With a grin, Slevin cautiously follows Gimlet down into the entrance.
|
As the sounds of the moors return, Tin looks on with disbelief. First Gimlet, then Slevin. A random submerged hole in the water, middle of the moors, middle of the night having just escaped with pursuit and a almost swallowed alive and they go about exploring like a bunch of kids seeking hidden treats in the marketplace. Clucking her tongue, "No wonder they ended up in prison. No self-control. In for a copper..."
As she eases waist-deep, using the spelled sword to light her way, a final deep breath and she finally submerges to follow the muddy brackish water her comrades left behind.
"C'mon Tin, nothing ventured.." Slevin smiles as she follows.
Diving into the opening below the surface, the brackish water irritates your eyes and for a second you are unable to see anything. Then Tin's light appears and illuminates the dwelling of the toad. Bones lay scattered and among them you uncover a medallion that might fetch a nice price and some coin (125+45 gp) worth
|
|
Spraying the brackish water away from her face, she clambers out of the wet entrance. "What a lovely humble hidey hole we have here! At least there are no bugs." Tin props the sword and tries to get comfortable, shedding the borrowed chainshirt armor in the process. "That was a fun-filled day. Someday soon, we will laugh about this fondly. As for now, well I am thankful Our Lord gave us this opportunity to escape." She whispers an infernal prayer that acknowledges the opportunity and tasks ahead to yet prove themselves worthy. It is soon thereafter she relaxes her guard and cheerful demeanor for a soft snore of exhaustion.
The light extinguishes in approx 10 minutes after she slumbers. She has been renewing it every ten minutes.
With a shrug Slevin looks around. "This is about as good a place as any, the dogs wouldn't track us through water and this place was pretty damn hard to find."
At the sound of Tin's soft snore he can't help smiling. "I'll take first watch if you take second."he offers Gimlet.
"We have enough to equip ourselves with the basics when we hit a town."
Gimlet immediately goes to sleep, although after being in prison he had noticed his sleeping had increased. He felt he had stored up some sleep like a camel stores water. Nevertheless, he was fast asleep as the adrenaline of the day wore off.
While time is relative with in the lair, some light can be seen in the water entrance and for the first time in a long time you sleep fairly save. The ground is hard and moist and the quality of your sleep could have been better but it must suffice for now.
"A new day as a free man. I gets no better than this!"
Gimlet prepares to move out.
"They cannot be allowed to take us back."
|
|
Pausing in her silent prayers, with Gimlet's words providing impetus, "Aye, you are right. Let us depart from the marsh before we are flushed out like rabbits in the brush. Allow me to finish here, please be a dear and check outside for interlopers." A wink and her whispered prayer to sow havoc and discord continues.
Upon finishing, Tin once again dips her toes, slowly followed by the rest of her until she swims towards the sun-kissed bog outside.
Breathing in fresh stink of rotting vegetation, waving away a cloud of gnat "I hate bugs," she sweeps back her soaked hair. "I left the chainshirt and long sword for the next resident. I'll move faster and swim better without them. Where to boys? Let me know if you need a little help, Our Lord looks out for us still."
Checking his gear, Slevin slips into the water and makes his way out of the cave. "Well I guess we head to the meeting point with our mysterious patron, how long do we have?"
|
|
Looking at the others for their expertise, yet anxious to put more bog between them and their pursuers, Tin no longer waits. She whispers infernal intonation as the wind carries it away. A slight breeze returns an echoing whisper and circles around her briefly.
Inhaling deeply through her nostrils, the stink of the bog refined into discernible scents, the animal trails no longer hide among the bog grasses. Confident that Her Lord has indeed given her an opportunity to prove herself, she points in two directions. "We need to get there, but the best way out is this direction. Follow."
Gimlet follows trying to catch up. Only the fact that he is following helps him to make up ground occasionally.
"Just lead the way. I can change into a creature of the fens again, my favorite form."
