I walked around the portion of our building accessible from the 'outside' of the tower. All the while looking for signs of a breach, or an ambush or other, follow-up, attack.
It wasn't that I didn't care about the dead and injured, but for years I had been trained to ignore them and do my job despite any feelings that I might have.
Besides, they didn't want me to use my magic to try and help them. I was more likely to,... do more harm than good.
I shook my head and got back to work. NO obvious breaches in the property so far. That was good. I would rest easier after I got a report from Loo though. I didn't see anybody that didn't fit in with the street-scene-after-a-disaster scenario. But a call from Romulus, hiding in the shadows,turned out to be proof that SOMEone was interested in the aftermath as more than a victim or helpful neighbor. I made note of the man's appearance. I was sure that we'd meet again.
"I haven't seen devastation like this since,... in a long time." I muttered to the others, finally turning my attention to helping victims in the street. "And where the devil is the watch?!? Is that the sound of battle coming from the center of the city?" I shook my head in disbelief. "What is going on??"
"What a lovely excuse for an imposition of martial law." She shakes her head and looks around.
"I hope your wrong Lucienne. But why do I have the sinking feeling that you might be on to something?"
Maddock and Romulus spill out onto the street, taking in the surroundings. Maddock helps innocents and those that he can as Romulusu notices a lone figure in a heavy trenchcoat and bowler cap, just at the edge of the visable before it darts around a corner.
What is most ominous is the lack of city watch.
The sounds of scuffling and more explosions can be heard coming from city center.
Logos
I shiver as my hunch is confirmed. How did I know that there would be someone there watching? I push aside my dark thoughts and help Maddock with the injured and the dying. Their pain ways heavily on my heart but I must not allow my emotions get the better of my judgment. I help the least injured first down to the most injured. It may seem callous but those who cannot wait for me to get to them is dead already.
The coppery smell of blood fills my senses and it reminds me of my village, long burned and buried in the aftermath of the Mourning. I look at the faces of the victims and see images of my neighbors transposed over them. Tis like living through that day all over again. Luckily, my face is covered in bandages and none can see my pain. Tis for the best.
Martial law will surely follow. The government would have no choice but to do so. Curfews will be imposed and military courts will have jurisdiction over civilians. The people will protest against the curtailment of their rights. The military will intervene. Then something will happen that will escalate it all and bring about chaos. It's going to be a blood bath.
Helping, Inspecting, Watching, and Worrying the morning is quickly eluding you. After taking an early dinner you realize that if you want to find a secure place to watch the late show with shadowwise, you need to get going now.
"I think it's painfully obvious that he's up to something." I tell the others as we clean up and grab a bite to eat after the terror of the morning. "All that has come before, and now THIS on the morn of his 'big announcement'? I never believed in coincidence, but this setup stinks enough to make a paladin of the god of luck a doubter!" I exclaimed.
I grab my gear, and check my weapons.
"So Romulus, where is this 'big meeting' at? And does anyone know that area of town well enough to know where a good hiding and watching spot is?
DEFINITELY out of the line of fire?!! I want a good shot,... I mean VIEW, of the proceedings!"
I didn't bother to try and contain the intensity and emotion in my voice. It seemed we were in this together. They might as well know what they're working with.
I reply to Akallabeth's question, "The announcement will take place at the War Orphan Memorial. We should expect a tremendous amount of security in light of the morning's events. Further, it is within the realm of possibility that we will be expected. We need a map of that place and surrounding area. Perhaps, even the tunnels underneath."
"If not a map, then someone who knows the same and won't sell us out. Further, we must agree on our goal."
" We need a map of that place and surrounding area. Perhaps, even the tunnels underneath. If not a map, then someone who knows the same and won't sell us out. Further, we must agree on our goal."
"I'm pretty familar with that stretch of town, I walk through it a dozen times each week. Though, silly me, I've never scoped it out for good sniper sites."
Lucienne looks at the blast from one of the explosions. "Although there might be more of them now.
"And the obvious ones may be trapped. I have no idea how someone culd get his hands on this much explosive powder in a week, but he has, and I don't doubt he has more."
