The Beginning of All Things (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Marcus is happy to hurry but not necessarily run back to Woodbridge. When Cicily asks why anyone would attack an innocent boy, he simply shrugs. I don't know, but I don't like it. We used to be so safe, but now... his voice trails off as Rosilindeae and Alinda catch up to them.

Marcus picks up the pace when the three women do. He struggles a bit to keep up and when he reaches Woodbridge, collapses in a heap, his body finally giving in to the strenuous action put upon it.

"I don't know Alomar. I'd like to make good time, but that forest is a little more foreboding than the Fox Wood we just passed through. I'd rather not have to spend the night down there. Up here, we can see anyone approach and besides, this is the place Patricia told us to camp."

To Poseus: "What do you make of that figure on the stone plinth? It looks vaguely like a Gymnaga. Do you know the symbol?"

"I agree with Phineas on this. I am not comfortable fighting in the dark or setting up camp amidst those woods yet. The cairn might attract people, true, but at least we will see them coming."

Then as Phineas asks him about the image, Poseus looks closer to study it.
He looks pretty surprised as he begins to talk still looking intently at the carving.

"Well I'm not completely sure, seeing as who this might be was never portrayed in such a manner, but this could be a depiction of Larialleena Tholissaphane.
She is either a goddess or a legendary queen, I haven't been told the specifics, but Rosilindeae prays to her during the winter, for endurance and hope for spring for our people in those hard times."

He backs off again and stands up.
"I have never heard of her being depicted like this, though, so I'm not sure what meaning she could have here."

"Ok, but that will mean a cold night I guess. It would not do to advertise us being here to everyone who is in the neighbourhood. I suppose we can at least find some shelter beneath these stones."

I'll proceed to Castletown with the injured, Terqeum.
Calex turns his horse and heads back the way they came. He uses as much speed as he feels is possible without causing Lady Rebecca any further injury. As the walls of the castle loomed into sight, Calex began to shout to the guards to fetch a stretcher and a healer for the young noblewoman.

Day 5, The Hill of the Cairns, afternoon

As Poseus and Phineas express their sentiments for approaching and camping in the Green Wood, Alomar approaches the three sided stone structure that seemed innocuous at first, but the closer he comes to it, the more he is filled with a vague sense of security. This feeling draws him closer, until as he is standing just beyond the edge of the open side, he has a brief feeling of “connectedness with his sense of purpose”.

Alomar should make a Knowledge History Check

Day 5, Woodbridge, Marcus goes for Help

Cicily and Rosilindeae cross the wooden bridge into the riverside portion of the community and are greeted by a dozen locals, including the Maetaur who had brought the injured boy to the village. Many voices all try to talk at the same time and the two women show remarkable diplomacy and levelheadedness as they take in the information. Marcus can barely follow the things that are being said, but understands that the boy was taken to the stage, still standing from the festival, and that the Oghan family has been bringing kettles of water to the site, along with clean linens, while others have been building up a small fire with a place to boil the water if needed.

As Marcus crosses the bridge, behind them, his legs begin to grow weak, and Alinda supports him while she tells him reassuringly, “You’re going to be fine. That was a lot of running.”

One of the Maetaur men approaches Marcus, saying, “Marcus, that was faster than we could have hoped for. Thank you. We’ve spoken to your father, paid for the work you and he finished for us. Everything looks grand, you’re a highly skilled craftsman, we are grateful to your family. There is one more thing I’d like to talk to you about, in private, when you’ve had a moment to catchy your breath, and rested.”

Day 6, North of Castletown, Riders to the rescue

Dieredon waits with the captive. The man is taciturn, and defiant, resisting any efforts of Dieredon to engage in conversation.

Calex rides away, and Dieredon feels nervous, for a moment, but then settles his nerves by taking mental notes the area around him. He takes notes of the trees, the contours of the ground and the other sights, smells, and sounds. He is confident that if he had to he could find this place again, even in the dark.

