Conner immediately tries to track the quarry based upon this discovery, looking for similar leavings.
I may have something here.
Survival:
Conner finds a few other droplets, here and there, the trail dying off as either the blood flow staunched, it began to coagulate, or was healed in some fashion. There was enough of a trail to show the path took a turn probably similar to the path young Eileen took out to the river, and it is finally within sight of that flow that Conner loses his current trail, amongst the rocky path down to the slow churning waters.
Here the group finds a group of kids playing, splashing, laughing and generally not doing chores other children would be expected to perform. You see a young man, keeping an eye on the younger children. He turns to look at you and smiles, and you realize he is not a man, but a big youth, maybe in his tweens, with a full round child-like face and innocent eyes. Hi, you wanna go swimming too?
What do you mean too, lad? Did someone else recently come by here to swim?
Angel points to the other kids swimming.. "I think he means them.. Did you see anything odd, or strange within the last few minutes.. A gust of wind perhaps? Or possibly the water splashing with noone there?"
Seeing Sir Gareth wounded Angel will touch him with a glowing hand..
Sir Gareth concentrates on the area for a couple minutes looking for any clues without answering the lad.
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The boy moves to stand between your group, his chest puffing as he guards his wards. He seems to sense your tension, and takes it for danger. Pa says watch da lidel ones, so I watch em. Dey play here safe wit George. George luvs da lidel ones, and dey luv im. You can play here too, but be nice. He gives you his sternest face, which is both both comical, sad, and endearing all at the same time.
The other children take notice, and begin coming ashore to save their friend from your band. Voices raise in shouts of Leave im alone, Georgie, Georgie, stop bein mean bad men, don't hurt Georgie, etc.
Elias steps up to calm the children down and promise no one will hurt young George. Everyone knows Elmo won't like anyone hurting his Georgie, glancing at the youth, then to Sir Gareth, Geroge is Captain Elmo's son. His father watches over the town, George watches over the children.
A younger lad, maybe ten, realizes the truth of the situation, and approaches Conner. He is a healthy lad, good and strong, a crude knife made from a broken spear head at his belt. Swim here, nah. Growt ups won't swim. But Glenna came out ta cross, swam out n down tha wash. Dint see her come out though. Maybe she went ta see tha gray man.
You got good eyes, boy, tell us more about Glenna and the gray man. Can you show me exactly where she went in? Who is Glenna
"None of us mean you any harm.. We are searching for someone though.. Went down the wash you say? And who is this Grey Man?"
After looking and finding nothing, Sir Gareth turns a smile to George and his charges and says, "Well, hello there George. You are doing a fine job guarding the little ones. As my companions say, we apparently are looking for Glenna and the Gray Man. If you ever see them again, I would appreciate if you come tell me. My name is Sir Gareth d'Orionus. You can find me in the tower of Master Kalizar as a guest. Alright?"
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The children chime up quickly at the mention of Glenna. The stories all flood out at once, with the jist being Glenna is the labor camp's resident "witch" and the "Gray Man" her pet demon. They mention she came down to the river a little while ago, ignored them as they scrambled to hide, and swam out into the river. They lost sight of her as she dove under the water approaching the bend near the mill. The gray man haunts and hunts the nights in Hommlet, looking to steal your soul if you don't eat your meat. The kids trade stories and boosts, more amongst themselves than to you, about having seen Glenna or the Gray Man do this or that wild act, none of which Elias seems to be taking seriously.
Glenna is an old woman who has been living in the labor camp for the past year almost. It was her shop that was destroyed today. She's rumored to be a witch, though most see her for what she is, an herbalist and folk healer. She mainly tends to those with too little to donate to the church for such services. As Elias continues, most of the children start wandering back down to the river, pulling George along with them. All except the lad who approached Conner. He seems to have taken an interest in your group, and especially the ranger, eyeing his bow and weapons keenly. We have had reports to the watch over the past few months, about some grey figure spotted amongst the homes and farms of the area, peeking in windows and such, but haven't found a trace that anyone or anything not known to the area has taken up residence. No chicken thefts or goat killings, nothing to support the bogey man the kids all fear. To Sir Gareth he turns, Sir, I do have other duties I will need to attend to soon, and this morning's events will only add to them. Do you wish me to make introductions to Magister Kalizar later this evening? I know you have a deadline and do not wish to rush you, nor hinder your investigation, but...
Conner and Angel notice the young boy has not returned to the river, but has still sallied away from Elias, and the other guards which followed him from the camp.