The bog yields to Tin's new found expertise and reveals the secret passages leading her and her companions safely through the tricky terrain. After walking a few hours you reach an elevation in the ground as the bog begins to turn into a moor. Looking closely you stand on a road. Quickly Tin determines to follow the road north and slowly but steadily a lonely mansion begins to raise on a hill. A wrought iron fence protects the estate from unwanted visitors. It is a large building with an eastern and western wing and two floors. The gate is open and as you walk in the double doors are opened and the woman from the prison greets you with a smile. Her white blond hair and pale complexity is mirrored by a light white dress. "Welcome dearest and I see you brought companions. Due come in."
With a nod and a slight smile Slevin joins the others in entering the doors.
It was definitely quite a trip to get here."
Gimlet bows:
"Thank you for your hospitality. If you had anything to do with my release, I thank you again."
He adds with a calculating smile:
"If there was a greater purpose for my release, and it allows me to get some revenge, I am all ears."
|
|
"My goodness. You are a sight for tired eyes. We had a larger group but, alas, they did not make it. I shall toast them later." Tin graciously enters, trying to clean her feet before just shucking the ragged footwear aside in the foyer. "So sorry about our attire, personal effects were given up for the good of Mitra or some such nonsense... More likely augmenting the coffers of the arresting officers."
She settles down a bit as she takes in the interior and acknowledges her host waiting patiently for her to run out of breath.
Stepping aside Tiadora invites you in side. Entering you find yourself in a hall. A staircase leads to the first floor and the room is opend to this height. Waiting for you inside is a small crowd of men and women. "You must be tired from your journey. Please take some time to recuperate yourselves, they will assist you," she says gesturing towards the servants.
These slaves are as enchanted as the sergeant was, perhaps more.
|
|
"Oh. How wonderful! I really could use a bath. And I am starving. And perhaps some clean clothes if you've any to spare. These rags are not very flattering, plus they chafe in all the wrong places. Did I mention food? " She goes forward, picking whichever servant(s) first meets her gaze, indicating for them to lead the way. As they depart, she inundates them with questions, general and specific. Her bare feet slapping gently on the hardwood floor heard only when she pauses for breath.
Slevin grins in amusement. "A bath and refreshment would definitely benefit me as well, thank you for your hospitality, I'm sure we'll discuss what is expected later."
He allows the servants to lead him as well.
No one meets Tins gaze, as she steps closer one of the smaller woman looks quickly at her. Following her new mistress' wishes Tin is let to the first floor and to the left. A few doors down Tin is shown into a smaller but homely room with a blazing fire in the fireplace water boiling and a large tub. Food awaits on the small desk by the window overlooking the moor from where they came. The slave waits for her wishes.
The chosen slaves lead Slevin the same way as Tin went a few seconds after she turned the corner. The room he is presented is on ther other side of the hallway a one of the larger. The room is heated by a roaring fire and water is waiting for the tub. A small table is placed right next to the tub with a tray of food and wine.
The smaller companion joins in the baths.
"Nice!!"
Some time later you are disturbed by Tiadora's gentle knocks on your doors. The message is the same: "Please prepare yourself our master has requested your presence."
Gimlet looks approvingly as he puts on his clothes.
Probably made for a child, not an adult. It will make me have the air of an innocent noble.
Gimlet rushes quickly, anxious to hear about their benefactor.
Slevin smiles approvingly at the clothing, a simple grey silk shirt, black pants and boots, and a black leather doublet, all fine without being ostentatious.
Donning the clothing, he makes his way to the common area.
|
|
Khaki linen pants, slightly oversized matching shirt and unadorned canvas wool-lined slippers. Functional and no longer dressing for the elders. So that is a plus. "Aaahhhhh, Clean. And comfortable."
One last look (and wink) in the mirror, then steps out of her room to meet the servant awaiting her. A once over confirms her attendant's clothes are of a quality slightly less and more uniform in appearance. "Lead on, dear."
A relaxed Tin enters the common area a bit delayed as she admired the art décor lining the walls pestering the silent servant with unanswered questions.
Gimlet enters smiling as he plays with his lace cuffs and collar.
"I can get used to this. But, a nice set of armor will better turn swords."
