Grumble didn't spare the Cardinal's pet another glance. He walked into the cabin, ready for the next mission.
Havelyn assisted as best as possible during the trip, filling in where he could and sharing his knowledge of knightly matters with Grumble. The man has spent most of his life in service to Mitra, to Talingarde, and to the Knights of Alerion, and those decades of experience come through in his instruction. From hierarchy to horsemanship, courtly intrigue to courtly love, Havelyn is able to offer anecdotes and advice if not formal education.
When the summons comes, the lord stands and looks to the others, hesitating. He bristles once more as Tiadora issues another threat, this time to the dragon which has allied itself with the humanoid members of the Knot--but Grumble steps in, and Havelyn watches as the growing tension is dissipated, at least for now, by the voice of the Cardinal. What respect, what fear, a man commands. Havelyn's hand strays idly to the pommel of his dagger, and he grimaces.
"Am I also to enter before the Cardinal?" he asks. The question isn't directed at anyone in particular, although his gaze passes over each of his new companions in turn. "I am no member of your Knot, at least at present, though I would swear my fealty and make my case."
"Uh..."
Alice shrugs. "I suppose since you're here, it would be ok?"
"We got an ally who wants to join the Knot." Grumble said to the Cardinal as he entered the cabin. "You wanna talk to him?"
Normally Aurex would be amused by Tiadora's jabs, but he simply grunts his response and waits for the others to enter before sticking his head in behind them. Nate follows dumbly.
Aboard Halstyn’s Folly
"A new ally eh? By all means, let us see who you have brought with you..."
Grumble gave Havelyn a gesture to come in, then moved tot he back of the cabin to make room for everyone.
Squeezing into the room and happily almost hiding behind Grumble.
Havelyn nods gratefully to Grumble Jack, and with a quick pat of his clothing--and an absent wish for cleaner, more formal attire, or time to don his armor--he enters the cabin, unsure of what to expect.
Aboard Halstyn’s Folly
As Havelyn enters the Cardinal's face screws up with rage, the first emotion you've seen from him in any meetings, "Why is this Knight of the Realm not dead in the Burning Tower of Balentyne!"
Alice holds her breath, giving Havelyn a chance to speak for himself.
"'Cause he helped us start the fire," Grumble shrugged.
Havelyn stands fast and silent for a moment, regarding the Cardinal. When Grumble speaks, he nods and takes a short step forward. "I served as protector of Balentyne for many years, Cardinal, but no longer. I've long harbored my own... misgivings for Talingarde, for Mitra, for those who claim to serve justice and righteousness. When these companions came to me, and their deeds and purpose unfolded, it was as a light shone that a blind man might finally see. Succor offered to the starving beggar."
The knight quickly bends to one knee and lowers his head in a gesture of fealty. "Lady Marsailles has informed that you are a powerful man, divinely blessed by your Lord. I would gladly serve you in hopes of earning favor, that a service might be offered in return. My loyalty would yield to none, my shield the same. I have cast aside my old faith already. I've naught in this world now but hope you would take me."
When Havelyn raises his head to look the Cardinal in the eyes, his own are hard, piercing, wet with tears that will not fall. His voice is hoarse as he chokes out his plea. "They killed my wife. The Mitrans killed her in their blind crusade. I would do anything to have her again."
"He aided us in taking the Tower." Soren voice comes through the door as she slides in to the back of the room. "There are things I might ask of you regarding Lord Havelyn, Cardinal, but I can easily vouch for his loyalty. I watched him slay a man before my eyes when he revealed he'd caught us skulking about. Shot him in the chest with a crossbow, then painted him as a cultist. Jack can tell you; he ate the body." She moves forward, nudging her way toward the Cardinal and standing next to Havelyn. "I have no authority to remand nor request it, but I believe he ought to join the Knot. I am aware the last companion I vouched for has... left us, but as I might explain to you later I have strong reasons to believe this will not be the case again."
Aboard Halstyn’s Folly
"They killed your wife... that is what concerns you eh?". He pauses as if still enraged.
Then he takes a deep breath, "So then, you have given yourself to my Lord. If that is so it must be for a reason. Very well. You shall be allowed to accompany my Knot to their next task but I will not make you a member yet.
Prove yourself, then, we shall see".
He pauses once more and scans the faces in the room.
"Despite this potential traitor in your midst, you have served me faithfully, my ninth knot, and I have rewarded you both in treasure and vengeance. Thanks to your efforts, the Fire-Axe has been unleashed. Even now he writes his name in blood across the Borderlands.
