Anselm attempts to comfort the poor woman. "I am so sorry, Sepsinia. It's over now. It took a strong spirit indeed not to be fully consumed by this horrible curse."
He searches the scene, looking for further evidence of the gardeners who lost their life, as well as to confirm the creature's identity.
Elen stares at the oppressively gloomy clouds above them.
Who … what is it? She keeps watch all around as Sepsinia collects herself.
Then heading off to head off the approaching house crowd, she asks, ”I don’t want to sound alarmist, but does anyone here have the ability to check for and treat disease?”
After seeing to Sepsinia, Kort moves to look at Elen.
"What is it, Elen? Are you injured?" Kort asks, having missed something. "I'm no trained bonesaw, but I can see what I can see."
Heal
Anselm shakes his head, but does take a moment to heal Elen's wounds.
Kamari cleans off her blade and does her best to make herself presentable before people from the house arrive.
Opilio had gathered a number of gifts and trinkets to show his love for Sepsinia. Included among them are a few valuable items as well.
Pearl ring (100gp)
Purple heartwood harp (MW, 350gp)
Fine set of carved bracers (Bracers of Armor +2, 4000gp)
Though there is a lot of ichor, and it’s no longer really blood oozing out of whatever Opilio became, Major Kort doesn’t believe anyone has caught any disease from the creatures.
It takes a few minutes before Dame Crabbe bursts into the candle-lit clearing bearing a torch held high and trailing a handful of bleary eyed servants, some with weapons, but most just in their nightshirts ready to help.
She looks at the scene, the dead, decomposing gardeners, the… thing, and of course her beloved daughter Sepsinia. Sepsinia rushes into her mothers arms sobbing and clutching. Parthena Crabbe looks at you questioningly, ”What is going on here?”
"Oh, thank you Major Kort and Anselm, for tending all of us."
"What is going on here?”
Elen cleans her blade as she speaks. "Well, you can see for yourselves, something rotten has happened here in the maze -- is this what happened to your gardeners? Did you make a change in staff or anything recently? I can tell from the state of the hedges, this has been happening for awhile. Your previous garden staff appear to have become zombies, and poor Opilio -- not sure what that was he became -- but it is definitely no more now."
"Oooh, poor Sepsinia! You really did care about Opilio! Look -- these fine gifts -- he must have meant these for you. Why would anyone want to do that? To lure anyone to undead doom in such a dreamy manner? This took a lot of work, and there maybe some elements yet in play here that still need to be purged."
She doesn't look at the staff, or single out anyone in any way, she just looks around the gloomy darkness.
Anselm says a prayer over the remains of the gardeners and Opilio.
"The sleepless dead cling to this world out of fixation. If I were to guess, Opilio could not abandon his obsession with Sepsinia. Did things end badly between you, miss?" His face shows sympathy and concern as he exchanges glances with Dame Crabbe. "She has seen too much for a lifetime, and yet I feel certain your daughter will endure and be the stronger for it."
Much later, Anselm suggests helping the lady of the house return Opilio's gifts to their rightful owners.
Kort looks over Sepsinia to see to her long term injuries, but then present to her the Dame for inspection as well.
Heal - lasting effects?
"Yes, Good Dame, we have interceded on her behalf against an undead abomination," Kort backs up Elen and Kamari. "In the morning, we should re-intern the dead, and if possible look to consecrate the hedge to ensure the bad mojo is gone."
He will explain further to the Dame if she has other questions. He certainly knows more about this particular undead than others.
She doesn't look at the staff, or single out anyone in any way, she just looks around the gloomy darkness.
Kamari also evaluates those approaching.
Did this evil just take this opportunity to act? Did Opilio try dealing with dark powers? Or is a third party to blame?
Elen cleans her blade as she speaks. "Well, you can see for yourselves, something rotten has happened here in the maze -- is this what happened to your gardeners? Did you make a change in staff or anything recently? I can tell from the state of the hedges, this has been happening for awhile. Your previous garden staff appear to have become zombies, and poor Opilio -- not sure what that was he became -- but it is definitely no more now.”