Out goal, I think, should be to hear him and contain damage. I, for one, think it would be an exceptionally poor idea to kill him, in cold, blood, in public, right after terrorist explosions, unless we could prove that he's behind them.
"He's a herald, a bard, a harbinger. He'll happily sacrifice himself for his lord."
I shook my head forcibly, then sighed in frustration.
"UNfortunately, I agree with you Luc. As much as I wish I could, and how much he deserves it. Even If I thought that a single spell or crossbow bolt could do it, after everything that's led up to this, killing him in cold blood, at least in public, would be a VERY bad idea! Especially as I don't see how we could do the city any good if we're in a cell,... or worse."
My eyes widened as I suddenly saw where this might be going,...
"Oh boy. He's already shown that he has a penchant for planning, and how to sway the general public by giving them something to worry about. For all we know, he could be hoping that someone tries to take him out. Shards and shells, he's probably counting on it! HE knows that WE are onto him at least, and there may be a few others that are capable of putting two & two together. We have to consider that he might use a double, either a volunteer or charmed, to take his place at the speech. He might be hoping that WE try a shot at him, or even that an announcement of the right magnitude, say imposing martial law, could entice someone else to try. Either way, let's presume that he has some big, bad,.... SOMEthing ready to unleash on the crowd to ensure even more panic, death and destruction!"
I rubbed my forehead, my earlier happiness from the morning looooong gone.
"OK. Short version. I say we scope a good spot, look for traps to disarm, (another set of explosives like this mornings would be good to avoid,) and snipers with delusions of paladinhood. Then we make sure that we are in a position to help save as many lives as we can when whatever happens hits the gryphon's wings. If we can be seen as heroes, HELPING people, then when we DO get a chance to take him out, they might at least be inclined to ask 'why' BEFORE they start shooting at us, instead of after."
"We need to go soon. What do you think?"
"We need to go soon. What do you think?"
"We go. We leave the hevy ordnance here. We save people. I regret not memorizing more than one protection from evil spell this morning. 'Planning'? He has more in his arsenal than just plans. He'll have anyone he pleases dancing at the end of his strings.
"But I *really* don't want to end up saving his life."
"I don't like leaving the heavy weapons behind. Our foe has shown himself to be ruthless and not above to sacrificing people. If we wish to lessen the pain and suffering that may be caused later, then our foe must be stopped. We cannot afford to allow him the luxury of picking as off while we rescue the innocent. He must be prevented from doing us harm."
"At least that is what I think," I tighten the folds of my cloak.
"I know, I know, I agree with both of you." I replied, rubbing my forehead again.
"But I don't know what,... I'm open to suggestions. I'm ok at planning things in advance, and even taking plans in new directions if they don't go right, and NO plan survives contact with the enemy. But this, I'm trying to come up with a plan to prevent something I haven't even identified yet!"
"Look, I don't see a way to take the Cloud Giant's crossbow here with us into a presumably secure location. I don't think it's gonna fit under our coats. So we leave it, and have Loo keep it ready to go in case we need it on short notice. "
"We go in armed for bear, we see what happens, and we roll with it. " I smirked just a little, "I think we've already proven that we can all think on our feet when it comes down to it. Here's what I propose,..."
"ONE-We figure out what he's up to. This may only be an opportunity to play politics and take control of the situation that he's created here. (Yeah,... right!)
TWO- Whatever 'BAD' thing he has up his sleeve for today. We stop it cold. Whatever it takes.
THIRD- IF we get a shot at him, and I mean a KILL shot, not an "oh look I put an arrow in you and now your mad shot", then we take it. We can try to clear our names after we've secured all the seals and gotten rid of mister 'Harbinger-of-Doom' so the seals STAY shut!"
"That's what I think. And remember, even if we DO get to kill him, he will have contingencies in place to continue to free his master. Heck his death may be REQUIRED to do it! As much as I want my shot, I'd rather deal with the enemy I know than have to identify the next one hidden away somewhere. GAH! Too much planning ahead!"
"We're all in this together. I'll go with the group on this. Let's decide and agree on our goals. We vote if we have to. Then let's go.
"ONE-We figure out what he's up to. This may only be an opportunity to play politics and take control of the situation that he's created here. (Yeah,... right!)
