Ignoring Jediah, Dagmar, and Rutilux, Ana's puppy eyes wander to Isham, Zethyris, Julian, and Thorvald.
At the same time she goes through the list of all the spells she knows in her head. And curses herself for never having learned any spell without somatic components.
Eh..Sounds sincere.
"We still have the enemy at the gates. We need to help the dwarves defend their city, now that we've cleaned up in here."
"Whatever was affecting her seems to be gone now, but there's no telling when it will return. Dagmar says she can't do that sleep trick on Ana again today, but perhaps we can get Thorvald to stay near her in case something goes wrong?"
The rest of the party begins to notice that Julian's bow is still taut, arrow knocked. "She's lying. She's lying very well. She moves, or anyone makes a move towards her and her heart will be so full of poison it doesn't matter how cold it is."
@ARC how does my protection against evil spell interact with Ana if at all?
"Nobody untie her. Here let me loop this round here a few more times and then I will explain myself."
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+8The rest of the party begins to notice that Julian's bow is still taut, arrow knocked. "She's lying. She's lying very well. She moves, or anyone makes a move towards her and her heart will be so full of poison it doesn't matter how cold it is."
"Julian, easy... are you sure of what you are saying?" Rutilux says with concern, "About the lying. Even if she is still under an effect, I don't want her killed, thank you. We can keep her bound."
"Dead certain. I'm no sorcerer, so I don't know if magic is involved, but she is lying. Look at the way her eyes move when she talks."
Ana tries to discern whether Julian's arrow is really poisoned.
"I don't think it matters if Ana is lying or not. Regardless of whether or not that she is in control of herself now, we have no way of knowing when she will be turned against us again. I'm going to have to side with Julian on this occasion. We keep Ana bound, not just for our safety, but for her own as well until we can figure out a way to keep her mind from being influenced by outside forces."
"Well, it looks like Thorvald is already tightening the bonds, but ... alright Julian. Everyone, I think we should consider her still corrupted by magic and wait a moment see if Nellins can find that magic on her, and if he can remove it. I realize we're in the middle of the battlefield, but it hopefully won't take long."
"She is a spellcaster. She should be gagged, as well. Frankly, blindfolded. We know not whether these forces can scry with her eyes."
"Are you still concerned with our safety? Or have we crossed over to the realm of your wet dreams already, Julian?" Ana asks calmly, with a slight hint of annoyance.
Julian levels his bow at Ana and draws the string tighter. "Speak when spoken to, Princess."
Ana smirks contentedly, but otherwise remains silent.
I'll take that as a yes.
Dagmar sighs. "Perhaps tomorrow I can prepare a truth spell, but until we can be sure of her real intentions I think Ana should remain bound and out of the rest of any battles today. We would hesitate to kill Ana if she turns on us again. At least I think that most of us would anyway. However, you have to remember we are in a city under siege and any of its defenders may see her just as another invader to be killed. We do not want to risk her life like that."
"Don't worry I understand Dagmar, I have not been mind controlled, but you have no way of really knowing what is going on in my thoughts."
"<Sigh!> Rutilux, about the dreams, I hadn't put two and two together until this morning. I had an odd dream some weeks ago . . . um while laying next to Ana, and then a few days ago Ana had made mention to me of if I was having the dreams as well, but I thought she meant that in a conversational kind of way that made sense for the context. Then last night I had an odd night terror, I spoke with Ana about it in the morning and we discussed it. You see for as long as she can remember she has been plagued by bad dreams, but they have grown more frequent since she has returned north."
"Ana discussed her dreams, in them the experiences she feels are very real. She explained that she would be very powerful and act in ways that is not like her. She would feel and think about things in ways she did not feel when she was awake. She had powers that she knew she did not have and were beyond her abilities, but who doesn't have dreams like that right? Anyway, she realized that she couldn't manifest ice spears, but had when the cold was so unbearable out on the flats."
"Ana, asked me to protect myself and was afraid for me sleeping next to her. We were afraid something might be close outside that was causing the dreams. Literally we had just made some discoveries and I was going to speak to Dagmar and then the assault began. Ana, had never had something like this happen to her when she was awake, and until we figured out the connection to what happened out there in the tent this morning, she believed her dreams were just that."
"I will keep her tied until we can get her some help. I think the White Witches want to reclaim her. We can't let them taker her. Savol knows we need Ana for our cause or he wouldn't keep her as his Speaker."
