At first Ezekiel says nothing in response to Jak's question, his eyes still facing out from their little camp. The silence lasts for a long while, you think he's not going to respond when finally he begins, "I...awoke in Dies Drear. Not the one we know, but a different one, where things that may have been came to pass. I was guided through town, saw how things may have turned out."
Zeke turns towards the fire, picking up a stick to stoke the flames. Tears are present in his eyes, slowly falling down his face. "I know it must have been a dream, everything I've learned has taught me that. But it doesn't explain it. The Dies Drear I came upon, it was everything I've always wanted in life. A Dies Drear where I could be happy."
The flame crackles as he pauses in his tale. "My guide, she gave me a choice. I could have lived in that Dies Drear, given myself to it, and have been happy. No more worries, no troubles, just a perfect life. It was so tempting."
Ezekiel tosses the stick he was using fully into the flames. "I chose the second option. To come back. To help against whatever it is that threatens Dies Drear. To help my loved ones. And maybe to make things better...." As he pulles his eyes away from the fire and looks out, tears falling ever stronger, his gaze loses focus as his mind goes to their destination. "I just hope I have the strength to do so."
Jak's response is profound in its simplicity. "Holy s$*#, Zeke..."
"I would have said something earlier but didn't ever actually see or hear anything. Just.. I don't know… just felt like someone was watching us." His voice drops, "Just wondering if anyone else felt it."
"Normally I would have said you were imagining things, Jak. However, after the events of the recent days, I would not doubt that we are being watched. A great evil has come over this land, and I am sure they are not too pleased with the work that we are doing to restore peace and goodness to our world. Although I have not seen anything in particular, I will stay vigilant and tell you if something comes up."
Finally, he seems to put words to his dark thoughts, his eyes searching yours in a fashion that you wouldn't call frightened… but it wouldn't be a stretch. "So, anyone else hear or see anything on their watch last night?" He rushes on in a slightly-defensive manner, "I would have said something earlier but didn't ever actually see or hear anything. Just.. I don't know… just felt like someone was watching us." His voice drops, "Just wondering if anyone else felt it."
Marcus shakes his head, frowning.
I didn't see anything, but that don't mean it's not somethin' He sits down on a stump and pulls out his whetstone, running it along the newly-sharpened blade of his lumberjack axe.
Better safe than sorry
The sound of the stone gliding over the axe edge accompanies Ezekiel's tale as Marcus stares off into the darkness, lost in thought.
After a few minutes of silence, Jak can't help his curiosity. "Was it real? I mean… was it like… some long dream you would have stayed in? And would you have known it wasn't real if you had chosen it? I mean, sh!t, man, I don't know what we'd do without you, but that's a hell of a decision to have to make."
"Honestly, I don't know. I think I knew then, but I'm not sure if I knew or wanted to believe I knew. Hell, I'm not sure now what I know. But in the end, I don't think it matters too much. I feel...better in some ways. Though I don't recommend trying it." Ezekiel lets a smile come to his face, a rare sight.
"I know that some day I will look forward to dying and being met by Sarenrae's gentle embrace, but not yet. I have far too much to accomplish first. If I am meant to die, so be it, but I have a feeling that I have much to do before that day arrives. First, I've got to see that my father returns to us safe and sound!"
Jak shakes his head somewhat disbelievingly, "You're a good man, Zeke." He quirks a half-smile, "Possibly brain-dead, but good. Not sure how we'd get all this done without ya."
"I know that some day I will look forward to dying and being met by Sarenrae's gentle embrace, but not yet. I have far too much to accomplish first. If I am meant to die, so be it, but I have a feeling that I have much to do before that day arrives. First, I've got to see that my father returns to us safe and sound!"
Jak looks over at Lyrica, "I'm hoping to live forever actually. Got a plan and all. A simple plan, really… be too quick when i'm young and handsome for Sarenrae or Lady Death to get their hands on me. And when I'm old, I plan to be far too ugly, warty, and crotchety for them to want me." His wide grin catches the firelight, "See? Fool proof. I'm banking on them two old harpies having some standards."
Jak looks over at Lyrica, "I'm hoping to live forever actually. Got a plan and all. A simple plan, really… be too quick when i'm young and handsome for Sarenrae or Lady Death to get their hands on me. And when I'm old, I plan to be far too ugly, warty, and crotchety for them to want me." His wide grin catches the firelight, "See? Fool proof. I'm banking on them two old harpies having some standards."
Lyrica chuckles at Jak's response. "I bet you have a plan for everything, Jak Howell. It must be working, considering the fact that you made it through those last few encounters. I do wish you well with your plan. I just hope we don't lose you in the transition stage between quick and handsome and too ugly and crotchety. However, I'm impressed that you want to try and make it to forever. You must really enjoy your life to want to live that long."
