"Yes," Lisabett agrees, "leave."
Sandru doesn't say a word. He looks down in shame.
Shalelu has been watching the interaction with curiosity. "There is little point in bickering. I am a warden of nature, but I have raised my bow against its creatures as often as I have fought to protect them. It is hard to know when to act, and how. As I said, the fault was mine. I passed through the spider's lair before, and gave no warning. Let us leave it at that."
Shalelu unstrings her bow and turns down the corridor. "We will take the chest and go from this place. There is a reason it held the dead to this world as guardians, and I, for one, would know that reason."
"Come Sandru. Let's get out of here. I now doubt Koya came this way," Raziel says, giving Sandru a little shake. "If we are to find her, we need to step back and think clearly. She has something in mind, no doubt."
It is an effort, but Lisabett releases her hold on her power, and if allowed to brings up the rear of the party. While the others retrieve the box she unfurls one of the blankets she took from Warden Proudstump and pulls it around her shoulders, and jogs in place to get her blood moving to generate heat from within.
What reasons has the mother to lie? she considers, not daring to look at Sandru. My own mother...
"Lopt," Lisabett breathes and shakes her head.
"Ah, stupid me!" Raziel suddenly exclaims. "'Looking where I place my feet, I hit my head on the low branch' as the proverb goes."
He looks at the rest of the party.
"Desna guides Koya's path, not only for a day, but for life. Koya 'saw' us meeting in a cave in the future. But she didn't say how far in the future that meeting would be. Obviously we will find her in a cavern that we encounter somewhere in our future."
"No doubt that this will somehow set our feet upon a path that Desna has shown to Koya." Raziel gives a small smile of relief.
If Almar cared for Lisabett's outburst it doesn't show, he moves away as if he had said what he wanted to, then he asks Raziel"That may very well be the case, but I think we should finish exploring, get that chest and move out of here. And after that we should head back to Sandpoint and think about our next move. Unless there are other prominent caves in this swamp, of course"
"Indeed Almar, we should return to Sandpoint with what we have found here," Raziel agrees. "We have to discover what our next move will be, so to meet Koya."
Lisabett narrows her eyes at how the balance of power seems to have shifted in the group toward Alamar being its leader. And the friendly Brother Holheim with his spine like cheese playing at peacekeeper.
Just as well, but when has Alamar ever protected him? Certainly not in the goblin village when he ran ahead of all others.
Lisabett flicks her eyes to Sorin, and considers how he was guilty of the same.
Lisabett approaches the Elven woman and speaks to her softly. "I would confirm that the spider's prey is deceased, and not simply paralyzed and suffering still. Care to join me?"
"You have a heart like my own." the elf replies. She draws a knife and cuts the webbing loose.
The giant gecko that the spider had ensnared is very dead.
Lisabett sighs and inclines her head in a show of respect for the animal, or the elven woman, it is uncertain.
"I followed your track through this swamp. It lead into, then away from here. I thought that you were the one captured in the dream until then, and have been the only to recall that there were two," she whispers, her voice strained. "The others do not understand what this means, but I am not so easily fooled. Please, for the Captain and the others, where is Mother Koya?"
Shalelu stands. "I do not know, varlessel*, but we will find her." She does not speak loudly, but neither does she whisper.
Lisabett gives a nod and after recovering her last javelin will follow the others quietly.
Alazandaru simply retrieves his knife and carefully wipes spider goo off it, deciding not to involve himself in the tense dialogue.
Walthus Proudstump is not outside the cave.
Carrying the chest up the switchbacks is not an easy task, but working together, you are finally able to get it up the cliff face and over to the grove where you tied up your horses.
"Excuse me for a moment." Shalelu steps away from the group. She returns shortly with two other horses. She secures the chest to one of their saddles, and mounts the other.
The morning sun breaks through the clouds, and its rays bring some warmth to the cold morning. There is blue sky visible over the ocean; it is like to be a gorgeous day. You ride at a brisk pace back to Sandpoint.
You arrive in the early afternoon.
