You awaken to a sharp tapping at the door of your chambers. Dusty sunlight filters between the cracks in the drawn shutters and illuminates the small, crescent shaped room. A single desk lies against the window, looking out onto Nisroch bay. Scrolls and open books are scattered across the desk, a large wardrobe and chest also occupy the room. A second set of raps at the door followed by a muffled voice, ”Sister Anya? Brother Andrell wishes to speak with you.”
Brushing sleep from her eyes Anya slowly moves the woolen blanket to the side and sits on the edge of the bed. Ngngh, what is so imperative that I am awoken at such an ungodly hour. She wraps her robe tightly around her before sauntering towards the door. "I will be right there." She grips the cold handle of the door, with a twist she pulls it towards her.
She opens the door to reveal a young looking acolyte, you recognise him as one of the newest recruits of the church. Bobbed ginger hair outlines a pale freckle covered face. His grey robe hangs from his skinny frame, sleeves hanging down and covering his hands from sight. He stares up into your face and he makes a quiet squeak, "Sister Anya." He visibly gulps "Brother Andrell sent me to get you...he...he said there was a matter concerning the church that you may help with." His eyes widen, "Sorry for waking you..."
Too tired to do anything other Anya slowly nods. Recognition slowly seeping in she visibly shakes herself awake. "One moment...uhm...Sorry what is your name? She quickly closes all the scattered books on her desk before returning to the door. I should really be nice to this one... She smiles softly, "Where is Brother Andrell waiting? Would you be so kind to lead the way."
His eyes widen further, "My n-name, it's Coll, Sister. I'm not to keen on it but that's what they gave to me at the orphanage. They was always mean so I..." Suddenly he slaps his hand over his mouth and you can hear muffled mutterings "Remember Brother Andrell said not to talk about that." Slowly he drags his hands from his lips and smiles nervously, "Course I'll lead the way...he's just in his study...has a guest in there with him...a lady." He turns and begins walking along the corridor and beckons you to follow.
I do love an interesting story. Disregarding everything else Anya matches her pace with Coll, looking down on him with curious eyes she speaks in a hushed voice, "What did you do to those who were mean to you Coll? If you tell me your story I will tell you mine. Nobody will have to know."
Together you walk along the stone carved corridor, floating globes of light stand above the numerous doorways standing on either side. Shelves line the spaces between doors, filled with tomes, scrolls, strange ingredients and alchemical instruments. You continue along the corridor for a short distance before Coll turns to you and lowers his voice, "Well I guess if you keep it a secret then I can tell you. No telling Brother Andrell." He stares down at his feet, his voice taking on a higher note in excitement, the words coming in quick short gasps. "...they were singing their stupid song. Then they started beating on me and...well I got angry...usually I got scared but this time I got angry...and I shut my eyes and screamed and then suddenly everyone was screaming...I opened them up again and the biggest boy...well his face was all. Well it was melted off." You glimpse a quickly hidden smile "That's when I got in big trouble. Guards came and said I was going away...but then Brother Andrell turned up and said what I did was magic and the church of Nethys has claimed me...and well here I am." The corridor begins to gently climb upwards and Coll turns back up to you, his wide eyes staring and a smile plastered on his face, "Your turn."
"A very interesting story indeed. It sounds like you had quite the fun. I suspect your power will grow rapidly."Anya puts a hand on the boys shoulder, looking directly into his eyes "Do not let anybody try to control you, remember it is your power and yours alone. Unleash the destruction that you see just." With a slight smile she removes her hand. "My story is in fact very long, I believe another time would suit best or brother Andrell will not be pleased with our tardiness." She continues with excitement in her tone,"Come and find me on the morrow and maybe I will be able to show you." Am I to trust a boy who cannot resist telling his own story so eagerly.
