Selena nods to Marietta, smiling.
"Among other things... I'm also trained in the arts of Our Lady Desna and can read fortunes in the stars and in dreams. The guards told me that skill wouldn't be useful here, though."
Selena looks around, trying to gauge if there are many wounded yet.
"Are there any wounded right now?"
Dismounting, the warrior sighs and looks upon yet another town in a long series of towns that have acted as temporary havens through out the years. As has been the case at each town, the warrior prepares another introduction to disarm the suspicions of the guards - and the people within.
"Greetings neighbor", the warrior begins with a disarming smile. "My name is Kith Tol'Andread. I have been many days on the road and I seek shelter and a hot meal."
"It has come to my attention that your town is in need of those who are practiced with the use of a sword. If that is the case, and the cause is just, then I will readily offer my services."
Wonders resentfully if he would be in this same place if that bastard of a teacher of his hadn't turned on him at his former magical school.
Thantos pauses to survey the keep in a final slow circle, looking for interesting locales and unusual features of the keep. Thantos fixes his gaze on the castle carefully and meticulously surveying the structure.
"I'm sorry me'lady but I been sent to sees if you can'a meet the Capt'in now. He understands if u're tired from all th' ride an' all bu' it does seems to be a matter of importance. If ya can, head up ta th' castle an' ask fer Capt'in Garelson."
With that the soldier bows to you and starts off.
"Bah" says the old lady kindly, breaking into a smile that takes in all her features, "don' listen ta' them up at the gate. They're all too preocupied wit' diein. I'm sure as we can finda ya somethin to do."
Motioning you toward a small rack of white smocks at the back of the main room, Marietta waits for you to put one on and then leads you into the side room she just came from.
The room is clean and obviously well taken care of other than a few stains on the floor. A few men and women are sitting or laying around the room on cots or in chairs waiting to be attended to. Cuts and scrapes seem to be the majority of the ills today, and most of the men and women are in a fairly upbeat mood. The old woman moves among them, wrapping some of the lighter cuts, pulling out a needle and some thread to sew up others. You move along with Marietta as she introduces one and then the next patient, asking you to help her bandage some of the easier wounds, actually asking you to help sew up one deep cut on a heardy soldier and watching your capability. It's nothing you've not done before.
A deep moan comes from a room off this one in the back. A pained expression crosses Marietta's face. "'at's Jacklikin back there" Marietta says to you, finishing up with a woman who seems to have sprained her wrist doing something. "He's got th' rot in 'is leg, i's gonna 'ave ta come off. And unfortunatly this is where I earn my nickname." Moving over to a cabinet, she opens the door and selects a small forester's axe. Running it along a sharpening stone a couple of times, she moves over to a small brazier in the room, providing heat and a bit of light, she places the axe head almost directly into the coals and leaves it there for a couple minutes, obviously heating the axe head and, you realize, sterilizing it.
"You're pro'ly gonna want ta step ou' side for 'is one honey." she says to you.
The older of the two gate guards gives an elbow to the other as they move up to you. Looking your well worn armor and your weapon over the older guard nods once at you turns to his younger comrad and says "Sees er' now. 'IS here's a real warrior. Older surn' 'nuf bu' 'at's experience I tell ya'". Looking back at you with admiration the old guard extends his hand "Jeffries, an' 'is here is Franks" he says pointing over toward the other guard. "An' good ta' meet ye Kith. I feels bet'er abou' all o' 'is already. Bad times Kith, we kin use yer blade." The older man points at a largish building, looking almost like a warehouse, looming to the north side of the castle. "'at 'ere's th' barracks. Check yerself in, th' squad leader'll be glad ta be meetin' ye."
With another nod of his head and a smile the older guard motions you through the gates.
You notice the construction of the keep is solid and well built. A couple hundred feet (at least) on each side, the front gate looms high to almost the second story of the castle. Unlike the castle of a lord or lady of the land however, this one seems more setup as a military base. Even at the half mile distance from the castle you see men and horses moving in a steady stream both up to and away from the main castle gate. Small forms walk the top of the castle's walls, obviously keeping a lookout on those below.
Obviously, the castle is preparing for war, and as you watch a large wooden palasade just newly built is being righted on end and placed on what looks like a wheeled cart. This makeshift mobile wall is then stacked up against the castle wall where other's seem to be standing. The crew then moves back to the stacks of felled trees and other wooden "stakes" and starts building another.
Nothing spectacular jumps out at you at needing your attention, and the majority of the people seem to be leaving you be with very little notice.
Selena does not cringe at the thought of amputation.
"I can help with that. My healing skills are faster than others. I don't think I can cure the disease from his body, but if his leg is severely injured, I can see what I can do. I've been born with a ... rather unusual gift, and I'd like to see if I can help him with it."
Selena hesitates, uncertain if she should go on. She walks over to the young man and examines him.
Finishing his discussion with the guards Kith moves into the town proper and soaks in the familiar sights of the battle preparations. Standing still in the midst of the bustling activity, the castle catches his eye and he seems lost in his own thoughts for a moment. Then, with a grunt, he heads off to the barracks to introduce himself to the squad leader.
Thantos heads toward the castle hoping that they can accommodate him in the library, knowing that he will need quiet each morning to prepare himself for the days' events.
"Thank you soldier", she gives him a polite nod.
Sighing from the days fatigueing ride Lasciel heads toward the castle for her arranged meeting.
The old woman says "Al'right then, if ye're up to it, follow me."
The woman leads you back to the back room. The atmosphere is much different than out in the more general healing area, with the room being darker, somewhat warmer, and only a single occupant. The first thing that assults you is the smell. A stench you are not alltogether unfamilar with but one you have never quite smelled this strongly before acosts you. A man, in his early 30's and covered with sweat moans and writhes slightly on a hard cot. His left leg has been tightly bound at the thigh (obviously an attempt to both stem the flow of bloood as well as halt the progress of the infection), creating a sort of turniquet. You have no idea how long that's been in place but you can tell that the foot is bone white, it's been without blood for at least a while and may very well be "dead" tissue now. A long gash from the upper part of his leg all the way down to the top of his kneecap, and obviously quite deep, is red and still somewhat seeping blood, though has since stopped profusely bleeding due to the turniqut. A line of black runs down from the top of the knee almost all the way to the foot and the black line is starting to creep up just around where the turniquet is tied off.
The old woman shakes her head and looks at the poor man, "Leg's got ta come off, and right quick a'fore the rot takes 'is whole body."
At first glance you note that the wound, while deep, is not all that unhealthy looking...the turniquit has done some definitive damage to the leg by cutting off the bloodflow, but the skin around the wound is still somewhat pink and healthy. Your examination leads you to the conclusion that what is really causing this man a problem is the infection that has come from stemming the flow of blood to the leg and leaving the wound open and exposed. It makes sense, seeing the criticality of the cut, why it was done this way, but you also realize that the only reason it HAD to be done as it was done was because magical methods of healing are obviously not available to this makeshift hospital out in the middle of nowhere.
In your quick estimation, the only thing wrong with the man is the infection within the leg and the open wound itself. While you've never seen a wound quite so bad, and certianly not an infection at this stage within a wounded victum, you suspect that your healing magic may not only help the man, it might just save his leg and his life.
As you arive at the baracks you notice that it is mostly empty at the moment, though those who are still around are mostly busy, with only a few trying to catch some sleep while they can. As you enter the big room, very much like a storage house or a very large barn, a man looks up from what you assume to be a reception desk with a curious expression. "You ain't of the 3rd regional Alphan Guard, what kin we 'elp ye with?"
As you ask to see the Squad Leader, a burly man, about your height but younger, stands up from lying down in bed then extends his hand to you. "First Leutenant Alalar Machophant at your service. What can I do for you?"
The treck to the castle is largely uneventful. As you move down toward the front gate you see the hussle and bussle you saw from the half mile distance only increasing with every step you take. This is obviously the central hub of the military unit and you are starting to ask yourself why in the abyss the gate guards would end up sending you here to find your rest.
As you move up to the gate, wondering if you'll even be able to get into the castle, let alone find somewhere quiet and out of the way to perform your studies and find your rest, you notice an older man, somewhere in his late 50s, dressed in a manor QUITE unlike the soldiers and officers parading in and out of the front gate. A long robe and a thick pair of specticles are the most notable features. Noticing you moving up toward the gate the old man steps out from the croud and approaches you.
"Thantos?" the man asks, recognizing your desciption. "Word was sent ahead that you might be making your way here. The captain was most pleased to find a more able and less, er, out of date shall we say?, wizard to ask questions of. He'd like to talk to you later tonight on some matters directing the limited magical defences of the Keep if you have the time? Till then, we have a small storage room just off the main library where you can set yourself up. Unfortunately we can't offer you a bed or many comforts, but compared to what you're seeing out here, I think you'll find it much more quite and secuded than many people are getting these days. If you'll follow me please?"
