25th November 5000
Not having much more to do, the company went back to its quarters. Still unsure about which side the dwarves could be with, Griselda and Mulchanor raised some questions about the safety of the boat. But some quick exchange of words with Jack left them aware of the impossibility of going further that night. They needed information but the informants were... studying. Alukel was actually studying really hard as they could hear. The captain was already finished with his own studies or, at least, was keeping it for himself. As expected the room arrangement was kept unchanged and none argued any more this day.
Another day was rising up, the night had been calm and nothing came from the other side of the river. Whatever was there, it has not come to meet them. Nor to fight them. A late breakfast left our heroes full and rested, ready for another day of search. Many questions were still unanswered and they still needed to know more about this Alukel. Why was he alive? How did he escaped? Gathering on the deck, the company decided to intervene and first ask Jack about this Alukel and how he came on boat. As per usual, Griselda started to train at the boat's bow while the rest of them went directly to Jack, who was supervising the daily routines of a second in command.
After their talk, Mulchanor took Griselda apart, she would have to be careful not to be assimilated to the "bad Telchos running wild". After his first warning, Griselda decided to follow the group and show her good will. She was thus walking alongside her companions, a big fake smile on her face. All in her appearance was showing challenge, her arms were still most of the time crossed, her back hold straight and her steps confident. Climbing the stairs, the group gathered around Jack and tried to get the confirmation of Alukel's good will and usefulness. Not much was said that they didn't previously know . Alukel was a Father of the Truth, a priest of one fanatical group. Fanatical and susceptible. The only accepted Valerion religion was to be respected and not challenged.
He came running toward the boat and informed captain Padoka of the enemies running after him and lurking in the dark. The captain dispatched Jack and some cannons to take care of the issue. They managed to kill them, attacking both sides at once. An easy killing. But a Telchos and a Knight escaped with a few remaining giaks. They took a boat and crossed the river. Returning to the safety of the airship, the captain was already studying with Alukel, and no more action were taken that day.
Not satisfied by this explanation, Erleothir took Jack apart, in hope to get more information as he provided little. He didn't manage to learn much, just enough to confirm that the captain's studies were more of an alcohol problem than science. Jack couldn't betray his captain, but a couple of winks confirmed Erleothir suspicions. As far as Alukel allegiance was concerned, it was all for the Father of the Truth. But one thing was certain, he was an enemy of the Dark Lords. Erleothir didn't add anything else when reporting to his companions after their private meeting. There was little to work on but, with Jack's blessing, they were allowed to wake up the two "scholars" in a couple of hours.
As the company entered the cabin, they were confronted with the putrid stench of alcohol, a smell so strong it would have put an Anapheg out of balance. The two mages had “studied”...
“- We said we don't want to be disturbed. Said Alukel has he woke up.
- Yes, that's what we have been told but we are in great need to talk to you. Replied Erleothir
- You don't need to yell. Erleothir wasn't yelling, the after effect of the alcohol on the mage weren't funny to watch.
- We wanted to know in detail what happened to you and how or why you came here. Explained Erleothir, talking as silently has he could.
-You! The dwarf! And he pointed to Gustavius. Bring me something to eat.”
Gustavius wasn't sure if he was mistaking him for a crew member or if he was just a racist, but one thing was certain, he was talking to him and so he left the room, shaking his head. Alukel didn't wait for his return and started his story:
- The fort's fall was caused by a simultaneous attack from the inside and the outside. A Telchos and a Knight have been allowed to enter the fort as guests. No one in the fort expected them to start breaking havoc in the fortification. They were allied to a herd of Giaks, hidden and waiting outside.
What followed was a bit harder for him to explain. He was still trying to understand it as he talked. But what would have been the talk of a drunken man for some, made sense to the team.
- The knight, when the havoc started, he disappeared and was replaced by a bear.”
With this they knew who the knight was, there was but only one person in the whole Magnamund who could be both a bear and a knight. Many holy men fell that day. When the massacre ended, they took Alukel and asked him what he knew of the artefacts. The answer was simple: nothing. He was then dragged into the forest by the invaders. But luck, or God, was on his side. As Jack explained earlier, the crew of the nameless ship had defeated all the Giaks with an ambush. The bear and the Telchos escaped and Alukel was brought to the nameless ship.
At that moment, the door opened on Gustavius, back with sandwiches. He surely took his time. Alukel continued talking as if he had not noticed the dwarf.
-Your next task will be to bring back the head of this fallen knight and of this Telchos. And beware of your one Telchos, she can't be trusted.
When Alukel mentioned his doubts regarding her allegiance, Griselda immediately saw red and gripped her weapon. If it wasn’t pointing at the priest yet, she was definitely ready to strike anytime. Her knuckles were turning white.
- What do you mean “there is a Telchos with the enemy, I see a Telchos here… and there aren’t that many Telchos out of their desert” ? Are you saying I’m a traitor and an enemy ?
Alukel was surprised by her reaction and, afraid, he loudly called the guards to arrest her. Mulchanor immediately stepped in to appease them.
- Wowowo. No fighting here. Alukel, she doesn’t mean no arm, Griselda please, calm down. Give me your weapon.
Throwing a dark glare to Alukel, Griselda handed her spear to Mulchanor and crossed her arms, the fake smile came back on her face.
- I am no traitor and you don’t know nothing about this Telchos, I will not let her die on sight, you’ll have to show me proofs first.
- I know you don’t know her as we do, no one knows her as I do and I can tell you that she can be trusted. I trust her and I give you my word, as a dwarf, that Griselda is no threat for us. I vouch for her and you, as dwarves, should respect and listen to that. Added Mulchanor, talking to the dwarves still aiming at Griselda. They slowly put their guns away and didn’t oppose the group leaving the room. As soon as they were out of the cabin, Mulchanor handed the spear to Griselda just as she was reaching out for it.
She was still upset, and so was Leo who wasn’t satisfied with the solution of killing both the Telchos and his fellow knight. Erleothir was shocked, how could kill his old friend? Would Griselda be able to kill someone from her country? While the madman was still rambling about Godly vengeance, Gustavius took one of the sandwiches with a face of perplexity towards the will of God.
-But wouldn't it be better to bring them, ask them why they attack and then kill them? Asked Alast, while trying to control the tone of his voice. He knew that he wasn't in the best position to grow the Holyman.
-No, you will kill them has I command.
It was then that Alast gave up on calming Alukel. His face had taken about the same expression has Gustavius, who was still eating the sandwich. When Alukel asked for it, Gustavius went for another one, slightly embarrassed.
-So, Gustavius? How do you fell about killing two person in the name of a god? Whispered Alast.
Gustavius shrugged, and removed some crumbs out of his beard with an impassible expression.
After little discussion, Gustavius, exceeded by Griselda’s impatience, decided to go back to Alukel with Yesnarel, to plead for further assistance. Mulchanor joined them and took the place of their Ambassador. However, he couldn't convince Alukel of providing him with a working gun for taking off the crusade. His only shot left was with Jack, a fellow dwarf, a companion, brother of arms to whom he still owed a couple of raccoons and who was frankly not interested in providing more guns to an unlucky Mulchanor. Some mariners even commented he was cursed by the gods due to his relationship with the Telchos wench.
- How can I fight properly without a gun? He started. - Use an axe my friend. - Jack! You are one of my countrymen, can't you see I need another weapon? - That, I can see. What I can't see is why I should help you again with this matter. - It's also in your interest that we came here remember that... - I am here under the orders of Captain Padoka, we came here to take you, nothing else, nothing more. - From warrior to warrior, can't you help me? Would you leave a fellow adventurer die weaponless against his enemies? - You have your axe, don't you? - I can bring much more raccoons you know... - I only need one more. - How can I get it, if I am not armed? - That's your problem. You have to pay your debts, you know? - Do not doubt Mulchanor del Shai on this matter master dwarf. I pay my due and will keep my word. You'll have your last raccoon. - Enough said Master Mulchanor. I cannot afford to gamble weapons. Bring me something to trade with, and... He paused, smiled and before Jack could say anything Mulchanor voice went colder: - Do not even mention that Master Jack. I have understood, I see your point. But do... Gustavius interrupted him, holding his fellow dwarf by his shoulder. - Leave this to me Mulchanor. I think I can make a deal. Trust me. - All right, I am out of arguments anyway, I see he won't budge. Stubborn Dwarf... Seeing that they would get any gun, and feeling bored of the discussion, Gustavius, immediately followed by Alast, leaved the room. It was the Erleothir , Griselda and Mulchanor who gave up on the discussion. Yesnarel was now alone, and Erleothir flustered behind the door “good luck”.
Gustavius was still casually chatting with Jack, holding him by the shoulder
-"Now, I don't exactly know what you want these raccoons for but... you know, the jungle is a dangerous place"
-"indeed"
Gustavius threw his head back for a moment and went on
-"I am glad you agree with me. I see we both share the same opinion, walking around in that jungle without weapons would be foolish" As Jack acknowledged he went on "so, by lending a gun to our good friend Mulchanor over there..." he underlined his words by gesticulating towards the toothless dwarf who waved back shortly and went on detailling Griselda's body "... you would raise his chance of survival and as a consequence your chance of getting your, errmmm.. 'wares' quicker and safer." Gustavius could feel Jack's stubbornnes slowly cracking and continued "as you can see, lending him a gun is in our common interest... so, what do you say?"
Jack scratched his beard pensively while a smug grin was slowly appearing on Gustavius' face "hehe got him..."
- "well, actuallyyyyyy...... NO." was Jack's reply after a short moment. /i"damn this.. it can not be true" sighed Gustavius for himself. "what am I doing here ? it's not my problem if Mulchanor gets killed down there, but as i just said it is in our all interest for him to survive. and this can only be assured with the best equipment. but why does it have to be my problem ?" he snarled slightly for himself, about to give up. Letting his eyes wander upon the deck he noticed a few dwarves playing a card game for money while another nearby was reconstructing his own rifle and suddenly an idea struck him.
- "Jack, I just have a brilliant proposal..."
- "I've heard enough brilliant things from that priest for the next two years" mumbled Jack while pointing at the reeking captain's cabin "now, impress me...."
Gustavius chuckled
- "oh, you'll love this, trust me ! and the best is: noone of us is loosing" and with those word he dragged Jack out of reach of curious ears
From the distance, Mulchanor could see his two fellows discussing in a very agitated manner, Gustavius gesticulating wildly and Jack nodding in approbation while throwing quick glances on deck around him. Soon it was clear that they had started haggling, both posing, acting offended and performing the usual acting of dwarves finally agreeing on a business. He could simply hear a loud "15%, deal !", see a piece of paper beeing exchanged and a vigorous handshake.
With a self-satisified smile Gustavius walked back to Mulchanor
-"you can rejoice mate, I got you a gun... you can rent it for hundred gold. I do know that you have no money so I'll be advancing you this sum. You'll simply have to work it off by crafting for me"
Mulchanor's face brightened with a wide smile but before he could express his thanks Gustavius went on...
-"of course you'll have to provide your own materials, but do not worry. I will not rip you off, your debt is exactly hundred gold pieces, not more, not less. Unless, of course, you destroy the gun... then you'll have to pay off the full price of this rifle to me. This would be around four hundred gold in that case."
the bright smile on Mulchanor's face faded away
- "four hundred ?!" he exclaimed
- "you know just like me that such an advanced weapon costs that much, I merely rounded it up to twenty gold 'transaction costs'. Now, don't look that way. You wanted a rifle so badly, now you have to take the responsability for it..."
less than an hour later the whole group was about to leave the skyship again, their plan was simple: crossing the river, finding the tracks of the fugitives, hunt them down and then improvise a lot...
Erleothir tunred around
-"Jack, we'll have to cross the Boari. I expect you have a small embarcation aboard, could you please provide it to us ?"
-"oh naturally, replied the first mate, we will provide you one for..." he intercepted a slight cough coming from Gustavius "... for free of course."
After our company lowered the boat, they crossed the river. To make sure that nobody would be able to escape, they hid their own boat and pushed the one of their enemies into the water, never to be seen again.
Tracks were soon found and Alast decided to climb into a tree from where he would have a clear view of their surroundings. He discovered a little filet of smoke in the distance, to his eye not more than the smoke of a pipe, but he managed to tell it was about 1 hour walk away.
After a walk through the thick branches of the jungle, the company got close to what was in fact a camp and Griselda scouted to see what the company could expect. She saw a little campfire with a Telchos Warrior and a Knight sitting nearby. Close to them, was a small tent and then, there were 3 groups of 5 Giaks each. After the rest was informed of her observations, they had to make a plan, to decide how they were going to proceed. Several tactics were discussed and rejected again, but in the end, they came out with the following – and rather daring – plan.
Griselda and Erleothir would walk into the camp, to approach the duet. Griselda would put a poisonous dart into the Telchos' neck, upon she would fall unconscious. Erleothir would use this moment of distraction to hit his fellow knight Eolfrid at the back of his head, hopefully rendering him unconscious as well. They would then drag them away from the Giaks. Meanwhile, the rest of the company would surround the camp and fight the Giaks after both the Telchos and Knight would be taken care of. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
That was the plan. Just to make sure, Yesnarel gave Erleothir a thunderstone: “Use this as a signal if things go wrong and we need to attack the camp sooner”. On those words, the rest of the group departed silently and started surrounding the camp. After Erleothir and Griselda waited long enough for them to take position, they finally dared entering the enemy camp. As they were walking towards the campfire, they saw how demoralized the Giaks and their company were. All staring into the light provided by the little campfire, they were clearly wounded and battered from a previous fight. Griselda and Erleothir grinned discreetly to each other, thinking that it would be much easier than expected.
From the bushes, the others looked at their brave comrades, but from the distance, they couldn't hear the discussion. It was only clear to them that Griselda knew the other Telchos Warrior and Erleothir sat directly next to a knight from which they could only think that it was Eolfrid.
They were waiting to see Griselda poison her friend, but a such thing wasn't happening. Then, suddenly, a disgusting scent filled the air. Erleothir knew what was coming towards them as he was smart enough to gain some information in the Kai Monastery about the Boari Jungle. Eolfrid shouted: “he is coming!” The Telchos Warrior shouted some orders in the Giak language and immediately the Giaks forgot about their pains and stood ready to defend themselves. Yesnarel understood what was said, but he was standing too far away to inform the others. Now Erleothir and Griselda were standing alone in the camp, all their enemies were prepared for battle, but they did not attack the two.
“What is going on?” asked Griselda to Erleothir, but his eyes were filled with fear of what was to come. “Come on, get a hold of yourself and you'd better do it quickly!”. Erleothir just pointed his finger towards the jungle. No creature could be seen yet, but thick branches started to snap as it came closer and closer.
Erleothir wasn’t able to say much anymore. Finally he managed to say one single word.
“Anapheg”
XP!
Yesnarel: Global playing 100xp,100xp for the plan to attack the giak camp, 100xp for being the ambassador of the team with Alukel,
Mulchanor: Global playing 100xp, 50xp for defending Griselda, 100xp for trying to get himself a gun while broke, 100xp for the plan to attack the giak camp,
Gustavius: Global playing 100xp,100xp for the plan to attack the giak camp, 100xp for dealing a gun for Mulchanor, 50xp for making a sandwich for Alukel, 50xp for eating it,
Alast: 50xp pour memorables moments adds,Global playing 90xp, 100xp for spotting and climbing when needed, 100xp for the plan to attack the giak camp, 100xp for trying to calm Alukel,
Griselda: Global playing 90xp,100xp for the plan to attack the giak camp, 100xp for the bold move to get into the camp, 150xp for blog entry and correction
Erleothir: Global playing 90xp,100xp for the plan to attack the giak camp, 50xp for the private chat with Jack, 100xp for the bold move to get into the camp, 300xp for blog entry
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
better late than never
22d of November 5000
Still half deaf after the detonation of Gustavius's gun Alast climbed down from the now dead body of the tiger. A discussion aroused as the battle plan were followed on a very personal note by each of them. Team work still had to be improved. Taking off the tiger from above Erleothir Mulchanor look puzzled to Alast still convinced that his backstabbing prowess was a good idea. Cleaning his swords they both tried to find something useful to betaken for the animal carcass. Once again Griselda went forward and start to walk toward the jungle.