Coll stares at Anya in wonder, "Th-Thank you, I will remember." Suddenly he stops and looks around the corridor as if he was lost and then smiles pointing at the door to your left, a single silver tree is carved into the door. No leaves grow and the tree is as bare as winter, yet as you watch the tree begins to blossom, pink petals drop to the floor to make way for long golden leaves. Coll walks up, knocks and gently opens it. He turns back to you and smiles, "This is the place...Brother Andrell is waiting for you. I have to head to class but please don't forget about me and your story."
Anya looks to the door, her gaze momentarily fixated on the silver tree until the door is pushed open. She looks to Coll, "I shall not forget...enjoy the rest of your day." Taking a deep breath Anya enters, she glances once more to the silver tree as she passes it. This is most curious, I am quite certain I have not done anything wrong.
You walk into a large crescent shaped room, several doors are embedded in the wall. Each with the silver tree emblazoned upon them. The remaining wall is buried in shelves and bookcases. All manner of oddities resting on them. A large circular table stands in the centre of the room, at which three people are sat. You recognise Brother Andrell instantly, his long blue robe shimmers in the candlelight. An air of confidence surrounds him. At his left hand side sits a middle aged women, her back is achingly straight and she stares at you icily as you enter. Several strands of grey stand out in her dark hair, a vain attempt at hiding them having failed. Her prominent dark green dress and sharp features mark her as a noble of Nisroch. At his right sits a brute of a man, his armour is polished to a fine sheen but it does nothing to hide his scarred face and neck.
Brother Andrell smiles warmly as he sees you enter, he brushes his hand through his long silver beard and stands. "Please Sister Anya come in and take a seat." He motions to the only vacant chair opposite him. "Please accept my apologies for waking you so early...May I offer you some drink or food perhaps."
Anya looks around the room wide eyed at each individual. Unexpected...So very unexpected. As her eyes rest on Brother Andrell her unease seems to dissipate slightly. Whilst surveying her surroundings she slowly begins walking towards the indicated seat, "No apologies are necessary... Thank You for your consideration Brother but I do not require anything.” Anya takes her seat gracefully.
Brother Andrell leans back in his chair, his grin remaining on his face. "Good...well I suppose I best make introductions..." He motions to the stern woman sat beside him, Lady Tiboros, Sister Anya Loweharz. Lady Tiboros is a very generous patron of our church and her family has funded our studies for generations." She acknowledges you with a tight lipped smile and a curt nod. Brother Andrell motions to the giant at his right, "Ser Harod, personal guard of the Tiboros family...along with those duties he deals with tasks that the guards are...not able to."
He claps his hands together, "Introductions out of the way. Lady Tiboros has come to us today to request our assistance in a matter of most importance..." Lady Tiboros leans forward cutting Brother Andrell off, "Andrell has assured me you are competent...I have no choice but to trust his word, so far I am not impressed." She smirks and leans back in her chair, "I have not heard from my niece in over a month. I would like you, accompanied by Ser Harod, to travel to the town she rules over and ensure her continued safety and to return her to Nisroch...the church will of course be rewarded for their assistance." She smirks again, "I presume you accept...but I require a signature to seal the deal...any questions you have will be answered once quill touches paper." Ser Harod flicks a document across the table, a quill and ink pot follow after.
You see the paper is a contract stating, among other things, to not abuse the 1000gp expenses and to not discuss the findings of the task with anyone other than the Tiboros family and those few individuals delegated trustworthy such as Brother Andrell and Ser Harod.
Anya looks around as each individual is introduced, her gaze lingering slightly on each. She listens intentively before defensively replying, "And what is it that you are not impressed with Lady Tiboros? I imagine being so quick to judge has not worked to your advantage in the past. But what do I know." Anya's eyes widen as she sunddenly realises who she has addressed so rashly, her throat beginning to feel dry. Hoping to ease the situation she looks down to the contract, barely reading it before signing it. She slides the document back across the table to Ser Harod.
Lady Tiboros' smirk widens and she leans forward, "I appreciate defiance once...do not do it again." She leans back, Brother Andrell smiling beside her, his grin stretched to the corners of his eyes.