With that the old man turns and walks through the front gate, expecting you to be right behind him. You notice, as he passes, that the croud of people passing through the gate in both directions seem to somewhat part for him, and you, to pass.
You are lead to a small, no more than a large closet, room connecting directly to the main library. There you are informed you may feel free to browse the library at your leasier and that you will be called for sometime after dark tonight for a fast meeting with the captain of the keep.
You arrive at the castle and get in a rather lenghty line to get in, obviously you're not the only one trying to get the Captain's attention this day. You eventually meet one of the coordinators who tells you that while, yes, you are expected, the Captain is finishing up some last minute planning and it is likely to be at least a couple of hours before you are summoned. You are informed to please stay in the vacinity of the castle, to feel free to peruse the library, or to use any of the military training grounds (sparing dummies, archery targets, etc.) around the castle. If you'd also like to relax and rest for a while, there is a spare guest room on the second floor of the castle you can be directed to to freshen up and rest till your meeting in the early evening.
After making sure her horse is taken care of Lasciel heads to the library, more out of curioosity as to the offerings as anything.
Selena turns to Marietta.
"I'm sure I can do something for him. But I'll have to take this bandaging off. Can you get me some hot water and towels?"
Fyrid takes a deep bow, once again doffing his hat, and leads Cobweb through the gates into the city proper. Noticing the organization he nods to himself smiling. "Hmm everything seems to be so strict and orderly. There should be smiles to make here...anything to relieve them of this order and monotony", Fyrid mumbles to himself as he heads towards the "oblin" which he interprets as Goblin.
Dropping off Cobweb at the stables and leaving a silver tip for the stable boy, he takes a look around at the other horses in the stable. He knows the rank and importance of the individuals in a place can be determined by the quality of the horseflesh.
After a quick perusal he proceeds to the Goblin, and asks to see the proprietor.
Again with a bow and flourish of his hat..."Pardon me, is the owner of this fine establishment available for a quick word". "I promise it might make him a bit of coin for a bit of his time".
"Well met, Alalar Machophant", Kith says with a slight nod. "I am Kith Tol'Andread, I've come in answer to the notices calling for men at arms here in Kiren's Keep."
Nodding his head in the direction of the front gate Kith says, "Jeffries at the front gate suggested I speak with you. I am skilled with a sword and could prove useful when the orcs decide to press an attack."
Uncertain about what will be required of him over the course of the next few days Thantos decides that it would be prudent to pick up a few necessities. Thantos heads out of the castle toward the keeps purveyor of supplies. Upon arriving at the store he exchanges niceties with the clerk and asks him to grab him a backpack and load it with the following items: a bedroll, a flint and steel, a mug and 5 common meals. The clerk quite rightly demands the 3 gold, 17 silver needed to cover the cost of the gear before he goes off collecting it all up. Thantos carefully counts out the exact amount and hands it over to the clerk.
The clerk scuttles off and begins loading a backpack with the requested items. He shuffles back to Thantos and hands him the gear that he requested.
Slinging the backpack over his left shoulder Thantos says, "Thanks friend. I have a few hours to kill. Where can a guy go to have a drink and catch up on the town gossip?"
As the administrator handling your entry into the castle gets done talking to you he motions for one of several pre-teen aged boys standing along one wall of the entry way who moves up and takes the reigns of your horse from you dropping into a short bow. "G'day mistriss, th' 'astle stables're around back m'lady, yer 'orse'll be well taken care'a."
You are pointed in the general direction of the Library and also told where the room is on the second floor. You are then warned to generally stay out of the way but to make yourself at home, there are no real off-limits areas of the castle that don't have guards ensuring the privacy of the area, so you are free to roam.
The library itself is a large square room about 50 feet to a side set into the interior of the castle's main floor. The room obviously extends up into the second floor of the castle, it's ceiling more than twenty feet high. Many chairs and a few tables dot the expanse of room between low shelving, holding books of all shapes and sizes. Upon each table rests a small globe, about three times the size of a child's marble. Some of these globes are dark, some glow with a soft but bright internal light, illuminating the table, chairs, and a small area around them. Larger of these same globes stand in cages attached to the walls around the room, about one every 15 - 20 feet or so, and all of these are lit, giving the library itself a comfortable if slightly dark feel to it.
Shelves of books, floor to ceiling, line the walls of the room. A wooden ladder stands along one wall and is obivously used to retrieve books from the upper shelving, or to dust and remove cobwebs from the corners at ceiling height. Moving to a few of the books you notice that a large majority of the volumes are of a military nature, detailing military history, tactics, military construction and other items. Several volumes seem to describe the region surrounding Kiren's Keep, the greater land of Norwold, and even the known world. Of a less frequent nature you see books on religion, history, and even some fiction and childrens books.
Lowering the axe to the floor and looking curiously at you the old woman nods slowly and says "Sure'n can missy, ye' got a better idea then tak'n th' leg does ye? Well, if ye' 'ave somethin that kin get 'im, walkin again I'm all fer it." With that she turns and walks out of the room, obviously going to gather the requested items. As she leaves, you hear the woman mutter a small prayer of thanks to some God or Goddess.
A large smile reaches Alalar's face as he takes your hand in a very strong grip. "Ye got here almost too late, but better late than never ey? Grab yer'self a bunk and get some rest, intelligence says we don't have more than another day or two. If ye feel up to it, several o' the men are trainin' out back in the sparing areas, you may want to go join 'em and introduce yourself, you'll be fightin next to many of 'em in the next day or so.
As you head through the tent encampments toward the north wall, the direction pointed to you by the gate guards, you do in fact see a wood and stone building, one of the few permanent constructions you've seen within the keep, with a sign out front marking it as "The Bloody Goblin" with an engraved plaquard of a silver armored warrior impaling a green skined goblin on a spear. Next to the building is a somewhat hastily thrown together stables, much like many of the shops and stalls you've seen around the walls and the tent camps themselves, the stables seems to be built to be torn down quickly. An older man, obviously in his late 60s to even early 70s, obviously the stable master, makes his way up out of a chair and shuffles over to you. "Nice horse ye' got there. Stabling cost'll be 5 silver for the night plus a tip for the handler." Snapping his fingers a young stable boy of no more than 12 appears from around the corner and moves up, with a bow, to take the reigns of your horse. "Mighty fine animal ye' got here" he says, patting the beast on the neck and producing a sugar cube in his hand for the horse to nibble. The boy makes several cooing sounds and then, to your surprise and without any hesitation at all, cobweb allows himself to be guided by the boy to a stall. A bucket of what looks to be fresh oats is pored into one trough and a bucket of water for another follows. It's obvious that this stable knows how to treet your animal and with an efficiency and care that rivals even the best of druids or rangers you've seen.
Seeing the look on your face the old man grins at you and winks then gives a couple of clicks and a whinny. Cobweb turns his head from his food, goes down on his front two knees and bows his head, in what you can only imagine is a low bow, then stands back up and goes back to his food. "Always 'ad a way wit'em, animals that is...and the boys're catch'n on quick. Fer me, I spent 30 years out in the wilds patrollin fer the Keep, got pretty good wi' readin a horse...mighty fine animal ye got there...we'll take good care of 'em."
Being UTTERLY convinced at the old ranger's words, you hand over the 5 silver for the stabiling cost, and flip another silver piece at the boy rubbing down your horse, which he grabs out of the air with a deft catch nodding his head at you.
You make your way out of the stables and into The Bloody Goblin. At this time of day (late afternoon) the inn and tavern doesn't have many patrons. A couple of guards, obviously off duty, are sitting at a table in the far corner of the room talking with each other. Another haggard man sits up at the far end of the bar nursing a drink in his grizzled hands. The bartender, an overweight red faced fellow, is busy bustling behind the bar setting out and wiping out glasses, oiling and buffing the wood of the bar, wiping down counters and pretty much keeping busy. As you enter he looks up and nods at you, acknowledging your presense and goes back to managing the bar.
"Pardon me, is the owner of this fine establishment available for a quick word? I promise it might make him a bit of coin for a bit of his time." you say with a bow and flourish to the man behind the bar.
The barkeep stops and looks at you, taking in your boisterous hat, your traveling outfit and particularly your Lyre and Flute he says "Karlen Orelsan, propriater of The Bloody Goblin. What'd you have in mind?"
Not a problem at all. I certainly don't mind a little bit of this. If I ever do need to back you up a bit, I will simply "ignore" parts of your actions or descriptions and extend the story a bit. In this case you've handled it JUST fine. Don't worry at all.
"That'd be The Goblin, over on the north wall. Can't miss it, and it's got a stables for yer horse as well...best you'll find in the Keep. You might want to head over too, rumor says some new Bard in town's got a gig goin' this evenin, rumor's all over the Keep, might be a big turnout."