Dame Crabbe is, perhaps for the first time since you’ve known her, speechless. After a moment, she sputters, ”That was Opilio? By the gods! I had noticed a higher then usual turnover among the gardening staff, but I presumed they were just quitting and moving on as some folk do. I had no idea…”
"Oooh, poor Sepsinia! You really did care about Opilio! Look -- these fine gifts -- he must have meant these for you. Why would anyone want to do that? To lure anyone to undead doom in such a dreamy manner? This took a lot of work, and there maybe some elements yet in play here that still need to be purged."
Sepsinia’s eyes grow wide, ”I don’t want any of it! Take it away!” she spurns the would-be gifts and Parthena simply nods, holding her daughter close.
Dame Crabbe adds, ”Yes. Tomorrow we shall examine every inch of the maze. I’ll get the map and we’ll ensure every corner is checked.” She doesn’t suggest you remain to assist, but it’s clear the offer is there if you’d be so kind before you leave.
The gloom isn’t quite lifting, but the dark, drizzly night, and the stench of the battlefield, might be the main contributing factors. You’ll know better come morning.
"The sleepless dead cling to this world out of fixation. If I were to guess, Opilio could not abandon his obsession with Sepsinia. Did things end badly between you, miss?" His face shows sympathy and concern as he exchanges glances with Dame Crabbe. "She has seen too much for a lifetime, and yet I feel certain your daughter will endure and be the stronger for it."
Sepsinia admits, ”He attacked me in the end, he couldn’t deal with my... rejection. I promised him I wouldn’t tell, but I fear it drove him over the edge…” She doesn’t continue, but Elen had previously mentioned Opilio had committed suicide.
Much later, Anselm suggests helping the lady of the house return Opilio's gifts to their rightful owners.
”You may keep it.” confirms Dame Crabbe. ”If anyone comes claiming anything I’ll take care of them appropriately.” she adds.
Kort looks over Sepsinia to see to her long term injuries, but then present to her the Dame for inspection as well.
Sepsinia appears to be well. Not emotionally perhaps, but you see no disease or other malady upon her.
"Yes, Good Dame, we have interceded on her behalf against an undead abomination," Kort backs up Elen and Kamari. "In the morning, we should re-intern the dead, and if possible look to consecrate the hedge to ensure the bad mojo is gone."
Dame Crabbe looks relieved at the offer, and certainly takes you up on it, though you won’t be burying the gardeners necessarily. Some of them may have families in Moost Village.
The now large group makes their way carefully back to the house. The drizzle starts up again as you climb the hill out of the hedge maze and develops into quite the downpour - though thankfully not until you’re inside the main house.
The rest of the night passes uneventfully.
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Dame Crabbe fusses over you all during breakfast, so thankful she is that you’ve ‘cured’ Sepsinia. All the while, she passes on another bit of gossip from the village, ”The Night Swan struck a trade convoy from Cassomir! They say he robs from the rich and gives to the poor, but that sounds more like Galtan propaganda than reality. Can you imagine anyone giving away money?”
”The kids today are too young to remember, but the Night Swan is clearly the spirit of Lauchlein Lake! Count Lotheed stopped sacrificing virgins to appease it like his father did, and now it’s hunting in the county again.” She shakes her head sadly, though you suspect she didn’t believe the father sacrificed virgins either. But it’s a good story, and another bit of gossip!
Before the coffee has cooled, she presents you with a gift - a broken bust of her carved in her youth.
”I don’t know how I managed to break it, but I was trying that routine you did at the Jubilee Lady Elen, you know the one - with the high kick. Anyway, I was trying that and got too far off my mark, and down it went. You see here,” she points out the damage, basically half her face has shattered. ”It’s really no good anymore. But that’s not the gift.” She grins mischievously, ”Intertwined in the bust, here, you can see what looks like a necklace? Well it is! It’s a powerful magic that was supposed to protect the bust. While it didn’t do a particularly good job on plaster, I think it will do a better job on flesh.”
She goes on to explain you’ll have to chisel it loose, but just beneath the veneer is an Amulet of Natural Armor +2 which she’d dearly like you to have.
