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’the combat is over, the song has stopped, the light will cease. This leaves and I am saddened but satisfied, know it has served its purpose. The taint burns, never satisfied, But I would have born it, I would have released the taint to kill that creature if Cadence hadn’t finished it with her pole arm. What is wrong with me?’ Einar watches as Cadence kills the last winter fey, saddened and relieved at the same time. Quickly recovering he watches as the last creature shatter into the winter air, noticing the tiny fay that had been mounted on the white stag, Einar points to it. ”I vould vager zat zee little vone vas our speaker und zee stag vas his mount, ya.” Looking to Mister Whiskers he shrugs his shoulders, ” Zere is no reason to let zee meat und hide go to vaste.” Using the Finely made short sword he begins to skin the stag, dressing out the meat for transport, he places it on the pack horse. Nodding to the team, he follows Crummock, who in his snow shoes has taken point, and leading the pack horse heads back to town.
As the party approaches Heldren, they can see stacks of wood being piled on the ground and on some portions, the beginnings of a palisade being built around Heldren.
Erlis and a few other members of the militia are keeping an eye on anything might come out of the woods. ”Cadence, you’re back! And with Lady Argentea as well! Well done, guys, I knew you could do it!” She gives Cadence a wide grin and enthusiastic wave. ”Now I wish I was there as well, but you’ll be retelling your tales in the Silver Stoat tonight, won't you?"
Mr. Whiskers is relieved to see the village.
When staying the night is mentioned, he looks to the others and says "I'm concerned, can we afford to stay that long? We need to tell what we know, but I do not think it wise to tarry. Forces are on the move and the sooner we act, the less of them we will need to defend against."
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Crummock.
"Aye, but we cannae afford to go off half-cocked; if we do, we are likely to just end in the Boneyard. I say we stock-up on provisions, take a brief nap, and then head back to the Lodge in the evening, since we can all see in the dark."
"Oh NO! Lady Argentea's would be something I'd love to hear, since I really wanted to go along as well."
"But you're probably right." She answers regretfully.
Yesterday, two pale white creatures with massive ears snuck into town and killed a dog. When someone heard the dog’s dying cries, they informed the milita and we managed to hunt those two scrawny b@stards down, though they led us a fine merry chase.” Erlis says with a sigh. ”There are more creatures coming out of the woods, perhaps forced out by the cold. Hakon was attacked by a boar while building the palisade. We took care of that boar, and it’s now roasting in the Menander’s kitchen. I wonder what else will come out of the woods next.” Erlis has a worried expression on her face.
"It seems they are hunting the fey, so any fey that might inhabit these woods may come out. If so, you may want to see if they will help you fight the invaders." Mr. Whiskers suggests.
Pointing towards the woods, he adds "There is supposed to be a portal to someplace. We were told it lies to the south of Lake Taermain."
Looking around, he then asks "Would anyone have maps of the woods? It would be nice to know where this lake is."
"The Sentinels have some maps of Borderwood. Did you see any of them?They haven't come into town for a while..." Erlis replies.
Lady Argentea, true to her word, goes to the Silver Stoat to retrieve the rest of her belongings. "Thank you so much for your timely rescue." She thanks the party as she hands them a sack of gold. "I'll probably be here for a while, until I can catch the next caravan to Katheer." She informs the party.
Shaking his head, he admits "I didn't see any. As for the Sentinels, we found out what happened there." The sorrow is plain in his voice.
"Perhaps it would be best if we get together with Mayor Ionnia Teppen and who ever has taken charge of all this." he says, waving towards the baracade. "That way we can answer all the questions at once."
Nodding his head in the direction of Lady Argentea, he says "First I think we should show the lady to Yuln, so he knows she is safe and she knows who warned us of her predicament."
"What happened to the Sentinels?" Erlis demands. "I had friends there, I wanted to join them after I finished my militia training. At least they get to you know, go on adventures?"
Yuln's face lights up with relief and gratitude when he sees Lady Argentea safe. "You have helped me redeem some of my honor, now I know that my charge is now safe. You may keep my longsword, for I know it has finally found a more worthy master then I."
Crummock's expression grows grim.
"Ach, I dinnae think that will be possible; the Sentinels are no more. Bandits and Unseelie hit them afore they started coming after ye."
