He regards Sapphire for a moment then smiles and nods. "Sounds like a good way to approach problems. I never knew my real father but my mother used to say 'don't worry about what you can't control. '"
He looks up at the grey sky and opens.his mouth to catch the falling snowflakes. "I grew up with weather like this but I haven't been to the far North for a long time. Truth to tell it was nice to be back in the snow but the novelty wears off quickly when you start to freeze!"
He laughs. "What about you? You're not from the north but you know about the snow witches. You ever seen anything like this?"
As you approach the massacre site, Lady Argentea stiffens noticeably. She cannot help but cast her eye over the ruined wagons, the scattered debris and the occasional hand sticking out above the snow, frozen into a claw.
Monsters. she says. As a girl I grew up with stories of fairies at the bottom of the garden of every colour of the rainbow, magical sprites that dance and sing and jape. These fey were nothing of that sort. They were as hard and cruel as the land that spawned them.
"Fey are capricious at best, and there are two kinds-Seelie and Unseelie. The evil ones are the Unseelie. But, I remind you, even the Seelie are not to be trusted. They aren't cruel, but they like to play jokes that can be embarrassing or even painful." Realizing she is being a bit strange she stops talking and bites her lip. "But then that's not something to worry now..." her voice trails off into a mumble. How does Corum do it? He always has the words.
@Sahppire "Nonsense, i've seen your use of magic you have a true gift to use sword and spell. If i could work it out i'm sure you can, you also have Elleros here i know he will help you." He smiles back at her.
--
Later on Greyston stays near the cart to keep an eye on Elleross and the lady. "Elleross are you ok? We are so close to town we should push on a proper nights sleep in a bed next to a fire will help him." He looks on at the old elf, a friendship beginning Greyston truly worries for the elf.
"You need not worry anymore my Lady, we will be in town soon and out of this devilish cold. I was told bedtime stories myself of the fey in their kingdoms of queens and kings. But the reality like most things is a lot harsher."
He narrows his eyes at Nasrin as she cuts herself off. "You seem to know a lot of fey, i have had such a brief encounter with them but i also dislike the little beasts. Are they a problem where you come from Nasrin?"
"Grey, the world is hard. Maybe the Lady had not seen this, but she has now. For the fey, they are not a problem where I come from, but wherever they are." Nasrin trudges through the snow mulling over the violence this unnatural snow and the suspected Witches have brought. I was supposed to have left them behind.
Deciding to brave the snow and ice for just a little longer, the party pushes the horses on.
Once again you see the veil within which the winter landscape takes form, this time from the winter side. The event is no less wondrous, once again making you feel as if you are looking through the glass of a snowglobe.
As soon as you pass through, the temperature changes immediately and you are hit by an incredible sensation of pins and needles as your blood rushes to the surface of your skin. Within moments, sweat breaks out on your brow as you struggle in you layers of furs.
The town of Heldren is less than an hour away now and you are shocked to realise just how far this winter region has encroached in the short time you have been away.
We need to hurry. Nasrin frowns and trudges on.
Fort
Pushing on through the snow they eventually reach the veil. As he steps through he removes his furs and dumps them on the sled with the other gear. They pick up the pace as they near town. The promise of a meal and a bed pushing them on.
They enter town to the astonishment of some of the locals and stop before the inn. Corum begins unloading their gear and speaks to the lady. [B]"What now lady?
Corum, you spoke of a 'Yulg' who survived the ambush, if the Lady has no other contacts here then perhaps we should head to him first?
It's Yule, I believe. the Lady correct Sapphire, though without cruel intent. He was one of the few guards I actually got to know. she says regretfully. If it's all the same to you I'd just like to get to the Inn, have several baths and try and feel at least halfway normal for a change.
The makeshift sled is far less effective in the dusty earthern road leading up to the village and the Lady and Elleros are bumped around so much that they soon abandon it and make the rest of the trek on foot.
The party gathers some odd looks as they enter the village but being back in a semblance of civilisation is a blessed relief.
@ Greyston
I am well thank you Greyston. The spell I cast is keeping Jack Frost from the door so to speak but I am tired, deeply tired.
The last few days have been hard, it will be a relief to see Heldren again and get out of this snow he says to the young elf .
They pierce the veil of winter again and this time emerge into the warmth of the south as it should be.
Removing the bulky furs and winter garments ELeross is pleased when they reach town.
I agree with Lady Argentea , we could all do with a hot bath bath some time to rest lets head to the inn and get cleaned up he says and limping slightly he leads the way toward the inn.
@Elleross
"We will be there soon my friend don't worry the warming sun and luscious grass and trees. It will be a wonder after all this barren whiteness we've had."