After breakfast the servants mass out the back, the meal cleanup waiting for now. Many have weapons of one sort or another, and Dame Crabbe takes out a great map of the hedge maze, spreading it out for all to study. It really is an intricate maze!
Parthena breaks people up into teams and assigns various areas of the maze for a search. You too are in her plan as searchers. It takes a few hours to check the maze completely, and you find one more dead gardener as you do so.
She insists you stay for lunch before releasing you from her hospitality. Let me know if you have anything to add before your departure.
"Ah..."
Kamari admires the bust's necklace even as it is still covered in veneer.
"The Night Swan? Is it a single person or a group of people? Do they hurt those from whom they steal?"
Night Swan...darn. That would've been a good one for me.
Anselm happily helps search the maze. He takes a moment alone with his hostess to offer, "Dame Crabbe, you and Sepsinia are welcome in Stachys at any time, for as long as you like. Perhaps a change of scenery for a little while would be helpful. We'll be busy soon enough with artistic endeavors. Perhaps she would enjoy them."
As the companions lunch, he muses, "Perhaps it would be good to drop in on Baronet Vort on our way back. If I'm not mistaken, the South Cassomir Highway would take us by there — and perhaps allow us to learn more about the Night Swan's activities."
In the morning, as promised and after first breakfast, Kort will keep his word and help bury anyone or anything that needs to be properly interned.
Kort listens to the gossip with an active ear.
Know (Local) - Night Swan
Know (History) - Sacrifices in Lake Lauchlein
Elen helps with the exorcism and otherwise-packing-the-dead rituals, then joins the others for lunch.
All the while, she passes on another bit of gossip from the village
Night Swan? Hrrmmmm. I suppose I can imagine a vigilante or vigilantes calling themselves that stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. They probably wear white, black and orange hats. Wait, what?! Did she just say there are virgins at the bottom of the long lake?!
Elen raises an eyebrow, ”I take it -- ‘The Night Swan’ only attacks at night? Where exactly did this attack take place?” She waits for the answers to Kamari’s questions as well.
Elen looks at the broken bust when it is presented, somewhat impressed. Did she just learn how to kick people’s faces in?!!
”Thank you, Dame Crabbe!”
”I'd like to check out the scene of the attack. Maybe we can learn something just from studying the aftermath.”
"The Night Swan? Is it a single person or a group of people? Do they hurt those from whom they steal?"
The party would know a little about the Night Swan. If you remember, it was the Night Swan who was blamed for the attempt on the Count’s life at the festival just a couple weeks ago now. The Night Swan is known for stirring up trouble - robbery and vandalism mostly - with an anti-aristocratic political bent. Some consider her a romantic bandit. Other’s just a bandit.
A small printer in Cassomir has helped her image considerably by distributing penny dreadfuls about the Night Swan’s (wholly fictitious in this case) adventures. In these, she stands up to the strongest and most entrenched powers wherever she travels, bringing freedom in her wake and ushering in surges of rebellion and independence as well as the equitable redistribution of wealth.
There have however been some deaths associated with the Night Swan’s activities. Supporters would say just the corrupt and evil, while those opposed point out that there’s no judge - duly appointed. She’s taking the law into her own hands - and who knows who she may kill next.
Anselm happily helps search the maze. He takes a moment alone with his hostess to offer, "Dame Crabbe, you and Sepsinia are welcome in Stachys at any time, for as long as you like. Perhaps a change of scenery for a little while would be helpful. We'll be busy soon enough with artistic endeavors. Perhaps she would enjoy them.”
”Oh, thank you, that’s very kind of you.” cries Dame Crabbe in her usual exuberant tone. ”We shall certainly have to get together again. And soon!”
As the companions lunch, he muses, "Perhaps it would be good to drop in on Baronet Vort on our way back. If I'm not mistaken, the South Cassomir Highway would take us by there — and perhaps allow us to learn more about the Night Swan's activities."
Several in the party would know that local custom suggests no drop ins… Visits between the nobles are generally arranged in advance so the host has an opportunity to prepare properly - a tea, formal dinner, possibly entertainment, etc.