Mird calmly leads his horse down what, as far as he can tell, is the central pathway through the camp. Finding a place suitable to stable his horse, Mird offers the horse one last nibble of feed as well as farewell pat on the beast's flank.
With a relaxed grin, Mird approaches one of the various "bustling" drink establishments and finds a seat at the bar. Motioning to the bartender that he'd like a pint of ale. After quickly drinking the ale, and feeling a little relaxed and somewhat more at ease, Mird begins it trek to the castle.
Examining the various camps along the way, he is moderately impressed by all their preparations.
Once he reaches the castle he asks the front guard, Where can I find Garelson? I am a mercenary, looking for an able pocket to lend my bow and blade to. I was told by the guards at the gate that Garelson would be the man I would need to speak with on this matter?
Thantos thanks the clerk at the supply shop, shuts the door to the store and hops on his horse. He points the horse in the direction of the Goblin. As Thantos begins to get closer to where he believes the Goblin to be he keeps a sharp eye out for vagrants, vagabonds, thugs and others that might be looking to do a Wizard harm.
Arriving at the Goblin he stables his horse and heads inside.
Thantos walks up to the bar and speaking above the din asks, "How long before the bard performance begins? I'd like to catch the show but I must get back to the castle before sundown. Oh and by the way, what is this bard's name? I just wonder if I might have seen this performance before and that is why I ask."
Selena glances at the bottles then sighs as she leans down next to the young man. She places a hand on his sweaty brow, wiping the moisture away, then returning again with a softer touch.
"I hope I can help you, but I need to know your name first. Can you tell me your name?"
Selena feels an urge of power flowing through her body as she speaks to the young man. She can feel his body and mind becoming slightly stronger, in preparation to resist the drug-induced delirium.
After thanking Alalar Kith moves to claim a bunk somewhere off to the side. Dropping his pack at the foot of the bunk he can feel the dark mood (all too familiar as of late) ease like a fog into his conscience. He considers going to socialize with the soldiers outside but thinks, Why meet tomorrows corpses. Realizing it's the mood talking, he stands and forces his feet to start moving - out the door and into the training yard.
As the watches the young soldiers training and sparring, he involuntarily begins to mark the ones mostly likely to end up on the wrong end of an orc's spear. The mood still lingers. Taking off his shirt and drawing his two-handed Elven blade Kith decides to combat the mood the only way he knows how - by getting lost in his sword routines.
Soon his body is covered in sweat and his thoughts are lost in the fluidity of his movements and the simplicity of the exercise.
Browsing the books as she takes the opportunity to sit for a while, Lasciel eventually bcomes a bit bored, dissappointed at the lack of at least Elvish titles.
She hadn't expected Draconic, but at least something a little less single minded than non stop military.
After a couple of hours sha got up and made hr way to the training ground.
As the gate guards motion you through they point out the castle in the center of the area as well as the only pub/inn in the Keep: "The Bloody Goblin".
You stop by the castle, asking about Garelson and are told that you are expected, but that the captain is in a meeting preparing for the upcoming invasion and that he will be free around dusk...a couple hours from now.
Deciding on a drink to calm the nerves and relax after a long ride, you hop on your horse and are shortly standing in front of the Goblin and moving toward the stables.
As you enter the stables you are greeted by an older man in his early 60s/70s who gives you a hard look as you enter and then flashes a sign at you, one you recognize as representing a ranger mark: a mark allowing rangers and druids to communicate with other rangers and druids to identify when they are entering a protected territory or approaching a dangerous area that has already been scouted by another ranger or druids. You recognize at once that this man must have been of your profession at an earlier time in his life. Without even asking and without taking his eyes from you the old man snaps his fingers and a young boy appears and moves up toward the horse. He gives you a deep bow and a smile and without a word leads your horse to a stable and starts professionally caring for the beast.
As you withdraw your coin purse and are about to ask the old man about the fee for stabling your horse, the old man holds up his hand and shakes his head "You don't pay to stable your horse here. It's the least we can do for our own." Giving you another shrewd look he says "I expect the Captain will be looking to talk with you shortly, he has need of your services. Time for any questions you might have later."
Nodding at the old man you leave the stables and walk into the Goblin. The tavern is busy as it's getting on toward evening time and the place is almost packed. You manage to make your way to the bar and finally get the bartender's attention. You order your ale and while waiting take in the scene around you. On a stage at the far end of the room from the bar a man, slightly older than you, stands up on stage, strumming a lyre and playing a flute to tune it, obviously preparing for a performance. The barkeep plunks your ale down in front of you and accepts your payment for the drink, and says "Staying for the Performance? Might prove to be a good one."
Shaking your head no you indicate you have other business to attend to. The barkeep shrugs at you and moves away.
By the time you finish your ale and are headed back out dusk is well on it's way. You retrieve your horse and make your way the half mile to the castle where an administrator at the front gate leads your horse around back to another set of stables where it will wait for your return. You are led into the castle and through several larger military planning rooms (with many people, even in the evening hours, hard at work discussing and consulting with each other) and finally into a small office area. The administrator ushers you into the room and gives you a small bow. "Garelson will be here shortly. I must ask that you wait here for him as he has a great need for your services. Another will be joining you in your meeting as well."
With that the administrator leaves you in the room.
Arriving at the Goblin, you are amazed at the cleanliness and civility of the crowd, unlike many towns, the people of the Keep and it's vicinity don't seem to be the street urchin, brawling type...or, you realize, they may be all so depressed and scared at the expected onslaught that perhaps they have no interest in any others but themselves. As you stable your horse and enter the Goblin you notice that the crowd is definitely starting to gather. A stage has been setup and a tallish man in a very distinctive hat is on stage unpacking two instruments: A Lyre and a Flute, and is just beginning to setup for the show. Moving through the crowd to the bar you ask about the performance. "Ey, 'e should start soon. I 'spect the performance will go long into the night. 'is name's Fyrid and 'e's been all o'er in the las' many years. 'e seems ta think quite 'ighly of 'imself." The bartender gives a small chuckle at his own cleverness as he says "'ey all do."
Moving back to your seat you await the start of the performance.
You feel a very familiar rush as a part of your power builds and is then released into the young man on the makeshift cot. He stops writhing and moaning for a moment and looks up at you with glassy eyes with no real recognition in them. A grimace of pain crosses his face and he whispers "Jacklikin" to you before closing his eyes again and collapsing back on the cot. You hear Marietta in the other room clattering around in some cabinets and making a lot more noise than would be normal for what she's doing. You notice as you look behind you that she has partially closed the door to the room, giving you some privacy. Listening to the sounds in the common area, you realize Marietta can't keep doing what she's doing forever.
The appearance of a new soldier, the sight of your well formed and well scarred form, as well as your age draw the attention of many of the people in the yard that afternoon. Going through your practiced routines with your two handed blade draw even more stares and nods from most of the younger men in the yard, as well as not a few of the older. At one point in your routine, a young man, obviously VERY nervous, steps up and draws your attention, in his hands he holds two wooden swords, padded and weighted. "Some of the men and I, we're not really soldiers, ya know? We're farmers but with the invasion commin' and all...well...you look like you've got a thing or two to show..."
Taking the hint and having nothing better to do, you take up the wooden practice sword. Though single handed and not even close to the fighting style you're used to, your training from the military school in Kethlenica comes flooding back to you. You take the young man through a couple of basic fighting maneuvers and show him a couple basic parries and counterattacks. As more and more of the soldiers in the yard, even the veterans, start coming up to watch, you branch into tactics you suspect will more likely assist in the upcoming battle, namely those of fending of a longer reach weapon such as the spear. You even start improvising and start showing the men how to lock shields in front of them and attack with longer reach weapons from behind, forming a human shield wall. As evening approaches you have broken the men down into groups and are moving between them, the consummate military trainer and teacher, providing advice, tips, showing some where they are going wrong and complementing those who are mastering the techniques.
As nighttime falls and the men start heading back into the barracks, you notice the squad leader giving you an approving nod as he moves up to you. "Thank you. From everything I've seen today I suspect you'll have saved several lives in the upcoming battle. If push comes to shove don't be surprised if ye've got your own command when the gates open. Somethin' tells me ye've done this before."
The training yard you end up at is mostly deserted. A few younger solder types are fumbling around with swords striking at stationary targets while a couple older men alternate between taunting them and teaching them. Realizing that your combat style might be a bit advanced (not to mention telling) for the soldiers, you settle on a rack of bows of all different types and quivers of arrows and bolts. Setting up down range of some crudely painted targets you begin your target practice. Not more than an hour or so later dusk is falling and a middle aged man dressed in the uniform of the castle administrators comes walking out toward you.
"Mistress Lasciel, Captain Garelson will see you in his private office now, if you would be so kind as to come with me?"