It does not appear that the Warden was in any danger when he left, Lisabett observes after studying the track. Like as not, he simply went home.
Lisabett spends a few moments attempting to bond with her animal, but mounted appears as ill at ease on the back of a horse as an alley cat on a fishing boat. She is all limbs and her braid could be an extension of her horses's tail for how awful her riding posture is. After a few miles, her face pales. When the group comes to a halt she dismounts with very little grace, seemingly able only to reach the ground without falling, leans against the horse and gasps for breath.
"The stables. Please tell me where," she inquires when she is able. "I cannot ride a horse, and I certainly cannot afford to keep one."
"I will take you there, Lisabett." Sandru's voice is quiet. These are the first words he has spoken since you left the cave in Brinestump Marsh.
He takes you to a large, rectangular building. The horse-tender emerges from the attached stables with a bucket of water, seeming not to notice you.
"So we are back again, and all in one piece. We should check if Koya is back, after that I'd like us to split our monetary findings in equal parts. I'm sorry if I seem greedy but I need the founds to buy some equipment as I'm running pretty low on ammo at the moment" says Almar finishing in an apologetic manner.
"Since the Warden chose not to remain, I'll ride to his house and let him know what we've found out; little enough I admit. But as his life remains in danger as long as he insists on staying in his house he should be kept informed."
Lisabett appears a great deal more confident on her two legs, leading the horse to the stables. She hazards a glance at Sandru, a quick one, and rubs her lips together before speaking.
"I am uncertain what I said that caused you to run. If..." Lisabett inhales, "if my words harmed you, that was not my intent."
"I'll check around for any other sign of Koya," Raziel says. "I would say we should meet back at the Rusty Dragon later to divide up the things we found."
Raziel hurries off to check at Koya's and then to the temple.
Looking through the window, you doubt she has even been here since she arrived with Sandru's caravan two days past. The corners are draped in cobwebs; nothing is out of place.
You see Almar steps ahead of you as you near the Sandpoint Cathedral.
Father Zantus turns as the two of you enter. His face is calm, but his eyes are hopeful. "Did you find Koya, Brother Holhiem?"
The halfling seems ashamed when he answers the door. "I couldn't be makin' myself walk in there after ye brave folk. And that's when Shalelu came outta nowhere. Not a word to me, but a look. As shrivelin' a look as ye can imagine, and I was off. I ain't be havin' a place at the side of heroes, ai."
"You should report to the Lady," Lisabett suggests, and strokes the horse's neck so that she does not have to see Sandru's sad expression. "She cares for you. I will see to your horse."
Sorin will then head back to Sandpoint. Upon arriving, he'll check in at the temple to see how the daughter and her mother are doing.
"Sadly no, Father Zantus. The idea that she went to the swamp was incorrect. We must begin our search anew for her. Do you have any clue as to where she may have gone?"
It is not long before you are astride your horse once again and heading back to Sandpoint. You do not imagine that you are that far behind the others.
As soon as you arrive in town, you head for the Sandpoint Cathedral. You hear voices within as you approach. The massive double-doors are ajar.
He looks back up at you, his almond eyes searching your own. "Lisabett..." He trails off. A long moment passes. "Come to the Rusty Dragon when you are finished." With that, he promptly turns from you and starts towards the center of town.
"Good day, miss!" A jovial man calls out behind you. The horse-tender. "That's my finest mare you've got there. Truly a generous gift from Lady Ameiko. The steed you've always dreamed of, no?"
Lisabett looks after the captain's exit for a few moments, but is brought back to attention by the stable hand.
"She moves like a dream," Lisabett confirms with a faint smile, "her rider has much less grace, and lesser still ability to care for her properly. The land in the swamps..." Lisabett trails and shakes an image of the body they buried beside the road from her mind. "Will you house and attend them? I worry the Captain's speed might have caused his mount injury."
Lisabett will remain to ensure that both horses are healthy, and have water and food, and then visit Sheriff Belor's office.
"Yes, we found Sandru safe and sound. He returned with us," Raziel replies. "We should be meeting at the Rusty Dragon to dicide what our next move is, and to examine the items that the undead had held. I need to take the first chest we found with me."
