Burby goes into great detail about he and the minitaur spent the day. He recounts every single event in every single detail, "And the pastry really was good, I think that they called it a cheese filled danish but it had lots of sugar and lots of cheese, I think we could have gotten fruit, I wonder what kind of cheese it was? Was it cow cheese? Maybe it was mintaur cheese?
Unfortunately not. We were all too far away from the events, to notice further details.
This is indeed disturbing. Tanis Half-Elven and Caramon Majere are both dear friends to me and the Church of Paladine. I shall have to ask the Plantinum Father for guidance. Tell me children, where are you staying?
It was probably goat chesse Burby replied the minotaur but yes we did spend a goodday and on your end?
There sure are a lot of different types of cheeses, huh? There is goat cheese and cow cheese and sheep cheese and foot cheese and there is minitaur cheese. Did I leave any out?
Faelyn lifts his glass of wine and toasts Chaucer upon his arrival to the table. With a smile, Obviously not as productive as these two. He motions to the Minotaur and the Kender. I was able to meet with my teachers and report the crime we saw commited at the High Clerist Tower. He takes a sip of wine then addresses the group. So...what is next? I feel our meeting and trip with Kendros was not per chance...
Chaucer can't help but smile at Burpy's interaction with the minotaur. He still is astounded by the relationship between two that are so radically different. The kender was short and thin, spry, almost graceful in all he did. The minotaur, was the exact opposite, a physical rarity to say the least, standing head and shoulders above the tallest human Chaucer had ever seen, every part of him was laced with muscles. Yet somehow these two, in just a few short days, had become companions. "It is amazing how these things work… He thinks to himself.
When the report from Burpy is finished, Chaucer finally gets a word in. "Well mighty Burpy, I am glad that your and Urgosh's day was productive and filled with tasty treats. As for me, I spent some time in Faelyn's stomping ground at the Great Library. And I have news to report to you Urgosh. He says addressing the minotaur alone. "The legends of Kaz the Minotaur are true. I read story after story, historical account after historical account that laid out in detail what a great hero Kaz was, how he helped Huma in all of his efforts. I am still amazed at how forgetful we as humans can be, but I wanted to thank you for sparking the curiosity in me.
Chaucer then turns to Faelyn and asks, You met with your teachers, forgive me, I assumed you were finished with your studies at the university here in Palanthas. Chaucer eyes the bread on the table and realizes he hasn't eaten all day. He calls for some simple rations of bread and cheese from the women behind the bar, as well as a tankard of ale, before he turns around and speaks to Faelyn's question. "Well, we still haven't heard from Torald and Aminah, but my suspicions is that our time with Kendros is not yet over. Maybe I am wrong, but I suspect we will see him again, this time, wearing robes, with a mission in hand that he needs our help with." Realizing how he is beginning to sound, Chaucer checks his words and turns his attention to the meal that has been delivered in front of him.
Looking through one of his many pouches, Burby finds an apple. Mr. Knight, I found this apple, it must have rolled away from the cart that the green grocer had them on. Maybe your horse can have it because I am not sure that cows or minitaurs like apples?
The kender then pulls out the rest of his pouches and empties them on the table and begins sorting his treasures.
Of course they are true, why wouldn't they be ? Kaz was real he was help by Huma he fought besides him. He instructed the Knights of Solamnia the art of Fighting against the forces of the Dark Queen. He did all this not to be remembered but because Honor commanded him to do so. But yes it is a shame that you humans forget. Good thing he lived trough that war.
Horses and Minotaur like a good apple indeed he replied while the kender emptied his pouches
Chaucer nodded at Urgosh, "Of course, my good friend, I didn't mean to offend. I was simply astounded that the legends and history that I learned growing up left out significant portions of the truth."
Chaucer smiles as Burpy puts the apple on the table. As he reaches out to grab the apple for Juliette, but with his hand still in mid-air he stops and looks at the kender and says, "Now wait a second Burpy, did you buy this?"
Its ok Chaucer
I found it! It must have rolled away from the apple cart
Chaucer thinks for a moment, pretending to consider the kender as he makes the most ridiculously innocent face he can remember seeing. "If it is as you say, then I see no reason why you couldn't give the apple to Juliette in the morning. She likes treats and there is no better way to make friends with a horse than to give it a treat. He says smiling. Turning back to his food he grabs the last piece of bread and finishes it off.
