"While I am sorry that it comes form a cost, Vala, I for one am glad that you will be with us going forward." Kaz says quietly.
Finishing the last dregs of coffee in his cup, Kaz returns to his usual brisk, businesslike demeanor.
"We should see to selling our spoils and preparing ourselves for the next trip. I would also like to spend some time gathering what information that there is to be found about Count Alpon Caromac and his Schloss.
Your Honor, a Gentleman should never be so crude as to speak of base coin, but I believe that there was talk of a reward for the Bland's defense?" He asks with a slight smile and a lift of the chin.
She walks to a painting of an ocean scene and removes it to reveal a safe behind. From within she takes several heavy cloth bags of coins and hands them to each of you.
You have more than earned this, and the time to enjoy it. the Judge says warmly.
With the deal complete, after a civilised tea and pastries, the group bids farewell.
KAzamir spends the day familiarizing himself with teh streets and merchants of Lepidstadt. As they go along, selling those items they've accumulated and picking up the useful things they might need in their pursuit of the Way, he does what he can to pick up information about he Count and his Castle. His last shopping stop is with a highly-recommended weaponsmith in Ulcazar Street, commissioning a new cane. Late in the afternoon, he makes his way to the University, making his inquiries with Librarians and Historians.
Kazamir has a brisk stride and something of a spring in his step following the trial. It felt good to get back to investigations he was used to and even better to win.
He stops at the University to ask about the Schloss and finds out that Schloss Caromarc is the dwelling of Count Alpon Caromarc, the former ruler of Vieland who abdicated his position when the Palatinates threw off the heavy yoke of the aristocracy.
But he is able to find little else.
He calls upon Professor Derlith at his rented apartment and finds the nobleman in the middle of parking up his things to return to the capital.
Despite this he takes the time to prepare a delicate blend of coffee Kazamir hasn't tested since his days in Jalmaray.
Count Caromarc. I confess I only had occasion to visit the Schloss once. The Count studied alchemy, a profession that fascinates me no doubt but that I have no great skill in. And so we operated in different circle.
What I can tell you is that he was quite brilliant. Thats evident even to a layman like myself.
An eccentric recluse, Count Caromarc has built a dwelling that both attracts and deters visitors. Known as the Hanging House, Schloss Caromarc lies to the northeast of Dipplemere swamp and is actually several buildings built into the walls of a gorge above a waterfall. A remarkable feat of engineering really and the lower part of the house is quite luxurious.
You think he is Bland's creator then? I had no idea his work extended to golem-craft though now I think of it he would certainly have the means to study such a process.
Departing from Justice Daramid's home, Vala takes a slow, meandering route to Kendra's, her hand fidgeting with something in her coat pocket.
She knocks on the door, and embraces her treasured niece earnestly now that the trial is done, hugging her tightly. "I'm sorry to bother you, dear, but it looks like my time here in Leipstadt is quickly coming to another close. How are you doing after the trial? I don't imagine it was all that easy for you to watch."
Pausing every so often to savor the fumes of his achingly-familiar coffee, Kaz takes in the Professor's information.
"Was the Count ever married? Might he still be so?"
or
Constantin practically disappears after the trial, ensconced among the University stacks. Those who go looking for him occasionally find him with a stack of odd books, sometimes mouthing out words under his breath or scribbling notes on a small scrap of parchment. In the evenings he returns to sleep but seems to have little to say.
Vermundr follows up on Kazamir's question. "Did he have any family, perhaps a mother or father still? I'm trying to understand why he would create something like Bland to begin with."
Departing from Justice Daramid's home, Vala takes a slow, meandering route to Kendra's, her hand fidgeting with something in her coat pocket.
She knocks on the door, and embraces her treasured niece earnestly now that the trial is done, hugging her tightly. "I'm sorry to bother you, dear, but it looks like my time here in Leipstadt is quickly coming to another close. How are you doing after the trial? I don't imagine it was all that easy for you to watch."
On the contrary. Kendra says returning the hug. If you don't mind my saying so, I haven't seen you like that in years Auntie. Passionate and driven, it was like seeing you and my father again. It was lovely.
I know things weren't easy for you at the end, but it really felt like he was there with you on the defence stand. He would have relished <cough!> it. Excuse me. she says, looking sad as she thinks of her father and doing her best to stifle a cough into a handky she kept in her sleeve.
Pausing every so often to savor the fumes of his achingly-familiar coffee, Kaz takes in the Professor's information.
"Was the Count ever married? Might he still be so?"
