November 2004 on Sakeriver.com

More Pre-Battle Bickering

Tue, 30 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Scott

Subject: Re: The Battle for Overlook; Hunting the Witch 2

Pensive resists the urge to shake his head at Garyth. What did it matter if the witch came back? If the witch were using the alchemist's potions to conduct her raids, then she was only a secondary concern. The real target should be the alchemist and the wagon, both of which might be destroyed with much less trouble than defeating a dozen armed men.

Instead, Pensive asks, "After we defeat these men, how will we trick the witch into coming close enough to the dugout to attack her as well? If she is flying, then she'll be able to see us before we see her. . ."

From: Mark

Lots of Opinions

Mon, 29 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Scott

Subject: Re: The Battle for Overlook; Hunting the Witch 2

"Did you see the donkey still attached to the wagon, Rennick?" Pensive asks. "It must be either a very light wagon, or a very strong donkey. . . In any case, I cannot imagine that spooking the donkey would draw out more than two or three foot soldiers, and less than that if it is not connected to the wagon in any way. That's assuming we can get it scared enough to get it out of the dugout before someone stops it."

He rubs his forearms, feeling the silk cords there beneath his sleeves. "If we can destroy the wagon and the alchemist, I think we must do so. Even if it does alert the witch, we will have removed their capacity to produce whatever potion it is that's allowing her to raid the front lines."

From: Ty

Three Go In, What They See

Wed, 24 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Scott

Subject: Re: The Battle for Overlook; Hunting the Witch

Pensive nods at the halfling's words, but doesn't say anything. Instead, he busies himself with stringing his bow, arranging his quiver, loosening the silken, scarlet cords wrapped around his forearms.

The thistle tatoo on the back of his neck is warm. It pulses slightly with his own anticipation. Battle was coming, no matter how cautious or stealthily he might tread. Somewhere out in the plains, men were marching, fighting, dying. Somewhere, there was a witch killing them.

Flesh be stone. Blood be stone.

OOC: Pensive will do as Garyth asks.

From: Jake

Planning the Ambush

Tue, 23 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Scott

Subject: Re: The Battle for Overlook; Marching to War

Pensive listens quietly to the men's joking, and shivers. Pickle. What was this fascination with humans and sex? Spreading their seed around like. . . like. . . Pensive cannot think of an appropriate metaphor. He shivers again. That's what started this whole thing. . .

No. He'd stop blaming Mission. Mission was worthy of the Kaishin. The shadow that blew on Huss was not dependent on the stupid child that Mission had been. Penance and Mission-- stupid children. But maybe, becoming a father would heal Mission's stupidity. He is worthy, Pensive reminds himself, gritting his teeth.

Why am I not?

The ground where Nesalin's army has massed is thick with the smell of men and beasts. Pensive remains close to Garyth as the army prepares to embark, watching how he binds himself to his new men, to the cleric Osred, how the binding between him and Rennick is changing. . .

And then the reins to a horse is passed into his hands. Pensive looks up at the creature's eyes, a bit suprised. How does one go about riding a horse? There are some fellows not far away already sitting astride their mounts, patting the long, muscular necks as they chatted. How did they get up there? The men are in armor, so they couldn't have jumped. . . Pensive walks cautiously around his own horse, looking for some sign, some. . . clue as to how to get up on its back.

Well, _he_ was not in armor, and he _could_ jump. Fastening his hand to the horse's mane, he swings himself up into the saddle. Blood and stone. Now what? From this vantage point, he can see the stirrups, placed far too low to be of any use to him. And the reins, out of reach. The horse whinnies at him, and gives a little dance to the side. Pensive sways in the saddle precariously.

"Be forgiving, horse," Pensive says, patting it like he'd seen the men do. He leans forward and runs his hand along the animal's muscular neck, feels it shake, and calm. "We are to be tied together through misery and war-- let us both be kind to one another. Forgive me my natural incompentence, and I will forgive you your wide ribcage."

He lights out of the saddle, and finds the latch and buckle to the stirrups. Adjusted to elf-height, they make excellent foot holds, though his thighs are already starting to burn. He looks at Rennick and Melani's war ponies with a glimmer of envy, but says nothing. This was to be his horse. The Path is not straight nor is it soft.

***************

The Path is infinitely softer than a horse's back, Pensive decides, when Sir Jonas calls Garyth's group over. Oddly, it wasn't as bad riding full-out; it was the trotting that was painful.

He listens carefully to the commander's description of the witch, and remains quiet until he has moved away.

Then he says to Garyth, "A mage expecting battle is likely to have protection against arrows. That protection may still be on her when she returns behind the hill, in addition to her powers of flight. This will be a difficult bird to net." His eyes flash, and he feels a dark thrum in his gut. "She will have expended much of her magery in attacking the forward calvary, though, and perhaps her protection will have weakened."

Perhaps. Pensive looks beyond Garyth, to the hulk of a ruined farmhouse. Sand and shadow had passed this way. The thrum in his gut pulls as taut as a bowstring. Pensive grits his teeth against it, and puts his fingers inside his sleeves to touch the smooth silk cords wrapped meticulously around his forearms. There is strength there. Blood and Stone, he hopes it is enough.

From: Ty

Mention of Finlan, New Spells, Battle Plans

Mon, 22 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Mark

Subject: Time for the war

Ok just in time for Ty to start the war, I will be away from the computer alot the next few days.

I have greenery pick up for my son's Cub Scout pack tomorrow. I will be able to check in before noon, and maybe just a bit before 2:00PM, but the actual pick up starts at 2 and will not be done until 7:00, which really means 8. I might be able to check in after that.

Wednesday I am taking off work to watch the kids, but will be able to check from home.

Thursday is turkey day so I assume everyone is off.

Friday I am off work and will be able to check from home.