Griselda called the others to follow "Come on! We don't have all day! We need to move." But the others were more interested in what to do with the tiger. "Can we use his teeth for some weapon smiled Alast to Gustavius?" After a trenendious usage of his brainpower he(?) replied: "We need to get rid of the body, it may attract animals. Bigger ones." In the end, the hazardous company decided to trust the expertise of the Telco and not to lose time with the dead tiger.
As usual, a animated conversation started. As usual, no leader could give a clear answer but they managed to agree on sending Griselda and Alast to scout. The company would follow them a few hundreds meters away. About 200 hundreds meters away from the source, it became clear that they shouldn't move any step closer. It was a giak camp.
The company headed for the Giaks. But the sun was already setting and they would arrive tired and at night. The attack on the Giaks was postponed to the next day. 1 hour walking distance away from Giak camp the group prepared for the night stay.
Griseldas sharp eyes spottet a racoon. She tried to capture it alive, but the racoon hat not in mind to be captured. Eye in eye with the Telco the racoons skills outranged hers and the racoon ran away. Almost. It was Yesnarels Quarterstaff that stopped the racoon by a quick punch on the racoons head, knocking out the poor racoon. The racoon was tied legs up to Griseldas stick. Finaly after this dangerous battle the company found some sleep.
From the battlefield new tracks led away. A couple of Giaks had escaped, but the more interesting were the tracks of 2 Humans and a bear. Our troop followed the tracks for a while, but suddenly they stumbled upon a big surprise when they saw that the tracks split up. The giaks, the bear and 1 human went to the left towards the forest. The other human track went towards the skyship. “Well, that’s just great”, Alast thought. “So we either follow a little army or 1 man who is maybe powerful enough to make us bleed with a snap of his fingers.”.
In order to get a clear overview, the still pretty inexperienced Yesnarel decided to climb upon a tree. Without much trouble, he managed to get to a branch from where he could easily see his surroundings. From here he was able to see the unnamed skyship, but his attention was caught by something else. At the riverbank on the other side of the river, close to the skyship, he saw a little boat; small enough not to catch too much attention, but big enough for a little company. Yesnarel jumped down the tree carefully and informed our heroes of his discoveries.
Nobody knew exactly what this would mean. Who was on the ship? Why is it so close to the skyship, but on the other riverbank? And more important, where are they now? Soon it was decided that our heroes would go to the skyship and see if the dwarves have noticed anything unusual. “But what if the dwarves double-crossed us?”, asked Griselda. Gustavius and Mulchanor were somewhat were hurt in their proud and answered quickly that these dwarves would never dare to do that to them. However still not sure what role the dwarves played here in the Jungle, the team decided to split up. Griselda, eager to stand in the front line, went first followed by Erleothir and Mulchanor. The rest decided to wait near the trees, much to Gustavius’ dismay, because of his earlier experience.
Griselda arrived first at the boat and Jack recognized her soon after and dropped a ladder for her to climb up. When she arrived on top of the boat, she could not recognize any danger and gestured to Mulchanor and Erleothir to follow her example. The three did take a good look and even though Captain Padoka was not to be seen, he was still to be heard. In fact he was singing so loud it was clear that the atmosphere on board of the nameless ship was very good and no danger would come from them.
The ones waiting in the forest quickly joined them on board. Jack instructed them to follow him towards the captain’s office. When they arrived at the door, Captain Padoka opened the door wildly with a glass in his hand where some ale used to be in it. What happened with the ale was quite clear when the captain already prepared for another drinking song. However he was interrupted by a hand on his shoulder: “whozze friends you haved there on your shippeth?”. “Oh no, another drunk man we have to babysit.”, thought Gustavius, but before he was even able to express his thoughts, Yesnarel stepped forward and said: “Aaahhh, so nice to see a friendly face in these regions. Tell us your name, Father of the Truth and tell us your story on how you came on board”.
The rest of the company was just speechless. It appears that Yesnarel again knows with whom they had to deal with. A Father of the Truth, one of the rulers of the Theocracy of Valerion, a strongly religious nation with leanings toward fanaticism. “Ah, finally I meet the guys with the keys and safes and stuff.”, followed by a big burp was not quite the answer they expected. “How did you manage to get here unharmed?” asked Erleothir. “Ah yes, a very interesting story!”, he answered. “Provide me with a drink and I’ll tell you.”, followed by a big *clunk*.
Father of the Truth or not, he was not very susceptible to ale. He was lying on deck of the nameless skyship. Our heroes decided to have a good night sleep and try to get more information the next day. How little did they know that there was a grave danger coming towards the ship.
Griselda called the others to follow "Come on! We don't have all day! We need to move." But the others were more interested in what to do with the tiger. "Can we use his teeth for some weapon smiled Alast to Gustavius?" After a trenendious usage of his brainpower he(?) replied: "We need to get rid of the body, it may attract animals. Bigger ones." In the end, the hazardous company decided to trust the expertise of the Telco and not to lose time with the dead tiger.
With a loud "splash" Erleothir and Mulchanor trown the tiger into the river. Rapidly dissapearing in a now red water. Mumbling and complaining they followed the Telchos which didn't let them get to close from them.
The company quickly resumed walking along the river. If the way was almost clear of branches and tree roots, it slowly started to get rather swampy. Still leading the group Griselda at first didn't notice her companions struggling to keep their footing and raising their knees every step a little higher. The dwarves started walking closer to the trees, Alast and Yesnarel followed their examples. So did the knight. When Griselda looked over her shoulder to check on the progress she realized she was the onyl one still easily walking in the mud. Not to waste time and take useless risks, Alast suggested climbing on a tree to check the path ahead. With his pirates skills, it was done in a no time and he proudly came back down with information.
The swamp area was stretching to the North and they would need to walk around it, going more West. Things are never easy and before the company could breath a "ok, then, let's go" they heard the dreaded "but" word. There was indeed a little problem : a column of smoke was coming from the same direction. No it didn't look like another attack ( what could be attacked in the area anyway ? As far as they knew the fort was the only sign of civilisation kilometers around ).
As usual, a animated conversation started. As usual, no leader could give a clear answer but they managed to agree on sending Griselda and Alast to scout. The company would follow them a few hundreds meters away. About 200 hundreds meters away from the source, it became clear that they shouldn't move any step closer. It was a giak camp.
Griselda motioned for Alast to go back to the group and asked him to get them to be quiet and ready to battle if it came to the worst. Left alone, she carefully crawled closer, trying to count the giaks, look at their equipment or any other element that could be proved useful.
She came back to the group, surprised to see them walking in the camp direction, contrary to the instructions left. She shut them up and lead them away, briefly explaining to Erleothir and Mulchanor the reason of this change. No one questioned her as it was clear they were not standing a chance in front of 20 giaks knowing their way around.
The walk from the camp to the ruins was about two hour long. The view was a sad one. Nothing, absolutly nothing remained from the fort, it was burnt to the ground and the soil was littered with bodies, human and giak. That was a least a little confort, they didn't go down without a good fight, taking some enemies with them.
Griselda discovered bear tracks and that led to the discussion wether to clean the Giak camp first or to follow the bear. Obviously the bear was more interesting. But having lots of Giaks running around would have imposed the danger of the Giaks falling in the back of the company. So the decision was made to clean the camp first and have the advantage of supprise on their side.
The company headed for the Giaks. But the sun was already setting and they would arrive tired and at night. The attack on the Giaks was postponed to the next day. 1 hour walking distance away from Giak camp the group prepared for the night stay.
Griseldas sharp eyes spottet a racoon. She tried to capture it alive, but the racoon hat not in mind to be captured. Eye in eye with the Telco the racoons skills outranged hers and the racoon ran away. Almost. It was Yesnarels Quarterstaff that stopped the racoon by a quick punch on the racoons head, knocking out the poor racoon. The racoon was tied legs up to Griseldas stick. Finaly after this dangerous battle the company found some sleep.
Griselda and Mulchanor had the 1st watch. A monkey misused Griseldas leg like a tree to water it with pee. Griselda pushed rudely the animal away with her spear. Lucky Monkey, he was not bitten in the ear. Other monkeys around startet to make noise. It seemed like the whole forest is awakening. More and more mokeys came and the group was alredy frightened of beeing overrun by the monkeys. The noise of the monkeys was topped by a gorillas roar. Even the strongest knights stayed silent in this situation - a wise chocie. Gustavius threw a fruit to lead the mokeys away from the group and fortunately the monkeys passed by without attacking the group.
The next morning, the Telco made up to scout the Giak camp, but when she came back, she only had to report that the Giaks were gone.Adventure expirienced, the Hazardous Company expected it could be an ambush. The group fell back while Griselda(?) checked the surroundings for signs of an ambush, but it was all clear. Then the group inspected the camp, finding bear tracks again. Yesnarel climbed quickly a tree. He saw a column of smoke, this time nearer to the skyship than the former Giak camp.
After a short break, the group followed the bear tracks wich led them closer to their airvessel. The next Place were the Giaks camped was not far away. Again, Griselda and Alast scouted and again, she send Alast away.
"Lots of dead Giak bodies" reported Griselda thistime. They were killed by guns. Everybody joined at the former battlefield. Only dead Giaks were all around, but no corpeses of the attackers were to be seen. The way the dead bodies were lying around and the way of the bullets in the bodies prooved that the giaks were killed in an ambush by fire from two sides.
A discussion arose wether the attackers were the dwarves were "our" dwarves from the skyrider our if there is another group of dwraves around. The absence of dead attackers, which you could expect by such a large group of Giaks, proved that the ambush was done from a safe distance - like fireing from the skyship down on the Giaks. But on the other hand, the company had found evidence that the ambush was done by attacking the Giaks from two sides. Who were the Dwraves on the other side? But what sould other dwarves do right here? Many questions, no answers. At least no answers so far.
After a short break, the group followed the bear tracks wich led them closer to their airvessel. The next Place were the Giaks camped was not far away. Again, Griselda and Alast scouted and again, she send Alast away.
"Lots of dead Giak bodies" reported Griselda thistime. They were killed by guns. Everybody joined at the former battlefield. Only dead Giaks were all around, but no corpeses of the attackers were to be seen. The way the dead bodies were lying around and the way of the bullets in the bodies prooved that the giaks were killed in an ambush by fire from two sides.
A discussion arose wether the attackers were the dwarves were "our" dwarves from the skyrider our if there is another group of dwraves around. The absence of dead attackers, which you could expect by such a large group of Giaks, proved that the ambush was done from a safe distance - like fireing from the skyship down on the Giaks. But on the other hand, the company had found evidence that the ambush was done by attacking the Giaks from two sides. Who were the Dwraves on the other side? But what sould other dwarves do right here? Many questions, no answers. At least no answers so far.
From the battlefield new tracks led away. A couple of Giaks had escaped, but the more interesting were the tracks of 2 Humans and a bear. Our troop followed the tracks for a while, but suddenly they stumbled upon a big surprise when they saw that the tracks split up. The giaks, the bear and 1 human went to the left towards the forest. The other human track went towards the skyship. “Well, that’s just great”, Alast thought. “So we either follow a little army or 1 man who is maybe powerful enough to make us bleed with a snap of his fingers.”.
In order to get a clear overview, the still pretty inexperienced Yesnarel decided to climb upon a tree. Without much trouble, he managed to get to a branch from where he could easily see his surroundings. From here he was able to see the unnamed skyship, but his attention was caught by something else. At the riverbank on the other side of the river, close to the skyship, he saw a little boat; small enough not to catch too much attention, but big enough for a little company. Yesnarel jumped down the tree carefully and informed our heroes of his discoveries.
Nobody knew exactly what this would mean. Who was on the ship? Why is it so close to the skyship, but on the other riverbank? And more important, where are they now? Soon it was decided that our heroes would go to the skyship and see if the dwarves have noticed anything unusual. “But what if the dwarves double-crossed us?”, asked Griselda. Gustavius and Mulchanor were somewhat were hurt in their proud and answered quickly that these dwarves would never dare to do that to them. However still not sure what role the dwarves played here in the Jungle, the team decided to split up. Griselda, eager to stand in the front line, went first followed by Erleothir and Mulchanor. The rest decided to wait near the trees, much to Gustavius’ dismay, because of his earlier experience.
Griselda arrived first at the boat and Jack recognized her soon after and dropped a ladder for her to climb up. When she arrived on top of the boat, she could not recognize any danger and gestured to Mulchanor and Erleothir to follow her example. The three did take a good look and even though Captain Padoka was not to be seen, he was still to be heard. In fact he was singing so loud it was clear that the atmosphere on board of the nameless ship was very good and no danger would come from them.
The ones waiting in the forest quickly joined them on board. Jack instructed them to follow him towards the captain’s office. When they arrived at the door, Captain Padoka opened the door wildly with a glass in his hand where some ale used to be in it. What happened with the ale was quite clear when the captain already prepared for another drinking song. However he was interrupted by a hand on his shoulder: “whozze friends you haved there on your shippeth?”. “Oh no, another drunk man we have to babysit.”, thought Gustavius, but before he was even able to express his thoughts, Yesnarel stepped forward and said: “Aaahhh, so nice to see a friendly face in these regions. Tell us your name, Father of the Truth and tell us your story on how you came on board”.
The rest of the company was just speechless. It appears that Yesnarel again knows with whom they had to deal with. A Father of the Truth, one of the rulers of the Theocracy of Valerion, a strongly religious nation with leanings toward fanaticism. “Ah, finally I meet the guys with the keys and safes and stuff.”, followed by a big burp was not quite the answer they expected. “How did you manage to get here unharmed?” asked Erleothir. “Ah yes, a very interesting story!”, he answered. “Provide me with a drink and I’ll tell you.”, followed by a big *clunk*.
Father of the Truth or not, he was not very susceptible to ale. He was lying on deck of the nameless skyship. Our heroes decided to have a good night sleep and try to get more information the next day. How little did they know that there was a grave danger coming towards the ship.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Way of the Telchos
A few days had passed since the attack and everyone was recovering slowly. Erleothir had had a small discussion with the two dwarves and was now sharing his room with Gustavius while Griselda was now with Mulchanor. It was his idea and while Mulchanor seemed not overly angry about it, Gustavius simply shrugged. "As long as no one disturbs me too much, everything is just fine..."
"just fine" were not actually the words running in his mind when thinking about the last fight. one morning he summoned all the crew on the deck of the ship "gentlemen. and lady. we need to learn to coordinate a little bit more when facing enemies..." he asked one of the dwarves to bring a few of the figurines he saw them using during some boardgame he had watched them playing and started elaborating a standard battle plan for the attacks. Bored and confident in her skills, Griselda stayed aside, barely listening. There was some discussion about the role of each team member in a fight and everyone reluctantly agreed that the plan was not bad though still not perfect. Everyone wanted to play a role more important than the one destiny had given them. But there was still room for improvisation...
"how many days till we reach our destination?"
"around five or six."
"do you happen to have a forge?"
Together with Alast, Yesnarel and Erleothir, Gustavius had managed to make a deal with the dwarves. He would be able top use the forge and their resources to craft two new special weapons in exchange for the blueprints and two additional crafted items.
Together with Alast, Yesnarel and Erleothir, Gustavius had managed to make a deal with the dwarves. He would be able top use the forge and their resources to craft two new special weapons in exchange for the blueprints and two additional crafted items.
On the flying ship, our company had plenty of time to think about their situation, whether it was their general quest, their own personal one, or simply their general personal situation.
And one of them seemed pretty unaware of his difficulties. To any one standing on the side, it was obvious that Mulchanor got it worse than any other. Or is it only because his secrets were known ?