"Do you have time to make the introduction now? We were distracted by D'witt who still needs to tell us his story of what happened in confidence." Sir Gareth starts walking away with D'witt, Elias, and the other guards to give space to the boy, Conner & Angel.
To Elias, "Did you see Sir Romidar about the wagon and person of interest? What's the plan?"
Yes sir, I have time now for introductions, I just didn't know if you would be otherwise engaged for awhile, glancing around at the others. I relayed to Sir Romidar your request, and he will consult with Captain Elmo about confiscating the wagon and setting a watch for Unosh, both at the teamster's home and the Inn, should he return there. The other guards watch Sir Gareth and D'witt, hoping to get some answers to the events in the labor camp, so they can tend to their duties. Sir Romidar doesn't think there will be any issues with your request, though you may want to be a bit more careful in your questioning of suspects. He smiles slyly, Leveling a shop, burning down a baker's home, starting a near tenement riot. I've heard of breaking a few eggs for omelet,s but you may just tear down the whole hen house. Elias chuckles, trying to relieve the tension.
Sir Gareth grins at the chuckle and replies looking at D'witt, "I can only take credit for fighting a fire and saving a girl. I wasn't aware of D'witt's exploits. What happened? Let's walk and talk."
When alone with her group.. "D'Witt, did you meet this Glenna? Regardless i think we might need to take a swim.. With that said a potion of water breathing might need to be purchased.."
Either that, Angel, or she came out of the water near the mill. Allow me to do a little quick recon on this side of the river to determine if I can find an exit point. And george, thank you for the information. I will besure to pass along your help to your da.
Conner quickly jogs downstream by the river's edge, searching for any fresh indication of anyone leaving the water.
Perception:
Conner follows along the river as far as across from the mill, and finds no fresh tracks. There is evidence that a few folk have come down to the river behind the mayor's home, across from the mill, but not in the last few days. The tracks are too old to determine if they came from the mayor's or elsewhere, and little aside from the evidence that someone had been there can be gleaned.
Conner jogs quickly back to the others and reports to Angel and Sir gareth.
Nothing showing an exit from the water on this side of the river. It is possible that Glenna exited on the other side.
"Well lets see if we can procure some sort of water breathing abilities and give it a look then? Elias do you know if we can purchase such things here in town? I suppose we could take the ferry to the other side for a look first though.."
As the children come to support their friend D’witt eyes them each carefully. When they mention someone swimming off, then identify her as the local ‘witch’ the tiefling’s attention downriver.
Sir Gareth though pulls his attention back, drawing him away from the children. He listens to Elias and Gareth talk for a bit, chuckling at his comparison.
”I followed Jaroo from the inn up until he entered a shack.” D’witt thumbs back in the direction of the shantytown. ”When he didn’t come out, I went in. From the sound of it, it was this ‘witch’ Glenna’s place.”
”I confronted her and she…” He pauses to collect his account. ”She transformed her arms into blades of some kind and took out the support pole. I was able get a shot off, putting a bullet right through ‘her’ hand.” Trying to sound like he meant to do that.
”The blood it spilled was silver. But I had to get out before the shack fell on me.” He shook his head. ”I saw, whatever it was, fleeing and gave chase. I missed another shot while chasing it before it ducked into the girl’s home.” D’witt sounds noticeably upset at the girl’s endangerment. ”The ‘witch’ created the flaming sphere before fleeing again.”
”I followed Jaroo from the inn up until he entered a shack.”
Looking to Angel, Elias starts, Well, miss, there is Spug's shop. He makes potions and scrolls to sell to the traveling folk that pass this way. Can't say if he's in or not, he sometimes takes off for a few days to locate supplies he can't grow in his garden. Never gone long though, his daughter's too young to go with him. I can show you his place if you need it, near the center of town.
Turning to D'witt at the mention of Jaroo, Rumor was he'd started seeing someone outta the camp, but he denied it. Big stir really, some say he broke his vows to the faith. He'd vowed celibacy to be the "father" of the village, to forsake all others and such. Didn't give it much credence til now.
Leading the group slowly on towards the Magister's tower, We set two guards over the witches ruins, but scavengers were already picking over the rubble when they got there. You might find something important, but who's to say.
Carlson is meditating on his situation, attempting to clear his mind and let the clarity of the hunt settle over him. It is more difficult than normal, the threat looming over him more oppressive than any dangers he has experiecned while on the trail of any beast.