Mark

From: Ty

How He Can Help

Sun, 21 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Karl

Subject: Re: Elementary, My Dear Farron; The Murder Site

"Well, we were hoping you might be able to give us some more information about Kor Garesh or anything else you might know about the history of the island or any pertinent legends, or local lore," Farron begins. "Also, we thought that maybe you could give us some advice on who we might talk to about any recent dark activities in the city. Hopefully someone we can trust."

Farron will listen to anything that Master Thaddeus has to say. He will show the spellbook he gained from the incident in the tower and ask if Master Thaddeus can assist in getting it open without destroying it. At some point he will also say:

"Master Thaddeus, it has been a while since I studied under you. Since leaving the college, I've had quite a bit of experience and overcome many difficulties. Your teachings have been invaluable to me in many ways. If there is anything you might be able to teach me further that you deem me ready to learn, and that might help us in trying to combat this growing evil I would be even further in your debt."

Healing Kits, Speaking With Master Thaddeus

Fri, 19 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Scott

Subject: Re: Elementary, My Dear Farron; The Murder Site

Ty--

Do our characters get the opportunity to stock up on supplies? I imagine Rennick might want to see if he can get his axe fixed. . .

Pensive would like to purchase some healing kits, if possible-- how much money does he have?

If he can, and if it won't tip his encumberance above light, Pensive will purchase 4 healing kits.

From: Raja

The Murder Site, The College of Magic

Thu, 18 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Ty

Subject: Elementary, My Dear Farron; The Murder Site

Wilk leads the two wizards through the busy streets of Nesalin. Not far away, the army is moving out the main gates and the energy of has rubbed off on the citizens. It is almost a carnival atmosphere. There is a loud thud, as the city's main gates swing shut, and Sa'id says something quietly in his native tongue. When he sees Farron looking at him questioningly, he translates, "Gods bring you swiftly home." Farron replies, "Amen." It is an odd feeling that Garyth and Rennik will be fighting without them.

It is not a long walk back to the Keep, and only a few blocks away from that to the sewer entrance Cadfael was found in. Wilk says, "I saw some boys looking down into the hole, and the cover had been removed. I chased 'em away, thinking they had tossed a dog in or something. But when I took a look, I saw the body. That cover is pretty heavy. I don't know that those boys could've moved it, nor would they have had a reason to. I think whoever did this just left it open."

Sa'id climbs partway down the ladder, but there is little to see in the sewer itself. The magistrate's men had already collected what there was to be found. Farron looks around him. This area is directly between the Keep and the Temple; about three blocks from the keep, and seven from the church. Cadfael seems to have been following the most direct route. The area of the murder is commercial. Both sides of the street are lined with small shops that cater to the upper and middle class. Its proximity to the temple district means it is a nice neighborhood. Though, late at night, it is probably fairly empty. Farron can see how a person might be murdered here without a witness. The thing that most bothers him, is how did anyone know Cadfael would be here? Walking this route, on this day, at that time of night?

Sa'id climbs back up. "Nothing down there." Farron nods, then tells him his thoughts on the neighborhood. Sa'id turns to the young guardsman. "Thank you, Wilk. We will carry on from here. Well, friend. To the school?"

The college of magic in Nesalin is small, for an institution of its type. It was originally founded as a vanity project by the Duke Wallech, the third duke of Huss. His son had decided at an early age that he had magical talent, so the duke built a school to keep the boy on the island, and allow him to live out his fantasies of great wizardry at the same time. As it turned out, the boy did in fact have some power, but sadly lacked discipline. Fortunately, the school had gained enough momentum that it kept running after the boy's tragic passing, and the crater in the front yard was turned into a nice fountain.

In the years since, the school has grown into a moderately well respected institution. While it will never compete with the large mainland schools in terms of prestige, it does have the advantage of island life, a slower and more relaxed pace, and fewer distractions.

Farron can't keep a silly grin off his face as they walk up the stone path, past the fountain, and to the large oak door. It's like coming home again. The doorman recognizes them both, and they are let inside without a word. While walking to the office of Farron's old mentor, Master Thaddeus, they pass a door with Master Tormin's name on it. Farron says with a grin, "Think we should give him Danmonoth's letter disproving his theories about the halflings? Or would he react badly to that?"

A few steps later, they knock on Master Thaddeus' door, and are mildly surprised to actually find him in his office. They are ushered inside with a warm handshake, and within moments find themselves seated by a crackling fire, with a hot cup of Kaf. Farron dimly remembers a dream he had about this exact scene while he was sleeping in the sewers beneath Kor Garesh's twisted jungle. It is even better in real life.

Master Thaddeus, the Divination Master, smiles warmly at the two young mages over his cup of Kaf. "You don't look like men on a social call. What can I do for you?"

From: Mark

Toward the Murder Site

Wed, 17 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Karl

Subject: Re: rennik hiatus

"May we take the weapon?" Farron asks the Magistrate. "I'd like some of our colleagues at the college to have a look at it, if possible." If allowed, he will wrap it in a cloth (his cloak if necessary) being careful not to touch it directly. It's a long shot, he thinks, that they might find anything else out about it that the acolyte hasn't already told them, so he won't protest if the Magistrate denies the request.

*****

"Lead on" he says to Wilk. "Let's get this over while it's still daylight," He adds quietly, more to himself that to anyone else, though he's not at all sure anymore that daylight will make any difference to the Dark God or his minions.

"We have to be careful," he says quietly to Sa'id as they make their way through the city streets. "I really don't want to end up like Cadfael." After a moment he continues, "Is this 'drinker of souls' so powerful that even Pelor's aid is insufficient? Or did Cadfael get tossed aside because he was no longer useful?" He shakes his head in anger and dismay. Either way, there was no security in the gods. What happens, happens. You could call it the will of Pelor, or Tempus, or Kor Garesh all you wanted if that made you feel better. What it all meant to Farron, though, was that he only had himself and his friends to rely on.