After a long while, Georgiana returns. She is riding slowly, her mount is lathered, and walks with a slow stiff gait. She leads a second horse and across this horse is the man Dieredon had chased. There is blood on the sadle of the second horse, telling Dieredon the man is probably dead.

As Georgiana comes near, she sees that fallen body of Lord Anticus and cries out,

“No, my lord.” She dismounts quickly, handing the rope from her mount to Dieredon as she rushes to fall prostrate on the ground beside Anticus. She fights back her tears, stands and then turns to Dieredon. She speaks, but does not look at Dieredon, her voice is low, and far away.

“I was gaining on this one when he turned and rode into a stand of trees. He was not skilled enough to maneuver where he drove his mount and a tangle of low branches knocked him from his horse. He drew his weapon and challenged my. I put an arrow in his heart. I searched him, but he carries nothing that identifies him. Only his shoes tell me he probably lived in Long Port, to the north of Castletown. Their shoes are made with a heel from a cork wood tree I’ve not seen used in Castletown. Help me place Lord Anticus on your mount, and you can ride with me. When we return to the Castle, there will be many question, perhaps too many questions.”

meanwhile Back in the Castle of Castletown

When Calex rides toward the gate he is rushed by half a dozen guards. They are stern and commanding. The demand that Calex dismount, but they are not violent. It is explained that Calex is to surrender himself for questioning.

The guards listen, honestly, when Calex explains what happened north of Castletown, and they take the body of the other man away, but they are apologetic and resolute in explaining that Calex should come quietly.

He is told he will not be harmed, and that the Captain has gone to Castletown proper and that when he returns he will release Calex himself, after he is questioned.

As the six armed guards are leading Calex toward the northwest tower, Lord Anticus’ wife ruses toward them. She holds her skirt high and runs in a most un lady like fashion. She is a tall, elegantly beautiful, golden haired woman. Her hair is short and falls to just above her shoulders, in the style of a wealthy Aladoan woman. Her face is stained with tears and when she is stopped by the guards she cries out, ”Where are they? Did you find them safe?”

The guards are divided. Two of them make as if they are going to try and continue to march Calex toward the tower, while the other four stop, one of them holding the woman gently by the arm, while the other three look with pleading eyes toward Calex.

Yeah, I get to roll a die! ;-)

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

and what a roll!

Georgiana, this one still lives. He will certainly need to be questioned. We found him standing over the corpse of Lord Anticus. Calex has returned with the Lord's daughter, who is alive but unconscious. We should tie the prisoner to the saddle with the body.

Dieredon helps Georgiana prepare for the return trip.

As Alinda supports Marcus' weight, he does his best to catch his breathe. In between large gasps of air he manages to let out a few words towards the Maetaur man who approached him,

You're......welcome......happy.......satisfied........with tools. He then asks Alinda to help him to a place to sit down and rest.

edit Alomar- feel free to expand upon this information in any way you like. This is supposed to be, after all, a group creation effort

Alomar stands in awe just inside the stone structure, he is carefully looking around, seemingly trying to capture the structure and his being in it in his mind.

After what seems like minutes, but likely are just seconds he calls out to his companions.

"Poseus, Phineas, I remember!"

"Do you know that this structure is a shrine to Tantabell? Can you believe that it is here, and that we in Woodbridge do not even know of it's existence? Oh, how glad am I that you talked me out of moving on!"

Calex turns to the noblewoman, sad at the grief he is about to deliver. He speaks compassionately but quickly. "Milady- Lord Anticus has been slain by assasins. We were too late to stop them, but captured the one who did it to face justice. He is being brought in by my companion, the elf Dieredon D'atarisian. Lady Rebecca was attacked and injured, so I rode ahead with her to get her to a healer as fast as possible. Please, milady, check on Rebecca and make sure she will be all right!"

Phineas smiles at his Metaur friends excitement, hoping for good news on this day of travail. "What is a Tantabell, Alomar? And why do you think this little shamble of rock is a shrine?"

Alomar has a big smile on his face when he starts to tell the story of Tantabell.