Three battles have been fought and three victories won. The villages of Ambryl and Tarrington Fields lie sacked. The fortress of Lorringsgate is in ruins. Each of you did your part in seeing these triumphs come to fruition. Do not think I have forgotten that.
But our work is not yet done. Talingarde has not yet acquiesced to our unholy master nor tasted the full measure of our vengeance. So I have another mission for you. Tomorrow this barge will dock in Farholde, the northernmost town in all the realm. Farholde is a backwater of no real significance. Its lord has already left the place hoping for glory in the war. But it does border the Caer Bryr, the largest unmapped forest on the entire island.
Hidden within the Caer Bryr is the Horn of Abaddon, an ancient temple once occupied by a particularly loathesome death cult called ‘The Sons of the Pale Horseman’. Almost eighty years ago the first Darian king, Markadian I called the Victorious overthrew the Horn and destroyed the Sons. No great loss, honestly.
But what the Victor found within the temple is why we are here. He defeated a daemon prince called Vetra-Kali Eats-the-Eyes. So terrified of this monstrosity was the king, that he had the priests of Mitra craft a great silver seal to forever forbid the daemon from returning to our plane of existence. The seal remains to this day.
I have learned the truth about this daemon prince. I have learned what the Victor feared. Vetra-Kali is an archdeacon in service to the lord of pestilence. This immortal monster could create a plague so virulent that it will bring Talingarde to its knees.
When the Victor attacked, the Daemon Prince was close to unleashing his masterpiece upon the world -- a pestilence known as the Tears of Achlys. I am uncertain of the specifics of this plague but if anything could terror in the heart of the Victor, then I want it. The Tears of Achlys will be our poisoned dagger into the heart of Talingarde.
I already have agents in the great cities of this kingdom. With this pestilence, they could deliver blight and death to the very center of the realm. Caught between the twin storms of the Fire-Axe and Vetra-Kali’s gift, we shall bring ruin to Talingarde. This gift you shall bring to me.
It will not be easy. I have already lost one band of followers on this errand. I sent the fourth knot to find the Horn of Abaddon. They succeeded at that at least – revealing to me that it was concealed within a great spire of stone less than a day’s ride from Farholde.
But then they vanished. I have heard no more from the elven ranger Aiden Kael since. He knew the Caer Bryr well so no normal hazard would defeat him. Perhaps the Horn of Abaddon is guarded. I cannot say. But it matters not! The Tears of Achlys must be mine!
I am undeterred by this setback. Where one knot failed, two will succeed. I will also send my seventh knot – the Knot Hibernal led by Elise Zadaria. I task you with finding the Horn and calling forth Vetra-Kali. Elise and her knot will aid you. Elise proved herself a capable assassin in our last venture. The seventh knot will remain in Farholde and see that anyone who tries to find the Horn and interfere with your work meets an unhappy end. Thus, you will have time to do what must be done.
There is another who may be able to aid you. Once a thriving cult of Asmodeus existed in Farholde. It was led by a half-elvish noble – the Baron Arkov Vandermir. He is treacherous and decadent, but wealthy and well-connected. Tiadora will introduce you before she departs.
I know that your Knot has had a verbal altercation with my servant. Cease such petty bickering, it is such bickering that leads to failure, I shall not have it". He narrows his eyes staring at Havelyn once more. He continues.
"I know not what aid the Baron can provide, but his family is old and long has dwelt in Farholde. Never trust him but know this – he’s afraid of me and with good reason. If he does try anything remind him that you are in Farholde on my behalf. That should keep him in line.
Find the Horn. Find the seal and shatter it. Call Vetra-Kali back to our world. Bind him to your will and force service from the monster. And then bring his gift to me. Can you do this, my knot? Have I found servants with might and will enough to see this task done?”
The Fire-Axe seems like a good creature to keep on one's side...perhaps even above Thorn. Aurex muses, only to himself of course.
A forest! Ah, a place where I can truly make a lair and be myself, free to stretch my wings and burn what I please. But as Thorn goes into the details of their mission, he gets focused very seriously on the matter at hand.
"This sounds...a dangerous task. High risk high reward. Of course, it seems what we signed up for in the first place. Tempting a demon from an old asylum filled with corpses for a supernatural blight...ancient and powerful forces at work." Aurex warns.
Alice reluctantly raises a hand. "Is there more known about the disease? Can we protect ourselves?"
Keeping her place in the back and quietly listening. Luckily Alice asked her first question and she waits for an answer before asking her next one. Do you have any information on the seal? If it has held him this long then breaking it will not be easy."