Jak shakes his head somewhat disbelievingly, "You're a good man, Zeke." He quirks a half-smile, "Possibly brain-dead, but good. Not sure how we'd get all this done without ya."
"I know that some day I will look forward to dying and being met by Sarenrae's gentle embrace, but not yet. I have far too much to accomplish first. If I am meant to die, so be it, but I have a feeling that I have much to do before that day arrives. First, I've got to see that my father returns to us safe and sound!"Jak looks over at Lyrica, "I'm hoping to live forever actually. Got a plan and all. A simple plan, really… be too quick when i'm young and handsome for Sarenrae or Lady Death to get their hands on me. And when I'm old, I plan to be far too ugly, warty, and crotchety for them to want me." His wide grin catches the firelight, "See? Fool proof. I'm banking on them two old harpies having some standards."
Heh, always good to have a plan, huh?
The ranger spares a glance at Jak's backpack, then continues: Speaking of plans, what do we do with that hand, anyway? My bright idea with the fountain didn't work so great, and I don't want to blow our last chance at freeing our friends. Think anyone in the Drear will have heard of this prophecy?
"I doubt many people in the Drear would know of the prophecy, but we could always bring it back to Zarzanna. She seems to have a strange insight into many of these things. You seem to have a good relationship with her, Jak. My relationship with her has been improving, but I am not sure that she likes my family at all."
"I don't think we should stay in the Drear for too long. See how everyone is doing. See if anyone needs anything. Then we head back to the teeth and finish this. We don't know what could happen if we hang onto that hand for too long."
"I agree with Aerik. If Zarzanna just happens to be in the Drear, we'll ask her. If not, let's touch base, make sure there's nothing that needs our attention, and then head back out." He glances at his backpack, "Quicker we're done with this thing, the better."
Speculation accompanies our heroes to bed. The next morning again comes cold and clear as the Drearians continue to trudge down from the heights. The day passes without event. You enjoy a modest dinner and then as you bed down a dense fog slinks into camp and stays. The bloody handprint on the moon turns the ground fog to a sluggish river of crimson. But nothing else disturbs you that night... well, not all of you.
In the morning, the thick fog lingers until the afternoon, slowing your progress as you stumble over the treacherous and nearly invisible footing.
When morning arrives, Lyrica greets the others. "Good morning! How did you all sleep? I'm glad we had no intruders, but I think Sarenrae tried to come and speak with me. I saw her appear before me with her flowing hair, but she vanished before I could react. I wonder if she is trying to communicate with me, or at least protect us."
Ezekiel, beginning to prepare new mixtures for the day, pauses and turns to Lyrica. "The Dawnflower appeared? Please, tell more. Where were you when she appeared, in the dream? What did you feel?" Ezekiel seems very interested.
Ezekiel, beginning to prepare new mixtures for the day, pauses and turns to Lyrica. "The Dawnflower appeared? Please, tell more. Where were you when she appeared, in the dream? What did you feel?" Ezekiel seems very interested.
"Last week, Sarenrae appeared to me in all her glory, with her flaming red hair and it was clear beyond all doubt that I was in the presence of a supreme being. She appeared as a blinding light and when I could make her out, I could see her graceful form and her golden hair flowing like fire. She spoke to me in a soft but emphatic voice saying, “Few will rise, many will fall. Prove yourself worthy.” This was just before catastrophe hit and I will never forget that moment. Now it seems so long ago."
"Then last night, she appeared to me again. It wasn't a dream. First I saw a number of human shapes coalesce in the mist, and then finally I saw her come out of the fog. However, this time it was not as clear as my first encounter with her. She certainly resembled the divine being I met before, but this time she was shaking her head and then she vanished into the fog before I could react. I just don't know why she was shaking her head. I hope I did not disappoint her in some way. Normally, the Dawnflower is most forgiving. I mean, I am trying the best that I can."
Marcus puts a hand on Lyrica's shoulder.
How could she be disappointed? We went into that cursed place and did what the prophecy said we should do. She granted you the power to heal us, and to destroy those unholy creatures. And Zeke, Zeke...well, you saw what happened with him. After all we've seen in our lives, I'd never have said we had the favor of the gods, until today. That's one thing I'll never deny now. He thinks about it for a minute before continuing.
Jak said somethin' was watching us. These evil creatures, they KNOW about us, and I'd bet they know we have the hand. They're trying to shake us, is all. Tryin' to throw you off the path you were set on. Sarenrae is a goddess of the dawn. Seeing her in Mr. Gray--that's some fiend at work, tryin' to spook you. Best not to pay it any heed, and keep your faith--you need it, and so do we.
