- - - - -
”Thank you for that, but I think I can take it from here.” Nahia says to Seren after receiving her painful form of healing. Nahia will then sit up and lean against a rail, clutching the wound in her stomach. Seren’s magic had pushed out the bolt, helped stop the bleeding in her intestines, and had removed most of her bruises, though not the ache that accompanied them. Nahia brings a hand up and gestures with it, saying ”Spirits that float in the wind of life, please, come and grant me your blessed energy.” Green pinpoints of light start to dance and collect around her outstretched hand, swirling wind currents that are twirling around her form. The winds and lights follow as she brings her hand closer to herself, towards her stomach, and her wounds start to fade as the mild wind encases her and her body absorbs the green light. The look of pain on Nahia’s face changes to one of relief as the wound regenerates itself. Finally, she will wipe away the sweat from her brow and whisper ”Thank you…”.
Turning to the others, Nahia will say ”Well, it looks like we can’t rest on this cruise either. I guess we need to be more on our guard. And thanks, to all of you, for saving me. I guess it was my turn to take a serious wound. Hopefully it won’t happen again, though I doubt I’ll be that lucky.”
Taking her seat near Seren, Nahia will nod at her grumbling and say "You're not the only one. I don't see how anyone could get used to this and choose to live this way."
- - - - -
That night, Nahia will spend several hours meditating with Andros, nuzzling his head while they both keep their eyes closed. With her meditations complete, she has a stiff drink, cringes at the pain and stiffness she still feels as she lies down on her bedroll, and stares out at the sea before falling asleep.
After Nahia falls, Andros will uncoil from the back of her neck and look around. Seeing Seren rushing over, he will move out of the way, giving her room and when Seren begins to heal Nahia, Andros will approach her and nuzzle at her hand with his muzzle. And when Nahia sits up Andros will crawl up her dress, taking his place again, turn to Seren, and nod his head at her.
As Nahia heals herself and heads towards the Triton, Andros crawl down her dress to her stomach, bob his head about as if drawing something in the air, and then touch his muzzle to her, whereupon the blood and ichor upon her will fall off, hitting the ship deck with a wet splash. His job done, he returns to his place at her neck.
The trip continues and you were attacked by Bunyips, Ice elementals, an ice mephit, but in the end the Fallen One was watching over you and no more causalities were sustained to you or your crew.
Finally the Frosthamar arrives at the ice-choked entrance to the River Taiga. Kargeld proves himself a worthy captain nimbly sailing the heavily laden craft through fields of floating jagged ice. He barks orders in norspik and his sailors scramble to comply. Again and again he turns the boat at just the right moment to pass between the broken shards calved from ancient glaciers.
Finally, after nerve-wracking hours of this, the boat pushes through the dangerous headwaters of the Taiga into the clear water of this almost uncharted mighty river. Beyond the headwaters is a land of savage wonders. The Taiga winds through a great northern forest that to the best of anyone’s knowledge has no name.
After miles and miles of picturesque pine trees frosted with new fallen snow, the ship comes to a great mountain range. This river flows through a great rift in the mountains that looks as if some impossible huge primordial giant smashed a pass through the grey slate.
You are headed south now, though this appears to have no effect on lessening the intense cold. You are headed to the great interior sea of Talingarde – Lake Tarik as it is known. To the south of that lake sits the Watch Wall. Moreover, on the northern banks in a wide wooded valley is your destination – the camp of Sakkarot Fire-Axe.
Thousands of bugbears are already assembled. These savage humanoids are not pleased to see outsiders, especially humans. Worse, there are more than just bugbears here. The occasional polar bear lumbers around the camp. Fur-clad goblins scamper here and there, laughing with frenetic glee. Even a few hill giants gather at the camp’s fringes.
There is only one place to dock the boat – a crudely made pier that juts into the river. On that pier are four hulking bugbears. They do not seem pleased to see the Frosthamar.
Seren raises her hand with a flourish, a dark fog misting around her.
"I am sick of being on this damn boat. Get your leader and GET OFF MY PIER." Seren yells across the water as she heads to the railing of the boat.
