"What charges?" calls the guard to Orlan.
"What charges?" calls the guard to Orlan.
I harumph and interrupt, "The Captain refused ta tell me what the charges were..."
I add to Orlan, "I don't suppose 'e mentioned any specific charges ta ye did 'e?"
The Captain begins to look exceedingly uncomfortable with the direction things are going.
"Forget about the charges. You see the dagger!" he complains to the guards who are holding back.
Kamris rolls his eyes, "This is ludicrous. You see that I am still fully armed."
"A wonderful servant of the law ye would be ta be forgettin' about niceties such as charges,..." I say to no one in particular.
"So who exactly 'as an empty sheath," I say loudly peering around, "That would be clearin' this 'ole matter up."
"Ye want ta be pointin' 'im out Kamris?"
One of the men with a sword drawn on Kamris is the first to break "He told me that some Korvosans at the Keep wanted the Elf for ... something ..."
"Korvosan law at the Keep? Better not be or I'm throwing in my lot with the dwarves," one weathered and scarred guard shouts out to Badder angrily.
"Ha! The only Korvosans at the Keep," says 'Burp' "are a bunch of fat merchants and a halfling tavern girl with jugs bigger than ...".
At the laughter of several men 'Burp' blushes and says "I mean jugs of ale!". By the look of shock on his face, he evidently did mean jugs of ale.
The Captain's shoulders slump for a minute and then he gets a gleam in his eye. He lowers his sword and walks up to the assembled party with a look that threatens mischief but not violence.
"Fine. I was offered 300 gold sails for the Elf alive or 100 gold sails* for him dead. For that much gold I can return with 50 men. Give me 200 gold sails and I'll be telling those looking for him he ain't here. But be warned," he says spotting Rellios for the first time "They're looking for you. And they look like a scary lot with deep pockets."
* gp in Korvosa.
"Fine. I was offered 300 gold sails for the Elf alive or 100 gold sails for him dead. For that much gold I can return with 50 men. Give me 200 gold sails and I'll be telling those looking for him he ain't here. But be warned," he says spotting Rellios for the first time "They're looking for you. And they look like a scary lot with deep pockets."
Orlan takes a couple of steps down towards the balcony so he can meet the Captain eye to eye.
"Hunh! Mister...," he says, "If'n I be wantin' yuh ta keep yer mouth shut, I'd just as soon be breakin' yer jaw and removin' yer lyin' connivin' tongue as hand over gold ta the likes o' yuh. And if'n I ever did be givin' yuh that much gold, I'd be makin' sure it weighed yuh down after I dumped yer sorry arse in the river down the canyon so it drowns yuh and carries yuh far away from the wrath I'd surely visit on any o' a hundred or more men yuh might send here..."
"Be sure'n I'll be takin' this matter up with yer Lord Kerrigan soon as I come back ta the keep fer our horses," he announces so all the men can hear, "Korvosa's got no claim on these Spires or yer keep down in the valley. And their 'justice' has no reach here, and that's assumin' it ain't misguided in the first place...which I believe it ta be. If'n yuh came up here with naught but a mind ta earn a treasure chest o' gold ta hunt down someone without knowin' the charges or their validity, then yuh got no sense o' justice backin' yer mission. So yuh all go back empty-handed! And if'n yer willin' ta die fer blood money just 'cause o' yer greed, then yuh'll earn yer deaths right here on the stairs o' me ancestors sure'n Torag be guidin' my hand."
He then draws his waraxe in a smooth, well-practiced motion...the sharp blade coming to a stop poised right in front of the Captain's face. "Now yuh be releasin' the innocent elflin' over there!" he states, beard bristling with anger, "Or it'll be yer head these men take back ta the Keep!"
"I'm with the dwarf on this one," says one of the men, "If I wanted Korvosan law I'd be in Korvosa."
"You'd be in prison in Korvosa, you mean," says another, "I got 3 years left on my sentence if'n I return."
The Captain can smell the change in the wind and mutters "I'd've bought my silence, Elf." He mutters 'Elf' with as much venom as he said 'Dwarf' earlier.
"Half-Elf." Kamris says with a note of correction. "You will note that my eyes betray my human heritage. Or perhaps you will not." He shrugs.
"Half-Elf." Kamris says with a note of correction. "You will note that my eyes betray my human heritage. Or perhaps you will not." He shrugs.
"'Human'?" says Captain Badder with a growl, "You mean 'Shoanti'."
He looks from Rellios to Kamris, not sure which one to address, and says: "I don't know what you did to those twins but those men want you something bad."
The Captain shoots a look at the party that says 'This isn't over' and then storms away. He doesn't bother to say anything to his men but several of them follow, swords still drawn, cautious of any potential attack. Those who never drew swords and were apparently not 'in on it' are the last to leave.