Everybody knew he was a pennyless dwarf who was even dispossessed from his most valuable good: his gun. Instead of the powerful dwarven gun of Bor, he was discreetly carrying a pistol and would more surely show his axe than this ersatz of a gun. Touched in his pride, he negotiated with the crew to get a new gun, which would probably prove to be useful in the coming days, once they would be walking around in the wild. The captain agreed to provide him a gun. Minding a few conditions ... Mulchanor would only own the gun after bringing him a few items. Nothing big, a few raccoons being probably the most difficult to get. The third "issue" would be Griselda. (Though that person probably wouldn't see how this could be a problem ). To his fellow dwarves, Mulchanor was a victim, they knew the reputation of the Telchos' tribe and the newly acquired scar at his ear certainly confirmed their possessiveness. What puzzled them however was the apparent satisfaction Mulchanor was showing. Judging by his smiling face, the relation didn't seem to be the curse the rumors would have it to be. They would have looked at Griselda's face to read her expression but there wasn't much clues to be found. She was confident and the romance hadn't softened her expression in the least. But she definitely was high on energy, and so was he.
even his bitten-off ear did not clouded his mood. Upon asking what happened the company received the explanation from Griselda herself. "It's the way we mark our men. we always leave something visible. So everyone - and especially themselves - knows who they belong to"
After several uneventful days, the ship finally arrived. From high above the trees, the river could be seen. Padoka called his guests on the deck to show them his discovery. The adventurers took turn to look at the river using a long view. Griselda used her good sight to check for a landing spot. Slightly north of their position, a column of dark smoke was tainting the blue sky. Padoka informed them that it probably was the fort burning. The company decided to land as soon as possible and as close as possible in order to assist the survivors of the arson (or was it an attack ?). There was a little clearing a few miles away, depending on the jungle fauna and flora it would take them between 3 and 5 days to reach what would then be ruins.
It was around 8 in the evening when they finally touched the ground. Enthusiastic, the company was ready to disembark and start the trek. Griselda reminded them of the time and offered to go for a reconnaissance round : they needed to know how thick and dense the foliage would be, how big and dangerous the local fauna was, how clear and deep the water was, at Mulchanor's request, she added "raccoon check" to her list. She took Alast's rope to prepare traps they would be able to collect in the morning.
Curious and willing to check the trees and see if they could possibly be used for ambush, Alast decided to accompany her. Erleothir was added to the group and the three of them left the ship to go for a walk. Alast seemed satisfied by the location, the tall and rich trees would be easy to climb and would offer plenty of ways to hide and jump to surprise the enemy.
As for Griselda, her talent didn't disappoint the knight who was impressed by the way she could look at a plant and decide if it was edible or not, to look at the water and measure its depth and potential dangers. She even spotted raccoons steps and set two traps after cutting Alast's ropes in two. A frown appeared on her face however and she studied slightly longer than previously some traces apparently left by nothing less than a tiger.
Deciding she had all the information they needed : walking by the river was relatively safe and the flora shouldn't bother them so much there, they would be able to find food if needed, fresh water in abundance. All in all, they should be able to reach the ruins in a day. Seeing as the captain promised to wait for a week, there was nothing to worry about.
That was what they all thought when they eagerly left the aircraft after breakfast the following morning, each carrying their ration. The atmosphere was good and one could have thought they were leaving for a picnic. That was until Mulchanor spotted one of the precious raccoons. Griselda immediately switched to hunting mode and left the group walk further, thinking she would catch up with them after capturing the raccoon. It proved to be more difficult than expected though and she came empty handed, shooting a dark glare at Alast, who asked innocently, knowing full well the answer : " so, how did it go ?"
But before he could get any response to his insolent question a low growl was heard... and before anyone could react, a large tiger was already on them. Most specifically, on Erleothir. The large beast knocked him down on the floor. Mulchanor grinned and pulled out his rented rifle with a wide and impressive movement, aimed, shot and... cursed as the weapon exploded in a large smoke of cloud. The tiger was unimpressed and tried to reach for Erleothir hidden below his shield and, as Alast jumped on the back of the beast trying to find a weak point to stab, Gustavius sighed, pulled his newly crafted hand gun out, calmly walked to the mass of bodies and unloaded the gun in the right ear of the beast.
As Erleothir was removing chunks of tiger brain from his face, Griselda turned to him, shrugging:
"so... welcome to the jungle."
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The nameless ship
10 of November 5000
On the highest platform of the higest tower of the Kai Monastery gathered, after a rich first meal, our heroes. They were blessed by Courageous Blade and Sharpen Fox but before leaving Huldrak requested their individual attention for a last counsel.
One by one the old Huldrak talked to them with very different reaction from each of the elements of the Hazardous Company. When all where up a dwarf took up the rope ladder, waving a last time to the Kais. He turned to our heroes and smiling he said:
- Hello all! My name is Jack, I...
All laughed openly except Yesnarel.
- What is so funny about my name my lords?
- Hem hem, nothing really said Erleothir, you just remind us someone...
- ... named also Jack that we met in another Ship... added Gustavius
- ...who died horribly...
- ...No he did not...
Before they started to get into a difficult terrain the Dwarf interrupted them all:
- Well, dead or alive I am the Jack of this ship, let me lead you all to our captain, the captain Padoka.
- Look! I can see my horse from here yelled Erleothir.
An illusion probably, as the Knight was already too high to be able to see anything tinier than a manor from where he stood. After this they were taken to a relatively still young strong man, harboring the blue tunique of the Order of the Crystal Star Brotherhood. Yesnarel couldn't hide his pride as being one of the same kind of the ruler of this ship.
- Good day young fellows! My name is Padoka, I'll be your captain for this journey. Welcome to my ship it will be your house for some days, be free to roam from your cabins to the deck. The rest is ours to see.
All acknowledged the captain, Gustavius and Erleothir asked almost a the same time for the ship's name but they received a peculiar answer.
- Well hum, the ship has no name for now
- What? This will bring bad luck, it can be! Aren't your mariners superstitious?
- Do not worry, we all do have studies here, we are not... well... supertitious.
Alast though for himself he should check the mariners for more information as he wasn't feeling very well regarding this issue.
The knight and the cunning dwarf were bombarding Padoka with questions regarding his own experience and time on duty when the answer hit them back harder than they expected.
- Well actually this is my first ship, and my first trip. But fear not! I have studied enough and I am able to guide you. By the way, I was expecting you to help me with the name of the ship. You see, I believe that the correct name can be decided after we have proven our valor with this trip. It only has been two weeks since we have been deployed on this vessel...
- Two weeks? Well that's not much... suspired Gustavius
- I am proud to be on your ship Captain Padoka, my name is Yesnarel, please tell me in which school have you learn your arts.
- Which school? Well in the Major Han, in... Dessi. And you?
- Well errr in the Ruanon one, of course.
- Of course, a nice one also.
- My Captain, my name is Mulchanor, I am sure you can use one more dwarf in your crew during this travel, may I be from some sort of assistance today?
- Great, we just need someone in the kitchen! JAAAAAAAAACKKKK! Bring this guest to the kitchen. He volonteered to help us there.
A big smile covered his face while he lead Mulchanor to his new found work. When he came back, captain Padoka was already explaining them how the Crystals was there to guide them. He quickly sent them away to their cabins to rest. Jack lead them to the cabin, making a point on not going till the end of the corridor as it was an area for the crew members only. They could go freely on deck and to their cabins. Not really happy about it the rooms where now shared the following way:
Griselda will be on top of the double deck bed, while Erleothir would be under. Mulchanor and Gustavius will be sharing the middle room and Alast was left with Yesnarel which was carefully hiding his purse. While all were preparing they beds, Gustavius went out from the bed and reached the forbidden corridor. He turned to the only left open way and found another dwarf with two pistols over his belly, pointing a third one to his face.
- Good night lad, this is not an open part of the ship. My name is Gaki, which is yours?
- I Didn't mess trespassing and my name is Gustavius, I am, you know, looking for some beer. Do you...
Before he could finish Gaki was already turning his back to him saying:
- Wait here.
He came back with two pints of beer taking Gustavius to the deck where he sat under the stars letting Gaki's tongue smooth enough to let out words that should have been kept for himself. Gustavius discovered that the captain had still to prove to his crew he was an able one. The dwarf could not say much about the Boari Jungle apart from "stay clear from the Anapheg" In between some broken sounds, that Gaki referred to be songs from the captain's working, started to wake up the rest of the company. In their rooms they stayed quiet even when Griselda wanted to check what going on. It wasn't an attack from hell hounds but a vain attempt from Padoka to sing. After some time the songs stopped with a last loud fall.
- It only could be Padoka said Gustavius.
Gaki answered vaguely:
- He works till late and it always end up like that, I'll verify if the ship is going right and be right back.
- Wait, you can control such a ship, just like this ?
- No, don't be fool young one, I need a box to reach the controls.
With the beer finished and the sensation of having ended the arguments to discuss Gustavius thanked his host and went back to his cabin. He knew that Mulchanor was already sleeping as only a dwarf could snore like he did. On the other rooms silence was already set.
As the day rose our heroes didn't bother to wake up. The patiently waited for Jack to come over and lead them to the kitchen, where they would have a decent breakfast. When entering the little space they had, Gustavius nodded to Gaki and Jack thanked Mulchanor for the potatoes peeling he did last day. As Jack asked him if he was interested to peel more potatoes for the day, Mulchanor offered Gustavius services instead, as a fellow dwarf. Cornered, he could only acknowledge and get ready for an hard day of labor. Conversation was going well till the company tried to get information from the crew. None of them were really up to give information to foreigner as Alast could sense deep in his hurted pride.
- If you want answers you have to be worth of them. Be a man. Have a beer of our home brew.
- I don't drink he replied.
- Stupid and coward. Great one... grumbled to himself the dwarf.
- But I do drink happily shouted Gustavius.
- And me! Almost immediately retorked Mulchanor.
- All right I'll have one too sighted the knight.
- I can have one too, said Yesnarel
- Give me one said Griselda.
Smiling, the dwarves served a round of pints and waited for the result. Slowly results came to the surface. Erleothir barely hold his alcohol but kept still. Mulchanor and Gustavius couldn't be affected due to their own dwarven constitution an no one was ever interested in them. Griselda rapidly went down the path of drunkenness behind more friendly that she ever was before. Yesnarel tried to keep up, drank in one sip and felt on his back almost immediately.
Laugh could be now heard in the all ship.
Erleothir tried to calm them but he was too affected to really lecture someone. At some point the dwarves were still not talkative enough or just teasing their new guests. All the sudden Erleothir was taking Yesnarel to his cabin while Alast was cursing against those damn drunks. Griselda was not able to get walking on her feet and she asked Mulchanor to help her walking. They wanted to go up deck while it wasn't their decision to take. Gaki found help to contain them in another killing round of beer. Gustavius took his beer and went up. Erleothir asked one more question but got rapidly got an unwanted answer:
- Only real man can make questions here, kids and wusses stay below.
Several minutes after Gustavius and Erleothir were wandering on deck when Gustavius saw two fellow dwarves on top of the ship scrutining the horizon. In matters of seconds one came down and back with a metal long tube which he used to look in. Apparently his eyes could go further and he spotted something. Both heroes came near and tried to get more information.
- Kraans! Kraans ahead.
The captain was coming out of his working office at the moment quite in bad shape.
- Don't talk so loud... I worked hard yesterday... Get the guns we'll take care of them
Slowly he went on the back platform, taking position, waiting for them to move. The dwarf counted them nervously.
- One, two, three Kraans. Each with two heavy armoured men.
Form ranks form ranks around me sailors! Shouted Jack.
Gustavius stayed on prow, ready to take care of those three beast. The fifteen dwarves crew members were now packing, side by side, at starboard ready for a typical dwarven tactic. Such fire power can take care of most of the creatures of Magnamund. Alast set himself on position and occupied the ship port beam willing to take care by himself of this side.
Mulchanor and Griselda were still in the middle of their final moment of passion but it was time for a fight. Erleothir knew their valor in combat and ran into the room.
On the highest platform of the higest tower of the Kai Monastery gathered, after a rich first meal, our heroes. They were blessed by Courageous Blade and Sharpen Fox but before leaving Huldrak requested their individual attention for a last counsel.
One by one the old Huldrak talked to them with very different reaction from each of the elements of the Hazardous Company. When all where up a dwarf took up the rope ladder, waving a last time to the Kais. He turned to our heroes and smiling he said:
- Hello all! My name is Jack, I...
All laughed openly except Yesnarel.
- What is so funny about my name my lords?
- Hem hem, nothing really said Erleothir, you just remind us someone...
- ... named also Jack that we met in another Ship... added Gustavius
- ...who died horribly...
- ...No he did not...
Before they started to get into a difficult terrain the Dwarf interrupted them all:
- Well, dead or alive I am the Jack of this ship, let me lead you all to our captain, the captain Padoka.
- Look! I can see my horse from here yelled Erleothir.
An illusion probably, as the Knight was already too high to be able to see anything tinier than a manor from where he stood. After this they were taken to a relatively still young strong man, harboring the blue tunique of the Order of the Crystal Star Brotherhood. Yesnarel couldn't hide his pride as being one of the same kind of the ruler of this ship.
- Good day young fellows! My name is Padoka, I'll be your captain for this journey. Welcome to my ship it will be your house for some days, be free to roam from your cabins to the deck. The rest is ours to see.
All acknowledged the captain, Gustavius and Erleothir asked almost a the same time for the ship's name but they received a peculiar answer.
- Well hum, the ship has no name for now
- What? This will bring bad luck, it can be! Aren't your mariners superstitious?
- Do not worry, we all do have studies here, we are not... well... supertitious.
Alast though for himself he should check the mariners for more information as he wasn't feeling very well regarding this issue.
The knight and the cunning dwarf were bombarding Padoka with questions regarding his own experience and time on duty when the answer hit them back harder than they expected.
- Well actually this is my first ship, and my first trip. But fear not! I have studied enough and I am able to guide you. By the way, I was expecting you to help me with the name of the ship. You see, I believe that the correct name can be decided after we have proven our valor with this trip. It only has been two weeks since we have been deployed on this vessel...
- Two weeks? Well that's not much... suspired Gustavius
- I am proud to be on your ship Captain Padoka, my name is Yesnarel, please tell me in which school have you learn your arts.
- Which school? Well in the Major Han, in... Dessi. And you?
- Well errr in the Ruanon one, of course.
- Of course, a nice one also.
- My Captain, my name is Mulchanor, I am sure you can use one more dwarf in your crew during this travel, may I be from some sort of assistance today?
- Great, we just need someone in the kitchen! JAAAAAAAAACKKKK! Bring this guest to the kitchen. He volonteered to help us there.
A big smile covered his face while he lead Mulchanor to his new found work. When he came back, captain Padoka was already explaining them how the Crystals was there to guide them. He quickly sent them away to their cabins to rest. Jack lead them to the cabin, making a point on not going till the end of the corridor as it was an area for the crew members only. They could go freely on deck and to their cabins. Not really happy about it the rooms where now shared the following way:
Griselda will be on top of the double deck bed, while Erleothir would be under. Mulchanor and Gustavius will be sharing the middle room and Alast was left with Yesnarel which was carefully hiding his purse. While all were preparing they beds, Gustavius went out from the bed and reached the forbidden corridor. He turned to the only left open way and found another dwarf with two pistols over his belly, pointing a third one to his face.
- Good night lad, this is not an open part of the ship. My name is Gaki, which is yours?
- I Didn't mess trespassing and my name is Gustavius, I am, you know, looking for some beer. Do you...
Before he could finish Gaki was already turning his back to him saying:
- Wait here.
He came back with two pints of beer taking Gustavius to the deck where he sat under the stars letting Gaki's tongue smooth enough to let out words that should have been kept for himself. Gustavius discovered that the captain had still to prove to his crew he was an able one. The dwarf could not say much about the Boari Jungle apart from "stay clear from the Anapheg" In between some broken sounds, that Gaki referred to be songs from the captain's working, started to wake up the rest of the company. In their rooms they stayed quiet even when Griselda wanted to check what going on. It wasn't an attack from hell hounds but a vain attempt from Padoka to sing. After some time the songs stopped with a last loud fall.
- It only could be Padoka said Gustavius.