Lady Tiboros continues, "The town is small and well away from civilisation. Apparently it goes by the name of Karpad. It may well take you some weeks to travel by foot." She grimaces, "My niece...ill advisedly married the mayor of the town...I warned her that marrying common would only bring trouble." She sighs, "As I said previously, travel to Karpad, Assess the situation and return my niece, Arnette, to Nisroch. It is a simple task and I am sure well within your capabilities."
Anya nods slowly in response, her mind deep in thought. Defiance is a beautiful thing...This sounds like a task with plentiful opportunities to express such a thing. Anya Clears her throat and leans forward, "What if she does not wish to return? Am I to force her?" Anya looks towards Ser Harod coldly, "And who is to take lead on this trip of ours?"
Lady Tiboros crosses one leg across the other, "You are to do your upmost to persuade her to return to Nisroch...but yes if she refuses you are to force her." Her lips curl into a snarl, "If you do not have the stomach...then leave it to Ser Harod." Her lips fall back into their usual condescending smirk, "You will be leading. I presume you are capable?" She brushes down her silken dress "Ser Harod will await you outside the church tomorrow morning, he will bring a horse." She moves to stand "And if there are no other questions I would wish to leave...if I stay any longer I might as well do the job myself."
She replies in an icy voice, “Forcing her is well within my abilities.” Anya smiles cruelly her gaze distant. Unleashing the wrath of fire once again would be my pleasure. But she said force…not kill…Although she did not say I could not harm…Ahhh the anticipation. I do hope she refuses. This is going to be very exciting. Anya’s smile becomes warm and gentle once again, her gaze fixating once more onto Lady Tiboros, “I understand, it was lovely meeting you. Do have a great day.” As Lady Tiboros leaves the room Anya turns her gaze to Brother Andrell.
Ser Harod follows closely behind Lady Tiboros to leave Brother Andrell and Anya alone.
Brother Andrell smiles warmly at Anya, "Well that was an interesting meeting...Lady Tiboros is a ruthless...but admirable woman." He leans back in his chair, "I hope you don't mind me putting your name forward Sister...this matter is delicate and of great interest to the Church. Of course Lady Tiboros' donation will be useful...but we have another agenda." He plucks and apple from the basket and takes a crunching bite, "A great force is at work in Karpad...we are unsure what or who is causing it...we need you to capture or destroy whatever is at work." He takes another chunk of the apple, "You have come far since your parents first brought you here. I believe you can climb further still if you wish to." He smiles once more and finishes the apple.
Anya listens inventively as Brother Andrell speaks, as he finishes she leans forward. “I do not care much for her as of yet but I will do as she wishes for the church. I appreciate you putting my name down and I will not fail you. I will discover the force and eliminate it swiftly. Thank You for your kind words." She Hesitates slightly before continuing, “What do we know of this force? And…What shall I do with Ser Harod? Am I to prevent his downfall or assist in its happening…”
He coughs and his smile drops from his face, "Ser Harod? He is a dangerous man...if he were to meet some kind of accident then I must admit the world would be a better place...I believe he serves Lady Tiboros out of mutual benefit, he does not seem a man swayed by gold but I could not guess what his agenda could be. He gently runs a hand through his beard, "But I would not ask you to do this, so far he has not harmed any member of the church...therefore we should remain a neutral party."
He sits quietly for a moment, "I am afraid I cannot reveal much of the presence in Karpad...all we know for certain is that we are unable to scry the location...it seems keen to keep the presence of itself hidden in the shadows."
You would not ask but you are not forbidding me from doing so…Ahhh how I love this place. Anya gives a single nod in response. "Lack of information only intrigues me more. I thoroughly look forward to the task at hand." She pauses momentarily, “There is one thing I wish to ask before I leave…Is it possible to show another our memories?.”
Borther Andrell smiles broadly, "I am glad... Hmmm to share with another your memory...I have heard of a spell that allows the sharing of a short memory...however I have mainly heard this from wizards and witches...I cannot recall of a spell for one with your divine abilities. If not you can always pray for the gift!" He stands "Is there anything else you feel you should ask?"