Just as he finds a moment's peace, bootsteps on the stairs draw him back to his cell. It is the creature from before, carrying another tray, this with a small selection of fruits and bread, a cup of water, and a wooden tablet. Carlson realizes with a start, a few hours have passed since he first arrived here.
Blue scales shift in hue as he turns in the light, sliding the tray through the bars. He didn't even have me move back this time.
Cocking it's head slightly, it's eyes flicking in that weird reptilian fashion, a dark black tongue flicks over it's maw of sharp teeth. Luh'ntch. Ah'ant forr ch'ore needsess, ma'ahster'ss ta'ahblet. Guesstss come ssooon. Ma'ahster sayzs tso. The creature stretches its wings, flaps them a time or two, then jumps up to the desk, and settles into a crouch, watching and waiting.
"Jaroo, the druid of Erastil? Elias, does Jaroo actually need his staff to walk, because he wasn't using when I was following him from the inn." Sir Gareth replies. "Elias, is D'witt's story enough to charge Glenna for assault or attempted murder for the fire? At least to get her into custody for questioning?"
"D'witt, I saw a nice chest in the wreckage of the witch's shack. I have to go meet the Magister and question to the suspect. Do you want to take someone or a couple of someones to see if the chest is still there? There might be something to tell us about what's going on.
"Sounds to me like perhaps both Jaroo and Glenna have been replaced by this shapeshifter.. Perhaps this fiend also had something to do with this murder.. Why else would the shapeshifter come to the inn on the front of Jaroo to capture Carlson.. I say we visit this Sprug and see if he has the desired potion to continue the search.. Or possibly one of the priests in town could cast the spell.."
Elias stops a moment to consider the questions. Druid Jaroo is getting on in years, but I have seen him a time or two manage to trundle about without his staff. Weather and old age are taking their toll. And it's as much a symbol of his office as it's an aid for him. They say the staff is magical, but how so, I've never witnessed. He scratches his chin a moment, then calls over one of the watchmen. They converse shortly, then break apart, the man going back to his two companions.
The soldiers talk amongst themselves while Elias addresses Sir Gareth once more. Two of the men will take your man back to Glenna's. They'll search for this chest and check with her neighbors. Trooper Mikas will go on to Sir Romidar and let him know what you've told me. I'll follow up with my master once I get you over to the Magister.
Elias waves the two men over, both town milita. Watchmen Deelby, Cooke, this is D'witt, aide and servant to Sir Gareth. You will obey him as you would the Justicar. Take him to Glenna's, see he finds what he's looking for, then see him to the Magister's tower. We're stretched thin boys, so be quick about it.
Turning back to Sir Gareth, Ready sir, the Magister awaits, as does your accused.
I say we visit this Sprug and see if he has the desired potion to continue the search.. Or possibly one of the priests in town could cast the spell..
Elias turns to Angel, almost missing her bit of the conversation. Sorry ma'am. Didn't mean to forget you. Got carried away for a moment. He motions for the other soldiers. Watchman Cooke. Let Deelby escort Master Tail, you escort the lady to see Spugnoir, and if he's not home, then up to the church. I know they're in mourning, but tell them this is Justicar business. They may relent. Whispering Or may not.
The watchman nods and jogs over to Angel's side of the street. He snaps a quick salute. Milady.
Trooper Elias turns back to Sir Gareth, Sir, shall we?
"After you," d'Orionus replies with a smile to Elias as if Elias was the reason that they couldn't make it to the Magister.
"Conner, maybe you can find something useful at her shack to track her or Jaroo." He says as a passing thought.
What am I - chopped liver, Elias. I will join you, if you do not mind, Sir Gareth. Of course, if you would rather I go with D'Witt or Angel, just say so. In any event we need to make plans to meet up at a place and time after these errands. Sir Gareth and I could just wait for all of you at the Tower.
"Conner, actually I would appreciate if you would go with D'witt. I'll wait for you at the Magister's tower. Please look for something that belonged to the witch. It will help us locate her if mundane means fail."
Looks at Sir Gareth.
"Who or where would you like me to go?"
D'Witt and I will handle it. Lead the way, friend
D'witt nods. "I can revisit the shack."
Elias waves the two men over, both town milita. ...this is D'witt, aide and servant to Sir Gareth.
D'witt just raises an eyebrow, not saying anything.
Let Deelby escort Master Tail,...
The tiefling glances at the one guard as he chuckles. "Well then. Let us be quick on our feet so we can get you back to your duties."
