"I have taken Istas to the Dawnflowers temple before now..and she knows Alina..unless she has too much to read already of course in which case I'll make my way there alone"
"I'll come with you," Istas decides.
"If Father Corvin can get a headstart in studying the books, I'm sure I can catch up on whatever information he learns. Meanwhile, you might need some protection in the event Barvasi's men attempt to waylay you again while you're alone. They'll think twice if we're together. And if they don't...I'll make sure they regret it."
Istas then hesitates for a second.
"You're probably better suited in dealing with the Dawnflowers, though. Alina aside, I'm afraid my demeanor as both a Shoanti and a Pharasmen doesn't foster the most receptive responses to other clergy folk."
Heather has to grin at Istas' self appraisal..
"You are not as rough around the edges as you were Istas...Very well then..let us all depart and meet here again just before curfew"
You each step out on your appointed errands.
Heather and Istas must hurry, the Sarenraens are up to greet the dawn and Alina leaves work earlier than most Korvosans. She is just packing up for the day when you arrive. She's surprised to see Heather just now, but is willing to stay and help.
Kenan and Emerion depart for the Bank of Abadar with an empty box in hand. After a short wait at the temple, Ishani meets them in the large open central room. He draws them into an alcove with a bench for their discussion. He is delighted to see Kenan again, pleased to meet Emerion.
Jeorik is off to Citadel Volshynek. Now a recognised face among the Guard, he is shown quickly to Cressida Croft's office. An armoured Grey Maiden is with the Marshal. Croft seems tense.
"Jeorik, good to see you. We're planning security for the execution tomorrow. So tell me quickly, what can I do for you?"
Jeorik politely greets the Marshal and the grey maiden as well. I explain as well as I can what has been discovered and also pass along the recomendation for a general quarantine of the sick.
COncluding I ask, "is there any message you would like me to convey on behalf of the guard?"
Emerion will outline the details they have picked up concerning the plague, carefully omitting any reference to the Pharasmen save that 'other churches' have also been called in to treat various victims of the red plague. He will be concerned that his family's employees are certainly among those threatened (hence his own involvement), and from the knowledge that the plague may be related to the boxes of silver and the sunken ship, they fear that an epidemic is iminant, and swift action may be called for.
Emerion is content to let Kenan do much of the talking, however, prefering to lend weight to the healer's words and fears rather than dominate the conversation.
Jeorik politely greets the Marshal and the grey maiden as well. I explain as well as I can what has been discovered and also pass along the recomendation for a general quarantine of the sick.COncluding I ask, "is there any message you would like me to convey on behalf of the guard?"
The Grey Maiden stands with arms crossed and nods. you catch a quick glimpse of your reflection in the smooth blank surface of her face plate.
Croft sighs and shakes her head. "Plague? Just what we need. I'll have my staff start making plans for a quarantine, but we don't have the manpower to really enforce it. We'll have to coordinate with the Grey Maidens. " She and the Maiden exchange glances.
"Thank the bishop for her concern and let her know we will start planning, but I can't do anything officially until a request comes from the crown. And thank you, Jeorik, for the early warning. At least we'll be able to move quickly when the queen commands."
Heather explains to Alina that Istas will tell her what she requires to consult..and requests an audience with the senior cleric on duty. She explains to whoever she meets with the seriousness and urgency of the situation and asks politely that the Church coordinates its efforts with the other religious groups and independant healers.
Jeorik takes his leave of the Marshal and heads back to the rendevouz site, his mission accomplished.
Kenan talks. Alot.
He talks about the way the disease started to spread, the way that the people are facing a less than one in two chance of survival, outlining the various families he has visited.
If possible, Kenan will procure an Abadaran map of the city and begin to point out how this might spread as the little pockets of illness around each box or coin grow and merge.
He will mention in among this that in the past, Kenan has heard of "firebreaks" being set up to keep the plague from spreading. If Ishani doesn't grasp the idea then Kenan will become more plain and direct but the hope is that Ishani can handle this and his boss.
Should it become necessary, then Kenan will offer to speak direct to the Master of the Bank.
Either way Kenan also brings in the need for more healing kits and a greater supply of those useful infusions. The cost will be high, and knowing that this stick should hurt the Abadaran pocket, Kenan will remind the man that firebreaks and stopping people from crossing those boundaries would reduce the costs involved.
Emerion will add his own weight to the arguments ...
Diplomacy:
Kenan/Emerion: Ishani is on your side. He takes you to a small room with a map where you can discuss in detail. He'll go straight to the Archbanker on this.
