Aeleni frowns, thinking. Pfft. End of the world. Sure. Purely human fantasies played out on paper. Aeleni says, her voice heavy with derision. How fast are you wanting to go, cousin? Im not exactly familiar with mules, but from the slow pace these animals travel, I am not sure we would be able "go fast". I think there speeds are "slow" and "plodding".
Torin shrugs, "Seems a bit above my pay scale, but I guess I shouldn't make any long term plans."
"If the book is real, then the world ends in two years, so there's not exactly a rush. If it's a fake, then there's nothing to worry about at all. Regardless, we're under contract and should be about our business."
"Let's finish our job then we can visit Palanthus."
"We are being paid to go to Palanthus my little Kender friend.
How convenient no?
Certainly the end feels a long way away until it is not Torin.
If we move faster we are paid faster. If the book is a forgery and my alarm is for nothing so be it but I prefer that we rest less and push harder. I think my request to be reasonable. What say you all?"
Bander holds up a hand and counts his fingers points over his shoulder sidelong counts his fingers again, "Oh yeah we are going to Palnthus already." He chuckles, "Sooner works for me but do we leave now in the middle of the night?"
"I can have the wagon readied. Since someone has already peeked into the book which I remembered we were not supposed to. We might as well move off since we're all here already." Fuma drops her hands as it seems to her the decision has being made.
"Well, the deed is done, and we are heading in that direction anyway, so I see no problem with that" - Zak agreed.
The elf glares at Fuma, "I remember no such instruction regarding not reading the Book at any rate, if you wish to head back to the Solamnians to discuss the particulars, we have yet to travel far".
Gritting his teeth he turns to Zak and nods, "Perhaps these are the fever dreams of a lunatic but if they are not, I would rather someone with some actual authority be aware of this... writing.
I am sure no one is Istar thought a fiery mountain would fall upon the city either, the Blood Sea is proof that such things can happen".
That said, the elf mounts the wagons with his belongings and tries to settle in for some sleep on the bumpy midnight ride.
Sheska, who has remained silent for almost this entire night, suddenly speaks up.
If the book is about the future, and is possibly real, is there an entry for a date closer to todays date that we could possibly look into? such an event could provide a proof that is irrefutable to deny? Todays what? the 22nd, no! the 23rd day of fourth month. if the book details the next two years, im sure there has to be something in there that shows something that happens soon that we could observe or hear about?
Fuma Glares back at the Elf.
"Keep that sour look back. You act remarkably like the old man that has us all on this trip in the first place. Besides.." she remarks as she takes up the reins.
"Making yourself comfortable while others have to drive this is like what my master say typical."
If no one else proceeds to say anything else, Fuma gets the wagon moving.
With a shrug Zak follows Fuma and the others - he takes a look over his shoulder back at where he left Chahlen, and continues on his way.
"I'd be happy to drive if you wish to end in a ditch Fuma.
We all have skills to be brought to bear, when the time comes, you'll thank me for mine".
That said he turns to Sheska, "Indeed, that is what most raised my alarm, the book writes of events that happened recently in Qualinesti that I am familiar with and none outside of the Elven realm should have so readily known about".
He turns to the pages in the book of the most recent time and flips a page or two forward looking for an event that will happen in the coming days close enough to their current location for him to verify.
"What does it say about the bar fight?" He holds up a hand to Torin for a high five.
Duatha shrugs at Bander's question and looks to see if such a minor event would even be noted, "I'll check".
Duatha shakes his head at Bander, "Nothing about the bar fight.
Here, on the Eighteeth Day, Fourth Month, Brother Lanadon delivers a copy of the Final Volume to Dero Squireson in Solanthus. The same Magistrate that held us on our last arrest.
Hmmm, had we left when we intended to, the book would have arrived after we had all departed..."
As the wagon continues to move Duatha continues to read, "The next entry,
Third Day Fifthmonth, 356. That's what, ten days from now?
Led by the Blue Lady and Lord Soth, the dragonarmy arrives in... Palanthas!"
Duatha cocks his head, "How is this possible?