The South Cassomir Highway is an unusable route due to the bridge being out. So you could, if you wished, visit Baronet Vort (the Tribune of New Towne, area ‘O’ on the map), but it wouldn’t be on your way to anything. Unless you can fly the coach over the gap. It is in fact the opposite direction from the Iron Lash’s hoard, your next planned stop (though that may change of course).
A local myth, much repeated in taverns and public houses, claims a now long-dead duke drowned his young wife in Lauchlein Lake after marrying her at an ancient circle of stones on the western border of the lake. The maiden’s angry spirit returned a year later as a swan who could walk as a woman under the moonlight to take revenge on her husband.
The duke kept her sated and bound by pouring 6 vials of holy water into the lake on the anniversary of her death each summer - a tradition that continued until Bartelby Lotheed took control of the county and saw it merely as a waste of resources. Now the restless drowned maiden of Lauchlein has begun exacting her vengeance as the fearsome Night Swan. Or so the story goes.
The Night Swan seems to be in a one woman war against all aristocrats, embodying the most extreme flavor of anarchy that most of Taldor assumes exists only in scary stories. You’ve not heard of any reports of her giving money to those in need and suspect that’s more wishful thinking by the peasants who already support her. But it’s hard to know for sure.
- - -
Elen raises an eyebrow, ”I take it -- ‘The Night Swan’ only attacks at night? Where exactly did this attack take place?”
”Oh I don’t know,” Dame Crabbe waives vaguely, clearly having no idea where the attack took place, ”Somewhere near Lotheedar I’d guess. That seems to be where the Night Swan does most of her activity - close to the lake you see!”
”Perhaps you should talk to Sir Gul Gusairne? If anyone knows about the Night Swan, it would be him. Then again, he’s been hunting her and hasn’t found her yet, so maybe he’s less informed than he’d have us believe!” She laughs at the thought, clearly uncaring as the Night Swan doesn’t come around her way much if at all.
”Thank you, Dame Crabbe!”
”Oh, it’s my pleasure. I’ve been meaning to replace that bust anyway. It’s rather droll work in my opinion. The only reason I’ve kept it around so long is that necklace really. Best to be smashed and used for something more useful is it not?”
You finish an early impromptu lunch, and waive goodbye to Dame Crabbe. Sepsinia is in the house, resting as you may imagine, but the servants turn out, lined neatly at attention by the door.
So, where do you go from here? The loose plan had you headed toward Lotheedar, where you’d split from the coach and mount magical steeds for the last leg to hunt for the treasure of the Iron Lash of Meratt. But your time is your own, and you have nothing particularly pressing for a few days. It’s Gozran the 5th, and on the 10th, you’ll need to be in Stachys to begin the Basic Market Improvements or there will be some delay.
Lauchlein Lake … the Night Swan … ‘She’… But, never crossed paths with the Iron Lash? Elen tries to sort out the next objective.
”Sir Gul Gusairne? If anyone knows about the Night Swan, it would be him. Then again, he’s been hunting her and hasn’t found her yet, so maybe he’s less informed than he’d have us believe!”
Elen remembers not to stare too long at people, in this case Dame Crabbe. ”I think perhaps in this case, it’s just likely the latter,” she states. "Unless -- does the Night Swan's actions ever benefit The Count in some way?"
~~~
”Please give our kind regards to your daughter, Dame Crabbe,” Elen says upon the group’s departure.
Once outside heading for the road she suggests, ”Why don’t we head over to find the rest of our reward for The Hunt? It kinda sounds right now like it is in the direction of everything else we want to investigate! Who knows, maybe we’ll even run into the Night Swan herself!”
Over lunch, Kort will relate what he knows of the Night Swan and the sacrifices, which is pretty interesting. .
”It’s nice that our library will well stocked with local literature that I can know about this,” he offers an explanation as he will probably be an avid reader until his sight goes. ”And your suggestion is a good one, about asking Gul Gusairne about the Night Swan.”
He will also thank Dame Crabbe for her hospitality.