D'Witt and I will handle it. Lead the way, friend
"And we can get back to the inn. I think that red-head was smiling at me." D'witt grins at the ranger and starts off towards the scene of his initial confrontation with the witch-woman.
Looks at Sir Gareth.
"Who or where would you like me to go?"
Sir Gareth shrugs and replies, "So far traveling alone hasn't worked out well, so maybe go with Angel if she still wants to go shopping?"
Remembering, d'Orionus says, "Search under the back wall of her shack."
|
As he waits in his cell, Carleson ponders the lesson of patience that has been forced down his throat. "Perhaps this is what I needed after all. There are many lessons to be learned from Erastil's teachings. In order to bake bread one must tend the grain. I shall need to grow allies who can confront the schemes of many monsters. Ragnek has a fearsome horde about him, I shall need a band of my own to hope to stand against him. There must be people in this town who can help prove my innocence. I shall have to begin by clearing my name, and then go from there in gathering allies."
Carlson sighed. "But for now, patience. Lots and lots of patience." Someone would come. Erastil would not let him rot in here forever.
Before the group seperates.. "If this alchemist has the potion required would you all like me to purchase you one?" If not Angel will head out with Watchman Cooke and Xavorin..
Conner grins at D'Witt's comment, then proceeds to follow to the burned out shack.
As they grow nearer, his tone and countenance become serious as he draws an arrow to his bow.
D'Witt, be on your toes. It may be that Glenna circled back to recover what she could while invisible. We need to be ready.
Perception:
Watchman Deelby leads the way back to the labor camp, through the winding alleys to the remains of Glenna's home/shop. Already scavengers have made off with bits of timber, thatch and clapboard, as well as helped themselves to many of her "available" belongings. The "chest" Sir Gareth mentioned is no where to be found, but under a larger roofing spar from the back wall, the counter collapsed and thus as yet been unmolested.
D'witt and Conner look over the debris that remains, seeking anything that may be of import or value. Deelby and the guard watch over the spot, even help lift the spar and free the area of the counter and back room. Conner watches the crowd and area while they work, but spies nothing and no one of note or suspicion.
Within the small area D'witt finds several changes of clothing, old and quite musty. Beneath those are several wigs, of varing colors and styles. Yeah, Glenna was bald, the poor crone. Pale, twisted, and bald from some kinda disease as a child. Seemed helpful enough when she first arrived in town. Can't beleive she'd, oh gods, what's that?
Deelby pales as he spots the yellowed, desiccated, gnawed upon remains of a humanoid, mostly skeletal now, under the crushed cot. It all clicks for D'witt, the herbs and botanicals smelled musty and rotted, the room had a cloying earthy feel, and the witch had called herself by a different name. A slip perhaps, but Glenna was not the creature they sought. The creature had killed Glenna months ago. Was Jaroo laying somewhere under his own bed?
Trooper Elias at last walks Sir Gareth to the steps of the Tower, residence of the magister Kalizar deMagius. The four or five story structure rises tall and solid, overlooking the village and people of Hommlet.
As you start for the steps, Elias steps before Sir Gareth, turning to block his progress. Sir Gareth, this shapeshifter your lady spoke of, is this true? I must report this to Sir Romidar immediately. A creature that could be take the form of anyone, if the townsfolk learn of what your group is hunting, it could cause a panic. Especially now that we've had not one death, but possibly others. I will make your introductions, but this bears immediate attention."
Watchman Cooke leads Angel and Xavorin back thru town, hustling as quickly as the group wishes, giving a running commentary of the town proper. Wainwright's goodwife tookt a trip, wink wink, bit late ta be back, but wat's just gossip, eh grinning salaciously. Brother Smythe, some saight, a war orphan wat takted by a Mendev crusader dun retiret up Falcon's Hollow, he grimaces, making an orcish face. Approaching the potion shop, he gestures to the structure beyond. Hey elf, da baker's a elfy maid, unwed, nodding earnestly, not bad lookin' fer yer folk. Bakes durn good too.
He finally stops you before the small shop, the sign over the door showing a few brightly colored bottles and rolls of parchment. Spugnoir's, opening the door for the pair. Oh, hey Renne, yer da round?
Standing behind the counter, scribbling something on a dusty slateboard, is a young blonde girl, maybe ten or twelve. She looks up and smiles to Cooke, shaking her head. Nope, he's out by the... pausing, she realizes Cooke is not alone. I mean no, sir. My father is away on business. He will be back in a few days. I am tending the shop, and Haunor is in the backroom. We are open for business. Welcome to Spugnoir's Elixirs and Extracts. How may I assist you today?
