I have seen many things in my life, good and evil. Maitreya said, his eyes still closed as he sat in contemplation.
Both parties here may be the centre of some suspicion it is true. Evelyn has abilities that seem evil, and yet she has acted thus far in the name of good. This knight to has some stain on his soul, and yet seems to help that same goodness. Though it is unbecoming to answer Evelyn's charge with an accusation of your own.
Maitreya paused thoughtfully.
It is hard to know where evil takes it's root, in the heart or in the head? This knight may have evil to overcome in his life, I do not know. That evil is sensed in him concerns me a little, but I will trust that he strives against it unless I see evidence to the contrary. Tell me good Knight, have you acknowledged the evil within you that Evelyn senses, or do you deny it?
Sir Norin shook his head. "I cannot acknowledge what isn't there, good Maitreya. I have only this womans word that she can somehow detect the truth of men's hearts and I am unable to trust that her senses haven't been tampered with in some way. Maybe the spells hurled by the marsh troll shaman cling to me still, but, if so, I feel no lingering taint save the loss of my companions. Maybe the source of her powers is no friend to the crusade and all it stands for. Maybe.....bah, it is impossible to prove a negative. It is folly to try. So I shall leave things there. It saddens me to see ruined what was to have been a great friendship. I will mourn it's loss."
The knight turned from the companions and gazed out over the swamp, lost in his own thoughts.
Brand sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I would very much like for this day to be over. If camp is an option now i think a good rest would serve us all the better. Amelia is your wonderful alternate realm a possibility?"
Maitreya feels the knight truly means what he is saying.
Maitreya and Brand poled the eel boat southward, leaving the King in Yellow camp far behind. If the cultists were in pursuit, there was no sign.
Pulling the shallow boat at last onto the sloped side of a waterlogged hillock all but surrounded by thick bullrushes, the group stretched cramped muscles and partook of a quick meal accompanied by the deep glurps and whoops of the marshes frog calls.
Brand sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I would very much like for this day to be over. If camp is an option now I think a good rest would serve us all the better. Amelia, is your wonderful alternate realm a possibility?"
Amelia nodded and with a short phrase of power a nearly invisible portal opened above them.
"Hide the boat" she said as she floated upwards and disappeared.
Through the portal
"Wet clothes on the pegs, boots off at the door, and gear over there" she said dismissively as she gestured to a row of cots set against the back wall.
"I can make it back to Mudwater tonight. Though I'd be on my own, perhaps I should, just to try and keep tabs on these cultists? If they get there before us and disappear, we may have trouble finding them..."
Amelia nodded and with a short phrase of power a nearly invisible portal opened above them.
"Hide the boat" she said as she floated upwards and disappeared.
Through the portal ** spoiler omitted **
"I can make it back to Mudwater tonight. Though I'd be on my own, perhaps I should, just to try and keep tabs on these cultists? If they get there before us and disappear, we may have trouble finding them..."
Brand climbed up the rope and settled himself in one of the cots. He faced the wall and lay still.
Maitreya sat near the entrance of the rope trick cross legged and regarded the blind woman.
If you feel you can make the trip safely, then you should do so, but only if you are certain. Getting lost in the night would help no one,least of all yourself.
Brand lay there, his stomach in an uncomfortable knot that wouldn't fade.
His voice was soft but clear. "Hey Amelia, I know this isn't what you want to hear but, if you could ever tell me where she died. That would be the last of it i ever ask you.'
He bundled himself up tighter against his chest. His muscles ached from the leech bites.
"I'm sorry about what happened to you, if something did. I know loss, but not one of having memories of someone that ache. Its the absence of them that does that for me."
He pulled his cloak tighter on his shoulders.
"Good night."
He reached one hand to the floor. A small wooden object lightly tapped down, before his arm pulled back into his cloak.
A small wooden flying machine with greenish lines of vegetation in the grain of the dark reddish wood.
It has a crude looking propeller on top, with almost dragon like wings. There appears to be small gears to allow actual movement, but they are fused together and improperly matching.
Brand lay there, his stomach in an uncomfortable knot that wouldn't fade.
His voice was soft but clear. "Hey Amelia, I know this isn't what you want to hear but, if you could ever tell me where she died. That would be the last of it i ever ask you.'
He bundled himself up tighter against his chest. He could feel the leech bites aching around the muscle.
"I'm sorry about what happened to you, if something did. I know loss, but not one of having memories of someone that ache. Its the absence that does that for me."