The administrator takes you across the training field and through the main gates of the castle. The hustle and bustle has hardly slowed and as you pass into the keep and through the portions of the castle in use by the military you see that nighttime does not quite bring the releaf from duty as it might once have for this keep/town.
Passing down a hallway the administrator leads you to a not so empty office. While the chair behind the desk is empty of inhabitants, a char off to your right is not. Your momentary look of surprise is not lost to the Administrator. "I am sorry Mistress, I must have neglected to mention that there would be another attending this meeting with you and the Captain. He will be here shortly, please make yourselves at home." And with that, the Administrator turns around and exits the room, closing the door behind him.
Selena grimaces as she looks back to see if Marietta is returning then she speaks to Jacklikin again, hurriedly.
"Okay, Jacklikin. I need you to focus on my voice because I have a very important question for you. I can try to heal this wound with holy magic, but if there is evil in your heart, the holy magic will harm you instead... it may even kill you in your weakened state. Do you want me to try to use this magic on you?"
Jacklikin groggily moves his head, but Selena can't quite make out what that means.
"I need you to speak, Jack. You have to tell me clearly, and quickly beore Marietta returns."
"Ah...Master Orelsan it is then". "I am Fyird Olaafson", I'm sure you've heard my name, and it is your great fortune that I have chosen your Inn to display my wondrous talents".
"For only a place to stretch out my bedroll, and a crust of bread to fill my belly, I am prepared to fill your inn with patrons, and your purse with silver". "What say you".
With the Innkeepers approval, Fyird sees to setting up a performance area, and begins to tune his instruments, eying the gathering crowd as he does so. He then begins to stretch, as some of the more physical tales he prepares to weave require him to dance around a bit, miming battle, and taking falls...and his body is not quite a limber as it once was.
He then picks out a table close to the stage and begins in a voice slowly increasing in volume to speak to the table...
"Distant Lightning still streaked the sky as the sun set beneath the crown of the forest". "the sound of deep reverberating drums filled the air, and the area seemed charged with energy". "The men of Thordrin Crossing, were no strangers to fighting orcs, but never had they gathered in such number...and his voice begins to increase in volume, and his looks begin to take in more and more tables as his tale of heroism spins itself.
His heel begins to pound the stage at uneven intervals, and a young lad he had slipped a few coppers to earlier quickly covers and uncovers his lantern at a look from Fyird.
The young woman who stands before you is rather beautiful.Her hair worn in a series of fine braids, it's dark color contrasting strongly with her emerald green eyes. A small silver stud adorns her right nostril, matching the 4 silver rings in her right ear.
Her body is well toned a fact displayed by form fitting black leather from the neck down, her arms bare displaying elaborate tribal pattern tattoos.
She wears a rapier at her hip, other weapons adorning her outfit at numerous places, and she moves with a fluid grace possessed by few.
"Name's Lash," she says amiably enough, giving you a nod of acknowledgement.
Kith acknoledges the compliment with a nod and avoids the topic of his background with a vague, "I'll assist in whatever capacity you see fit."
With that, Kith turns to find his bunk and some well needed rest.
Pulling his hood fully off his head, Mird stands tall with a brown cloak draped across his back. His hair lays atop his head, a bit shaggy, but clean. His face is well-groomed and offers a wry grin as he begins introductions. His posture remains relaxed, but he does keep one hand resting on the hilt of his longsword.
Im just a traveller looking for work, lookin' to help with Orc problem here for some livelihood in return. I am most pleased to meet your aquantince Mird continues with a half-bow.
"Heal...me...please..." the young man says, before passing out.
The resistance you have cast on the young man does seem to have helped him avoid some of the effects of the strong alcohol, but in resisting the effects, he's obviously feeling much more of the pain of the wound in his leg and has now been overcome by it. The sounds from the outer chamber have stopped, though no footsteps yet approach the door.
The inkeeper, Orelsan, looks at your traveling clothing and hat, along with your instruments, and gives a nod at you. "And glad I am to see ye Master Olaafson. I can't offer ye' a room, them's all sold out already, but I'd be glad to provide ye' some space in'a th' common room, dinner and breakfast fer yer performance this evenin', and all ye' care ta drink fer yerself on one condition."
He gives you a hard look. "Them's in'a th' Keep, especially these days, they aren't lookin'ta be depressed no more. If'n ye're ta be tellin' th' histories, tell em' true, but stick to th' ones that come out mostly happy like. In case ye' hasn't noticed or ain't been told, we're abou'ta be overrun by orcs, and many'em attendin tonight'll be doin so thinin this'll be their las' night o' fun they'll ever have if ye' know what I mean."
With that the innkeeper motions you to a small stage at the back of the bar room. "Feel free ta' set up there, and if ye' needs somethin' don' hesitate ta' ask. I'm bettin' word's all over th' Keep by now, or soon will be..." the inkeeper chuckles to himself a second and then says "hope ye's don' mind playin to several hundred with more listen' through the windows."
As the evening wanes into nighttime and you prepare to start your performance the inn starts to fill up...more and more and more people start coming in, and you notice several young women in apron moving about the patrons taking orders. Soon enough, the innkeeper starts moving around the exterior of the building, opening several windows and stopping the door open wide. As you finish tuning up and start telling your story, you notice looking around that the taproom is packed, almost to exploding, with several people sitting on any available flat surface (even the tables and the bar itself) or standing anywhere they can. Even the dooryway and out into the now burdgeoning nighttime outside the Bloody Goblin is packed with people. You can hear voices filtering in through the windows and realize that the building must be entirely surrounded by patrons. As you watch several of the serving women move out from the interior of the inn and to the outside, obviously looking to take orders from those surrounding the building itself.
The noise in the inn is tremoundous, just below what you'd describe as defening. Yet, as you stop tuning your instruments and strum the first chord the entire room starts to silence, as an ocean wave upon a beach or ripples in a still pond, until everyone in the tavern is quiet, even those outside are no longer talking or even moving. Everyone who has shown up eagerly awaits your entertainment for the evening.
As you start into the story of Thordrin Crossing, a story few, if any, of your audience has heard, the croud looks upon you with rapt attention that only increases as you mention orcs.
If, as part of your concert, you decide your character would tell any stories of Kethlenica, even stories ABOUT Kethlenica that may or may not be given that name (i.e. Using the history under different pretexts or in a fictional play, etc.) please let me know. Don't feel you need to if you don't think that would be something he'd do, you don't need to create a bridge between you and any other characters that might be listening just to create the bridge, but if you feel something in your performance that night could or would be traced back to Kethlenican history let me know in SPOILER so that I can inform the rest of the players.
"Well, you've got some special skill if the Captain's meeting you in his office right?"
Lasciel studies the man, the clothing his condition, and looks to see if he carries any visible weaponry.
Kith finds his bunk as the place empties of soldiers all going to watch and listen to the bard's performance. Desiring solitude over the crowds the warrior lays down to find some rest.
Selena nods, a heavy feeling in her heart, but she knows what must be done, what has been asked of her.
She lifted her palm above the young man's head, and allowed the warm flame to pool there, then swiftly turned her hand over and let the flame surge towards the person beneath her.
Sorry to hear that, I'll wake you when we get to your meeting in the evening.
As you recover from the release of power you notice that your magic has done wonders for the man. He has not recovered from passing out but the man is sleeping more soundly. The black streak from foot to thigh and along the wound is gone, the skin pink and whole. The wound itself, while not closed is no more a deep gash, more like a shallow but still long slice, and while obviously still somewhat pained, the man is resting comfortably. You can tell the fever is gone and the garish rot smell, while still hanging about the room, seems to be dissipating through one of the windows.
"Ye' have th' gift." says a voice from behind you. Marietta enters the room and looks down at the young man, needle and thread in hand, waiting to sew up what is left of the young man's wound. "Still be a couple'a days before he's recovered, but he's gonna walk again." Seeing a look of concern on your face Marietta smiles at you. "Don' be worry'n none, you're not the only healer in th' land. Th' commander o' th' keep prays regularly ta' Sarenrae, he's been known ta' heal a man or two. Unfortunately he's been out o' th' keep for many days now, at th' head o' th' forward scouts, spy'n on them orcs I guess. But I guess it's a bit different wi' you ey?"
You look at Marietta and ask almost tentatively why she'd think that.
"I didn't see's as ye' were prayin to any God or Goddess fer that bit o' magic you jus' used, and it looked like yer' healin' took a bit out o' ya. Then you mentioned dreams and star read'n. I ain't that good at math but I kin put two and two together, and ye ain't the only witch at's come through this keep in th' years. No offense meant honey, that term ain't bein' used against ye'...we don' judge good folk like yerself in these parts."
As you hear movement in the common room you look over to see one of the young women being treated glance your way and get up and practically run from the room. Marietta chuckles at you and snorts, then says "Though I 'spect you'll be get'n a bit more attention movin' 'bout the keep now tha' word's out ye's a healer. But don't matter none, we might jus' see a few more sick cases come in today...nothin we can' handle ey?" Marietta gives you a sympathetic pat on the shoulder and moves out of the young man's sick room and out into the common room to greet the next sick case that comes in, this one with a racking cough.