"If you don't I will have my fun, for it has been far to long since I've had playthings." With the end of her speech, Seren dispels her disguise self, letting her natural body come into full view.
Beneath her gleaming armor you see arms with gaping holes of muscle and bone intermixed with her remaining skin. Her Eye's glare an angry red, bloodshot lines covering the totality of what should have been white. As she steps closer she removes her veil, her lips no longer wholly there, rotting teeth visible from withing the patches of missing skin, the inside of her mouth view-able due to the skin missing on her cheek.
Raising a hand She raises a bugbear skeleton from near the pier
Reaching out with one hand the black mist travel up her arm and slowly meanders across the water towards the awaiting bugbears on the pier. It slowly encircles the closest one.
.
"So shall we play?" Seren ask with a maniacal chuckle.
As the boat nears the pier, Nahia's outfit changes and she resumes her usual look, dropping the guise of the herbalist that she carried throughout the trip.
Smiling at Seren's speech, Nahia approaches behind her and is about to pat Seren on the shoulder, but then Seren shows her true form and Nahia stops her hand, withdrawing it slightly, surprised at how quickly Seren has degenerated. Nahia feels a chill as the black energy surges through Seren, and Nahia further withdraws her hand. But when the energy subsides, Nahia reaches out again, placing a hand on Seren's shoulder, and shouting out to the bugbears "I'd listen to her if I were you! As you can see, not even death will release you from being her plaything!"
"The workings of these water vessels is interesting. This crew is not made of warriors. They are thin, but deceptively strong and quick to carry out their duty. I do not think that disposing of them will be as easy as I had hoped."
Suddenly they hear splashes. One of the crew goes overboard. "Damn it. What was that?" Another splash. "Some kind of water creatuers." "To the centre of the boat, back to back! What are those things?"
Zerik draws his sword. Slashing at the watery beings as they continue their attack. It last long, slowing as if they mean to withdraw then a sudden flurry of attacks. "Nahia is injured but it seems Seren is caring for her. May Asmodeous grant us strength to vanquish our foes!"
They fight on until it finally ends. "Well fought!" he says to his companions. Erik and Grublejack doing very well to fight off the creatures as expected and even Timeon holding his own.
Their rest after that is unsettled. None on the Frosthammer seem able to sleep without fear of attack. Zerik goes to Nahia and watches over her as she recovers. "You better not be planning on dying on us. You would miss out on too much fun." he says through a smile, trying to hide his concern. He hands her some bread, salted pork what she most enjoys, a good stiff drink.
Though he does not wish to admit it, he finds his independent, work by himself ways being challenged. Zerik finds himself growing fond of his companions and relying on them more and more. He is very dangerous by himself, but as a team, they are the deadliest force he has ever know or heard of.
Finally our destination approaches.
"This should be interesting. he says under his breath as they disembark from the boat. "I'll let them handle the talking. I'll keep by bow and sword at the ready."
Slowly walking into the pier, Grumblejack stop in front of Seren, with a swift and powerful movement he throws his gigantic weapon.
It hit one poor and unsuspecting bugbear, his upper torso smashed against the weapon.
In the same instant the weapon return to the tall human hand, his eyes blazing with a unholy flame he bellows a bestial war cry daring anyone to approach.
A stunned silence follows, no one daring to get closer, the ones closer, not daring to give their back to you in fear of what may happen to them.
Some long heart beat follows when the throng of bugbear opens way to another one; a great black-furred bugbear, a fearsome beast wielding an axe of flame. He points the axe to Seren:
“Who sent you?” Sakkarot demands in unaccented common.
"That's a big one. I expect he's the leader. The cardinal seems to have chosen well. " a smile spreading across his face.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Eric is taking time to relax on the boat after the encounter with the patrol boat. When the water ambushers attack, Eric finds himself caught off guard. He watches as Nahia is taken down. "This wouldn't be happening if it weren't for me."
Fighting his way with Timeon by his side, they try to relieve the pressure about Nahia to protect her from more harm. Eric takes several blows. Just as many times before now, Eric continues to push himself- unwilling to fall.