"I know Ana's true nature is to seek out self sacrifice for all of us. This isn't the real Ana, she doesn't feel so scornful towards us."
"If you can think of any other questions I will try to answer them now."
"I know dreams can be a personal thing, but given our enemies... I wish you two had told us," Rutilux says with a sigh "But... then, as you say, she was going to do that with Dagmar. And yes, I agree. This isn't the real Ana. It's not who she strives to be. All the more reason to free her."
"I actually have knowledge of a spell that allows memories to be shared between myself and another person. If I prepare the spell tomorrow perhaps you and Ana would both share with me a memory of the dream? I can also prepare a zone of truth spell tomorrow if we wish one for discussions with Ana."
"Rutilux, I respect your code and promised to help you uphold it, I know you must show mercy to those who have wronged you, but we cannot release her now. This is not our Ana right now. A mistake now could cost her or one of our lives."
"And Dagmar, I will submit myself to whatever spell you want and I will be proven truthful, we had just discussed the dreams or nightmares or whatever they are and made our discoveries this morning just before all this. I didn't want to weaken our image in front of our allies especially because nothing like this here had ever happened when she was awake."
"Julian, please lower your bow. If you like I can place a handkerchief over her eyes. Also, if someone could pick up my axe over there, that would be great. I don't want to leave her side with her like this."
Nellens watches this whole thing unfold before finally answering, "Doesn't look like any magic I've seen before but I'll take a look after I check on my order. Although if you really don't trust your friend and don't want her to cast, you really should gag her and tie her fingers. With a bit of practice any spell caster can ignore verbal or physical activity when casting a spell but only powerful casters can ignore both at the same time." Nellens then heads over to the Vault to check on the dwarven bodies lying there. "No good, they're dead and they even got past the golem," pointing to a large pile of rocks. He signals for you to wait and then heads inside, returning several minutes later followed by a few wounded dwarves in similar robes. "I was right, they took something very bad. A book regarding planar travel. Lets make sure the fortress still holds and then we'll deal with your... Friend.."
Heading away from the Vault, Anastasiya stops and looks down at one of the figures and reaches to pick up one of their masks but can't. The mask appears attached to them.
"This is not good."
"pardon, you're right, Thorvald. My fumbling tongue meant we should free her mind but did not say it right," Or else my heart took charge of it when my head wasn't looking.
Nellens watches this whole thing unfold before finally answering, "Doesn't look like any magic I've seen before but I'll take a look after I check on my order. Although if you really don't trust your friend and don't want her to cast, you really should gag her and tie her fingers. With a bit of practice any spell caster can ignore verbal or physical activity when casting a spell but only powerful casters can ignore both at the same time." Nellens then heads over to the Vault to check on the dwarven bodies lying there. "No good, they're dead and they even got past the golem," pointing to a large pile of rocks. He signals for you to wait and then heads inside, returning several minutes later followed by a few wounded dwarves in similar robes. "I was right, they took something very bad. A book regarding planar travel. Lets make sure the fortress still holds and then we'll deal with your... Friend.."
Rutilux looks to the others, "Does anyone have a cloth suitable to gag her?
"This is not good."
"A book of planar travel?" He frowns, "I have the feeling if I knew anything about arcana I'd be agreeing with you."
"If I may say something, before you gag me: I know who they are."
Ana points at the dead bodies of the masked monks, then waits for permission to speak.
Once permission is given, or at least it doesn't look like Julian is going to shoot her, she continues:
"They are the queen's private army. They are called Jai'due'reh. They are absolutely loyal and religiously devoted to the queen of irrisen. And they are more in the realm of legend than in the realm of known truth - I never thought they really existed. That they are here shows that this was very important to queen Elvanna herself.
And if Elvanna wanted to destroy this city, she wouldn't have to resort to hiring hobgoblins. And she already proved that she can teleport in and out of here. She doesn't need a book of planar travel for that. She got what she came here for. And she got away with it.
They hobgoblins may or may not break off their siege now. We will see. But the witches of Irrisen got everything they wanted out of this city."
Ana looks on the floor, feeling ashamed and guilty.
"Except for me. My sister expects these two to return with me..."
But the witches of Irrisen got everything they wanted out of this city, except for me. My sister expects these two to return with me..."