"It might be after bein' a good thing," I growl as I watch the soldiers leave, "Iffin' some o' us were ta travel ta Kerrigans 'n 'ave a word or two wit' the Lord o' the Keep there."
"Someone other than Rellios or Kamris, that is," I add with a chuckle.
"I shall go, if you wish."
As the soldiers retreat out of sight, Rellios steps out of shadows - bow still in hand and ready to shoot.
"Twins? What twins?," he mutters - glancing at the group.
He then approaches the Klyndak and Orlan. "I...thank you. I had never expected to impose; to have anyone stand for me in my stead."
"Thanks to all of you," he adds with a sweeping gesture. "I owe you all my life..."
He looks from Rellios to Kamris, not sure which one to address, and says: "I don't know what you did to those twins but those men want you something bad."
"I thought to have garnered some information from them, as they were much intent on me. I suspected that they may have been after any form of elf-kin, so I needed to know if there was treachery afoot. And there was."
"I thought to have garnered some information from them, as they were much intent on me. I suspected that they may have been after any form of elf-kin, so I needed to know if there was treachery afoot. And there was."
"Aye, all's after bein' well that's endin' well."
"Come," I say, "let's be 'avin' some lunch 'n makin' some plans."
As the soldiers retreat out of sight, Rellios steps out of shadows - bow still in hand and ready to shoot.
"Twins? What twins?," he mutters - glancing at the group.
He then approaches the Klyndak and Orlan. "I...thank you. I had never expected to impose; to have anyone stand for me in my stead."
"Thanks to all of you," he adds with a sweeping gesture. "I owe you all my life..."
He looks from Rellios to Kamris, not sure which one to address, and says: "I don't know what you did to those twins but those men want you something bad."
"I thought to have garnered some information from them, as they were much intent on me. I suspected that they may have been after any form of elf-kin, so I needed to know if there was treachery afoot. And there was."
"Aye...right crafty of yuh, elflin'..." Orlan grumpily notes, "Nearly got yerself killed in the process...and us along with yuh if that bunch were united in their purpose." He doesn't seem truly angry with Kamris, just a bit on edge and concerned for their future relations with Kerrigan's Keep.
"I...thank you. I had never expected to impose; to have anyone stand for me in my stead....Thanks to all of you," he adds with a sweeping gesture. "I owe you all my life..."
"Hunh," Orlan mutters, "Let's not make a habit of it..."
"It might be after bein' a good thing," I growl as I watch the soldiers leave, "Iffin' some o' us were ta travel ta Kerrigans 'n 'ave a word or two wit' the Lord o' the Keep there."
"Someone other than Rellios or Kamris, that is," I add with a chuckle.
"That might be a better task fer me," Orlan notes, "Last I was there, I was bein' on good terms with the man. I'm also thinkin' the matter with the naked cannibals rushin' the wall had somethin' ta do with me, as well. Last I met with that chief and his crazy shaman, I sent 'em all packin' rather than havin' 'em livin' at the foot o' the Stairs to the Spires. There's a bit o' treachery involvin' this Kerrigan and the men he led inta these parts. I believe that shaman had a reason ta be holdin' a grudge against 'im. So, it might be better if I go. Maybe take Yin and the boy with me? But I agree, the elflin's should stay here..."
"I thought to have garnered some information from them, as they were much intent on me. I suspected that they may have been after any form of elf-kin, so I needed to know if there was treachery afoot. And there was.""Aye, all's after bein' well that's endin' well."
"Come," I say, "let's be 'avin' some lunch 'n makin' some plans."
"Good idea," says Hru.
- Kill a vampire ... check,
- vanquish a shadow ... check,
- repel an armed invasion outnumbering you 3 to 1 ... check,
- have lunch ... check.
- having lunch after crushing your enemies ... priceless!
"So, it might be better if I go. Maybe take Yin and the boy with me? But I agree, the elflin's should stay here..."
"That would be the way I was seein' it," I reply, "'N in the meantime, we could be workin' on the manlin's armor 'n fashionin' a bridge ta the third spire. We might be needin' some metal fer craftin', but I was findin' a sword 'n some stones in the blood drinker's lair that might be 'elpin' us wit supplies 'n such iffin' ye don't mind doin' some tradin'."
It finally dawns on Hru that Gorum won't be receiving any more glory this day unless he acts quickly.
"Me Lords," he says to Orlan and Klyndak, "Those treacherous guards must be in the Stair of Kings by now. If we act quickly we can trap them where they can only fight four abreast. With the magic of Klyndak and the girl descending on their heads and the warriors in front, we could turn the stairs into a river of blood. ... For GORUM!! ... and Torag too."
"'N in the meantime, we could be workin' on the manlin's armor 'n fashionin' a bridge ta the third spire. We might be needin' some metal fer craftin', but I was findin' a sword 'n some stones in the blood drinker's lair that might be 'elpin' us wit supplies 'n such iffin' ye don't mind doin' some tradin'."