[dice=lore/ustalav]1d20+13 or
[dice=know/history]1d20+9
He is, yes. Jon says sipping his coffee. He rubs at his temple as if trying to remember. But her name escapes me. She wasn't in attendance when I visited perhaps... two years ago though I have never had the pleasure.
Vermundr follows up on Kazamir's question. "Did he have any family, perhaps a mother or father still? I'm trying to understand why he would create something like Bland to begin with."
I'm afraid my history isn't that good Vermundr. Jon laughs. And as for his motivations, I've no idea. But consider what he achieved, creation of a flesh golem with true sentience. In certain circles I imagine that's akin to discovering a Philosopher's Stone.
And then to have gone through all that, all the work and study that must have taken, only to turn Bland out into the cold? That seems odd to me. I know that as a somewhat learned man, if I were working on something quite so amazing I would go to great lengths to protect it.
No, something there does not add up.
Vala's face clouds with concern as Kendra tries to cover her cough. "Are you ill, sweetheart? You've had that cough for days."
Kendra looks suddenly very flustered.
Oh I know, its a such a blasted nuisance, I cant seem to shake it off! Haha! she laughs nervously. Can I make you some tea, auntie? she adds, changing the subject quickly
The sweet girl has no gift for falsehood. It is very clear she is not telling the truth about her cough and feels very uncomfortable when asked about the subject.
Vala fixes her with a firm stare, the look saying so much more than words ever could. "You can tell me what's wrong as we share some tea, yes."
It's... For as long.... <sigh> Auntie I don't want you to worry. Kendra says, moving to fix the pot of tea. You've just been through so much and if you go after these Whispering Way people who knows what you'll have in front of you without me adding to your worries. she adds, her eyes glistening, but she takes a deep breath and busies herself with the china.
"Alright. How about this. I'll only put off chasing this hellish cult if you ask me to. Otherwise, if I know what's going on, perhaps I can find some way of helping you, sweetheart. There's no shortage of magics in the world, after all."
Kaz, with a small sigh combining pleasure and regret, sips down the last of his coffee. He sets the sup aside as he considers Jon's thoughts.
"I worry that...someone, some person or organization, may have wrested means to control Bland away from the Count. I worry about what we may find waiting for us at the Schloss. At the very worst, as I said the other night, I worry that we may be forced to face Bland himself. I hate the thought of hurting such a creature - almost as much as I hate the thought of how much he could hurt us," he adds with a wry smile. It is brief.
"The Constable Inspector in me, of course, will not let me eliminate the possibility that the Count himself is affiliated with the Way until I verify it for myself."
Kaz breaks off, head jerking slightly. "I must ask at the University again, see if there is a portrait of the Count still hanging somewhere - just so that I can verify that the man we meet at the Castle - assuming that we do - is indeed the count and not a convenient impostor..."
He chuckles a moment, shaking his head ruefully at his own highly developed sense of suspsicion.
" I wonder if I could trouble you with a request, Professor. When you return to Caliphas, could you send this by a courier to Wrenhyde? I'd be remiss if I did not let family know that I might not be returning to the Capital for a while." He slides a letter form the pocket of his coat and extends it to the Professor along with a gold coin for the carrier.
"Alright. How about this. I'll only put off chasing this hellish cult if you ask me to. Otherwise, if I know what's going on, perhaps I can find some way of helping you, sweetheart. There's no shortage of magics in the world, after all."
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+13
You sound just like Father. Kendra smiles sweetly, but sadly.
She paces the room, her hands ringing in front of her and then she kneels down before her beloved Auntie, her pale face all that fills Vala's vision.
I'm... I'm not well. she says simply. I was ten years old, playing in the garden with Alendru, when I remember a tickle at the back of my throat. When I coughed I took my hand away and there was blood there.
Over the years it has come and gone, Father took me to see Father Grimburrow of course, but he could not diagnose whatever it was. He cast healing magic, channeled his energy, and for a while everything was fine. But it started again when I was 15. We travelled to Caliphas, to see some of the most learned priests in the country.
It is a sickness of the blood, Auntie. It's no one's fault. she shrugs, giving Vala's hand a squeeze. They said it was probably passed through Mother's side. But Father was frantic, over the years he built contacts in almost every corner of the continent and he pulled favours in with all of them. He brought priests, shamans, witch-doctors, healers, druids, alchemists. I saw them all.
Some things just can't be cured with magic Auntie. she smiles, almost reassuringly. But it's alright, we kept it from you, from everyone, all these years but I've come to terms with it. Life is for living, not for wondering 'what if?' In the end I think Father was glad to see I had that attitude, instead of railing against it.
I don't want you to worry, Auntie. I'm living my life, making a new one here for myself here in Lepistadt. I have a lovely new home, a role at the university, I have new friends in the group and beginning to make more around the city. her face darkens then.