"Tantabell is one of the Maetaur heroes that we pay homage to, she once was alone and searching for a place to give birth to her foal. During the last days of her pregnancy she could not find a safe place and decided to build a shelter herself. The shelter she build was build using four heavy stones, she used three for the walls and one for the roof, just like this one."

"As to how I know that this 'shamble of rock' as you call it is a shrine; I only know that I know and for me that is enough. The legends say that all these shrines radiate strong magic if searched for with a detect magic spell. You might want to cast such a spell, I did not pray for it earlier."

Phineas says: " I do not doubt this is what you say, but I am interested to see the the magic radiating from anyplace. If this is a place of safety and shelter, perhaps we should consider spending our night inside?"

Phineas bows his head asking for the wisdom to see any magical effects in the immediate area.

"We will most certainly spend the night inside, I would not want to pass on a chance to rest here. And if you like I will try to tell some tales about Tantabell and her offspring this evening. Although I must warn you, I am not a very accomplished story-teller."

"Even a poor storyteller is better than none, when on the road. I am glad to stay in a sanctified place for your people and hope it brings us safety."

"Shall we begin to set up camp? I'd like to explore the Hill of Cairns a bit and see if any of the Good Folk come to join us."

If acceptable to the others, Phineas will look for a water source and begin to gather any dry wood to start a fire. While doing so he'll look about at the cairns and standing stones on the hill for any markings or other distinguishing marks. He also looks for any sign of the Good Folk's passing.

Weird that I didn't see any updates till now.

Poseus looks intrigud and pleased at the same time.
"Well I look forward to your story-telling Alomar, I am most interested in how you'd weave Larialleena in your story. Apparently she was important to your people as well somehow, if she's this close to an important cairn to the Maetaur people."

Poseus will accompany Phineas on his provision collecting trip, even trying to collect any berries or nuts to have a healthier meal tonight.

"There is so much about your people that I don't know," Phineas says both his companions. "Who is Lauralina? That seems like a good place to start the story-telling."

While out searching, Phineas chides Poseus about hunting. "Are we getting any fresh meat or are you just hunting nuts and berries today?"

"I'll tell you everything about Larialleena I know around the campfire, let's first get that fire started."

While out gathering everything for a nice fire, he listens to Phineas question about fresh meat.

"A good question Phineas, I think I could catch something small that we can easily eat tonight, we don't want any leftovers to attract wild animals here, or worse..." Poseus seems a bit grown up and wary since the battle with the Sashi-Anhain.

"I'll get right on it." He hopes he can catch a rabbit or something similar, perhaps two if the three of them are hungry.

"Wait a second Poseus, I will join you. Although I am not a great hunter I know some things about edible vegetation.

I will gladly take you up on your offer for that tale about Larialleena, I am afraid I know nothing about any dealings she has had with Maetaur."

I am afraid my storytelling will come this weekend, I lack the piece of mind to write anything bigger than a few sentences at the moment, very hectic at work

Rock that Survival Check, Poseus!

Phineas puts his palm on the head of Poseus and asks for the Guidance of the Protector to sharpen his sight and aim his spear for the hunt. He walks over and gives the same blessing to Alomar, for good measure.

"I will stay here, start the fire, and tend the camp. You bring back stories and meat!"

Cast Guidance which gives a +1 bonus on next skill check.

Day 6, At the Castle of Castletown

”It is true, M’Lady” one of the guards, a young half-elven boy says. “They have taken Rebecca to they great hall and summoned the physicians and healers. By all that we can see this man is a hero, but the Captain has ordered him to be taken into custody, as a formality. Please. Let me take you to Rebecca.” He steps toward the woman, but she shoves him out of the way and pushes toward Calex.

“You, you rescued my daughter. I owe everything and my life to you. Tell me your name. When your companion arrives, I will speak with the both of you. Thank you.”