Throughout the rest of the day you and Marietta move about the chapel caring for those that come in and chatting a bit about the keep, it's inhabitants, and the situation the keep presently finds itself in. You note that Marietta never asks you anything more about your abilities and when the first man, an hour or so later, comes through the door asking to see the healer, Marietta greets the man and offers her assistance. Throughout the day, the woman who has fast become your friend runs interference for you with the locals. Any questions you get asked about your power Marietta always seems to be there to answer for you, mostly with a snort and a "Now tha's none o' yer business, now you run along and tell th' girls that we've got work ta' do here and we don' need any o' the rumor mongerin' interfearin' with it."
As the day dwindles into nighttime and the number of people showing up to be healed all but stops, Melinda offers to direct you to the "Bloody Goblin" the local tavern and inn where there is supposedly a performance going on this evening with a new bard in town.
Knowing the looks you've been getting all day long as well as the fact you really are tired, both from the ride as well as the work, you instead offer to take a meager supper with Marietta and then find some well needed rest for the night.
"You assume too much, m'lady...I think at this point the Captain is desperate enough for anyone with a bow or a sword that he will hire just about anyone with the guts to volunteer." At this point, Mird moves his cloak aside, revealing a bound longsword hanging from his hip, and a longbow draped across his back.
"Besides, I've dealt with this sort of operation before, they offer you money because they know they can count a majority of the mercenaries lasting long enough to get paid." At this comment, Mird lets off a slight chuckle to himself.
"I'm able enough at surviving though, I intend to last 'till payment. What of yourself, any particular reason you think the Captain would hire you in particular?"
DM
"Seems like at least the officers in this outfit recognize skill when they see it. Which in and of itself is impressive actually."
The evening wanes into night and you are preparing to get up and leave for your meeting with the captain when a particular set of lyrics catches your attention. You sit back heavily in your seat almost unable to move as Fyird starts singing a ballad you know all too well. While the names seem to be changed and the ending happier, there can be almost no doubt about it that Fyird is singing of the "Night of Fallen Stars", the night the King's family in Kethlenica was assassinated. As the events of the telling unfold every word makes you more and more sure that what is being sung about on stage is in fact the event that turned Kethlenica upside-down the year before your birth. As Fryid's story completes only one thought strikes you:
Fyird has been speaking of the Prince in present terms, as if he were still alive.*
Noting that you are already going to be late, and that the crowd in the hall is too vast and too focused on Fyird for you to get to him or speak to him, you reluctantly get up out of your chair and push your way to the door and the open night and head to your meeting with the Captain.
A few moments later, you both hear footsteps outside the door to the room and a somewhat short, and very burly man enters. A black goatee frames an angular hawkish face that is well shaven otherwise. A crisply pressed uniform (surprising for the hour and the work the man must have done today) donned very meticulously and obviously well cared for (or at least cleanly washed) is well tailored to the man's largish build. A long sword with a black hilt and small design on the pommel adorn a black leather belt. Standing slightly over five and a half feet tall, the man has a broad chest and strong arms. He could certainly be described as handsome in many ways. Grey eyes and dark brown, almost black, hair top off the appearance of the Captain of the Keep.
"Good evening, thank you both for coming on such short notice, and my apologies for keeping you waiting so long. As you both, no doubt, have heard the Keep is in desperate straights and in need of all the talent we have to get out of this mess. About 20 miles down the Duke's Road and into the mountains lies a host of orcs and other goblinoids that we are certain are gathering to overrun the keep and use it as a base of operations to destroy the rest of the region. We have no idea what or who has drummed up these creatures but this is not a normal raiding party...the orcs number literally in the hundreds and our forward scouts send word of the possibility of siege engines being built, an almost unheard of occurrence."
"Actually, this is why you two have been called here tonight. Our forward observation camp, lead by a man by the name of Captain Kilenthar, leader of the Keep military and my right hand man, has reported an inability to penetrate the orcish lines to determine what is being done at the goblinoid camp. We have the military force to repel an orcish invasion of this size fairly easily but if they do in fact have siege weapons, we will be in serious trouble. Our walls, while thick, will not withstand continuous bombardment, and the keep grounds are too open to protect our citizens from these kinds of attacks. A breach in the walls could spell doom for many of the people in this region and possibly for the keep itself. Our strength lies in the strength of our walls and our archers, not our hand to hand skills. These folk are farmers, not fighters."
"This brings me to you two. Both of you have been identified as likely candidates for the job we have for you tonight. The two of you will need to penetrate the oricsh lines and observe what we're up against. Based upon your dress and mannerisms the two of you seem both woods-worthy as well as capable of sneaking in unobserved and sneaking out again with the information we require...namely what if any siege weapons, how many, and what types do the goblinoids have and if possible what their time frame seems to be for the attack."
"It is IMPERATIVE that you enter and leave undetected. If the orcs think we know what is going to be happening, their commander will surely change the attack plan, and that could cost us in the end. I would offer you the choice on whether to go or not, but unfortunately this is something I must ask of the two of you. The keep is in desperate need, we have no one else who could have a hope of completing this task, and without this, we will be fighting blind when the time comes for the invasion, possibly to the ruin of the entire area around the Keep. We need your help, and badly."
"Mird, your reputation as a Ranger proceeds you. Many of our foresters have spoken of you with high respect of your care and understanding of woodlands and the creatures and habitats, surely you understand what an unchecked orcish invasion of this land would do. I know you won't turn me down."
Giving you a quick smile the Captain says "Lasciel, YOUR reputation precedes you as well, but I am willing to put that past us. You've come here obviously for more than your life on the streets of Landfall and I offer you a fresh start. You, both of you, are welcome to stay here in the keep or the surrounding lands after this is over. I simply ask you both to do what you can to help us survive this."
The hour is late and darkness has fully fallen by the time you reach the keep. You ran your horse hard to make it across the half mile between the Bloody Goblin and the Keep proper, the periodic sounds of Fyird's performance still resonating to you in the still night and the words of his last ballad playing over and over again in your head.
As you reach the keep gates, only a few minutes late, you notice a line of horses saddled and ready in a line just outside the front gate. A stable boy moves to take your horse and a soldier moves forward to guide you to your meeting. The castle is much as you would expect it, but is still bustling with energy, even this late at night...obviously the planning for repelling the upcoming invasion is still going on. The solider takes you down several halls and stops at an interior doorway and quietly knocks.
A strong voice says "Come in" and the soldier opens the door for you and steps away.
This is NOT as you would expect and you are quite taken aback at the occupants and condition of this room. Vials of potions, herbs, salves, and jars and bottles of various parts of creatures line the walls of the room. A pungent smell, very familiar to you, strikes your nose reminding you of your master's laboratory in the tower. In the center of the room a large bowl of water, about 3 feet across, has been placed on the floor. Two robed men stand at the near side of the bowl leaving a third younger man centered at the far part. Around the walls stands a score of young men dressed in military uniform looking very uncomfortable in this obviously wizardly place. The man, the captain of the keep [ooc](see description above, looks up at you and motions you over. The two men dressed in robes part to the 90 degree marks from where they were standing leaving a hole at the near end for you to approach the bowl. The captain motions you forward.
"We have a task for you this evening that requires your unique abilities. I will allow Arlen to explain your role tonight but let me inform you of what is going on first." The captain looks up from the water in the bowl directly at you as he says "As you likely know by now, we are about to be invaded by goblinoids. About 20 miles from here in the mountains a group of goblin spawn including orcs have gathered and, by all accounts, are preparing to try to overrun the Keep. Several hours ago I sent two mercenaries out into the wilds to spy on this encampment and bring news to us of the orc's preparations. We are stationed here tonight to watch these two in their progression and to see what we may. The messengers around the walls of the room will be dispatched to provide intelligence to our forward command. I will turn you over to Arlen to explain your role in all this."
Arlen begins to describe to you a spell he has created to turn the pool of water at his feet into a temporary scrying pool attuned to the two mercenaries that were sent out. Looking down at the pool you see the described small bits of hair floating in the pool. Your job will be to lend some of your magical energies to the scrying pool to allow it to follow the two. Arlen teaches you a complex chant with which to focus your mental and magical energy upon the pool.
"Now," he says, "lets see what we may."
And with a nod all three of you start into your chant.
Is it alright if I dream snippets of the divination? The incantation could be pulling a little on my magical reserves as well. (Just a thought.)
"Well, how can I possibly deny such an earnest request? Well honestly I probably could but I'm not going to. So far, your men have for the most part treated me with nothing but respect. In the street that means a lot."
She stands up and shakes the Captain's hand.
"We have a deal.