Ionnia Teppen is now looking at construction blueprints for a pallisade. She looks up when she hears the party enter. "You have my utmost thanks for resucing Lady Argentea. Now tell me, what news you have of Borderwood. Have you found what's causing this unseasonal cold?"
Crummock nods.
"Aye, it be the Unseelie. There be a portal to the Evercold somewhere in yon forest. The Unseelie allied with the local bandits, and took out the Sentinels, which be why ye hav ebeen havin' so many problems o' late."
"The Sentinels gone...our last line of defense.."Erlis gives a hiss."Things coming out of the wood..."Erlis clenches her right hand until the whites of her knuckles show. "Did you make their murderers pay?" She demands.
Crummock frowns.
"We killed the leader o' the bandits, a necromancer, but Cadence insisted on sparing the rest o' them - she seemed to think that they could be 'rehabilitated'. At present, against me better judgement, they have been left in the Sentinels' Lodge, with minimal supplies, no weapons, and no cold weather gear, so they be trapped for the moment."
"A necromancer?!" Erlis spits on the ground. "The things that people would do for power. I'd turn him into a pincushion if he wasn't already dead." Her eyes flash angrily."You left them in the lodge of those they killed? They should be hanged for their crimes!"
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Clearing his throat, Mr. Whiskers states "It was more than just Cadence who thought the remaining people should have a chance at redemption." He straightens himself to his full height, which would be much more impressive if he wasn't less than four foot tall on his tip-toes.
"Those who survived are trapped by the weather though. If you determine that justice demands more after talking with the remaining people, that is within your powers."
"I believe that the remaining bandits can be redeemed if given a chance. They saw an opportunity under a powerful leader, and did not consider the consequences of their actions. Now, they regret the decisions that they made." Looking down, he hesitates. Then looking up again, he explains "I do not know if all of them will take advantage of this second chance, but someone providing leadership and a strong moral code could make them into a strong force for good. Those who fail...well, you already know the solution to that."
Climbing up and standing on a chair, he then says "We have some names, and an idea of what some of them are like. They have a portal that is supposed to be to the south of Lake Taermain."
He then tells what he knows; the winter touched fey, the snake-like ice elementals, and the names they had uncovered in questioning the bandits and the fey.
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’This is where we left the farmers body, we should take it back with us, most would rather bury their dead.’ Nearing the river where they found Dansby Einar stops the pack horse. ”Vee should bring Farmer Dansby’s remains vit us.” Pulling The farmers body out of the snow, he place it on the pack saddle beside the butchered stag.
Hearing Crummock recommend they stock up Einar nods his head in agreement, ”Ya, Crummock is right. Vee need to resupply ourselves und pack supplies for zee folks at zee lodge. It vill do no good to require zem to change und not help zem. “ nodding back toward the pack horse he continues. ”Und if vee are to be fighting zee fey I vould like to get coldiron arrow heads. If zee black smit has not coldIron at least he can reforge my Bullets into arrowheads.”
After returning Dansby’s body to the town people and the sickly horses to the livery Einar accompanies the team to the Mayors house, staying relatively silent until Mister Whiskers speaks of redeeming the thieves. ’It was my idea, I should say something.’ As Mister Whiskers begins to climb on a chair Einar chimes in. ”Zee people I come from in zee north sustain zemselves in zee vinter vit fishing. Zay have a saying, “Wenn ein Fisch stinkt Blick auf den Kopf.” ”If a fish stinks look at zee head.” Zey say zat because zee eyes vill turn cloudy ven zee fish is bad. Zee same is true of men, If zee head is bad zen zee fish vill be bad.” 'I realize this is the same as what Mister Whiskers said but it was worth repeating.' Making eye contact with those who are listening. ”My Vater vas a great varrior, a carl of our people. He vas also a raider. As I vould have been had zings been different. Zees men have given zere oath, if zay break it, ven I return, I vill hunt down every Mütter’s son of zem. If you are villing to trust me, you should be villing to give zem a chance.” Seeing Mister Whiskers was ready to speak again, Einar steps back into the shadows
Einar manages to turn Swiftfoot's pelt into a cold weather outfit. Also, Enough food for the party for a day. Or enough food for the dogs for a day. Up to the party to choose.
When Old Mans Dansby's body is returned to his wife, she is very grateful. On hearing the party's tale, she tells them, while weeping, "Please, take his gear. He won't be needing it now..." She chokes off a sob. "And he will rest easier knowing that those who slew him won't be harming anyone any longer..."