When the last of the water creatures are dealt with, Eric cleans is blade before checking on Nahia.
"Are you alright?"
After that encounter, Eric takes it upon himself to be more vigilant the rest of the journey. He keeps watch until fatigue over takes him into exhaustion. This won't happen again. I must get stronger. For my companions.
Flexing his muscles, Eric stands stoically next to Seren. "Yes, let's play."
Seren chuckles to herself. They do take things so literal...
"Cardinal Thorn sent us, Sakkarot Fire-Axe." Seren states, making it clear she is aware of who he is.
Shifting her gaze back at the bugbear quartet still standing stunned on the pier Seren glares angrily at them.
"You are still on my pier." She growls at the quartet before looking back at Sakkarot.
"We have your supplies." She continues, with what could possibly be construed as a grin on her face.
Walking onto the pier, Seren once again calls forth her black mist, letting it swirls around her, creating a dark vortex on the pier. She steps out of the smoke a couple of moments later, once again her pristine self.
"Remove these ones that failed to listen to my simple instructions, and let us go talk of war." Seren cruely adds pointing at the group of bugbears that had laid in wait on the pier for them.
Well done. Hopefully the rumours of that entrance will populate through this crowd, I have no interest in fighting an army right now.
At that answer, he smiles a toothy grin.
“Then you are welcome here.” He turns to the somewhat stunned throng of bugbears.
“These humans are my guests. I will deal with anyone who harms them. They are our allies!”
He walks over to the boat and rips open one of the crates revealing finely made axes with in. He tosses one to a nearby bugbear warrior who until this time only had a crude club to wield. “Behold, they bring us steel!” This earns the you a terrifying chorus of growls and cheers from the monstrous assembly.
The boat is unloaded. Sakkarot’s lieutenants see that each case is distributed and soon you can see a visible transformation in the camp. Where once there were a thousand bugbear savages, now there are a thousand bugbear soldiers each with new weapons and shields adorned with the emblem of the fire axe. What a terror you have helped to create.
==//==
Sakkarot holds a feast in honor of the weapons shipment and their allies. The feast is a brutal, savage affair with bugbears fighting each other and all manner of monsters in attendance. The highlight of the party is when a greatOne ton of angry pig is led in by a dozen bugbears
One ton of angry pig is led in by a dozen bugbears who drag the beast before Sakkarot. Sakkarot beheads the already wounded animal in one mighty stroke with his fire axe. The beast is then spitted and roasted in a great open pit. You sit at the Fire-Axe’s table – a front row seat at this spectacle of savagery.
Eventually as the raucous bestial festivities of the bugbear tribes die down, Sakkarot summons you into his private chambers and dismiss his many followers with a deep growl.
“You are traitors to your own kind. You must know that. When Balentyne falls and my horde pours through its shattered gates, we will slaughter the Talireans by the thousands. Yet I see no regret in your eyes. Tell me, how can this be?” he asks genuinely curious.
Sakkarot is not an ordinary bugbear. Well-spoken and intelligent, he is anything but the typical brute.
When Zerick comes to tend to Nahia she will smile at him, saying "I do appreciate all of this but I am fine, I promise. Eric has taken a much more savage beating than I did and we barely batted an eye at it..." Nahia takes a bite of the pork and a sip of the drink, giggles to herself a bit and repeats, "Though I really do appreciate it."
I'm surprised at just how easily they came to my aid. I doubt I've been that beneficial to them as to seem that essential. I'm fairly easily the weakest, physically, person on this team and Seren could probably accomplish most everything I do, though not necessarily as easily. And while I would probably do the same for them, and while I do, usually, enjoy their company, I just have trouble reasoning it the other way around...
Eric I can see respecting me as a comrade. Before this, I would have said that Zerick is too much the lone wolf for that, but that concern as he tended to me was too genuine, so maybe he, too, has come to find my company preferable? Seren, well, that's a good question. My first impression is that she might she me useful as a tool... a means to accomplish her goal, whatever that might be. But I every once in a while, I think I keep getting just the briefest glimpses of something else... fear, panic, concern, warmth... But maybe I'm just fooling myself... projecting things that I want there, or seeing my own emotions to hide from the mirror of what I could become? ...