He follows the bread with the last of the ale, and when he puts down the empty tankard, he looks around and says, "Well, one thing is certain, sitting around here isn't going to get anything accomplished. I could spend time trying to convince the knights in this city to sponsor my application into the knighthood, or, if there was some type of adventure we could embark on, I could earn my way into the ranks of the knighthood. I don't care which we do, but I think that tomorrow we should decide. I think I will retire for the night, and hopefully I will see you all down here tomorrow and we could make some decisions." With that, the young cavalier stands up, takes his dishes to the bar, nods to the woman who made his food, and heads up to his room.
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What kind of room do you want?
It is a decent inn that serves decent food and drink.
2 steel can get you a nice room. DL does not use gold rather they use steel.
That is fine. The rationale is that after the Cataclysm steel became more valuable than gold because you could make weapons out of it.
We are staying at a local Inn. But unfortunately )I can't remember the name. But I can describe you the way to it.
Torald describes the way to the inn.
Faelyn continues to enjoy his meal as the members of his group share pleasantries.
I have finished my formal education Chaucer, but I still have much to learn before I am able to take the test Kendros is currently taking.
Both of you, as servants of Paladine,you are welcome to stay. Perhaps you could gather your friends and bring them here?
Torald, are you a paldin of Paldine or Kiri-Jolith? Are you planning on staying all paladin or MC into the KOS PRCS?
We would like to thank you for this offering and we will inform our friends.
Ok. I just wanted to make sure. Will you be trying to make it to a Knight of the Rose or just stay a Crown? You don't need levels to belong to the organizaton.
Please, Sir Torald, in all haste, bring them here. The situation is quite delicate and the fewer people that know about it the better.
That is understandable. I will hurry to gather my friends to bring them here. If there is nothing other, I will leave immediately.
In all haste, then, Sir Torald. However, please stress to your compananions the need for secrecy until we can discern what has transpired.
As you command.
Torald turns around and rushes out of the temple to the inn.
Chaucer, as you retire for the evening, you fall into a fitful sleep. Your dreams are plagued with screams and images of the noble, Kendros, undergoing horrific battles and torture. He is surrounded by darkness and unseen and uncountable foes. The moons shine bright on him, at least the two that you can see.
In your dreams you want to help but are plagued with the words of the knight at the High Clerist's Tower, Move along, this is knight's business. This is knight's business and you are not a knight, boy!
At that moment you are awakened by a pounding on your door, your recognize the voice of Torald telling you to get up and dressed.
Chaucer bolts upright from his dreams, a cold sweat covering his chest. it takes a moment for him to register the noise of the banging on the door, and even longer to recognize Torald's voice. He gets out of bed, and goes to the door. He opens it seeing the Knight standing there he says, "Give me a minute, just need to collect my things." He closes the door and moves mechanically, going through the ritual that he had done every day since he left home. Putting on the thin linen undershirt. Strapping on the lacquered scale mail his parents had given to him for his 17th birthday day, strapping his warhammer to his hip, putting on his armored boots, picking up his pack, and moving to another bed.
As he went through the ritual, his mind was on the dream. "This is knight's business, boy, move along, you aren't a knight." Would he ever become a Knight, would he ever find a place where he could sleep for more than a day? What was his future to look like? For some reason, he had a feeling in his gut that the next few days and weeks could go a long way in determining that very question.
He opens the door and greets the paladin. "Torald, by the sound of things, I would guess that you had a productive visit to the temple of Paladine. Where are we off to?"
As Torald enters into the inn he greets those still at table. We have been summoned to the Temple of Paladine. Where is Chaucer The kender pipes us, He looked pretty sleepy from gathering apples all day and learning about the different types of popcorn that are available so he went to bed.
The knight continues, I will go and rouse him. We must be secretive yet we must depart in great haste
Pounding on the door to wake up Chaucer, the knight responds, We must go at once to the Temple of Paladine, Chaucer. We have been summoned by Revered Daughter Crysania.
