Are we the black rider, if only in spirit?
Nasrin lets herself be led to the sled and fairly lashed to it. Her anger slowly shifts into embarrassment as she is cared for by her friends. Her mouth stays closed and she does not complain.
After her eyes are bound with a bandage, Sapphire lets herself be led to the sled and grabs hold with a firm grip. She grins
Well this is going to be exciting, without being able to see and brace for rough ground, this sled ride is going to be exhilarating!
her humour masks the tinge of fear she has at relying on everyone around her for her survival, here in this strange land. For the hundredth time she offers up a prayer to whoever is listening, for the fortune of her companions finding her back in Heldren.
"I've got you Corum just sit i will bandage your eyes and see to them when we have a safe place out of this cold." He leads the Barbarian to the sled with Sapphire and Nasrin.
Greyston then nods at Elleross words, more concerned now about the injured he pushes all his doubts down. "Thank you Elleross, i could use some aid in healing their eye's." He then turns to Nadya. "I know we can't stay out here, how far is Waldsby i dont want us to get attacked again and have three of us blind. Is there a camp near by or some shelter just to get them healed with some help from you and Elleross it should taken longer than an hour." He tries to reason with Nadya, seeking out a solution.
"Don't worry Sapphire, i won't let anything happen to you while you're blind." He hopes to reassure her.
Corum lays back on the sled and swears. He swears a lot. can't see. Can't fight. Can't do anything. Such thoughts whirl around his head and he fights to remain in co trol of his frustration and snger at being so damned stupid to not protect his eyes. He knows the I juries will heal in time but time is not something they have a lot of. He swears some more and silently hopes someone else in the group can fix the damage.
For.good measure, and to make himself feel a little better, he swears again!
We aren't far now... Nadya says as she mushes her dogs into action. The witches of this land can talk to beasts and bird. No doubt they will report strangers in the land. I'll get you to Waldsby and hide you before they can make any more trouble.
Pushing the dogs on ever faster, Nadya bounds over snow drifts and races across the frozen ground. Those who aren't fairly lashed to the sled have to grip on tightly and are amazed at just how much speed the eager dogs can pick up on the soft snow.
Finally, after half an hour of breakneck sledding, you arrive in the town of Waldsby.
The village is a small collection of timber framed, log cabins. Snow drifts thickly into the village and Nadya is able to sled right up what would normally be considered the main street. As she does so, several citizens approach hurriedly and begin asking er questions. The sled slows to a crawl.
None of the villagers speak the common tongue and those who can understand Skald determine they are asking about Nadya's well-being, are the newcomers traders from the south, why was she delayed and so on. It seems nadya is a popular and important member of the community but she does her best to fend off the questions saying she has injured companions on her sled and to say nothing of the new arrivals. There is some consternation and worry about this but the villagers seem to reluctantly comply.
Greyston and Elleros can see as Nadya waves them aside, though not unkindly, and pushes her dogs on.
Eventually you make it to a stout log cabin on the edge of town, Nadya's home. She quickly sees to kennelling the dogs before getting you unloaded and ushering you inside. Corum bangs his knee on the doorframe and curses loudly, earning two shocked gasps from within the building.
Those are my sons. Nadya explains and then speaks in Skald to the boys who Greyston and Ellros can clearly see are twins and take their mother's colouring.
An old woman, deep lines marking her weather-beaten face, pokes her head around the corner.
The boys lead the blinded party members into a comfortable, though small living space and onto benches lined with deep furs.
Speaking in common once again she turns to you all and says:
Kashkawho looks after the children when I am on a run. If you need anything just call for her, I'll have her fix you a hot meal. I have to go for a while to drop off my shipment. I won't be long but I'll also pick you up some more appropriate clothing, to keep you warm and to help you blend in.
Feeling vulnerable and trying to be useful, Sapphire translates the Skald to Common for those in the party that don't yet know it.
Oblivious to Nadya's feelings, Sapphire simply thanks her and tries to relax as her eyes are bathed and bandages changed. Wanting to talk about their plans for getting to the tower, yet unsure of who else might be in here, she frets about what to say.
The old elf helps the others to sit and smiles at the twins.
