After talking with the scouts, you are informed that the Queen and the main body of the crusade are on their way back to the city and are currently about a day away.
Taking the news of what happened in the city and at the Gray Garrison, the scout hurries away to speak to Irabeth and any other important parties as he prepares his report for the Queen.
The Inn is in a somber mood, but being mostly full of crusaders and professional mercenaries, there is an air of grim determination as soldiers polish weapons and draw water for cleaning wounds and wiping the ash and bloody grime from their armor and skin.
Several priests walk here and there ministering to those who would listen or helping the surgeons and clerics where possible.
Thrall spends a big part of the morning talking to the quartermaster, trying to reach a good deal. During the evening, apart from preparing for tomorrow's duty, he dedicates some time to cast some spells necessary for the well-being of his battle panoplia.
"Hey, guys, one of us should really use this" he says while holding a dusty cloak. "We all will end up wanting one."
Bitey quietly naps in the corner of the inn, waking only to grab a bite to eat or a mug of ale.
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As time passed in defender's heart, Arianna would remain mostly away form the already somber crusaders. Seeing it as unwise to poke the hornet's nest any more than her mere presence likely already did. Even with the scouts she'd been subdued and tried to remain in the back of the group to not draw attention to herself.
Later, when thrall brought up the cloak, Arianna looked over the cloak. "well, unless someone else wants it. I'd be happy to take it." she said calmly.
Day wanes to night and the city takes a watchful sleep. Kenabres is still until morning.
As the sun rises, the call is sent up that the crusade is returning. Thousands upon thousands of weary crusaders march or ride into the city. Bloodied, grimy and grateful to have a place to rest, even if that place is mostly decimated.
The members of Eagle's Watch, poor into the street to begin helping the wounded. Tents are set up. Whole battalions shelter in the blasted out charred ruins of large buildings. Horses are set in makeshift stables that are little more than wooden debris purposefully set between fallen walls of buildings to give a little shelter from the elements.
There is plenty of work to be done and all able bodied soldiers and surviving citizens, begin to do whatever they can to help, from searching for surviving wells to draw clean water to searching the devastated houses for unspoiled clothes food and medical supplies.
In the early afternoon, the party is approached by an armored herald, an obvious Paladin of Iomedae but carrying many dispatches and scrolls, he bows and says.
"Brave ones, her majesty, Queen Galfrey has heard rumor of your exploits and wishes an audience with you. She is happy to meet you at Defender's Heart if that suits you and if you tell me a time, I will inform her."
Thrall is having a talk with the rest of the group when the Queen's man appears and hands them out the citation. Amazed, he's quick to respond. "We don't want the Queen to be waiting for us. We'll go see her as soon as she's ready to receive us." Then he realises he's not alone, and looks at his companions. "Well, do you all agree?" Talking to the Paladin again, he inquires "When can that be, do you happen to know?"
Hearing Thrall's words, Serena spoke in a rather loud whisper. "It's true, don't keep Queens waiting. She's got a lot to do as it is." the sorceress noted, clearly in favor of seeing her as soon as possible.
With the news the Queen would be coming, Balthasar spent the day polishing up his armor as best he could - he really did need a proper set of armor, but at the moment, such things were in short supply. Still, he did his best. He also does his best to find chicken for Bitey.
Balthasar nods in agreement. "We will be ready to see the Queen as soon as she is ready. Defender's Heart is the most secure building in the city, at the moment, so it is probably the best place to meet. However, if it is more convenient, we will travel to her camp."
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Arianna looked between the party as they agreed to meet with the queen right away and nodded her head in agreement. "Important people usually don't like to be kept waiting, but if you want I'll slink off to do some..'scouting' in the city while you meet with her." She offered politely giving the option for her to not be there for the meeting.
Balthasar shook his head. "Nonsense, all of us should be there. This was a team effort, after all."
The herald nods. "Splendid, I shall inform her majesty. Please wait in the private hall." he takes his leave and hurries out into the street.
The private hall in Defender's Heart appears to be a wholly intact room that was likely used for parties or important dignitaries who didn't want to dine with common soldiers and workers.
The room is clean with no windows, several braziers sit in corners as well as large clumps of half melted candles on the large worn oak table. There appear to be about ten chairs.
The walls are adorned with paintings of the earlier crusades as well as tapestries and sconces.