TWO- Whatever 'BAD' thing he has up his sleeve for today. We stop it cold. Whatever it takes.
THIRD- IF we get a shot at him, and I mean a KILL shot, not an "oh look I put an arrow in you and now your mad shot", then we take it. We can try to clear our names after we've secured all the seals and gotten rid of mister 'Harbinger-of-Doom' so the seals STAY shut!"
Lucienne nods, just at the edge of her depth. "In that order of priority, yes. If it comes down to oratory, who's our point man at, ah, speaking in public?
"And, if we should get the chance, let's also avoid having anybody travel back in time and obliterate all life. Maybe another priority.
"And, if it comes to it, who among us, if fallen in battle, would want to ... come back and continue the fight? For the record, not I."
"Yes, that order exactly sums up my sentiments. Let's not get close enough to give ourselves away, but be close enough to put a stop to anything bad that happens."
Maddock takes a look at the large deadly machine, and estimates its weight. "I can help lug this thing about, but as for shooting it, Kegi would be a better choice. I'm also not the prettiest face so I'll do no talkin' to the crowd."
"As for coming back from death to continue the fight...that's something I never thought I would be asked. I'm pledged to protect this land from unnatural creatures until my death...I can't see that becoming an unnatural creature myself will help with that pledge."
Maddock stiffens, his frown deepening for a moment, then his face turns upward, and he actually smiles.
"No. If I go, gather up what's left of me and scatter it in the wild."
"ONE-We figure out what he's up to. This may only be an opportunity to play politics and take control of the situation that he's created here. (Yeah,... right!)
TWO- Whatever 'BAD' thing he has up his sleeve for today. We stop it cold. Whatever it takes.
THIRD- IF we get a shot at him, and I mean a KILL shot, not an "oh look I put an arrow in you and now your mad shot", then we take it. We can try to clear our names after we've secured all the seals and gotten rid of mister 'Harbinger-of-Doom' so the seals STAY shut!"
Lucienne nods, just at the edge of her depth. "In that order of priority, yes. If it comes down to oratory, who's our point man at, ah, speaking in public?"And, if we should get the chance, let's also avoid having anybody travel back in time and obliterate all life. Maybe another priority.
"And, if it comes to it, who among us, if fallen in battle, would want to ... come back and continue the fight? For the record, not I."
"If it comes down to oratory, who's our point man at, ah, speaking in public?
"I don't mind being the 'face man' of the team, if that's what you mean. I do have a way with words, at times." I said, unconsciously preening my devilishly handsome profile. "But I would like input, or at least whispered advice, if I do. I'm pretty good at fast talking, but not always at thinking about what I'm saying."
"And, if we should get the chance, let's also avoid having anybody travel back in time and obliterate all life. Maybe another priority.
"Um,... yes. I vote we add THAT to the list! Maybe between #2 and #3?"
"And, if it comes to it, who among us, if fallen in battle, would want to ... come back and continue the fight? For the record, not I."
"NOT my first choice!" I agreed with Lucienne emphatically. "I don't know what happens to your afterlife if you,..." I glanced at Loo. "But, IF it comes down too it,... IF you think there's a need. And IF you think it's only because I can help you do something you couldn't do without me,... well. I promise not to hate anyone who feels that those conditions are met. Besides. It WOULD be a sort of poetic justice when I finally catch up to a certain Vampire,..."
I shook my head. "Let's just do our best to NOT have to worry about it!"
"Do you know Mr.Nimbus?"
"Not offhand Loo. Why?"
I gave the porcelain faced, re-animated pre-teen my most debonair smile.
"Loo, you are a treasure! You'll have to introduce us to 'Mr. Nimbus', so we can thank him properly."
I turned back to the others. "Luc, don't forget the glasses, we might need a 'reality check'."
Then I remembered the other object that Loo had given us. "BUT, Keep them away from that stone! Someone else can carry that. Maddock, would you mind? I think your Gatekeeper training might give you the best shot at resisting any 'suggestions' it might make. I think it might be an extraordinarily BAD idea to get those two things together too soon. Everyone ready?"
I took one last look around and checked my own equipment.
"Me either. Let's go."