"Hunh...I reckon I could be doin' that," Orlan nods, "Can't say as I consider muhself any good at hagglin' with merchants, but I got me an eye fer appraisin' the true value o' things. So I reckon I'd be doin' alright at it."
He rubs his beard for a moment in thought.
"If'n yuh've got a mind ta be buildin' a bridge ta the next Spire, cousin, I can help yuh draw up some plans fer a sturdy one 'fore we be leavin'," he offers, "If'n yuh recall, I followed in muh father's footsteps in the trades o' stonecuttin' and engineerin'...which I was learnin' while yuh had yer nose buried in all those books fer so many years."
"Me Lords," he says to Orlan and Klyndak, "Those treacherous guards must be in the Stair of Kings by now. If we act quickly we can trap them where they can only fight four abreast. With the magic of Klyndak and the girl descending on their heads and the warriors in front, we could turn the stairs into a river of blood. ... For GORUM!! ... and Torag too."
"Nah..." Orlan shakes his head, "There be no need ta be killin' those what don't have the heart fer a fight. And at least 'alf of 'em indicated that while they were visitin' us. I be thinkin' it be best ta take a bit o' wisdom from the Forgefather and look ta our defenses and our strategy fer dealin' with the evil-minded ones. Fer sure as I be growin' a beard, they'll be back. But hopefully, those with any sense will abandon their cause and stay out o' the fight. And fer those that do come back, there won't be any reason ta stay our blades."
"This may be a bit shaky of a plan...but I have an idea concerning any further pursuit...there's a elven corpse wrapped in the spider web back in the second spire. It's so dessicated, you could give up it, perhaps along with proof of the spiders we have fought."
"I could plant some of my identifiable gear - my rapier as proof; it's has the family marking on it - it's a bit of an heirloom. I'd hate to part with it, but it's probably the best bet to sealing the deal.
Here in the wilds, it may be enough to convince them that I have met an untimely death...certainly the spider's web should convince them of the creature's size and capability."
There are a number of different directions this can go in now.
At some point, Rellios approaches Kamris and gives him the magic shortspear.
"I don't know if a reward is appropriate, but you did a brave thing by me back there. There wasn't an urgent need to. I think this will be better used by you than me, in any case."
In Elven, he adds:
"Fate be kind; luck be with you; and may death never be your mistress."
"This may be a bit shaky of a plan...but I have an idea concerning any further pursuit...there's a elven corpse wrapped in the spider web back in the second spire. It's so dessicated, you could give up it, perhaps along with proof of the spiders we have fought."
"I could plant some of my identifiable gear - my rapier as proof; it's has the family marking on it - it's a bit of an heirloom. I'd hate to part with it, but it's probably the best bet to sealing the deal.
Here in the wilds, it may be enough to convince them that I have met an untimely death...certainly the spider's web should convince them of the creature's size and capability."
Glad that the encounter ends well for both of her elven-blooded companions Yin hugs both Rellios and Kamris tightly. Smiling weakly she fixes her gaze on her fellow Shoanti and looks a little disapproving. "Please don't do that again, or at least make sure I'm closer to help next time.." She tells him before listening to the planning for a group heading back to the keep.
Frowning slightly she looks torn between agreeing to stay with Manfred and Orlan for their jorney back to the keep and refusing through her desire to be near Kamris and to get an opportunity to get to know Rellios, Hru and Klyndak a little better.
Totally off the subject - if we are looking at Spires' projects. Now that he's started making the rope bridge - until the dwarves get some proper stone for the project - Rellios will continue working on that to make something a little more stable. Otherwise, there's always the spiders' web to clear away as well - keeping the wrapped corpses for now if nothing else.
After a hearty lunch, I say, "So, I gather then we are bein' in agreement, Orlan will take the lass and the manlin' back ta Kerrigans. Me n' the other three will be beginin' the exploration o' the next spire 'n work on the manlin's armor 'n seein' about makin' a better bridge over there."
"Orlan, I'll be givin' ye a letter afore ye go ta be findin' a way ta send ta Jander'off. There will be others interested in movin' 'ere."
After a hearty lunch, I say, "So, I gather then we are bein' in agreement, Orlan will take the lass and the manlin' back ta Kerrigans. Me n' the other three will be beginin' the exploration o' the next spire 'n work on the manlin's armor 'n seein' about makin' a better bridge over there."
"Orlan, I'll be givin' ye a letter afore ye go ta be findin' a way ta send ta Jander'off. There will be others interested in movin' 'ere."
cxcv i 8have a l lgblb pkbplbvvp 3 year old on my lap.57
"I can try working on the bridge, Master Klyndak - I'll probably need to put the extra rope to work on it."