At the mention of Orcs, let alone the mention of a Orish War Party set to ravage town and land, Mird's face twitches slightly and mild scowl forms from his upper lip. "Captain, it would be my pleasure to assist you on this venture...I am confident there are few around her that can navigate the woods as well as I, and even fewer that would take this mission as seriously as I..." Offering his hand to the Captain, "I humbly accept your mission, Sir. My only regret being we won't be able to dispense of a few of those nasties for you...but the mission as a whole is much more important than cleansing this world of only a few of those orcs. "
Turning to Lash, "I look forward to working with you, m'Lady."
"Somebody doesn't like orcs."
The captain smiles at both of you. "I knew you wouldn't let me or the people of the Keep down. Now, I have one other important request." The captain digs into his pocket and pulls out a broach with a small gem in the center.
Grinning and winking at Lash he says "I'll want that back." He then goes on to say "More seriously though, this broach will connect you magically with the Keep. We will be able to both track as well as see and hear what you see and hear. This will allow us to keep the forward camp appraised of the information you are collecting."
The captain turns to a large map of the surrounding area hanging on the wall and points to a mark just to the east of the mountain range (north and west of the Keep). "This is where the forward position is. If you get in ANY trouble, head for there, there's not many of them but they'll help you as best they can." Pointing just west and slightly north, about 2 miles distance and somewhat into the mountainous area the captain says "to our best knowledge, this is where the goblinoid encampment is. Be careful of sentries but try to get as close as possible."
"Remember to stay hidden and stay alert. Defend yourselves if you have to, but our surprise will be complete if they have no idea you've come and gone. Good luck to both of you, know that we owe you much for this."
The two of you shake hands with the Captain one last time and leave the room, exiting the castle and jump on your already prepared and waiting horses. You notice that several other horses are being brought up and saddled and rubbed down for what looks like a long run. The two of you mount your horses and start off through the open grounds of the keep and off into the wilderness.
As you prepare for bed a feeling comes over you, excitement, dread, joy, sorrow. All emotions flash through you and leave you feeling slightly drained and weak in the knees. As you look up glancing around a shooting star catches your eye as it streaks across the night sky framed by the small window in your room at the Chapel. "Something's happening" you think to yourself "something big."
You fall into bed and close your eyes and are quickly sliding into the realm of dreams. The last thing your mind sees as you fall asleep is a vision of an angel beconing to you.
As your performance winds down to a close, having gone late into the night, the patrons give a huge round of applause and start calling for an encore, "one more song" they chant in unison from both inside and outside the inn. A commotion outside the inn however stops you before you can start. Several armed and armor clad men wearing the uniform of the keep soldiers start pushing their way through the keep. "Break up and disperse, everyone back to your encampments. Soldiers to arms and to the walls, the orc army comes!" Unit commanders start barking orders and the Inn erupts into controlled chaos. Surprisingly, panic does NOT ensue and people calmly, if fearfully, file out of the Inn. As you glance back to the bar you note the Innkeeper starting to move some of his merchandise to a back room, through the open door you see an open trapdoor in the floor leading down obviously to an underground storage area where the Innkeeper is hastily and efficiently moving anything of value.
An older soldier moving from his seat at the back of the room, obscured in the press of the croud steps forward. You recognize him as the older of the gate guards you met earlier that morning on your way into the Keep. "Ye' said ye' was 'ere ta 'elp an lend yer blade ta' th' keep? Now's yer chance. Th' innkeeper'll take care of wha'e'er you can'na carry. Get ye' ta th' main gate. Grab ye're 'orse an weapons, ye'll need em." With that the soldier moves out of the room with other members of his command, heading for the Keep and the front gates of the grounds.
Wishing to lend your aid where you can, you grab your lyre and flute and head out of the inn, for your horse in the stables and the front gate.
The sound of movement around you wakens you from your sleep. As you look up you notice several men having entered the baracks and as you watch they start rousing everyone from sleep, yelling at people to get up and get moving. "Call to arms, call to arms, the Orc army is on the move, to post to post!" A man wearing the uniform of a sergent comes marching down the row and stops in front of your bunk and salutes you. "Sir! Your presence is requested at the front gates of the Keep by First Leutenant Alalar. Please grab your weapons and armor and follow me. Your horse is prepared and waiting sir." With that the sergent salutes you again and does a crisp about face, kicking and slapping several other soliders who are slow to get out of bed and get dressed. The sergent moves to the front of the room to the door and stops, waiting on you to get ready.
Getting out of bed, thinking to yourself you're getting too old for this stuff, you don your armor and shoulder your blade and quickly move out of the bunkhouse on the heals of the Sergent who leads you a short distance across the field to your horse. As you look around the keep seems to be in a complete state of ordered chaos. All over the grounds tent camps are being torn down with the same efficiency you watched them being put up with earlier that day. A steady stream of people, mostly women and childeren, are being ushered along the half mile walk to the castle and then are moving almost single file around behind it. Each woman and child seems to be carrying something from personal items to chairs and tables to tent poles and canvas. Carts, pulled by oxen or by people, are being rushed this way and that to pick up larger items and move them to what looks to be a massive staging area behind the castle.
Seeing your look the Sergent says "Caves. There's a cavern complex behind the keep that goes through the mountain a ways, should help protect th' people from seige weapons and arrows."
With that, seeing you mounted and ready, the Sergent slaps the back end of your horse, causing it to start a bit, and with a kick to it's sides you set your horse in a dead run across the half mile to the front gates.
As you arrive at the front gate a stable boy runs up to you and holds up his hand, motioning you to dismount. "The're commin" is all he says as he takes the reigns of your horse from you and leads it over to the keep wall and ties them to a ring imbedded in the keep wall with a slew of other horses.
You make your way up the stairs leading up to the wall from either side of the keep gates and are greeted by Alalar. As you clear the walls you see a man, dressed in a plumed hat and traveling gear, carrying a Lyre and a flute moving along the expanse of wall, playing his instruments, singing a rather vigorous tune and obviously keeping men awake...as you listen the last vestages of sleep pass from your body and you feel more awake and even a bit more energetic.
"Kith, thanks for coming. I can use your help" the younger squad captain says. "Stay with me and help me get the command up here under control."
Nodding at Alalar, you flag down a passing runner and order him to deliver a message to a small group of archers halfway down the right wall that seemed to be doing more talking than watching. The runner gives you a quick report from the sentries in the far right tower and runs off to deliver your orders to the archers down the wall. Alalar nods at you and goes back to fielding questions and taking reports.
Throughout the night, you and Alalar work the upper walls moving down and back up the keep walls, giving each other reports of statuses of the various contingents of soldiers throuout the keep, other times filling each other in on events you've heard about or rumors from the walls. The Bard, who introduces himself as Fyird, checks with you, as your path's cross, for what you know as well and ends up spending as much time running messages between you and the squad captain as he does playing his instruments and keeping the men on the walls awake. Periodically a runner from the castle will catch either you or Alalar and give a report, hoping back on his horse and heading back for the castle. From the reports, the rumors, and your periodic quick conversations with Fyird and Alalar, you piece the information of the goings on at the orc camp together.
The chanting from the scrying room in Kiren's Keep filters in and out of your consious mind as you continue your low chant, focusing your magical energies on the completely, unnaturally, still pool of water in front of you. You register the door to the scrying chamber open and shut with a bang that slightly vibrates the floor at your feet, yet the water in the pool doesn't even ripple.
The image in the pool shows a mountanious forested region. In the almost complete darkness two figures move, almost invisibly, and certainly inaudably through the surrounding forest and over the rocky terrain toward yet another source of firelight. Even, however, were the figures in the woods to be banging drums and wearing clanking metal armor, it's unlikely anyone beyond 10 to 20 yards from them would have heard. While you watch, Lasciel throws up her hand and Mird immediately stops. She bends down and uncovers a small tripwire attached to a bag of what will likely be scrap metal and small pebbles, the fourth such trap the two have encountered tonight by your count. "At least they're predictable" Mird says in a half whisper that comes out more like a croak to be heard over the surrounding sounds.
The sound coming from the encampment ahead is immense. Yelling, shouting, gutteral cries and even the crack of a whip or two sounds out clearly in the still night. The scrying pool has already shown you several large camps of creatures this night, several hundred in fact, but no sign of any commanding officers beyond larger orc bruits who have wrested control from the smaller orcs and rule the "unit" as leader. This time, however, you and the captain hope to see something different. Taking a roundabout route that has kept the two in the pool heading more away and around the force than into contact with them, the two spies have managed to move around toward the back of the camp where the noise level is louder and the activity obviously more prevalent.
As the night wears on, the Captain of the Keep has periodically raised his hand for the next runner in line to bolt out the door, heading for the gate to delvier the next piece of news. Periodic runners report back, moving around the scrying pool and talking directly to the captain in whispers. You often catch some snipit of news about the setup of the keep walls and the preparations for the obvious invasion.
