Ruhk let's Kysons jests pass in silence, in fact, it brings a grim smile to his lips as he imagines his chagrin when he learns the truth later on.
Braern and his men wait in silence, the two who retrieved Daen seeming a little perturbed that they are not being taken at their word, while the three search the ruins of the Fort.
In the building where Daen entered they find the tell tale smell of brimstone, a similar smell to the stench that greeted them when they killed the last two demons, but no trace of anyone else.
The second building, a bunkhouse from the looks of the rows of overturned and mangled cots, is much the same as the other. Everything destroyed, chaos and debris, but try as they might the three find no signs of Arikor or Imzel.
Kyson finally catches up to Ruhk, and in aiding him in finding no one, finally has his curiosity piqued.
"Rook? Ruuk? Ruck? How do you pronounce your name a-gin? Is it like that game that children play? Who do you seek again? I can see the taint of the demons all about this place. I think any friends you may have had are long lost...if not lost from life, but also from us completely."
Even if Ruhk was not as angry and bitter as he was, social graces were not something one typically learned in a Northman village, so he merely shrugs and grunts at Kyson.
"Call me what you like, doesn't make much difference anyway."
After looking around and finding no trace, not even blood, Ruhk growls angrily.
"He shouldn't have gone alone...well, THEY shouldn't have gone alone, he talked better than he fought, and she was...witch or something."
Having lost his companions, Ruhk feels yet another scar on his soul, but outwardly he shows no signs of this, and merely walks back to the elves.
"Not even blood, gone like they never were...Right, I'm ready to go now, show the way and I shall follow."
Ruhk straps his axe and shield to his back, opting for the Blackstaff instead, it makes a good walking stick.
Jack checks his gun to ensure it's in good shape, and holsters it, staring at Ruhk and his magic stick.
"So, is that THE Blackstaff that I've heard songs about? How'd you come by it?"
"It's a long story Jack, involving drows, bandits, cultists of Shar, buring villages and a meal interrupted, companions found and lost...I'll tell you one day, maybe..."
"Yar! Blackstaff?! Sometimes men used to come back from the local brothel complaining about their black staffs, but that's about all I know of it!" Kyson smiles and laughs at his joke. "What is your staff, Rooke, and why do both drow and demon want it?"
for any religious significance to the Blackstaff.
, I saw the staff affect the demon, what would I think caused that?
"The blackstaff was the chosen moniker of Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunson of Waterdeep, thought by some to have been the second most powerful mage in the realms, his moniker was earned by his staff, I'm not sure this is the same one, but some seems to think so. Carrying it seems to indicate you've become his successor. Guess that is enough to want it."
"Sounds like a lot of responsibility to me. I'm more the "love 'em and get the 'ell out of town" type myself. Now where's these people you lost?"
"Well, for now, all it seems to do is set me on fire on occasion, and it's a useful tool for bashing in heads. As for my erstwhile companions, they are gone, neither hide nor hair left of them. I'm sad to see them go like that, but I can do no more just now, I knew them for a week, but I liked them...a bit..."
Ruhk flexes his arms a little, rolling his massive shoulders, then he slumps a little as he walks, seeming to be in a contemplative mood.
"You may want to be careful around me, a lot of people seem to...disappear around me, could be I'm cursed, certainly what my family thought before they exiled me."
Kyson ponders Ruhk's words and lets them rattle around in his mind for a bit before responding.
"Surely, that could be true, Ruhk, that ye run through allies and are massively accursed. However, as Tymora teaches: 'We make our own luck.' and I severely doubt that I am here to be an unlucky albatross around yer neck."
Kyson moves to put his hand on Ruhk's shoulder.
"I know my Patron Lady, and she would not have me here out of mere chance. Come, let us make camp and tomorrow, we create our own luck."
After the search turns up empty-handed and it is clear that no more demons are lurking about, Aleppo returns the spear to Kyson.
"Indeed it would seem we are lucky to have had someone experienced with these creatures happen across our path.... and armed for the occasion at that! If nothing else, perhaps a priest of Lady Luck can turn the baleful gaze of Beshaba off us for a tenday or so." The Sembian smiles, but two members of their group had simply vanished without a trace. Whatever fate was in store for them was almost certainly not a pleasant one.