I have heard no rumors of the Dragonarmies on the move". He sighs, "Tanis Half-Elven falls in battle against Lord Soth!"
He is exasperated, "If this is even conceivably true, we must hurry. One of the Heroes of the Lance cannot be allowed to die in such a manner! But there is more..."
The Elves face turns grim, "Raistlin emerges from the portal in the Tower of High Sorcery in Palanthas, followed by Takhisis. While the Battle of Palanthas rages outside, Raistlin slays the Dark Queen. Absorbing her power, he departs Krynn to do battle with the Gods".
He shakes his head, "This is Madness.
But if any part of this is true, we must get to Palanthas and warn Astinus, he may not be able to interfere but he can certainly put us in contact with those who can aid us!"
"Wait shouldn't the book have everything."
Duatha shakes his head at Bander, "I don't think so. Most Historical treatises only cover the most relevant events of a given period of time. Every mundane barfight would create a library so large no city could house it.
Though not quite a man, Astinus is also no God".
"I'd be happy to drive if you wish to end in a ditch Fuma.
Fuma on her part glares at the elf. Insulting as he maybe She doesn't have any wish to end up in a ditch. Not until she finds her master though His mannerisms definitely was like her Master. Though unlike her kind master, this Duatha was a jerk.
"I'll keep your words in mind." she responds. Keeping in mind to avoid interacting much with the Elf then. His arrogance was definitely on the level.
She instead concentrated on the road.
But if any part of this is true, we must get to Palanthas and warn Astinus, he may not be able to interfere but he can certainly put us in contact with those who can aid us!"
Torin furrows his brow.
"I thought you said the book tells the future. What is there to do? Hasn't it already happened? Or will happen?"
"I thought you said the book tells the future. What is there to do? Hasn't it already happened? Or will happen?"
Duatha curls his lips in concentration then shakes his head and responds, "I cannot say that I know Torin.
It is a date in the future. If the future is written and cannot be changed then we are soothsayers to a dark fate.
I would prefer not to believe this to be so. If there is anything we can do to prevent such a catastrophe should we not at least try?"
Aeleni, yawning as she walks alongside the wagon, nods at Duatha. Actually, 11 days from now. It's too bad we're stuck with this slow mule team. would be nice to try to attempt to make it to Palanthas before that next entry, the Blue lady and Lord Soth supposedly arrives. That seems a more likely event happening than this Raistlin mage leaving the Abyss and killing a God
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"Well even if we arrive late. We can ask about and confirm that they arrived when the book declared."
Actually, 11 days from now. It's too bad we're stuck with this slow mule team. would be nice to try to attempt to make it to Palanthas before that next entry, the Blue lady and Lord Soth supposedly arrives. That seems a more likely event happening than this Raistlin mage leaving the Abyss and killing a God
Duatha replies, "It's a good point cousin, we should find s team of horses.
These events happen on the same day.
We need to be there at least a few days early if we are to have hope of effecting their outcome".
"Well even if we arrive late. We can ask about and confirm that they arrived when the book declared."
Aeleni sniffs at the short kender, her hand running through the brown hair. thats if the city and the citizens survive that day.
"They are slow but their endurance is far greater then what you would believe of them. Managing them properly should ensure they travel longer which will be almost the same as getting faster horses." She speaks up in defence of the mules as she continues driving them forward.
Duatha turns to his cousin, "Well Cousin, on this Fuma is correct else she would not speak so definitively.
Perhaps it is these animals that shall be the true saviors of the world..."
Aeleni looks at her cousin, annoyance clear upon her face. The fate of the world, upon the backs of mules. And a human driver...
She walks along silently, lifting her hand up to scratch at the back of her head. It's what? 200 some miles to Palanthas. And how far can these mules usually go? what, 15, 20 miles in a day, give or take a few? At that rate, it'd take us- she trails off, holding a hand in front of her, fingers lifting and lowering. -12 to 14 days or so to travel there? And that destruction of palanthas event happens in 11? Yeah, we'll have to really push those mules hard- nevermind us.