Lyrica listens to Marcus intently, reflecting on every word. When he finishes his encouraging words, Lyrica brushes away another tear and gives him a fatherly embrace. "Thank you, Marcus! You always know just what to say when doubts creep in. I feel better already! It is just so easy to let this grey mist pull you down. However, when we look at what we've already accomplished, we really do have much to be grateful for. I imagine hope is a powerful ally that the enemy would much prefer we don't have. I guess we'll just have to keep the faith and trust that good will prevail!"
Lyrica's mention of her god's appearance catches Jak's attention, and he watches and listens to the conversation as he double-checks his pack's contents.
"Jak said somethin' was watching us. These evil creatures, they KNOW about us, and I'd bet they know we have the hand. They're trying to shake us, is all. Tryin' to throw you off the path you were set on. Sarenrae is a goddess of the dawn. Seeing her in Mr. Gray--that's some fiend at work, tryin' to spook you. Best not to pay it any heed, and keep your faith--you need it, and so do we."
Jak shrugs, "It's at least safest to assume that could be the case." He shakes his head, "I sure can't think of a reason any good god would be disappointed in our actions so far. If there's more that's expected, then maybe they should get off thier lazy asses and do it themselves."
"It's at least safest to assume that could be the case." He shakes his head, "I sure can't think of a reason any good god would be disappointed in our actions so far. If there's more that's expected, then maybe they should get off thier lazy asses and do it themselves."
"Sarenrae is all forgiving, Jak. I know that she would not be disappointed in me, regardless of how far I fall. However, I somehow cannot help but wonder if there is more that I could have done. I mean I just wonder if I had been home if I could have stopped my Mum from dying. Thank goodness that Ezekiel is alright, but I wonder if I could have done more to protect him. When I saw the image shaking her head, that part of me that is such a perfectionist, read into the disappointment as my own doing. However, when I look into my heart of hearts, I know that is just myself that is being critical. The Dawnflower, herself, loves us more than we can ever imagine!"
"I was afraid of this. What if your Goddess approves of our courage, and our deeds in thwarting the Forgotten, but she disapproves of our choices afterwards?"
The druid muses, as much to himself as to his companions.
"What I mean is... Look at all of the undead abominations that we encountered in that place. What if the... dark energy of the Forgotten is what powered them? We could be bringing something horrible to the Drear."
Jak frowns. "Well, we could bypass the Drear, but I hate not to hear from them before we go on another trip back up to the Teeth." He pauses, then shrugs, "I could hold onto it while you guys hit town for a few hours. That's all we'd need to tell them what's up before we head back up-mountain."
Marcus listens to the druid's concerns and appears agitated.
Yeah, Jak, I think that'd be a good idea. No sense chancing it, and if you have any business in town I can spell you and watch that blasted hand after I check in on my family.
"I was afraid of this. What if your Goddess approves of our courage, and our deeds in thwarting the Forgotten, but she disapproves of our choices afterwards?"
"Sarenrae teaches temperance and patience in all things. Compassion and peace are her greatest virtues, and if enemies of the faith can be redeemed, then they should be. Think how patient she will be with any of us. Obviously I wish to please her, but I am just beginning to understand the depth of her love of compassion. The only ones who need fear the Dawnflower are only those who have no interest in redemption, such as those who glory in slaughter and death. She may be very forgiving, but when we face the remorseless evil of the undead and fiends to the cruelties born in the hearts of mortals, Sarenrae's doctrines would have us deliver a swift justice by the scimitar's edge. I don't think any of us have anything to worry about!"
Jak nods in response to Marcus, not really responding to Lyrica's words.
Ezekiel ponders his thoughts on the vision back and forth. "It does appear to be a trickery of some sort, though I find myself not so willing to suggest you set it aside. Perhaps the evil of the hand is corrupting your thoughts, which may well mean corrupting all of us in some way. My own desire to return hom is strong, but if it may mean that thing's corruption affecting the town, perhaps we head stright to deal with it and be done."
"I certainly do desire to go home, but if you think that the hand is causing the corrupting, then perhaps some of us could stay and guard it just outside of Drear while the others go in and see their friends and family for a short time. We could take turns and then proceed to our next task after a short rest. I know, I could use a little reprieve from doom, gloom, and the horrible evil that we have experienced here."
Jak pauses at Ezekiel's suggestion, simply watching the man with a dead-pan look. Maybe it's just the moment, or maybe it's the fatigue of hte last week, but his shoulders slump a bit under the weight of his pack. Then again... maybe it's the content of the pack. "Anyone else think it's a mistake to hit the Drear?" He shakes his head, "He could be right. I don't like not hearing from them for another couple of days, though."
"I don't think it is a mistake to return to the Drear, but if you think the black hand is evil and will bring more evil upon our families, then we should leave that relic outside of the village. However, I just can't bear the thought of not being able to see my family at all. I am concerned for my sisters and I want to see if my father has recovered yet."
