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Curse of Darkness VII - Britania
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<blockquote data-quote="Greenfield" data-source="post: 5934129" data-attributes="member: 6669384"><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">***</span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Marcus was already downstairs, loading a platter with a variety of breakfast foods.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Penn, a veteran of far too many hangovers, kept it simple. Oat porridge with a little honey, and hot tea.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Ah, thank the gods.", he added when the innkeeper came around with a pitcher of a light, foaming mixture. He had donated his own supply of Bacchus' Blessing to the man the previous night, and the host was putting it to good use.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"By the way, good friend, I think we need to talk.", he added before the innkeeper could leave. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">But before any such talk could begin, two other guests entered the room. Men wearing the long robes of the Plutonian order. Men who the companions' had met before. The Innkeeper saw the Guides of the Dark Path, made a gesture of warding, and hurried away.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The pair saw Marcus, and headed to his table. Penn took his plate and cup in hand and followed them.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"We're so glad to see you were successful.", the first of the dark order began. "A joyous day indeed."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"So, what brings you two this far north? Or should I be asking, 'who' brought you."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"What do you mean?", asked the second of the nameless priests.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"You warned us that we had to be here by the dark of the moon, and the road was a fortnight long. That was five days ago. The only way for you to be here this soon was to follow the path by the Styx, the same road you sent us on. So who gave their life for your convenience?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The pair looked shocked at the implied accusation. "There is no sacrifice called for to use that road. I don't like what you're saying at all."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"You wanted to sacrifice the Orc priest when we departed, but he fled. And half our group were lost in transit, until one of our number died. Don't tell me the lord of the Underworld doesn't set his price."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"That was a mere coincidence.", the priest protested. "The Orc's time had come. He had in fact escaped from the depths once before, it was our duty to send him back. And the fact that your companion, Apellenea, died just moments before ... well, yes, it does sound bad when you put it all together.", the man finally admitted. "But seriously we're simply here to grant you a swift passage home. The roads out of these mountains won't be open until spring."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"I'm not ready to pay that price again."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"The price will be borne by our order. You were on a divine mission, after all."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Penn glowered at the man, hearing his protestations of innocence, and not believing a word of them.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Now, Penn", began Marcus. "I was part of that ritual as well. Do you think I would have joined in such a thing if it had that price?</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Not knowingly.", Penn replied, jaw still clenched. "And while the roads may be closed to wagon traffic, I'm still willing to take my chances that we can get through on foot."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Finally the Plutonians brought up their final argument. "You are needed in Rome. Your original mission was supposed to be a brief one, and your return was expected days ago. You have to go now."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Penn looked the Innkeeper straight in the eye. This wasn't a conversation he was looking forward to, but it was certainly due.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"So what are we to do now?", the man asked, simply. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"You helped sponsor the Bacchanal, and you certainly knew what it entailed. What it may yet entail, as the festival will continue for another two days. You also knew that your daughter was attending."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Aye. She's old enough to make her own decisions.", the man agreed. "I'm not responsible for her any more."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Penn saw the sadness in Marta's face, and interceded. "Yes you are.", he said. "She's your daughter and you love her, and I know you're too good a man to abandon her if she should be with child. You would be there, to help raise that child, and so you are entitled to some say in such things."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Will you be there?", came the inevitable question.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"I am called away to Rome this very morning, but yes, I will be there. If our passion bears fruit, I will be here to do the right thing. You have my word that I will return in the spring. And if I am detained for any reason, I will send word." He paused to write down a name and address. "If you need to reach me, send word to this man. He will see that I get the message."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"A man could do worse than you for a son in law.", the Innkeeper said thoughtfully.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Hardly. I sing and I dance, I drink and I gamble, and yes, I favor the fairer sex and I've never pretended otherwise. I haven't a callous to my name, and have hardly put in a hard day's labor in my life. I won't shirk my responsibilities, but you and your daughter can both do far better than I.", he admitted. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"At least you're honest about who you are.", Marta admitted. "That's fairly rare, you know. Come back, whether you need to or not."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The companions had gathered at the chapel where they had left their weapons. The Plutonians began to inscribe the transit circles, and laid out their candles.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Does it seem odd to anyone, other than myself, that we stand in a temple of Mercury, but it's the Plutonian order that's arranging our travels?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Good point.", said Hector, stepping from the wings. "Let us perform this rite. At least that way we know you'll all make it."