Torin pats one of the mules' necks. "Can't say that I'm any faster than these fellows and besides we can't just abandon the cargo. We'll have to push the team hard, but they'll get us there."
Fuma hears the words but keeps her tongue. These elves were exactly like her master!
Proudly arrogant and quick to insult what they perceived as the lesser races but as her master also stated to her repeatedly the main cause of their downfall.
Duatha rolls his eyes at his Cousin,
We are allies in this, Cousin, stop antagonizing our allies".
"If the Mules need assistance, I have some magic which may be able to help... first let us see what we shall need as we make our way".
Bander shrugs, "Well we could split. Sounds like a horrible idea but two goals. The fast team could get on hand and witness confirmation and the slow team can do the job and get paid and not end up wanted for failing a job."
As you discuss the situation while walking in the darkness of night...
as you discuss the book, it's potential events, and problem solving, you all suddenly hear a somewhat heavy thud come from underneath the wagon. Even before anyone can react to the sound, let alone Fuma bringing the team to a halt, a rear wagon wheel rolls over a small bundle of rags.
there is a long pause, and as Fuma brings the mules to a halt, the pile of rags suddenly starts screaming in agony!!!!
I no sleeping. High Bulp leav..stop hitting. The bundle of rags screams as he holds his leg above the knee. Then looking up, he notices the others looking at him and attempts to tumble back under the wagon.
The somersault begins well but ends with a quivering heap of tears and terror. I exterm.. exterm.. dead he quails.
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Aelenis answer suddenly gets interrupted.
What's that? she cries out, grasping her bow and wrinkling her nose.
The elf stands up and looks out of the back of the wagon as the bundle of rags, "Cousin, I have no idea".
The Wizard considers jumping out of the wagon but holds and observes the sputtering creature considering just what it is.
The elf stands up and looks out of the back of the wagon as the bundle of rags, "Cousin, I have no idea".
The Wizard considers jumping out of the wagon but holds and observes the sputtering creature considering just what it is.
** spoiler omitted **
"It smells funny. Whatever it is. Ah um even if we diddn't see you there we could smell you and that's our wagon. Come on out."
The small bundle continues to wail....My leg! it's been brok..umm err hurt!!! The creature begins to flop around trying to brace its leg as best it can while escaping beneath the wagon.
This time the somersault is superb and though whimpering still, the voice goes quiet as it tries to hide behind the wheels somewhat successfully.
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Aeleni jumps from the wagon with her bow in hand.
You're way to fat to hide behind a wheel, which has spokes to see through anyway. I conclude you're not only stinking like a rotten carcass, you're also not the brightest light. But you're small for a human. Are you a child?
Long legs in fine leather boots and a cloak are probably all to be seen from under the wagon, right in front of the wheel.
Anyway, come out there, this is foolish. We will not harm you unless you give us reason too. What are you doing under this wagon? Did you run away from your home?
Fuma is slightly shocked to have run over something and even more when the thing somehow possesses the withdrawal to roll out of sight and attempt to hide behind a wagon wheel.
She stops the wagon to prevent running over the creature again.
"Are you hurt? Let me check on your wounds." she asks as she dismounts.
Her oath to never deny healing to a creature hurt if asked coming to the fray.
The stench hits her later. Much much later.
The pile stands up and and appears to brush itself off.
Then still cringing and whimpering, it steps around the wagon wheel. It attempts a bow but stumbles crying out and grabbing its leg once more.
Hea...hea... make no hurt be nice. it gets out in dwarven before collapsing unconscious to the ground.
Duatha leaps out as well to check on the creature.
Heal check
Torin wrinkles his nose it disgust.
"Ugh. Don't touch it. They have fleas and carry disease."
At Aeleni's question he says, "It's a gully 'dwarf'," using his fingers to put air quotes around the word dwarf. "They're not dangerous, but if like any vermin, if you back them into a corner they'll bite."
"Shove it out of the way and let's get out of here, before it upsets the animals."
"If they have fleas and such, then all we need to do is give him a bath. It would help us all better." Fuma protests as Torin seems eagar to leave the poor soul alone.
She aids Duatha in examining the now identified Gully Dwarf.