He pulled his cloak tighter on his shoulders.
"Good night."
He reached one hand to the floor. A small wooden object lightly tapped down, before his arm pulled back into his cloak.
** spoiler omitted **
roperly before posting.
Advised against a flight to Mudwater in the darkness, Evelyn bows to her companions concerns and turns in.
The evening passes uneventfully, save for the constant pounding of the surf against the lighthouses foundation, the waves roaring as if enraged by the pinnacles very existence.
In the morning, the companions take stock of their situation and plan their next move...
The companions slipped down the enchanted rope to the waterlogged island, thier boots squelching in the soaked mulch.
Amelia called on her magic, wind sending the bullrushes dancing, tearing open their tops to send white seeds swirling like the snows of winter.
The island vanished, replaced with the looming wooden presence of Frenell's Eelworks.
Sir Norin glanced around at the reed and mud islands, the buildings suspended on stilts, the muddy paths and wooden causeways from one island and the next. "So this is Mudwater.....how.....quaint."
The wide, wooden doors at each end of the barn-like structure stood open and men worked the weir with long hooked spears. The nearly empty wicker baskets by their feet spoke to their lack of success.
Spying the compnaions, one pointed and called out and 'Slick' Frenell emerged from the building and made his way to the group.
He tipped back his floppy hat. "Scouts din port ya commin'. Mus' be 'oles in our net. Ye git ta da bottom o'da food probbin? Folks be in need summin' turble."
Amelia leaned over and whispered in Evelyn's ear.
Evelyn
Brands stomach lurched as they appeared.
Well then, that's an unpleasant thing isn't it.
His legs took a second to strengthen as he breathed the lump in his throat down. The air was less foul here than deeper into the swamp but nothing as fresh as the lighthouse sea air.
"We received enemy reports of an impending attack on the village. Something about an elevator they are looking to use to whatever end. We came back as soon as we could."
His leaned over and put his hands on his knees, the nausea faded away.
"So here we are. Any reports of yellow cloaked men in the vicinity?"
Evelyn whispered back a reply to Amelia...
Amelia
'Slick' scratched his chin.
"No, they ain't been any yella cloaks 'round here that I've gotten wind of. We had a half dozen fellows wearin' a blue star on thier tunics show up the day after you left, though. Set themselves up in the old Mennin Family place and keep ta themselves pretty much."
Fremell paused, considering. "Mercenaries maybe or guards a some kind'd be my guess but no idea who they's workin' for and they're tight-lipped 'bout it. Keep ta temselves, like I said after they got the question from the Warden and Mother Shirl. Pay in good coin, too. Empryrian gold."
"Wait....did you say elevator? Well, shoot, most everyone round here knows that place. We used to explore it as kids. Pretend we wuz all Empyrian explorers fighting the things in the dark belly of the place. Thing don't rightly work and the swamp done flooded all the underworks but, sure, I know right where ya mean."
"It is painfully obvious that these men are in fact the strike force in plundered uniforms. Please point out the house they are staying in".
'Slick' raised his eyebrows. "Take yer first left, straight on over The Mule's Hump, second causeway on the right, and walk till you see three willow trees all tangled together like. Place has got a red roof and a crooked chimney. Can't miss it."
Sir Norin bowed slightly and clicked his heels together. "I am Sir Norin Mildegard of the Shining Crusade. Pleased to meet you sir." He turned to Amelia."These men may be what they seem, mere caravan guards from that food convoy I mentioned. Let me talk to them first before things potentially turn unpleasant. If they are bent on evil, the sight of a crusader knight may dissuade them. Meanwhile, why not check in with the people who sent you on your mission? I'm quite sure they would be most curious to hear your report on what you've found out.
The knight looked to Brand."Perhaps young Brand could escort me in case things are as dark as you fear. Together we have little to fear from a few warriors in the heart of an allied village. Are we in agreeance?"
A smile crossed brands face. His color all but back to normal.
"Sure! Lets get moving."
Amelia arched an eyebrow.
"Stay where you are, if you please" she said in a firm tone
"I'm sure the sight of a shining crusade knight will cause them to confess all of their sins, but I would like the opportunity to magically scout the location to see what they are doing before they are warned"
Amelia spoke a word of power, and as her eyes rolled over white and as her consciousness began to leave her body she breathed
"Besides, I am done with splitting the party. We stick together from here on out"
The directions were perfect and Amelia soon found the red-roofed home with the crooked chimney. A thin streamer of wood smoke curled lazily skyward as she hovered outside, magically hidden from sight.