Seeing the line of snow stop and the warmth of summer start picks Greystons spirits up as he moves faster to get over the line as he feels the warmth hit him it's like arriving home. "Its good to be out of that cold hell, i will enjoy this we have a lot to talk about. We should get ourselves situated and then speak with the counselor."
They enter the inn and Corum strides to the bar. The surprise has barely registered on the face of the innkeep before the gruff warrior speaks.
"We need hot food and drinks. And rooms for the night."
He waits for a tankard of ale to be placed before him then drains half of it in one long gulp. Hesmiles at the man behind the bar and says. "That is good! While we are eati g get someone to fetch the Councilwoman. Tell her we have killed the bandits and brought the lady back."
He gestures to a table near the fire and he and the others take seats around it. They wait for a short while and the inn keeper's wife serves them with a haunch of lamb on a thick gravy plates of steaming vegetables. Two rustic loaves arw also provided and a salty butter. They all set to with gusto. After the frozen forest the hot food is delicious and filling. Conversation is sparse as they eat their fill. They finish the meal and relax with their drinks while they wait for Ionia Teppen, the woman who gave them their mission.
While they wait the warrior thinks aloud. "Once we have spoken to the councilwoman I say we trade in the stuff we picked up off the bandits then stock up on the equipment we need to travel north again."
He takes a sip of his ale and then says to the lady. "If you wish to see Yule I will come with you. I need to return his sword."
"We should move today. It is still not noon, and we could be back at the lodge before sunset."
The Lady looks shocked, though impressed, at Nasrin's suggestion.
Why head back so soon? It looked like the horses could use a rest and your friend Mr Oronar certainly could she whispers. I'm going to get a room and wash up. I shall rejoin you shortly.
The party spends about an hour feasting and drinking. The fare in the tavern isn't particularly fancy, but it is plentiful. Eventually, the councilwoman, Teppen pays you a visit.
You made it. And with the woman intact no less. Good job, no great job! The last thing we needed was a dead noblewoman and the high and mighties from Zimar or even Oppara deciding to take a closer look at local politics. Where were the Sentinel Rangers though, they are employed to protect the wood from bandits, did you find them?
"You're right Corum we sell and stop up but we should at least rest here tonight start first thing tomorrow. We arnt all as strong and fast as you Nasrin." He smiles at the woman's need to keep moving. "We have time, with what little information we have... Maybe some research in town?"
As the lady speaks to the group Greyston bows. "I hope you feel better, you are safe now a change of clothes a wash and some sleep and you'll feel normal again."
Sitting at the bar he gets up as the councilwoman Enders the inn. "It was a little more of a trek than I expected but we saved her and slayed the bandits that took her, we assume the rangers were killed but they wernt there so they could have been caught out in the cold. I think... I think we've all decided to head back out there the snow seems to be getting closer we can't just let this continue." he looks to the others to see what they think.
The councilwoman looks somewhat relieved at your decision to head back into the winter pocket.
Whatever is happening, I won't lie, it scares the hell out of me. At first it was a curiosity and something for the farmers to moan and gossip about when their cabbages froze over. But whatever it is, it's worse now. A lot worse.
Nasrin clearly does not like the suggestions that there is always more time. "No, Witches don't wait. This woman," the feral girl waves towards the councilwoman, "is more right than she knows. It's getting worse. And, Witches don't wait. They take what they want when they want it." She finishes in a growling whisper, "They took my family for fun, and now they are here."
The warrior listens as Greyston explains what yhey found at the lodge. He adds his voews, though not as diplomatically as the alchemist. "The bandits held the lodge so the rangers must be dead. The forest is without protection."
He hears some of the patrons ghasp and begin muttering but shrugs his shoulders. Nasrin's outburst causes him to raise and eyebrow in surprise. In all his travels with her he has never seen her speak up like that in the company of strangers That is not like her. She must have some grudge against witches.
He nudges her and says softly. "We have fought and bled together, you and I. I can see you are angry but we cannot go charging back out there. We must restock so if we meet any witches your vengence will be swift and savage. We need to sharpen our teeth before we hunt. You ache with a blood debt. I will help you collect it."
He pauses and then growls. "Be sure that I will hunt with you my friend but just wait a short while. I need to return Yule's blade and then replace it with something sinilar. We can make the time tomorrow. Trust me."
He turns to the Councilwoman. "Is Yule still in the church? I need to see him. His blade has a tale to tell of blood and glory."
Aye, he's still there. Priest took his foot off last night so he's not in the best of moods.