1. Prepping for massive healing needs.
2. Prepping for quarantine .
3. Anything else?
He's also very interested in how effective his elixir is. (Kenan, it's hard to tell if it's the elxir, other treatment strategies you are applying, or the intrinsic strength of the patient that contributes most to a patitnet's chances. After you have had more cases and can treat some with and others without you might be able to tell better.)
Jeorik: Mission accomplished, well-done.
Heather/Istas: Alina is willing to help. She can make a few texts on various diseases and treatments available for examination, but without permission of the temple leader they must remain at the temple.
Heather meets with The Leader's #2. She is concerned and promises the temple's coordination and aid, although they haven't seen a case yet. Could Heather bring her a patient for examination?
The only other thing I can think of is that the guard will need be put on alert to enforce the quarantine, and of course the Archbanker will have to approach the Queen on this, but they'll already know this. The important thing is getting them on board.
The only other thing I can think of is that the guard will need be put on alert to enforce the quarantine, and of course the Archbanker will have to approach the Queen on this, but they'll already know this. The important thing is getting them on board.
Of course, Ishani can't guarantee Tuttle's response, but he'll do his best with the big banker. And as the biggest local church, the Banker of Abadar does have pull.
|
Of course, Ishani can't guarantee Tuttle's response, but he'll do his best with the big banker. And as the biggest local church, the Banker of Abadar does have pull.
Then we shall thank him effusively for his time and attention, of course, and retire back to Grey, unless Kenan has any other business to take care of?
Of course, Ishani can't guarantee Tuttle's response, but he'll do his best with the big banker. And as the biggest local church, the Banker of Abadar does have pull.
Then we shall thank him effusively for his time and attention, of course, and retire back to Grey, unless Kenan has any other business to take care of?
Dorman listens thoughtfully. He has no opinion or knowledge of the boxes. He does suggest that if you're interested in the wreck of the ship that you wait until the river goes down. "Remember the divers the other day."
About the plague he offers this, "Erastil forfend. This city has taken so many bad blows lately. I don't know how it would stand widespread sickness." He does have one question about the plague, "Do you have any idea how bad it will get? Should we move the girls out of town?"
Heather looks dubious at the request.."Honoured one..we are trying to contain the spread of the disease..to move a sufferer across the city would pose some difficulties..unless the church could provide a cart or wagon to do so"
Istas smoothly interjects.
"I believe we can," she offers, "I have a friend in the Shingles. Her daughter fell ill and the Pharasmen nursed her back to health. But now her mother, too, has caught the same illness. You could examine her and also consult with her daughter on the experience she endured. I'll make arrangements to have her brought to you. And...I'll be sure and check in from time to time."
Istas' next order of business will be to have Tauni relocated to the Sarenrae temple for them to examine and treat her.
About the plague he offers this, "Erastil forfend. This city has taken so many bad blows lately. I don't know how it would stand widespread sickness." He does have one question about the plague, "Do you have any idea how bad it will get? Should we move the girls out of town?"
"As to how bad it might be, there is a priestess, Istas Wraithscar, you have met her, who says that Pharasma has warned her that this will be a great calamity. I know I have had troubling dreams of some coming darkness. I do not know if this is what is truly foretold, for who knows whether any prophecy can be trusted. Nevertheless, it could not hurt to be removed from a true plague. If they needed an excuse, they could always visit family in Ilsurian."
Jeorik: Dorman nods. "That's a good idea. It would get the girls out of town and help bring the family together. I'll find a merchant going there and get the girls a spot with him."
Istas/Heather The Sarenraeans agree to arrange a cart move Tauni to the temple.
Neil:
Emerion/Kenan: Ishani shows you out of the temple-bank and after wishing you well strides purposefully back in.
Unless Kenan has any other business he feels we should deal with, Emerion and Kenan presumably return from the bankers and report our success in convincing Ishani to bring this to his superiors attention and urge them to action.
"Well we saw Ishani, Goodman Kenan's contact there, and when Kenan had finished with him, he was a man with amission," Emerion chuckles. "Personally, I think if we'd asked for a loan of ten thousand crowns we could have got one, too, but we settled for him raising the matter with the Archbanker."
Heather returns to the temple along with Istas
"The Church of Sarenrae are willing to help..we have arranged that they treat Tauni..hopefully they will realise the full seriousness of the situation once they have seen her"
She begs quill and parchment from the Pharasmen and pens a letter to her parents advising them to visit the country for a few weeks..and to take the house servants with them.
"A wise decision," Emerion takes note of her letter. "I shall advise my own family to do likewise. Grandfather had been planning another trip to Janderhoff anyway," Emerion takes another pen and parchment, "I shall let him know that it may be wise to take much of the family with him."