The eye of her spell gazed through the gap between the homes shuttered windows, the figures within just visible.
Large-framed and with the look of warriors, three sat at a small table playing at cards and dice. A fourth sprawled over a low cot near the window, his cloak bundled to form a pillow.
A fifth sat on the short jetty behind the house, his boots beside him on the dock, his feet dangling into the swamp, a willow pole in his hands, fishing.
If they were aware they were being watched they gave no sign. Amelia's sensor could see their lips moving but she couldn't hear anything other than low rumblings.
Eyes still white, Amelia drew a beautiful silver compact from her satchel and spoke another word of power. Mists swirled in the small mirror, working to form images. Faint sounds could be heard from within.
" All right Sir Knight, I believe that there are no active dangers. We may go speak with them now"
Amelia held out the crook of her arm to the silent monk
" Maitreya, if you could be a dear. It is very difficult to split one's consciousness into three. And you will find I am very light on my feet" and as she said that she rose an inch above the ground.
Sir Norin looked at Amelia. His brow furrowed. "Um...I'm not sure this is a wise course of action. We look the bully if we come upon them with such a show of force. Better to let me and the boy go. Remain nearby and wait for my signal of trouble. Shall we say a bold cry of 'By the Four'? Surely that will suffice."
The knight looked to Brand. "Never use a sword when a scalpel will do."
"I see. You are a blade then. It all makes sense. We will divide our numbers then. You and Maitreya will approach, and Brand, Evelyn and I will lay in wait for your call. That seems a more practical division of labour."
The knight nodded and turned for the cabin....."Right then, Brand, come along....Wait....did you say Maitreya?" The knight turned back to the wizardess, looked long and hard at Brand for several seconds and then shrugged.
Arriving at the cabin, Sir Norin leaned in and whispered to Maitreya.
"Ok, I'm going in. I need you right outside the door just in case." The knight handed the monk his wooden club. "No need to give a bad impression. Listen for my call should I need you."
The knight glanced towards the others' hiding spot, nodded, and reached out to knock on the door.
Brand looked to the nearby entwined willows, as Maitreya and Sir Norin walked to the front of the cabin.
Worth a shot...
He silently moved over to the trees and spoke in a barely audible slow language.
Speak with plants!
"Hello friends, I was wondering If you have felt any dark or negative or poisonous effects in the area? Especially since those men arrived over there? Perhaps coming from something they did, or magic's they might posses? As well I could see about straightening you apart if you wish."
Maitreya stepped towards the edge of the door, ready to move at the slightest whisper from the Knight. In the back of his head Evelyn's suspicion of the night asserted itself for a moment. Mastery would be mindful, listening intently, ready for the call to arms, or the hint of betrayal. In either case, he was ready - though he prayed that violence would be a last resort.
Sir Norin knocked loudly on the door and flicked an invisible fleck of dirt from his cloak as chairs scraped on the floor inside.
A large man threw open the door and smirked."Well now, look at what..."
The knight interrupted. He lowered his voice slightly,"I had hoped to have words with you, good Sir, if I may? I am quite unarmed."
The Blue Star warriors eyes flicked to the knights empty scabbard. Spying Maitreya standing nearby he turned to the knight. "And who's he, then?"
Sir Norin smiled. "A boon companion but recently met. As you can see he, too, is unarmed. He will await me outside. To avoid..... misunderstandings. "
The big man stepped back and waved an arm."Suit yerself, Mildegard, it's your gold piece."
"Quite," Sir Norin said and with a last look at Maitreya slipped inside and closed the door.
The sounds of conversation turned to low rumblings.
Sir Norin's tone turned angry,"What are you fools playing at, coming here and without the food I bought? The place is being watched, both by eyes and magic. Keep your voices low and we may yet get through this. The wizard can see us but not hear our words."
"I don't think we've got much to fear from an unarmed man, Norry."
"Don't call me that, Velgar. Don't ever call me that. What happened to the caravan?"
"Not a thing, not a thing at all. Safe as a bug in a rug in a cave up in Chillspring Vale. See, me and the boys had a lot of time to think on the road and we gots to thinking that anyone paying top coin for food to some hole in the swamp is willing to pay top coin twiceover to make sure it gets there. This way, we all get handsomly paid and you get to be the hero, just like you planned."
"You mercenary bastards!"
"Guilty as charged. You get what you pay for, or rather, you get what you pay for...twice."