The woman allows herself to be led away by the guard, and you are ushered, not with malice, into a cell in the north tower. It is not a small, dank and filthy cell, but more like a room that would be used to keep a noble or important prisoner. It has a small, but comfortable cot, a simple wooden chair and a small flat desk. There is a bowl, a pitcher, filled with fresh water, a short ceramic mug, and a folded cloth on the table. You are told that no questions will be asked until the next day and that you should rest, and that a simple meal will be brought to you soon.

Day 6, North of Castletown, Riders to the rescue

Georgiana paces around the scene nervously, and then turns toward Dieredon, “This is what we will need to do. Help me to secure Lord Anticus’ body to my horse. I will ride with you, this one,” she says indicating the assassin, ”Will ride with the body of his, friend,” she sneers the last word. “We will not talk to him until we are returned to the castle. I want there to be no mistakes, no chance for either of us to cause problems by asking the wrong questions, Interrogation is not my field."

Dieredon and Georgiana secure Lord Anticus to the horse, then tie the prisoner to the second horse. The two elves mount the remaining horse, and Dieredon then notices the lather on the animal. He will have to take it slow.

It is a long ride back to the castle, and Georgiana never says a word, except to mutter, only once, “we did everything we could, thank Dieredon of Woodbridge.”

When you arrive at the castle there is a general commotion. Several guards hustle to you and take the assassin and the body of the second man away. Carefully, Lord Anticus is removed from the horse, and there is palpable silence, an air of intense emotion fills the courtyard.
A human guard speaks quietly to Georgiana, Dieredon can overhear him, and it is clear that Dieredon is going to have to be taken into custody.
Georgiana protests, meekly, but turns to Dieredon with a look of support and resignation to the circumstances.

“It is only a formality. Your friend is waiting. I will see you again, Dieredon of Woodbridge.”

Day 5, North of Woodbridge, the Hill of the Cairns

Poseus, though he feels week, his injury is tender and he is light headed at times, is moved by his friend’s confidence and faith in him. He moves with trepidation, and thinks back on the lessons Dieredon has taught him. With care, and time, he is able to strike a large hare with a heavy wooden stick thrown low to the ground, and secures a meal for the three of them tonight.

I am going to let Poseus “Take 20” on this hunting effort. Also, due to the nature of the shelter all three of you wake in the morning refreshed and fully healed. If you have questions, please ask, otherwise feel free to share stories, but when we pick up on these three characters again, it will be Day 6

Cal gives a formal bow, and says "I am Calex of Woodbridge, aspiring mage and my friend is the elf Dieredon D'atarisian, a ranger from the same village. I hope to see you soon and answer any questions you may have. Please take our prayers for the Lady Rebecca's quick and total recovery with you." Cal then moves off with his escort.

Once placed in the cell, Cal does a quick, quiet check to see if the door is truly locked I assume it is and sits at the table to await Dieredon or whoever comes by next. He opens his spell book to do some refresh studying while he waits.
I'll level Cal up at this point- probably get it done tomorrow after work.

That night, after they have settled down, Alomar start his story.
"Back in the old times, when the Elementals had just created the world and the Maetaur had not met Men nor Gymnaga, a Maetaur woman named Tantabell was living in a small settlement, not unlike Mingary Bend. She was expecting her first foal in a few weeks and everyone was eager to welcome the young life.

Just a few days before Tantabell was to give birth the community was visited by strangers. These strangers were of a race that was never seen before, they had dull green skin, red eyes and tusklike teeth. The community welcomed them in their midsts and bid them welcome. The strangers did not want for the vegetables that where presented and asked for meat.

As you might know Maetaur eat little meat, and the community had none in stock. The strangers growled that they would take meat if that was not offered. They then went about murdering the Elders that were welcoming them."

Alomar stops, takes a swill from a waterskin and continues

"Off course Tantabell was scared and very concerned for her foal when she saw this, so she ran as quick as she could. The worries must have given her great speed, for when she relented she was in an area she did not recognise. Fortunately, non of the assailants could be seen or heard, however she was also without any other Maetaur company.