"Otherwise, with Hru's or Kamris' help, we can also go below to the forest and do some hunting to replenish our food stores. I assume we have enough wine to hold us for now."
"There's also that web - if you want to clear it away. If we want to try my suggestion, I'll need to move the bodies out of the way first."
"There's also that web - if you want to clear it away. If we want to try my suggestion, I'll need to move the bodies out of the way first."
After a hearty lunch, I say, "So, I gather then we are bein' in agreement, Orlan will take the lass and the manlin' back ta Kerrigans. Me n' the other three will be beginin' the exploration o' the next spire 'n work on the manlin's armor 'n seein' about makin' a better bridge over there."
"Orlan, I'll be givin' ye a letter afore ye go ta be findin' a way ta send ta Jander'off. There will be others interested in movin' 'ere."
In the evening, on my own, I journey up to the throne room, have a seat and begin an amiable conversation,
After Klyndak wanders off to speak with the throne Yin bites her lower lip and watches Manfred for a while before making her way over to him. Clasping her hands behind her back she gives the knight a weak smile. "Can I talk to you? In private, for a moment, Sir Manfred?" She asks hopefully.
Sir Manfred had been comparing his old greathelm to the new plate armor on the test stand, trying to get them to fit together smoothly, when Yin's voice caused him to drop it with a crash.
Turning, he makes only the brifest glance to the exits to the room before nodding gravely and replying; "Yes Milady, of course. After you."
In the evening, on my own, I journey up to the throne room, have a seat and begin an amiable conversation, ** spoiler omitted **
Klyndak:
"The throne ... That throne ... It is my parent in a sense ... I know little about it though truly. I was made after it ... to be like it but to have as you said a better moral fibre. I know only that the dwarves who came to build this spire were once slaves to dark masters ... that they did not build this spire but maintained it. In their darkness and despair they sought in secret to overthrow their overlords. The throne you encountered comes from that time and was poisoned by the darkness that enshrouded them. No doubt that throne played a part in turning cousin against cousin in this spire once."
...
"There is something else, your majesty. I know that you were drained of your essence ... your living spirit ... in the battle with the undead regent. It has occurred to me that in the next spire, their may be a cure. I hesitate to mention it as it would not seem appropriate but you are after all a King and if not you than who as everything in this spire is yours after all. If it belongs to you than who am I to tell you what you cannot do so I will not. ... I will not. I should not. That would be presumptuous of me. ... So I hesitate to tell you ... ummm ... What were we speaking of?"
The short sword is of an Elven make. Light engraving in Elven along the side reads "Willow".
To the Throne, with a gruff smile,
To the Throne, with a gruff smile, ** spoiler omitted **
Klyndak:
"Your 'essence'? ... Oh?! Are you having trouble producing an heir? ... It is good you brought this to me ... We can talk in confidance."
To the throne, ignoring its last remark,
Following the throne's answer, I go to see what ideas Orlan has for the construction of a temporary bridge.
To the throne, ignoring its last remark, ** spoiler omitted **
Following the throne's answer, I go to see what ideas Orlan has for the construction of a temporary bridge.
To Klyndak:
"I doubt the throne has that type of power but take care ... It can be persuasive. ... Now, regarding your 'essence'. I hear that reefclaw promotes fertility. Have you considered ...?"
Sir Manfred had been comparing his old greathelm to the new plate armor on the test stand, trying to get them to fit together smoothly, when Yin's voice caused him to drop it with a crash.
Turning, he makes only the brifest glance to the exits to the room before nodding gravely and replying; "Yes Milady, of course. After you."
Yin smiles a little sadly and nods before heading out of the room and leading Manfred out onto the bridge, where she sits herself on the floor and looks down to the valley below.
"Sir Manfred, if we are going to be journeying together back to the keep, I really need to ask. Is there anything I can do to get you to forgive me for my grave mistake with the one-armed cleric? If I cannot get you and Orlan to ever trust me again I may as well just leave you be, you'd be better off without an ally you no longer have faith in..." She remarks a little bluntly, not lifting her gaze to meet the knight's.
Sir Manfred is silent for a long time, his head bowed. Then he looks up at Yin.
"Anything?"
The wind whistle between the spires and the river runs unheard 400 feet below Yin and Manfred's dangling feet.
Sir Manfred continues; "If you are serious, Milady Yin, please come with me."
Sir Manfred, with Yin in tow, approaches King Klyndak and says; "King Klyndak, I hereby charge Yintarah Fireweaver with the crime of Murder and request immediate trial."
Sir Manfred continues; "If you are serious, Milady Yin, please come with me."
Sir Manfred, with Yin in tow, approaches King Klyndak and says; "King Klyndak, I hereby charge Yintarah Fireweaver with the crime of Murder and request immediate trial."
;-) Well, that was unexpected.