"There was also Arakleo Shieldhammer, a Dwarven Shield Specialist of Thax. That one my sons, was deadly on the battlefield. He pushed your mother and I out of the way when the Dragon unleashed it's hellfire on us, and took the brunt of the breath weapon himself. I don't know how he survived, but he did!"
Kaihosha gets a big grin on his face.
"Can't forget Gwain Fuzzyfoot either. Gwain was a Halfling from Warmhorm, and boy did he keep our spirits up when things got heavy. His music both calmed and inspired the soul. He was always good for a laugh as well when he would get into it with Elendinin or Arakleo."
Mariya cuts in once again, her tone sorrowful and distant...
"Then there was your true uncle...Havoc."
The air itself seems to go dark with the mentioning of his name.
"Havoc and I were twins, and we were found in the aftermath of battle as infants by King Evrin. He took us in and raised us as his own. As I excelled in the use of the sword, Havoc excelled in magic. He was one of the greatest Wizards in all of Tharin. I loved him."
Tears begin to well in Lady Mariya's eyes.
Kaihosha continues...
"After we defeated the Ru'shawn, something changed in him. Havoc became darker and darker as we made our way back to Galadan. On the final day of our sojourn back, Havoc turned on us. He slew Dane and Arakleo before we were able to finish him. It was your mother who drove 'Justice' through Havoc's back..."
"We buried him outside the township of Dorian, and returned the bodies of Arakleo and Dane to their families."
After a few moments Kaihosha looks at all of you and says, "Lady Gwyneth's hurt is real. I wish we could have stopped Havoc before he turned on us."
"Now you all know the source of her hurt and anger towards us."
Kaihosha looks at you all, expecting any number of questions.
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D'Uma is shocked, bowing his head. As a young barbarian, he was itching to hear a story of great glory in hopes that it would galvanize him on future quests. Instead, he was exposed to the harsh reality of a dangerous quest. D'Uma lifts his head up, looks straight at Kaihosha with piercing sadness and asks Why...why wait this long to tell us? Were we not worthy?
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Ignoring his 'younger' brother, Kaivar quickly raises his hand. Glancing nervously at Xiomara, he stammers out his question, "Father ... umm, er ... does that mean ...? That is to say, if that is the case, then ... Well, what I mean is, are Xiomara and I ... er, Xiomara and us," he gestures awkwardly at his brothers. "Are we blood-related?"
Maorii rolls his eyes.
"None of us are blood related to the King's line my son," Kaihosha says to Kaivar.
Mariya manages to smile at Kaivar knowingly.
Kaihosha looks to Duma and says, "You are always worthy of the truth my son. We just didn't feel it was necessary to burden all of you with this information just yet. We obviously erred."
"It was my fault boys," says your Mother. "I wasn't ready to tell you about your Uncle. When I look back now, I realize that Havoc was always consumed by the need to be the most powerful. His desires always focused on the acquisition of more power. At the end, he wanted the sword for his own desires. When it became clear we would not give it to him, he chose to take it, and show us what he really was."
"Our quest ended, as our fellowship did, at the cemetery of Dorian. We haven't spoken to Elendinin or Gwain since then."
Mariya stands and walks over to Xiomara.
"I am truly sorry for what my brother did to your family Xio."
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"Our family," Xiomara replies as she stands. "I know you have suffered great many losses, aunt. Everyone has suffered enough."
Xiomara hugs Mariya, determined to help heal the wounds her mother inflicted.
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"Father," Khaayne gently questions, "you knew Havoc best, but are you absolutely sure our uncle wasn't cursed or possessed during the encounter with the Dragon? Perhaps his actions were truly not his own...in which case, if that were true, several lives would need to be avenged..." Khaayne trails off, hoping this small thread of possibility would make his family feel better.
"I don't think so my son. The only curse Havoc was under was ego and vanity. Those, as you know, are born of the being's soul, not another's magics."
"Enough of this now though. Celebrate your achievement my sons! This night is yours!" Kaihosha gently grabs Mariya's shoulder and breaks the loving hug.
Mariya looks at Xiomara and says, "Thank you Xio. I'm glad you're here with us. We're going to go and try to talk to your mother. Enjoy the celebration."
With that the two elders leave the tent.
After a few moments Maorii stands with an idea to break the mood.
"Xiomara, Brothers. I think it's time that Duma became a man. Come on little Brother. Let's get you a Great Elk!"
He stands and gathers his belongings while simultaneously polishing off a jug of ale.
"Sound off if you're coming with us!"