But Father did not deserve what happened to him. He should have had the chance to see me living my life, trying to make the most of the precious moments I have, and those monsters stole that from him. But I cannot go with you to see you bring them to justice, I would just be a burden. Do you understand, Auntie? she asks, her eyes wet with tears.
** spoiler omitted **
He chuckles a moment, shaking his head ruefully at his own highly developed sense of suspsicion." I wonder if I could trouble you with a request, Professor. When you return to Caliphas, could you send this by a courier to Wrenhyde? I'd be remiss if I did not let family know that I might not be returning to the Capital for a while." He slides a letter form the pocket of his coat and extends it to the Professor along with a gold coin for the carrier.
Professor Derlith takes the note carefully, almost with reverence. With a serious tone he says;
Of course Kazamir, you can rely on me to do this small thing. Wrenhyde. he repeats, tapping the note on the palm of his opposite hand before tucking it away into his jacket pocket.
He finishes his coffee and offers Kazamir a top up. When the investigator declines, the professor stands and shakes his hand, offering to see him to the door.
Beware the Schloss, my friend. he says. Even before all this business, the man was rumoured a terrible recluse who was deadly suspicious of anyone stealing his research. Who knows how that paranoia has manifested if he truly has become an Agent of the Whispering Way or even if they have somehow the means to influence Bland's behaviour as you suggest.
At the door, he shakes Kazamir and Vermundr's hands.
Gentlemen, god speed and good luck in your investigations.
Vala smiles softly, reaching up to cup Kendra's face in her hands. "Of course I do, dear. Of course I do." She then draws her niece into a lasting hug, patting her back lovingly with one hand throughout the embrace. Though the news of her niece's illness saddens her, the silent tear that traces its way down the elderly woman's cheek isn't one of sorrow, but one rather of pride. Vala could almost feel her heart swell in seeing Kendra approach a burden so heavy with such grace.
When she is finally sure she could speak again without her voice cracking and shattering her composure, the former historian offers, with a touch of fire in her voice and a playful batting of a handkerchief in the air at Kendra, "Just so long as you know I'm still going to look into this when I can. Your father was brilliant and knew a surprising number of people, but gods know the man could put on some troubling blinders at times." She laughs softly then squeezes Kendra's hand, "Thank you for telling me, sweetheart."
Her tone then suddenly shifts to one playfully stern, "But don't think this is going to change my mind about Professor Derlith! He's a fine man and smarter than most of his peers, but that still leaves him a good distance short of what you deserve! Don't roll your eyes at me! You think I haven't noticed? I may be old, but I'm far from blind, I'll have you know!" She struggles to stifle her smile, wearing a not-at-all-convincing frown that trembles and shakes as she strains to keep a straight face.
Kendra tuts, but responds to the embrace in kind.
Oh Derlith. He's so painfully polite isn't he? Kendra laughs through her own tears. He's wonderful. But I think seeing him after all these years just stirred a school-girl crush, that's all.
But I'll be forever indebted to him for helping me here.
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In a library at the university, hidden in the stacks, hat on the table and behind a bookshelf where he won't be bothered by angry townspeople, Constantin sits near a stack of books. Open on the table in front of him is "Jack and the Beanstalk," with a whimsical painted picture of a castle in the clouds.
He sleeps quietly, head in his arms, troubled by dark dreams.
Constantin returns to meet the group the next morning - there's no telling where he was overnight. But he looks like he at least did sleep, and he carries a large ceramic jug with him, which he sets down on a table.
"Kahve," he explains. His hand hovers by the jug and he gives Kaz a knowing glance. "I'm happy to pour if you want some."
Then his lips tighten and he takes a slow, overlong blink, his head bowing as he does so. When his eyes finally open he glances to Vala and says, "Ah. So now you know."
"I know, Constantin? Know what?"
Kaz observes the conversation between Vala and Constantin...but he slides his mug slowly across the table toward the jug...
Constantin pours kahve for Kaz, watching the black brew slowly filling the mug as he says to Vala, "About Kendra. I can tell what other people are feeling sometimes, and most of the time it's like going through the market square while people are having conversations... you can just tune it out. But this is like someone screaming - you can't ignore it."
He tops off the cup of Kaz's kahve and then pours some for Hazel.
"Vala, I can feel your concern, your anger. Just like I could feel hers all those years ago when I lived with the Lorrimors as Petros' student, as it became clear that nobody had any idea what to do about her condition."
He leaves a little room in Hazel's coffee for cream and honey.