* * *
”I am interested in both pursuing this lead with Gul Gusairne, but moreso to find the lair of the Iron Lash,” Kort offers when others are deciding where to go next. ”I’m not sure he’s too far out of the way, or on our way to the lair.”
Kort consults his mental map.
”I think we have stop by the Count’s home to speak with Gul (H/I on map), on our way to the Lake, and nearby lair of the Iron Lash. Seems like they are all in the same direction.”
"That sounds good to me, Lord Kort." Anselm bids Sepsinia a brotherly goodbye and again thanks Dame Crabbe for her hospitality.
Later, when the lords and ladies of Betony are alone, he adds, "Let us show some care when consulting Gusairne. He does not seem to be well-loved by the people here, and most certainly is a man of ill will. If the Night Swan is the hero that legends here say, it may not help our cause if we are seen siding against her. Especially by working with Gusairne."
"Personally, I think talking to Gusairne would be wasted energy, and it could do more harm than good -- but I won't stop you. He's the lap hound of the Count, and does whatever is the Count's bidding -- and we all know the Count is up to no good."
"I'm trying to think of a way to draw out the Night Swan -- make ourselves look like super aristocrats or something."
Kamari nods in agreement to Kord's plan. She figures the Night Swan will find them if it is meant to be.
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” The Lash first, if we’re going. Whatever we find may or may not help with anything going forward, but it certainly won’t if we don’t have it in hand. And every delay we have will leave time for some other inopportune “adventurer” to come across it..” Mama D smiles, softening her words. “That would be my suggestion, at least.
Accepting her gift graciously, you depart Moost Village and the Crabbe Estate and head east toward Lotheedar once again. Let me know if you plan to hunt down Sir Gul or not as you pass through (tomorrow).
You’re much of the way there, and have found a good camping spot by the river, when you hear the cry of a woman further ahead just around a bend.
We’re mapless for the moment, but your coach has stopped and you’re all outside it. Myrna is unhitching the horses to give them their rest for the night with Virgil assisting. Virgil readies his crossbow and climbs to the top of the coach for a better view. He can see nothing beyond the hill however and says as much, ”Can’t see nothin’.”
You’re about 50 yards or so from the bend in the road, but we’re not in rounds, so feel free to let me know how you prepare and engage.
"I agree with Ma D. Why don’t we head over to find the rest of our reward for The Hunt? It kinda sounds right now like it is in the direction of everything else we want to investigate! Who knows, maybe we’ll even run into the Night Swan herself! We can hit up the Lap Hound afterwards if we don't run into her first."
Elen starts moving toward the sound of the cry of the woman as quietly as she possibly can.
"C'mon, let's go check that out!"
Anselm hops out of the carriage and offers his elder companions a hand out. “Whatever could it be?” He calls upon Shelyn to help him see the beauty in all things before moving towards the scream.
If Kort is offended at being overruled, he does not show it. He would have spoken to Gul Gusairne and would have hoped for the best, but is also happy to go lay claim to the rewards of the lair.
* * *
Kort, upon hearing the scream, draws his ‘bow and loads it. He will follow behind the others to check things out. He moves carefully, not trying to make too much noise as he trails Elen.
Stealth
Perception
With blade in hand, Kamari joins the group in approaching the screaming from around the bend..
"Maybe the Lash had a brother, sister, cousin, offspring..."
You round the corner carefully, ready for battle! Anselm becomes more perceptive, in a couple ways. Elen slides over the crest of the hill, a little ways from the rest of the party, and then creeps in behind silently. Major Kort draws and loads his crossbow before following in the wake of the faster members. Kamari also draws her weapon, preparing to face another monstrosity.
However, what you face instead is a young couple, camped by the side of the road much as you are preparing to do. Unlike you however, they are in distress for the woman is clearly pregnant, and nearly not so from the looks of it - for she’s about to give birth!
The man gets shakily to his feet, and stumbles toward you. ”Can you help us?” he begs, even more frantic than his wife who is grimacing through the pain.
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"Oh no, oh no...maybe?" Kort looks to the party to see who wants to step up and help the woman give birth.