Braern leads the ragtag group into the heart of the forest, though poor Finius seemed torn between leaving his wagon or being alone, in the end the thought of being caught by his lonesome by demons spurred him to follow.
The walk is a long one, winding through paths of the forest that none of the party could truly see, Braern and his two companions still walk ever onward, eyes always cast outward, scanning the trees and the bushes, peering into the darkness of the night. The two younger elves seem nervous and on edge, but for his part Braern maintains a stoic calm.
After over two hours of the silent march, you come to a clearing with a shallow hill in its center. All around the hill are walls of spears that jut from the ground, and appear to be formed from the earth itself. Near the apex of the hill is a long wall of trees, seemingly woven together.
There's a sound like wind tussling the trees and a dark figure drops from the edge of the trees beside you. A third elf! dressed all in greens with a cloak so dark its almost black, Everyone realizes he was meters away... and never seen.
Braern, only smiles and nods of the newcomer, "Come friends, He answers, "We're home."
He leads you up the hill towards the encampment, you spot a number of Elven archers along the wall and find yourself wondering how many warriors you don't see.
The camp is quite large, and you realize there must be close to a hundred tents within the confines of the wall! Braern turns to the female elf, "Lyria, find our guests a tent for them to rest in. I must speak with Tanathen." As he and the other two elves turn to leave, Braern gives one look back to this mismatched group he's discovered, "I will ask of your friends and your forester. For now get some rest."
And then he turns and leaves the party with the Elven mage, Lyria.
"Lyria, you seem well guarded. What dangers, in particular, are out there this night?"
Broken and tired from the unexpected fight and then the long march, Kyson eagerly accepts a chance to rest for the night. Before he begins to make preparations for the night, he asks once more, just in case, if anyone needs healing.
Feeling somewhat safe again, Kyson will do as he as always done in lands of danger: take sleep when it is offered.
He plans to arise with the dawn and being is usual communion with Tymora, thanking her again for another chance to make his own luck.
Lyria lets out a long sigh as she leads the party through the maze of tents, "The lands of Myth Drannor have never been a peaceful one... not for many years. It was not so long ago that our Lady Ilsevele freed these lands from the Demons that stole them from us, then the spellplague... but now."
Her voice cracks a bit, before she takes another breath and continues, "An army of Drow ascended from the depths of Toril. They attack on all sides and because of their knowledge of the passages of the Underdark, gaining a front against them has been dificult. These Drow seem to be allied with a Demonic force, though which is truly in command I can not say. They lay siege to the City of Song as we speak..."
Getting quiet once more, Lyria leads you to a circular tent, it's fabric a dusty blue. Inside you find a number of bedrolls and blankets and pillows. "I'll see if I can find some food for you, for now though you should sleep."
"Sleep!? I've lost two comrades, not even blood left of them, I'm attacked by demons that may be in league with the drows and Shar cultists seeking to steal my staff, and I'm expected to sleep? By the gods, I wish people would stop assuming I'm a heartless!"
After Ruhks explosion he tromps into the tent and finds a corner to sit alone in, his face is a mask of rage, deterring anyone from approaching him right now.
Aleppo remains respectfully quiet during the interactions with the elves, offering only a smile and appreciative nod when warranted. After Lyria escorts them to the tent, he finally speaks. "I appreciate your generosity... and the rescue. I've a bit more experience in dealing with the illithyri than many of my kind and would be glad to do my part to assist you. The offer of sleep, however, is most enticing. Thank you again."
With that, Aleppo begins removing his gear and prepares to sleep. It had been a long, hard day... and tomorrow would likely be no better.
Jack shrugs at the Blackstaff's outburst, pulls off his boots, places them under his head and is asleep in moments, his pistol held across his chest.
"Sleep!? I've lost two comrades, not even blood left of them, I'm attacked by demons that may be in league with the drows and Shar cultists seeking to steal my staff, and I'm expected to sleep? By the gods, I wish people would stop assuming I'm a heartless!"
Kyson smiles at the recklessness of youth. Maybe will will learn by example.