The innkeeper pops his head in after a moment and inquires as to what you're doing in the room "Hello folks, did you need to use the private hall? You're welcome of course, would you like a meal or me to light up the candles? I can bring pen and parchment too if'n you need my lords."
"Thank you, yes, that would be wise. Queen Galfrey will actually be arriving, so a meal and the candles lit would be good."
Thrall quickly washes his hands and face before following the rest to the private hall. Once there, the thrill doesn't let him even take a sit. The Queen Herself!
Balthasar having already answered the innkeeper, Thrall keeps trying to polish the details of his new armour and remove the dirt under his nails.
"Lord is a little much for most of us, I think." Serena said, just loudly enough for the innkeeper to hear. Then, a little lower, "You know how, um, enthusiastic some nobles can get about the right use of titles. With the army here, best to keep it as neutral as possible, just to be on the safe side."
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Arianna found herself sitting in a chair tilted back against the wall of the room, her eyes flitted about from exit to exit as if attempting to guess the distance between each one. Not that any would likely do her any good. She jumped as the barkeep came in and nearly unbalanced her chair causing her heart to sputter for a second before she regained control settling back in. Her hand jumped instinctively to the empty sheath at her side, She'd left her weapons with her backpack as it didn't seem a great idea to bring them into the presence of the queen.
"No..I don't think we'll need anything." She told the man turning her gaze back to seeking out the best ways to get out of the room.
The innkeeper pales momentarily at the mention of the Queen coming. He regained his composure quickly and scuttled from the room. He came back and lit the candles. Wiping his sweat from his brow.
"Would you like the meal now or served once the Queen has arrived?" he complies whichever way the party prefers.
After an hour or so of waiting, the door opens with no knock and two full plated crusaders walk in and take stock of the room for a moment. After they are satisfied the Queen enters.
She surveys the group with calm and storied eyes. She wears her armor still, recently cleaned by a squire but still bearing the marks of hard use. She looks every bit the hero queen and leader of faith she is, only lessened from the air of sublime tiredness that emanates from her.
She smiles and says,
"While there some narrow-minded souls among the crusade who blame you or the destruction of the wardstone border, I do not begrudge you for what you did. Far from it. From the sound of it, you saved entire legions of crusaders from a most vile fate by preventing Vorlesh from transforming them, and the blast of energy gave us the time we needed to regroup and prepare for what will certainly come next. But you understand the implications of what you've done, I'm sure - the wardstones are gone, but Iomedae has seen fit that you will be their replacement. I can think of no other reason that would explain why their power would have settled in your bodies and souls and didn't merely fade into the ether I. In time the demons will regroup and reorganize - we can trust their inherent chaos to make this period of regrouping longer than it would otherwise take, but we shouldn't underestimate them. They'll be back soon enough. Already I've had reports from along the t lines that small groups of demons are attacking fortifications and settlements along the southern border.
But what intrigues me most is news from several reliable sources that as our fiendish enemies are starting to mass in the southern reaches along the Riftshadow within the Worldwound, they have left several of their northern lairs relatively unprotected. In particular the fiend Aponavicius has taken the bulk of her army from Drezen, leaving it only moderately protected as she joins with the Storm King in Iz to, no doubt, plot greater attacks on larger targets like Nerosyan, Karcau, and beyond. The time is right to strike into their territory. Drezen was the first of our cities to fall after the First Crusade, and we lost more than our kin and our pride that day. We lost the Sword of Valor, a magical banner carried by the Inheritor herself during the Shining Crusade. If Drezen could be retaken - if the Sword of Valor could once again be held by the crusade... well, I trust I don't need to explain how well that would affect morale. But with imminent attacks along the border, I cannot spare many to lead an assault on Drezen. And even if I could, a large army attacking the city would only draw Aponavicius back to defend the place. The obvious tactic is to send in a group of capable heroes with a modest but well trained army to strike now, while the proverbial iron is hot. And this is why I've sought you out. If you can retake Drezen and reclaim the Sword of Valor, not only will you silence the fools who would brand you traitors for destroying the Wardstone, but more importantly, you would bolster the entire war effort with you heroism. And I fear we need all the bolstering we can get."
Bitey perks back to wakefulness from the corner of the room. The mention of a meal brings the light back to his eyes as he surges to his feet.
"Ooh ooh, food now, food now."
"Bitey go get sword from city yes yes. You gives Bitey much chickens and bready good goods yes?" Bitey excitedly says around a portion of food stuffed in his mouth.