If it is ok with the men of the house my friends and I are in need of shelter. I can see you boys take after your mother he says in halting skald
she is kind and very brave. My name is Elleross he says
Turning to Nadya Elleross smiles with gratitude.
we don't want to bring any trouble to your house Nadya, we will find somewhere to stay as soon as they are healed. You have done enough for us already he says to her in common as she leaves
Greyston smiles at the two twin boys, unsure of what their saying but Sapphire fills in most of it, He then helps the blind into the cabin and finds a place for them to sit. "There just sit here, i will take a look at each of you now." Then He turns to the old woman, unsure if she would understand him he. "Can one of you as Kashkawho if she has a healing kit or some supplies i can use to treat your wounds?"
"You have nothing to worry about Nadya, we are here to help. We truly are in your debt for everything your doing for us." He smiles at her.
After a couple of hours of work, Greyston manages to carefully clean and sew the wounds above his friend's eyes.
After Greyston has tended his eyes his sight begins to return. At first he can make out some dsrk blurry shapes, then some lighter blurry shapes, then eventially his vision clears and he looks around at his surroundings. His heart almost skips a beat as the familiarity of the cabin strikes him. "So much like home... He mutters then painful memories I trude and he insteae deflects his thoughts away by gripping Greyston in a vice like bear hug and laughing out loud.
"By the gods it is good to see you. Thank you for shoeing away thos pesky birds back there. Bit more for fixing these." He indicates his eyes.
He looks at the boys then and smiles.
Sapphire sits very still as Greyston works, her patience now infinite knowing that salvation is at hand. As he finishes and she opens her ice-blue eyes again for the first time in hours, a single tear trickles down her face and she smiles warmly at him. Clasping his arm in a warrior's salute she says
Thank you both for saving our lives in the cold snow, and our sight here in the warm hearth. Never fear your weapons again, you have our complete trust
Sapphire haltingly waves at Nadya's family, it's strange to her to see so many people living so closely together, to be surrounded by loved ones. How different their lives must be to the seclusion of her childhood, it must be nice for them to always have others to talk to.
She shakes her head to free it of distracting thoughts, and goes in search of Nadya.
Thank you for taking care of us, showing kindness to strangers and taking us in to your home. Please let me know what we can do to help you
Greyston goes limp as if waiting for a predator to let of his it's prey as Corum picks him up. "It's ok Corum, It's nothing you wouldn't do for me i'm just glad to help you." He smiles as the large man lets him go.
Then moves over to work on Sapphire as she opens her eye's again he is taken back by the ice blue eyes staring into them making sure she see's him. Seeing the one tear fall, he whips it away with his thumb. "I'm at your service Sapphire." He smiles happy to help.
Standing up he stretches, hours of work slumped over has taken its toll on him. "Your eye's maybe a little sore for a while but you will have a full recovery. Since that is done i think it's time we all spoken about what has happened.." He looks to the twins and grandmother. "Maybe somewhere private?"
Frustrated at her own show of weakness, Nasrin is quiet through Greyston's ministrations. She bites her lip a couple of times as he tugs and turns the painful area of torn flesh. When he is done, she simply says, "Thank you."
Once she feels better she offers to heal anyone that was really hurt in the attack. "Sapphire, you're hurt. This will help." Nasrin casts a healing spell and settles down in a corner, waiting with her pack.
The old woman, Kashkawho, speaks up in common;
If Nadya trusted you enough to bring her into her home, with her children, I'm sure you can consider her home private.
She doesn't look up from her washing as she says this and carries on busying herself as Nadya instructed.
The boys look up in awe at Corum, their mouths hanging open and they simply nod dumbly when he addresses them as the men of the house.
The living area is sparsely decorated, more function over form, though a great bear head does sit over a crackling hearth that the boys, who can barely be five years old, take turns to poke and keep the flames burning high.
Nadya returns within the hour, swiftly shutting the door on the howling breeze outside. She takes a few minutes to strip out of the heavy furs and pegs them beside the door.
Ahhh, that's better. How are my men? she says with a grin, running in and sweeping the tow boys up gleefully into her arms.
She talks with them in Skald for a few moments before setting them down.
Your eyes, there was no permanent damage? That's good. I brought you all a change of clothing and furs better suited for this weather. If you'd like I can show you around Waldsby or help you get resupplied, you've already caused quite a stir in town.
"Does your pack feel the same about the White Witches as you?"