She knew she had to give birth in a few days and that she could not go back to where these awful creatures where. She was, understandingly, afraid these creatures, which later turned out to be Tafganor, would pursue her. Therefore she decided to press on and find a place where she could give birth. The next day she had not found anything yet and time was pressing. When she rested at a stream she saw some pebbles that were laid out in the same way as a dolmen and she knew that she needed to give birth in such a place.

That night she came up on a valley where gigantic stones where laying about. With great strength and perseverance she was able to build a dolmen. Just after she finished her work and went inside a great thunderstorm started, in which she gave birth to her son. She named him Letophoro.

Luckily Maetaur foals are very quick to stand, so they where able to continue their journey the next day. When they got out of the valley they found the bodies of several Tafnagor that had been struck by lightning. It was clear that the Elementals had watched over them.

After a few days they reached the Maetaur settlement at Tirnanog. She warned the Maetaur there of the treat of the Tafnagor, raised her son and was appointed Elder later in her life. Her son went on to become a great Hero in the skirmishes with the Tafnagor, but that is an entirely different story."

Alomar is silent for a while after finishing the story.

Dieredon is told of his incarceration with Calex, and he looks askance at Georgiana.

I will certainly follow whatever course you think is best under the circumstances, Georgiana. However, I must admit that I am a bit perplexed at being placed into custody after Celex and I did everything within our power to capture and kill the murderers as well as save the life of Rebecca. I hope to see you again in the very near future when our actions have been made known.

He bows formally, turns on his heel, and is allowed to be escorted away. Upon being led to the cell, if it could even be called that, with Calex waiting, Dieredon steps inside.

Hello, my friend. I commend you on a job well-done in getting Rebecca to safety. Georgiana and I have brought in the body of Anticus and the captured murderer. However, it seems that our success has not yet reached the minds of those in power that are blinded by their recent loss. I fear that we will just have to wait for the shock and grieving to wear off before we receive any recognition, if at all.

Phineas sits back and half-listens to the tale of Tantabell from the young Metaur. The sensations of the magical aura of this place still burn his eyes and ring in his mind. He had heard of magic, true magic, but thought it something of legend or story, but now here he could see that real magic, not just a small healing spell or a blessing, but real magic, was at work in the world. The implications amazed him, and the fact that they were amidst and among such power. It was all too much!

After the story of Tantabell, Phineas excuses himself to go and study and has he does, the words that he struggles so mightily to attain most nights, just seem to naturally come together. The essence and shape of the magiks themselves are revealed to him for the first time, and he helps draw them into himself in a way that has never happened before. He feels the power of this place coursing through him, as he drifts off to sleep, knowing he must be awakened for last watch sooner than he'd like.

Preparing the hare made Poseus's mouth water, it's been a while since he had hunted and prepared his own meal, though he wasn't a good cook, he got by with roasting.
After dinner Poseus listened eagerly and leaned in closely to listen to Alomar's stroy about Tantabell.

"That's a pretty good story there Alomar, a bit sad of course, but still it's nice to see such stories are being told among your people. That said I believe I owe you two a story as well."

Poseus looks into the fire, thinking about how to choose his words.
"This story is about Larialleena Tholissaphane, a queen or goddess of the Gymnaga people. I know not much about her, but it's what I think has happened to her."

He takes a deep breath and begins to speak in a lower voice.
"Larialleena Tholissaphana, at the time of her birth a name that didn't stand out too much. Her people, the Gymnaga, were slaves under the hated and feared Sashi-Anhain and life was terrible.

Throughout her young life Larialleena witnessed, like many of her people, the cruelties of the Sashi-Anhain, the lashes the beatings, the poor living conditions, but she also witnessed the apathy of some of the few elder Gymnaga. Most of the fight had left them already.

In her mid-twenties Larialleena just as many of her friends about the same age, had a fiery temper and a vision of freedom, though she was the only one with a clear head to think of plans to fight. She had made plans to take out the Sashi-Anhain guards and fight with simple weapons. Much like we did today. But also she had drawn up plans on what they need in terms of supplies.