"It's good to see you back to yourself again," He says, making conversation as they follow Wilk. Though he isn't really sure Sa'id is back to himself, he at least seems outwardly more engaged in the moment that he has in the recent past. We should see what we can find out at the college as soon as we are done with Wilk. We could also check with someone at Pelor's temple here, but I'm not sure we can trust anyone there. What do you think?"

[Farron will assist Sa'id at the site where the body was discovered, looking for anything he might find that Sa'id doesn't see first. He also wants to go the the college and talk with whoever there he trusts most.

From: Raja

Interlude: Promise, A Soul-Drinking Dagger, Matt's Hiatus

Tue, 16 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Ty

Subject: Interlude: Promise

Attention, Acolytes! Save your fidgeting for the practice yard, or I will tell the training master that he is not beating enough energy out of you.

Better. I am Perception, your training master for the principles of the Path.

We speak of the Path, today, and each day when you come to me, until you understand it. The Path is long, and takes many turnings, and you will be expected to know them all before you are granted your final sash, so pay attention.

Your teachers say, "The path is not straight, nor is it soft." Can you tell me what this means? No one? How sad. It is the founding principle of our order. What have you been doing here for the last eleven years that you can not explain to me what we believe? Yes, well, kicking and punching and rolling in the dirt are all well and good, but this is the truth: None of it means anything without principle. What do I mean? If you are the greatest warrior the world has ever known. If you can shatter a mountain with your fist, and create deep chasms by striking the ground with your foot, but you lack the principle to guide your fist and your foot, then you are nothing. Less than nothing, because power without direction is catastrophe.

You will learn direction and principle with me.

"The path is not straight." This defines the constant battle between order and chaos. A road is a manifestation of order. It is an attempt to force the world to conform to our needs. And roads are good things. Without them, much that we take for granted would be far more difficult. It is good for man to build roads. But the world does not bend to the will of men. If you are making a road, and come to a mountain, what will you do? Will you stop and go home? "The mountain has stopped me!" No. Will you smash through the mountain, so that your road can remain straight? You will shatter yourself upon the mountain long before it bends to your will. No, you will bend the road, and find the path through the mountain that the mountain itself will give you. And in the end, you will still have a road. There will still be order. But you will not be shattered.

The path is not straight because the world is not straight. If we wish to impose order on things beyond their capacity for order, we ruin both the world and ourselves in the process. But, we do not have to give in to chaos either. A patient man may find the way to lay a path nearly anywhere. Order within chaos. Structure with flexibility. Adaptability with guiding principle. This is why "the path is not straight."

"Nor is it soft." The price one pays for principle and order can often be high. Just as building your road up through the mountain is more difficult than building your road across flat ground, so too is adapting to change while maintaining guiding principles.

Let me tell you a story.

Of the seven Kaishin that have graced this order, the last, and some say greatest, was Promise. He was the son of a disgraced monk of the Path, and the tale of his birth and his journey back to his home is dark. We will talk about that, and the redemption of his father, another time. I wish to tell you the tale of his greatest victory.

It was in the time we call the "rise of sand and shadow". Dark powers moved in the earth. Some say the gods wrestled, and the world and its peoples shook from the power of their battles. We of the Path know little of gods and their ways. What we do know is that across the world, that time was marked by great upheavals, and great evils.

Promise became a beacon in that dark time. His gift was the gift of foresight, and he used it to show men the good futures open to them if they chose the right path. Always by his side stood his father, once called Mission, but later given the name Resolute. In dark times, men may grow to fear the light. And, though it is a great shame to our race, there were those who sought to control or destroy the gentle Kaishin. But with Resolute at his side, none could touch him.

A great king rose up in the south, in the deserts of Kunedane. His horsemen spread across the land, bringing all in subjection to him. In time, his eye turned to the mountains north of him, and he began conquering here. It was in these lands that he first heard of our order, and of the Kaishin and his ability to see the future of men. The great king sent his eldest son to call on the Kaishin, and demand his fortune be told.

This son was brash, and hotheaded, though he was considered a great leader of men. The king intended to send his son east, conquering those lands as well, and spread his dominion over our entire continent. Then they would rule together, as father and son, over a kingdom too vast to be reckoned. And while the great king did not believe in a monk who could foretell the future, he did understand that the people believed it. If this monk could be made to foretell his son's great conquest, then the people would be more easily subjugated.

And so the great prince arrived in all his splendor at the gates of our order, followed by a thousand of the fierce desert horsemen. He demanded to be brought to the Kaishin, so that his fortune could be told. He was given entrance, as were all who sought audience with Promise.

Once brought before Promise, the great prince demanded that the Kaishin tell the people that he was the foretold ruler of this land. That resistance was foolish.

Promise said, "I will tell the people nothing. A man's past is his only possession. His future is his only reward. How he spends either is his only true choice. But I can show you what I see, and you may decide what to do with it."

These words angered the prince, as no one had dared speak to him as an equal in all his life. The prince said that if Promise did not do as he wished, then his men would burn the monastery, and kill all the monks.

Promise said, "You are the great prince. You can do exactly as you say, and none will be able to turn your hand. But I can show you who you will be afterward, and your victory will be ash in your mouth."

The great prince then said he would kill Promise himself, and show the people that he was stronger than their simple minded prophecy.

And then Resolute stepped in front of his son, and the prince quaked. Children, you wonder, why would the great prince quake before this monk? You must know, Resolute had become the greatest of us, some say the greatest warrior our order ever knew. His hands could carve diamond, his feet moved swifly enough to walk on falling leaves in autumn. They say his eyes were as flat as stone; the eyes of a man who has faced something worse than death, and come away the victor. This man stepped toward the prince, and the prince saw his death in Resolute's flat stony eyes.

But Promise reached up one hand, and touched his father's arm. When he did this, Resolute lowered his hands, and stared sadly at the prince. The prince, still fearing for his life, launched himself at the monk while his guard was down, slashing with his sword. Resolute watched the sword come at his throat as slowly as a falling feather, for when he fought, Resolute moved like the wind. But even though he could have turned the sword and crushed the life from the prince a dozen times, he did not move. He watched the sword slowly move toward him, and then cut his throat.