Should no one deep themselves midwifery, Kort will do his honest best. He moves closer, putting away his 'bow and rolling up his sleeves.
"I can try. I have a small amount of medical training, and, Aroden willing, we'll see this baby to its first breath," Kort says, washing his hands in quickly conjured water. He will add more water his waterskin, in case it is needed.
"If anyone has any ideas, or knows something please let me know. This will be a first. I'm mostly sure how it's supposed to work," Kort kneels and sees what he can see.
Heal (Aroden)
Perception
"Now, just keep breathing, Miss...what is your name?" Kort instructs and asks. "And...I'll just yank here...and pull this way...okay...yes...oh, is that supposed to be that color? Hmpf. Maybe."
Kamari moves to the man as Kord moves to the woman.
"It'll be okay. The Major here is a professional, lots of experience working in the field. Are you the father? How did you two find yourselves out here in this condition?"
Kamari gently pulls him back from the scene to give the Major some space to work. "Now let's take a few steps back and give him room."
"Now, now -- buck up young man. This sort of thing has been happening for ..." Elen's gaze shoots upwards and shifts back and forth a few times as she tries to do math and fails, "a long time. Your wife is in good hands, here."
Anselm slows his run down to a trot as the scene becomes clear. He intones his reassurances in a tone that is almost narcotic.
"It's going to be fine. There's no need to worry."
Not an overly suspicious sort, he still gauges the sincerity of the man's emotions while casting his eye about for trouble. Given the reports of swans and bandits hereabouts...
Major Kort gets to work on the woman. He quickly ascertains that there are going to be some difficulties, but having seen this sort of thing before - with a horse - he’s sure he can manage.
”Ethel!” the woman shouts as a contraction hits in answer to his question. But she’s strong, and the good Major knows a little, so surely it’ll work out. Dan, as the husband calls himself, is more troublesome. He tries, initially at least, to hover and to help, though he’s clearly incompetent. He even gets a little riled as Major Kort moves in and starts touching his wife in intimate places.
But Kamari intervenes and, along with help from the group, is able to pull Dan away from the birthing and his meddling. Meanwhile, the jaded Anselm gives the couple a careful going over to ensure they are who they seem to be (they seem to be).
You’re timing is impeccable, for it isn’t long before you all hear the squalling of a healthy baby girl! Just an extra hour at Dame Crabbe’s and you’d have missed the whole thing.
But you didn’t, and were there to provide help when it was needed. Ethel is bleeding rather more than Major Kort would like, but a quick application of magical healing (wand, spell, whatever) stops the flow and returns a little color to the young woman’s cheeks.
”Thank you.” she says tiredly but happily, holding her baby close and warm. The young man is so taken up with his new daughter he doesn’t say much of anything, though he too numbly nods his thanks to the group.
Anselm beams at the scene. "Lord Kort, you're a marvel. Where, might I ask, do the two of you live? We cannot leave you here on the road."
Elen nods. "Oh, congratulations it's a girl! Indeed, why don't we camp together tonight? Tomorrow, if you are feeling up to it, we can escort you to Lothheedar, or part-way where you were headed if you like." Elen quips in cheerfully. Or not at all, in the event you were headed in the opposite direction...
"Indeed, our assistance doesn't end here."
"Ethel and Dan was it? Do you have any belongings or a horse nearby?"
Kamari looks about for any clues as to how the couple ended up here and whether they were purposely traveling, sneaking about, or fleeing.
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"Ah yes, it's crying. That's good, right? I think so...shows healthy lungs," Kort smiles at the new child, counting toes and fingers before handing it over to the new mother.
"Well, very good. I suggest talking to a real midwife, I am no substitute," Kort reminds Dan as he creates more water and washes up. There is a big smile on his stiff face. He never expected to be in this position ever, and so it was a unique moment in his life.
He will clean himself off with more satisfaction than he's felt in a while.
Humbled by the event, he is quiet in his stiffness.
Mama D takes a little longer to reach the couple but does what she can to help The Good Major as he helps another life into the world.