Nahia seems to greatly enjoy the celebration, and not just because she finally has access to something of a private privy and flooring that doesn't move underneath her. After getting used to the presence of the bugbears, which seems to happen fairly quickly, Nahia spends quite a bit of time watching the various fights, cheering on both sides of the conflicts and, at times, trying to spurn them on to greater violence. And of course, she will shout and cheer when Sakkarot beheads the boar.
- - - - -
Nahia will turn to Sakkarot, smile very warmly, and say "I can't completely speak for the others on this one, but for me personally, it comes down to two points. The first, I have come to learn that true kin come not necessarily from blood or physical shape, but from spirit and desire. So, despite the similar blood that may run in our veins, which isn't as similar as you might think, and despite how we may have been born to the same land, that does not make them my kind. In the past I have found far more comfort, ease, and vigor in the company of so called 'monsters' than I have amongst the common populace. The second is I deserve better than what they want for me and I deserve better than they would allow me. And so I will fight back, with every ounce of strength and spirit and willpower that I have to either get my well-deserved rewards or to make them pay for denying them to me. I refuse to roll over and die or live in the mud off the scraps off generosity that they will offer me."
Nahia will then reach into her bag, pull out a bottle, and say "And while the others say their parts, how about I get us each a drink to commemorate a fine night, a fine feast, and fine company? I've been saving this bottle for just such an occasion..."
Hmm, this is interesting. We keep running into rather intelligent creatures. Cardinal Thorn certainly has an eye for talent. I wonder if this one will prove to be just as interesting as Grumblejack? I wonder if I would even be given the opportunity to find out?
Sakkarot holds a feast in honor of the weapons shipment and their allies. The feast is a brutal, savage affair with bugbears fighting each other and all manner of monsters in attendance. The highlight of the party is when a great shaggy dire boar recently captured from the northern woods is brought in shackles. One ton of angry pig is led in by a dozen bugbears who drag the beast before Sakkarot. Sakkarot beheads the already wounded animal in one mighty stroke with his fire axe. The beast is then spitted and roasted in a great open pit. You sit at the Fire-Axe’s table – a front row seat at this spectacle of savagery.
”I see. And what manner of creature are you then? You look like a half-elf, except for the eyes. However, you have an almost unnatural aura about you. As does have the other one.” he says looking to Seren and Zerik.
He accepts your offer and take a small sip
”This is a dangerous thing to drink. I am not used to such strong beverage. But I do appreciate nevertheless.”
He stops for some seconds, as if remembering something the in an almost distracted tone he adds ”Tell me how you came into the Cardinal service…”
Seren enjoys the feast, drinking slight to much, and overall having a good time after her show of force on the pier.
"Screw those bloody Talireans." Seren responds, slightly intoxicated.
I can't believe I actually showed my true self. What was I thinking? What must they be thinking?
"Damn their church, damn their judges, and most of all damn their God. Let them suffer for eternity. Those bastards decided I was to be burned on the pyre, even when Mitra was the one that turned from me.... Well screw them, and let them burn instead, feel the warmth of flames as it melts off their skin." Seren laughs, downing another glass of whatever they were serving.
Not sure what this, but it dulls the doubts nicely.
Nahia will smile at Sakkarot as she serves the whiskey, and say "My father was one of elven blood, yes. My mother, however, was a very different sort of creature: a swamp woman, commonly called a hag, though I think the title doesn't do justice to my bloodlines... proclivities."
Giggling at Sakkarot's comment about the whiskey, Nahia will reply with another warm grin, "Yes, it is strong, but I am sure that you are strong enough to handle it. And I feel it is appropriate: I've always said 'strength deserves strength' and this is just as true in drink as it is in friends."