And Resolute died on the steps of the Kaishin's seat.

But for all his brashness, the Prince was no fool. He saw that Resolute had stood impassive while the stroke fell. So he asked Promise, why did the man do this thing?

Promise answered by holding out his hand. When the prince took it, he saw all that Resolute had seen. He saw himself dead at Resolute's hands. His father, the great king, howling in grief, and burning and murdering across Bannock's Ire in his rage. He saw the beginnings of an empire falling to ruin as the people, given the choice between resistance and massacre, chose to fight. He saw Promise and his father alive, while all around them was in ruins.

But then he saw himself alive, with Resolute dead at his feet. He saw, even in the harshness of war, the possibility of something better. A crown weighing heavily on his gray head, but a single country that spanned the land, and a happy prosperous people with no fear of their neighbor attacking.

Promise then said, "Your future is the gift he gave you. How will you spend it?"

And the great prince wept at the Kaishin's feet.

But now we live in a strong country that spans the land from sea to sea. The people live long, prosperous lives. And in the palace of the Emperors' stands a golden statue of the Kaishin, Promise, and the body of his father at his feet. The words, "Strength and Sacrifice" are etched upon it. Strength and sacrifice were the lessons that Resolute taught the emperors of our land with his life.

The road is not straight, nor is it soft.

Now, go. You smell of sweat and the dirt of the practice yard. It will take me a month to clean my floors. Next time you come to me in such disarray, I will teach you MY version of a hard path, and you will not like it.

From: Mark

Elementary, My Dear Farron

Mon, 15 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Scott

Subject: Re: snowstorm

Well, thank goodness we're splitting up; my crew won't have to wait for the snowstorm to dissapate for our RPG goodness. . .

Good luck, Raja.

From: Mark

Subject: Stormbound

Poor Karl,

Sitting there waiting for Twinky.

Who ever heard of a snowstorm in Mid Nov.? Oh that's right, he lives in Canada.

Mark

From: Ty

Pensive's Story, Raja Trapped in the Frozen North

Sun, 14 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Scott

Subject: Re: Moving on

Pensive pauses a moment, studying Garyth's face. So many answers to his question. . . "I am here in Huss, because Vicar Hope sent me here to watch over Mission. I am here in Nesalin because I could not find him, and when you don't know where to go, one place is as good as another. I am here with you now because Stone and Blood must always oppose sand and shadow."

"I found Mission last night. We spoke briefly, and he said he was leaving. Truthfully, Garyth, he seemed fearful of something." Pensive's eyes flick over the priest's body. "He had good reason, apparently."

How much had Mission told these men about the Kaishin? Knowing him, too much. "I have not seen him since. I assume that he has already left Huss."

Even Mission was not so foolish as to toy with the safety of his son. He hoped. Pensive hoped with all his heart that Mission and Promise were far, far away. He hoped that Mission had not been so short-sighted as to sleep in the city. The priest-- for a moment, he imagined Mission's body on the table, naked, mutilated, and Promise-- Promise with his chest mangled, his heart cut out by an obsidian blade.

The thought makes his stomach turn, and his knees tremble. No. Not a vision. Just a fear. The Kaishin was safe. He must be. Must! No vision that, either-- just hope.

"The Path will turn as it will," he murmurs under his breath. "Captain, you and I can do nothing here for this man, or for Mission, wherever he might be. Our duty lies in saving Overlook." Flashes of dreams, women and men in flames, children staring upward with dead eyes, or eyes that longed for death. His stomach wrenches again. He says urgently, "Captain. We must leave now, if we are to march with the army."

From: Raja

Garyth Realizes Something

Sat, 13 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Scott

Subject: Re: Moving on

It is. I've got a fluish cold too.

From: Mike

Subject: Re: Moving on

OOC: Crap. Scott has rightfully pointed out a rather glaring flaw in my last post.

IC:

Wait a minute.

Garyth halts just before reaching the door, turning to look at Pensive. "Who . . . ?" he begins, but breaks off. What was it that the elf had said? I will go with the captain, because he is the eye of the storm. The Path moves through and with him. The Path. And Sir Mattias had said that he was a master of hand fighting. "You are of Mission's order," he says. "From . . ." Garyth pauses, remembering. "Bannock's Ire." That would explain why this elf would know Mission. "Why are you here?" he asks.

OOC Chatter, Roses and Thistles

Fri, 12 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Mark

Subject: In the hall

Melani joins Rennik in the hall, waiting for the rest of the group.

OOC: As a charcter Melani will have no problem with the mages staying, since she is not too fond of mages, but as a player I too must express my concern over having no clerics or magic users in the group about to go do battle with an undead army. But what the hell, who wants to live forever.

Mark

From: Scott

The Price of Heroism

Thu, 11 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Ty

Subject: The Butchers Bill; The Price of Heroism

Sir Mattias listens to Rennik's speech with no expression. Rennik stops, looking at the big man with growing worry. Did he understand? Where Rennik's words wasted?

But a slow smile spreads across the knight's face, and he reaches one large hand out to Rennik. Rennik, not sure what this means, reaches out his own hand. Sir Mattias grips his forearm with a hand that nearly overlaps. Rennik finds himself returning the grip, because looking into the man's eyes, he sees no hint of subterfuge or deception.

"They say it takes a warrior to truly make war, and a warrior to truly make peace. I believe this is so, because a warrior may speak directly, where a man without the strength to back his words must use guile." He releases Renniks arm, "I hold you to your offer, Master Chorrdath. When the fight for Overlook is done, you will return here and teach me about your people." His voice takes on a darker tone, "But know that my voice is not the only one in council with the Duke. It may take much persuasion to undue the misunderstandings. Have you the heart for a long fight? By the look of you, I would say yes.