You think you'll be better able to find your friends now? In the dark? Where elves have failed?
"Come now, Ruhk. You can't find them now and you'll be useless on the morrow when we go look for them if ye can't see straight. I don't have the strength to carry ye'."
Kyson knows that in times of war, sleep is a generous gift that allows you to survive the morrow. With that thought, Kyson does sleep.
The rest of the night passes without incident, until when the sun is high in the morning sky, Lyria comes to your tent.
It's far easier to make out the woman's features in the daylight and she truly is beautiful. flawless skin over smooth and long features of a lithe and slender frame. Her deep blue eyes framed by golden blonde hair that the Elf keeps pulled back behind her long ears with the help of two small braids tied back.
This morning she wears a simple short sleeved tunic and skirt or white and blue, forgoing the weather beaten travelling robes she wore yesterday. The only bearing she carries that hint at her wizardry is her staff. a long piece of polished birch, etched from tip to tip with elegant runes.
She smiles to you all as she ducks her head inside the tent, "We have breakfast, and Braern and our commander wish to speak with you."
The young mage leads the party through the camp, which has come alive with Elves. Grooming horses, polishing armor, sharpening blades and sparring with each other. For some, such as Kyson, camps like this are a familiar site.
Lyria leads you to the highest part of the hill, where a large pavillion of silver and green has been erected, its banner flying high in the wind. However you are not led inside the tent, but rather around it.
A large blanket has been laid out on the other side, with baskets of bread, plates of fruits, vegetables and cheese, as well as a couple bottles of wine have been laid out.
Around this picnic of sorts sits four Elves. Two you recognize as Braern and the silent elf that dropped down from the trees as you approached the camp. The third Elf is a woman with short cropped black hair, and another male. This man's long brown hair hangs loose and he sits with a casual stride. You aren't sure if it's the faint wrinkles around his eyes and mouth or his demeanor, but this one somehow seems... older. All three Elves are dressed in similar tunics and pants, their feet bare, the only weapons to be seen are the daggers they use to eat their food.
Braern stands as you approach, offering a polite smile, "Good morning my friends. Allow me to make introductions, You've met my brother, Kellendel..." He motions to the Elf from last night. "This is Lady Danitha," he motions to the other woman, and then to the elder elf, And this is our commander, Lord Nithys." At that Braern nods to Lyria, "Thank you, that will be all."
"Yes M'lord." she says in a polite tone, bows and walks away.
The elder elf, Nithys, stands and bows, "I try to have my commanders break our fast together whenever the situation allows. I've invited you to our meal because I'm told that you have quite a tale to tell." He looks each of you over in turn, his eyes resting on Ruhk, "You are the Arunsun boy yes? I must admit I was unaware Khelben had a son... Still still, sit and eat. Tell me what you can and if I can aid you, we shall." He sits again and picks up an appled, cutting into it with his small blade.
A large blanket has been laid out on the other side, with baskets of bread, plates of fruits, vegetables and cheese, as well as a couple bottles of wine have been laid out.
Rennick, mostly a stranger to fine picnics, sits and eats...enjoying food in a bivouac that isn't iron rations.
I could stay here for a while...nice trees, good food, but I doubt that I'll be that lucky.
Kyson will do a brief introduction to the elves present.
If pressed, Kyson will humbly explain his tenure among the demon defenses and his years of service. He doesn't expand much, but mostly will note that is lucky and happy to be alive, and feeling unlucky to find demons again.
Mostly Kyson will take this opportunity to learn more about Aleppo and Ruhk, listening intently.
Ruhk snorts, then remembering the words of lord Shadowdale he relaxes his scowl a little and tries to speak politely.
"Whether he had or not I don't know, I'm not one of them at any rate, I was chosen to be his successor, and I took is family name since I've discarded my own...well, been stripped of it more like."
Ruhk takes a handful of berries and eats it slowly, trying to buy a little time to reflect on what to say.
"Me and some of the others came towards Myth Drannor to find out what exactly my "inheritance" might entail, and we also wanted to find a Cormyrian couple that came this way, a scout named Valen and a lady mage. Let's just say that they are important to the crown of Cormyr."
Ruhk even manages to look a little contrite as he looks at Lyria.