- - - - -
Nahia giggles at the question and respond to Sakkarot, saying "The Cardinal found us in rather... compromised circumstances." Nahia will pull up her sleeve and present her wrist. Allowing the magic to fade, the scarred flesh will reappear. She will continue, brimming with pride, "All of us, Grumblejack included, were prisoners of Brandescar. With the help of the Cardinal not only did we escape, but we slew the Sargent, the Warden, and burned the place to the ground. And while we may have come into his service initially out of necessity, I think I can speak for all of us when I say that our dedication has grown substantially."
Maybe I'm revealing too much? No, this is fine. He has a role to serve and we have a part to play. If he decides to betray us this information will do him no good, especially in these lands.
Edit:
@Seren
I could not agree more, but for different reasons. And believe me once you open the gates, burn they shall. the bugbear says.
@Nahia
I see, I’ve not had yet until today the pleasure of meeting one of your kind, and I can tell what you lack in physical strength you excel in strength of mind. and he take another sip in his drink.
==/==
”Grumblejack you say? I had been informed he was not human…” says Sakkarot looking at the ogre.
The ogre then removes his Iron Circlet, revealing his true form and says with a grim ”you are right. Grumblejack is not. Were not for me, those un’s would hardly be this hole talking to Sakkarot.” says the ogre with a jovial laugh.
Sakkarot pulls aside his great breast-plate and reveals the holy symbol of Asmodeus burned into his chest. “We all have our scars.”
Nahia will smile at Sakkarot and say "Well, thank you for the compliment, and I hope that is as true as it seems." Nahia's grin will turn jsut a bit more devious as she says "And I hope if you manage to meet a relative of mine from my mothers side, that you meet her in similarly positive circumstances."
- - - - -
Nahia will take a step towards Sakkarot, examining the scar upon his chest. Without looking away she will ask him, "And how, if I may ask, did you receive that? Was it by choice or...?"
”If the Cardinal did this? You say?” he laughs ”I’ve been serving and worshiping The Prince of Nessus since long before Thorn was called Thorn. He did not brand me. This is the mark of my faith.” he thinks a bit before then he show his weapon ”Asmodeus guided the Cardinal in the frozen north. Our meeting was not one of coincidence. This weapon was forged to seal our allegiance.” says the Sakkarot.
Nahia will smile and curtsy briefly before Sakkarot, saying "Then let me show my reverence to the one afforded such an honor." Waving a hand towards the others Nahia will say "While I have not been a member of the faith nearly as long as some of my companions, I do hope that our Lord does, or will, look upon my service with the same admiration that he seems to have of yours. And if you have the time and see fit to grant me the pleasure, at some point I would love to hear some stories from one of your seniority."
Her respects paid, Nahia will grin and add in, "And it does not surprise me that Thorn was once not Thorn. It seems that this land requires many of us to keep many names. Though were you and the Cardinal acquaintances before his most recent persona?"
”We all have our roles in the events to come. Complete your task, and I’ll be the one paying my reverence to you.” Sakkarot says.
”It would be my pleasure to share knowledge with you, but only if you share it in return.” he remarks.
”When I met him, he was already Thorn. But before that, he once told me he was a Cardinal in the Mitran Faith. More than that or why was he branded, he would not tell me.” he pours more into his cup ”As for me, I was a chieftain in my tribe. Only I was ever so much more smart than my brothers. And I knew that our future was not in the savage gods in the north. But in serving Asmodeus.” and you know that even then this sound as a bitter truth. Why? You could not discern.
Nahia will listen to him, only interrupting when he goes to pour more whiskey, taking the bottle from him and pouring it herself, saying "Sorry for the interruption, but one should never have to pour their own drink."
After he is done Nahia will purse her lips and reply, "A Mitran Cardinal? I never would have guessed, but thinking back on it it does make some sense." Waving away the line of though, she will smile at him again and say "It is obvious from how you carry yourself that you are a step above your kindred. It seems that our Lord has good taste in who he takes in as his champions." Nahia then gestures at everyone present with her glass.
"And of course I would be willing to reply in kind, though I doubt you'd find my stories as interesting. I mean, I've not been a chieftain or any kind of leader, really. Just stories of fancy parties and showing people a bit of the unfortunate consequences of their weakness." Nahia says as she sips a bit deeper from her cup.