Nasrin thinks about the problems of traveling in this weather, worse now. She also remembers that something that was quite at home near the protal's force disappeared. It was a witch, or summat, and now it's probably over here telling it's masters we are here to kill them.
She pulls Corum aside and shares her worry. "No way we can hide, not really. As soon as the goat-girl talks to whoever fled at the portal, we are all but found." her frown speaks volumes. Especially when she looks back to Nadya and her two boys. Too familiar. They should flee before it's too late.
The peasants of Waldsby eke out their livelihoods from the Hoarwood forest, under whose eaves the village stands. We are ruled over by the White Witch Nazhena Vasilliovna from her pale tower of ice. The people here form a tight knit community and though they may be somewhat curious or even suspicious of outsiders, they are fearful of witchcraft.
Don't worry, I think you are safe here for now.
Corum listens intently when Nasrin whispers. He is used to her ways and knows she is not one for words so when she speaks it is worth listening. He nods agreement.
"I think you're right. If they know we are here things will get interesting quickly. I don't want them to hurt this family because of us. We need to hit that tower as soon as we can."
Agreed, we should be about our business as soon as possible, minimise the risk to these folk, and those back in Heldren. The longer the portal remains open the more danger they are in too...
Greyson nods in agreement. "You are all right, but where do we start? I've never assaulted a tower before. Nadya do you have a map of the town? can you point out the pale tower? We need to have some idea of what's in there."
Corum shrugs and laughs. "Assaulting a tower is easy if there's no one there. This could be hard but once we get inside. All we need do is move upwards and kill everything we see." He goes quiet for a while. "Getting in is the key."
"Better to start high and move down." Nasrin shrugs, realizing that getting to the top may be the hard part.
Boys, go and play now. Go on. Nadya says to her twin sons, who look disappointed but otherwise comply.
I don't have a map of the town but I could draw one well enough. I'm happy to take you around and introduce you, these are good people here, they may even be able to help you. The Tower is hours away, even by sled. There's no way you could make it there today. So you should rest, eat. I can't tell you the value of a hot meal in the North.
Nadya sketches a map of the town and points out the shops and the tavern.
Katrina and Emil own the White Weasel, they do a very good dear stew there. There's Veran's Sundries and our blacksmith, Iziamir.
Strangely, you notice that the layout of the town is almost identical to that of Heldren.
"I think it might be best if we keep as many of your pack out of this fight as we can. You have done too much already. And," Nasrin motions with her head towards the door the boys left from, "You have much to lose if things don't go well for us."
Opening the huge double doors on the North side of the house he steps out into the crisp snow that covers the grounds of this winter garden.
He feels no chill from the cold as he strolls towards the frozen lake at the centre.
His footsteps crunch through the brittle snow and the sound seems impossibly loud in the stillness of the garden.
Pausing beneath the archway he looks up at the statue of the black rider, he can see the need written across his features , the desperation as he reaches his hand to the heavens.
you have cursed us rider. Blessed us and cursed us in equal measure. When I find your mistress there will be a reckoning. You can be sure of that he says as he walks beneath the archway.
Several snow hares dart into the undergrowth as he approaches and after a half mile he can see the frozen lake before him with its pearl tower rising like an icicle Into the darkening sky.
The snow begins to fall heavily as he approaches and a high pitched growling suddenly comes from behind him.
Turning he sees the savage snow weasel creeping toward him it's long snout sniffing at him.
Raising his hand it nuzzles him and snorts as the old elf dismisses it with a gesture and it bounds off into the trees.
Stepping onto the slick surface of the ice he glides forward his feet skimming the surface as he travells toward the base of the tower.
The crystal doorway beckons him and he sees the perfect etching of Thorn on it's perfectly clear surface.
Raising his hand toward the door the etching suddenly springs to life the wolves great head rearing out of the doorway as it growls a warning.
Elleross touches him lightly and the etching shudders and retreats back into the door as it swings silently open.
Ascending the circular glass staircase he winds his way to the top of the tower and opening the dark wood door at the top he steps into a plain circular room, several floor to ceiling windows run around the circumference of the room and a single comfortable chair, covered in rich furs stands opposite a huge fireplace.
Seating himself he turns to the only other item in the room and the bronze statue of Nadya sudden turns it's head and smiles.
welcome Elleross, the snows return again I see she says in halting Skald shall we continue our session?