"If they regret their actions, we are willing to give them a second chance." Ionnia looks at Mr Whiskers. Then a cold smile appears on her lips. "A good night in the snow should give them ample time to contemplate their life choices. And it is justice of a sort, that they become the replacements for those they slew, standing as our bulwark against the fey."
"We are not without mercy. Rest assured they will be adequately provisioned, for their services."
"There is truth in what you say, Einar," She states, thoughtfully. "After your rescue of Lady Argentea, none would have any doubts on where your hearts lie. Anyone who has doubts in your trustworthiness will answer directly to me. There is a hint of steel in her voice. "And I know who to send."She levels a look at Erlis. Erlis looks as if she is about to protest, then decides against it. "Feel free to ask the town for anything you may need, but bear in mind our resources are limited. " She answers Einar. "Also, take this. It might be helpful." She hands Einar a potion of lesser restoration, that she pulls out of a nearby chest.
"I'm sorry, but I will have to charge you with investigating the winter portal, and if possible, find a way to prevent any more evil fey from crossing over, and end this winter out of season."
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Cadence looks up at Einar gratefully. "Dansby was a sweetheart, our neighbor. Always building things. He made a big tree house for me and my sisters to play in, fixed our fence when it blew down, played father winter bringing presents at Crystalhue." She looks sad. "It will be my honor for us to see him home."
Cadence does not enjoy the glare that the mayor gives her, at first but keeps her head up. "Second chances can serve everyone. Sometimes you need to trust your gut." When the mayor looks at Erlis, Cadence raises an eyebrow and grins. "They won't dare set a toe out of place with you in charge, Sis."
When the mayor puts them in charge of going out to the portal, Cadence nods. "It's what we need to do. Can we have a few hours to rest before we go?"
"Take whatever time you need to rest and reprovision." The Mayor replies.
The party retires to the Silver Stoat after their puchases are complete. The Silver Stoat is up in a buzz with excitement this evening, talking about a new chef and a revamped menu.
The party is served a dinner of Ten-Penny's latest creations. A large plate of pan fried Holloumi Cheese on spinach leaves, a basket of pita bread with an accompanying hummus dip, 20 pieces of goose kebabs, a turkey shawarma each, a large bowl of tabbouleh, a large plate of Falafels, a large bowl of boar Quwarmah Al Dajaj and Baklava for dessert. "How's the food?" Ten-Penny asks the party.
For those unfamiliar with the foods
The party retires to their rooms, to wake up at midnight and set off to the lodge. They find Erlis waiting outside the inn, clad in cold weather outfit similar to Einar's. Underneath the cold weather gear she is clad in scalemail. She carries a shortbow and a longspear on her back. 3 javelins, a dagger and a shortsword are strapped on her belt."I'm coming along with you to the lodge." She states simply. She moves confidently across the snow without any need for a light source.
As the party travels across the snowy forest, they realize that there are some glowing blue eyes staring at them from the darkness beyond. They make out the shape of the small ice elementals they fought earlier.
Erlis readies to strike any elemental that gets within reach of her longspear.
Not good, they are coming in from every direction!
Mr. Whiskers fires off his glob of acid at the elemental to the northeast.
Mr Whisker's acid blob does actually melt a bit of the elemental off.
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"Ten Penny, this is wonderful!" She grins. "You're an amazing cook."
Before going to bed in one of the rooms, she turns to Einar and kisses him on the cheek. "Thank you, for your support with the Mayor."
"Alright," she nods to Erlis. "The woods are dangerous. I cannot think of anyone that I'd rather have to watch my back."
When the woods erupt with ice elementals, Cadence is momentarily startled. Oh no. Not these again.
"Thank you! Menander and Kale have such a well stocked kitchen that its a joy to work with. They've promised that I can stay here as long as I like and they'll even pay me a wage for cooking!" Ten-Penny bursts into tears of joy as she gives Cadence a hug. "None of this would have been possible without your help!"
"Yeah, sum 'elp wi' de mornin' is much appreciated. Menander simply canny wake up before noon." Kale gives Ten-Penny a warm smile and Menander a sharp look. Menander has the grace to look sheepish.
Menander is cleaning up the inn. If the party asks him for takeaways, he wraps up the remainder of the roasted turkey, sliced lettuce, tomato and cucumber cubes in lavash and hands the party a Doner Kebab each, except for Einar, who receives two. He puts them all in paper bags for the party to easily carry.