Serena nodded. "You don't win a war with demons by staying on the defensive. I like the plan." she said agreeably.
Being a soldier, it doesn't really matter what he thinks; an order is an order and from the Queen Herself, so Thrall is bound to obey. It helps a lot, though, that the Queen appears to be a good leader, obviously capable of beating her iron together with her men in the battlefield, and that the order itself seems wise and bold. But most of all, it helps that not even once the Queen has looked upon Thrall or Bitey with distrust, pity or fear.
"It will be a pleasure to serve" is Thrall's reply, and he means it with every word. "When shall we go?"
Balthasar remembered a story his mother had told him about his great-grandfather saving Queen Galfrey’s life during the First Crusade, and knew that despite her youthful appearance, she had served as the Crusades’ leader since the beginning. A woman of strong faith in Iomedae, Balthasar had been proud to follow in his family’s footsteps by swearing an oath to serve her and Mendev.
Balthasar was not naive - some would call the destruction of the Wardstone fragments and loss of the barrier treason. Balthasar would have thought the same, had he not understood the threat. He was just glad his liege didn’t think so.
At the news Aponavicious had lead most of Drezen’s armies south, Balthasar listened as the Queen tasked them with journeying to Drezen and retake it. At last. My great-great-grandfather shall be avenged, and maybe I can even recover his body to be properly buried. Aloud, he said, ”I would be honored to accept this task, Your Majesty. It is a bold stroke that will keep the demons on their heels.”
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Arianna stood quickly as the crusaders came into the room ahead of the queen and waited.
As the woman walked in, Arianna cocked an eyebrow with suspicion. Who is this? She thought to herself. She tried to put everything that she knew about the woman together in her mind. An old warrior who had ruled since the first crusade. She'd have to be ancient and decrepit and yet this woman was young and vibrant.
Her eyes cast about to her companions who seemed to be unfazed by the woman's youth and vigor. Must be magic. She thought. Her doubts about the womaan were put aside as the Queen spoke of the city of Drezen and the task ahead of them. Though it seemed to be.a fanciful delusion that a single magical banner would make that much difference, it wasn't until the queen mentioned silencing the fools who thought her a traitor that she couldn't help but let out a quiet scoff of disbelief.
She'd be the last to speak shaking her head to dispel her doubts. "Well, if the mission involves breaking into a fortress and 'liberating' an object of value from the demons..it seems to me that you'll need an expert." She mused. "there's no way id let you go without me."
To Arianna's words, Thrall nods in approval and taps her shoulder. "It wouldn't be any other way."
The Queen smiles, "Bold indeed, and you shall leave almost immediately. But first, all of you, take a knee."
As you kneel in a line she draws her sword and approaches. "By the power vested in me as the monarch of the people of Mendev, general of the crusade and blessed of the Inheritor. I Galfrey, do herby dub you Knights of the Fifth Crusade. This title allows you to command armies, and own lands vassals as well as qualifying for the medals of righteousness."
One of the guards lays a fine wooden box with velvet inside on the table bearing number of medals.
She tips her sword on the shoulder first of Balthasar, "Rise Sir Heimren, another addition to a storied tradition of knights."
Next, "Rise Sir Thrall, your devotion is an inspiration to all."
"Rise Ser Serena, prudent wisdom and keen wit are essential to society and the war effort. Your example is most assuring."
"Rise Ser Arianna, the past is behind you. I name you worthy. This is my word, and as such, is beyond contestation." She shoots a meaningful look to her guards who appeared slightly surprised at the inclusion of an apparent criminal in the knighting ceremony.
"Rise Sir Bitey, your loyalty warms the heart and your tenaciousness will surely bring us victory."
Sheathing her sword, she smiles again. "You leave at dawn tomorrow, come let us go and meet your troops and lieutenants."
She leads you outside, where assembled before you are 100 fresh crusaders, Paladins all, their silver armor and golden capes shining in the afternoon sun. The salute the queen and their new commanders.
Several more uniquely dressed crusaders approach, bowing and introducing themselves.
The first a rough looking young man. Fair skinned with dark hair. "Aron Kir at your service my lords, your majesty. I've just been reassigned from an engineering corps to your regiment. An on honor to serve."