Hmmmm Witches and Wizards I may have to make acquaintances. But is it really worth the effort? Most likely not…I guess I shall settle for the less dramatic approach. I shall be expending my prayers onto other things…More important things…Like how to vanquish Ser Harod. Tightening her robe around her Anya stands brushing her hair from her eyes, “No there is nothing else. Thank You for your time and your insightful answers.” She curtseys briefly before taking her leave. She walks down the hall in the direction of her room.
She walks down the same winding corridor leading back to her room, passing several Brothers and Sisters on her way, each nodding as she moves past. Anya arrives at her room and steps inside to find a crumpled note by her feet.
Anya reluctantly returns each nod, her mind occupied elsewhere. She curiously looks down at the note before turning to check nobody is watching her. She shuts the door, turns the lock and walks over to the window to close the curtains slightly. Returning to the note Anya picks it up ensuring she opens it with care.
The note reads On the morrow you will go, a journey of which I should not know. A bumpy road ahead does lie, don't let this guide pass you by. At the gate your true foe stands, come to the gardens and I will lend my hands. If aid is what you truly seek, at midnight I will await to speak.
As you finish reading the note the letters on the page flash brightly, blinding you for an instant...once your vision returns you see the words have disappeared.
Anya sighs as she notices the words have disappeared. Is this a trap? Is there one out there who truly wishes to help me… or are they reaching for my demise. Do I put my trust in one who leaves a crumpled note? No I would be foolish to do such a thing but I will go to the garden to meet this mysterious sender, for maybe I can use them to my advantage. She tears the note into eight pieces before placing the remnants onto the desk. She takes a seat and starts to wade through the leather bound book closest to her, “mmmhm fire.”
The day passes quickly as you study and prepare for your journey. Soon the time of the meeting arises. Your footsteps echo along the now empty halls. Slowly you descend to the grand hall that serves as an entrance to the Church, as well as the council and clergy meeting area. Currently the room is empty apart from the towering statue of Nethys standing in the centre of the room. Depicted as a male elf, half his body emanating a radiant white light, his face serene. The other half emitting a cool red glow, the skin of his face darkened and charred. You pass through the silver gilded doors opposite the statue and enter the gardens. Beautifully maintained by the Druids of the Church the gardens calm and soothe most who enter. In the centre a towering fountain of water shoots into the sky.
Suddenly fou feel hot breath on the nape of your neck and a quick squeaky whisper "Head to the fountain..." followed by a short burst of laughter.
Anya jolts around looking for the source of the mysterious voice. It seems they may have the advantage. Wrapping her cloak tightly around her she walks slowly towards the fountain, preparing her mind, body and soul for the unexpected. “What is it that you want? And more so, what do you find so amusing?”
As you approach the fountain a gentle mist begins to form, accompanied by a sweet sugar like smell. The squeaky voice comes from in front of you now, but you still cannot see anyone, "I want a lot of things...once I wanted a pony but then I saw them..." More tittering laughter, "Everything is funny in the right light...the real questions is. Why so serious." You hear another ripple of laughter followed by a gentle sigh. You hear the quiet flutter of wing beats, the mist parting as something small moves closer to you. It reaches your face and you feel a tiny hand gentle brush your cheek, "Right now I just want to help you...I know of the little journey you're going on...and more importantly who you're going with."
Why do you have to have such a squeaky voice... With an exaggerated sigh, "Have you ever thought that maybe I am so serious because you are not seeing me in the right light?" Anya strains her eyes attempting to catch a glimpse of the creature through the mist. Flinching away from the tiny hand, "Why would one such as you wish to help me? What do you gain from this? Oh and please refrain from touching me again. It is most certainly not appreciated."