The pool draws your atention back as from within the pool Lasciel whispers to Mird, the contents of the conversation and the events around them showing and sounding perfectly within the pool of water at your feet.
"This'll be the 7th camp we hit tonight, we'd better be finding some kind of clue shortly, we don't have much night time left. And Where the hell are the sentries?"
Mird shrugs his shoulders as he waits for Lasciel to clear the trap by snipping the tripwire and quietly setting the bag of objects on the ground, ensuring that nothing will knock it over and cause the racket that the trap was intended to. "Seems odd to me as well that we've moved around almost the entire eastern perimiter of this encampment and havn't run across a single guard soldier out in the night. Even orcs aren't this stupid, or careless."
Moving down the path that only a trained ranger could find, the two of you approach a vantage point slightly above the encampment that now lays sprawled below you.
"In all the layers of the abyss..." Lasciel whispers as the two of you find your vantage point behind a small boulder and look down into a small somewhat enclosed valley. A mass of black and green skinned pig faced creatures move about the camp below like bees in a hive. Several orcs are obviously being woken from slumber by none-to-gentle commanders. In other areas of the encampment orcs are forming into lines...MARCHING LINES you both realize, as the entire encampment starts to break up and move out.
"They're on the march?" Lasciel whispers incredulously, "Are they starting the attack?"
"I think there's your answer, at least that explains the lack of sentries." Mird says as he points out into the encampment. Several large sheets of colored canvas, looking before as large scrub and rocks from this distance, are now pulled aside to reveal eight extremely large and hastily constructed catapults. Orcs by the score take up long ropes attached to the catapult frame and start hauling on the catapult, the wheels creaking in protest but carrying the catapults forward. As you watch a group of about 100 orcs forms up at the far end of the
encampment and heads off in a direction quite different from the main host, toward the end of the mountains to the east.
With dawning realization you both understand the smaller force is heading off in the exact direction of the forward scout camp of Kiren's Keep. Mird shakes his head "That scout camp's got no idea what's coming and there's no way the Keep is going to get word to them in time."
"Six, Seven, Eight. Ok we've got the count of seige weapons, lets get down there and warn them, I suspect we can probably beat them through the woods." says Lasciel starting to move away.
"Wait!" Mird exclaims moving farther behind the rock the two of you are hiding behind, look down.
Just below you a very large and very burly orc showing more intelligence and stature than any others you've observed in the camp comes walking out of a tent set up against the canyon wall, the two of you are no more than 20 feet above the tent. Exiting the tent with the Orc is a man, dressed all in black, wearing a red face mask to hide his features. As the two of you move into the deeper shadows of the obscuring rock the man addresses the orc...
"Damn it!" you hear the Captain whisper shaking his head. He immediately snaps his head up and looks around the room and motions for one of the runners to head off with the information. The runner doesn't move.
Stiffening a bit the Captain glares at the runner and asks "Well?"
"Sir" says the man half trembling, "shouldn't we send a runner to warn the scouting group?"
A long pause and dead silence, other than the chanting of you and your fellow wizards, fills the room as the captain stairs at the young man opposite him for many long seconds. "Very well, I suppose you're right." Pointing at two of the runners at the end of the line he says "You two, go try to get to the scout encampment as quickly as you can and warn them trouble is heading their way."
Bolting from the room the three scounts run for the castle exit. The captain returns his gaze back to the scrying pool, a look of anger on his face.
"Commander, you will march your men through the night to the appointed position and hold. You will then march them at dusk to Kiren's Keep and commense the attack immediately. Kiren's Keep must be down before the sun comes up day after tomorrow or your master will have your stinking head as a trophy for his wall. Do I make myself clear?"
The orc salutes the smaller man and nods his head once.
"The keep will not suspect our march after we wipe out the scouts...the fools think we have no idea where they are. Secure in this falacy, they won't suspect we could march a force within distance of their walls without the scout group knowing we were there. The surprise we will have will be complete and the keep's walls will fall within minutes to the catapults. Once you have the Keep we will meet to finalize your payment for our services. Do anything to cross us...and *I* will have your sorry hide as a training dummy to teach our newer members how to torture information from captives."
The large orc again salutes the smaller man as the black clothed mercenary turns and simply disappears into the shadows.
"Lets go" whispers Lasciel and you both go off into the woods to track down the scout encampment.
An hour or so later the two of you make your way down to a small clearing in the vicinity of the area you were told would contain the scout camp.
"So far so good, it looks like the Orcs haven't gotten here yet. Now we just have to find the camp." says Mird, picking his way down a hillside toward the flatter ground of the clearing.
Suddenly a click, twang and CRACK sounds ahead of you as a crossbow bolt zings between the two of you to smack dead solid into a tree just in front of you.
"HALT and be counted!" says a voice behind and actually above you. Both of you halt in your tracks and raise your hands in a universal gesture of surrender.
"We are from Kiren's Keep, looking for Captain Kilenthar, we have an important message to bring." says Lasciel hoping to calm the situation. Mird, however, has other ideas.
"There's about a hundred orcs heading your way that I suspect will be here within the next 5 to 10 minutes, it's likely that they have already heard that crossbow shot and may, at this moment, be moving archers into position to shoot you out of that tree you're in. Please, by all means, continue to hold us here and question us...when you and your encampment get overrun and the Captain gets captured or killed I will go to my grave shaking my head at your amazing stupidity. If on the other hand you'd like some help trapping and killing these pig spawn, let us go and direct us to your captain."
"You'll have to excuse my friend." says Lasciel somewhat quietly, then in a loud whisper "He really doesn't like orcs."
Moments later, guided by the sentry, the two of you make your way into an almost completely dark encampment. The sentry steps ahead of you and motions to two others, one of which goes running off toward a makeshift tent and another goes over to a storage area and retrieves a couple of flasks of water for the two of you. Moments later the second scout and a larger man step into the clearing.
You see a very imposing man somewhat over 6' tall, looking like he's spent most of his life hard at work. While older, his salt and pepper black hair has more than a little black and not quite as much grey. While his physical makeup reminds you of a soldier or day laborer, there is a keen spark of intelligence in his deep green eyes and an almost regal poise to his movements. Because of his age, or perhaps in spite of it, he carries a friendly but knowing look on his face. His skin is somewhat leathery, a factor of his age and his obvious rugged lifestyle, but it maintains a more pale hew, with only a light tan. He's wearing a well designed suit of banded mail and seems to be very comfortable in it, wearing the armor like he was born in it. A heavy mace is carried at his hip, the head of which, while shined, shows many scratches and dents, it is certainly well used. A sliver holy symbol is worn around his neck, giving open praise to Sarenrae, Goddess of Healing.
"What's this I'm told of orcs approaching?" says the man, introducing himself as Captain Kilenthar.
The two of you quickly relate the story of the orc encampment to the Captain and tell him that he and his men are in danger.
The captain gives you a quick nod and motions to a man standing back and off to one side.
"Forster, take the men and move them to camp 3 quickly, leave behind what you can and leave a clear trail to follow. Lets hope these pig spawn are too stupid to wonder why we'd be moving camps in the middle of the night. When you get to camp 3, prep it, wait for the orcs, and take them out. Not a single one can escape to warn the rest of the troupe or Kiren's Keep will be in serious trouble."
Looking around dubiously you notice only about 10 or 15 men breaking down a small amount of equipment and moving off into the night with more than a little bit of rattling and clanking, as you watch a metal cup drops off of one man's belt and falls to the ground.
The captain looks at you and smiles. "Time for explanations on the way back to the Keep, my work here is done, do you have horses somewhere? If not we have a couple extras."
Mounting up the three of you ride off toward the Keep. During the ride the captain explains that camp 3 is setup as an ambush camp...a trap for any who aren't familiar with it. 15 men, he tells you, is MORE than enough to decimate a hundred orcs with all the traps set in that area. Satisfied the two of you ride along back to Kiren's Keep. "When we get to the gates" Kilenthar tells you, "you are both relieved of your duty for tonight. Get some rest where and how you can and expect to be called in the afternoon...we have a surprise to give to our orc friends."
By the time the gates are in sight of you dawn is breaking. As you get closer, a call from the Keep wall goes up and several small pockets of cheering, quickly stifled, float down on the early morning breeze. As you reach the front gate several guards are hastily cranking the heavy portcullis allowing the three of you entry into the keep.
As you enter the gate you notice many of the men on the walls looking down and the Keep's military commander, Captain Garelson, sitting astride a horse. Kilenthar rides up to the man and reaches out his hand while Garelson grabs it and the man's forearm in a clasp.
"Good to have you back Kilenthar" says Garelson.
"Good to be back, how's my keep."
"Still standing, though for how much longer remains to be seen."
Kilenthar nods and motions the other captain toward the Keep. "We have some planning to do."