As she leaves, Lucienne looks over her shoulder. "Loo, I...
"Thanks, Loo. Just, thanks."
I grabbed my head as the ethereal screeching rose to an uncomfortable level. Finally it subsided to a tolerable, if only just, level.
The first thing I saw when I unclenched my eyes was a terrible, dark floating fortress, just visible over the far edge of Sharn. When I hastily pointed it out to the others, both Kegi and Maddock seemed confused. Only Lucienne seemed to be able to see the dark apparition, floating like a diseased storm cloud over the city. A quick check with the Rosy Specs showed only a clear, beautiful day. Far too beautiful for the sudden sinking feeling I had in the pit of my stomach.
We both easily spotted the source of the infernal music. It was hard to miss. The music device was clearly of an original design, and elemental powered to boot! It was also large enough that it had to be carried by what looked like a large model warforged,... in chains?
"What does it mean?!" I shouted to Lucienne and the others as the gnoll maneuvered the skycoach around for another pass of the area as he brought it closer to the buildings he had indicated earlier. I also noticed he was giving us a chance to scope out the entire area one more time from a bird's-eye perspective before we went in. I decided i liked this gnoll.
"How come only WE seem to be able to see the castle?" I continued shouting, even as I scanned the layout below out of habit. I automatically made notes of how many entrances and exits there were, where the guards were stationed, and how many. "And how can they NOT hear that infernal racket?!? Do we go and check out the music player? I'm suddenly very interested in calliopes! But I'm not sure if we have time to investigate him, AND still get in position in time. Or if we do. it's just barely! What do you all think?"
"No need to shout, Darkling; I can hear you just fine, and nobody else seems even aware of the music. Except the gnoll, who seems to like it."
"It seems likely that we're all going to die today, one way or the other. Let's all go together. The Hollow Man first and --if by some cosmic error we're still good to go-- then the musician."
Maddock's face suddenly looks surprised, and he quickly grabs at his belt pouch, where he is carrying the cube Loo gave them.
He takes a moment to look at Akallabeth, and Lucienne, and shakes his head a little. "Music? What music? Something strange is happening here, and we had better figure it out before this all goes bad. I don't hear any music, but did anyone else just hear this stone talk?"
"The stone's a corrupting influence, Gatekeeper; I'm not surprised it's calling to you. You'll probably start to see things, too, and probably at the worst possible time.
"Mr. Grassy, you don't by any chance, have any scores to settle with vampires, do you?"
Grassy looks back coming perilously close to crashing into a balcony without realizing it.
"Watch, where you're going! We don't want to attract any unnecessary attention by spectacularly crashing into a building." I shout at Grassy.
If it does crash, I wonder if we'll survive the fall.
The lurching of the skycoach must have knocked loose something that was stuck in my brain.
"Gnarly! Circle around one more time! MAddock! The stone spoke? What did it say? Quickly!"
"Friends?!" I looked at the others, unable to keep the growing panic from my face. "Either that stone just detected 'Shadowwise' from all the way up here, or,..."
"That list of places that Loo gave us, where Pennywise had narrowed down the possible location of the other seals, was one of them THIS district?!?"
"If 'yes', then he's not just making an announcement, or a bid for more power,... He's gonna break another seal!"
"That list of places that Loo gave us, where Pennywise had narrowed down the possible location of the other seals, was one of them THIS district?!?"
The expression on Lucienne's face has been 'appalled' so often that it's beginning to seem part of her character. When this is over, she resolves to think some happy thoughts, just for the novelty. "Yes, I think so. But he wouldn't dare release another seal, not with all those people gathered..."
I ask Lucienne rhetorically, "Our foe has shown a reckless disregard for the well-being of others, you think the number of people will give him pause?"
"Quickly, we must locate him." I grip my staff, my desire to smite the enemy almost unbearable.
"Quickly, we must locate him." I grip my staff, my desire to smite the enemy almost unbearable.
"No. That'll be too late. We need to find the seal." Of course, there might not be a difference. (Ooo, that would be a really bad thing. Lucienne will have to one more happy thought later...)
"Romulus, why don't you take the rose-colored glasses and see what they tell you?"