"Sorry about being cross last night." for a moment he looks like is about to say more, but then leaves it at that.
Nithys listens closely to Ruhk, nodding ever so slightly. "I know of the pair which you speak, They passed by here shortly after the Drow's invasion commenced. They said they needed to reach Myth Drannor... I warned them it was impossible." He sighs deeply, his voice going dark, "But the boy was knowledgable... so he left to seek out Arithbelorn. An old crone who lives in the south of the wood..."
Kyson takes another bite of fruit and listens, waiting to hear what Ruhk and the rest will say.
"Listen, Hoss, I ain't no one from nowhere, but it seems like you need a hand and since I ain't exactly jumpin' to go nowhere, maybe you'd like some help findin' these friends of yours?"
Kellendel snorts derisively at the older Elf's words, his eyes rolling in disbelief, "Arith'belorn?! My lord she's a fairy tale! An old ghost story told to little elflings to keep them in their beds at night!"
"She is not." Nithys keeps his voice level and calm, but the finality to his words is startling. He turns back to the humans in his midst. "Arith'belorn is an old Crone who lives in the Southern reaches of Cormanthor forest. Some say she's a witch, other tales speak of a foul devil or fallen angel. Others say she's simply an old maid who's seen far too much heartbreak. The stories of her past are near infinite and the truth is I know not what is the truth, but I'm certain she's dangerous."
He lets out a long sigh before going on, "As I said, the boy and the mageling with him arrived in our camp, he spoke of an urgent quest and a need to speak to Our Lady Ilsevele, but she is besieged within the walls of Myth Drannor.... A siege we've been unable to break. I told the young man that He was welcome to join our cause, but he said he had no time.... that was when he thought to petition Arith'Belorn for aid. I'm afraid they left for the South at least a tenday ago."
Sensing yet another unlucky break for Ruhk, Kyson just listens, nothing to add at this time.
"Harrumph! Course set then, for me at least, I'm going to visit the "legend" you speak of and find out what she knows."
The Old Elf lets out a long sigh, seeming dissapointed but not surprised. He nods slowly before continuing "I hope you'll consider resting here for a while, regain your strength and what not. Lyria has said she would be happy to teach you the basics of magic, should you require," He addresses the last part to Ruhk in particular
Kyson wonders what kind of fool would want to be mixed up in all this. Kyson, in an attempt to get away from demons and slaughter had just ended up in the middle of yet more.
Closing his eyes as others speak, Kyson searches inside for guidance.
Tymora, if I'm supposed to be in a quiet town, managing a quiet Parrish, with a quiet plump wife, please show me the way. If not, I am still your servant and believe you've put me here to help and guide this pompous angry fool, Ruhk. So I shall...for you, Tymora.
"I will go with you, Ruhk. I'm old but Tymora still shines on me. I can try to keep you alive if you'll listen to reason once in a while."
"Disappointed eh? No need to be, it doesn't look like this siege will break anytime soon, and I still need to get into Myth Drannor, I'm likely to be back and help out once I've found Valen."
Ruhk turns to Lyria. "Forgiving sort aren’t you? By all means, I'll be happy to take you up on that, crack me skull open and see what comes out."
"Perhaps my dissapointment is for you young one, and not my own..." Nithys mutters as he stands and stretches out, "If you'll excuse me, I must prepare for our next assault."
"Forgiving sort aren’t you? By all means, I'll be happy to take you up on that, crack me skull open and see what comes out."
Lyria smirks at Ruhk, "Maybe I am... or maybe I just want to see this new Blackstaff, weep like a little babe." She turns and starts walking down the hill, before casting a look back to Ruhk, "Come on then, We've A lot of work to do."
Ruhk spends a lot of time with Lyria over the next few days, with her help he finally begins to draw upon some of the power within himself, but while the original Blackstaff was known as a generalist, Ruhk quickly shows nothing but disgust for the schools of Enchantment and Illusions and refuses to learn them.
To catch up with his theoretical knowledge, he hangs his nose in books, reading more lore about magic, and also a bit about extra planar beings, refusing to allow himself to be caught unaware like he had again.