On a stormy night, she and a few friends took the guards by surprise and freed many of the Gymnaga in that place. Shortly after they were in control they took to the wilds and looked to ambush and raid the other encampments. It is said in these times the Gymnaga gods themselves walked among them and helped the initial group survive, especially Talagos, God of the Hunt and Tracking.
Her efforts eventually caused a widespread revolution of the Gymnaga people. Larialleena was our first and greatest hero, without her the Gymnaga would have never been free from their slaver's grip."

Poseus looks onto the fire, a gleam of hope in his eyes.
"She was of simple birth and she saved our whole race from slavery, there were no rules or castes yet, though she was later raised to a queen. It is some of my inspiration to be able to fight for the freedom and welfare of my people as well."

Alomar lays his hand on the Gymnaga's shoulder "you are doing just that Poseus, you are doing fine"

The next morning Alomar prays for spells and is amazed how easily that goes. Before the depart he makes sure that they leave no litter and that everything is in order. He even leaves a small stack of firewood just inside the opening before casting a bless spell on the area while saying

"I know it ain't much at this time, but I will be back"

Phineas sleeps well, much better than he anticipated on his first night in the wild and wakes refreshed and recharged. The magical auras of the place still dwarf his understanding, but he feels like a bit rubbed off on him as well.

"Just say the word, Alomar, and I will help you honor this place. It has a strange, wonderful power about it, and I can't help but feel closer to the divine. I guess today we head into the Green Wood and perhaps see the Lyph?"

He hoists his pack, and makes ready to depart. He thinks about it, and walks to the hilltop one more time, scouting all directions for anything noteworthy coming (like more Sashi-Anhain).

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Alomar smiles at Phineas kind words

"Thank you for your promise, let's see if we can find the Lyphs."

"Now we all have a bond to keep this place safe from harm." Poseus grins as he rubs his sleepy eyes out, his pack is gathered however.

He yawns once more as he looks at the Green Wood before them.
"Seems like today is a good day, we're meeting the Lyphs."

Marcus will sleep, something his body is quite pleased to have. He hasn't put a toll on his body like that in a long time. Even running from the giant swamp creature was nothing like the worn-out feeling his body had felt. Marcus slept hard, tossing a few times. He had a bad dream, but couldn't recall it, which was fine.

Upon waking, Marcus had a bite to eat to give him some energy, and gave a thought as what to do for the day. He knew that he had to work on the armies for Dieredon and Poseus, but the young Maetaur man and his injury nagged at him. Why a good hearted person would get attacked, worried Marcus. Heaven forbid if he or his father or any other villager get attacked while outside their supposedly safe home.

Marcus decides to put off the armor for a day, and check on the boy. He heads over to the stage, the last place he knew the young Maetaur bit was at. If not still there, he will ask around, and head over.

After checking on the boys condition, he quietly searches out the man who wished to 'speak in private' about a matter, curious as to what it may be

Calex looks up from his studies as Dieredon enters. After exchanging greeings, Calex asks "Have you heard anthing then about Rebecca's condition? I was told she was taken for healing but have no word on her prognosis, good, bad or...otherwise. As for the authorities locking us up- if they truly meant us malice, wouldn't they have demanded our weapons be surrendered?" Calex's eyes harden at the thought, and he adds "and if they truly are to attempt some betrayal, they might find leaving us armed was a very poor choice of strategy." Cal waves the thought away with his hands, holds up his book."But all this exciement has had one side effect- all this rapid spellcraft has expanded my ability to hold more arcane power in reserve for my spells- I guess practice really does make perfect!" He glances wryly at the cell around them, then corrects himself: "Or more like travel broadening one's outlook."
Updated Cal to 2nd level.

Once the camp is packed, Phineas and the others grudingly leave the shelter of the rocks, and descend down the far side of the Hill of Cairns, putting any hope of familiar surroundings out of view behind them. Ahead lies the Green Wood, where, according to Patricia, they will find a Lyph who may know enough healing lore to save poor Roan.

Phineas begins whistling an old church hymn about walking the right path, and they move on, eyes open and alert, looking for any sign of the Good Folk.

