| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
After lowering a continually *barking* Pars to the ground via a rope through his harness (and a tired Ferdrin via a bosun’s chair), Cade ties a knot together at the ends of his rope and then heaves the great loop about the stone staircase so the knot is now situated at the base of the arrangement.
After climbing down the shortened line and dropping the last six or seven feet to the ground, one of the taller party members can untie the knot and return the well-worn rope to its owner.
Books in tow, you make your way back through the deserted gillfolk tunnels. Previously dry areas are now beginning to fill with running water, up to about waist height on Brakkik.
Back on surface, the return trek to the Grand Lodge is uneventful, and you arrive back at the Venture-Captain Dreng’s office before the mess has opened for breakfast.
You catch Seeker Agent Eadie Navhelan dozing in an armchair in VC Dreng’s antechamber. A large blade lies across her knees, and you suspect she has been waiting up up all night.
Characteristically emotional with congratulations on your return, she carefully takes hold of the Twin Tomes and places them in a silver-lined blue cedar case.
“Setare Katsu dropped this gift off from Lady Ollysta, and reported Yargos Gill is resting comfortably. But thank inflation you have returned, and with the Incantation sealed!”
“Arnaut and I will safeguard it until VC Dreng and the Master of Towels return from their seaside vacations. There is much we can learn from the Infernal Incantation and the Celestial Song, but in a controlled environment to make sure … incidents such as this are not repeated.”
The wide-eyed warrior breaths a relieved sigh and looks at each of you. “So, you obviously succeeded. But we heard reports of devils loose on the streets. Is there anything else I should be concerned about?”
|
Xiao junior bows.
”Seeker Agent Eadie! It is truly a pleasure but also pressure to work with you! You have expectations and want them to be fulfilled but your soft heart shows a lot of gratitude!! It was truly an honor to work on such an important matter for the silver crusade! This was and is a fantastic group so keep an eye on us and if the Decemvirate ever asks anything about us than just mention the good things please!“ he says with a sly smile.
|
|
Once the group has reached safety, Raelene asks Sarenrae's blessing to heal all who are worthy.
As she later supervises the handover of the tomes, Raelene agrees that great care must be taken when handling or potentially studying them. She quietly adds, "Some things are best left undisturbed. Breaking a balanced bond is unwise."
|
”This was and is a fantastic group so keep an eye on us and if the Decemvirate ever asks anything about us than just mention the good things please!“
“Sure will! You can count on me, Agent Xiao Junior!”
Eadie’s smile broadens. “Unless I forget of course.”
🐕
Eadie nods her head soberly at Raelene and Brakkik’s comments.
“Important points. Yes, VERY important points, Agents ...”
As an aside behind a spiked gauntlet. “They are, right Raelene?”
“I think you should discuss them with VC Dreng upon his return. Oh, and just ignore him if he says stuff like:
• He’s too busy
• Can’t understand a freakin’ word you’re saying
• Has a headache
• Will banish you to Shadow Absalom if you don’t #@ʕ%ing SHUT UP!
“He’s just kidding around. He like says stuff like that to me all the time!”
|
|
Eadie inspects the bruising and scratches down the back and tentacles of the Sea Witch.
She then removes a gauntlet and checks his carotid artery.
“Welp, he’s still alive. And tough as Tarrasque hide to survive being dragging him halfway across Absalom in this state.”
“Maybe VC Benarry or the Master of Swords can convince him to join the Society? I’ll set up a cell in the Overflow Archives, with a rookie cleric to nurse him until they return from their vacation.”
“Let’s call this mission done! Watch out to see if there’s any mention of Arnaut and me in the next issue of the Pathfinder Chronicles. Wish us luck!”