As you start for the steps, Elias steps before Sir Gareth, turning to block his progress. Sir Gareth, this shapeshifter your lady spoke of, is this true? I must report this to Sir Romidar immediately. A creature that could be take the form of anyone, if the townsfolk learn of what your group is hunting, it could cause a panic. Especially now that we've had not one death, but possibly others. I will make your introductions, but this bears immediate attention."
"I trust what D'witt said he saw. The individual is definitely a spell-caster and demonstrated the ethics of creating a Flaming Sphere inside a shack of the camp. It also had silver blood, which could prove easy enough to identify it, despite disguises. I personally saw Jaroo walking very spryly for an old man, but I've never met him before. As for panic, I agree. It's better to request Glenna and Jaroo for questioning, and not advertise a shape-shifter. When they don't show, we can go look for them. Maybe I should test your blood?" d'Orionus pauses with a sly grin. "Just kidding. Give Sir Romidar my best. Now let's finally meet this magister."
The creature watches Carlson for a bit longer, those eyes only rarely flicking closed and open again. Occassionally the creature flexes and stretches its wings, or cranes it's head from side to side. The monk hears a soft chirp or low thrumming sound faintly coming from his jailer. Otherwisse, it seems to patiently wait for him to finish his meal, and if desired, write down any needs or messages he needs passed on to the magister. Gree'pakt the creature clips, tapping it's chest.
Conner grins at D'Witt's comment, then proceeds to follow to the burned out shack.
As they grow nearer, his tone and countenance become serious as he draws an arrow to his bow.
D'Witt, be on your toes. It may be that Glenna circled back to recover what she could while invisible. We need to be ready.
"Good thinking." D'witt lets Conner take the lead as his tail pulls a vial from his pouch. He begins adding various ingredients with his hands as he chants softly.
After a minute D'witt stoppers the vial again and slips it into his bandolier. "This should let me spot her if she's invisible again."
Once at the ruins of the witch's place D'witt digs among the rubble with the others.
He continues searching after they clear some of the heavier debris. The smell of herbs and musty rot mingling as they investigate further.
...oh gods, what's that?
"Conner!" D'witt calls out for the ranger in a calm tone as he moves the cot aside. Examining the body without touching it yet, he makes room for the ranger to at a look.
He looks at Watchman Deelby. "Summon a cart here and send a patrol to Master Jaroo's home. I fear they may find a similar scene. If they do, tell them to touch nothing until a cart arrives."
Trooper Elias leads Sir Gareth up a tall flight of stairs to the entrance of the Tower, on the second floor. A pair of sturdy, heavy oak doors, reinforced with good ironwork, bar the way, a large plain ring knocker set to each. The trooper takes one, and gives it a good three raps. Almost immediately, the door opens for the pair.
Beyond the door is a large open chamber, within which set two sets up stairs, one up, one down, a plain oak desk, as well as a quartet of chairs arrayed in a semi circle before the desk. Behind the desk, a lovely young brunette woman sits, her head tilted over the tome before her. She looks up, smiling at Elias. Good afternoon Trooper. The magister is expecting you.
She gets up and moves from behind the desk, motioning you forward and towards the seats. She is dressed in a loose, thin blue robe, sashed at the waist, and cut to accentuate her physical beauty as well as not inhibit her movements. Please have a seat. May I bring refreshment? My master will be but a few moments. She moves to the right side of the entry doors, to a long stand holding a collection of bottles and a service set.
Trooper Elias smiles akwardly at the girl, shifting himself foot to foot. Oh, um, nothing for me, Miss Amelia. Thank you much though. Um, this is Sir Gareth de'Orionus, appointed Justicar of Hommlet. He is here to ahh, interview the prisoner. Oh, and meet the Magister of course He smiles weakly, gesturing Sir Gareth to the chairs as he himself stumbles that way.
After Elias stumbles, d'Orionus replies, "yes, please. Thank you." He then sits looking over the room and contents.
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D'witt finds nothing much of value in the debris of Glenna's shop. The counter did hold her meager savings, 3 gold, 7 silver, and 19 copper pieces in total. Any herbal remedies undamaged remain suspect, though you do spy what may be an intact vial of antitoxin on the bottom shelf.
From examination, the body is that of a human woman, old, though the deformity of the bones makes a good age impossible to gauge. Dead probably four months now, give or take a few weeks.