Well, we may need that additional arcane power that you now hold, if anything, for the trip back. I have to believe that Rebecca will be just fine, but I cannot confirm the prognosis. In the mean time, I guess we just wait it out until they are able to see us.

Poseus moves along at the head of the group, just a few paces before Phineas and Alomar. The denser forest of the Green Wood looks so foreign to him, still the drive to explore the unknown takes the lead in his mind.

At the edge of the forest he holds still for a moment and looks back to his friends.
"Do you two think the Lyphs will approach us as we get further into the forest or do we have to search for them ourselves?"

Phineas considers Poseus' question, scratching the red beard beginning to form on his chin.

"Patricia said if we don't see them in two days' time to come home. I figure we walk into the woods for a day (today) and then walk back out. If we see or are met by any Lyph we'll be lucky or blessed. If not, we should return to the village. Since i'm not sure where to look, we'll just have to stumble on something that looks promising."

"I think that the Lyph probably know that we are here, as they have not approached us so far I think we should follow Phineas suggestion and look for any signs in the forest."

"If they know we are here, they must know why we are here and that we mean no harm. Why else would a Maetaur, a Gymnaga and a human walk into a Lyph Forest?"

Poseus looks on back, but then shoots into a laugh and snickers as he thinks on the situation.

Haha, that sounds almost like the start of a bad joke. Perhaps I can work this out.

"Any idea what signs we are looking for Phineas, Alomar? Small huts perhaps or a magical clearing?"

"It might be that they want to test us in one way or another, I wish we had asked Patricia for more details. I also have no idea what we are looking for, I just do not have a better idea"

Day 6, Woodbridge
Marcus finds the stage deserted, naturally, and heads toward the Bread and Board. There are a few gathered this morning at the little tavern, and Marcus soon hears that the young Maetaur boy recovered well, and that the talents of Cicily, Rosilindeae and Auria the one hand, were all necessary for his recovery. The boy had two small pieces of flint removed from his body, and was sewn up without incident.

As he recounts his own journey, to those willing to listen, he is thanked for his efforts and called, once again, a hero. It becomes clear to Marcus that several Maetaur remained in the village over night. Wondering just what the stranger wanted to talk to him about, Marcus walks back toward his parent’s home and the workshop. As he passes the stage again, a male Maetaur approaches him. He is middle aged, probably older than Cicily, and Marcus only recognizes him as the one who spoke to him the night before. He is strong, fit, with dark hair turning grey at his temples, and a slight grey beard. He wears a dark blue woolen shirt, and a simple green and yellow, plaid Rafgham.

“Hello Marcus, good morning. My name is Cantor McKecknee, you might have met my daughter, Fiona a few nights ago. I wanted to speak to you about a matter of particular interest to us in the Maetaur settlement, before you are approached by the others. You see, my oldest daughter has fallen in with a group of young people of our kind who have become concerned with the safety of all of us and, well, these young people have taken to calling themselves the Children of Tambree Moawan, or the Children of the Crescent Moon, something like that. Marcus, you seem like a level headed young man, a solid man of good judgment. You and your father have worked harder, for our people, than just about anyone in the village, It’s too our disservice that we haven’t chosen one among our own to learn the trade of metal work, but with your skill, and your father and his father before him, we haven’t had the need. So now it comes to this. You see, these young Maetaur want to arm themselves, and we, we do not have many arms, a few spears, some bows and arrows, but not much more. I think Cicily has an ancient two-handed sword that once belonged to her grandfather, but you know what I’m saying. They are going to ask you and your father to make them swords. They are going to pay for the work, but they will give you tools from our village that they think we no longer need, old tools. I don’t know how to say this, young Marcus, but I can only beg you to think hard and long about the work they ask. We don’t wan’t to send a message to the Aladoans that we are hostile to them, and I know that that isn’t the reason these young people want to take up arms. They are young, and they only want to find roles for themselves in a changing. Marcus, most of us do not want this, but Cicily has said that they can follow their hearts. I hope you will do the right thing, Marcus.”