As the group makes off to the Temple of Paladine there is a feeling that things in the world have changed and have changed quickly. The light of the 2 moons shines on you are you enter into the Temple of Paladine, almost as if Solinari, Lunitari, and even Nuitari are watching you and the events that are about to transpire.
I wounder what this will amount to wondered Urgosh
As you are ushered in the Temple of Paladine you are lead to the private quarters of the Revered Daughter of Paladine. Paladine's chosen smiles as you enter and welcomes you. You see a wizard dressed in White Robes standing close to the Revered Daughter.
Greetings children of Paladine. The news that was brought to me this afternoon was indeed most grim. However, we cannot discuss what has taken place here in the Temple of Paladine. I have been contacted by the Head of the Wizards Conclave, Justarius of the Red Robes, as well as Sir Thomas, who is in charge of the High Clerist's Tower about these events. The Master of the Conclave has offered to allow us to meet at the Tower of High Sorcery in Wayreth, away from prying eyes and away from listening walls. Will you accompany me there? Tandar the White shall transport us there.
Tandar begins to chant in the spidery language of magic, Ast kintnonini lointun tszarteh
Lights flash before your eyes and you get the feeling of falling and being caught and then you find yourself in a huge room that has only one light in it. It shines on a chair where a Red Robed wizard sits, his cowl down.
[b] Greetings, Revered Daughter Crysania. And greetings to you Sir Thomas of Thelgaard, Knight of the Rose. And to you, greetings,former Grand Master of the Knights of Solamnia, Gunthar Uth Winstan. And to you, I impart my greetings, Tanis Half-Elven and Caramon Majere. Welcome to the Tower of High Sorcery in Wayreth. Thank you for trusting the Wizards Conclave with this information of great import. [b] As he says this the light brightens on each indvidually named person. You can see in the shadows, sitting on stone benches, wizards dressed in black, white and red robes. Their faces hidden from view with their hoods so that their identity cannot be discerned.
Yes they are there and you are in the Hall of Mages.
Chaucer follows Torald to the stable and he climbs into the Juliette's saddle. The companions are soon ready to go, and they follow Torald as quickly as they can through the abandoned streets of Palanthas well after midnight. The young warrior rides with no signs of fatigue, his back straight, his head held high with his normal practiced discipline, but under the exterior, his mind is haggard. As the streets of Palanthas drift by, Chaucer continues to hear the words of his dreams, "This is none of your concern boy, this is Knight's business.". His resolve is strained to say the least under the brunt of the doubts that play in his mind. Thankfully, the silence is broken when Torald announces they have arrived. As they enter the Temple, Chaucer dismounts and allows a servant to lead Juliette to the stables. He walks into the temple in awe, his morning star at his side, carrying his shield on his arm, and lacquered armor reflecting the torchlight.
As he walks into the grandest temple in all of Krynn to Paladine, Chaucer is overwhelmed, humbled, and in awe. He can't speak, he merely enters into a posture of prayer as he quietly walks behind his companions. When they are led into the Reverend Daughter's room, Chaucer kneels immediately, his face towards the floor as she speaks. When she suggests that they accompany her, he is bewildered and beside himself. Knowing that they in know way have earned such an honor, Chaucer can't help but let his protest be voiced. "Oh Revered Daughter, most blessed of all the Children of Paladine, we stand your servants, humbled at your request. But I must voice my protest, knowing that there are far more qualified, far better trained, and far more experienced men who could accompany you and provide whatever assistance you need better than we could. We are humble servants, and have in now way earned the honor or the right that you grant to us." Chaucer stops speaking and puts his face to the floor once more waiting to hear the rebuke that was sure to come for speaking to the Revered Daughter in such a way.
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Beloved Chaucer Tarsi, there are many ways to serve the gods of good. None of us are worthy, myself included but I am faithful in my response to the call of Paladine. Come Chaucer, arise.
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Aminah attends to the lady Crysania. She has heard some word of the reverend daughter of the tale that she once courted Rastlin. She looks to the various scars she bears including the scarf over her eyes and sees the weight of her sins upon her. For if indeed she was favored of Paladine, would he not heal her of such burdens?
Aminah looks to the reverend daughter not sure what to think of her. Paladine forgives all sins but if so why does she still bear such wounds upon her body. "Is she truly as favored as they say she is?" she thinks to herself.