Gaki answered vaguely:
- He works till late and it always end up like that, I'll verify if the ship is going right and be right back.
- Wait, you can control such a ship, just like this ?
- No, don't be fool young one, I need a box to reach the controls.
With the beer finished and the sensation of having ended the arguments to discuss Gustavius thanked his host and went back to his cabin. He knew that Mulchanor was already sleeping as only a dwarf could snore like he did. On the other rooms silence was already set.
As the day rose our heroes didn't bother to wake up. The patiently waited for Jack to come over and lead them to the kitchen, where they would have a decent breakfast. When entering the little space they had, Gustavius nodded to Gaki and Jack thanked Mulchanor for the potatoes peeling he did last day. As Jack asked him if he was interested to peel more potatoes for the day, Mulchanor offered Gustavius services instead, as a fellow dwarf. Cornered, he could only acknowledge and get ready for an hard day of labor. Conversation was going well till the company tried to get information from the crew. None of them were really up to give information to foreigner as Alast could sense deep in his hurted pride.
- If you want answers you have to be worth of them. Be a man. Have a beer of our home brew.
- I don't drink he replied.
- Stupid and coward. Great one... grumbled to himself the dwarf.
- But I do drink happily shouted Gustavius.
- And me! Almost immediately retorked Mulchanor.
- All right I'll have one too sighted the knight.
- I can have one too, said Yesnarel
- Give me one said Griselda.
Smiling, the dwarves served a round of pints and waited for the result. Slowly results came to the surface. Erleothir barely hold his alcohol but kept still. Mulchanor and Gustavius couldn't be affected due to their own dwarven constitution an no one was ever interested in them. Griselda rapidly went down the path of drunkenness behind more friendly that she ever was before. Yesnarel tried to keep up, drank in one sip and felt on his back almost immediately.
Laugh could be now heard in the all ship.
Erleothir tried to calm them but he was too affected to really lecture someone. At some point the dwarves were still not talkative enough or just teasing their new guests. All the sudden Erleothir was taking Yesnarel to his cabin while Alast was cursing against those damn drunks. Griselda was not able to get walking on her feet and she asked Mulchanor to help her walking. They wanted to go up deck while it wasn't their decision to take. Gaki found help to contain them in another killing round of beer. Gustavius took his beer and went up. Erleothir asked one more question but got rapidly got an unwanted answer:
- Only real man can make questions here, kids and wusses stay below.
Erleothir took his beer and drank straight down his beer. The dwarf was now impressed and started to talk:
- Now fellow Knight, what were you asking?
- I honestly don't remember.
More laugh came toward to company, it was more than enough for Griselda to grab another beer and finish the job she just started, soon she was completely loose over Mulchanor. Mulchanor didn't let this chance pass by and took her to her cabin to consume her inner fire. Erleothir sighted but was unable to act differently than letting the storm pass by. Nobody can be between the pray and the hunter. Mulchanor, soon enough will discover he was the pray. Alast was just pushed away while the strange couple rushed into her room, moaning like animals. Alast stood in his room, having an acoustic image of what was going on the other side of the quarters. Yesnarel was still unconscious.
Several minutes after Gustavius and Erleothir were wandering on deck when Gustavius saw two fellow dwarves on top of the ship scrutining the horizon. In matters of seconds one came down and back with a metal long tube which he used to look in. Apparently his eyes could go further and he spotted something. Both heroes came near and tried to get more information.
- Kraans! Kraans ahead.
The captain was coming out of his working office at the moment quite in bad shape.
- Don't talk so loud... I worked hard yesterday... Get the guns we'll take care of them
Slowly he went on the back platform, taking position, waiting for them to move. The dwarf counted them nervously.
- One, two, three Kraans. Each with two heavy armoured men.
Form ranks form ranks around me sailors! Shouted Jack.
Gustavius stayed on prow, ready to take care of those three beast. The fifteen dwarves crew members were now packing, side by side, at starboard ready for a typical dwarven tactic. Such fire power can take care of most of the creatures of Magnamund. Alast set himself on position and occupied the ship port beam willing to take care by himself of this side.
Mulchanor and Griselda were still in the middle of their final moment of passion but it was time for a fight. Erleothir knew their valor in combat and ran into the room.
- HOOO sorry! A fight is coming we need you both! Mulchanor we need to go!
-She felt asleep! I'll come as soon as possible, let me wake her up!
He shaked her hard with no response but when hope failed she opened her eyes, looked at him and puked over his armor. She felt over the bed, naked but free of dizziness.
- Great... He said leaving over her a clean blanket.
In the other room Erleothir tried his luck harder and harder, hitting Yesnarel whom reacted fast and ran for the deck where he managed to clean his body from the Bor poison. Sometimes a good slap can make miracles. Still frail a quick look around and Erleothir keeping him up to speed he was now ready. Mulchanor climbed the mast to find a good shoting position with his tiny pistol, he knew the beasts were deadly. He would need another of his bull eye shot today.
The kraans were now taking positions, one was going straight to the vessel's prow while the other set course to intercept both flanks. Drakkarims they were, massives and ready to die for their masters. Only the complaints about captain Padoka were now disturbing the wind in this anguished wait.
Yesnarel broke the silence and start to perform a spell toward the kraan coming in front of the ship, unfortunately he couldn't finish his ritual properly and nothing was to be seen.
- FIRE! Echoed the voice of Jack. Under a cloud of smoke ans deafening sound the final cry of a Kraan flooded the air. Almost immediately broke by the terror screams of the two surviving Drakkarims falling into the void.
- Reload fast! The dwarf second in command urged his courageous companions.
One arrow cut the air fast toward Yesnarel. He stopped for a split of second only to hear the final breath of a dwarf, hit on his back while reloading. That's was close he though. One another arrow tried to hit the captain Padoka and missed his chest for a few centimeters, ripping his left arm tunique, and simultaneously, his arm.
-POW! A single shot from Mulchanor was now lost. Immediately after another shot was to be heard. the bullet hitting the shoulder of the Kraan rider facing him. Gustavius grin slowly disappeared from his face as he noticed the rider slowly retaking control from his beast.
The drakkarims were setting themselves ready to board. Yesnarel tried to hit one Drakkar with a projectile but failed. Too short. Arrows from the archers whistled in the air, failing to reach target but still greeting Erleothir neck with a new scar. Drunk and hurt he jumped toward his enemies.
The strongest Drakkarim shouted something and no one were able to understand him besides Yesnarel. He turned pale and warned Erleothir
- NO no no nonnnonoo! Stay here he wants to kill me!
Half way now, the knight ran back to his position setting his heavy shield to protect both magicians. The front kraan attacked Gustavius but bit in the railings of the deck, Gustavius smiled at so much luck and prepared to deal him a final blow, when the Drakkarim captain slashed him making him fall back. It wasn't finished and the second drakkarim pinned him down with his spear. Now stuck on deck, with a spear in his chest Gustavius started to pray at his forgotten gods.
Padoka tried another spell but burped and emitted more strange sounds with his body in the middle of it. Unfortunately it will be too late for another saving spell. Yesnarel now set a second projectile to one of the drakkars coming from the right. This one fell, dead. Alast was growing impatiently as nothing was at his grasp for the moment.
- FIRE AT WILL! Shouted jack.
Gustavius eyes were now wide open. He muttered for himself:
- I'm glad I'm laying now. And smiled.
A fortress of steel hit both drakkarims and the kraan. Both humanoids came down glared by such attack. Alast was caught by surprise by the great Kraan. Mulchanor shot the archer and wounded him, destroying by the same ocassion his bow. Wounded he felt over board. Alast was now in the mouth of the Kraan whom tried to crunch him like a rabbit. He felt the pressure but was not afraid. One drakkar ran toward the mages but Erleothir was there to defend both. The fought briefly without more results than another injury for Erleothir. Padoka stood and gaped:
- Enough. And shot the drakkar in the face. Mixing burning metal and flesh wound. A pistol can be handy sometimes. Alast took his rapiere and plundered it the beast eye. She let him fall. Alast smiled and then realized that maybe he wasn't on the ship. But the hard board hurted him happily reminding him he was safe but hurt. Still pinned on the ground, with two dead bodies lying over him Gustavius caught a glimpse of the last Kraan reducing the ship's bow in pieces. with a swipe of his axe along the ground level he sent the Kraan back to earth cutting his beak. Painlessly Gustavius broke the spear and set himself up. the battle was over.
The next morning Erleothir explained lightly what happened to Griselda, whom had forgotten the whole episode after the second beer. Alast was obviously evesdropping and, this time, was caught in the act when Griselda opened the door. She trown him a dark glare at which Alast responded with:
- Did you sleep well princess?
- Keep your dreams to yourself.
- Quite frankly, I don't care about what you did Yesterday.
The telchos could see Alast hidden grin. Annoyed she tried to punch him, but the after effect of the alcohol and the natural skills of the pirate made her miss her punch. The Pirate had a brighter smile. She threw another punch... Which he also avoided. The Telchos tried her luck until she struk the face of her targed. However the absence of pain and the efforts of the Telchos, Left the pirate smiling even wierr. The Expression of the pirate was more a victorious one than Griselda cursing in her own mind the most terrible pain to Alast and Mulchanor.
During three more days and nights a storm waved the ship. None could go on deck beside the crew. The Captain Padoka never left his post during the days, nor his cabin during the nights.
Our company recovered from their wounds or from their alcohol abuses. This first unwanted encounter didn't bring them more then scars and the certainty of the right path had been taken. The enemies corpses didn't provide much information for them nor valuables items. Gaki suggested to resell them and provide some money to the fallen comrade family. Locked between wooden walls, going from room to kitchen and kitchen to room, not much happened during these days. A few pints were shared between the dwarves, some daring crew members tried to offer one to Griselda while grinning. She always refused with a disdain look from above. This only made the dwarves light hearted and even betting on each attempt to make her drink. So far none could find a way to make her drink.
Alast was now seen as an equal to their eyes. He couldn't stand a beer but he killed a Kraan with a single blow of his missing rapiere. He had proven his valor in combat. Erleothir almost didn't fight but drink enought still standing to reach such a reconnaissance and, as his armour proved, he was a knight of the Sommerlund. He had nothing to prove at the moment. Mulchanor was seen as a true hero by his fellow dwarves, except Gustavius whom female scoreboard didn't impressed him. More he had to think after this near death experience. He had encountered deadly strong enemies and almost died. His life he owned it now to the fourteen mariner's wall of bullets. Fortunately he was a strong lad and recovering fast. Yesnarel spend the time repeating the same riddle...
"Where once stood the mighty prayers of the olds,
A forest grew as the water serpented around.
Where the Gods creation is incomplete,
One creature of the wind will open the door."
As it was now normal for the company, once the night felt on the ship the working time of the captain started. First chanting popular songs and then a loud noise of a fallen trunk. Then silence.
At dawn of the fourth day, the mighty Sun took over the horizon. It was now a bright day that Ishir was offering them. After a frugal breakfast without beer, even for the dwarves, the company now fully awake and keen for a little exercise went up to deck. The first contact with the light was blinding and it took them some minutes to get use to this new found clarity. A new day was now greeting them. Still, nine they will have to wait to reach the Boari Jungle, unsure of what could be found left once they'll arrive, the company inspired the fresh air of a brand new day on the ship with no name.
15 of November 5000
- Great... He said leaving over her a clean blanket.
In the other room Erleothir tried his luck harder and harder, hitting Yesnarel whom reacted fast and ran for the deck where he managed to clean his body from the Bor poison. Sometimes a good slap can make miracles. Still frail a quick look around and Erleothir keeping him up to speed he was now ready. Mulchanor climbed the mast to find a good shoting position with his tiny pistol, he knew the beasts were deadly. He would need another of his bull eye shot today.
The kraans were now taking positions, one was going straight to the vessel's prow while the other set course to intercept both flanks. Drakkarims they were, massives and ready to die for their masters. Only the complaints about captain Padoka were now disturbing the wind in this anguished wait.
Yesnarel broke the silence and start to perform a spell toward the kraan coming in front of the ship, unfortunately he couldn't finish his ritual properly and nothing was to be seen.
- FIRE! Echoed the voice of Jack. Under a cloud of smoke ans deafening sound the final cry of a Kraan flooded the air. Almost immediately broke by the terror screams of the two surviving Drakkarims falling into the void.
- Reload fast! The dwarf second in command urged his courageous companions.
One arrow cut the air fast toward Yesnarel. He stopped for a split of second only to hear the final breath of a dwarf, hit on his back while reloading. That's was close he though. One another arrow tried to hit the captain Padoka and missed his chest for a few centimeters, ripping his left arm tunique, and simultaneously, his arm.
-POW! A single shot from Mulchanor was now lost. Immediately after another shot was to be heard. the bullet hitting the shoulder of the Kraan rider facing him. Gustavius grin slowly disappeared from his face as he noticed the rider slowly retaking control from his beast.
The drakkarims were setting themselves ready to board. Yesnarel tried to hit one Drakkar with a projectile but failed. Too short. Arrows from the archers whistled in the air, failing to reach target but still greeting Erleothir neck with a new scar. Drunk and hurt he jumped toward his enemies.
The strongest Drakkarim shouted something and no one were able to understand him besides Yesnarel. He turned pale and warned Erleothir
- NO no no nonnnonoo! Stay here he wants to kill me!
Half way now, the knight ran back to his position setting his heavy shield to protect both magicians. The front kraan attacked Gustavius but bit in the railings of the deck, Gustavius smiled at so much luck and prepared to deal him a final blow, when the Drakkarim captain slashed him making him fall back. It wasn't finished and the second drakkarim pinned him down with his spear. Now stuck on deck, with a spear in his chest Gustavius started to pray at his forgotten gods.
Padoka tried another spell but burped and emitted more strange sounds with his body in the middle of it. Unfortunately it will be too late for another saving spell. Yesnarel now set a second projectile to one of the drakkars coming from the right. This one fell, dead. Alast was growing impatiently as nothing was at his grasp for the moment.
- FIRE AT WILL! Shouted jack.
Gustavius eyes were now wide open. He muttered for himself:
- I'm glad I'm laying now. And smiled.
A fortress of steel hit both drakkarims and the kraan. Both humanoids came down glared by such attack. Alast was caught by surprise by the great Kraan. Mulchanor shot the archer and wounded him, destroying by the same ocassion his bow. Wounded he felt over board. Alast was now in the mouth of the Kraan whom tried to crunch him like a rabbit. He felt the pressure but was not afraid. One drakkar ran toward the mages but Erleothir was there to defend both. The fought briefly without more results than another injury for Erleothir. Padoka stood and gaped:
- Enough. And shot the drakkar in the face. Mixing burning metal and flesh wound. A pistol can be handy sometimes. Alast took his rapiere and plundered it the beast eye. She let him fall. Alast smiled and then realized that maybe he wasn't on the ship. But the hard board hurted him happily reminding him he was safe but hurt. Still pinned on the ground, with two dead bodies lying over him Gustavius caught a glimpse of the last Kraan reducing the ship's bow in pieces. with a swipe of his axe along the ground level he sent the Kraan back to earth cutting his beak. Painlessly Gustavius broke the spear and set himself up. the battle was over.
The next morning Erleothir explained lightly what happened to Griselda, whom had forgotten the whole episode after the second beer. Alast was obviously evesdropping and, this time, was caught in the act when Griselda opened the door. She trown him a dark glare at which Alast responded with:
- Did you sleep well princess?
- Keep your dreams to yourself.
- Quite frankly, I don't care about what you did Yesterday.
The telchos could see Alast hidden grin. Annoyed she tried to punch him, but the after effect of the alcohol and the natural skills of the pirate made her miss her punch. The Pirate had a brighter smile. She threw another punch... Which he also avoided. The Telchos tried her luck until she struk the face of her targed. However the absence of pain and the efforts of the Telchos, Left the pirate smiling even wierr. The Expression of the pirate was more a victorious one than Griselda cursing in her own mind the most terrible pain to Alast and Mulchanor.