Before she retired, the Lady Argenta instructed me to Give you this. she lays a heavy bag of coins on the table. Her valuables were taken of course but I trust her to repay this to the town's coffers.
Elleross sits back and smokes steadily, he is tired but thankfully warm and well fed.
Although spoken softly he hears the Lady's whispered words of concern for him and he frowns.
have I really become so old? She sees a weak old man . Well I will show my worth have no don't of that he thinks not unkindly but her words although well meant hurt him more so because he knows they are true.
I could do with a night to restore my strength and my powers. Plus we do need supplies before we head back to the cold he says and reaches for his wine..
As Nasrin voices her opposition to the idea of waiting his blood suddenly runs cold as her words cut through him like a knife through butter.
"They took my family for fun and now they are here"
His minds eye flies open and he is standing in his memory palace, though this part of his mind he never ventures to. Buried deep beneath the palace there is a single black door at the end of a long corridor, he finds himself before it now transported there by Nasrins words and he struggles against himself willing himself away as hard as he can but he is powerless to stop it opening ......
....the door flies open and he hurtles forward and once more finds himself inside his own kitchen in oppara , the fresh cut flowers decorating the window sill, the well worn copper kettle hanging above the hearth every detail perfect. And the screams of terror and pleading fill the space with an ear shattering volume before they suddenly stop.
He looks down on the body of his wife, the kitchen knife still buried in her chest and his hands bathed in her blood from the many deep slashes on her face and hands as she tried to protect herself and he begins to scream and scream and scre until blackness descends on him like a shroud .....
His face chalky white, the glass of wine falling from numb fingers as the old man suddenly stiffens and collapses falling sideways off his chair.
Nasrin watches as Elleross keels over, she drops the half drank tankard of ale and drops to the floor next to him. "Elleross! Are you ok?" The girl checks him to see if he is injured. "We're here! Can you hear me?" Nasrin chews her lip thinking to herself, Is this wolf too old to run with us?
Sapphire is quiet, low on energy until the group finds the inn, then sets to eating and drinking with gusto, relieved to be relatively safe and in good company as she tears in to the vegetables and meat. For a few minutes she's content to actually relax, letting her guard down for the first time in a long time. She takes a long pull from her flagon of mead and considers the last few days in a content but contemplative pose.
As talk turns to selling the supplies the group has gathered, she quietly offers
Well by my count, and bearing in mind I'm no scribe, just someone who picked up a few lessons in logistics from my father, including the Lady's reward we have around two thousand five hundred gold all told. This is presuming that the local store has the money or equivalent trade goods to cover purchasing the things we found, and that no-one wants to keep anything particular we aren't already using.
she keeps her voice low, it's a tidy sum and though they have earned every copper piece, she doesn't want to brag or unsettle Heldren's populace.
So it seems several of you have had contact with the witches before, I confess I would like to learn more about them for my own reasons, but doubly so if we are potentially to find them as enemies. Nasrin I understand if this can wait for another time, I don't want to drag painful memories to your mind if I can find my answers talking with the others instead
As Elleross becomes lost in his own thoughts then cries out and falls, Sapphire moves to him up immediately, lifting him off the floor like he was a sack of flour and placing him gently back on his chair.
Elleross? Can you hear us?!
"We will have to thank the Lady Argenta before we leave." He rubs the back of his necks, all his big talk of seeking only a reward and its caught him up in the middle of these winter witches and he's gained some companions.
"I trust you Sapphire the same as i did the day we met." He pauses for a moment. So much gold.. should i return a well of man? or a rich man who could buy the influence father so grasps onto. He nods more to himself than anyone else. "We should plan what we need then split it and get anything ourselves." He then goes back to thinking to himself
"It seems most of us have been touched by witches at one point. I couldn't begin to understand your hatred for them Nasrin but running in will only get us killed even a days preparation will give us the edge in battle..." He is stop talking as he see's Elleross fall to the floor, rushing over like the rest. "Stand back give him some air, let me check him."
"Elleross come on you old fool, wake up."
Loosening the old mans clothing greyston feels his pulse and it is fast but strong.
With Sapphire and greyston both Calling his name and trying to rouse him his eyes finally flutter open though the Wizards gaze is blank and unfocused.
nnnn... Araenai ..... no...NO! he mumbles the Elven name before he cries out more forcefully and his gaze seems to focus on the alchemist in front of him.
greyston? .... I dont...what's going on? he asks a little disoriented as he rubs at the side of his head as if it were paining him.
Taking several deep breaths he reaches out and grasps the young man by the shoulder as he tries to stand.
I must have drank too much, I think I need some air he mutters as he tries to pull himself up.