The old elf sits back and relaxes his mind focusing on the form of this new language as he teaches himself to become fluent.
your accent is improving Nadya, please let us resume he replies and they begin to converse practicing the tongue of this land, he needs to speak it as if he were a native.
Outside the snow continues to fall as the Reign of winter continues to hold away over this part of his domain.
Finding a comfortable chair Elleross takes out his pipe and chews on the stem lightly as he sits back.
The sounds of the old lady cleaning up and tending the children are so comforting , so normal he opens up his inner eye and slips away from the world.
As Greyston tends to the others he is only half aware of what is going on around him, for he is otherwise engaged.
When The others are patched up and Nadya returns he brings himself back to the present and to the others it would seem he has been sleeping.
welcome back Nadya, I admit I could do with a hearty meal and this stew sounds just the ticket he says in near perfect Skald.
we will need to learn as much as we can about this tower and the forces there before we attempt to enter it.
As fearsome as you are Corum, we have no idea what we face inside.
I am glad you are all recovered, Greyston has done a marvellous job. I feared you would be permanently blind he says moving slowly over to join them.
"Ok ok, maybe we should spend a day get a little rest and meet the townsfolk, i could use the time to resupply and we really shouldn't run off unprepared." Greyston scratches his head, as he takes the map. "The layout of this town is almost exactly the say as Heldren the town we come from, its quite bizarre."
Examining Nadya's rough sketch, Sapphire feels slightly relieved
If the tower is somewhat removed from the village then that is better, also good if we are forced to rest a night.
a wry smile flashes across her features at a recalled memory
My father used to say 'Don't run when you can walk, don't walk when you can stand, don't stand when you can sit, don't sit when you can lie down, and don't lie down when you can sleep!'. Old soldiers eh?!
she shakes her head sadly
Still, we should still be about things as quickly as possible. We do have some things to trade at the local store or blacksmiths if anyone needs any supplies?
At Greyston's mention of the village layout similarities, Sapphire ponders
I wonder if it means anything, I've read about sympathetic magic, easier to affect something if you already have something that looks or feels like it, that sort of thing. On a massive scale though...
"If this is magic, it's beyond me... but there is something here." He nods at Sapphire as he turns to look at Nadya. "How long has Waldsby been here?"
This is old Ulfen land so at least before the Winter War. Nadya replies. That would make it more than a thousand years in one shape or another. But all small villages look the same don't they? she says matter-of-factly.
The burly warrior takes a whetstone from his pack and begins sharpening the blade of his axe. "Don't know if they're all the same but sometimes they feel the same. He looks around the room as if lost in thought.
After a while he stands and stretches. "Anyway. A bite and a drink will probably do us somegood. Also we have some goods to trade so llet's have a look around shall we.?"
"I will hunt. Nadya, best place for game?"
Nadya looks confused.
Why do you want to hunt Nasrin? The best place for game is in the Hoarwood that we just left. Without a dog sled it would be unlikely you'd make it back to the village until after dark.
Nasrin shrugs. "It is a thing I have to do. I will take the wolf with me and... well, its complicated to explain. We will back before nightfall." She looks to Corum and adds, "He knows towns are not my place."
Elleross studies the map of the town and he scratches at his beard thoughtfully.
maybe you are correct and all small towns are laid out in a similar fashion , but I am not a great believer in coincidence. The positioning of the different bushings would seem logical but this is almost an exact duplicate of Heldren.
You could lay the maps of both towns on top of each other and they would be identical. This is strange indeed. Maybe there is a correlation here between the two locations? That is why the portal was opened on that particular place. he says almost to himself
I am sure this tower will hold some of the answers, but we need to make sure we are careful when we seek them out
As Nasrin speaks up Elleross looks over at her
it could be dangerous out there alone Nas. Don't go too far, and if there is any sign of trouble you get back here as quickly as you can he says accepting her need to leave but not understanding it .
Corum dons his furs and picks up his axe. He moves to the door with the others who intend to explore the village. Icy air blasts through as he opens the door and they step outside. "Where to first? I could eat but lets get rid of the stuff we've collected first. Blacksmiths and the trading post then eh? Food and ale later."
He glances down the street at Nasrin and her new wolf as they lope out of town. happy hunting Turning to the others he says "Come on then. It's not going to get any warmer put here." and they make their way to the nearest trader.