During three more days and nights a storm waved the ship. None could go on deck beside the crew. The Captain Padoka never left his post during the days, nor his cabin during the nights.
Our company recovered from their wounds or from their alcohol abuses. This first unwanted encounter didn't bring them more then scars and the certainty of the right path had been taken. The enemies corpses didn't provide much information for them nor valuables items. Gaki suggested to resell them and provide some money to the fallen comrade family. Locked between wooden walls, going from room to kitchen and kitchen to room, not much happened during these days. A few pints were shared between the dwarves, some daring crew members tried to offer one to Griselda while grinning. She always refused with a disdain look from above. This only made the dwarves light hearted and even betting on each attempt to make her drink. So far none could find a way to make her drink.
Alast was now seen as an equal to their eyes. He couldn't stand a beer but he killed a Kraan with a single blow of his missing rapiere. He had proven his valor in combat. Erleothir almost didn't fight but drink enought still standing to reach such a reconnaissance and, as his armour proved, he was a knight of the Sommerlund. He had nothing to prove at the moment. Mulchanor was seen as a true hero by his fellow dwarves, except Gustavius whom female scoreboard didn't impressed him. More he had to think after this near death experience. He had encountered deadly strong enemies and almost died. His life he owned it now to the fourteen mariner's wall of bullets. Fortunately he was a strong lad and recovering fast. Yesnarel spend the time repeating the same riddle...
"Where once stood the mighty prayers of the olds,
A forest grew as the water serpented around.
Where the Gods creation is incomplete,
One creature of the wind will open the door."
As it was now normal for the company, once the night felt on the ship the working time of the captain started. First chanting popular songs and then a loud noise of a fallen trunk. Then silence.
At dawn of the fourth day, the mighty Sun took over the horizon. It was now a bright day that Ishir was offering them. After a frugal breakfast without beer, even for the dwarves, the company now fully awake and keen for a little exercise went up to deck. The first contact with the light was blinding and it took them some minutes to get use to this new found clarity. A new day was now greeting them. Still, nine they will have to wait to reach the Boari Jungle, unsure of what could be found left once they'll arrive, the company inspired the fresh air of a brand new day on the ship with no name.
15 of November 5000
Monday, October 11, 2010
Hard choices
8th of November 5000
Still lifting up from the bow the all gratified the Grand Kai master, they thrown undecided looks to each others, leaving to Gustavius the first words to be sailed to the sea of uncertainty.
- grand Master, we sadly acknowledge that Dark Raven stayed behind to save our lives. He, with Lightning, destroyed the bridge to the fortress. Leaving our way free... except for a keen drakkarim whom assaulted us before we could leave. He took the life of Lightning whom we couldn't bury properly.
- May Ishir protect his soul in those dark Lands, solemnly spoke Sharpen Fox.
Silence was broken but an heavy mantle covered now this gathering. The tale continued with sadness in their eyes and hearts. Griselda looked away each time Lightning name was pronounced, feeling deeper than she wanted his departure. The company updated Sharpen Fox about their perilous travel back to the monastery, the Kai Grand Master listened to all of them, trying to get more information than the one given. Soon, our heroes noted that he knew more than he was expressing at the moment. But before he could be questioned back, a smooth knock on the door awoke them to the entrance of a young man in a blue long tunique covered of stars. He looked apprenhensive to come further as any bringer of bad news. Timidely he entered while Sharpen Fox hailed him to come forward.
- Yesnarel, what a surprise, what is your purpose on your journey here?
-Masters, and guests, I come today to bring you a message from my father the king.
- A message? And he is using his own son, the Prince of one Eldenora nation? Give me the letter and join us, just let me finish here with my guests.
- What? Said a shocked Gustavius? Shouldn't we wait or talk in private? This is a matter of utmost importance we never know who...
- Do not worry Master dwarf. Yesnarel is the son of a trustful ally of the Kai. Do not fear is silence nor his speech.
More murmurs and uncertainties ran in the rank of our heroes, but as guests, not to say debtful companions, they continued to set Sharpen Fox and Courageous Blade more involved of what happened so far. Since Marghal they had unveiled a conspiracy, or an important trail to a powerful artefact which could change the equilibrium that the Dark Lords seek to break for so long.
- But Huldrak, do you know him? Can we trust him? Said first Griselda
- This time, it was Courageous Blade whom talked first. Huldrak is more than a friend and an ally, his wisdom his cherished by us and all the fighters alleged to good and justice.
Sharpen Fox didn't wait their answers, or better said, their questions, to inform them of what he was here doing.
Right now he is in the Library, studying the scroll Dark Raven brought us back.
- What, he is here? retorked Gustavius.
- Can we see him advanced Erleothir.
- Yes, in time. for now I can't say much more, as we also have our duties to fulfil. I'll leave you with the most of what we know:
we discovered that the Dark Lords are seeking keys and safes, seven of each which would lead them to treasure we don't know. But if they are looking for them, we must find them before them. It must be important, if not dangerous enough. When you killed the Nadziranim he apparently had finish to translate and encode a message about those keys. We managed to translate to some parts and almost have discovered two possible keys or safe locations. At least it is what I want to confirm with our emissaries.
Yesnarel grew, patiently impatient. And Sharpen Fox understood he woud read the message at once. Without pausing he read it, and his face turned sadder and darker as he reached the end of it.
- Do you know what your father wrote young Mage.
- I do not know Master Kai, my father sent me here with money and the mission to deliver this letter to you, and you only.
- Sad news they bring me, our Kai emissary was killed at your father own court, in his presence!
- I can just provide you my personal apologies Master Kai, I will do whatever is at my reach and beyond to try to cover the loss of your fellow Kai...
The company couldn't believe what they heard, a Kai Lord assassinated at a King's court!
- And you will, Yesnarel. You will. Your father gave us your service for a year, as a token of forgiveness for what happened. I will conference with my conselours and pray for the soul of one of us whom reached Ishir...
Do not fear, I won't punish you. But you'll travel with them now. And will help them as you were helping me, paying back the blood debt that your father couldn't avoid. I will send him a letter back and will debate about what he wrote and confirm to us in here. Much information is now unveiled to our eyes, and I must decide which will be our next move. We will be needing your help also adventurers, turned him to the Hazardous Company
A defiant Griselda remarked loudly in those empty halls:
- And what about my quest, will you help me?
- In time temerous Telchos, in time... It is not by chance nor by doom that our path crossed... There is more to say later. News from Shotia are confirmed and from Boari also... Join us at the library later this afternoon. Feast and recover behind our walls, till it is time for you to go after the adventure you called apon yourselves. Huldrak will be there also. We need to know why an emissary of the Kai was killed by a conselour of your father the King Yesnarel. And why he didn't want to have us informed about Shotia. We'll see you later this afternoon, be ready to go at any time!
No time was left for them to answer back, they were once again alone, with a new mage.
- Yesnarel is your name, mine is Gustavius of Bor
- And I am Mulchanor smiled the teethless dwarf.
- I am happy to join your group...
A strange game of questioning went over the poor young mage, whom was properly introduced to Griselda and the others. No much they said, but they learned that he was a noble, son of a King, from the war thorn country of Eldenora. He told them about own a conselour of his father killed a Kai and then died during his... questioning. He was mad, losing all his sense. He didn't know what was written, He respected his father will and traveled till he reached the monastery.
They left to the market square where they could get finally what they needed. Once again, they splitted, guided by their own desires...
Now with a few hours ahead, the dwarves, the Mage and the Knight felt like children in a playground. Weapons and shops all over, fair prices, the guarantee of good weaponry in one of the bastion of what is still good in Magnamund, fair ladies to the eyes, good real meals and beds... And all was here for them to take, or at least to buy, if possible. If not, Gustavius already had some ideas in the back of his mind which travelled with him so far. After going for a first reconnaissance tour to find the best of what this monastery has to offer, they finally got their shopping plan ready when one Weaponry forge was selected for his prices, discretion and quality. Probably not in that particular order, but your three fighters were too much excited to be able to find new killing devices that even time seemed to have stopped.
-I want a Rifle, shouted Mulchanor
- Do you have spare parts looking like this, gesticulated Gustavius
- A great Shied, a Sommerlund great Shield do you have one? Hoped Erleothir.
-haaaaa.... sighted Aron the Forge Master, adventurers...
-One at the time please, no rifles here, pistols at best Master Dwarf. For you, which material are those, gesticulated him back, and for you young Knight which colours or coat of arms needs to be shown on your shield?
Once again, they talked as one man and demanded as the war drums were echoing in the valley.
Once more the Forge Master answered them all at the same time, checking their purses with a worry look. The knight was already checking his gold while putting down his spoils of war and used weapons trying the new ones fighting imaginary enemies. Easily slain as he could see. Gustavius requested to rent his forge and tools for a while. While speaking with Erleothir he could send gestural messages to Gustavius whom accepted the prices knowing he should pay much more. Buts as Erleothir, he knew that the Kais won't allow wrong doers in their walls, so he acted both out of charity and greed, helping them to by the most expensive, but still fair priced, items in his store. Gustavius was bound to come back later on to finish his enhanced Erleothir's shield . Mulchanor, was less proud than usual, knowing than cunning and smiles will pay more than shouting and intimidation today. Not even enough money to by a pistol. Nor goods to trade...
- Master Aron?
- Yes Master dwarf? What can I do for you today?
- Well, as you know, I am looking for a Bor's rifle...
- That I don't have
- And that I cannot pay...
- Which I already know
- But I am a poor unarmed dwarf in need of a boum weapon...
- Which I can get
- For a reasonable price...
- Which would be all your gold
- But I'll still need something to shoot with...
- That's why I gave you away fifteen bullets and enough powder to shot with
- Euh...
- You are welcome Master Dwarf, today is my lucky day too, next time you come by bring me good deals, and we'll consider each other even.
With that he gave to Mulchanor a tiny but Effective short range pistol to the dwarf. Seems to already had some use, but he can trust a shopper whom Forge from the Monastery. Silently he left, before the luck could turn away from Aron or him.
The sword master detailed Alast from head to feet "this could be amusing..." he nodded at one of the disciples while the class was was forming a circle around both combatants. Their lethal weapons were put aside and while Alast received a wooden sword, his young kai opponent grabbed a wooden axe. Remembering his good manners Alast offered a quick sword salute to his adversary. But before the young Kai could even react Alast had allready disarmed him in a quick strike to the wrist. The young Kai looked in shock and dismay over to the sword master while Alast sighed: "I want opponents, not victims..."
The swordmaster could hardly contain his rage and ordered his disciples to form a larger circle around himself and Alast. For a moment both faced each other like petrified. Alast tried to deliver a quick swipe from the right towards the liver of the Swordmaster but this one parried without effort. Alast stork a second time. but this time he feinted an attack from the right while quickly stepping on the foot of the Kail ord thus imobilising his movements a bit. His natural instinct for gold helped him to snatch the Kai Lord's purse with his leftt hand while parrying a blow that never came to his right. The Kai Lord's purse in his left hand and his sword in the right hand he stepped back and waited for the Kai to attack him. But this one did not moved. slightly annoyed by the chance of his opponent and the lost of his purse he simply posed and waited for Alast to make a false move. Slightly nervous Alast taunted him with a move of his sword from his wrist. the Kai Lord still did not reacted. Alast held the Kai Lord's purse high in the air to make sure all disciples might see it. "want it back? what are you waiting for? attack me !" A small crowd had now gathered around the circle of training and all were curious about who would have the final word. With a scream the Sword master made a forward roll and stroke Alast in the leg just as this one evaded to the right. Both stood up again but Alast was quicker. As the Kai Lord was about to deliver a straight forward strike to his chest, Alast grabbed the Kai Lords left arm in a lock - a small movement from his side would be enough to break the Kai Lord's arm at the elbow - while he was quickly aiming the sword at the throat of his opponent with the right hand. Murmurs of surprise where to be heard around the circle and both opponents quickly let each other go. The unthinkable had happened, their Sword Master had been vanquished. Alast tried to stay humble. "it was a nice fight master. I know I used many 'dirty' tricks to win. hence my hope that you might teach me a more regular method of fighting?" The Kai Lord sharply replied "a nice fight indeed. but there is nothing I could teach you, I am afraid." After a few polite words Alsat was about to go when the Sword master interrupted him: "Actually, I would really like to have my purse back now..." and to this word all disciples grabbed their training swords as one and grinned at Alast.
Once again on her own, Griselda looked for a way to turn this despicable wait for movement as a way to learn more about the flora in Magnamund. heading now toward the Herbalist working on his field.
- Good morning Master Kai.
- Good morning, Telchos said without looking the Kai Lord.
- I wish to learn more about the plants here, maybe you can teach me?
- Why wish you to learn the science of plants?
- It may help me in my quest, I gather knowledge about the plants of Magnamund to be able to use it when needed.
- Very well, good luck in your studies.
- Are you going to teach me something?
- Are you an apprentice or a Kai I don't know yet?
- No I am a Telchos, as you can see.
- So I fear that I cannot. I am here to teach Kais. Join us and I'll teach you.
- I have other plans... Can't you teach me some tricks or show me how to do some potions?
He looked now, stopping to work saying:
- I am afraid not.
Griselda, more angry than comprehensive childishly responded:
-May I look at least? Will my staring bother you?
-No, Telchos, you won't bother me, you can watch and learn.
So, she looked, and learned nothing.
A librarian led them along a corridor past a few alcoves where disciples were studiously taking copies of the older and more fragile books. the book shelves were encasing them until they emerged in a reading area flooded by yellow sunlight falling from the high windows. a few tables were put together and the kai lords were discussing, shaking their heads and pointing at different areas on a large - and now corrected - map of Magnamund spread before them. as one of the kai lord moved to the side the company recognized Huldrak sitting on a chair, absorbed by an old parchment. The company hailed him, obviously very happy to finally see an old friend, their only constant in a world slowly but noticeably slipping into chaos.
- "My friends, I am sorry to hear the loss of Lightning, Sharpen Fox already informed me. Nevertheless I am glad to see you alive and in one piece" he smiled.
after a exchange of politeness they quickly related their stories again to Huldrak.
- How is the situation now in Ljuk asked Erleothir
- you will be glad to hear that there is no war. The trade and negotiations with the Barbarians are running again but the entente is, all in all, pretty.... cold.
- at least our trip there was not a complete disaster acknowledged Gustavius
- far from it, it is just too sad That Dark Raven could not find you earlier, Toran had even dispatched a skyship to help him finding you. but since you got kidnapped he had to continue on horse. Flying into the darklands aboard a skyship isn't exactly discreet..
all interrupted Huldrak "a skyship?! they do really exist ? I thought it was the stuff of legend." he nodded impatiently "yes, yes, all at a time for now we have some information for you." he took a deep breath and started explaining the result of his own research.
- "after you crossed the plans of the Nadziranim back in Kalte we could manage to gather a parchment and some notes from his belongings. The agents of darkness are not sleeping and it seems their search has led them to two new place of interest for them. we dare not to say what they expect to find there. be it Key or Chest..." he abruptly stopped and looked at Erleothir "you did not say anything, did you?"
- "not a word" replied the knight proudly
- "and your own keys?"
- "retrieved. actually, Gustavius and myself discovered something interesting."
Huldrak raised an eyebrow
- "As you know," started Gustavius "the drakkarims had us in captivity for more than a week. During those days they had plenty of time to search though our confiscated belongings, find our two keys and sent it to their masters. then probably killing us. Not only did they not killed us, but they also did not discovered the keys. This led us to the following conclusion: they think the keys are just 'normal keys' and not random objects..."
Erleothir continued
- "this would imply that at some point in history the craftsman who made the keys suddenly had to recreate them and transform the original keys into completely innocent-looking items"
- "and this brought me to an idea" finished Gustavius "we can simply continue leading the dark lords on a false trail by forging six wrong keys and hide them at the place were where we will find the real keys... this can buy us some time..."
Erleothir turned around to Gustavius "six keys ? you mean seven, right ?" for a short moments doubts crossed the dwarf's face but the knight already had interpreted it and was chuckling "oh, actually you are right. six keys are great! they'll keep searching for the seventh for a very long time." Gustavius smiled briefly and looked at Huldrak and the Kai Lords acknowledging in the background.