There is some artistic interpretation as to what happened to Lady Crysania. What the Test of the Twins says is that she went blind in the darkness of the Abyss yet it was in her blindess, as foretold by Loralon, that she can actually see. I don't recall anything about her eyes being burned out.
During this time, Crysania came to realize that Raistlin used her, but she also used him for her own pride. She admits that she loves Raistlin, and that this love will never come to be. Caramon found her laying in the Abyss, but to him her body was perfectly fine except for her bind eyes. She was taken from the Abyss, but even the other clerics of Paladine could not restore her eyes. Crysania took over as the head of the church in 357 AC, following the Blue Lady's War. She would become a compassionate and wise cleric for Paladine.
Tanis Half-Elven speaks,
My Lords and Ladies. I have just recently returned from the Tower of the High Clerist with Caramon Majere and his nephew, Steel Brightblade Uth Matar. Steel is the son of both Sir Sturm Brightblade and the Dragon High Lord, Kitiara Uth Matar. My Lords and Ladies, he is a Knight of Takihsis.
There are murmors of disbelief and Sir Thomas says, Hogwash, Half-Elven, there is no such thing as a Knight of Takhisis. The followers of the Queen of Darkness are not that organized. And that does not explain why you and Caramon Majere defiled the body of Sturm Brightblade with his alleged son.
Tanis continues, We were taken to the headquarters of the Knights of Takhisis, to a place called Storm's Keep. The Knights are organizing there and they, like the Knights of Solamnia, have three orders. You see, their head, Ariakan, son of Ariakas and Zeboim, was trained at the Tower of the High Clerist in Solamnic ways after he was taken prisoner following the War of the Lance, twenty five years ago. At the closure of the War of the Lance, Solamnic Knights captured Ariakan. They imprisoned him for six years where he learnt all about the structure and organization of the knighthood. Ariakan also learned of the downfall of the Dragonarmies, "that evil turned in on itself". When he was released the goddess Takhisis visited him and he told her of what he learned and his plans for a new knighthood, she promptly agreed.
They have among their Order the knights of the Lily, who are unholy paladins. They also have the Knights of the Skull, they are clerics of the Dark Queen and they have among their ranks, the Knights of the Thorn, mages who draw their power from all three of the Moons.
At this news the Tower Mages erupt in confusion, and anger. With a look Justarius and the other heads of the Orders, Dunbar Mastermate and Dalamar the Dark rise. This is unheard of, an entire Order of renengades is operating in Ansalon? The Half-Elf continues, Yes, my Lords, and they even have built a Tower of High Sorcery on Storm's Keep The outrage from the Towers mages is palabable.
So they do admit they were the ones to steel the sword and flew off on a blue dragon. But if the Dark Queen has an order of Knights that is indeed some very bad news as these men will be loyal to the death and organized in a power structure that will not turn upon itself. is thinking the Minotaur
As the Reverend Daughter speaks to him, he feels his protest wash away like the fatigue of travel when one eases into a hot spring. "Though far from worthy of the honor which you offer, I will be obedient and faithful in what I have been asked to do, oh blessed one." He stands and joins the Cleric of legend and his companions, and soon feels the tendrils of magic wash over him. Not knowing what to expect, he closes his eyes and grips his shield, hoping that whatever happens he was all still in one piece when it was over.
Unable to describe the sensations, all Chaucer knows is that they stopped. His eyes slowly open and takes in the scene before his eyes. A huge room, not by the sight, but by the feel of it. In fact, only one light makes it nearly impossible for him to see the walls and ceiling. A man begins to speak and make introductions, and Chaucer quickly realizes that he is really unworthy of being in this place, so he resolves to quietly observe and not speak out of turn.
As the introductions finish, Lord Tanis stands to speak and Chaucer listens intently. But it takes no time at all for Chaucer to be as shell-shocked as the rest of the room. As he listens to the great hero pass along the information about the Clerist Tower, the new threat from the Knights of Takhisis, and the Dark mages, his mind reels. "They did it? They defiled the Clerist Tower? Why?" Chaucer can't help but dwell on the questions that arose instantly as Tanis began to speak.