Havelyn declines his head and listens with grave focus, letting Thorn's occasional jibe or half-threat pass unanswered. As a knight, you learn quickly not to stir wrath from your liege--even when doing so seems justly deserved or desired. Havelyn knows little of this Cardinal Thorn beyond his obvious power, the fear and respect he commands, and the dangerous threat he poses in his mere presence. Between such traits and his being perhaps the only avenue to the return of his wife... Havelyn is well-practiced in holding his tongue when loosing would be unwise.
Still, the comment on 'bickering' goes beyond the lord's limit, and he clears his throat and rises once the others' questions are answered. "Forgive my forwardness, my lord, but I would speak as a faithful hound of many years. It is unwise to hold so tight the chain that you choke your charge, lest they strangle or turn. But a strong grip is required nonetheless. Otherwise, your dog may turn free and wild. It bites at its fellows, as well as the hand that would hold it." He bows and steps back, making to exit the cabin. "Your leave, Cardinal."
"Alright. I figured maybe you'd appreciate her bein' warned, but if that ain't what you want," Grumble shrugged "I got no problem with less talk. Next time she starts making threats I'll jump straight to eating her."
Aurex does his best impression of rolling his eyes; the bickering of the two legs was fruitless. If one threat did not suffice, either shed blood or admit your bluff.
"Errhmm..." Nate grumbles, as if trying to stir himself from a drug-induced haze. "Might and will, might and will, might and will..." He murmurs, as if trying to remember something through sheer force of will.
Aurex snorts, eyes locking onto Nate. The human goes rigid for a moment, then gets into a more relaxed posture. "I think Nate is not travelling well on the water. Perhaps he should fly with me the next few days." Aurex suggests, looking to Thorn for confirmation.
Aboard Halstyn’s Folly
Thorn smiles at Havelyn, "Why thank you for your advice on handling subordinates Lord Havelyn, I shall take it under advisement". He nods as the Knight exits.
At Grumbles statement Thorn sighs, "Well, I suppose that which survives will be stronger thereafter. So long as my plans are not thwarted. If they are, death will not save you from my wrath".
"No Alice, catching the disease would likely be fatal to all but those with the hardiest of constitutions. I find it unlikely that you would encounter it dormant. It is likely only to be unleashed once you find and bind Vetra-Kali and part of that binding should ensure that he spares you from its ill effects".
"The seal is a powerful Mitran artifact. The Victor himself consecrated the blasted thing by praying and fasting for seven days over it, or so the story goes. Whatever the truth, it is certainly a powerful artifact of Asmodeus’ most bitter enemy. Find a way to shatter it! I care not what it involves or how long it takes! Break the seal!"
"This vessel will be in Farholde tomorrow Aurex, your human will make it that far I am sure. Remember to stay out of sight until the Knot is clear of that city.
For that matter, you should all retain the same guises you so cleverly utilized in Aldencross. We are in enemy territory here despite the presence of some allies.
I shall take my leave. Tiadora shall handle introductions for you upon your arrival tomorrow. Then she too shall take her leave, I sense that this tension between you and she will be relieved as your competence grows and so too will grow her respect for your abilities". The Cardinal steps onto the decks with a quiet comment for Tiadora and another sidelong glance a Havelyn. He then walks to the back of the boat with her where two audible pops can be heard.
Tiadora is off of the ship once more and so too is the Cardinal.
Farholde
The night passes by uneventfully and Tiadora is nowhere to be found. By daybreak, Halstyn’s Folly arrives in the port city of Farholde.
Farholde is the northernmost colony of Talingarde. This small city is a backwater, largely isolated from its parent nation by distance and danger.
As your eyes look upon the city with a little imagination, you can see that the delta is actually a great monster closing its jaws upon Farholde. The town seems like little more than a morsel this great beast will soon devour. Though simply a coincidence of geography, this is an apt analogy. It almost every structure in the city of Farholde is built on one of nine hills that the city is comprised of.
As you watch he sound of an audible pop from within he cabin alerts your group to the fact that Tiadora is back. He climbs the stairs, "Good morning heroes. Welcome to Farholde. As promised I have already contacted Baron Vandermir and arranged for your group to have dinner
with him tomorrow night. Best to find something presentable to wear. Do try to stay out of trouble until then. I shall take my leave now but will instruct Halstyn to stay here in case you once more require his services”, she sneers and heads back down below decks where another pop can be heard.
As she does so, the vessel pulls alongside the dock and a dockhand greets you all, "Good morn', welcome to Farholde!"
"This vessel will be in Farholde tomorrow Aurex, your human will make it that far I am sure. Remember to stay out of sight until the Knot is clear of that city."