”If that is what you have, that is what I want.” Sakkarot says when you dismiss your experiences as unimportant.
Zerik silently takes in the scene around him as his usual way. Having never scene bug bears before he is quite intrigued by their behavior. He finds himself admiring their independent if not savage ways rather than loathing them as he expected.
He watches Nahia skillfully navigate the social niceties and her skillful and practiced charm work its magic on Sakkarot. "She is good at what she does." he thinks to himself.
Zerik is careful not to partake in any drink during the feast hoping Erik and Jack abstain as well. He offers the crew of the ship to join in to the feast offering them drink as well. "You can't stay on that boat. Come, eat and drink with us. Celebrate with us, we have succeeded!"
Later in the night Zerik tries to catch Eric and Jack's attention. If they follow him away he says.
Seren is intoxicated at this point and enraptured by the tales being wove by the Nahia and Sakkarot and listens intently to their back and forth conversation.
Nahia certaintly has a way with words that I cannot compete with. I'll have to work on that.
In meeting Sakkarot, Eric happily lets Nahia do the majority of the conversation carrying. When it is Eric's turn to share his thoughts and how he came to be in Cardinal Thorn's service, Eric simply says, "Asmodeus found me in my own hell. He wanted of me when no others cared of my existence. For that, I have sworn myself to his commands. I follow the Cardinal because Asmodeus commanded. And I am here by those same commands."
During the feast, Eric initially starts to partake in the drink and food. After a time, he notices that Zerik is not sharing in the offerings. Eric ends his drinking, but pretends to continue enjoying in the feast.
Later that night, when Zerik asks him to follow him, Eric obliges. Nodding in agreement, Eric goes back to his supplies to ensure everything her needs is easily available.
After hearing from Nahia, in a conversative mood Sakkarot turns to each one of the party member.
To Seren he says "That was a really impressive display of personal power in the pier. Power enough to frighten an entire horde. Tell me how can that be, and what about your calling? Why do you blame the Mitran god for your power? What happened that made you are you are today?"
Then he turns to Zerik ”You did not drank or eat, even after I did this celebration in honor of your accomplishments, as a host have I done something to offend you? Or one of my retinue? I assure you as a fellow asmodean that no harm will befall you tonight. Tonight you are my guest, and as a guest, you will be treated. ”
To Eric he says ”You calling was one of faith then!” he pours you a bottle of whiskey and then offer a toast ”Let us then honor this moment, is Asmodeus name, for his faithful are united in his cause!” he raises his cup and after a moment he take a deep sip in it then he continues ”But what you were before our father found you?”
Eric raises his glass and drinks alongside Fire-Axe. Breathing slowly out to quench the burning of the whiskey, Eric responds, "I was orphaned at a young age. I remember next to nothing of the ordeal other than looking for scraps of food wherever I could find them. Eventually, I was found and raised within the walls of a Mitran Orphanage to become one of the clergy. In those walls, all I learned was how unwanted and unneeded I was. Mitra dared neither to show me a shread of kindness nor the dignity of friendship. Every waking moment was a reminder of unanswered prayers and the misery and lonliness that was my life. That is how and when our father found me. But yes, those faithful to The Fallen One are forever united to his cause."
”I understand you.” he says to Eric ”I am a kind of outcast myself. Were it not for The Fallen one, I would not be here today. Long ago burned down by my tribe for being different.” he sips a little more in his cup ”But what about the future? I know not what the Cardinal has planned for you, but even then he always give us freedom enough to pursuit our own agenda.” he ask Eric.
Eric points to the boy, Timeon. "We had planned to torture and kill this one, Timeon, for information. However, Asmodeus told me of greater plans. Though he has been hard to convert and not yet fully ready, one day he will be. He is intelligent and knows his way with a blade. He and I will raise a grand army of knights in Asmodeus's name. Being that he was a squire, he knows much about The Knights of Alerion. Everything else of my future depends on what Asmodeus commands of me."
”Yes, yes I can see that… It will work just fine…” he says more to himself ”That’s is a grand cause, and I think you’ll do it just fine! And for all that noble talking rabble, the Mitrans know how to make someone life a hell.” says the bugbear.