Not all of the time is spent studying however, Lyrie takes Ruhk on jaunts into the forest, where Ruhk is able to develop his own woodcraft a little further, during the hunts.
He also manages to get some lessons in fighting with his staff, but unable to accept the longer reach of the staff, he grabs it in a new position and goes after his trained with both ends instead.
After being beaten black and blue, and having mastered some little magic, Ruhk has developed a healthy respect for the elf’s, and almost never sneers openly.
He even manages to score a few blows against his trainer, and surprise Lyrie by a deeper understanding about offensive missile, casting a fire spell, but twisting it to instead form from ice magic.
Jack spends the time working on his sleight of hand skills, attempting some small card tricks, quick drawing his pistol and sparring against the elves with his short sword. His martial skills broaden from the sort of close-in fighting one learns in city alleys to something approaching a more proper fighting style. He wanders the elven camp, speaking to the elves and working on his second story skills by climbing, tumbling and working on his contortions.
Eventually befriending a blacksmith, Jack is allowed to borrow some tools to create his bullets, and digs in some rather unpleasant places to gather the materials to create gunpowder.
A week passes in the Elven camp, throughout that time you come to bond with the Elves who came to your aid. Aleppo spends a lot of time with the Elf Kellendel, learning to move through the forest the same way he moves through the cities. For his part Daen recovers from his wounds and throws himself zealously into his faith. He wakes at dawn to pray and then works alongside Braern and Kyson, discussing the finer points of their respective religions.
When the week passes and you find yourselves rested and readied, you gather at the gates to the Elven war camp. Nithys and Braern, each armored in green plate armor wait for you there. "I worry for you on this path my new friends, but I understand your choice."
With one last heavy sigh, he nods to Braern who steps forward and brings a gift to each of you. He gives a pair of curved daggers to Aleppo and an Elven styled greatsword to Daen.
To Jack and Ruhk he gives a small wooden box, each. Inside each box are six vials with a glowing golden oil inside them.
"For your friends, we have given something to aid in any fights they may face against the demonic hoard," Nithys says, stepping towards Kyson, the old Elf holds out a circular talisman with two tear drop gems embedded in it, each faintly glowing with a blue light.
"For you," he continues, "I offer the ability to protect your allies. With this you will keep the area around you safe for a half of an hour, Use it with care though, the magic is limited."
With that the elves say their goodbyes. Braern tells you to take the path south until you come to the "The Grandfather Oak," From there The Old Witch lies somewhere to the south, but they do not know where.
Tis been a tough week for Kyson.
I'm old. These bones are brittle. My flesh sags and my chest don't ever breathe as good as it used to. These dang elves...they never stop with the training.
Kyson rubs his eyes and again reads from the scrolls. There are words within, but Kyson is not used to being active for 16 hours a day...let alone 14 or 12. This body and mind are near broken and yet these elves want more from him.
You would think that the hours of debate over the mere existence of gods would be enough, but somehow they almost managed to get Kyson to think that Gods were an illusion, much like his 'luck'.
But I have faith.
The elves could not argue with faith...nor the results of his faith. No, the Gods were real. And so was Kyson's faith.
Kyson again focuses on the scroll, trying to put meaning behind the symbols.
* * *
An elf approaches.
"What? You want me to run? Run?!" Kyson panics at the thought...and breathes deep trying to calm himself. RUNNING!?!!?
Slowly Kyson takes up a trot...and pushes himself, the elf pacing him.
Will this never end? Just my luck to end up here, now.
* * *
Kyson, knees still aching from the past week, gratefully accepts the gift from Nithys with a bow.
"I am honored. Thank you. I cannot believe I am worthy, but I shall strive to prove myself as such."
Kyson will place the Talisman around his neck, slightly concerned that it might rap against his holy symbol, but willing to learn to adjust to that.
This has been a tough, but good, week. I have not learned so much in so little time ever before. I am lucky.
Jack looks positively uncomfortable when the gifts are handed out. He shifts from foot to foot, looking embarassed. "I'm honored. It's been a helluva time with you. One o' the few I've ever spent where I didn't have to watch my back to keep a knife out o' it. I'll do mah best to keep these others alive. I'd like to come back here some day. It seems a good place."