Tiadora leads you to a beautifully appointed of-fice richly decorated with dark wood and sumptuous bro-cade tapestry. Sitting in a leather high-backed chair is a devilishly handsome fellow who smiles as you enter. “I believe you to be the first to ever escape from Branderscar Prison. Well done! Of course, you had help from the out-side,” he says with a wicked smile.
“But enough with the pleasantries. You must be curious why I've helped you. Rest assured this is no random act of altruism. I have brought you here for a reason. My name is Cardinal Adrastus Thorn. I am the last high priest of Asmodeus left on the island of Talingarde. Once the Prince of Nessus was rightly revered alongside the other great powers. Now, the king of Talingarde has become a puppet to Mitran fanatics who wish to destroy any religion that does not bow to their insipid sun god."
“For their blasphemy, I will see the same people who imprisoned and condemned you suffer. I understand what you went through for I have faced it myself.” With that, he pulls down the sleeve of his robe and reveals his own runic ‘F' brand. “I am going to burn Talingarde to the ground and from the ashes I will build a new nation that knows its rightful master. I cannot do this alone. I seek servants worthy of our Infernal Father's majesty. Have I found them in you?”
He rises and his eyes flash with hellfire and divine pur-pose. “Join me! Serve me well in this holy endeavor and I will raise you up in the eyes of gods and men. I will make you princes of the new Talingarde. Today, swear fealty to me and to Asmodeus."
“Put aside forgiveness and I shall give you vengeance. Put aside mercy and be made powerful. Put aside peace and become my harbingers of war. What say you? Will you swear your allegiance or will you burn with the rest of the blind fools?”
Gimlet nods.
"I have sworn my allegiance to Asmodeus. Recanting would have made things easier in Branderscar, but I did not. I will not think of questioning our Lord on the eve of victory and reaffirm my service to him. I swear fealty to you directly as long as you have our lord's favor."
Gimlet looks at Adrastus carefully. He hoped his caveat was acceptable to the handsome man.
|
|
Finger tracing the sleeve-covered scar on her arm, she finally has found a mentor in the priesthood of Asmodeus. Eyes shining brightly, "That will be a glorious day. I do so regret departing Brandenscar with so little carnage to remember us by. The poor dears must miss us tremendously. If we are indeed worthy, as I believe we are, perhaps a visit later on could be gifted upon them, yes?"
Her voice fades with that last syllable, and she gains a far-off look, obviously daydreaming of that eventuality. "I've a few elders and paladins of Mitra, I'd like to pay a visit too as well. Yes. I am in."
Tin stands a bit taller, pride giving her height.
Locking eyes with the Cardinal, Slevin's pupils seem to glow slightly, twin symbols of Asmodeus, windows to a soul wrapped in darkness and power.
"My devotion to Asmodeus is a part of the very fiber of my being,"[b] he says with a small smile. [b]"And my walk in the darkness began as a child. You need look no further Cardinal, in Tiadora you have clearly chosen one who sees what lies beneath each of us. Let it all burn"
Cardinal Thorn smiles. “Excellent. Let us make it official. Signing in blood is traditional.”
He brings out a quill, a silver ritual knife and two copies
of a contract written on some unidentifiable leather and written in dark red ink. After both contracts has been signed he says: "Well done, one for you and one for me. Your first command: prepare yourselves. Stay within the manor. You are still hunted by the Talirean
soldiery. In three days we begin your training.”
The audience is clearly over and the cardinal return to his work and ignores you. Tiadora leads you back to the hall.
Behold on this 251st day in the eighth age of this world a perpetual Compact is made between Cardinal Adrastus Thorn (hereafter the Master) and those who would be bound to him as his acolytes (hereafter the Bound). Both the Master and the Bound shall hold fast and true to this Compact through all trial and tribulation. By blood and soul the Bound commit to the Compact and swear that it shall never be undone. The Bound shall know and understand the Four Loyalties.
The First Loyalty is to their patron and god – mighty Asmodeus, first among the fallen, prince of the nine hells, our father below. They shall do all that can be done to further his worship and his glory.