Zerik returns to the table with the crew. While for a piece of meat Zerik hears the chief call out to him. Zerik listens and begins to laugh. "Offence? No none at all. I merely wished for the crew of the ship that brought us here, through great dangers and with fine skill, may feast at your grand table." he says taking a bite out the roasted animal.
"I'm not sure of it's my hunger, but this is good food." Zerik belches adding. "You honour us with so great a feast. For my part before entering the service of the cardinal I was servant of a terrible master, Jeratheon Knightsbane, a rambunctious black dragon of Chargammon’s brood. I encountered some difficulty with Socerer while on a mission for him ending up in Brandescar prison. The rest you know."
Sakkarot turns to Zerik and says ”The rest is what I’m trying to uncover, you mean?”
Seren stares off into space as she recalls her life prior to Asmodeus.
"They told me I was special. Told me I was a once in a generation prodigy, gifted in all things divine, and I believed them. I was raised by the Mitran church, for as far back as I can remember the church was my home. My parents, so happy that I was gifted, and that they could use me to climb the social ladder." She explains.
"I was convinced that the church would always be my home, and eventually I would be a great leader within it. But how quickly do minds change when your power doesn't agree with their teachings. How quick the church was to condemn me for something out of my control. When the church became aware that my power may not be from Mitran I was thrown out, condemned by the church. Even my parents exiled me, my fall from the church "To much in the public eye. I might hurt their social standing."" Seren recalls, wiping a tear from her eye.
"Not Asmodeus however. When I was at my weakest, destitute and broken due that forsaken Mitran church, Asmodeus helped me. Put me back on my feet and gave me a purpose again. I recognize now that my time with the church was a lie. I never had Mitra's favour, it was always Asmodeus. Always Asmodeus who protected me. and so it is now that I serve the correct god. The one who has given me the power to lay down those who have wronged me in the past." Seren finished with a flourish.
Zerik finishes his mouthful of food and says, "We locked in that infernal prison, chained up like animals. We were branded. The forsken they called us. Though I knew that I was such long before I came to these lands... Cardinal Thorn's agent, Tiadora, visited us while we were there, providing us with the tools for our escape."
"We used all our skill to escape, but before we were free our escape was discovered. We were outnumbered but not outmatched. I was never a believer in the Gods, but Erik, he believed in Asmodeous, and his belief was infection. I could see that he was guided by more than his own thoughts and skill, he had power more than his body would allow, it was Asmodeous' will. Then I believed and felt the power too. We were able to defeat our foes and escape that accursed place, reaching the Cardinal, where we were further trained, tested and trained. And so were are here before you." he finishes and continues eating with little regard for what the bugbear has made of his tale.
The bugbear look to Zerik ”I see now. I’ve heard rumors, histories and legends about Chargammon’s. A terrible beast, said to kill anyone and anything that enter his lair. The oldest and foulest Dragon of this land. I think his spawn must not be different from its sire.” he stops for some seconds and continue ”If you would honor me, I would hear more you’re your time serving him.”
Then he turns to Eric ”When you say Timeon, you refer to Timeon of Balentyne? The lost squire of lost knight Sir Balin?”
After he turns to Seren, you see resolve in his eyes ”But you are special. You were chosen to make the Asmodeus will in this land come to pass. If you fail, all of this if for nothing. All ambitions, and plans rest now upon your shoulders. And that is exactly what the Dark Prince saw in you. In all of you ” he adds looking to everyone preset ”The strength to carry his will and plans on this land.”
"Yes, you are correct. We found them both as part of a set of trials made by the Cardinal. We slew Sir Balin in a matter of moments. He was strong of might and will, but not strong enough in his faith. Timeon took some convincing. It is amazing what one will accept when given a purpose and their life back," says Eric as he enjoys more of the food.