"Also, since we dealt with the goblins, perhaps the child could be coaxed into speaking since the threat is finished. I'll ask Lisabett to stop by if she has time, since she has connected with the child far better than I." Raziel gives a rueful grin at his admitted shortcoming.
Alazandaru bids his companions good day politely and decides to visit Ameiko at the tavern. He does take the time to try and catch Lisbett alone on the way back and have a quiet conversation with her.
Alazandaru looks rather grave, as though about to approach you on a matter of great importance. He looks rather nervous.
Lisbett- you are a... extremely willful woman; which is something of a trait that provides me with no small amusement but also a great deal of admiration. After your... er... spat... with Almar, I wanted to inquire after your wellbeing; and to extend my apologies for killing the animal. I stumbled into what appeared to be a battle for Almar's life and if my actions caused you grief you have my most humble apologies.
"It is not the killing I took offense in," Lisabett replies icily. "You did the creature a mercy I was incapable of granting."
Lisabett pauses and looks towards Sandpoint. "I need not your apology. Extend it to the girl whose living nightmares you marched into the one place that represented security."
Sorin continues in.
Almar nods at father Zantus and Raziel's words. When they are finished he adds:"We did what we could for now. Let's head back to the rusty dragon, split our stuff and study a plan to find Koya for good."
So saying the gunslinger makes way towards the inn.
You push the door of the Rusty Dragon open with a creak, and come upon Ameiko holding Sandru in a tight embrace. She releases him and gives him a solid punch to the shoulder.
"Dolt!" Her voice is sharp with anger. "You could have been killed!"
Shalelu sits at the counter beside them. A half-smile comes to her face.
"Alazandaru." Ameiko notices you. "You and the others have returned as well?"
Almar begins making his way out as Sorin makes his way in.
You bump into each other in the cathedral doorway.
"Pleased to take her and hold her for one of the heroes of Sandpoint." the horse-tender says as he leads your mare away.
You make your way to the sheriff's office. Belor Hemlock is outside, as if awaiting you. He speaks as you approach, but does not meet your eyes.
"Your little demon escaped last night. Split my deputy's head open. He'll live, but I'm not sure he'll be the same after." Belor Hemlock spits. "As far as I can tell, both the chief and the female went straight out of town. Can't say how far they made it, but one patrol hasn't turned 'em up."
Lisabett at the Sheriff's Office
Lisabett steps up to the Sheriff and forces him to make eye contact. "I will track them, and I will let none deter me from the killing," she says in a voice that can crack ice.
She looks to the office when her heavy gaze has lingered enough to prove her determination. "Are any of mine within? If the others will not go, I will need them. I expect the bounty is still in effect? They'll not be motivated by their love for me."
Lisabett will wait for the Sheriff's answer, and then starts towards the Rusty Dragon.
"Your companions? No." The sheriff matches Lisabett's gaze. "The bounty? Yes."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Lisabett at the Rusty Dragon
Idiots, Lisabett fumes while she nigh stomps to the lady's tavern. My words are as ash? My blood lust is abhorrent? Their pet monster near murders a man and now is free to continue to harm others! Lisabett snarls a few curses in Skald and considers where she might find her men should her companions refuse to treat with her. And why should they? So that the creature can 'surrender' again to the knight and earn another reprieve, to live and kill again?
Lisabett pushes the doors of the tavern open and openly glares at Alazandaru, rage so hot it could bore holes into his person, til she recognizes that Sandru and the Lady are close to each other behind him, and she pauses and considers her words.
"Gutwad and your pet near murdered a deputy," she informs him, "and escaped. I will hunt and kill them both, as we should have done. If your heart is too soft to end a threat to the security of others, I will not have you."
Lisabett's eyes flick to Ameiko and Sandru. "My men will join me for the coin, I am sure. But I know not where to find them. I intend to leave directly, before the trail is lost."
Shalelu Andosa is on her feet before Lisabett is done speaking. She swings her backpack over her shoulder and strings her bow. "With me, varlessel." Though she clearly directs her words at Lisabett, Shalelu does not pause for a reply as she marches out the door.