I'll come with you, I can introduce you around.
Nadya leads you first to the tavern, the White Weasel. Most of the patrons stop what they are doing when you enter but others nod and waves hello politely.
Nadya introduces you to the innkeeper, a man named Emil who looks at you darkly as you enter.
Corum looks around the taproom of the inn. These northerners remind him of his own people. They are strong and tough, honed by the elements. Though they are not warriors they are proud and meet his gaze. Not ones to be easily intimidated they all clearly live in fear of the tower, as the words of Emil show. He strides to the bar and speaks in perfect Skald.
Sapphire smiles, trying to put the tavern owner at ease.
Sitting at the bar Elleross draws out his pipe and places his tortoise shell box on the worn wood.
Filling the bowl of the pipe he reaches for a nearby candle and draws the pipe to life, satisfied he looks up at the man and says.
Fear not Emil we are not their quarry
he says drawing deeply on his pipe.
not yet anyway, although those birds attacking us may or may not have been directed by the witches. It won't be long before we know if they are interested in us he thinks to himself
i am famished and cold, my blood is too thin for these climates.
Have you any mulled wine to go along with this fine stew? he asks hopefully
and bring lots of bread and butter, I'll pay extra if it is fresh. The smell of fresh bread is something I have long missed he says almost to himself
You take a seat at a large wooden table and Nadya takes the time to introduce you to several locals:
Verana can outfit you with very fine cold weather gear and likely any equipment you will need to survive in the wilderness.
Rolf Halzberg is our village priest. Runs a small chapel dedicated to Pharasma. He does everything from deliver babies to bury the dead. He married my husband and I and presided over his funeral too. Hes a very good friend, a man you can depend on. The man she indicates is a big red-bearded fellow who despite his following of the Lady of Graves seems surprisingly cheerful and in his cups. He waves happily and offers you a big grin. Always happy to see visitors. Stop by the chapel any time, even if you just want a friendly ear. he says. Got a few odds and sods about the place that might come in handy for travelling folks like yourselves - potions and that. His Common is excellent for a man who has lived in the North all his life.
There's something very odd here. The people you've met are all very friendly but you can't help but be unnerved by the fact that not only do the buildings in Waldsby have a very similar layout to those in Heldren, but many of these people look familiar too, with at least a passing resemblance to those villagers back in Taldor.
Druids are often vocal about power that resides in the earth and travels along what they call 'ley lines.' It could be that both these villages share the same line, leading to these similarities. Could it also be a reason why the portal is so strong in Taldor? Even targetted for that very reason?
The innkeeper's wife, Katrina brings you several steaming bowls of venison stew. She does so quickly and without cheer, putting them roughly down before you as if trying to hurry you on with your meal. You get the feeling she does not want you here at all.
The stew itself, however, is undoubtedly delicious, with thick gravy and chunks of deer flesh all mixed with turnips and potatoes.
After a few moments she returns with Elleros' hot wine. It smells strong and aromatic and very good indeed. After he takes a sip, he finds it to be very much to his taste and takes a longer swallow.
Katrina smiles and says; I hope you enjoy. Perhaps then you'd like to be on your way, from here and Waldsby?
Elleross nods his head toward the priest as he is Introduced,
I am sure we will visit with you soon enough he says even as he looks the man over and thinks
there is more to this town than than a resemblance to Heldren.
These villages are bound together somehow, there is a force that guides them both, influences them. Could it be something to do with the supposed lines if power that run through Golarion? Maybe the Druids are right in their belief. Maybe these Lay lines do exist he thinks troubled.
Moving to their table he sits down with the others and stretches out his aching leg.
thank you. he says simply as the meal is set before them and he begins to eat swiftly. Not realising just how hungry he was.
Taking the mulled wine he draws in it's heady aroma and drinks deeply. The warming liquor is very good.
Turning to Katrina his manner hardens somewhat as his Judges persona slips into place and he replies somewhat brusquely.
we will leave when we are ready to leave. How soon that is it is impossible to say. then he smiles at the others and says.
I would recommend you try some he says to them as he enjoys the wine and he offers to buy some for Nadya and the others .
Corum shakes hisb head at the offered wine and says. "I've no stomach for woine. Ale will do me". He eats his stew and bread then downs his ale.