"... and she will have to get used to disappointment." Zethyris's face is unusually serious. "We're not going to let them have you."
Thorvald thought that she now sounded like his Ana, but he would remain guarded. Still he didn't think evil Ana would offer weaknesses like that.
"Lets see who hides behind this mask." The barbarian tries to remove the downed monk's mask and reveal his face.
"... and she will have to get used to disappointment." Zethyris's face is unusually serious. "We're not going to let them have you."
Thorvald swallowed, "Thank you for that."
"Perhaps for now we can do a blindfold to prevent scrying through her eyes, but I am guessing that our enemies can scry on us without them I can wrap up her fingers, but must we gag her? She is giving us information and if she can't see us she can't target us with most spells right?"
"We are also going to have to figure out what to do when she needs to wash or relieve herself. We can't keep her tied up like this forever. Nellen, do you have a place that can hold spell casters?"
------------------
When Thorvald has a chance he will try to squeeze Ana's hand and reassure her when everyone isn't staring at them. "When Savol gets here he will know what to do. I will protect you my love."
"... and she will have to get used to disappointment." Zethyris's face is unusually serious. "We're not going to let them have you."
Rutilux gives Zethyris a smile, "There are times, friend Zethyris, when I am reminded just how fine it is the company I keep."
"I insist on the gagging. I hope the best for our compatriot but we must see reality."
As Thorvald tries to remove the mask he finds it requires far more effort than it should until with a sickening plop the mask pulls free revealing the ruins of a face with three old puncture wounds, recently torn open. The wounds appear just underneath the cheek bones and in the middle of the forehead in a triangle. The skin beneath the mask is incredibly pale, clammy and covered in pressure sores. The man is obviously of ulfen descent.
Responding to Thorvald, "No we've never had need for one before. The best we can do is either lock her up with precautions or we can see if one of my order's alchemists can mix up something to keep her out of trouble."
Making your way through the fortress, with it without Ana, you manage to get yourselves back up to one of the parapets where you gloriously display the head of the vanquished white dragon on a pike.
Strangely when you lift the pike aloft you can already see the horde loosing much of its unity as the different tribes squabble and fight each other as much as the dwarves manning the walls. Furthermore many of the hobgoblins on the farther outskirts are dwindling, dispersing into the distance, whatever cohesive force seems to be gone but much of the horde remains.
-----
Over the course of the next few days the dwarves manage to break up the remainder of the horde in battle causing it to splinter into dozens of smaller groups fleeing across the over tundra. Small enough to cause trouble not not large enough to threaten an major settlements provided they don't flee right into Savol's troops.
-----
The council of Hadnior is still busy organizing the the cities defences and restoration after the battle with the dragon inside as well as tending to the hundreds injured during its initial attack. They've promised to see you all in three days time. Additionally, Herald returns with news from Bron that they are less than a week out but have been delayed fighting dozens of small engagements with hobgoblin raiders all over the countryside.
... and that the evil I am up against is indeed myself.
In her cell, ana ponders over her fate. Finally, she thinks she has found a solution. When the others visit her, she presents it to them.
"Remember this artifact the fey told me about? The cursed crown of evil warlords and kings? I know now why it is important: It can corrupt good people and turn them evil. But it probably works the opposite way too. We must go and find it. Once I turn permanently evil, you must put the crown on my head. Then it will make me good again."
Thorvald will keep a vigil outside Ana's cell. He was worried that the masked monks or worse might come and try to take Ana. Would Ana fight them or would she help them? He wasn't sure. She hadn't said much, but he assumed that her mind was just as active as his trying to search for a cure. If he was only more powerful, like Savol, he would see if the Emerald Court for a quest or something. Maybe there was some magical item or spell that could help. Maybe Savol already had something in his magical chest.
He also turned over the things possessed Ana had said in his head. Women's tongues really were sharper than razors when unleashed with malicious abandon. Most of what she said was easily dismissed, like no one listed to Jediah, that was ridiculous because Jediah was usually silent so when he spoke everyone listened. However, many things she had spouted might be closer to the mark than was comfortable. "Such is life I guess."
In his hands he cleaned and pondered the ancient Ulfen spear from the Dragon. "Someday Savol's banner may fly from this, or maybe even my own, heh."
"Would you like to have me make you anything from the dragon?"