I take the rose-glasses from Lucienne and put them on. Then I look outside of the sky coach, expecting to see something unusual.
I scream, "That bastard's got her! I got to save her!" I move directly towards the door of the sky coach with full intention of opening the door and going out, "Stand aside, I say! I must be with her!"
I scream, "That bastard's got her! I got to save her!" I move directly towards the door of the sky coach with full intention of opening the door and going out, "Stand aside, I say! I must be with her!"
Lucienne immediately reaches over and removes the spectacles from Romulus' face. It's an odd expereince, because with Romulus swathed in bandages, it gives her the impression that she's taking away his eyes.
When, in reality, she's giving them back to him. These are sorcerers, not wizards, she thinks. They live life hot, not like the bookish people you knew at the academies. Whatever he saw, it was intended to incite him.
"What did you see?"
I reached out and grabbed for Romulus from behind without a moment's hesitation. Instinctively, I grabbed his wrists so he couldn't cast any spells that required gestures. Just as quickly, Lucienne reached over and snatched the glasses from Romulus's nose.
'Good thinking, and quick reflexes.' I thought as I tried to keep Romulus from exiting the coach.
"Romulus! Snap out of it! Calm Down! It's not real, whatever you think you saw it's not real! 'She' isn't here, whoever she is!" I snapped as I tried to pull him back down to the seat. Over Romulus' shoulder I saw one of the winged-booted guards change direction and head towards us.
By the Dragon Below, will we EVER catch a flaming BREAK?!?
"Romulus, we're about to have company, will you sit DOWN?!?!" I hissed into his ear as I finally managed to wrestle him back onto the seat. He was still wide-eyed, but it looked as if he was actually hearing me now. I risked a glance at the flying guard. He was still headed towards us, but moving slowly. Or was it cautiously?
'Good, we have enough time, we might pull this off!'
"Listen! We're gonna haveta talk fast to get out of this! Romulus, cast a prestidigitation, make yourself smell like alcohol, your drunk. Kegi, stow that bow! Luc, Maddock, hide those,... things. We're out having a good time. We wanted to come see what the big announcement was about, and decided to make a party of it. Rom saw the flying guards and got carried away. Everyone got it? If anybody has a better idea spit it out now!"
"I'd cast the prestidigitation myself, but the flames would be a dead giveaway. I hope this works,...
Lucienne catches Akallabeth's eye and describes a triangle in the air before her.
May Dol Dorn's hand upon your own drive home your deadly blade.
Or may Olladra's Luck upon your shoulders bring you aid.
Or may your tasks be simpler with the Traveler by your side.
These gifts of gods increase your odds; receive one as your guide.
"My wife... she's there!" I struggle until the glasses are removed from my eyes.
The Officer saunters up with his arms crossed.
"Is Everything Alright Here?"
The Officer peers accusingly at you all and attempts to peek inside the cab.
I tipped my hat at a rakish angle, as young blades about town are wont to do, and remembering my youthful appearance, assumed the empty-headed grin of a young rake. Then I stuck my head in the window and smiled at the officer.
"Yes sir!, Everything's great! Our friend here has had just a little too much to drink. He saw all of you with the flying boots and thought it would be fun to try! He forgot that he doesn't actually HAVE any flying boots." I laughed at my own joke, as if my friend leaping from the aircoach would have been really funny.
"Hey! We heard there was gonna be a party after the big announcement. Do YOU know where it is?" I asked excitedly, and waited eagerly for the guards' response.
"Yes sir, Thank you sir!" I waved at the officer and smiled as we headed off in the direction he had indicated. Then I pulled back into the cab and fell into the seat.
"Well, THAT was fun!" I snarked, wiping the sweat from my brow.
"I guess we're gonna have to risk being a little late for the 'party'. I presume that we can't let our well-meaning officer prevent us from seeing what 'Shadowwise' has planned for his big announcement?"
I leaned out the front window to talk to Grassy. "Hey Grassy, Go ahead and keep moving until he's lost interest. Then circle back around to the spot you pointed out. Keep low so the same officer doesn't see us again. And thanks."
I collapsed back into the seat again. "Thanks for the spell boost Luc." I smiled at her briefly, then turned back to Romulus. "Are you OK Rom?"