”I’ll not question your faith in this boy, but I would not take him with you in this mission. Aldencross is his home, are you sure he is up to kill his entire family? More than that, will he be able to do it?” Sakkarot get up from his chair still holding his axe ”There’s too much at stake, and the boy knows too much.” the bugbear look at each of you and continue ”He has too much ties to that place, and he is untested. I cannot tell you what to do with him, if you want to keep him, I’ll trust your judgment, but I’ll not allow this boy go to Aldencross. This entire endeavor in on your shoulders, and he’ll only get in your way.” the bugbear look sad as he continues ”This is not the safest place for a human, but I assure you he will have my protection in this camp. If you do not agree, I’m afraid that I can’t allow him to leave this camp alive.”
Nahia will sit calmly and listen to the others stories of their past and their versions of how we came to be here, only moving herself to pour herself or someone else a drink. She will pay particular attention when Sakkarot starts to discuss Erics new apprentice.
Hmm, I wonder how our knight is going to take that? Leave his squire in the hands of a groups of ‘beasts’... It might do the boy some good, especially if Sakkarot takes him under his wing for a bit. Hmm, but I’m not sure the boy has it in him either…
- - - - -
Nahia, once again, gives Sakkarot a deep, warm smile, her cheeks starting to redden from the liquor, and she says to him ”Well, I thank you for the compliment… and the attention.”
After listening to more of his speech, Nahia will ask him a question, ”And, if you don’t mind telling me, what do you plan to do, once we have opened the way for you army and Talingarde lies in ashes?”
Still waiting Eric answer he looks to Nahia ”Kill, burn and destroy. The only ones that will escape are the ones we let then live, so they can spread the word. Death has come to Talingard. I’ll bring fire and force theirs army to meet me in battlefield, and if Thorn Seventh Knot did not fail their mission, Talingard will be ill prepared to deal with this invasion.”
Can't make enemies of our allies. They are few in number right now.But I can't lose face either.
Eric keeps a stern look on his face, not wanting to give a sign of weakness. "Timeon, come over here."
Once Timeon is near, Eric speaks clearly to ensure that Fire-Axe hears him. "I need you to work with Fire-Axe and his people. They will need a map, and all the information you can give them about the knights and guards stationed there that you think will help them in this battle. This shall be your first task. While we are gone, I need you to learn what you can about our new allies. It would do you well to learn how to fight with weapons other than a sword. You never know when you might need to pick a new weapon on the battlefield. You are quick to learn and have a good knack for strategy. We may have to fight alongside them again one day. When that day comes, I'll be trusting you to take what you have learned and use it to ensure our victory on that day. Understood?"
Nahia giggles at Sakkarots response and says back, "No, I mean after that. What do you want from this in the long run? Where do you want to end up?"
The seventh knot? And we're the ninth... I wonder what else he knows about the knots... I'll have to ask him in a bit about that.
Seems the cardinal is moving a little of pieces at once.
Seren nods at Sakkarot after his encouraging words, and listen intently, awaiting his response to Nahia's latest question. He is right...and This bugbear is far more then meets the eyes. I am curious what his grand plans are here.
”Why can’t I go? I know the place, I know the tower. I’ll need me if you are to bring that place down…” says Timeon
Sakkarot look at Nahia and then says ”I’m still waiting your history.” he sits down again, and put his axe in the floor ”There is too much yet at stake, not everything can be predicted. I…” he look lost in thoughts ”I will have my role in the war to come. More than that I cannot say for the same reason I’ll not allow you to take Timeon.” he get up again ”You are tested, trained and chosen. Even then, it is suicide to let all your plans into enemy territory. After your mission, if we have the opportunity…”
Eric stands up and motions for Timeon to follow. "Excuse us a moment."
If allowed take a few steps away, Eric whispers to Timeon, "Out with it. I know you are hiding something. Whatever it is, you can tell me. Why is it so important that you go with us? I think Fire-Axe might be right. This mission is one that I am not sure you are ready to undertake. I trust your skill and knowledge, but I am not sure if your heart is black enough to do what must be done. At least not yet."
"I… I…" he look away, you see tears in his eyes ”I want a chance to convince my family…” he wipes his tears and without looking to you he continues ”They can be valuable assets, a noble family infiltrated can get more insight on the court…”