Aurex looks unhappy at the Cardinal's decision, but grumbles and does not challenge it. Once the meeting is finishes, he flies off into the night, glancing back at Nate before disappearing from view.
Grumble had crammed himself back into the semblance of Sir Jack. A few days around Lord Havelyn had already done wonders for Grumble's guise as a knight. He was still an ogre beneath, but his facade of civilization and respectability was getting very believable.
"Not sure how the hell I'm going to find a tailor. That seems like a good way of getting caught." Jack rumbled.
Havelyn bows graciously to Cardinal Thorn, both after the meeting, and when he looks upon him before taking his leave. As things seem settled for now, he returns to his meager belongings, preparing his equipment and reminding "Sir Jack" how to properly address the peerage.
At Farholde, the lord knight readies himself in his clothing and fine armor, his sword belted at his side, the dagger of his order fastened at his waist, looking for all the world a true Mitran paladin--if somewhat worn by battle and journey. He gives his great shield a final loving polish, sets it aside, and then stands ready to disembark by the time the dockhand greets the group.
"Good mornings and pleasant days to you, goodman," he intones. His voice has a crisp, commanding tone to it that his lessons with Grumble only hinted towards, the timbre of a gentleman-warrior of the nobility. "Your home is a welcome sight indeed. My companions and I have spent many days upon the water, and have some need of refreshment and fresh cloth. Know you the finest bathhouse and clothier Farholde might offer? A goldpiece for your time and guidance."
Casting a sidelong glance at Jack, he frowns slightly and nods. "It might, at that. Although the right words and coin might buy silence for the time we need."
Alice eyes lit up. "A hot bath!"
Nate stumbles closer to the dock, turning green. As he gets close he clutches the rail and hurls over the edge, mostly bile coming up, showing how little he has eaten on the trip. "Urrggghhh..."
Tugging at thin fabric that wraps around her wrists and holding it out to Grumble, "I will want to pick up another one but since you have a more issue than I with wondering though a city like this you can take these."
Shaking her hand at him to get him to take the fabric tubes, "They go on your wrist and you simply will it so that whatever you are wearing will change. It only does the clothing."
Smiling at the dockhand when he speaks up, "Well met and good morning!"
Nodding enthusiastically at the idea of a hot bath. Bubbles dancing though her mind and few other lecherous thought's slink in from the dead man who lives in her mind.
Grumble seemed a little dubious at the silky cuffs, but as Morana showed them how they worked he became much more impressed. With a chuckle he tugged them though a quick array of clothing, settling on something similar to the sturdy finery Lord Havelyn wore, but in grey and red.
"Hey, these are great" he grinned. He didn't say a word of thanks, but it was clear he was thrilled with them.
Crossing her arms and lifting an eyebrow before frowning. "When given something you societal niceties say you are supposed to say thank you." Keeping her arms crossed and trying not to smile.
Sir Jack looked confused for a moment, and then grinned slyly. "Right. Like the play. Gotta really sell it."
He cleared his throat and smiled warmly, looking earnest and thoughtful. "Thank you."
A moment later his smile fell away and he asked "Did I do it right?"
Farholde
The dockhand smiles back, "The Crisp Morning is the best Inn around my Lord. You may wish to visit with Sir Valin Darian before you heard there though as the Garrison may want to put folks like yourselves up. Plus there have been dark tidings from the east...
Well, for a clothier try Tara's Tailor, she's a friend of mine".
Nodding, "Yep. You sounded grateful which is kinda the goal."
Letting her arms fall back to her sides and tucking one into a pouch on her hip, "And when you fail to sound genuine then you are just a jerk and that can work too."
"This social stuff is a lot to remember," Jack rumbled. "How do you keep track of all of it?"
He fell into step behind Morana as they left the docks, a massive chest on his shoulder containing all the stolen loot from Ballentyne and much of the group's equipment.
He scanned the cluster of hills and valleys that made up Farholde. The shanties and slums between the tall hillocks were a stark contrast to the old, sturdy manors at the peaks. The whole town was a clear display between the haves and the have-nots.
"I think I'm gonna like it here."
Shrugging, "It helps if you grow up with it cause it is habit for me. I don't have to remember it cause it is like a muscle memory."
Falling in line with the others. He is kind of like a child that way. In a way that massive demonic beast who eats people is like a child. Say that to his face. So he can turn me into red goo again? Smiling to herself as they move though the town.
Alice eagerly follows the group. "I am so glad to be of the boat. I've totally had it with boats. If I never hate to set foot on one again I'll be happy."
Nate looks uninterested in doing anything except puking over the side of the boat and moaning in discomfort.
"You ok Nate? I didnt know you got sea sick."