Aerik, didn't you say you could talk to critters? Maybe send one with a message to Merl, saying we're ok and we're going back to the Teeth to try to free our friends. That way we keep 'em informed and don't have to risk bringing the hand into town, and we get this job over with quicker, free everyone faster. Can you do that?
"Right. But how do they get word to us if they need to? For all we know, they need us now."
"What is wrong with sending a few of us into the village at a time? I am just starting to feel the toll this is taking on each of us. Are you worried that we will bring evil with us when we enter the village? I think as long as you leave the black hand out of the Drear, the people should be safe!"
Jak scowls, "I said I'd hold onto it outside of town. If we're worried about it being close, I can stay a few hours away. You guys go in, touch base, make sure everything's alright, make any equipment changes we need, and then come back out. We'll lose a half-day at most... well, unless something's gone wrong in town... in which case we'll be glad we stopped by, right?"
"I'll stay with you outside of town as well, Jak. If that thing does attract trouble, you will need some backup."
Aerik then looks to his other companions.
"Please be quick about checking in on the town. If they need anything, we will help. If everyone is ok, the sooner we leave, the sooner we can free one of the prisoners."
Jak nods at Aerik's offer, "I certainly won't say no. Will the rest of you check in with my da and sisters? Let'em know I'm fine." A smile cracks through the look of fatigue that's been his usual look of late, "Make sure to tell'em how awesome I was back in there."
That settles it then. Let's go check in, and then we'll rid ourselves of that hand.
"I certainly won't say no. Will the rest of you check in with my da and sisters? Let'em know I'm fine." A smile cracks through the look of fatigue that's been his usual look of late, "Make sure to tell'em how awesome I was back in there."
"Splendid, then that's it settled. We will stop for a short while and we'll meet back here in the morning. Take care of yourselves and be sure to stay out of trouble. If you need us, just send word. It won't take long to get back up here."
Lyrica smiles with hope at the thought of returning to see her family.
Well past its zenith, the Sun dips in the late afternoon and forces the fog to grudgingly retreat. Our heroes continue to trek down the mountain at a better speed heading towards the barest thatchy remnants of the tree-line. A few short hours later, they find a thicket of scrawny trees to bed down within. These trees bare only a hint of the twisting, unholy energy that accompanied the Black Mist that swept over the land less than 2 weeks ago.
Dinner is quiet as each person speculates on the conversation from before... wondering what influence the Black Hand may carry. Sleep comes eventually.
The fog clears by the time our heroes finish breakfast and set on the road for home. By late afternoon they should be well into the forested areas above Drear and, with a bit of luck, they should be in Drear by moonrise.
As Lyrica proceeds back home, she keeps to herself more than usual and says very little. She is clearly wrestling with something within.
Jak wakes up looking nearly as tired as he was when he went to sleep, dark rings adorning the undersides of his eyes. Anyone who took a watch will easily attribute this to the fitful, uneasy sleep he seemed to be getting… often mumbling or moving around in his sleeping bag.
He's just as quiet as Lyrica as they make their way towards the Drear, making far fewer jokes and telling far fewer stories than he usually does to pass the time.
That morning, Marcus wakes screaming. He hurriedly packs his gear and addresses the others in an urgent tone.
We have to get back to the Drear, now. The lumberjack sets a fast travel pace for the day, impatiently trying to hurry the others along. If they can't keep up, he strikes out on his own, trying to leave an obvious trail for them to follow.
"We have to get back to the Drear, now. "
"Certainly, Marcus, but why the hurry? Do you think they are in trouble and in need of our aid. Does this have anything to do with the nightmares you were having? I could not help but hear you scream when you awoke.
Jak frowns at Marcus as he begins to hustle off. "What's wrong, man?" Jak checks the contents of his pack – specifically checking that the hand's still there – before following the big lumberjack.
Aerik hurries to grab his gear and catch up to Marcus. He puts a hand on the rangers shoulder, opening his mouth to speak thrice, hesitating for what seems like an eternity. When the words come, they come almost in a whisper.
"Was it Mira? Or the kids? For me, it's Ellie every time."
The druid looks away, as if he is ashamed.
"You are doing good things. It was just a dream. Just a dream, my friend."
Aerik's tone makes it difficult to discern whether he is trying to convince Marcus or himself.
It was Heather and...the Zirk boy. I never paid much heed to portents, until I saw us fulfill one when we cut off that black hand. I know the boy is gone--we burned him. But if my kids aren't safe, and someone is trying to warn me, then I need to go. I won't be late again--I won't let them down like I let down Eluon. Aerik, get the others back to the Drear, I'll leave a trail to follow in case I notice anything that needs avoiding.