesn't decide to put on a performance of the King in Yellow, I'm sure it will be fine. I expect that before you know it this will all be in the past and you'll be able to forget about Ravengro." He says this with an oddly chipper tone, as if it's somehow amusing to him.
...Yellow Sign.."
I don't think I am familiar... Kendra says as she cuts the soft meat. Wait, I have heard of some of the performances in Cheliax - more demonoligy than acting. Is it something like that, Constantin?
"Quite. Something of an occultist's legend. I'm not seriously suggesting anything of the sort, though. I expect you've had your fill of conspiracies and..."
Constantin drops his fork with a clatter.
"We forgot. We forgot that this was all architected by the Whispering Way," he says suddenly.
"It's not just the last ghost that we need to capture or destroy -- we need to find and stop the agents of the Whispering Way, the ones who set this all in motion," he says to the others.
With the atmosphere turning serious, Kendra puts down her fork and steeples her fingers in front of her.
So let's talk about it. What do we know about why they were there and what they did? she asks, reminding you once again of her father.
"Your father was looking into them. He suspected that their influence was to blame in this town," Constantin says. He closes his eyes and there is a sense that his mind has gone somewhere else even as he speaks hollowly. "He said that they were trying to perform some kind of magic at the ruins of Harrowstone. Using the trauma and the haunts there for their purposes. That he feared they had some greater plan - that he thought they might come after him to silence him. And they did. They were likely the ones who... who turned him into their weapon," Constantin finishes nonspecifically.
"Even if we destroy the haunts, the cultists are still out there. The people who killed Petros are still out there," he says intensely.
You're right Constantin. But didn't you also tell me that they actually took the warden's spirit from the Prison for some reason? How could they do that and why risk exposure to even do it in the first place?