The Second Loyalty is to their master – He who is called the Cardinal Adrastus Thorn, High Priest of Asmodeus in Talingarde. They shall do the Master no harm and obey his every commandment as long as those commandments do not clash with their First Loyalty.
The Third Loyalty is to their companions – the other Bound who serve alongside them. The Bound shall deal with each other fairly and honorably as long as doing so does not clash with their first or second loyalties. All treasure, wealth and reward garnered in their exploits will be equally shared with all of the Bound who aided in its acquisition.
The Fourth Loyalty is to themselves – for Asmodeus is the Lord of Ambition and all who serve him should strive to become great and powerful in his service as long as doing so does not clash with their first, second or third loyalties. By their weakness, ye shall know the unworthy.
The Bound swear that they cleave to and uphold the Four Loyalties even in the face of death and damnation.
The Master swears that as long as the Four Loyalties are upheld, he shall reward the Bound as they deserve for their deeds.
Thus it is written, and thus it shall be.
We being of sound mind and free will do so swear and let they who violates this Compact know all the wrath of Hell unending.
Signed,
Cardinal Adrastus Thorn
Without hesitation, Gimlet pricks his fingers and signs with a flourish.
|
|
*Giggle-Snort* She fondles the knife and reviews the contract, careful not to smear Gimlet's signature. "What? No empty promises of an afterlife in the bountiful hunting grounds? 72 virgins? Endless kegs to tap with endless parties? Save the poor, feed the hungry..."
Satisfied with the wording, Tin pricks her thumb; adding her name below Gimlet's.
Pressing the nicked thumb close, "Taking an active role, handling the reins of society to glory once again. This I, we, can do.
Slevin reads through the contract and nods solemnly, pricking his finger and signing as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
|
|
Cardinal Thorn smiles. "Well done, one for you and one for me. Your first command: prepare yourselves. Stay within the manor. You are still hunted by the Talirean
soldiery. In three days we begin your training.”The audience is clearly over and the cardinal return to his work and ignores you. Tiadora leads you back to the hall...
"Tiadora, Thank you for your participation in our escape. Any advice on how to best prepare ourselves? Also, does the Cardinal have a library? I've a little reading to catch up on, much of it my former Elders would disapprove. I hope the Cardinal has all the banned books." This last phrase said with gleeful anticipation.
"Oh, my pleasure," Tiadora smiles, "I would suggest getting your heath back and perhaps exercising both brain and brawns. The cardinals libary is private and you would need his permission. I don't think he would give it now as he is using it. Perhaps in the days to come" she hints. "He believes a gift might be in order, do you have any wishes?"
Gimlet explains: "I may be short, but I can deal some damage. I could use some small sized chain armor, a small heavy metal shield, two small longswords, and a small Morningstar."
He adds: "Of course the chain mail is the most expensive. If just one item is indicated, I would take that and try to buy the rest."
Tiadora nods, recognising your request, "We'll see little one," she says.
|
|
"Yes? That would be sweet of him. I'd like an opportunity to pay a visit to my former elders but perhaps it is too soon and I lack experience enough to hunt them down. If you are inquiring as to our material needs, I think Gimlet has the right of it. Armaments to better defend ourselves and relocation to a safer location where we are not known or hunted." Tin seems to want to speak at length but uncharacteristically silences herself.
" A good weapon of skill, and a few scrolls would be useful" Slevin says to Tiadora.
"I will return later, for now enjoy your freedom. Most of the manor is open to you, please respect your boundaries," and with those words she leaves, properly for her own chamber.
|
|
"Thank Tiadora. I am looking forward to the exercise without leg irons. I'll take advantage of the Cardinal's hospitality to explore the mansion. I'll knock first prior to entering an room." She curtsies and goes meandering down the hall, admiring the landscapes and portraitures hanging on the walls. Knocking on each closed door, she checks to see if unlocked before popping her head in. She'll peruse the room the same way she does the hall. Not disturbing anything, just desultory wandering.
Gimlet is curious too. He has been locked up too much and will explore as much as they are allowed.