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Rutilux shares the news Herald delivers with the others, and asks if anyone wishes him to send a message back anytime soon.
Rutlilux does eventually visit Ana as well, though he has seemed distracted.
But when she makes her proposal he is a bit taken aback.
"Remember this artifact the fey told me about? The cursed crown of evil warlords and kings? I know now why it is important: It can corrupt good people and turn them evil. But it probably works the opposite way too. We must go and find it. Once I turn permanently evil, you must put the crown on my head. Then it will make me good again."
"Probably?" He sounds doubtful. "Ana, I know little of magic, but it sounds to me like you're making a very large assumption. What if simply seals you into darkness for good? Or brings others along for the ride? For all we know, it could corrupt us just carrying it around."
Rutilux shares the news Herald delivers with the others, and asks if anyone wishes him to send a message back anytime soon.
"I am worried about the horses, did Savol say he had gotten them? Do we need to go get them? The Mother of Spiders is still down there too."
Rutilux shares the news Herald delivers with the others, and asks if anyone wishes him to send a message back anytime soon."I am worried about the horses, did Savol say he had gotten them? Do we need to go get them? The Mother of Spiders is still down there too."
"Nothing in the letter that I noticed," Rutilux shoots Thorvald a grateful look, it's clear that's part of what had been worrying him as well, "We left food for them, and the horses are strong, but... with the army delayed, I don't know if they can retrieve them yet."
"Are you, uh, going to send him a message about, well . . . I suppose we should tell Savol we are going to speak with the council and find out if there is some message he would like for us to relay for him. Last time we sent a message we were entering the underground. I think sending him information before he arrives about the situation on the ground here would be wise. You know, warn him of the Irissean involvement."
Hearing about your concern over your mounts Skylord Ruam offers the use of several of the cities horses to go out and check on them. When you head out of the city a pair of horses and a wagon are waiting for you. Beyond the gate the ground is a mix of browns and reds. Mud mixing with blood as you pass through the battlefield whe the carrion eaters swarm in droves and the dwarves are only now getting the chance to search for their lives ones and bury the dead. The ride is somber as everyone is confronted with the sheer scale that this siege was and the ugly truth about war, the aftermath.
As you get close to the mines entrance you see signs of a fire inside as a light flickers across the beams holding the roof of the mine up. Dismounting and moving to the entrance quietly you can indeed see flames lighting up the entrance as well as the sounds of horses. Just before you reach the threshold you hear a woman's stern voice, "I know you're out there so there's no point in trying to skulk about."
"I'll hold off on the message just a bit more, but I'm afraid I must tell him everything. Indeed, his wisdom is sorely needed." Rutilux says to Thorvald.
.........
When the horses are offered Rutilux is grateful, immensely so, "I'm in your debt, Skylord."
The ride out is grim. Dwarves dead by the score. And Rutilux has to wonder Did we do enough? Did we matter enough?
As you get close to the mines entrance you see signs of a fire inside as a light flickers across the beams holding the roof of the mine up. Dismounting and moving to the entrance quietly you can indeed see flames lighting up the entrance as well as the sounds of horses. Just before you reach the threshold you hear a woman's stern voice, "I know you're out there so there's no point in trying to skulk about."
Rutilux raises a brow, giant spiders he expected, stern talking women not so much. "Very well, I'm coming up. My name is Rutilux Talonn. May I know your name?"
NOBODY tells me not to skulk!
"Probably?" He sounds doubtful. "Ana, I know little of magic, but it sounds to me like you're making a very large assumption. What if simply seals you into darkness for good? Or brings others along for the ride? For all we know, it could corrupt us just carrying it around."
"Yes, I know. It is far fetched, but ... but it has to be. Think about it: the fey were the first to warn me about the war with Irrisen. They knew. And they told me. And then they told me about the crown. They said it would help me. They knew what would happen all along. And they were trying to help us - in their twisted fey ways that don't allow them to speak plainly."
At the entrance to the cave you can see the shadow of a woman who is standing off to the side of the entrance making any attempt to slip through the well lit opening almost impossible. Those of you who step forward into the light are greeted by a young ulfen woman, probably a few years older than Dagmar, standing semi-casually by a brightly burning yet small fire. The young woman has long blond hair flowing out of her winged helmet and trailing down the back of her bluish purple armour. Her armour is made of light plates of metal over a coat and long parted skirt of chain. The only skin visible is her neck and face. She also carries an infantry lance held loosely between you and her. "My name is Silme, of the Velkerat what brings you into these war torn lands, Rutilux of the Talons? And who are your friends that remain outside?" having spent so much time in battle you can easily tell that her stance is at best purely defensive but she doesn't appear to be looking for a fight.