Perception
As the old man straightens himself up the warrior catches a glimpse of the brand on his forearm. There is more to this man than he lets on. I will speak to him layer.
"What happened Elleross? You had some kind of fit."
Helping Elleross up Greyston notes the numbers on his arm. We all have our past.
"Let's get you outside, its a lovely summers night we will sit and watch the nights sky as you catch your breath." He looks to the others as he starts to help the old elf out.
Glad you're ok Elleross, I think Grayston right, some air will do you good. I believe we're done anyway, and each have errands to run. Shall we meet back here when we're done?
Sapphire heads off to the local trading post to offload the party's spare goods.
Nodding his head to Sapphire and the others he stands with Greyston's help and makes his way outside on shaky legs.
passing the wild kellid girl he looks her in the eye and his face is a mixture of anger, grief and deep pain which he struggles to mask.
you are not alone Nasrin he mutters as he reaches out and squeezes her shoulder as he passes.
Stepping out into the warm night he can't help but shiver as the image of the hag fills his mind. The pale skin, Red Devils eyes and coal black hair filled him with equal measures of fear and anger.
Taking several deep breathes he tries to clear his mind, he had not thought of that night for decades, he had buried the memory as deep as he could but it was always with him. Nasrins sudden revelation that her family were taken and killed by witches brought everything back in a flood, like a dam had burst in his mind.
I don't know what happened Greyston, I think I'll be ok now he lied as he tries to give the young alchemist a reassuring smile.
Corum stands and says. "I need to see Yule."
He walks out of the inn into the evening. The warm air is pleasant after the frozen forest. he walks down the left side of the street, an old habit that ensires someone can only approach hum from.the side of his sword arm. He quickly glances around every corner he approaches. Another old habit.
He reaches the stone and timber church and gently opens the door. He immediately steps to one side to make sure he is not silhouetted in the doorway and thinks. old habits die hard eh?. He shrugs and mutters under his breath "Old habits and me!" he chuckles and approaches the door at the rear of the vestry.
He enters and looks down at the one time.mercenary. "Hello Bror." he uses the other's own form of address.
He steps forward and draws the sword. "I return your blade. You honoured me with its loan. Be assured that I drank well on.the blood of your enemies and the lady is now safely returned. "
He looks down at the haggard face and the stump where the leg used to be and thinks this is no fate for a warrior.
Sittong on the edge of the bed he grips the man's hand in a warrior's shake, wrist to wrist, and is surprised at how little strength there is in the man's grip. He smiles and says gently. "You do not look well."
Aye well I'm a foot shorter now thanks to that p*ssing sawbones out there. Yuln grumbles, pointing to the bloody wrappings around his foot. Damned botched job he did an all, messing about with scalpels and saws. Told him to put an axe to it and be done with it.
More of them blasted fairies out there eh? Well at least she came to some good use to you and there's a few less of those things flying about. That's one thing I won't miss about the north, the bloody ice magic. he notices Corums expression at mention of going home. Well it took me fifteen years to get here from the Land of the Linnorm Kings and that was with two good legs, how the hell am I supposed to get home with one?
Are you sure you're ok to go back out there? Councilwoman Teppen asks as Elleros regains his composure. If you want to reequip the stores here will give you a good price. She adds as if by way of incentive.
"Elleross i know you have some history with witches, i saw the numbers on your arm. I'm here if you want to talk about it, i've got no one else in this world you lot are the closest thing i've come to friends in a long time." He puts a hand on Ellerosses shoulder. "Don't hold it in."
--
"We are committed to this cause, some of us have a history with witches and we've all been through a lot." He looks to Elleross and Nasrin.
The old man gathers his thoughts and thinks to himself.
he saw the damn prison brand. damn it! I wonder if he recognises what it is? I suspect he doesn't. Or ateast I hope he doesn't, I need this group as much as he does more so maybe and in my experience ex convicts are rarely welcome
As much as he wants to trust Greyston with the truth but he can't tell everything, not yet. he can't risk it.
when I was a judge in Blackbriar, the biggest case I ever sat was the abduction and murder of five local children. he draws in a deep breath remembering the cavern and the bloody carnage they found there.
the locals managed to track the culprits to a local cave, one of the kids had a dog who picked up the trail. What we found there still turns my stomach. It was a witch, she had murdered all of the children, they .....they were strewn around the cave and she was using parts of them to do heaven knows what. There were sigils daubed in blood all over the cave it was horrific. he says quietly the witch was dragged back to town where she was immediately put on trial. I passed the sentence and it was death. We executed her and burned her body to ash. I...I didn't know much about witches I had no idea. I never could have imagined what those fiends were capable of he says and he draws in a deep breath holding back the worst of it but I found out he hisses through clenched teeth as the anger and bitterness rose within him. I have a history with witches alright and it is bathed in blood and pain! now I am going to make them pay ! he thinks savagely.
