Hiryla yells triumphantly as the enemies surrender, then he turns back to ensure his other warriors are alright. He returns to see his warriors injured but alive. The Shadow Lodge agents either fled or lay dead at their feet. All of them shout to the sky in unison.
He returns to you all and gazes upon the keep. He mutters something in Hallid solemnly, and then looks at Jerdek's Shard. He picks it up and feels the heft, it's a mighty blade. He holds onto it as you return to the Snowmask Clan village.
Darven has a conversation with him in broken Common. "Pathfinders... honorable. Pathfinders... strong. Pathfinders want help? Snowmask will help."
---
As you rest in the visitor's quarters, the one-legged woman Teyma enters and speaks to you in common. "Thank you for your actions and your words. The Shadow Lodge, as you call them, have fled the area now that their leader has fallen. Their stain is removed and the lands are clean once again. "
"Tomorrow, we will take Jerdek's Shard and return it to our king's keep. There we will bury it and celebrate our continued vows. You are free to join us, of course. But I do know you are busy, so if you leave tonight, we understand."
As she leaves the tent, Jerdek's Shard is in your minds. You could leave with it tonight under the cover of darkness without the Snowmask Clan noticing, or you could help the clan rebury it and leave it lost to time yet again.
|
In the aftermath of the battle Hortennsia will gather everyone together and give praise to Abadar for victory ove the heathen.
Later that evening, I agree, this weapon is sacred to these people and I certainly have no intention of skulking off in the night with it. It would be dishonourable and, given they know these lands far better than we do, they would certainly catch up with us and take it back. Probably with a great deal of violence.
You agree to stay for the ceremony and ensure Jerdek's Shard is returned to the Snowmask clan. The Keep of the Huscarl King is old, vast, and covered with frost. Hiryla escorts you personally through its halls, with Teyma translating for all of you. Eventually he admits he is technically watching your movements to make sure you don't steal anything, but at this point it's more of a formality. You place the mighty axe on a decaying throne encased in ice. Your mission complete, you leave the castle with nothing left but your notes. The deafening roar of snow and ice behind you ensure no one will be able to enter the keep again.
It seems like everyone in the village is here to watch the castle. One of the elders holds her hand out to stop you, and then stands up and rants, possessed by pure conviction. Teyma translates: "These Pathfinders have recalled incredible tales of heroism! Their struggle against the defilers shows they understand our cause! We will make them honorary members of the Snowmask Tribe! Let us celebrate and renew our vows to honor the Great Ranulf!" The tribesmen cheer and begin dancing. The wind picks up, bitterly cold.
As part of the ritual to induct you into the clan, you are dunked into ice cold water, blessed by the tribe elders. For a moment, your skin turns white and you are freezing. As you emerge, you're not cold anymore - is there a fire nearby? The gust of wind blowing around the ritual disproves that idea. The wind should be ice-cold, yet you are comfortable.
The Snowmask tribe shouts in celebration; Their new honorary villagers are truly home!
...you did remember to give Skagni that chest, right?