Farther in the cavern you can see the horses, including Sunfire ambling about the far side, they don't appear tethered any more and even look fatter than when you left them.
Rutilux approaches closer, no weapon drawn. He introduces each of his companions with him by name before answering the first question second, "At the orders of our liege, the Kodiakborne, my allies and I came to aid the dwarves in battle, but because we had to make haste through such narrow confines in order to get there as soon as we could, we were forced to leave our steeds behind. I left some food with them, but I feared for my mount's condition. While threats remain, with the bulk of the invasion over, a kind dwarven Skylord allowed us use of horses and cart to come here and retrieve them if it wasn't too late. I am... a cavalier. Sunfire, my horse, is of a line that has been with the Talonn family almost since our start. It may seem strange to you, but it grieves me deeply to think of him suffering from starvation. It is an ill way for a noble beast bound to me to die. Those who were to come to him are delayed. Please, Silme, have you seen my horse?"
He cannot help but notice the lady is passing fair, where he not so guilt ridden about deserting a noble steed, he'd be more courtly and keenly more aware of her looks as both a woman and fellow warrior still.
Zethyris quietly waits outside, allowing Rutilux to take the lead.
Thorvald hoped getting Ana out for a ride would raise her spirits, he spent the night on a pallet outside her cell for fear that someone or something would try and take her in the night. The night had been uneventful, quiet as a ghost .
He rode next to Ana quietly. He had thought about what Nellen had said especially about the hands. Thorvald could make a pair of fingered gauntlets that didn't articulate and joined together at the wrists with a pin. Ana could still sit atop a horse and hook onto a pommel, but wouldn't be able to move her fingers enough to cast. It was nicer than being tied and she could wear a cloak to conceal them. Thorvald couldn't bring himself to mention his idea to Ana yet. He thought it would be best to talk to Isham first. The old pirate had a fatherly wisdom about him. Thorvald also thought he would be the best person to tell Savol about Ana's condition.
As they approached the mine entrance Thorvald half expected to find the Mother of Spiders waiting or the vermin drained skins of their mounts. Instead they found a beautiful Shieldmaiden of the Velkerat.
Knowledge, do I know of that clan or organization?
a young ulfen woman, probably a few years older than Dagmar, standing semi-casually by a brightly burning yet small fire. The young woman has long blond hair flowing out of her winged helmet and trailing down the back of her bluish purple armour. Her armour is made of light plates of metal over a coat and long parted skirt of chain. The only skin visible is her neck and face. She also carries an infantry lance held loosely between you and her. "My name is Silme, of the Velkerat what brings you into these war torn lands, Rutilux of the Talons? And who are your friends that remain outside?"
Wow, that's hot, hope Ana can't read minds. . . Oh great can't wait to see how the girls claws come out if we add a new girl to the mix. Especially with Ana being a real witch lately, literally. Hummm, I wonder if this woman would be a good match for Savol . . . Please Desna, don't let Julian say something rude or offensive right now.
Thorvald stood impassive next to Ana while Rutilux spoke for the group.
Planning for the ride to retrieve the horses, Isham will address everyone toegether, "Most spells of enchantment and binding do not endure for days. I believe Ana was subject to such a spell, and that by isolating her we have minimized the chances of any further Irrisen tampering in the meanwhile. I think that this jaunt into the countryside is a good opportunity for her to demonstrate that she is untainted, without endangering our hosts. I would have her ride with us as a free and equal companion."
As them embark, he thinks to himself, 'horses again. ugh. someday I'll get all of these folk on a boat.'
Ana remains in the background while Rutilux introduces himself.
She tries to tell whether Silme is friend or foe, but the Ulfen woman remains inscrutable to her.
She whispers to Dagmar and Thorvald:
"What is Velkerat?"
When the majority of the group steps outside, she will follow and introduce herself.
"My name is Anastasiya. What brings you to this cave, Silme?"
Dagmar follows inside, wanting to get a look at the woman that Rutilux is talking to.
Jediah is zoning out again