Day 6, late afternoon, Castletown, the Castle

A few hours pass and Dieredon and Calex manage to rest comfortably.
Quietly, the door to the cell is opened and Captain William Haselton enters the room. The door is shut behind him.

“Leave us,” Haselton says through the window of the door, and then turns to the two of you as you are rising. ”Dieredon, isn’t it?” he addresses the elf of the two of you, “I took the liberty of going through Mister Amsolet’s records and found several entries under this name, and the description matches you, and I believe you are who you say you are. Forgive me, sir,” he addresses Calex, “I know you told me your name but the day has been, eventful beyond imagination."

He bows slightly to the both of you before going on, "I had you both confined here for two reasons. The first, it must seem understandable to the two of you that I would be suspicious that you arrived here today on the very day this plot was carried out, and the second, well, because I thought you might need protection. And I was right. First let me update you as best as I can. Rebecca is well, and conscious. She woke just a short time after our doctors treated her. She told us about the ambush, and it turns out there were two other attackers who left before you and Georgiana arrived. We are searching for information about these two now. The man you captured has been forced to talk and he is telling us everything we need to know, but we are sending for Sabrinelle D’Amertine who might be able to provide us with a way to verify the man’s claims. I cannot tell you, at this time, all of the man’s accusations, but he did suggest that agents of the Keeper of the Grounds in other communities have been targets of these men and their associates, and that brings us to the skull you brought us. We would not normally expend such a valuable resource, but one of our priests has a scroll with several unique and powerful spells. We were able to use one these spells to identify the poor man. His name was Jarid Halmauer and he was a scout in the service of the Keeper of the Grounds travelling between two towns, North Rockland and Innish Roan, both lie to the north west of here somewhat between us and Woodbridge. He was ambushed while travelling and murdered. He was on the trail of a woman known as Irillian the Green, an outlaw wanted for numerous crimes. I will add this, this man, this one you captured has claimed that Irillian the Green is in league with a wealthy elven noble here in Castletown and if this is true, well, if this is true, we might be seeing the begininnigs of a all out war for control of this land. But no more about this until the man’s claims can be verified. But it is clear that you might have been a target as I do not know what more you had intended to report to Mister Amsolet.”

He has been standing this whole time, and finally gestures in a way that suggest he would like to sit down, because he has more to say.
Once he is seated he continues.

”We are in a crisis mode right now, and there is much that must be done in the next few days to ensure the castle is adequately defensible and that we know who is in charge. For the time being, Lady Danielle Anticus is acting as lord of the town and county. She has expressed a strong desire to step down and be replaced, and there are several nobles in Castletown who might be right for the position, but for an official word from the King of Aladoa, it could take weeks. I have recommended Georgiana to take Amsolet’s position as Keeper of the Grounds, and I believe Lady Anticus will approve. I will have sufficient paper and pens and ink brought to you and I will ask that for the rest of the night you both document as much as you can about your experiences both in Woodbridge and today. Tomorrow, lady Anticus has requested that you be brought before her to receive a reward for your efforts. Dieredon, I understand you will be offered a commission in the Aladoan Woodland Guard, I recommend you do not decline even though it carries sufficient duties and responsibilities, things will be changing quickly and there will be other task for you should you be willing. Mister Calex, Lady Anticus is allowed to bestow certain titles and privileges, and at this time I do not know her intentions, but you should prepare yourself. If you have any formal training in the trappings of nobility, I suggest you go over them tonight.”

He stands and walks to the door.

“Tonight you will stay here, and I guarantee your safety, tomorrow there will be a brief presentation in the morning, and then we will talk again. It is my intention to send you back to Woodbridge immediately and once there I need you to be silent eyes and ears. We need to know where this village stands. Are the hostile toward Aladoa, are they in league with this movement we know is called The New Pardorians? If so, how many soldiers can they muster, and who is in command of their resources. I’ll have the details prepared tonight. Gentlemen you have my sincerest gratitude for everything you’ve done, but make no mistake, we all failed today, and it cannot happen again.”