"Urrghhh..." Nate shudders and pushes himself up, half-turning towards Alice. "I just...oh gods..." He sees Alice and his eyes go wide, stepping back. Nate stumbles over to Lord Thomas Havelyn, clutching at his chest. "Please, help me...they're monsters..."
"I thought were weren't supposed to tell people 'about that?" Jack said quietly to Morana as they watched Nate's antics.
Farholde
The dockhand looks at Alice, "Does your friend need help? The Abbess Temperance can certainly assist you, I can lead you to her if needs be".
Lord Havelyn nods to the dockhand and pulls a shining gold coin from his purse. "Yours if you lead us to the Crisp Morning, goodman. Aught we do after is our own accord. And I should like to be more clean of my journeys before meeting with Sir Darian, and speak of many tidings."
The knight pauses, wanting to maintain the proper demeanor and choose the right words--too forward or too curt would leave him in the dockhand's memory, and potentially raise questions--and is thus caught off guard by Nate's sudden stumble. He catches the other man under the arms and holds him steady, frowning deeply at his behavior and words. Havelyn recovers quickly, however, and offers the dockhand a broad smile.
"More than a tad weary from our travels, I should think. The lad takes more to land than sea, so it seems, and some time on steady ground or in a warm bath should set him aright. Another goldpiece for you if you take us to such commodities posthaste."
Hefting Nate's weight half onto his shoulders to help carry the staggering man, Havelyn gestures for the local to lead the way to this inn. The sooner we all have a chance to rest, the better.
Shaking her head and mumbling, "We're not." Is he cracking?
Offering their guide a tired smile, "He is right it has been along time on that boat and our friend never really settled into it."
Nate gives his weight over to Lord Havelyn, surrendering to the man's guidance. He still looks completely unstable, but at least is stumbling along with the others now.
Farholde
The dockhand brightens at the coins, "I'll surely lead you there for that sum My Lord. The bath can be drawn for you by the hostesses within, save your extra coin for them".
As the dockhand leads you away another calls after him, "Bergen where are you going!" "Important people Sir, need to tend to 'em". The man scowls but says nothing furtehr as it is clear you all seem content to follow Bergen here and most of you wear Mitran symbols.
"We'll go by way of Auld’Irey, Drowningtown is the ah, the least pleasant way to move through to where you will be staying".
The hills here seem to each be a walled city unto themselves with houses rimming each hill in a circle some fenced in some not. Auld'Irey is the only truly wallked section of the city.
As you enter its gates the guards give your group nods of respect and pay you no more mind Bergen speaks, incessantly, "Built upon the largest of the nine hills, this is the oldest section of Farholde and the only part of the town surrounded by a wall.
It's the mostly densely populated portion of Farholde. Every available plot has been developed and buildings are stacked upon buildings. The majority of commerce is done here and the lionshare of Farholde’s shops, taverns and inns are located in this quarter.
Many people live here and the oldest houses in Farholde are located here. Once Auld’Irey was the nicest place to live in Farholde but recently that honor has been usurped by the manors of Calliver Green".
He walks you through the densely populated streets and some smile and wave at him, most just pass by in the hustle of their daily lives. Your group is the cause of a great deal of cupped hands whispering into ears and long stares. Not threatening or unfriendly, more curious.
As you reach the south end of this hilled neighborhood, a bridge connects this hill to the next. As you look down you can see that "Drowningtown" is crowded with temporary structures, water-logged
shanties and traveller’s tents. This transient community is definitely the bad part of town. The walls of Auld'Irey have no break near this part of the town so one would need to trudge through mud to get from there to the shops and businesses, a place you all bet where you could find illicit items if you need them.
Bergen calls your attention back to Newchurch, "Here it is Newchurch, my favorite part of the city! The church was commissioned by
the Victor during his visit to Farholde. It was this commission that caused the old temple, now the Templeton Rise, to be abandoned. This one is so much nicer.
The real name is the Hall of the Sun Victorious, the most majestic building in all of Farholde, at least I think so".
The Church rises in baroque splendor to dominate its hill. Its great central spire, crowned with a Mitran sunburst is thrust high itno the sky, what a shame it will be when you all tear it down!
Those are thoughts for anotehr day though. Newchurch is a much less busy area and within the first ring of buildings is the Inn named Crisp Morning. Its decorative motifs are, no surprise, Mitran sunbursts.
Bergen stops at the front door, "So are you all here for a while?"
Alice looks at Nate with concern. "Yeah, the journey has been long and cold. Extra hard if you have trouble on a boat. I hope a good nights rest in a bed that doesnt move will settle him."