Anya attempts to see what creature is in front of her, yet no hint of a figure is visible. "Hmmm...yes interesting." You hear the a flap of wings, coming from the direction of the creatures voice. "We will just have to spend a lot more time together...with no touching I guess." You hear a small sigh, "It is a dark story...and a one I do not feel ready to tell yet...just know that Ser Harod is a threat to you...and the entire church...and that I want him gone."
"Do I have a choice in this matter?" Anya looks over her shoulder ensuring once more that they are alone. "What circumstances must change to allow you to feel ready to tell such a story?" Anya steps forward in the creatures direction her voice becoming cold, "Do not worry little one...Ser Harod is already on my raider. Until you can give me more I feel you are bringing very little to this relationship that we are attempting to develop..."
"Well yes of course you do...the choice of whether we work together or not." Anya looks back and sees no one else through the mist. "I guess once we trust one another I can reveal more of my reasons...but for now I must remain mysterious." You feel the creature moving closer once more. "Well as you can see I am adept at keeping myself hidden...I can act as the knife up your sleeve...the eyes at the back of your head...and a watcher of our mutual friend. "
Trust? You think we will build a trustful relationship? Now that does make me smile. Weakness is what I will look for in you. Weakness that can be exploited at a later date. “Yes, maybe it will be beneficial for us to work together. We do have a common goal after all. I will look forward to earning your trust and learning more of your reasons.” Anya walks to towards a nearby bench and sits down with ease, “Although I do ask one thing of you before we join forces. I must know what and who you are.”
"Good I'm glad, for when one decides to get into trouble...its nice to have a friend that can burst the bubble." A high pitched squeal of laughter follows you to the bench. "As you can tell...poetry is on the list of my many talents." You hear wing beats move closer and something settle on the bench, beside your shoulder. "I guess you're right...you will not know my true might until you see my inner light." The creature suddenly appears beside you. Approximately two feet tall, the tiny creature is balanced on the back of the bench, its gossamer wings are a shimmering purple in the darkness, its skin has a light, golden hue. He is staring at you with wild blue eyes, a grin plastered on his face. One of his arms is shrunken and shrivelled as if it was burned a long time ago. "Im a pixie of course." Tittering laughter escapes from his lips once more.
I wonder if all pixies have your charm… Anya sighs placing her head in her hands. Try and be positive. Anya raises her head slowly turning to the small creature, “I admit my knowledge of your kind is limited. What is it that you can do? Apart from the invisibility ability you seem to rely on. Please forgive me for asking but what happened to your arm?”
The pixie lets out another chuckle before once more becoming invisible, "I have some magical abilities...I particularly enjoy playing with the mind. I guess I can be a bit of a spy if I needed to be." You hear a soft sigh, "It is one of the many reasons I wish to help you deal with Ser Harod..." You hear a flutter of wings as the creature circles you head, "Are you willing to combine our might?"
Anya takes a slow deep breath in before responding, “…What is it that you can do to the mind?" Please stay out of mine…It seems you are looking for revenge… Maybe your presence will be beneficial. If not…I shall look forward to seeing a pixie burn. Anya stands with a slight grin, “Yes, lets combine our might.”
What can't I do hehe. "Well I can read them for a start...don't fear though I will stay out of yours." The pixie reappears for a moment, winks then disappears once more.
You feel the pixies hand on your shoulder, "Good...I guess I will just follow you around till your ready to leave." Another tittering laugh, "You won't even know I'm here."
“Make sure that you do… Or all this trust we are beginning to develop will swiftly be destroyed”. I will never suspect I am alone, especially now I am beginning to understand your capabilities. “Good, keep it that way.” Anya makes her way back into the building, then traverses the halls until she reaches her dorm. She waits until the time is right to make her way to the church to meet with Ser Harod.
You return to your room, sleeping the remainder of the night without any further disturbances. You awake when day breaks, gather your belongings and make your way through the almost silent Church to the front door. Two temple guards stand either side of the great doors and push them open as you approach, bowing as you exit.