- "Interesting idea, the measures will be taken" nodded Huldrak, he went on "The parchment I am working on was found in the belongings of the Nadziranim, it is coded and I have difficulties translating it."
- "may I have a copy of it" asked Yesnarel
- "if you think you have better chance.. I will have a copy done for you." replied Huldrak amused "still, we were able to get the confirmation about two potential locations. we are not sure if keys or chests were found... first in the jungle of Boari: there is a report that some agents of darkness were spotted there along with a Telchos warrior." all eyes turned to Griselda "and this warrior seems to have a bear as a companion." all frowned, Erleothir the first.
- "what did the Liganim said on the ship back then "another one?"" quoted Gustavius. But Griselda was quick to put him back in place.
- "Am I counting all dwarves involved in this story until now?"
Huldrak coughed and continued
- "Our agents also informed us that the City of Shotia might also hold something of value for us. The leader of the thieves guild has been assassinated and it would seem the guild has split in two parts fighting each other. We now suppose they also possess an item" Gustavius sighed upon hearing this information but Huldrak was going on "A dark lord has been seen there probably trying to finish a deal with the guild. He is in company of a girl..." he stopped for a short moment consulting his notes "ah yes, here is it, we even have her name: Mellini." in the background Erleothir had turned pale.
- "We will offer you the service of the Skyship that was planned to catch you up three weeks ago." Sharpen Fox started, he pinpointed a few areas on the map "As you can see the Boari jungle is not just to the west of Dessi, a trip there would take twelve days." he went around the table "here is the city of Shotia, Capital of Mythan, 24 days of travel..." while tapping at one a peninsula on the most southern reaches of Magnamund "it's up to you to decide were you want to head. time is of the essence."
The skyship would start in a few hours and the group went to the refectory, looking forward to a good meal and discussing their options.
- "I... have something to tell you" said Erleothir after a heavy gulp. He reached for his necklace "Mellini. I know that girl. she was the one to give me the necklace"
All turned around to him making it clear that now was the time to lay down the cards. and so he started relating his story:
In the village were I lived I had a good friend, Eolfrid was his name. we were exactly the same age. except that he was one day older than myself as he liked to remind me all the time. It was a good friendship... We were both designated to be knights of sommerlund. and he started one day earlier than myself. all things went well. until she arrived. Mellini. It was obvious that both of us fell for her. we decided it to settle it down in a classic way. the first to fall on the ground would loose and leave the girl to the winner. Eolfrid won. he could not resist reminding me that it was due to that one extra day of training. But we respected our agreements and stayed good friends. Monthes then years passed by. One day I was travelling in the forrest still in training at the royal stables, I can not exactly remember what I was doing there. But I will never forget what happened on that afternoon. I heard screams coming from a clearing, when I headed there I could see Mellini lying on the ground. On the other side of the clearing was a large bear. It was clear to me that I had to interven else the bear would surely have killed her. I fought the beast and finally drove it off as I managed to slash his face. Mellini... gave me the necklace as token of gratitude... we decided to go back to town seperately to avoid any gossip if people might see us coming out of the forrest together. I let her go first. When I arrived in town lateron - here he stopped recalling the events - she did not came back to the town. no one had seen her. and the next morning at the casern Eolfrid was also nowhere to be seen. I asked around but noone knew where both of them were. it was just as if they had completely disappeared from the surface of the earth. I came then to Huldrak seeking for help. He was the one to reveal me that Eolfrid was capable of changing into a bear... That's all I dare to say for now.
Gustavius was the first to break the silence.
- "Well, then we need head down Shotia, strike at the thief's guild while they are weak fighting each other. Saving your girl on the way is just the icing on the cake"
- "what is it with you and the thief's guild ?" wondered Erleothir
- "not much" replied Gustavius defensively "it's just a logical way of thinking, it's obvious to me they have an item and at least further information about it." he played a bit with the octagonal box and added after a brief pause "and besides you get to save the damsel in distress."
- "I disagree" interrupted Griselda "we should head for Boari and find that Telchos. Your girlfriend is safe."
Gustavius glanced at her quickly "Safe ?! since when is 'being-kidnapped-by-a-darklord' safe? and how come you suddenly feel concerned about Telchos you did not wanted to hear me talk about five minutes ago?"
- "Your girlfriend is safe, Erleothir, the dark lords must think she knows something about the keys and will not dare to harm her. She is a prisoner, yes, but not in immediate danger. besides she probably knows nothing and the dark lords are losing their time."
- "Time !" retorted Gustavius "It's 24 days to Shotia and by then the thieves guild may already be restructured."
- "and ?"
- "and what ? the girl will be dead. Shotia is the most obvious road to choose, look: we have two confirmed tracks. the name of the girl and the thieves guild. what do we have in Boari ? nothing. Just a random telchos with an unusual pet"
- "I really don't see in what the thieves guild is a hint in our quest. And it's not just a a random telchos. I'm sure of it."
The tone of both Griselda and Gustavius had clearly risen and what has started as a calm discussion was about to erupt into an open dispute. Between them, Erleothir sank his face between his palms while the rest of the group carefully stepped aside and started admiring the environment around them with forced intensity. Obviously they did not wished to be dragged in the discussion. Only the young prince tried half-heartedly to settle down the argument.
It was Griselda to turn around to Erleothir - "I need to talk to you. alone." Silence fell over the table. Erleothir looked at his friends and nodded. All went out. Gustavius the last snarling "it's not over" and spilling half of his tankard while grabbing it along on the way out.
once outside he turned over to Alast. "kid, make yourself useful and try to listen to the door."
- "and what will you do ?" inquired Alast nervously
- " finish my drink..."
After a few minutes Erleothir appeared again in the door frame asking them to come back at the table. Daring stare crossed the company while Yesnarel -still trying to defuse the situation- was looking for setting up a leader for the group. He pointed Erleothir whom wasn't so keen in becoming one. Lost were they trying to figure out what to do and how to decide. Alast set himself aside claiming he was not here to think and rule. Mulchanor was talking to himself looking at his new tiny pistol as he may get it grow talking about his own lack of luck since he joined this Company. Obviously, he was out of the decision process. Ít left the Company on a point of view stand off with only four voters for an obvious vote to be cast.
- We should vote, anonymously. and decide where we go first. said Griselda with a smile.
- Look, she speaks now, Claimed Gustavius, still crossing his arms.
- I agree, said Erleothir, we will act as a group and make the choice definitive.
Yesnarel nodded and grabbed paper that Griselda took unceremoniously from his hands
- Here, she said, write down were you want to go, Shotia or the Boari Jungle. We can't stay here two days to decide!
- Erleothir took his piece of paper and wrote on it quickly. Griselda tried successfully to do the same while Yesnarel wrote, in a beautiful handwriting, his decision. Gustavius was lurking around, trying to know more about an outcome that he feared to be already set.
Griselda started to count:
- 1, 2, 3 for Boari. And one for Shotia. We go to the Jungle, do not fear Erleothir, your friend is safe, we'll deal with the bear and the other of my kin first.
- Let me see those papers grumbled Gustavius.
He counted, not one, nor two but three times the tiny pieces of papers. All the time with the same result. All his complaints were shutted before being pronounced...
- So fine! We'll go to the Boari Jungle and let the girl kidnapped. So much of a choice, but Alas! It is the one I'll follow.
The evening ended and unlike the meal they just had finished, the bill the cook handed over to them was way to salty. They realized, only too late, that they could have shared the Kai's supper as the guests they were.
Still moved about their own motivation the group was creating his first inner alliances and allegiances. The unpredictable result won't be seen before they face their firsts dilemma. Soon, they'll board a Skyship. Mythical or legends it was for them, but in two days it will be a reality which will transport them to more dangers than solutions. One last day at the Monastery will bring them the peace and quiet needed before entering the never sleeping Jungle of Boari, holder of a piece of the puzzle they undisclosed with Marghal's death.
New adventure starts the 10th
Still lifting up from the bow the all gratified the Grand Kai master, they thrown undecided looks to each others, leaving to Gustavius the first words to be sailed to the sea of uncertainty.
- grand Master, we sadly acknowledge that Dark Raven stayed behind to save our lives. He, with Lightning, destroyed the bridge to the fortress. Leaving our way free... except for a keen drakkarim whom assaulted us before we could leave. He took the life of Lightning whom we couldn't bury properly.
- May Ishir protect his soul in those dark Lands, solemnly spoke Sharpen Fox.
Silence was broken but an heavy mantle covered now this gathering. The tale continued with sadness in their eyes and hearts. Griselda looked away each time Lightning name was pronounced, feeling deeper than she wanted his departure. The company updated Sharpen Fox about their perilous travel back to the monastery, the Kai Grand Master listened to all of them, trying to get more information than the one given. Soon, our heroes noted that he knew more than he was expressing at the moment. But before he could be questioned back, a smooth knock on the door awoke them to the entrance of a young man in a blue long tunique covered of stars. He looked apprenhensive to come further as any bringer of bad news. Timidely he entered while Sharpen Fox hailed him to come forward.
- Yesnarel, what a surprise, what is your purpose on your journey here?
-Masters, and guests, I come today to bring you a message from my father the king.
- A message? And he is using his own son, the Prince of one Eldenora nation? Give me the letter and join us, just let me finish here with my guests.
- What? Said a shocked Gustavius? Shouldn't we wait or talk in private? This is a matter of utmost importance we never know who...
- Do not worry Master dwarf. Yesnarel is the son of a trustful ally of the Kai. Do not fear is silence nor his speech.
More murmurs and uncertainties ran in the rank of our heroes, but as guests, not to say debtful companions, they continued to set Sharpen Fox and Courageous Blade more involved of what happened so far. Since Marghal they had unveiled a conspiracy, or an important trail to a powerful artefact which could change the equilibrium that the Dark Lords seek to break for so long.
- But Huldrak, do you know him? Can we trust him? Said first Griselda
- This time, it was Courageous Blade whom talked first. Huldrak is more than a friend and an ally, his wisdom his cherished by us and all the fighters alleged to good and justice.
Sharpen Fox didn't wait their answers, or better said, their questions, to inform them of what he was here doing.
Right now he is in the Library, studying the scroll Dark Raven brought us back.
- What, he is here? retorked Gustavius.
- Can we see him advanced Erleothir.
- Yes, in time. for now I can't say much more, as we also have our duties to fulfil. I'll leave you with the most of what we know:
we discovered that the Dark Lords are seeking keys and safes, seven of each which would lead them to treasure we don't know. But if they are looking for them, we must find them before them. It must be important, if not dangerous enough. When you killed the Nadziranim he apparently had finish to translate and encode a message about those keys. We managed to translate to some parts and almost have discovered two possible keys or safe locations. At least it is what I want to confirm with our emissaries.
Yesnarel grew, patiently impatient. And Sharpen Fox understood he woud read the message at once. Without pausing he read it, and his face turned sadder and darker as he reached the end of it.
- Do you know what your father wrote young Mage.
- I do not know Master Kai, my father sent me here with money and the mission to deliver this letter to you, and you only.
- Sad news they bring me, our Kai emissary was killed at your father own court, in his presence!
- I can just provide you my personal apologies Master Kai, I will do whatever is at my reach and beyond to try to cover the loss of your fellow Kai...
The company couldn't believe what they heard, a Kai Lord assassinated at a King's court!
- And you will, Yesnarel. You will. Your father gave us your service for a year, as a token of forgiveness for what happened. I will conference with my conselours and pray for the soul of one of us whom reached Ishir...
Do not fear, I won't punish you. But you'll travel with them now. And will help them as you were helping me, paying back the blood debt that your father couldn't avoid. I will send him a letter back and will debate about what he wrote and confirm to us in here. Much information is now unveiled to our eyes, and I must decide which will be our next move. We will be needing your help also adventurers, turned him to the Hazardous Company
A defiant Griselda remarked loudly in those empty halls:
- And what about my quest, will you help me?
- In time temerous Telchos, in time... It is not by chance nor by doom that our path crossed... There is more to say later. News from Shotia are confirmed and from Boari also... Join us at the library later this afternoon. Feast and recover behind our walls, till it is time for you to go after the adventure you called apon yourselves. Huldrak will be there also. We need to know why an emissary of the Kai was killed by a conselour of your father the King Yesnarel. And why he didn't want to have us informed about Shotia. We'll see you later this afternoon, be ready to go at any time!
No time was left for them to answer back, they were once again alone, with a new mage.
- Yesnarel is your name, mine is Gustavius of Bor
- And I am Mulchanor smiled the teethless dwarf.
- I am happy to join your group...
A strange game of questioning went over the poor young mage, whom was properly introduced to Griselda and the others. No much they said, but they learned that he was a noble, son of a King, from the war thorn country of Eldenora. He told them about own a conselour of his father killed a Kai and then died during his... questioning. He was mad, losing all his sense. He didn't know what was written, He respected his father will and traveled till he reached the monastery.
They left to the market square where they could get finally what they needed. Once again, they splitted, guided by their own desires...
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Now with a few hours ahead, the dwarves, the Mage and the Knight felt like children in a playground. Weapons and shops all over, fair prices, the guarantee of good weaponry in one of the bastion of what is still good in Magnamund, fair ladies to the eyes, good real meals and beds... And all was here for them to take, or at least to buy, if possible. If not, Gustavius already had some ideas in the back of his mind which travelled with him so far. After going for a first reconnaissance tour to find the best of what this monastery has to offer, they finally got their shopping plan ready when one Weaponry forge was selected for his prices, discretion and quality. Probably not in that particular order, but your three fighters were too much excited to be able to find new killing devices that even time seemed to have stopped.
-I want a Rifle, shouted Mulchanor
- Do you have spare parts looking like this, gesticulated Gustavius
- A great Shied, a Sommerlund great Shield do you have one? Hoped Erleothir.
-haaaaa.... sighted Aron the Forge Master, adventurers...
-One at the time please, no rifles here, pistols at best Master Dwarf. For you, which material are those, gesticulated him back, and for you young Knight which colours or coat of arms needs to be shown on your shield?
Once again, they talked as one man and demanded as the war drums were echoing in the valley.
Once more the Forge Master answered them all at the same time, checking their purses with a worry look. The knight was already checking his gold while putting down his spoils of war and used weapons trying the new ones fighting imaginary enemies. Easily slain as he could see. Gustavius requested to rent his forge and tools for a while. While speaking with Erleothir he could send gestural messages to Gustavius whom accepted the prices knowing he should pay much more. Buts as Erleothir, he knew that the Kais won't allow wrong doers in their walls, so he acted both out of charity and greed, helping them to by the most expensive, but still fair priced, items in his store. Gustavius was bound to come back later on to finish his enhanced Erleothir's shield . Mulchanor, was less proud than usual, knowing than cunning and smiles will pay more than shouting and intimidation today. Not even enough money to by a pistol. Nor goods to trade...
- Master Aron?
- Yes Master dwarf? What can I do for you today?
- Well, as you know, I am looking for a Bor's rifle...
- That I don't have
- And that I cannot pay...
- Which I already know
- But I am a poor unarmed dwarf in need of a boum weapon...
- Which I can get
- For a reasonable price...
- Which would be all your gold
- But I'll still need something to shoot with...
- That's why I gave you away fifteen bullets and enough powder to shot with
- Euh...
- You are welcome Master Dwarf, today is my lucky day too, next time you come by bring me good deals, and we'll consider each other even.
With that he gave to Mulchanor a tiny but Effective short range pistol to the dwarf. Seems to already had some use, but he can trust a shopper whom Forge from the Monastery. Silently he left, before the luck could turn away from Aron or him.
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Standing around in the large courtyard of the Kai Monastery, Alast caught glimpse of a training circle were Kai disciples were fighting each other under the guidance of an older Master. With a smug grin on his face he approached the training grounds and hailed the sword master: "Maybe the younglings would like to face a different opponent ? I would also gladly learn a few tricks from you during a small friendly competition... what do you say?"