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The prayers began, and for the companions the world fell away</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greenfield, post: 5934129, member: 6669384"] [FONT=Verdana]***[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Marcus was already downstairs, loading a platter with a variety of breakfast foods. Penn, a veteran of far too many hangovers, kept it simple. Oat porridge with a little honey, and hot tea.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Ah, thank the gods.", he added when the innkeeper came around with a pitcher of a light, foaming mixture. He had donated his own supply of Bacchus' Blessing to the man the previous night, and the host was putting it to good use.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "By the way, good friend, I think we need to talk.", he added before the innkeeper could leave. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] But before any such talk could begin, two other guests entered the room. Men wearing the long robes of the Plutonian order. Men who the companions' had met before. The Innkeeper saw the Guides of the Dark Path, made a gesture of warding, and hurried away.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The pair saw Marcus, and headed to his table. Penn took his plate and cup in hand and followed them.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "We're so glad to see you were successful.", the first of the dark order began. "A joyous day indeed."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "So, what brings you two this far north? Or should I be asking, 'who' brought you."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "What do you mean?", asked the second of the nameless priests.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "You warned us that we had to be here by the dark of the moon, and the road was a fortnight long. That was five days ago. The only way for you to be here this soon was to follow the path by the Styx, the same road you sent us on. So who gave their life for your convenience?"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The pair looked shocked at the implied accusation. "There is no sacrifice called for to use that road. I don't like what you're saying at all."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "You wanted to sacrifice the Orc priest when we departed, but he fled. And half our group were lost in transit, until one of our number died. Don't tell me the lord of the Underworld doesn't set his price."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "That was a mere coincidence.", the priest protested. "The Orc's time had come. He had in fact escaped from the depths once before, it was our duty to send him back. And the fact that your companion, Apellenea, died just moments before ... well, yes, it does sound bad when you put it all together.", the man finally admitted. "But seriously we're simply here to grant you a swift passage home. The roads out of these mountains won't be open until spring."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "I'm not ready to pay that price again."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "The price will be borne by our order. You were on a divine mission, after all."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Penn glowered at the man, hearing his protestations of innocence, and not believing a word of them.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Now, Penn", began Marcus. "I was part of that ritual as well. Do you think I would have joined in such a thing if it had that price?[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Not knowingly.", Penn replied, jaw still clenched. "And while the roads may be closed to wagon traffic, I'm still willing to take my chances that we can get through on foot."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Finally the Plutonians brought up their final argument. "You are needed in Rome. Your original mission was supposed to be a brief one, and your return was expected days ago. You have to go now."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] *** Penn looked the Innkeeper straight in the eye. This wasn't a conversation he was looking forward to, but it was certainly due. "So what are we to do now?", the man asked, simply. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "You helped sponsor the Bacchanal, and you certainly knew what it entailed. What it may yet entail, as the festival will continue for another two days. You also knew that your daughter was attending."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Aye. She's old enough to make her own decisions.", the man agreed. "I'm not responsible for her any more."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Penn saw the sadness in Marta's face, and interceded. "Yes you are.", he said. "She's your daughter and you love her, and I know you're too good a man to abandon her if she should be with child. You would be there, to help raise that child, and so you are entitled to some say in such things."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Will you be there?", came the inevitable question.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "I am called away to Rome this very morning, but yes, I will be there. If our passion bears fruit, I will be here to do the right thing. You have my word that I will return in the spring. And if I am detained for any reason, I will send word." He paused to write down a name and address. "If you need to reach me, send word to this man. He will see that I get the message."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "A man could do worse than you for a son in law.", the Innkeeper said thoughtfully.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Hardly. I sing and I dance, I drink and I gamble, and yes, I favor the fairer sex and I've never pretended otherwise. I haven't a callous to my name, and have hardly put in a hard day's labor in my life. I won't shirk my responsibilities, but you and your daughter can both do far better than I.", he admitted. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "At least you're honest about who you are.", Marta admitted. "That's fairly rare, you know. Come back, whether you need to or not."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] *** The companions had gathered at the chapel where they had left their weapons. The Plutonians began to inscribe the transit circles, and laid out their candles. "Does it seem odd to anyone, other than myself, that we stand in a temple of Mercury, but it's the Plutonian order that's arranging our travels?"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Good point.", said Hector, stepping from the wings. "Let us perform this rite. At least that way we know you'll all make it."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The prayers began, and for the companions the world fell away[/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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