Next a solemn handsome man dark of hair and skin, his silver and bronze plate is engraved with the holy symbol of Shelyn. "Sosiel Vaenic, good heroes. Priest of the Eternal Rose and most glad to be accompanying you on this Vital mission."
Lastly a female halfling in a green tunic and riding pants. She gives a hasty bow, "Nura Dendiwhar, your lordships and ladyships, musician and humble biographer of the this fifth crusade. I try to be where history is and that seems to be with you as of the moment." She smiles.
"You may of course invite any that would be of use to you or friends you wish to accompany you. Please rest well and I look forward to your success." The Queen salutes and turns to march back to her camp with guards in tow.
Thrall can't believe what just happened. Knighted by the Queen! That clearly surpasses any achievement he could have ever imagined.
His new situation, though, and that of his companions too, comes also with extra responsibilities. They have been given command of a century, and the mission ahead is no easy task. He nods to the three new members of the group, trying to retain their names. "Well met. Who's in charge of these men?" he asks, as it will be easier for them to give direct orders to their trusted commander rather than talk to them as a whole.
Serena leaned over to Thrall, keeping her voice too quiet to be heard by the troops, though loud enough for the rest of her closer companions to hear. "I think we are. But which of us is at the top?" she said quietly. "Traditionally, it would be a Paladin, but if someone knows more about leading soldiers..."
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Arianna hesitated as the queen ordered them to their knees but as her companions lowered themselves down she slowly sank with them pressing her knee into the hardwood of the inn's floor. She tensed up as the queen drew her sword and began approaching them forcing herself to remain as rigid as a statue.
Then to her surprise the queen declared each of them knights and began to tap each of her companions on the shoulder with the sword. Even still, she had to fight a moment's panic as the sword came down onto her own shoulder and visibly exhaled in relief as it lifted back up.
Slowly, she rose to her feet as the queen turned to Bite and she couldn't help but flash the guards a brief, 'winning' smile at their silent protest of the criminal becoming a knight. Deep down though she thought that they were right to protest. She didn't feel that she'd earned the title, yet. Sure, she'd risked her life to destroy the wardstone before the forces of the abyss corrupted it, but it felt like there was still much to do in order to truly set things right. She could start by helping them recover the banner and retake Drezen.
Then, the queen led them out to the waiting army. And nodded respectfully to each of the men and to the halfling they were introduced to.
Her eyes flicked over to Serena and Thrall. "Not it." She said almost immediately. "I'd be a better forward scout anyways. Though I'd recommend we pick up some skilled officers to help whoever does end up with the unenviable duty to lead the army. Perhaps Irabeth would be willing to help with that."
"Irabeth... yeah, she's been with us the whole time, and I wouldn't have made it if it weren't for her. I hope she gets her reward as well."
Answering Serena, Thrall shrugs. "Well, these men should have someone in charge of their century, someone who receives our command and make them execute it. A sergeant or something, since we're a bit off the command chain now."
When the matter is settled, Thrall invites whoever is going to participate in the plan making to have a small drink at the cantina. "Let us discuss what are we going to do, then. First's on me."
Balthasar knelt at the Queen’s order, and accepted being knighted. Finally, I am living up to the family name.
Rising at the Queen’s command, Balthasar follows her to where their forces wait. To each of the lieutenants, he clasps their hand and says, ”Well met.”
Once introductions to the lieutenants are finished, Balthasar stands at the top of a nearby step, and calls out, ”Faithful Crusaders, I bid you welcome. We face difficult challenges ahead - crossing demon-infested lands and retaking Citadel Drezen will be dangerous. I have faith, however, in the strength of our conviction and the righteousness of our cause. Together, we shall strike a blow to the demonic forces of the Worldwound, and show them that our faith cannot be shaken, our conviction cannot be led astray, and that our victory is inevitable!”
Throughout Balthasar’s speech, it is plain to everyone that he believes what he says, and that he appears quite comfortable giving it. In fact, it seems as though being knighted has removed a weight from his shoulders, where most would see the increased responsibility as adding more weight. Descending the stairs, he says to the others, ”I agree. If Irabeth is willing to accompany us, we should bring her. She likely won’t come without Anevia, and I think Aravashnial’s knowledge and arcane powers may come in handy as well. We should invite him, too.”
Looking over at Sosiel, he walks over and says, ”Sosiel, one of our companions was a paladin of Shelyn by the name of Iolaire. She was slain by demons. We’ve buried her, but had no Shelynite who could say the proper words over her. Would you mind doing so, before we depart?”