The sword master detailed Alast from head to feet "this could be amusing..." he nodded at one of the disciples while the class was was forming a circle around both combatants. Their lethal weapons were put aside and while Alast received a wooden sword, his young kai opponent grabbed a wooden axe. Remembering his good manners Alast offered a quick sword salute to his adversary. But before the young Kai could even react Alast had allready disarmed him in a quick strike to the wrist. The young Kai looked in shock and dismay over to the sword master while Alast sighed: "I want opponents, not victims..."
The swordmaster could hardly contain his rage and ordered his disciples to form a larger circle around himself and Alast. For a moment both faced each other like petrified. Alast tried to deliver a quick swipe from the right towards the liver of the Swordmaster but this one parried without effort. Alast stork a second time. but this time he feinted an attack from the right while quickly stepping on the foot of the Kail ord thus imobilising his movements a bit. His natural instinct for gold helped him to snatch the Kai Lord's purse with his leftt hand while parrying a blow that never came to his right. The Kai Lord's purse in his left hand and his sword in the right hand he stepped back and waited for the Kai to attack him. But this one did not moved. slightly annoyed by the chance of his opponent and the lost of his purse he simply posed and waited for Alast to make a false move. Slightly nervous Alast taunted him with a move of his sword from his wrist. the Kai Lord still did not reacted. Alast held the Kai Lord's purse high in the air to make sure all disciples might see it. "want it back? what are you waiting for? attack me !" A small crowd had now gathered around the circle of training and all were curious about who would have the final word. With a scream the Sword master made a forward roll and stroke Alast in the leg just as this one evaded to the right. Both stood up again but Alast was quicker. As the Kai Lord was about to deliver a straight forward strike to his chest, Alast grabbed the Kai Lords left arm in a lock - a small movement from his side would be enough to break the Kai Lord's arm at the elbow - while he was quickly aiming the sword at the throat of his opponent with the right hand. Murmurs of surprise where to be heard around the circle and both opponents quickly let each other go. The unthinkable had happened, their Sword Master had been vanquished. Alast tried to stay humble. "it was a nice fight master. I know I used many 'dirty' tricks to win. hence my hope that you might teach me a more regular method of fighting?" The Kai Lord sharply replied "a nice fight indeed. but there is nothing I could teach you, I am afraid." After a few polite words Alsat was about to go when the Sword master interrupted him: "Actually, I would really like to have my purse back now..." and to this word all disciples grabbed their training swords as one and grinned at Alast.
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Once again on her own, Griselda looked for a way to turn this despicable wait for movement as a way to learn more about the flora in Magnamund. heading now toward the Herbalist working on his field.
- Good morning Master Kai.
- Good morning, Telchos said without looking the Kai Lord.
- I wish to learn more about the plants here, maybe you can teach me?
- Why wish you to learn the science of plants?
- It may help me in my quest, I gather knowledge about the plants of Magnamund to be able to use it when needed.
- Very well, good luck in your studies.
- Are you going to teach me something?
- Are you an apprentice or a Kai I don't know yet?
- No I am a Telchos, as you can see.
- So I fear that I cannot. I am here to teach Kais. Join us and I'll teach you.
- I have other plans... Can't you teach me some tricks or show me how to do some potions?
He looked now, stopping to work saying:
- I am afraid not.
Griselda, more angry than comprehensive childishly responded:
-May I look at least? Will my staring bother you?
-No, Telchos, you won't bother me, you can watch and learn.
So, she looked, and learned nothing.
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A librarian led them along a corridor past a few alcoves where disciples were studiously taking copies of the older and more fragile books. the book shelves were encasing them until they emerged in a reading area flooded by yellow sunlight falling from the high windows. a few tables were put together and the kai lords were discussing, shaking their heads and pointing at different areas on a large - and now corrected - map of Magnamund spread before them. as one of the kai lord moved to the side the company recognized Huldrak sitting on a chair, absorbed by an old parchment. The company hailed him, obviously very happy to finally see an old friend, their only constant in a world slowly but noticeably slipping into chaos.
- "My friends, I am sorry to hear the loss of Lightning, Sharpen Fox already informed me. Nevertheless I am glad to see you alive and in one piece" he smiled.
after a exchange of politeness they quickly related their stories again to Huldrak.
- How is the situation now in Ljuk asked Erleothir
- you will be glad to hear that there is no war. The trade and negotiations with the Barbarians are running again but the entente is, all in all, pretty.... cold.
- at least our trip there was not a complete disaster acknowledged Gustavius
- far from it, it is just too sad That Dark Raven could not find you earlier, Toran had even dispatched a skyship to help him finding you. but since you got kidnapped he had to continue on horse. Flying into the darklands aboard a skyship isn't exactly discreet..
all interrupted Huldrak "a skyship?! they do really exist ? I thought it was the stuff of legend." he nodded impatiently "yes, yes, all at a time for now we have some information for you." he took a deep breath and started explaining the result of his own research.
- "after you crossed the plans of the Nadziranim back in Kalte we could manage to gather a parchment and some notes from his belongings. The agents of darkness are not sleeping and it seems their search has led them to two new place of interest for them. we dare not to say what they expect to find there. be it Key or Chest..." he abruptly stopped and looked at Erleothir "you did not say anything, did you?"
- "not a word" replied the knight proudly
- "and your own keys?"
- "retrieved. actually, Gustavius and myself discovered something interesting."
Huldrak raised an eyebrow
- "As you know," started Gustavius "the drakkarims had us in captivity for more than a week. During those days they had plenty of time to search though our confiscated belongings, find our two keys and sent it to their masters. then probably killing us. Not only did they not killed us, but they also did not discovered the keys. This led us to the following conclusion: they think the keys are just 'normal keys' and not random objects..."
Erleothir continued
- "this would imply that at some point in history the craftsman who made the keys suddenly had to recreate them and transform the original keys into completely innocent-looking items"
- "and this brought me to an idea" finished Gustavius "we can simply continue leading the dark lords on a false trail by forging six wrong keys and hide them at the place were where we will find the real keys... this can buy us some time..."
Erleothir turned around to Gustavius "six keys ? you mean seven, right ?" for a short moments doubts crossed the dwarf's face but the knight already had interpreted it and was chuckling "oh, actually you are right. six keys are great! they'll keep searching for the seventh for a very long time." Gustavius smiled briefly and looked at Huldrak and the Kai Lords acknowledging in the background.
- "Interesting idea, the measures will be taken" nodded Huldrak, he went on "The parchment I am working on was found in the belongings of the Nadziranim, it is coded and I have difficulties translating it."
- "may I have a copy of it" asked Yesnarel
- "if you think you have better chance.. I will have a copy done for you." replied Huldrak amused "still, we were able to get the confirmation about two potential locations. we are not sure if keys or chests were found... first in the jungle of Boari: there is a report that some agents of darkness were spotted there along with a Telchos warrior." all eyes turned to Griselda "and this warrior seems to have a bear as a companion." all frowned, Erleothir the first.
- "what did the Liganim said on the ship back then "another one?"" quoted Gustavius. But Griselda was quick to put him back in place.
- "Am I counting all dwarves involved in this story until now?"
Huldrak coughed and continued
- "Our agents also informed us that the City of Shotia might also hold something of value for us. The leader of the thieves guild has been assassinated and it would seem the guild has split in two parts fighting each other. We now suppose they also possess an item" Gustavius sighed upon hearing this information but Huldrak was going on "A dark lord has been seen there probably trying to finish a deal with the guild. He is in company of a girl..." he stopped for a short moment consulting his notes "ah yes, here is it, we even have her name: Mellini." in the background Erleothir had turned pale.
- "We will offer you the service of the Skyship that was planned to catch you up three weeks ago." Sharpen Fox started, he pinpointed a few areas on the map "As you can see the Boari jungle is not just to the west of Dessi, a trip there would take twelve days." he went around the table "here is the city of Shotia, Capital of Mythan, 24 days of travel..." while tapping at one a peninsula on the most southern reaches of Magnamund "it's up to you to decide were you want to head. time is of the essence."
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The skyship would start in a few hours and the group went to the refectory, looking forward to a good meal and discussing their options.
- "I... have something to tell you" said Erleothir after a heavy gulp. He reached for his necklace "Mellini. I know that girl. she was the one to give me the necklace"
All turned around to him making it clear that now was the time to lay down the cards. and so he started relating his story:
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In the village were I lived I had a good friend, Eolfrid was his name. we were exactly the same age. except that he was one day older than myself as he liked to remind me all the time. It was a good friendship... We were both designated to be knights of sommerlund. and he started one day earlier than myself. all things went well. until she arrived. Mellini. It was obvious that both of us fell for her. we decided it to settle it down in a classic way. the first to fall on the ground would loose and leave the girl to the winner. Eolfrid won. he could not resist reminding me that it was due to that one extra day of training. But we respected our agreements and stayed good friends. Monthes then years passed by. One day I was travelling in the forrest still in training at the royal stables, I can not exactly remember what I was doing there. But I will never forget what happened on that afternoon. I heard screams coming from a clearing, when I headed there I could see Mellini lying on the ground. On the other side of the clearing was a large bear. It was clear to me that I had to interven else the bear would surely have killed her. I fought the beast and finally drove it off as I managed to slash his face. Mellini... gave me the necklace as token of gratitude... we decided to go back to town seperately to avoid any gossip if people might see us coming out of the forrest together. I let her go first. When I arrived in town lateron - here he stopped recalling the events - she did not came back to the town. no one had seen her. and the next morning at the casern Eolfrid was also nowhere to be seen. I asked around but noone knew where both of them were. it was just as if they had completely disappeared from the surface of the earth. I came then to Huldrak seeking for help. He was the one to reveal me that Eolfrid was capable of changing into a bear... That's all I dare to say for now.
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Gustavius was the first to break the silence.
- "Well, then we need head down Shotia, strike at the thief's guild while they are weak fighting each other. Saving your girl on the way is just the icing on the cake"
- "what is it with you and the thief's guild ?" wondered Erleothir
- "not much" replied Gustavius defensively "it's just a logical way of thinking, it's obvious to me they have an item and at least further information about it." he played a bit with the octagonal box and added after a brief pause "and besides you get to save the damsel in distress."
- "I disagree" interrupted Griselda "we should head for Boari and find that Telchos. Your girlfriend is safe."
Gustavius glanced at her quickly "Safe ?! since when is 'being-kidnapped-by-a-darklord' safe? and how come you suddenly feel concerned about Telchos you did not wanted to hear me talk about five minutes ago?"
- "Your girlfriend is safe, Erleothir, the dark lords must think she knows something about the keys and will not dare to harm her. She is a prisoner, yes, but not in immediate danger. besides she probably knows nothing and the dark lords are losing their time."
- "Time !" retorted Gustavius "It's 24 days to Shotia and by then the thieves guild may already be restructured."
- "and ?"
- "and what ? the girl will be dead. Shotia is the most obvious road to choose, look: we have two confirmed tracks. the name of the girl and the thieves guild. what do we have in Boari ? nothing. Just a random telchos with an unusual pet"
- "I really don't see in what the thieves guild is a hint in our quest. And it's not just a a random telchos. I'm sure of it."
The tone of both Griselda and Gustavius had clearly risen and what has started as a calm discussion was about to erupt into an open dispute. Between them, Erleothir sank his face between his palms while the rest of the group carefully stepped aside and started admiring the environment around them with forced intensity. Obviously they did not wished to be dragged in the discussion. Only the young prince tried half-heartedly to settle down the argument.
It was Griselda to turn around to Erleothir - "I need to talk to you. alone." Silence fell over the table. Erleothir looked at his friends and nodded. All went out. Gustavius the last snarling "it's not over" and spilling half of his tankard while grabbing it along on the way out.
once outside he turned over to Alast. "kid, make yourself useful and try to listen to the door."
- "and what will you do ?" inquired Alast nervously
- " finish my drink..."
After a few minutes Erleothir appeared again in the door frame asking them to come back at the table. Daring stare crossed the company while Yesnarel -still trying to defuse the situation- was looking for setting up a leader for the group. He pointed Erleothir whom wasn't so keen in becoming one. Lost were they trying to figure out what to do and how to decide. Alast set himself aside claiming he was not here to think and rule. Mulchanor was talking to himself looking at his new tiny pistol as he may get it grow talking about his own lack of luck since he joined this Company. Obviously, he was out of the decision process. Ít left the Company on a point of view stand off with only four voters for an obvious vote to be cast.
- We should vote, anonymously. and decide where we go first. said Griselda with a smile.
- Look, she speaks now, Claimed Gustavius, still crossing his arms.
- I agree, said Erleothir, we will act as a group and make the choice definitive.
Yesnarel nodded and grabbed paper that Griselda took unceremoniously from his hands
- Here, she said, write down were you want to go, Shotia or the Boari Jungle. We can't stay here two days to decide!
- Erleothir took his piece of paper and wrote on it quickly. Griselda tried successfully to do the same while Yesnarel wrote, in a beautiful handwriting, his decision. Gustavius was lurking around, trying to know more about an outcome that he feared to be already set.
Griselda started to count:
- 1, 2, 3 for Boari. And one for Shotia. We go to the Jungle, do not fear Erleothir, your friend is safe, we'll deal with the bear and the other of my kin first.
- Let me see those papers grumbled Gustavius.
He counted, not one, nor two but three times the tiny pieces of papers. All the time with the same result. All his complaints were shutted before being pronounced...
- So fine! We'll go to the Boari Jungle and let the girl kidnapped. So much of a choice, but Alas! It is the one I'll follow.
The evening ended and unlike the meal they just had finished, the bill the cook handed over to them was way to salty. They realized, only too late, that they could have shared the Kai's supper as the guests they were.
*
* *
* *
Still moved about their own motivation the group was creating his first inner alliances and allegiances. The unpredictable result won't be seen before they face their firsts dilemma. Soon, they'll board a Skyship. Mythical or legends it was for them, but in two days it will be a reality which will transport them to more dangers than solutions. One last day at the Monastery will bring them the peace and quiet needed before entering the never sleeping Jungle of Boari, holder of a piece of the puzzle they undisclosed with Marghal's death.
New adventure starts the 10th
On being late
Sorry for the late entries on the Blog, we've been overwhelm by madness and failing organization at work, which lead to blog fail =(
But we are back on track and we will bring 2 more entries ASAP!
Cheers!
But we are back on track and we will bring 2 more entries ASAP!
Cheers!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Safe and sound
The company was in a sorry state and it quickly became clear to the Kai lord that healing the fellows would take quite while. It was hard to find who needed help the most. Erleothir with his now dented armour, limping and showing bruises all over the less protected body parts? Griselda, still bleeding abundantly from the various deep cuts inflicted on her during the battles and one arm hanging almost motionless ? Alast playing down his injuries despite a serious need of first aid ? or Gustavius shaking from exhaustion and having slight traces of burn on his hands and on his face ?
The Kai Lord's companions had continued their way westwards. Courageous Blade, so was the name of their saviour, informed them that their meeting was by far not as fortuitous as it seemed. He and his team were sent to search for Dark Raven, the masters had had a premonition and a felling of loss concerning his person.
And that's when Mulchanor started talking.
- What's he saying ? asked Alast to Gutavius
- I have no idea...
- you mean it's not drodarin ? wondered Erleothir
- not even drunk drodarin.
- is there any other way to speak it ?
- hmm your friend seems to be speaking in fever. Said Courageous Blade finally.
Griselda kneeled over Mulchanor's fever shaken body and rapidly found the bite wound of a snake. Poisonous, obviously. All turned to the Kai asking him what could be done to help him; gathering herbs, laumspur, whatever... Courageous Blade shook his head slowly. "There is no possibility for me to get a cure. The only way would be using the blood of Griselda since it holds a resistance to natural poisons." All turned to her. Would she help Mulchanor immediately or would the grudge against him still be too strong ? After a short moment of silence she nodded, probably innerly ranting that she could not have Mulchanor begging her for help. The Kai lord stopped her mid-movement as she was about to cut herself in the palm. "There is no need to open further wounds" he said, while drawing some blood out of her injured leg. She rolled her eyes in a typically annoyed fashion but said nothing. He proceeded to pour the blood into Mulchanor's mouth. Even if Mulchanor did not wake up, it was obvious that this improvised cure was working. His fever sank and his hallucinated speeches stopped.