"Sorry to mention it... I was just taken off-guard and blurted it out. Really it's not my story to tell which is why I didn't say anything before. But after spending a few years living and working and studying with Kendra under Petros' care, of course I knew about Kendra's condition. Even if I didn't want to know, I would feel the secrets around me."
"So now you all know. My mistake." He sighs and his shoulders slump. "Kendra's dying and so far there's nothing that I or anyone else can do about it."
Constantin gestures with the kahve mug and says, "Kaz, I can tell you had suspected something. You're too good a student of human nature - you knew something was off, but you chalked it up to... the combination of the sudden demise of her father, moving to a new city, meeting Derlith. Enough to put a lot of strain on anyone. So you let it slide."
Constantin gives a wan smile. "I shouldn't have said anything, but as I mentioned, when I could feel the intense love and worry coming off Vala I just... reacted."
He puts the mug down and says, "I try not to pry into other people's privacy. I'm just too open and receptive to the people around me. Makes it hard to be around people, sometimes. The sad secrets are the hardest."
Vala listens to Constantin's explanation silently and waits several long breaths before she offers a reply, giving the young man ample time to say all he means to.
"I see. How very... presumptive of you, Constantin. Thank you for that insight into my own mind and feelings."
Vala rises then, politely excusing herself from the table. As she leaves, she offers calmly, "There's a difference between sad and angry. I was sad, yes. You'll note my present emotional state however, as anger. For future reference, of course. I mean, why ask a person how they're doing when you can just tell them instead. Right?"
The former professor, who in the span of a day found herself facing the realities of having ruined herself professionally and socially in Leipstadt only to then learn her beloved niece was ill and suffering, returns then to her room to pack the last of her things for the upcoming journey to the demesne of Count Caromarc.
Constantin watches numbly as Vala exits. Those who aren't telepathic like he is cannot recognize what is going on except by a hunch.
He sighs, puts on his hat, and says, "Good luck." He turns and exits.
Kaz's face clouds, and he rises, picking up his own hat.
"Do pardon me...I'll be back"
He quickly follows Constantin out into the street.
Kazamir scans the street quickly for the psychic.
"Constantin! A moment...Is all well? That seemed to have a ring of finality to it."
Kazamir scans the street quickly for the psychic.
"Constantin! A moment...Is all well? That seemed to have a ring of finality to it."
Walking down the street of Lepistadt in his hat and coat, Kaz is suddenly struck by how Constantin seems shabby and small, like a washed-up failed university professor.
"You don't need my help," he says. "In fact, my very presence is hurting people. You need to focus on finding out what happened at Schloss Caromac. You have a good team, they can handle anything when they work together - I need to get out of your way so you can do that."
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Kaz's eyes widen a bit in surprise at Constantin's words. He pauses for a long moment, wanting to be sure of his words before he speaks them.
"We DO need your help, your presence is a great help and not a hurt, we DO need to focus, it is a better team with you on it, and you are not nor ever have been in any way in anyone's way... Kaz ticks the points off on his fingers in reply, but his tone is softer than his usual dry, analytical mode, but not the slightly smarmy persuasive voice he used in some of the recent interrogations.
"Please, forgive me for not seeing your discomfort before now! I have so rarely worked with close colleagues - and certainly never so exceptional a group as this - including you! But I think we may well find some significant force of the Whispering Way at Schloss Caromac, and I shudder at the thought of facing it without you. Let me ask, as a personal favor: please accompany us to the Schloss. If you feel uncomfortable with us after that, may the Gods shelter you on your future paths. But I do hope that you will stay - I doubt that the Schloss will be our last tangle with the Whispering Way - if that is what awaits us."
"Also, if I may be so bold, don't take Vala's reply too far to heart. I am sure you can tell how raw and hurting she is right now. the Professor's Death, the horrors at Ravengro, learning of Kendra's condition, just after cutting herself off from all her friends and home and society...She's had a hard time. But we both know that she is a good woman. I hope that the two of you will give each other time to recover."
"Please, come back for some breakfast, help us plan our trip. And, if the burden of your gifts grows too great, please, reach out to me. I do nto pretend that my gifts are anywhere near your own, but I hope I can at least offer a sympathetic ear and some small commonality of experience."
Kaz winds down, and extends his hand to Constantin.
"Besides," he mutters, "no-one else appreciates a good hat or a good cup of coffee..." as he tips his own hat.
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Constantin says, "I don't know how I can help... I can't even be in the same room with Vala now; she hasn't fully integrated it yet, but another misunderstanding like that and she'll start to hate me. And it's risky for Hazel - she thinks I'm more competent than I am, which means she will expect me to do more than I can."