With that Garelson makes a motion toward the wall and turns his horse and follows Kilenthar off toward the keep.
Exiting the tower on the right side of the Keep's wall, having talked to the archers and watchmen within, a runner approaches you.
"Captain Kilenthar is back, the mercenaries brought him in just now. First Lieutenant Alalar says to pass along orders for a double watch but a short one for each. Everyone is to be rested and recuperated from tonight by evening time...the orcs are on the move."
With that the runner salutes you and leaves. You move down the wall to each station, informing the soldiers and selecting those who will stay on watch for a while and those who are being relieved of duty. Finally, that done you search out Alalar at the center of the wall who is standing chatting with Fyird.
"Kith" Alalar addresses you as you approach. "The Keep Commander is back and is currently discussing the situation with Captain Garelson. According to the two scouts sent out last night, the orc army is on the move and is headed this way, expecting to take us by surprise around dusk this evening. The Commander has asked me to give him the names of several of my best men to lead strike forces against the siege weapons the orcs are bringing with them. I have put your name in to lead one of those strike forces. Get some rest, you'll likely be called in just after noon today for a briefing.
With that, he nods at you and then at Fyird as the two of you part ways and head to your separate beds, to get what little sleep you may before the action tonight.
Several hours before dawn, just as the two mercenaries and Kilenthar met, Garelson ordered the pool to be shutdown and the runners and other mages to retire for their rest. Thinking back on it, with the sharpness of his demeanor, Captain Garelson was deeply unhappy with something: the news of the invasion, the possible slaughter of 15 of his best men at the hands of the orcs, the fact that the orcs do in fact have the means to bring down the Keep's walls, the confrontation with the soldier under his command questioning his orders, or a host of other things. Whatever it is, Garelson dismissed you very curtly and having nothing else to do, you returned to your small room off the library to rest and recover your magic.
After your morning routine of study and meditation, you dress and prepare yourself and exit out into the library. You are surprised when you see a man, dressed in the uniform of a common solider, salute you as he said "Orders from the Captain and Commander, your skills are needed by Kiren's Keep. Grab your gear and please follow me sir."
The soldier leads you down a hallway to a different room than last night. "You have about an hour before the meeting commenses Sir, make yourself at home." With that, the soldier pushes open the door and ushers you into the room.
As you get up in the morning shaking off the strange dream, unsure how much of it was real and how much of it just your mind's fancy, you remember the angel and realize that, more than likely, more of the dream was true than not. Something at the edges of your consious mind bugs you as you go about your morning routine, but you can't quite put your finger on it.
As morning rolls around into afternoon you are tending more sick cases in the Chapel when a soldier comes in the door. Marietta quickly stands up and moves to intercept him but the soldier gives her a shake of the head and enters the common room. "Selena?" the soldier asks.
"Yes?" you respond.
"Selena, by orders of the Commander and Captain of the Keep your services are hereby needed and you are called forth to perform your duty to Kiren's Keep. Please grab your gear and follow me."
Marietta, seeing your hesitance, nods at you and says "If'n th' commander's askin' ye' fer yer help it's got ta be important. 'e's a good man."
Nodding at Marietta, you go up stairs, grab your gear and come back down to follow the soldier to the Keep. A short hike and a while later you are inside the keep and moving down the hallway to a large door. The solider says "You have about an hour before the meeting, make yourself at home." With that, the solider pushes open the door and ushers you into the room.
Having come back to The Bloody Goblin early in the morning, the three of you separately take rooms at the Inn. The innkeeper, as he sees each of you enter, tells you that he has "made" a room available to each of you upstairs and that you are not going to be changed for it. "Get some rest" he says "and thank you for what you've done tonight."
A knock at each of your doors wakes you. As you look out your respective windows you notice that several hours have past and that the sun is past it's zenith, it's somewhere after high noon. A voice from out in the hallway proclaims: "The commander and captain of the Keep thank each of you for your duty last night and continue to request your services. Mird, Lasciel and Fyird, you are each called back to duty to the Keep. Please get dressed, grab your equipment, and step into the hall so that we can be going."
Several minutes later, after each of you dresses, packs, and prepares, you each step out into the hallway to see a young solder waiting for you. When all three of you are there the solider says "Please, ladies and gentelmen, follow me, there will be time for introductions soon. I would ask that we make all haste for the castle so we are not late."
With that the soldier moves out of the inn and across the expanse to the castle with the three of you in tow. As you reach the castle you are brought through it's halls and to the door of a room some of you have only seen in passing. "You still have a short time before the meeting you have been called to. Please make yourselves at home." With that, the three of you are ushered through the door.
Well trained through your experiences and time on the road, you awaken at the sound of the approach of footsteps to your bunk. Standing before you is Alalar with another soldier standing behind and to the side of him. Alalar stands at stiff attention as does the other soldier till you come fully awake and open your eyes and look at the man. "Kith" says Alalar "Garelson and Kilenthar sent word this morning that your presence is requested at a meeting this afternoon. They have a plan to defend the keep but they'll need your help to accomplish it. You are hereby ordered to follow this soldier to the Keep where you will be introduced to a small team of people you will be leading on a mission to assist the Keep. That's all I know. Of course, with all that you did for us last night, I'm happy to pull whatever strings I can and tell the Captain you are unavailable for the mission if you so choose...we owe that to you at least." You notice the soldier to the Lieutenant's right blanch almost sheet white at the news he might have to deliver bad news to the Captain.
"No" you say "that's ok. Whatever I can do."
Climbing out of bed and dressing to your armor, you pick up your weapon and equipment and follow the soldier on the walk to the castle. You are lead to and through the castle and to a large door outside what appears to be a meeting room. "You have about an hour or more before the meeting this afternoon, please make yourself at home." With that, the soldier opens the door and allows you to walk past into the room.
The room you enter is large, about 50 foot square, and is dominated by a large banquet table in the center of the room. Several chairs, enough for about 20 people, sit around the table. The table itself is made of a deep mahogany wood and is loaded with food. Meats, cheeses, even some vegetables and fruits (a rarity in a place like this) are laid out on the table ready, obviously, for you to eat.
The captain of the military, Captain Garelson, is standing at the head of the table and nods to each of you in turn as you enter the room. "Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, and my apologies for both the rough night and the lack of sleep, as well as the method by which you were brought here. We don't usually make it a habit of ordering non-soldiers around but this afternoon is different, this afternoon we needed each of you and unfortunately we couldn't accept no for an answer."
Smiling at each of you in turn the Captain says "My apologies for the short introduction but I must return to my duties for about an hour, there are some last minute preparations to make before we fill you all in on the details. Please make yourselves at home. It is my understanding that most of you have not had the opportunity to eat yet today, please feel free to correct that problem. I will, however, ask that you all remain in the room till after the meeting this afternoon. Events are unfolding at a quick pace and circumstances dictate that we take extra care with the plans we are developing for tonight."
"I recommend that you get to know each other, you will be working together on this mission."
At that, the Captain salutes all of you in general and turns and exits the room through a door on the wall left of where you came in.
Selena is a little surprised to find the other people in the room, but she is grateful she had managed to get a quick bath in the morning and had decided to wear her nicer scholar's outfit.
She turns towards the others in the room, trying to gauge their intents. Two she recognizes almost immediately. She even thinks she knows their names, having heard whispers of them in her dreams... but she thinks it poor taste to point that out.
She pulls her blue irridescent feathered mantle tighter around her shoulders as a cool draft chills her through the cotton of her gown.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Its a little stunning meeting you all like this, as I'm not certain what this Commander needs from me entirely."
Selena steps toward Lasciel. "You... and this one here." Selena gestures towards Mird. "I have seen you in my dreams. And the star.... that fell from the sky last night. Something magical is afoot. Something of great importance to the forces of heaven."
Selena's voice changes for an instance and she is startled by the intoned prophecy that comes from her mouth.
"I--I'm sorry. I don't usually do that. Actually, I don't think I've ever done that. My name is Selena Devanholme."
Selena dips into a curtsy.
Stuff.
Selena glided across the room, the hem of her blue robe dusting the floor. The silver belt links lightly chinked with the sway of her hips.
She raised an eyebrow at the Captain's speech, having never met him in person and was partly alarmed by the knowing gaze in his eyes as he looked over her. Then she remembered Marietta's words. The Captain likely had divine counsel.
She turned, nervously, towards the others in the room.
"Does he always leave his guests like this?" She smiled after asking her question, and an intensile breeze swept across her silvery hair.
She reached for the tressle in front of her, the flat whole wheat bread already soaking with a delicious smelling stew.
"I'm Selena Devanholme. I'm still not entirely certain why the Captain called me up here, but if it has anything to do with the dreams and portents I've been getting, then something big is definitely going on."
Selena hesitates, looking at Lasciel and Mird, whom seemed oddly familiar to her. "I dreamed of you two last night."