Luckily for all of them the night passed without further incidents. Under the guidance of Courageous Blade, they finally reached the mountains. A steep road upwards was now their path and soon they had to line up along a narrow trail on the edge of a precipice. The road was difficult but luckily they were not being followed. It seemed that the Kai Lords had continued westwards and were protecting their back. even from dozens of miles away.
The night passed, Courageous Blade pushed back Griselda's attempt at discussing what seemed to be some personal matter. Either he did not want to speak with her or he simply had no clue what she was asking him about. In the background, Erleothir and Gustavius stared at each other, suddenly remembering that they also needed to discuss some urgent matters regarding the keys.
The second day was soon over, the road now easier and the pass not too far away. When looking back in the deserted plains to the West, the companions saw some clouds of dust far away. "No need to worry too much" said Courageous Blade "They are heading for us but still one or two days away. If we march on, everything will be fine." As most were asleep that night, Erleothir and Gustavius shared the first watch. "Gustavius ! we have much to discuss since the imprisonment. Could you maybe enlighten me about one or two details concerning the keys?" those were the last words spoken by a tired Erleothir that Alast could hear before falling asleep.
All woke up early the next day, not much was said. Even if it was the third day travelling towards the monastery under unfailable guidance, the dangers were far from being over. Their rations were all gone. The horses were triping on almost every stone. And the dust cloud to the west was still visible, nearer than the day before. They had now reached the pass and the cold air woke Mulchanor.
- Beer ! was his first word
- not now. sighed Erleothir
- what happened ?
- short version: you got bitten by a snake, went unconscious for the last 3 days and Griselda saved your li...
- where's my gun ? Interrupted the dwarf
- Oh you should have seen it ! it blew up in Gustavius' fa.... started Alast laughing
- gone. quickly interrupted Gustavius
- and my backpack ?
- gone
- and the powder ?
- gone
- and what about my belt with the fire pots ?
- gone
- my munitions ?
- gone
- wait, don't tell me that..
- IT'S ALL GONE ! and after a pause he added: "also you are missing two teeth".
Luckily, before Gustavius had to explain the unlucky loss of Mulchanor's equipment and before the situation escalated, another Kai lord appeared from under the cover of some trees a few hundred meters to the east, he was accompanied by fresh horses. The road was narrow and Courageous Blade made sign to the company that it was time to switch horses. One by one they saddled down and walked along the edge towards the trees. The new kai lord continued westwards taking their old mounts away. Only Erleothir seemed not willing to leave his horse, thus leading to some confusion.
- what's he doing ?
- if I did not know better, I'd say he's trying to annoy Courageous Blade.
and exactly at that moment the Kai Lord started to gesture rudely (according to Kai lord standards ) towards Erleothir.
- see, it works....
The rest of day went without much to tell. Around the evening, they decided to put up a small camp. They were too tired to build up tents and simply unrolled some bedrolls. Their stomachs were rumbling and Griselda decided to see if she could hunt anything edible. She was followed by Gustavius. A hissing discussion arose in the bushes as Griselda tried to make it clear to the loud dwarf that he should go hunt elsewhere. Not even half an hour had passed when Courageous Blade suddenly jumped to his feet.
"Ambush!" he yelled. But before he could do anything half a dozen of bandits had already encircled the camp and were going for Erleothir. Griselda and Gustavius also heard the scream and rushed back to the camp. Luckily for Erleothir, he was so tired when he went to sleep that he was still wearing most of his armor. Even though fighting out of a sleeping bag wasn't anything he had ever done before, he managed to block the oncoming blows by quickly grabbing his shield. Alast was well awake and was already jumping on one of the bandits while Courageous blade struggled to get two opponents off him. Gustavius and Griselda were now almost there.
One coming from the south, the other from the east. Gustavius kneeled down, aimed and shot. The bullet missed its target by a few inches and ended in a tree. Griselda was luckier, or so it seemed, using her bow, she fired an arrow: it hit the bandit in the chest and a cry of surprise was heard. The bandit looked down at the arrow in his chest with slight unease but a smug grin crossed his face as he broke the arrow apart. It had indeed struck his armour, but not perforated it.
With a quick shield bash followed by a straight strike, Erleothir managed to get rid of one of the attackers. In the background, Courageous blade produced a handgun out of his tunic and quickly unloaded it at point blank in the face of another bandit. Alast's opponent jumped at him, but he evaded, completely unimpressed. The bandit hit the ground and rolled back into a standing position, right in time to notice his sword stuck in the ground. With a grin, Alast pulled it out and stroke the bandit down. As Griselda ran towards the camp, she saw that Courageous blade and Erleothir had managed to dispatch two more bandits in a flawless manoeuver. The remaining bandit looked at his dead companions before deciding to run away, unfortunately for him, not fast enough.
Courageous Blade quickly snapped: "There may be more coming, let's get away from here as fast as possible"
Fleeing from the ambush, they resumed riding and kept on the rythm, making fewer pauses now that they were closer to the Monastery. Three full days and three full nights they pressured their horses to hold till the end. They met neither foes nor friends and reached the tall wooden gates of the Monastery. Already spotted many miles ago, silently escorted by Kai Lords on their way, they entered the building under the amused eyes of Courageous Blade. Fatigue took over amazement and they were quickly sent to their quarters while the horses were taken care of. For his part, Courageous Blade left them in the sleeping quarters to rest for the night.
- I'll be asking for you tomorrow morning, be ready to meet our Leader, I am sure he'll have fresh information for you. Good night!
The company noticed with pleasure that they each had their own room. A fine and much appreciated luxury after those last weeks of privations. A good bath was more than enough to let them sleep without worries of safety. Only their own demons tortured them that night.
One by one they woke up, reinvigorated by a real night of sleep. They were summoned in the Kai Chapel before breakfast to meet up with Sharpen Fox and teamed up at the entrance of the dormitories.
Spontaneously. they gathered near the entrance, losing a time they seemed to have forgotten, admiring the stone work, tapestry and the few Kai decorating weapons on the walls. Reality came in the hand of a younger Kai lord, leading them to the center of the chapel. It was a beautiful fall morning, fresh but not cold, sunny but not too bright. Many Kais were training or hurrying to their own tasks, a few shops could be seen, but none were open yet. Local folks lived their lives slowly under the safe protection of the Kais. No one would ever dare to attack them here. Doors seems to be left open, cunningly thought Alast. Quickly reminded of his newly acquired common sense, Alast stepped past the great wooden doors to enter the solemn soil. Silence was broken by murmurs coming from the main altar. Two Kais were talking silently with heavy swift gestures. They stopped as soon as they felt attention upon them. The young Kai came near both, bowing respectfully. He left right after having introduced our heroes. Soon after, almost at the same time as Courageous Blade arrived, the other Kai, mysterious and tall, talked:
- I don't know who is happier to see you, the proud father or the Master Kai who sent you on a mission, smiled the unknown Kai.
- Probably both father, smiled back Courageous Blade. Master Sharpen Fox, those are the men Huldrak asked to recover from the enemy.
- Well, welcome in the Monastery young fellows. Seven persons I was excepting to see. Only five came. I can't feel Dark Raven any more, even if my heart tells me he is alive. And your companion, the Dessi voyager? Speak! Don't make me wait for news I suspect.
The Kai Lord's companions had continued their way westwards. Courageous Blade, so was the name of their saviour, informed them that their meeting was by far not as fortuitous as it seemed. He and his team were sent to search for Dark Raven, the masters had had a premonition and a felling of loss concerning his person.
And that's when Mulchanor started talking.
- What's he saying ? asked Alast to Gutavius
- I have no idea...
- you mean it's not drodarin ? wondered Erleothir
- not even drunk drodarin.
- is there any other way to speak it ?
- hmm your friend seems to be speaking in fever. Said Courageous Blade finally.
Griselda kneeled over Mulchanor's fever shaken body and rapidly found the bite wound of a snake. Poisonous, obviously. All turned to the Kai asking him what could be done to help him; gathering herbs, laumspur, whatever... Courageous Blade shook his head slowly. "There is no possibility for me to get a cure. The only way would be using the blood of Griselda since it holds a resistance to natural poisons." All turned to her. Would she help Mulchanor immediately or would the grudge against him still be too strong ? After a short moment of silence she nodded, probably innerly ranting that she could not have Mulchanor begging her for help. The Kai lord stopped her mid-movement as she was about to cut herself in the palm. "There is no need to open further wounds" he said, while drawing some blood out of her injured leg. She rolled her eyes in a typically annoyed fashion but said nothing. He proceeded to pour the blood into Mulchanor's mouth. Even if Mulchanor did not wake up, it was obvious that this improvised cure was working. His fever sank and his hallucinated speeches stopped.
Luckily for all of them the night passed without further incidents. Under the guidance of Courageous Blade, they finally reached the mountains. A steep road upwards was now their path and soon they had to line up along a narrow trail on the edge of a precipice. The road was difficult but luckily they were not being followed. It seemed that the Kai Lords had continued westwards and were protecting their back. even from dozens of miles away.
The night passed, Courageous Blade pushed back Griselda's attempt at discussing what seemed to be some personal matter. Either he did not want to speak with her or he simply had no clue what she was asking him about. In the background, Erleothir and Gustavius stared at each other, suddenly remembering that they also needed to discuss some urgent matters regarding the keys.
The second day was soon over, the road now easier and the pass not too far away. When looking back in the deserted plains to the West, the companions saw some clouds of dust far away. "No need to worry too much" said Courageous Blade "They are heading for us but still one or two days away. If we march on, everything will be fine." As most were asleep that night, Erleothir and Gustavius shared the first watch. "Gustavius ! we have much to discuss since the imprisonment. Could you maybe enlighten me about one or two details concerning the keys?" those were the last words spoken by a tired Erleothir that Alast could hear before falling asleep.
All woke up early the next day, not much was said. Even if it was the third day travelling towards the monastery under unfailable guidance, the dangers were far from being over. Their rations were all gone. The horses were triping on almost every stone. And the dust cloud to the west was still visible, nearer than the day before. They had now reached the pass and the cold air woke Mulchanor.
- Beer ! was his first word
- not now. sighed Erleothir
- what happened ?
- short version: you got bitten by a snake, went unconscious for the last 3 days and Griselda saved your li...
- where's my gun ? Interrupted the dwarf
- Oh you should have seen it ! it blew up in Gustavius' fa.... started Alast laughing
- gone. quickly interrupted Gustavius
- and my backpack ?
- gone
- and the powder ?
- gone
- and what about my belt with the fire pots ?
- gone
- my munitions ?
- gone
- wait, don't tell me that..
- IT'S ALL GONE ! and after a pause he added: "also you are missing two teeth".
Luckily, before Gustavius had to explain the unlucky loss of Mulchanor's equipment and before the situation escalated, another Kai lord appeared from under the cover of some trees a few hundred meters to the east, he was accompanied by fresh horses. The road was narrow and Courageous Blade made sign to the company that it was time to switch horses. One by one they saddled down and walked along the edge towards the trees. The new kai lord continued westwards taking their old mounts away. Only Erleothir seemed not willing to leave his horse, thus leading to some confusion.
- what's he doing ?
- if I did not know better, I'd say he's trying to annoy Courageous Blade.
and exactly at that moment the Kai Lord started to gesture rudely (according to Kai lord standards ) towards Erleothir.
- see, it works....
The rest of day went without much to tell. Around the evening, they decided to put up a small camp. They were too tired to build up tents and simply unrolled some bedrolls. Their stomachs were rumbling and Griselda decided to see if she could hunt anything edible. She was followed by Gustavius. A hissing discussion arose in the bushes as Griselda tried to make it clear to the loud dwarf that he should go hunt elsewhere. Not even half an hour had passed when Courageous Blade suddenly jumped to his feet.
"Ambush!" he yelled. But before he could do anything half a dozen of bandits had already encircled the camp and were going for Erleothir. Griselda and Gustavius also heard the scream and rushed back to the camp. Luckily for Erleothir, he was so tired when he went to sleep that he was still wearing most of his armor. Even though fighting out of a sleeping bag wasn't anything he had ever done before, he managed to block the oncoming blows by quickly grabbing his shield. Alast was well awake and was already jumping on one of the bandits while Courageous blade struggled to get two opponents off him. Gustavius and Griselda were now almost there.
One coming from the south, the other from the east. Gustavius kneeled down, aimed and shot. The bullet missed its target by a few inches and ended in a tree. Griselda was luckier, or so it seemed, using her bow, she fired an arrow: it hit the bandit in the chest and a cry of surprise was heard. The bandit looked down at the arrow in his chest with slight unease but a smug grin crossed his face as he broke the arrow apart. It had indeed struck his armour, but not perforated it.
With a quick shield bash followed by a straight strike, Erleothir managed to get rid of one of the attackers. In the background, Courageous blade produced a handgun out of his tunic and quickly unloaded it at point blank in the face of another bandit. Alast's opponent jumped at him, but he evaded, completely unimpressed. The bandit hit the ground and rolled back into a standing position, right in time to notice his sword stuck in the ground. With a grin, Alast pulled it out and stroke the bandit down. As Griselda ran towards the camp, she saw that Courageous blade and Erleothir had managed to dispatch two more bandits in a flawless manoeuver. The remaining bandit looked at his dead companions before deciding to run away, unfortunately for him, not fast enough.
Courageous Blade quickly snapped: "There may be more coming, let's get away from here as fast as possible"
Fleeing from the ambush, they resumed riding and kept on the rythm, making fewer pauses now that they were closer to the Monastery. Three full days and three full nights they pressured their horses to hold till the end. They met neither foes nor friends and reached the tall wooden gates of the Monastery. Already spotted many miles ago, silently escorted by Kai Lords on their way, they entered the building under the amused eyes of Courageous Blade. Fatigue took over amazement and they were quickly sent to their quarters while the horses were taken care of. For his part, Courageous Blade left them in the sleeping quarters to rest for the night.
- I'll be asking for you tomorrow morning, be ready to meet our Leader, I am sure he'll have fresh information for you. Good night!
The company noticed with pleasure that they each had their own room. A fine and much appreciated luxury after those last weeks of privations. A good bath was more than enough to let them sleep without worries of safety. Only their own demons tortured them that night.
One by one they woke up, reinvigorated by a real night of sleep. They were summoned in the Kai Chapel before breakfast to meet up with Sharpen Fox and teamed up at the entrance of the dormitories.
Spontaneously. they gathered near the entrance, losing a time they seemed to have forgotten, admiring the stone work, tapestry and the few Kai decorating weapons on the walls. Reality came in the hand of a younger Kai lord, leading them to the center of the chapel. It was a beautiful fall morning, fresh but not cold, sunny but not too bright. Many Kais were training or hurrying to their own tasks, a few shops could be seen, but none were open yet. Local folks lived their lives slowly under the safe protection of the Kais. No one would ever dare to attack them here. Doors seems to be left open, cunningly thought Alast. Quickly reminded of his newly acquired common sense, Alast stepped past the great wooden doors to enter the solemn soil. Silence was broken by murmurs coming from the main altar. Two Kais were talking silently with heavy swift gestures. They stopped as soon as they felt attention upon them. The young Kai came near both, bowing respectfully. He left right after having introduced our heroes. Soon after, almost at the same time as Courageous Blade arrived, the other Kai, mysterious and tall, talked:
- I don't know who is happier to see you, the proud father or the Master Kai who sent you on a mission, smiled the unknown Kai.
- Probably both father, smiled back Courageous Blade. Master Sharpen Fox, those are the men Huldrak asked to recover from the enemy.
- Well, welcome in the Monastery young fellows. Seven persons I was excepting to see. Only five came. I can't feel Dark Raven any more, even if my heart tells me he is alive. And your companion, the Dessi voyager? Speak! Don't make me wait for news I suspect.
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