"In any event, I would like you and your companion, Melani (Rennik is impressed that the human says it May-lon-ee, as a Halfling would, and not Melony, as a human would. Clearly, this human listens and remembers) to accompany Garyth and the other soldiers to Overlook. This will do two things. First, they may need your council when facing off with these Murrkat you mention. You know them better than we. Secondly, it will get you out of the city for a while. I fear that this city will become unfriendly to your folk until we can straighten this matter out. Will you do that for me?"

Rennik nods.

"Fine then. Captain Garyth, report to Sir Darius before dawn tomorrow. Bring with you the halflings and the priest, Cadfael. Sunmaster Fellus has offered his services to us in the coming fight. A man of Pelor will be helpful when facing the unholy risen, and for healing those who fall on our side. We have clerics traveling with our companies, but the more the better."

There is a low cough, from the doorway, and a small elven man enters the hall. "Hello," he says. He smiles, uncertain, but bold. "Sir Mattias, I've changed my mind. I will join in the defense of Overlook. I would like to stay as close to this young captain," here he indicates Garyth, "as I can. If he'll have me."

The speaker is a young elven man, fair skin freckled by the sun, black hair bound up with a scarlet cord. He almost looks like an unruly boy, until you see his deep violet eyes. Like all his kin, they hint of things seen that other mortals may not share.

Mattias replies, "Pensive. What are you doing here? Why do you want to go with Garyth?" Pensive says only, "I was... looking for someone. But when I found him, he was not who I thought he was." The elf turns his violet eyes on Garyth. "I will go with the captain, because he is the eye of the storm. The Path moves through and with him.

Mattias turns back to the rest of the group, "Pay him no mind. He always talks like that. He showed up one day out of the blue offering to teach our men archery and hand fighting, and he turned out to be a master of both. Even if no one understands a bloody word he's saying."

Rennik bows slightly to the elf and says in elven, "Greetings, brother." Pensive smiles at him and says, "And greetings to you, my fierce forest cousin."

Not long after, Mattias and Pensive leave, with the elf promising to meet Garyth here in the dining hall before first light. The party heads up to their respective rooms. For the first time in what seems like years, they are able to slip into a hot bath and wash away the road. Even though the beds are the hard pallets of a soldier, they seem like the softest down to men who've slept on hard ground the last week. And almost before they are stretched out, sleep comes. If there are dreams of demons, and fire, and battle, then that is only to be expected.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

The following morning, half an hour before dawn, Garyth sits alone at a table in the dining hall, stuffing himself with as much food as possible. It is a soldier's habit, to eat heavily before moving out. Once on the road, one never knows when the next meal might come. He should be tired. He has traveled steadily for the last two weeks, and fought in several battles. He got only five hours sleep last night at best. But the truth is, he is filled with energy, nearly unable to sit still and finish his meal. The coming fight is what this is all really about. Tracking wereboars, rescuing babies, facing off the demon in his lair, they were all well and good. But a straight fight, on open ground, to protect one's home and family. That Garyth understood. That was why he had joined the guard in the first place. He could hardly wait.

Rennik and Melani soon join him. They too know the ways of the road and battle, and eat as much as they can stuff into their stomachs. Melani tears a large chunk off a loaf of fine ground bread, and pauses only long enough to say, "The humans feed their soldiers better than our chieftains would eat." Farron and Sa'id show up a few moments later, and sit down to breakfast. It is unclear whether they are joining the expedition to Overlook or not. But Farron has a look in his eye that says he might be going. Garyth recognizes it. He's seen it in him before, and it is a little frightening.

Sa'id stops eating and says, "Where are Mission and Cadfael? Did anyone go get them yet?" Garyth shakes his head, so Sa'id says, "I will go get Mission up. I know he will not want to come with us, but I would like to say goodbye to both of them before they leave. Can someone get Cadfael?" Garyth raises one hand to stop Sa'id while he finishes swallowing a bit of salted pork. "PAGE!" he yells at the top of his voice. Seconds later, a tousle haired boy speeds into the room. "Sir?"

"Go to the temple of Pelor. Tell the honorable priest Cadfael that we eagerly await his arrival. Go fast boy, the priest must be here before dawn, or I'll box your ears." The boy runs out of the room at top speed. Garyth notices the looks of those around the table. "What? I paid my dues as a page. You have to speak to them that way or they wander across half the city before deciding to do their errand."

A few moments later, Sa'id returns. "Mission is gone. His bed has not been slept in. Did he leave already? He couldn't have given us a chance to see Promise off?" Sa'id looks almost in tears.

Pensive shows up, and declines breakfast. He stands near the door, not tapping his foot, but looking impatient all the same. The group rises from the table and prepares to leave, Garyth cursing the page's slowness. Even as he gets on a roll in which he questions the boys species and the marital status of his parents at the same time, the page pops back into the room. "Speak boy. Where is the priest?"

"Sir, Sunmaster Fellus says he believes Cadfael stayed here at the keep last night. He never returned to the temple, and his room has not been opened."

This is disturbing news, both Mission and Cadfael missing. But the Under Marshall awaits, and the party moves to the Marshalling grounds without them. There, an army assembles from a mass of chaos. Garyth moves through it like he knows the lay of the land, so the rest of the group just follows him. He leads them to a patio where several men in heavy armor stand around a table. Garyth sees the Under Marshall, and Knight Commander Mattias in the group. "Captain Garyth Tel'Arden, reporting as ordered, sir."

Under Marshall Darius, a tall and slender man in glittering full plate, answers. "Welcome, captain. You and your companions are to join yourself to Commander Jonas, who is leading the Blood Falcon detachment. Go report to him now."