At the base of the marble steps leading down from great doors stands the giant of a man Ser Harod. The morning sun peaks through the clouds and glints off his finely polished armour, a sword is sheathed at his side and on his back a crossbow is strapped. In his hands he holds the reigns of two horses, the first a spotted grey mare and the second a large jet black stallion. He stands motionless staring at the Church doorway.
You feel something gently land on your shoulder, tickling your ear with its whispered breath, “And so it begins…hehe.”.
Anya descends the marble steps at an ambling pace. It will be such a delight when I set you both alight. Forcing a smile, 'Good Morning Ser Harod, it is such a pleasure to see you. I am glad to see that you are equipped for the journey ahead and have brought for me a wonderful horse. I assume that the grey mare is for me?' Anya briefly brushes her hand across her shoulder aiming to dislodge any creature. Gently stroking the mares mane, 'Is there any further news or should we begin our journey?'
Ser Harod stares, his black gloved hand finding the pommel of his sword while you descend. As you approach you see the mass of scars, swarming from his neck to cover every inch of his face. He continues to stare as you speak, his grey eyes seeming to pierce into your soul, leaving the silence to stretch out. After a moment he nods to himself and looks away She is clean. ”The grey is yours, I have packed your bags with ample supplies for the journey.” His speaks softly, his voice almost a whisper and you have to strain to hear his words. ”We travel to the dock on the far side of the bay, we will board with the horses and travel upstream. We will disembark where the Menador and Pangolais rivers meet. Your faith is not welcome outside of these walls. I suggest you take appropriate precautions. It is a short walk to the boat. We will leave now.” He strokes the stallion gently on the neck, takes the reigns and starts down the winding road. As you brush your shoulder you hear a flap of wings.
Anya listens intently to Ser Harod slowly nodding in acknowledgement as he speaks. 'Thank You for your advice and for your preparations.' His distaste for me is evident. The sooner I can dispose of him the safer I will be. Anya looks over her chosen clothing ensuring that none of them show the emblem of the church. Satisfied she takes hold of the grey mares reins and follows a safe distance behind Ser Harod.
You follow Ser Harod along a winding path descending to the small dock that serves the church. As you approach you see that only a single ship is harboured at the dock. The ship is relatively small able to hold a crew of 10-20. However, you see no-one on board and, apart from the sound of your footsteps, the dock itself is silent.
A gentle breeze rustles through your hair as Ser Harod leads you towards the gangplank. He stops his horse and turn back towards you, staring directly into your eyes once more, “This is your final opportunity to turn back. I would not judge you for wanting to do so…but once you are on this vessel I will not be able to let you leave. What would you prefer?”
Anya subtly studies her surroundings looking for anything suspicious or untoward. .
'Sir Harod... where is everybody?' Anya slowly raises her hand and brushes a few loose strands of hair from her eyes. 'Thank You, but I am afraid that you will not have the pleasure of attempting this journey alone. There is a reason you were not trusted to lead.' Anya casually smiles before disembarking the mount cautiously.
A shamble of small wooden shacks surround the dock, clustered at the waters edge. Every window is boarded shut, doors hang from their hinges and creak in the sea breeze. The wood is rotted and some shacks appear on the verge of collapse. It seems as if no-one has lived here in at least several years.
The boat is long with clusters of oars along each side, it appears to have no-one on board, however, you're almost certain that you can see the oars moving and steadying the ship of their own accord.
Ser Harod shrugs at the question "You would be better off asking Brother Andrell." A flash anger brightens his eyes for a moment before he steps aside and motions towards the boat, "Lead the way then." His voice is almost a whisper.
An environment unsuitable for the living, abandoned and left to rot. But why? What happened here and why did nobody return...? Anya crosses her arms and shifts her gaze thoughtfully towards the boat. Haunted or controlled by magic. Maybe both. Time to find out. Looking once more at Ser Harod, 'Yes, I will ask Brother Andrell when the time is right.' Anya confidently walks over to the boat and climbs aboard muttering 'I wonder if it will burn'.