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"I'm in!" roars Kohr. "But, word of advice, little brother...don't bother trying to shoot it from a distance. Unless your aim is truer than mine was!"
Kohr laughs heartily, then devours the last remnants of his meal.
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Xiomara eyes the spread of uneaten Great Elk meat on the banquet table.
She turns to Kaivar, concerned: "There is nothing I would love more than to join you and your brothers, but to take another Great Elk so soon..."
She trails off, pondering, then:
"I don't know if Desna would smile upon this."
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D'Uma is tantalized by the thought of another feast on a Great Elk so soon. His eyes light up with excitement and he says with the up-most conviction " Let's go hunt us a Great Elk!"
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Kaivar pauses in his exultation at thoughts of another hunt, and turns to look at Xio. Seeing the worry in her eyes, he leans in close.
"Your concerns are honorable, but nothing will be wasted. All extra meat at the table will be cured and turned to jerky. The bones and hide will be used. The Hurc do not waste anything." He smiles at the silver-haired Princess of Galadan, taken aback by her other-worldly beauty.
"The Hurc strive to live in harmony with the Great Elk. The herd numbers at least 100,000 strong, and the Hurc respect them, as do the Barbarians, and other goodly races of the North."
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Xiomara nods, her concerns assuaged. She leans in with a coy smile:
"It appears I still have much to learn of Hurc culture."
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Khaayne finishes his draft, slams the mug down, and emphatically states, "Excellent suggestion, Maorii! The elder brothers can keep the Elk penned while D'uma proves his worth! We begin the hunt on the morrow. And with that, I retire, brothers, to prepare and rest for the encounter. Eat drink, and then focus yourselves for the task at hand!" Khaayne lets forth a mighty belch to punctuate his point, and then bows his exit.
"What about you Thurk?" Maorii asks noticing his Brother's far off look.
"Go and get set everyone! Give me a minute with Thurk," Maorii says with a commanding edge in his voice.
As you all clear out to prepare, Maorii stares at his almost entranced Brother. He remembers the one other time he saw Thurk like this and shudders...
A short time later, Maorii joins your small gathering absent Thurk. He walks over to Kohr and looks him in the eye.
"Thurk walks the path the gods have set before him, and heads to the desolation of the northwest. I fear for him. I can think of no other to support him as he sojourns. Will you ride with him Kohr?"
"Obviously I am not father, my brother, so I wouldn't presume to command you, but I don't think Thurk should be alone."
Kohr stares his twin in the eye. "You honor me with your request, brother. No harm shall come to Thurk while I fight at his side."
As you all ride off to begin the hunt, you turn wondering when you will see Kohr and Thurk again.
A few hours later all of you watch as Duma squares off with his Great Elk!
Xiomara watched as the Brothers went to quick work isolating one of the Elk for Duma to kill. Now it is his time.
The Megaloceros stamps the ground. The huge buck makes it no secret that it is ready to fight!
Round 1
Great Elk -0
Duma 32/32
The Great Elk closes the distance quickly, it's head ducked low to gore the young Hurc!
,
,
The young Barbarian is skewered by the immense horns! You all immediately know that Duma is in trouble!
After this attack D'uma looks over at his wound the great elk inflicted. The mark it left is making D'uma regret ever agreeing to this test. However, the sight of his brothers and Xiomara fills him with determination and he pushes on.
Suddenly, Kohr strides into view. He responds to Maorii's quizzical look with an abrupt, "Thurk gave me the slip in the village. He's gone. I think you may know why."
Khaayne looks over to Kohr and cuts him short, never taking his eyes off the battle. "Brother, focus your attention on the task at hand...D'uma needs your support. We will all be glad to hear your news momentarily..."
Round 2
Kohr ?
Kohr's Mount ?
Great Elk -17
Khaayne 13/13
Duma 5/32
Xiomara 19/19
Ylvis ?
Kaivar 25/25
Maorii 22/22
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Seeing Duma's plight, Kohr kicks his warhorse, Executioner, into a charge. As he draws near the elk, he swings his Great Sword at the beast's neck!
The Great Elk yelps in fear and fury and attempts to Gore Executioner!
,
It's antlers slam into the Warhorse's armored chest plate!
Seeing Kohrs' attack galvanizes D'umas spirt. He gets ready to attack the ferocious Great Elk yet again.
Khaayne sighs internally. Knowing this should be D'uma's fight, he reflects that his Brothers best act when they are one, rather than apart. Khaayne casts Sleep on the creature, hoping to buy some time for D'uma to recover, refocus, and continue the battle!
The Great Elk, sensing death approaches, brays and remains awake!