Alazandaru sighs heavily.
Do not continue to lay a cloak of guilt upon my shoulders because they were not properly secured, Lisbett. I will accompany you.
He follows Shalelu.
Lisabett's expression does not change when Alazandaru speaks, as though she does not hear him at all. She follows the Elven woman without so much as a second glance at the other occupants of the tavern.
I did as he asked, Lisabett vaguely recognizes, then shakes the thought away and centers herself. She had considered how she might face Minherzi knowing that the monsters that had burned her still lived, and now... she failed the child a second time, and that deputy's family as well.
And Desna guided me here for what? More death? A mother missing? What is the message?
"I trust the halfling is all right, right, Sorin? Anyway Koya is not here, Isuggest you come back ro the rusty dragon with me, unless you have some urgent business here. We need to prepare for a wider search"
Says Almar motioning the paladin towards the inn with a gesture of the hand.
"The chest." Father Zantus slides the small chest across the floor. "I dearly hope you find some answers within."
Sandru turns to watch you go, a grimace on his face. Ameiko does not look up. She is staring at the large chest that Shalelu brought in. Perhaps she did not notice it until this moment.
Shalelu walks quickly, her feet barely making a sound. In moments, you are at the sheriff's office. Belor Hemlock is knelt over the ground, looking at something, but he turns as you approach. "Shalelu Andosa! It is fine to have you-"
"Save it, Hemlock." The elf's voice is quiet but sharp. "See to your cell. It needs improvement, I have gathered."
"You'll take care not to address me in that tone, ranger, friend of Sandpoint though you are." The sheriff speaks with measured severity.
"I will take care." Shalelu responds. "Let us put bickering aside. There is more than enough of that simmering amongst Gutwad's captors."
As the two argue, Alazandaru and Lisabett are drawn to a few potentially important details.
Lisabett studies the ground quietly, but finds nothing. "Mistress, my eyes make no sense of these," she admits sadly.
"Thank you father, we were forgetting an important piece of this puzzle...", says Almar, slightly ashamed for his mistake
"The Warden is fine; I'll meet you at the Dragon shortly." Sorin responds to Almar.
He goes up to Father Zantus, "How are the mother and the child? May I see them?"
"Take the chest to the inn, Almar, I will follow with Sorin," Raziel says.
"Actually Sorin, I was hoping to have Lisabett here went next we spoke to Kasha and Minhzeri. She seemed to have some connection to Minhzeri, and I hope that having her here would help. If you don't mind?"
"I'll bring the chest to the Rusty Dragon, but don't be late, we should stop moving like an herd of goats before the wolf, if you catch my meaning"
My eyes do not make sense Lisabett recognizes, and rises, her eyes wide. The message!
"Mistress Androsa, Sheriff Belor, Sandru: each of you known to the people here, and Mother Koya, too. A woman reputed to be in possession of sense, gone missing when we were meant to return to the city, and now again, these creatures escape when we're poised to gather," Lisabett looks to Mistress Androsa. "You would hunt and kill these creatures without a second's thought, and I would, too, for that little girl."
Lisabett looks to the Sheriff. "The stable hand called me a hero of Sandpoint. I spent no more than a day here, and spoke to very few. How is it that I would be recognized so easily? I did not even return with the others last. How would any besides ourselves know that we traveled together?"
Lisabett frowns and dips her head in shame. "The dream, Her dream, it was real," Lisabett tells Alazandaru. "Fractures," she shakes her head. "We must find the others."
Shalelu cocks her head as she listens to Lisabett, her face impassive. Sheriff Hemlock, on the other hand, looks utterly confused.
"What is she on about?" he grumbles.
Just then, Almar passes by, carrying the small chest.
"Someone is trying to keep us scattered, and frightened," Lisabett answers, and follows Alamar's passing with her eyes. "And they are succeeding. Excuse me," she says and jogs after Alamar.
"Sir, wait!" Lisabett calls. "The others. Where are they? There have been developments. We must each of us meet. And soon."