Istas can't help but offer a wane smile and shake her head at Heather and Emerion's advice to their families. When they observe her, the priestess simply shrugs and says, "I find it somewhat ironic that my family...my people...once lived here and the Southlanders forced them from this territory. And now, I stand in this city with no family to warn away. Several friends, certainly. But as all of you hurry to remove your loved ones from harm, I find it...odd...that I, a child of the Shoanti, intend to remain. None of that would be possible were it not for the fate Pharasma poured for me in the waters of life."
"What will be, will be, I suppose," she remarks, gazing out the window at the lights of the city in the distance, "A red death descends on Korvosa, and though that might normally give reason for the Shoanti tribes to celebrate, I can feel only sadness for the loss of so many lives. Lives that will end prematurely, but only because of the blasphemous actions of those who revere Urgathoa. It is she who alters the course of fate. And now all good Pharasmen must stand together to put things right again."
Finally, she regards Father Corvin. "Did the books on disease prove useful at all?" she asks.
"Oh rest assured, my dear, that we are staying to what we can," Emerion assures Istas with dignity. "Although," he smiles wryly, "I do appreciate the irony of the situation you are in. I know not how I can fight curses, disease or supernatural entities, but if they have material servents to defend against, my blade is at your service."
"Oh rest assured, my dear, that we are staying to what we can," Emerion assures Istas with dignity. "Although," he smiles wryly, "I do appreciate the irony of the situation you are in. I know not how I can fight curses, disease or supernatural entities, but if they have material servents to defend against, my blade is at your service."
"Oh, I assure you," Istas replies, "Those behind this plague are very real...and quite susceptible to a sharp blade. Or a heavy, blunt instrument..."
She hefts her Shoanti war-club, carved with the bumps and knobs of several skulls stacked end-over-end, and regards their unseeing eyes as if imagining the death she'll soon deal to any follower of Urgathoa who dares stand in her way.
"But leave the curses, diseases, and supernatural to me," she offers, "If Pharasma has seen fit to send me warning of what would happen, I trust she'll give me the wisdom to deal with whatever comes next, as well."
Finally, she regards Father Corvin. "Did the books on disease prove useful at all?" she asks.
Father Corvin looks up from one of the books. "There's a lot here, child. I have not found anything so far.
***
The bishop has been listening quietly. She stands and says, "I have heard enough. I think you are on a wise course. Please keep me informed." She leaves.
Red sunlight streaming through Corvis' small window makes a small square high on the wall. The old priest looks up at it, then addresses you. "Time for dinner. Won't you all join us? Our fare is simple, but hearty."
He leads you down into the main hall. Long tables have been erected. At the end of each table is a steaming kettle of stew. After prayer and ritual washing bowls of the stew are passed down the tables. It is hot and thick with beans and vegetables.
As you finish, Heather says, "Would you all stay a moment more? I feel the cards may speak to us." She pulls her Harrow deck from a pocket.
"Those behind this plague are very real...and quite susceptible to a sharp blade. Or a heavy, blunt instrument..."
"Ah, you play the cranial drums I see ..."
Heather eats sparingly of the stew though it smells delicious...a full stomach can ,she has found, distract her from the subtleties of the Harrow
Heather sweeps the wooden tabletop clean and picks off two errant crumbs the sweep missed. She takes a deep breath and, eyes closed, composes herself. She fans the deck facedown and invites you each to take a card. As you draw the Choosing, she intones the name and possible interpretation of each card.
Heather, Jeorik:
Emerion draws his card first from the fan. "The Tangled Briar. The present turns to the past."
Jeorik. "The Teamster. Outside forces drive you."
Istas, "The Survivor. A crisis brings change, good or ill."
Kenan. "The Sickness. Disease and weakness range against the weal."
Then Heather herself draws. "The Mountain Man. An external power."
Jeorik, his conversation with his uncle over, takes a few moments to tend to his mule and then rejoins his companions.
Jeorik is a bit surprised at what he sees during the Harrow reading but he keeps quiet and allows the cards to be read.
Istas, "The Survivor. A crisis brings change, good or ill."
"The Harrow reinforces all that's come before in telling our future," the priestess notes, "The faith of Pharasma would call this a breaking point. The waters of fate amass as if rising behind a dam. Eventually, the dam will give way at its weakest point, and then the water will choose which way it flows. The choices we make will determine which part of that dam gives way and where the water takes us...for good or ill."
"The Tangled Briar. The present turns to the past."
"An inauspicious omen, it seems," Emerion murmurs bleakly.
Kenan shakes his head, "not so much what I said as showing such a sensible fellow that we need his help. I hope he can convince his Master of Emerion's idea to separate the sick from the healthy."