As the room around him bursts into pandemonium following the revelation of a dark knighthood, as well as the existence of rogue mages, shouts and accusations abound. In the turmoil, no one hears Chaucer's question, spoken aloud, at a normal volume, completely drowned out by the others. "But why? Why did you defile the Tower and the rest of Sturm Brightblade? Why did you do such an evil thing?"
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Aminah Mikku is surprised by being teleported to a stange new place and looks around getting her bearings of the area. After taking time to calm down her eyes widen as she sees Tanis Half-Elven reveal himself to those gathered. She listens unsettled hearing the report from Tanis. she thinks to herself Unholy knights like the Dragon Highlords of old? Such is a dark tiding indeed for all of Krynn.
It is surprsing but she sees no reason for a hero such as Tanis Half-Elven to tell such a lie. While he did take part in the theft at the tower it certainly must have been a good reason if it indeed allowed him to gain such important information. She listens intently to Tanis and thinks.
She speaks up to those gathered, "My Lords and Ladies we can not discount the accounts of Tanis Half-Elven. Decades ago the Dragon Highlords rose from the shadows and nearly brought the downfall of all of Anasalon. If holy Paladine can grant the Knights of Solamnia the blessing of his power his nemesis the Dark Mother can do the same. As for the Renegades, the wizards surely know that magic is a source of power and those with evil in their hearts will take any source of power they can claim as their own. We must be vigilant lest we end up in another War of the Lance."
She does a reasonable job on diplomacy check but is somewhat nervous seeing so many great men and woman gathered in one place.
As the commotion dies down, Chaucer still in shock, still reeling from the news that Lord Tanis had past along, and still confused about his role in the crimes at the High Clerist Tower, sits in his seat with his head shaking back and forth staring at the floor.
Another surprise came as the Aminah, the nomadic cleric that he met just a few days prior, stood up next and addressed the collection of nobles. As she spoke Chaucer's head whipped around toward her in disbelief. "Doesn't she know where she is and who these people are. She has no business or right speaking to them... does she?" Though the words she spoke were true, Chaucer felt as though they should come from another, more respected and experienced place. Instead of standing up and supporting his companion, Chaucer remains in his seat, doing his best to look as if he has never met the cleric before.
The Half-Elf continues. We went to the High Clerist Tower in an attempt to allow Steel Brightblade to know the truth about his father. This knowledge was kept from him. Steel is very much like his father and refused to hide his armor, dedicated and blessed by the Dark Queen. We were let through the gates of the Tower of the High Clerist. Maybe this was a sign that Paladine blessed our quest since everyone who saw him saw him as a Knight of the Order of the Crown. As we were escorted to the Chamber of Paladine, by you my Lord, Thomas, no one stopped us. As the young man knelt before the grave of his father, the Chamber of Paladine was illuminated by light and Sturm Brightblade appeared, giving his sword to his son and also the star jewel, given to him by Alhana Starbreeze. We desecrated nothing but the father gave the inheritance to his son. His body disappeared, perhaps it was taken up to Paladine?
We were attacked by the knights and we defended ourselves. We did not harm anyone. Steel's dragon came for her Master and we were able to escape. He returned to Storm's Keep and we made our way to let the Knights, the Conclave, and the Church of Paladine, know of this great threat. This I swear on the grave of one I loved, Sturm Brightblade.
The Master of the Black Robes turns to the cleric who just spoke up. We mages certainly do not need to be lectured on the use of magic by a novice who does not know her place.
The Conclave seems to nod in agreement.
Sir Thomas speaks, Bah, while I do not doubt that thought you saw something Tanis, why would Sturm Brightblade, a great iconic knight give something good and holy over to a son who has obviously turned to darkness. These knights, if they do indeed exist, really are no concern. Our numbers have swelled and these knights are dedicated to evil. There is the Dark Queen's Law that evil turns upon itself. It happened in the War of the Lance when the Highlords turned on themselves. It happened in the Dark Lady's War when the Kitiara Uth Matar turned on both her half brother and the now Master of the Black Robes. We beat them back once and have done so since the time of Huma and we will continue to do so, with the powers of the gods of Light, especially the Sacred Trimuvirate, behind us
Have the knights Kaz help to save fallen so low as not to be intrigued by the possibility of a threat? It looks like they are forgetting once again what honor is with their swelling pride..