He sighs. "Reason it out - my presence is causing enough strife that it's detrimental to group cohesion. In the courtroom this wasn't a problem because we each brought our own arguments to the table, but in a stress situation it can be a real hindrance. And it's a self-reinforcing problem: whenever Vala snaps, or Hazel is confused, or Zed pushes down his responses and pretends he's a programmed mindless being, I can sense it, and it reflects back in my reactions. I can't help it."
He holds his hat in his hand and says, looking down miserably, "Really, what can I do that will actually make anything any better? I can't think of anything that will help you or Kendra."
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"Our group cohesion did not suffer when we put paid to Brother Swarm and his wraith-spawn, and I was the fool who nearly started a second fight - not to mention nearly got himself killed - at the Chymic works. How can you help? You come with us, you seek out truths, as you've done; you fight, as you've done. How can you help Kendra? Help us give her the peace of knowing those that laid her father low have been brought to justice.
"But if the burdens are too great, We are your friends, and will not judge you. Thank you for all that you have done so far. I will go back to the inn, now - and I will pray that you will join us there. If I should not see you there - well, who knows when we may meet. I might recommend the Temple of Inner Light in Jalmeray, but whatever path you chose, be well, my friend."
With a deep, heartfelt bow, Kazamir turns and returns to the inn.
He takes his seat, shrugging to his friends' questioning looks. "I don't know if Constantin in going to join us. His powers lay a heavy burden on him, and he has much to consider."
Constantin says awkwardly, "I'll try to assist you, but my great fear is inadvertently making things worse. Please, please, Kaz, try to keep the group working together... and if more friction boils over, if we start to fragment and bicker, please understand if we need to go our separate ways to do the most good. If the worst comes I can always... suggest to someone that I should take a position at the university in the department of psychology and parapsychology."
He shuffles off into the streets of Lepistadt to disappear among the people, but he does return the next day looking slightly rumpled and worried.
Vala turns to the door, away from a backpack laid on out top of a simple writing desk. Some rolled up clothes lay upon the bed behind her. "Oh, Hazel. I'm nearly done, dear, but you're welcome to come in. Truth be told I was already mostly ready before heading down for breakfast. I had to say something to get me away from the table though. I knew it would best to walk away before my tongue got any more the better of me." She frowns and looks down at her hands, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "This-" she hesitates, her voice hitching in her throat. "I'm sorry. It's been a very trying week is all." She turns back to her bag and slips a few rolled up garments into the large, central pocket. The fur lined cloak Constantin had purchased for her after their visit to Hergstag lay draped over the chair next to the desk.
That very day the party determines sets out for Schloss Caromarc. The day is bright and clear but thick grey clouds sit on the horizon like a spider in a web.
They call on Kendra for the last time before their journey and she welcomes them all with open arms. Professor Derlith is there, finishing the last of a cup of tea. The swelling around his nose and the black eye he suffered have lessened significantly after Vala's treatment.
Professor Derlith is as dressed for travel as the rest of you and you note a heavy bag in the hallway as you step through.
It is a day for farewells then. he says, seeing you enter, dressed in your arms and armour. I'm glad I too got the chance to say goodbye. And how much I hope that our paths will cross again in future, in better circumstances than we found ourselves this past week.
He takes his time to shake you all by the hand. With Vala, he kisses her lightly on the cheek. Ms Cross, you have been a delight, as you always were. Then, turning back to Kendra, he says; Kendra, it was lovely to see you again after all these years. I will keep correspondence and check on how you are getting on at the University. Crowl, that old buzzard will help you settle into your new role anyway. he adds with a smile before shouldering on a heavy overcoat and picking up with bag.
Farewell to you all.
You watch him stroll along the pathway and neatly close the small gate at the end before pulling himself up onto a carriage.
The farewells with Kendra are emotional, but if she shows any sign of knowing the group is aware of her illness she doesn't show it. In fact her pale cheeks look vibrant and her eyes have a sparkle to them.
Hazel, I think of you as a great friend - a sister, I would be offended if you didn't come back and stay once your tasks are done. And Constantine, Father saw great potential in you; I think you were among his favourite students. Have you ever thought abut passing on your knowledge to the next generation? Most teachers can only relay what they've read in books, but what you've learnt from your experiences in Harrowstone are worth 1,000 discourses on the subject of undead. When this is all over, you might consider speaking with the Dean. I would suggest the same to you Kazamir. she adds. And Vermundr, if you still have a desire to seek employment, then I would like you to accompany these fine people, and keep them safe if you can.
You are the greatest friends I could hope for, and Father would be so proud of all of you. For what you are trying to do, to bring his murderers to justice, I could never repay you.