Listening fervently to Balthasar's into speech, the 100 crusaders lifted their swords in unison to give a cheer. A loud battle cry intermingled with calls of "Justice! And, Inheritor!"
Waiting until the group finished discussing who to invite on the march, a single soldier introduced himself, "My lords and ladies, I am Cevunus Kain, your Standard." His armor, slightly more polished he wore a golden knot on the shoulder of his cape and had red horsehair crest on the crown of his helmet. "It will be my honor to act as forward commander and battalion quartermaster." He bowed.
"The men are ready to leave at your command, do we march now, or are we holding position until daybreak?" He speaks with the calm ease of a veteran soldier.
After Standard Kain leaves with orders. Sosiel gathers the party around him.
"Lady, Shelyn, we lift your servant, Iolaire, up to you. Welcome her soul into the ever garden of Nirvana, that she may walk in beauty for all time. May you take joy in the beauty of her bravery and sacrifice in defiance of evil. Lead her to rest in the warmth of you presence for ever." Sosiel finished his quick eulogy with a solemn moment of silence.
Thrall assumes Balthasar is the one who will be in charge - after all, he's better suited for it. More thinking aloud than anything, he looks at everyone though while talking. "I guess we should have at least the hint of a plan before we leave, in case there are supplies we might need for its execution." He shrugs, though, making quite clear that his best apportations won't be on the tactical side.
Bitey rises a knight of the crusade, maybe the only goblin knight that would ever be. The import of this was completely lost on the little nibbler. Bitey grins at all of the attention he is receiving until the halfling introduced herself. At the mention of her musical prowess Bitey perked up, an excited chattering coming to his lips.
"Music lady know goblin songs? Bitey like sing bunches and bunches. We now good friends make music together, yes yes good friends now. Bitey be helping you with telling the stories, Bitey remember all the things an tell you all about Bitey fighting the demons. Bitey really good fighting the demons yes yes yes. Earn many chickens and cups beer. You like beer? Bitey like beer. You come drink with Bitey an we be good friends make much music scare demons.." Bitey excitedly runs up to shake the halflings hand, attempting to lead her to the bar so he can tell her all about his adventures with the shiny glow band of greatest crusaders ever. He had found his newest friend, and she would get barely a moments peace while they traveled together.
Bitey solemnly waits for the priest to finish his eulogy and then finds a quiet spot to watch as Iolaire is lowered into the ground. His little goblin mind races with half noticed scrabbling thoughts, barely pinned down long enough to be examined before being tossed back out as their sad musings played havoc with his normally cheerful mood.
After all others had gone, Bitey slinked out to the newly filled grave. Dropping all pretense to common, Bitey dropped into the goblin of his birth as he stared down at his lost friend. Low and crude, the words sounded wrong in his mouth, but he knew no other way to express these thoughts. "Bitey fail you... Bitey fail red fur lady... Bitey fail to be noble type, fail to be hate fur scratch and bite dog... Bitey don't know how to be good at things no more. How Bitey be good if all go away in the end?" Bitey began to scratch at a portion of his costume before pulling the scratchy material away, removing the heavy chain and cloth thing and draping it over Iolaire's gravestone. Dropping into common, Bitey continues. "Bitey no deserve Nail Dog, so Nail Dog protect Smells like falling leaves now. Bitey be Sir Bitey now, Bitey promise plant girl he now do what she left undone. Bitey go bite demons so no more die because Bitey not good enough. Bitey promise to come back, tell you bout it."
With his promise made, Bitey travels forth to fight those that keep stealing his friends away from him.
"Bitey lead maybe. Bitey know how fight good. Bitey show all how to bite. Or maybe good friend noble man complains lots? He can lead and show how lead for Bitey." Bitey nods sagely at his own words.
"Well met, Standard Kain. I'll want to look over our supplies before we head out, so let's move out in the morning. Retaking Drezen will be no mean feat, and I don't want us to be caught unprepared. We will likely need..."
Balthasar motioned the Standard to walk with him towards the supply carts as he spoke, thinking of the kinds of supplies they would need for the expedition.
I would, but Bitey is never going to be a soldier. Tiny ball of primal destruction on the other hand...