Deelby sends the other guardsman to fetch a cart, as you requested. He is clearly unsettled over the discovery. It often happens that way. You can toughen yourself to glance over a corpse or body, but seeing the bones, bits of hair, clinging bits of skin and sinew, all in that reduced state, well. Perhaps it would be better to have your group investigate Jaroo's. What if she, it, whatever, went there next? Deelby does not look too thrilled at the prospect of running into the witch creature anytime soon.
The girl returns to her desk, stopping a moment to hand Sir Gareth a glass of water, with small pieces of ice floating in it. For you sir, I did not think you would want something stronger, with the work ahead of you.
The desk is a dark oak, full top to floor, with simple lines and no ornate scrollwork. It is topped with a ledger, a few books at the corners, a writing set with inkwells and dipping pens, and of course the large tome the girl resumes reading. A deep blue and gold area rug, in geometric lines and patterns, covers much of the area between the desk and chairs. The chairs themselves are sturdy and comfortable, dark wood like the desk, seats covered in a softer blue fabric, the padding seeming to mold to the contours of one's arse.
The room is well kept, sparse, but clean and tidy. Aside from the desk and chairs, or the stand by the door, the only other feature of the room is the weapons rack to the left of the entrance. Also of dark oak, it holds a small selection of weapons, now more for show than probable use. A longbow, two longswords, a bastard sword, and an ornate staff hang from the stand's pegs, many others polished and bare.
The two staircases lead from the room, one balustered in granite rails and supports rising to through the ceiling above. The other drops down into the floor on the left facing the desk. From those risers comes first a head, then the rest of the man, the magister climbing the stairs to greet you. Welcome, welcome. You must be the Justicar, nodding at your badge, And you must be on your way no doubt. Tell Sir Romidar he is correct, and I will make arrangements for tonight. Thank you trooper. Turning to Amelia, Please take care of that for me dear, as we discussed. Thank you.
Looking back to Sir Gareth, Sorry sir, not much for formality in matters like this. This way please, motioning to join him on the stairs. I am Kalizar deMagius, Magister of Hommlet, heir to the Tower of so on and so forth. As I say, not much for formality. I am Kalizar, and you are? holding out his hand.
Conner squats over the remains next to D'Witt.
Yes, we should head to Jaroo's now. This must be reported, as well.
Conner steps outside, and as the remains are loaded into the cart, he says,
Please follow us to Jaroo's with that cart, we may have further use of it.
Watchman Deelby and his associate lead Conner and D'witt across town to the Jaroo's grove and home.
As the group arrives, they find an arguement taking place, a young half-elven druidess trying to forcibly take a staff from the hands of a scruffy young lad, clutching it just as strongly. The boy's threadbare clothing and nasal whining Conner recognizes. It is the boy he and Sir Gareth had encountered earlier, at Glenna's ruined shop.
T'wern't me wat dun nuffin. Dams me fer tryin ta do rite. Juss wants wats fair n all. Jaroo dun lost'd it n I fount it rite sqare. Shud be a dern reewart, fer me efferts. The druid sees your approach, and calls, her silvery gold hair blowing in the breeze of the glade. Watchmen, this man has Jaroo's staff, and will not yield it to me. Says he found it. Jaroo is not here, help me please.
Sir Gareth shakes the offered hand and replies, "D'Orionus, Sir Gareth d'Orionus. I answer to all of them. It's a pleasure to meet you." He smiles.
A pity it could not have been under happier stars than now. Your charge is this way, he is well and alert. My apprentice watches him. It would not do to allow something to happen to him. Follow me.
The magister leads you down the stairs to a small landing on the ground floor of the tower, this an open and airy room, a kitchen and pantry of sorts. Shelves line the circular walls above bins and cabinets along the floor. A large hearth stands adjacent to a pair of sinks, a long counter in the middle of the room, set with a few stools. We rarely dine out, so this is both our kitchen and dining hall. Come. Another flight of stairs continues downwards.
The next landing opens into another chamber, below ground, this a well appointed den or library. The walls are lined floor to ceiling with shelves and stands for books, tomes, and racks of scrolls. Here and there a trinket or object stands out, but there is so much to take in that it all blends together. The richer feel of walnut replaces the oak of above, this room styled in tones of red, gold, browns and greens. A writing desk and stool sits apart from the three stuffed chairs placed around the hearth. The work of Magister does have it's perks, and a few comforts are not too much to ask, don't you agree? Nearly there.