Perception
He again looks around the room and marks the striking familiarity of the locals. Leaning in to Elleross he says "Is it me or do these people look like the Heldren villagers? I swear the barkeep looks like the same person."
The woman huff at Elleros' manner and shuffles off back behind the bar where she whispers with her husband
Ignoring the woman's huffing and puffing he sips again at the warm mulled wine and continues to tuck into the stew.
I agree Corum, the similarities are startling.
I suspect there is something other than the portal linking these towns. I have read several books concerning the lines of power that supposedly run through Golarion.
The Druids believe in these "ley lines" It could be that these villages are built atop one of these and it is influencing them both. he replies to the warrior as he eats.
"Don't know what it is but it's strange. Where shall we go after we've eaten Nadya? Verana's?"
Greyston nods at everyone they meet, whispering thanks to Sapphire for translating so he at least knows what's going on.
Smelling the wine and ale in the Inn sets Greyston off, as he fights the urge to ask for some himself he instead focuses on the fact this town is so familiar to Heldren. Studying the Inn and the people, it all seems so familiar.
Lost in through he snaps out of it as Elleross mentions lay lines and it all comes flooding back. "I picked up on that too Elleross, i think there must be some correlation to lay lines. I had only ever read books on the matter but, this seems to be a case for it here. That has to be why the portals in Taldor was so strong to spew out all that snow and cold." He says speaking up finally able to add to the conversation.
"Don't know what it is but it's strange. Where shall we go after we've eaten Nadya? Verana's?"
I don't know much about magic. But it's string up here and I can well believe it runs through the fabric of the ice beneath us. As for where to go next, once you've finished your meals I think Verana's would be sensible. If you intend on spending any time in this country you'll need the right gear.
The fat priest pulls uo a chair, quite uninvited and plonks his mug of ale on the table.
So who are your friends Nad? Are all the girls south of the great ice so beautiful? he laughs lloudly and jovially. You look like fighting men and women, good qualities up here, it's not just the land that's harsh.
Nasrin feels the cold on her skin, but knows she has time. She takes the wolf out and they hunt as a team. A dear escapes them, as he stands up to see where the girl disappeared to. He is young. is all Nasrin thinks as she keeps working on the bond with the pup. After a time they catch up to a small yearling elk. First Jagar Is that his name? We're getting closer. flushes the elk towards Nasrin and she catches it on the same spear that had killed Thorn. You're still with me, aren't you brother?
As the elk falls, she howls to Jagar and he howls back. She begins gutting the carcass as he lopes up to her, a grin stretching across his jowls. The look in his eyes says it all, "Feed me!" Nasrin laughs in a near bark and carves out the beast's eye and tosses it to her new brother. Now to get this to the pack. She trusses the carcass up and sets it on a blanket, tying cords to that so she can drag the elk back to Waldsby.
Corum looks at the priest and asks "Like what?"
Everything. he replies, taking a swallow of ale. You have the look of a northman, you probably already know. If it isn't for any number of creatures out there trying to make you a meal it's the cold. That's why I rely on my own insulation!. he laughs heartily, slapping his prodigious belly.
Nadya just grins as the priest carries on.
But the worst, conspiratorial now. Are the witches. Trust me, I been all over and there's not a witch I met who I would trust as far as I could throw. Just be wary. They like to use mirrors to communicate and spy. Just like yonder one behind the bar.
For the first time you notice the massive mirror that runs the length of the bar and isn't really in keeping with the rest of the decor.
As you all look over, you see the barkeep, Emil, heft something large and slam it down on the bar. With amazement, you realise it is a heavy crossbow.
My wife asked you nicely, now I'm doing it. Get out of here and Waldsby too, you'll bring Nazhena's soldiers down on us, or worse! They are looking for something. No one knows what but I'll warrant it's you.
Don't be damned fool, Emil. the priest, Rolf shouts. These are traders from the south. If you had anything besides cold air between your ears you'd realise that!
Nadya looks alarmed and lurches to her feet, anger clear on her face.
You and your bloody doomsayer wife are always claiming this kind of thing, Emil. Put the crossbow away before you do something you regret.
A clear tension falls on the inn. Several of the patrons jeer at Emil, echoing Rolf and Nadya's words but most just clear the way, making sure they arent in the firing line.