"Oils huh? And they will let my weapon pierce the skin of demons like the one we fought before? Much appreciated.
In return, let me offer you this wow: I solemnly swear to bring swift and brutal violence to anyone who uses slurs like the one I did before about your race."
With that, Ruhk pockets the vials, nods, turns around without anymore ceremony and starts walking. He was not one for long goodbyes or ceremonies. Besides, he didn't want anyone to see that he was touched. What a different send-off compared to the one his own flesh and blood had offered.
Kyson packs quickly...he has never had much gear and most of it has been of limited value so he doesn't worry too much if he forgets it.
Kyson is ready to march, his legs and mind feeling more alive than they have in years.
With farewells and promises to survive long enough to see each other once more, The troop sets out from the Elven encampment along the Southern road. As they walked along during the midday sun, two thoughts wander through Ruhk's mind. He wonders of Arikor and Imzel, of Oz back in Shadowdale. Daen and Aleppo still walk beside him as do these two newcomers... are they still The Swords of Shadowdale?
... And why didn't they think to ask for horses?
The party wanders in silence for the better part of two hours before Aleppo speaks up, looking to Jack and Kyson, "Not that I mind the extra company, and the two of you seem quite handy in a fight, but what are your stories? Neither of you strike me as Dalesmen, and you," he nods to Kyson, "You spoke of facing Demons before?"
"You spoke of facing Demons before?"
Kyson looks at Aleppo as if wondering if he was kidding.
"Fool boy, I've known nothing but demons my entire life. Nearly everyday was a struggle against the damned and those who worship them: the ignorant and the foolish."
Kyson looks down at the ground as he walks. "M'lady Tymora wants me to keep fighting the fight agin' them, I guess. I was born in Impiltur, the poor wretched place that it is. Impiltur has the unfortunate quality of being close to Narfell and the open and venerated worship of demons. When the Narfell 'government' fell, the demons became even more uncontrolled than usual...they seem to stream in to Impiltur every so often. I fought in those companies that hunted and stopped those demons."
Kyson continues,"I ain't never known peace or a real home. I am just a servant of her godship. But yeah, child, I know demons. I seen their work and the suffering they cause."
"Now, let's talk about somethin' else now, right? No need to focus on the unhappiness of the world, we'll be seeing that soon enough."
Ruhk considers the questions in his mind for some time, walking silently, listening with half an ear to the conversation.
That nobody else asked for horses pleases Ruhk, he hates the animals with a passion, unless they are properly cooked of course.
As for the Swords of Shadowdale...that should be addressed, but it can't be done in the wilderness anyway.
"By the way, if we are challenged by any Cormyrian patrols or any such like, you are all called Jack o' Blade alright?"
Realizing that it may not be enough he adds. "I've got a writ that allows me to carry weapons and such as a registered adventurer, since all other people on it is gone by now, it needs to be updated, so for now you are all Jack o' Blades if anyone asks."
"Well, I've been a lot of people over my life. Jack o'Blades is good enough for me. Me, I grew up in Neverwinter, son of no one. Clawed my way out and that's enough to be said of that. Never fought demons before, but I fought some as thought they were demons. Still, they all bleed when you put them to the sword. Or the ball, as it were," Jack pats his pistol affectionately.
Kyson sure hopes that Jack has some cold iron balls.
Kyson sure hopes that Jack has some cold iron balls.
Aleppo raises his hands in a submissive gesture, his eyes going a little wide at the older man's outburst, "I apologize... I meant no offence." He then nods to Jack, smiling, "A child of the streets, eh? A story I'm well aquainted with."
Daen stretches his arms back over his head and lets out a small yawn, before looking at Ruhk, shielding his eyes from the sun with his hand, "I know we're working to find your friend... this Forrester... What do we do when we find him?"
Ruhk smirks a little at Daens question.
"Remember how I said I didn't want to spoil the surprise? It's possible HE doesn't know that I know what I know about him. But for now, let's just say that if he needs help, we should provide it. To be honest however, finding Valen is not my first goal, which was to get into Myth Drannor. I need to find information about Khelben.
Seeking Valen was something that made sense since he was heading there anyway."