Garyth hesitates a moment, then says, "Sir, we were ordered to report along with the Priest, Cadfael. I regret to inform the Lord Marshall that Cadfael seems to be missing." Sir Darius gives Garyth a stare that frightens him. Sir Mattias interposes himself, and says, "Garyth, come with me." He pulls the young captain aside, and turns him over to a private standing nearby. "Fifteen minutes, Captain. You have fifteen minutes. Be back here by then. I'm sorry." Garyth starts to say, "Sorry?" But the Knight Commander is already moving away. The private grabs his sleeve, "Come with me, sir."

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Garyth finds that he can imagine Cadfael in many ways. He can see him as dark, and insane, and babbling dire prophecies. He can see him large, and dangerous, charging at an enemy with abandon when his friends are threatened. He can even be imagined as the man after the ring came off. Lighter, relieved, but still hiding a deep hurt.

But no matter how hard he tries, Garyth can not connect the still cold corpse lying on a slab in the magistrate's office with his friend. He looks at the others. Farron, Sa'id, Rennik. He sees the same disbelief in their eyes. This can't be right. Dying gloriously in battle, perhaps. Even taken whole into the heavens by his god. After the scene in the demon's temple, even that could be believed. But not this empty husk, hacked to pieces.

Garyth realizes the magistrate is speaking. "..found many cut wounds about the head and torso. But the wound that killed him was this deep stab in the chest. We haven't opened him, but it's clear that the knife reached his heart. After that, death would be quick. We found this," he holds up a long dagger made of black glass, "near the body. The body had fallen five feet when it was stuffed into the sewers, so we think the knife fell out of him then."

There is something terrible in the cold clinical speech of the magistrate. Cadfael was only a puzzle to be solved. The magistrate would do his best to track down the murderer, and for him that would end the issue. He could not see. This man, who had walked alone into the center of the temple of Kor Garesh. Who had faced down, alone, the demon in his pillar, the madwoman Elise, the lich Anileth. Who had carried the burden of an evil taint for years, just so he could save one child. He had been rendered down to this. A corpse, hacked up with gleeful abandon, stuffed into a sewer, and stretched out nude on a slab as a puzzle to be solved. Garyth looks into his dead face. There is nothing there. Nothing of the man he knew. It is a mask stretched over bone.

Behind Garyth, the private clears his throat and says, "Should be getting back now, sirs."

From: Mark

Sir Mattias Returns, Melani's Hot Words, Rennik the Diplomat

Wed, 10 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Mike

Subject: Re: The Party in Nesalin; The end of a chapter

At Rennik's declaration, a look of surprise comes over Garyth's face. Then he nods. "I will do what I can to get you an audience," he says. He pauses, remembering Sir Mattias' and Kenis' suspicions about Rennik. "I should warn you, though, there are some people here who may think you are a spy. This may be a risky undertaking. I will do what I can to protect you, but I don't have much influence here."

"Still," he continues. "Sir Mattias is a good man. I think he wants to do what is right. I hope so."

OOC: If there is no further conversation, Garyth will retire to his room, though he will want to make sure that everyone has quarters before he does.

From: Ty

Mission Exits, Conversation Over Dinner

Tue, 09 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Mark

Subject: Re: The Party in Nesalin; The end of a chapter

Well I might have to work a bit, but I will stay. :) I think I know how Melani will justify it.

Damn, I was looking forward to a nice fight.

From: Scott

Subject: Re: The Party in Nesalin; The end of a chapter

OOC: I'd like to stay, but Mission-- well, see below.

Nesalin rose about him, but all Mission can think of is the sea. And the land across the sea. The night air is thick with it, damp and rich with fish smells and salt. Promise coos.

Not there yet, boy. Not there yet.

His muscles do not lose their tautness, despite stone walls and roads. The college of wizardry was here, hunting for power. And like it or not, the Kaishin in his arms means power. What had Garyth told his commanders of Promise? What had they passed on in turn, to their superiors. What did the mages in this city know or think of his little boy? He should have come with the guardsman, should have run with all his might to Nesalin, and made an anonymous entrance. Now, surrounded by clanking guards, every open face watching him, measuring him and his child. . . Promise squirms a bit in his sling, whining.

Where would the Path turn? Mission sighs, knowing that he'd get little rest until he stood with Promise on the Mossground, cradled deep in his home, nestled away and protected by the stone of Bannock's Ire.

He picks at his food a bit with one hand, the other occupied with feeding Promise. Cadfael, Sa'id, Farron, Garyth, Rennick. . . Melani. Good people. He should feel like he is abandoning them to fight a war he started. He should feel some remorse. But he doesn't. All he feels is the draw of the ocean, and the desire to _get away_. A restlessness, like pebbles tumbling around under his skin. . .

There would be no goodbyes. Mission knows it and accepts the necessity of it. Even now, he finds himself slipping somehow away from his companinons, though they sit at the same table, eating together. He excuses himself and Promise, makes his way to the baths that had been set up for them. He washes Promise, and the blue robe that would be their passage back home. In the warmth of the baths, Mission rubs his eyes and yawns. No rest for the weary, though. Or the wicked. When would Kor Garesh strike? Too soon, any time was too soon.

So now, at last, after so long of shortening his stride, Mission would run. There is a bittersweetness in the thought.

Mission will sneak out of the dining hall, and if no one sees him, will make his way out into Nesalin. He will aim for the docks, and once there, attempt to trade the blue robe for a way to the city nearest Bannock's Ire.

From: Karl

Garyth's Report, Chapter's End

Mon, 08 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Ty

Subject: Re: Racing with the devil

It is clear that "Captain of the Guard" means something very different to this sergeant and to Garyth. A few moments later, Garyth finds himself standing in the guardhouse next to Nesalin's main gate, while a very bored looking officer looks at him from across his desk. "What can I do for you, lieutenant?"

Garyth casts an irritated look at the sergeant. He says to the captain, "Sir, I have ridden hard with dire news of Overlook. I was hoping to see Sir Mattias, or possibly even Under Marshall Darius. We must mobilize the field command quickly to counter a dire threat to my town."