You can identify the brand as one that is given to prisoners with a DC 12 knowledge local check
Corum smiles. "If it is your fate, and if you have the will, you will return home. You still have the will of a warrior. Don't give in to self pity."
He takes a small flask from his pack and takes a swig from in then hands it to the bed ridden soldier. "Fermented goat's milk. Put hairs on your chest!"
As the other drinks Corum tells him of their plans. "Whoever sent the fey is also behind this unnatural weather. In the lodge the bandits marked a site on map. Deep in the forest. We are going back there tomorrow. Whatever is behind this may be there. If they are..."
He lets the sentence trail off as a wolfish grin crosses his face. "Lets say there will be bloodand tears amd leave it at that. What next for you Bror?"
Greyston listens onto the old elfs story, seeing his angry rise."That is sickening, i'm starting to understand the hatred you and Nasrin have for them they sound like vile creatures." He places his hand back on the elf's shoulder. "They are capable of true acts of horror, but is there anything else? this might be hard for you but if we are to face at least one i wish to be prepared. I would help you with whatever payback they deserve."
I dont know. he says honestly. But I can't see me swinging that any time soon. You keep it. he adds glumly.
You spend the remainder of the day resting and gathering supplies. After a well earned nights sleep the dawn rises and you gather yourselves for the trek back into the woods.
@ greyston
I don't think he recognised the brand, then again why would he? He probably hasn't come across many hardened criminals. he thinks with some relief, he did not wish to reveal his past, the courts did not believe his flimsy story why would these folks?
Sidestepping greystons question he replies
if you want to protect yourself and be prepared Greyston, I would advise you to get some of these he says pulling out the dark six inch nail it's cold iron. They call them hex nails, each one will give you a little protection against the fey or the Witches hex spells. I doubt if they have any in town but I am going to find out. But they aren't cheap. he says showing him the faintly magic item.
"This is all new to me Elleross, i've spent my life in lavish houses, universities and books. These past two years away from the capital has taught me more than all my 120 years, i'm glad i've met some people i can call friends just remember im there for you." He then takes a closer look at the nails.
"These will help? such a strange thing, i think i would feel safer if i had some though. We should get back inside speak with the other we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow with us restocking and heading back out."
"You honour me with this gift Bror but I will not see you without means. We got a decent payday from that rescue so I will pay you a fair price for it. I give my word. My colleague holds the coins so I will return with your payment later."
Despite hardly knowing the man, Corum senses a kindred spirit or at the very least an affinity with another who puts their life on the line for coin. Without his leg the man is as good as dead. He may find some work but will struggle for the rest of his life. Corum's innate sense of honour will nit permit him to walk away with the onky thing of value the man has.
He strides from the room in search of Sapphire.
You know that many witch spells and hexes rely on diminishing the spirit and senses and they have an affinity with nature that means they cal on animals for aid and can control the primal elements of fire, ice and lightning in particular
@ Greyston
this is all new to me too Greyston, I have spent little time in the wild, and most of what I know comes from books and second hand accounts. But these nails, they can help, the witches use many spells and abilities aimed at overcoming your will and affecting the mind. These help you overcome the effects. But they can only be used once. Sometimes that is enough he says as he takes back the nail and pockets it.
come on then Greys ton we had best start preparing to set out tomorrow.
Greston nods listening to Elleross like he would a teacher, taking in everything he says. "We will learn a lot before all this is over im sure of that my friend. Let's get prepared i'm going to miss the heat but this must be done or even here could be covered in snow soon."
Nasrin chimes in after the two men chatter for a while. "Cold and winter are their domains. What the old wolf says makes sense, too. They like to make slaves of men and beasts."
Once she's finished counting coins with the shopkeep, Sapphire finds each of you to deliver your share.
A wand that can heal us does sound like a good idea Nasrin, have you found somewhere here that stocks one? I regret I did not spend any time in Heldren when the caravan passed through so I have no knowledge of whether such things are available
she muses
I also agree that protection from the cold should be our first priority, we shouldn't leave here without confidence that every one of the party can survive the bitter cold when we step back in to the forest
Sapphire spends the next couple of hours poring over the recovered spellbook, attempting to gain some knowledge from it for herself.
Happy with her success given she does not consider herself a book person, she tidies away her spellbook, quills and ink, then goes to find the others to ensure the party has everything it needs to proceed first thing tomorrow.