I can't seem to focus my mind. Everything is a blur. I hear a voice, "Is that you, Akallabeth?"
I can't seem to focus my mind. Everything is a blur. I hear a voice, "Is that you, Akallabeth?"
Lucienne pockets the spectacles. No more visions for him.
She speaks in the main to Akallabeth, whose tactics have thus far been flawless. "Actually, I was thinking, we might want to be nearer the action. If ...sorry, being optimistic there... since the Hollow Man will be doing something, um, surprising to our officer back there, I'm not sure I wish to be so far away that we'd have a hard time hearing the commotion, let alone reacting in time to foil his plans. Mayhap closer, in the throng of the crowd.
"I know we'd be taking a greater chance being seen, but if we weren't for taking chances, where would we be?"
Then, in a deliberate attempt to bring our bandaged friend back to the matter at hand, she turns and asks, "Romulus, what would you take for our strategy?"
"Being in the throng might hamper our reaction time. Perhaps a nearby building or sewer access might serve us better as a base for our attack. One where we have a full view of the monument." I suggest, still dizzy from the weird visions.
I nodded, both at the others' suggestions, and at the fact that Rom seemed to be re-joining us. Then I began thinking out loud.
"I need to re-evaluate our resources. If the Glasses & Stone are the SOURCE of the madness, and not just a tool that can used for finding the other gates, then we are not equipped as I thought. And we DEFINITELY need to keep those 2 things apart. I hate being right."
Realizing I was talking out loud again, I gave a wan smile and included them in my musings.
" I Want to be closer to the action. But I also want to be able to see what is going on, so we can react to,... whatever, properly." I looked specifically at Lucienne. "Saving the innocents should, of course, be a priority. But we won't be able to help anybody if we're killed in the first attack because we were IN the trap, and not able to see it sprung. Besides, Loo has proven to be resourceful, and i'm taking a shine to Mr. Grassy here. If he says that this building top would be a good spot, I'm inclined to trust his judgement. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if,... "
I turned again to our driver.
"HEY Grassy! Do you have anything on board to help you hear far away sounds better? SO you can hear people calling for cabs from another building, anything like that?"
I turned back inside. "If yes, I'm for sure voting with staying on the rooftop. If not," I shrugged, "Maybe Rom and I can use our prestidigitations to enhance our hearing or the sounds enough to hear. IT's stretching the ability of the cantrip, but it might work. Again, I'm voting for being outside the influence of whatever happens, so we can see what is going on, and react better to it. And the building, while a little too far away, was otherwise perfect for that."
"Good points. Hmmm. What about nearer, but behind the man? That way, we might be close enough to react, but not in the crowd of people?
"Oh, and by the way, don't rely on your dragonmarks. When I was assaulted this morn, mine attacker was unaffected, indeed seem to be fed, by my mark.
"I mention this, just because we've gone too many minutes without bad news."
"I think a place behind the Hollow Man's projected position would be apt for our purposes. Any idea why the dragonmarks seem to work or don't work they way they're supposed to."
"Aye, behind the shadowy bugger would be just fine."
Maddock gestures toward the cube in his hand. "This odd thing suddenly got very heavy before it spoke. It's takin' most of me strength to hold on to the bloody thing. As long as it doesn't start givin' anyone hallucinations, it doesn't seem that dangerous, though. If need be, we can drop it on the ol' shadow's head from above. From the weight of this thing, it would probably hurt like a bugger."
"If there are no more preparations to be made, shall we act all quiet, and hear what he has to say, before all the fun begins?"
I blinked, and then laughed. Something I had not done, not really, in a very long time. Still laughing, I clapped the large half-orc on the shoulder. A gesture that made more of an impact on me than it did him.
"Well-spoken my gatekeeper friend! Aye, the time for talking is almost past. I fear there will more than just listening before this afternoon is done though. Grassy! See if you can find us a suitable spot, preferably behind the stand if you can, off to the side if not! And have Loo remind us that we owe you several drinks as a tip when next we meet."
I then settled back to take one more look at the area below, and to contemplate my spells and equipment one more time. While I wondered WHAT the creature was up to,...