"My brother...."
"Save it, Norry, Your brother's not here. The Green Man's too busy for sad little plots like yours. Pay us double what you promised or we just let all that caravan rot to slime. Best hurry, too, I'm sure the lads we have guarding it are having a right feast on the nightly....If'n you'll pardon the pun."
"With one word I can have my friend in here and take you apart."
"Maybe we'd have words of our own with your friend. Tell me, Norry, does he know who you really are....?"
"You'll get your money, Velgar. Give me the turn of three days. You'll get it."
"You strike a hard bargain, Norry. Meet us at the mouth of Chillspring Vale with our money and we'll sing any song you like, My Lord."
Some minutes later, Sir Norin slipped out of the door amid the sound of laughter.
He looked at Maitreya and smiled. "You see? Nothing to worry about, my friend. The caravan ran into a bit of trouble but nothing a few days can't fix. I'll take care of it, as my duty calls me to do."
Evelyn continues to wait with the others.
"Hmmm...that IS interesting " Amelia said to Evelyn and Brand
"It seems that our Sir Knight is in league with the mercenaries in the house. They have hidden the supply caravan food in a cave in chillspring vale, and are working a scheme where Sir Knight seems a hero, and they profit from food sales. Oh, and Sir Knight is apparently no Knight, and is the brother to someone called The Green Man. Prepare yourselves, I believe Maitreya heard the conversation and is about to take exception to it"
Without betraying the slightest mark of surprise, Evelyn simply prepared herself.
Sir Norin and Maitreya made thier way by a roundabout path to the companions hiding place, rejoining Amelia, Evelyn, and Brand.
The knight smiled. "That was easily done. As I suspected, these men are no danger. The caravan simply had some mechanical difficulties in the Chillspring Vale and has holed up in a cavern there until help arrives. These men heard my group was in the area and came ahead looking for me and the aid the Shining Crusade could bring them. A few days, no more, and the food the village needs will be here and all put to right. Just imagine the villagers faces when those wagons arrive. I'd like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all that you've done but here is where I leave you. I wish you all the best and I hope to work with you again in the future. May the Four keep and bless you."
" Oh, I don't think we will be working together again....Norry. You were incorrect to assume that I was unable to hear what you were saying, brother of The Green Man. You are a liar, and no part of the shining crusade. Go, though. I believe I will have words with the men inside that house. I have good coin, and I am sure they will gladly sing the truth to the town elder.".
DM
Sir Norin's smile falterd and slipped from his face. His mouth opened and closed like a landed fish. Finally his shoulders slumped and he gazed downwards.
"Damn your meddling, Darkarch," he muttered.
Turning to the others he raised his voice."It is true.....all of it. I have played you false but for very good reasons. When word of Mudwater's plight reached me in Westfork, I saw an opportunity. I emptied my coffers and bought the services of a small caravan of food and planned to come to the villagers aid.....the hero.....raising my families name to the lips of all once more. Instead, the men I hired are extorting me for more funds or they will refuse delivery. They have the food stored in a cave somewhere in Chillspring Vale. Join me in the recovery of it and I will share the glory of the villages rescue with you all. I paid for the food after all. I shouldn't be made to suffer for a poor choice of employee. These men are little more than bandits. What say you? The villagers are starving. Will you take my hand?"
The knight reached out..."Please."
Brand walked back slowly. His arms crossed tightly over his chest.
"Could be worse things that your guilty of. Pride is a more commonplace evil."
He stopped, taking stock of those around him. "Your intentions, however selfish, would have helped these folk in dire need. I say this, we route these parasites, making sure they leave with less than they came with. Everything going to the aid of the town."
His eyes hardened as he pointed at Sir Norin. "You will assist in the aid of retrieving the wagons. But no mention of where the food came from. You want to have your name elevated? Work for it. Help the town by being here passing out food, fixing traps and aiding with the defense. Simply spending gold does not denote oneself of worthy praise."
He looked to his companions. "So there we have it, we can retrieve the food and bring it back with whatever these mercenaries are forcefully parted with. Then we can get back to finding out what is the real threat to this town."
Brand put his hand up to his forehead. "You know what, never mind. Lets just go get the food and feed these people. That's what really important here. You want a statue in your honor? fine. I don't care as long as no one is going hungry. If the mercenaries want more money than initially agreed upon again, don't care. If they resist having food given to hungry people, they will wake up with sore skulls and naked as the day they came from their mothers screaming into this world."