With a frustrated sigh, Crummock steps up, and takes a swing.
Crummock's starknife glances off its icy body.
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”Everyone should doubt where my heart lies, no one knows the evils in a man’s heart let alone in a demons.’ Einar smiles a smile that does not reach his eyes, but he accepts the mayors gift and nods.
’I had no right to speak of my father, this place is not like there, but the new Sentinals will benefit having Erlis there to keep them on the straight and narrow.’ Einar sits with his friends, his mood somber after speaking with the mayor. He spends the meal focusing on the food, not talking a lot. After trying a little of everything he takes seconds on the pan fried Holloumi Cheese, more goose kebabs and mor of the boar Quwarmah Al Dajaj. When Ten-Penny walks up Einar nudges a chair back for her. ”Have a seat und try some!” Nodding toward the Goose kebabs he added ”Zis is the best Gewürze, how you say, spices I have had on Gans, und zee little triangular pastries are Wunderbar.” Then pointing to the dip and the salad with his spoon he shrugs his shoulder and nods his head a little, then smiles. ’After zee diet of dried vegetables you may not want zeem, Ya.” As Ten-Penny sits down to join them, Einars demeanor turns serious and he asks Ten-Penny. ”Cadences little sister, Erlis, is going to zee lodge to be zee new Kapitän. I believe she can handle zee job, but I vould like someone zere who vee know vould watch her back. Vould you consider going? I vould make it worth your Time. “
’What no parade?’Einar smiles to himself as they leave the town at night, pocketing one of the turkey wraps and eating the other. Having taken point he leads the team back the way they came. Seeing the fey he steps to the northwest striking at one with his Glaive, telling the team. ”Do not get so spread out zat vee cannot protect each ozers backs!”
"Sorry Einar, but Kale and Menander are nice people, and they've promised me a place of my own here. And here's nice and warm, with friendly people."She replies apologetically."It's like everything I've ever dreamed off, and more!"
"I can pop over from time to time to drop in the supplies, I suppose." She says, not wanting to disappoint Einar.
Einar strikes at one of the ice elementals chopping off one of its arms. As it approaches, he cuts it horizontally into two, and the halves collapse on the ground and shatter to bits.
One elemental goes after Cadence, its fists unable to punch through Cadence's breastplate. The other goes after Erlis, who manages to stab it as it moves in, but her second blow fails to penetrate its icy exterior. Its fist clips her shoulder, causing her to yelp in pain. The last elemental tries to pound on Crummock, but Crummock blocks the blow with his shield.
Erlis easily fights off the chill of the ice elmental's strike.
Forced into close quarters, Erlis draws her shortsword and stabs it into the creature's chest. The creature falls back and shatters to pieces.
Mr. Whiskers attempts to cast his Acid spell. Seeing the elemental before him shatter, he targets to one on Crummock instead.
Unfortunately, he is too busy dodging to be able to cast the spell.
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'This coldiron glaive works well on these things' Seeing the creature attack Cadence from the corner of his eye, As the one he staged explodes, Einer turns and stepping through the snow stabs at the ice fairy attacking Cadence. "Lass sie in Ruhe!"
Einar shatters the elemental next to Cadence into tiny pieces.
The blob of acid melts the tip of the nose of Crummock's elemental.
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Cadence's mind had been wandering. Her belly full of midnight treats, her sister Erlis by her side, and the intriguing Einar to watch... she'd let her mind wander and missed that they were being ambushed. Before she knows it, there is but one elemental left, threatening Crummock.
Snap out of it, Cadence! It's time to move and help your party.
After Cadence gives it a good whack, there does not appear to be much of the elemental left, but it still remains up.
Crummock takes a swing at the last elemental.
Crummock's starknife glances off its icy, slippery body.
The ice elemental tries to punch Crummock in the face. It delivers a solid right hook to Crummock's cheek.
Erlis moves in, shortsword upraised, to stab it its body, but fails to penetrate.
Having taken a flanking position, Crummock takes another swing.
The elemental tries to slam Crummock as he attempts to move into position. Crummock sidesteps its attempt.
Crummock's starknife glances harmlessly of the elemental's body.
'One left, Cadence will probably kill it... it's very lucky and now going after Crummock.' Calling out to his friend as he moves toward the last snake tailed fairy. "Vatch out Crummock." 'good he dodged the thing, need to get over there just in case.'