The captain gives Garyth and incredulous look. "Oh, just like that, then? Drag yourself into the city in a ruined uniform (he gives an impolite snort at the state of Garyth's armor), and march right into the Knight Commander's office? Or the Under Marshall himself? No, lieutenant, you'll follow the chain of command and deliver your message to me. Then I will decide if it moves up the channel or not."

Garyth knows this man, or at least his type. He has grown middle aged with the guard, moving into a position of moderate authority through years of service and not rocking the boat, and he will stand on mindless adherence to regulation because he has no wit to do otherwise. There was a time, not that long ago, when Garyth would have just shut up and soldiered.

Garyth leans across the desk, putting his face less than a foot from the Captain's. "In a little less than two days, my home is going to be sacked. Everyone I care about in this world will be killed. If you delay me getting my message to those who can help, I will consider you solely responsible for this tragedy, and I will be a man who has NOTHING to lose."

The Captain's gaze travels over Garyth's scabby face, the rents and blood stains on his armor, the worn and stained handles of his weapons. To his credit, he does not cower. He merely stands and says, "Then perhaps we should go to the Knight Commander together, Lieutenant." Garyth knows he has earned an enemy in this man. If his message is of less import than he has claimed, this captain will take great delight in making him suffer for it. But he is also not taking any chances. Garyth will get his moment before the Knight Commander.

Garyth follows the captain through the main gate, and into the city proper. They exchange no more words as they walk the six blocks to the guard headquarters. Garyth is struck by the normalcy of everything around him. Street merchants hawk their wares. Citizens bustle quickly about on the business of life. From across the city, a bell can be heard ringing in one of the churches. All will be gone if the demon gains a stronger foothold on this island.

The captain leaves Garyth in a waiting room, but a few moments later he is ushered into the office of Knight Commander Mattias, commanding officer of the home guard, the city watch segment of the Nesalin army, third highest ranked officer on Huss. There are several other men in the office, all looking impatient. The captain says when Garyth enters the room, in a tone of voice that sounds like he is repeating something he's already said, "Lieutenant Garyth Tel'Ardan, of the Overlook guard, with a message of great import concerning the town of Overlook."

Sir Mattias is a middle aged man who has not lost the heavy build of a fighter. Though he wears no armor, and carries only a dagger on his belt, no one could mistake him for anything but a soldier. He looks Garyth over once and says, "You have the look of a man freshly returned from battle. I think you have much to tell me. Speak freely here, guardsman."

From: Mark

The Rest of the Group

Fri, 05 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Mark

Subject: The rest of the group.

OOC: I assume that the rest of the group is moving at best speed on foot towards Nesalin?

IC: Melani watches as the other members of the group talk and decide what they are going to do. She does not understand how the one scribe can stay here when his family is in danger. What is it about this group that makes him subvert his wants to the wants of the group. She has never been able to understand this. If it were her family in danger, if she had any left, they would have to kill her to keep her from going to their aid.

All of a sudden the scribe makes some very complicated gestures and some odd sounds and a horse appears out of nowhere. Melani is startled by this. While she had heard them talking about spell weaving, she had just thought it talk. This, this was unnatural. To summon a horse out of thin air, with out even asking the spirit of the horse permission was wrong. The Belneth would have asked the spirits of the horses if one would serve.

She then sees the warrior mount the horse and disappear. This startles her even more. These scribes use powerful magics. She resolves to keep apart from them.

Once the warrior is gone Melani pipes up "Now what?"

Mark

From: Mark

Toward Nesalin, Garyth's Ride

Thu, 04 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Ty

Subject: Re: Crying babies and Undead armies

Matt, was just hoping to get everyone to check in.

But, having said that, I am still fairly unclear on what's happening. What is Farron actually doing now? Is Mission running to Nesalin ahead of the group?

From: Scott

Subject: Re: Crying babies and Undead armies

Seeing that Rennick is still intent on going to Nesalin, Mission will follow him.

My questions about running ahead of them were purely in case running was necessary.

From: Ty

What Are We Waiting On?

Wed, 03 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Mark

Subject: The Undead Army

Are we waiting on Rennik?

Mark

From: Scott

Subject: Re: The Undead Army

Among others. . .

From: Matt

Subject: Re: The Undead Army

(OOC: Not exactly sure what Ty's waiting for on this one from Rennik)

Rennik listens to Missions words, though they are as cryptic as the priest's in the forest. He pays them no heed. Of course they have to get to Nesalin - hadn't that been what they were doing when the army emerged?

Nothing has changed.

Rennik will wait for the best opening to flee toward Nesalin, and look for any way to withdraw some to an unseen distance and instead proceed from there.

Mission's Vision, Farron's Fears, Garyth Speaks Up

Tue, 02 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Scott

Subject: Re: The Last Quiet Night

Mission croaks, "Sand and shadow," and then falls silent again, as the remainders of the vision shake in his limbs.

"Sand and Shadow," he says again to Garyth, and Rennick, and Melani, and Farron, and Cadfael, and Sa'id. He swallows. They didn't understand him, why didn't they understand?

He takes a breath, and the air has a sweetness it has no right to have. As if there weren't an army of undead upwind from them. As if the air weren't full of Sand and Shadow.

Not yet. What was Promise if not hope? Redemption? "I saw. . . a man made of Shadow throwing sticks into a fire. The sticks were people, and one of the sticks was Promise." The images were jumbling now-- he had to speak quickly so that the others would know the vision. There was hope in that. A promise, in that. "But we stole that stick from him-- I don't know-- it just disappeared, and he became very angry. He threw more and more sticks into the fire, and the men burned, and made the fire rise up high. . ." Mission stops for a moment, takes a breath.

"I saw Nukaru's longhouse, and felt a terrible fear. But it was closed to me, and I couldn't get inside." He could still, somehow, feel the rough grain of the wood of the longhouse, could feel the ache in his hands and arms as he beat against it. "There was a fog all around me, and I could see nothing."