Kenan settles back with a small beer, drowsy with stew and effort. He tries to ignore the Harrow in any detail but when his card arrives his attention is gripped. "Tis a fearful power you be playing with there, me darlin' Sickness has been with me most of me life but this sounds serious when an unlucky card shows its colours. I be hoping this tale has a happier end."
"Tis a fearful power you be playing with there, me darlin' Sickness has been with me most of me life but this sounds serious when an unlucky card shows its colours. I be hoping this tale has a happier end."
"Fear not," Istas encourages everyone, "In times of great importance...when life and death hangs in the balance for so many...Pharasma always has a way of making her will known. And she always presents a choice, as well."
The priestess gestures at the cards on the table. "For instance, we can choose to accept this Harrow as what will be...unrelenting, incapable of alteration. Or, we can choose to believe otherwise...and oppose it. Certainly, many will perish regardless. Possibly ourselves, as well. But if we're successful, we can minimize the harm. And even if we do perish, we can take solace that we gave our lives doing the right thing...fighting to the end. The gods will honor that. And Pharasma will quickly pass us on to our final reward."
"So, obviously, I choose the latter," she shares, "Not simply because of my faith. But because I'm also certain this sickness has an unnatural origin...stirred to life by the followers of Urgathoa. My Lady and all good Pharasmen stand in direct opposition to her and her followers. So, I am compelled to this choice. And I do so in the faith that Pharasma is far stronger than the Pallid Princess. So, too, must I be stronger than those who follow her."
Scowling slightly at Istas' comment about accepting the Harrow, Heather gathers up the cards and shuffles them again. She takes a long slow breath and lays out three cards in a column to her left. "Three cards to show the past."
The first card she turns shows A rearing snowy white horse with a golden horn above its eyes in the background is a pyramid on a hill. "The Unicorn. Something sought has been revealed, but I know not what."
The second card shows three gnomes groping their way through a shadowed forest, fanged lizards lie on branches above them looking down. "The Lost. Emptiness or loss of identity."
The third card shows a crowned dwarf seated on a throne holding a sceptre and spiked chain which winds around the legs of the throne. "The Tyrant. A male influence brings pain."
Knowledge (local):
"Something revealed, something lost, and a man brings pain ..." Emerion stares at the unfamiliar cards.
Heather lays out another three cards in a column directly in front of her. "Three cards to show the present."
The first card is a richly gowned and jewelled Cheliaxian woman surrounded by similarly richly dressed men and women. "The Courtesan. She keeps turning up. She shows intrigue, political, or sometimes feminine."
The second card, an aproned female halfling holds a newborn human child. Her apron is stained with blood. "The Midwife. New life or information, but no clue as to what it is. Here in the center of the spread the information is pivotal to the events unfolding around us."
The third card, a ragged old man stands alone on a beach littered with debris. The sea stretches out behind him. "The Survivor. Misaligned it signifies terrible news or loss."
Jeorik:
Heather:
Heather glances toward Istas. Her mouth opens and then slowly shuts. She lowers her eyes to the deck and draws the first card of the third column. "THree cards to show the future."
The first card shows a crowd of people, many professions and walks of life, baker, noble, cobbler, priest. They are striding forward in lockstep. "The Uprising. Some momentus event involving many people is coming."
The second card of the future pictures a Varisian caravan drawn up for the night. A woman dances. An old man runs a dice game. A crowd of Chels watches or gambles. A young Varisian at the rear of the crowd cuts loose a woman's purse. "The Carnival. Illusions and false dreams."
Heather turns the last card. A white rabbit crowned with a circlet of silver stands holding a bright sword whose point rests on the ground by his foot. "The Rabbit Prince. The capriciousness of battle. Nothing is sure so long as some fight."
Heather lets out a long sigh as she surveys the cards then fixes Istas with a firm look
"The Harrow is not fixed..it merely shows what might be..this is the Age of Lost Prophecy we all have the means to decide our own future but this.." she indicates the spread "..this merely confirms in many ways what we already know.
She picks up the last card dealt.
"Nothing is sure as long as some fight..you have chosen to do so Istas...and so do I..I will not let my city go down before the machinations of the cult of Urgathoa"
The unseen wind that always seems to be moving Heathers hair slightly whips her tresses around her as if in sympathy with her anger.
Jeorik and Heather:
When the reading is over, feeling not particularly more enlightened by it (nor more cheered), I enquire, "Who plans on attending the execution tomorrow?"
"Watching another innocent person die," Emerion sighs quietly, restricting his conversation to the group he knows know of Trinia's innocence. He looks fairly grim and sober. "I have no desire to go, and yet perhaps we should. I'd hate to hear of an escape attempt and know we were not there to assist. I just wish I could think of some means of doing so ourselves, yet the castle is to well and closely guarded."