“ Yes, that is very good. It means her lungs are working well. K’ Al. “ she smiles at Ellen’s suggestion. “That is a wonderful idea, Elen.“
Anselm beams at the scene. "Lord Kort, you're a marvel. Where, might I ask, do the two of you live? We cannot leave you here on the road."
The woman does most of the talking, as the man is still enraptured by his child, and perhaps somewhat humbled at the array of lords and ladies before him. The new mother however has no fear.
They live in the country, just simple farmers really. They were headed into Lotheedar to beg for help at the church of Abadar as their midwife said the birth would be… troublesome (as the good Major can attest!). But they left too late, and the child was too insistent in her arrival.
They do have a ramshackle wagon, and a simple ass to pull it. They insist you’ve done enough, more than enough really, and if there’s anything they can do, please only speak of it.
Elen nods. "Oh, congratulations it's a girl! Indeed, why don't we camp together tonight? Tomorrow, if you are feeling up to it, we can escort you to Lothheedar, or part-way where you were headed if you like." Elen quips in cheerfully.
"Indeed, our assistance doesn't end here."
Oh thank you.” the pair say, nearly together. She continues firmly, ”I should be fine to travel tomorrow, and we no longer need to go into Lotheedar, so it’s back home, the other way I’m afraid, for us. You’ve been so kind already, please don’t let us slow you any further. There’s no need to escort us all the way to the farm!” she laughs.
Kamari is pretty sure they were just traveling.
"Well, very good. I suggest talking to a real midwife, I am no substitute," Kort reminds Dan as he creates more water and washes up. There is a big smile on his stiff face. He never expected to be in this position ever, and so it was a unique moment in his life.
Dan nods in acceptance of the order. ”You did a wonderful job.” smiles the wife warmly right back, thanking the Major for his assistance.
While Ethel feeds the child and rests, Dan begins to get things in order for as much of a feast as they can manage for you with their supplies. They insist. But he has some talent with stretching things out and with spicing, so before too long a marvelously smelling stew is prepared, with a little rabbit, potatoes, and other basic, but hearty root vegetables.
You spend a pleasant evening together, though Dan continues to be reticent, and in the morning, prepare to head off your separate ways.
Anselm readily accepts the new father’s feast, savoring it far more than all the delicacies of the Tanager Jubilee. “You have a gift, good fellow. I can taste your love for your daughter and her mother. Shelyn bless you, always.”
In the morning, before they part ways, Anselm insists the couple give them directions to their home. “It would not do to see your daughter enter this world, and not see her again as she grows.”
Kort is accommodating of the father offer, but privately thinks he might be avoiding doing any early days parenting. Nonetheless, he will try to be a helpful guest.
"Thank you for the food, and good luck, Ethel, Dan," Kort smiles when the parties depart.
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Mama D gives what advice she can. Not having had any children of her own, she has raised several, none the less.
“Now remember, she will cry about needs rather than wants for awhile yet. Food, Diaper, Comfort, repeat. She is very little and the distance from her mouth to her diaper is little too. She may not hold much at any one time, so be prepared to feed her as often as she needs changing, and if that isn’t at least 10 times in a day, see your midwife or send someone for us and we will see what can be done. Oh, but she is a precious one, isn’t she?”
In the morning, before they part ways, Anselm insists the couple give them directions to their home. “It would not do to see your daughter enter this world, and not see her again as she grows.”
Dan licks his lips uneasily, ”Y-yes my Lord.” and he goes on to describe how to find their farm. They live near ‘J’ on the map, near the Sotto Settlement.
“Now remember, she will cry about needs rather than wants for awhile yet. Food, Diaper, Comfort, repeat. She is very little and the distance from her mouth to her diaper is little too. She may not hold much at any one time, so be prepared to feed her as often as she needs changing, and if that isn’t at least 10 times in a day, see your midwife or send someone for us and we will see what can be done. Oh, but she is a precious one, isn’t she?”
Dan seems to be mentally writing it down, 10 times a day… and Ethel nods.
"Thank you for the food, and good luck, Ethel, Dan," Kort smiles when the parties depart.
They waive back, shouting their thanks. You ride off to the east, as the farmers and their new child, turn back toward the west.