While they walk around, Thrall thinks he has to say what's in his mind. "How capable would we be of sneaking in about half a dozen of men and make them open the doors for us?" He launches the question into the air, to no one in particular. Before anyone can ask, he adds, scratching his head "I could disguise as whatever is expected to be found stationing there..."
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Arianna looked at Thrall for a moment. "Speaking from experience, usually the more people that try to sneak in the greater the odds of being caught. I might could try it, but I don't relish the thought of being trapped in a demon-filled fortress by myself in the event things go wrong." She explained though seemed to want to quickly add. "But if you ask me to and are willing to give me a potion of invisibility or two..I'd be willing to make the attempt." She said
Once they’ve gone over their inventory, Balthasar rejoins the others. ”If we were to do that, we would be best suited to using the army to draw out their forces while our raiding party circles around from the back. Remember, we don’t know what they’ve left in Drezen, or what we’ll have to fight through on the way there.”
Sosiel watches Kain leave. "Commander, I'll retire for the night, and be at assembly at dawn for leaving. Actual tactics, you'll be able to hash out amongst yourselves tonight or on the actual march to Drezen." The dark skinned man bows and heads off toward the crusader camp.
The group considers whom it could bring,
Lady Irabeth, Aravashnial, Horgus and a few others come to mind.
Aside from Horgus most of them are back inside the Heart.
Evening approaches and inside Defender's Heart, the mood seems a lot better than it did even a day ago. Many people are supping in the main room of the inn and there is even a bit of singing and much chatter.
Thrall responds to Azarra. "You know me, I am a total useless pile of dirt when it comes to stealthy maneuvers. I'd rather rely on trusting in an expert's opinion." He then shrugs, looking to the just arrived Balthasar. "If you folks think this can work... I am hundred percent willing to adapt to whatever plan we follow, always inside my possibilities, of course." He thinks out loud more than talks, then. "The thing is, if the paladins catch the defenders attention, then they would rise in arms, and thus it seems nonsense to infiltrate a group to open the doors, since these doors would be too well protected by then." He looks at everyone alternatively. "Is there any trick we have up our sleeves that could turn the tide on our favour?"
"While the Citadel is our objective, I believe Drezen consists of more than just the fortress. The mere presence of a crusader army in the area should serve to draw out the bulk of their forces, leaving an infiltration team with plenty of room to further sabotage them. We don't need to launch a direct assault on the fortress right away. I suspect we will need to surgically eliminate their leadership, and then let the demons' inherently chaotic instincts further weaken their coordination."
"Sneaking in and opening the gates often works." Serena observed. "Buuuut frankly, I think we need to see the target itself before creating a final plan. You never know when peculiarities of the terrain will interrupt a given plan." After a brief, thoughtful pause, "But I do usually prefer invisibility and flight to enter from above. Even demons often have a hard time defending against that, especially when they're not alert."
The invisibility and flying plan seems a nice one, though it appears quite true that first they'll have to assess the situation right there. "You did have a scale which awarded levitation, didn't you?" Thrall suddenly remembers.
Bitey goes to find his bestest friend noble man (Horgus) as he is sure noble man wants to hear all about his knighthood and the impending assault on the demon held city.
During the course of the evening, the party interacts with the people of Defender's heart.
The Queen makes an appearance much to the joy and cheering of her beleaguered host. Drinks are had toasts are given and throughout the night, when asked both Irabeth and Anevia agree to accompany the party so long as they both can go.
Aravashnial sighs at the request and says, "I would love to accompany you but it would be to great a risk unless my sight could be restored first."
After having a different buy still cordial tea with Bitey Horgus agrees to accompany the group as a provider of supply lines.
Bitey is happy to have his friend grumpy-noble-man-trains-Bitey-to-be-noble-too along. This way they can continue the teaching of noble stuffs to Bitey.
"I'm pretty sure we have enough levitation to get in, at least." Serena said, nodding to answer the question. "I don't suppose you know anything that could help your sight, Sir Aravashnial? You would be a most welcome help. I don't suppose any of the clerics with the Queen's armies could help...?"
Thrall shrugs. "Well, my scale doesn't grant me flight or anything, but I guess some of you might hhave a proper spell or something... or I could have a look at what the Lady has to offer when I pray tomorrow."
Balthasar considers a moment, then seeks out Sosiel and asks, "Sosiel, we have a companion, Aravashnial, who lost his sight in the attack on Kenabres. Would you happen to know any clerical magic that could help him restore his sight, or where we could find some?"