"Then I was on a ship in the same fog. There were many people, and we were going toward a light-- we thought the light meant safety. But something happened-- the ship was broken to pieces. The light-- lied, somehow, I couldn't make out how exactly." He remembered the face of a woman in the vision, and how her eyes had widened when they heard the hull of the ship being split open on the rocks that were also, somehow, the halfling's longhouse. He coughed, half expecting to cough up seawater. But, no. Just air.

"There was an army of undead after that. They tied everyone they found into bundles of sticks. To burn for the man in Shadow. Everything on this island was burned. And he laughed."

Mission shudders, and puts Promise up on his shoulder and pats the boy's back. There's comfort in that, a little. Right now, he'd take all he could get.

"We need to get to Nesalin, and warn the garrison there of the attack on Overlook." Although, how anyone could miss such an army as the one massing on the plains was beyond Mission. Surely Nesalin had outposts and scouts around the island?

Surely. Better safe than sorry. He looks at Rennick urgently. "When will it be safe to move on?"

OOC: Ty's description of the vision was VERY good reading. Made my hair stand on end. I have not done it justice.

From: Scott

The Last Quiet Night, Promise's Cries

Mon, 01 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

From: Scott

Subject: Re: at night

:hums:

:taps feet:

:clears throat:

:dangles guitar in front of Twinky's nose:

Fun!

From: Ty

Subject: Re: at night

Turn coming out today.

From: Ty

Subject: The Last Quiet Night

Rennik and Melani spend some time conferring and hunting about for the best camp site. Rennik is especially insistent. He eventually finds a hollow large enough for the eight of them beneath a large upturned tree. It is filled with mud and worms, but, as he points out, it is NOT filled with several hundred undead and evil men, so it makes it one of the nicer camping spots in the last few days.

The evening passes quietly. Melani brings down a large rabbit with her sling, but because Rennik will not allow a fire, the group just eats cold rations, and Melani stuffs the hare into her pouch for later. Promise guzzles another bottle of the halfling provided milk, and Mission thinks that the boy is visibly growing. How fast do children grow? He doesn't know. But with food in his belly, and warm in the wraps the halflings gave, the boy seems to glow with cheer and good health. He smiles at his father, as if already knowing that their trials are near an end.

His good cheer is infectious. And the members of the party, warriors beaten and bloodied over eight days of horrifying trials, become entertainers and playmates, each trying to outdo the other in making the boy laugh or smile. Garyth, who has many nephews, says to Mission, "I have never seen a child this young as aware of his surroundings as this boy. He seems to soak up everything around him like a sponge. I would very much like to see him again when he is older. I wonder what he will be like." Mission remembers his vision, standing behind a young Promise as he speaks wisdom to the elders of the Path. For the first time, Mission starts to think that vision might actually come true. "He and I would welcome you in Bannock's Ire at any time, Garyth. I would like nothing more than to show you my home, and reintroduce you to my son." And with those words, the group is reminded of the time soon coming, when they will no longer be a fellowship. It does not seem possible, after all that has happened.

The night too, passes uneventfully. The following morning at dawn, Cadfael and Sa'id rise and pray. The rest of the group wakes and eats, while Melani confers with Rennik in halfling. Rennik nods once and says to the group, "We can make Nesalin by nightfall, if we march hard on the roads, and do not stop for meals." Cadfael and Sa'id return from prayers, and Sa'id asks Farron, "Did I hear correctly? Might we be staying in an Inn this night with warm meals and clean beds, and a bath for an extra copper or two?" Farron nods and struggles to keep a silly grin off his face.

With such thoughts in their heads, the party heads off down the slope and away from the forest, making haste toward the road to Nesalin. An hour later, Garyth says to no one in particular, "I had forgotten how nice a walk in the grass is. No mud, no trees, no swamp dragons. You know, some people actually take walks for pleasure. I had forgotten that, too." He has barely finished speaking when Melani, a few yards behind the group, makes a low whoofing sound and drops flat. Rennik drops so fast it must be a reflex action. What is more surprising is how quickly the rest of the group hits the ground. A week ago, they would not have been so quick.

Melani crawls forward to Rennik and whispers. Rennik crawls back to the group and says, "The army has left the woods North of us. If we keep moving, their forward scouts will see us. We will find cover here, and wait for them to march past. If they march for the road south, then they will not come closer than a mile or two of us. We could probably beat them in a race to Nesalin, as they are more than an hour behind us, but it is better not to risk it." He looks at Cadfael, "Now would be a good time to begin praying, priest. They have been able to sniff us out before, and we are not sure how they do it." Cadfael nods, "Pelor's grace will shield us. We are in the open now, with his face shining down upon us." Rennik just says, "I hope you're right."

The group is able to find good cover in a copse of bushes not too far away, and from this position watches the army of Kor Goresh march south to Overlook. Rennik and Garyth sit together, counting the army's strength. "Two hundred of the undead, maybe more," Rennik says. Garyth nods, "Not all of them are the skeletons and zombies, either. There are a few things that look much more frightening. And, maybe half as many men and Murrkat. Three hundred or more. The palisade at Overlook won't last a day."

Mission is whispering to Promise, "Don't worry. They don't know we're here. We'll be in Nesalin and on a boat for home by tomorrow." Promise shocks everyone by responding with a wail. He is crying and wailing like a newborn, which, being a newborn shouldn't be all that surprising. Except that until now, Promise has never really bawled like this. Not once in three days. At worst he has given a quiet little cry to remind Mission that he was hungry, or needed changed. Mission frantically rocks and hushes him, trying to get the boy to quiet, though it is highly unlikely that a marching army two miles away could hear him.

As he rocks, Mission says, "What? What is it, Promise? What do you need me to do?" The boy grabs one of his father's fingers, and Mission goes stiff for a moment. Promise stops crying and stares at his father.

A second later, Mission goes slack all at once, and is looking into his son's eyes, his own filling with tears.

From: Mark