Around noon, just before you reach Lotheedar, the road splits. From here you’ll take the Dalaston Highway to the east, then off the road and into the forest. The patch where you slayed the Iron Lash of Meratt is quite thick, as is much of the terrain east and a little south toward Lauchlein Lake which is where your path leads.
You are prepared though. You call to Myrna to stop the coach, and you all get out. Myrna nods and says, ”I’ll see you back at the manor, or should I await you in Lotheedar at the inn?”
Once properly informed, she then rides on with her trusty sidekick, Virgil. Mama D summons (herself, from scrolls, or both) mounts for the party and you proceed east into the forest.
You’re able to ride much of the way, though occasionally you’re forced to dismount and walk, just to keep the branches from swatting you in the thick forest! You’re able to make the trek through the undergrowth and to the river on the other side in good time. With your conjured steeds it’s but an hour.
Following it along to the south, you hit a section of the river which becomes fairly rocky and uneven. Well hidden beneath an overhang of flowery vines is the cave you seek! Without the map it would have been nigh impossible to find, but as it is it took some time.
But found it you have. Within is a macabre sight however, for the great beast would often bring his victims back here for consumption. What a pile of bones! It’s clear that more than a few peasants have fallen to the Iron Lash over the years. It’s reputation was much earned, and you suspect the Count likely downplayed it purposefully - even though he must have known the human cost. He simply didn’t care.
Picking through the bones, you do find treasure. Most of the treasures have no monetary value. Keepsakes carried by those who fell and died. Still, you find much of value too.
800gp in assorted coins (mostly in silver)
1,200gp in jewelry and personal items of value, including several wedding rings, a hand mirror or two, etc.
A Circlet of Speaking is found on what must have been some nobles faithful hunting hound. (4,800gp)
It’s around 2pm. Do you retrace your steps and ride for Lotheedar (should make it around supper time easily enough) or do you begin heading south, back to the Betony Estate and home?
Kort isn't pleased by the clear number of peasantry that had died over the years, but is grateful for both finishing the beast off and for the interesting haul of loot. Surely this haul would make up for some of the parties expenditures for the peasants over the last few weeks, and might even allow for more growth in the future.
"Well, it's a bounty that we can return to the lands. What was our next project, Anselm? This might pay for most of it."
Kort is ready to return home.
Anselm says a prayer over the victims' remains. "These poor souls. Such a hideous end. Shelyn, may they find beauty and delight upon their transit through the Boneyards."
He examines the personal items that remain more closely, treating even those without value with reverance. He takes note of any features or marks that may help identify the owner. Turning to Kort, he responds. "Perhaps. After we tend to their remains, let us see which items we may to surviving loved ones. I would hate to profit from their loss, especially those who don't know the fate of those missing."
He defers to the others' wishes as to their next destination.
The macabre sight is surreal to Kamari. She mechannically picks through the bones, some of them smaller than others, feeling a bit like a vulture. When the bags are full she simply states.
"Home, now."
Elen finds a small branch with which to gingerly push bones around, all the while a wry grimace on her face. This really stinks.
"Well, it's a bounty that we can return to the lands. What was our next project, Anselm? This might pay for most of it."
Elen rolls a femur off of a small pile of textiles and peels them off of the ground one by one with her branch. ”The roads, wasn’t it? Patching up the roads and getting rid of that horrid dilapidated building. Then build the Market." She groans in dissatisfaction when nothing turns out to be found between or beneath the material. "How much of worth have we found so far?”
"may they find beauty and delight upon their transit through the Boneyards."
Elen looks up from her delicate work and leans on her branch. "What -- what does that mean? 'transit through the Boneyards'?"
~~~~
"Home, now."
"Well, did we want to stop over in Lotheedar, and track down Sir Lap Hound tomorrow morning? Maybe stay overnight at a nice bed and breakfast, or camp outside now that we are not in a hurry?"
The Night Swan had slipped Kamari's mind amongst the carnage, but it makes sense to stop to visit Sir Gusairne while they are already on the road.
"A bed and hot breakfast, please."