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Curse of Darkness VII - Britania
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<blockquote data-quote="Greenfield" data-source="post: 5934136" data-attributes="member: 6669384"><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">***</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The passage along the Styx is a fearful journey, one that very few take and live to tell about. Fewer still have the strength of spirit to recall such a passage, for as the goblet spills what it cannot contain, so the mortal mind rejects what mortal men were never meant to know.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">But even spilled wine may yet cling to a goblet, and so when the companions arrived at their destination, they stood in shock for long moments, the image of the Stygian shores still before their eyes, then fading like faces in a dream. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Marcus drew a long, shuddering breath, then slowly exhaled and opened his eyes.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The companions stood in the middle of a plane, a circle of scorched earth extending ten paces in any direction. The ground here was already hard packed, with large rectangular stones laid out in odd geometric forms all about.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Wow. You activated it!", came a child's voice from one side. A boy who was probably looking forward to his tenth summer stood at the edge of the stone pattern, staring at the newcomers.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"My grandfather has been trying to activate this for years? How did you do it?", he asked.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"We didn't.", Penn replied, still pushing dark visions from his mind. "It was done for us, though I've no idea why."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Then he shook his head to clear it and visibly brightened his expression. "You look like a fine strapping lad. Know you the road to Rome?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"All roads lead to Rome, sir.", the boy responded happily.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Ah, but they also lead away from her as well. Could you show us to the nearest road, and point us in the right direction?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"I'll do better.”, came the eager answer. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> “I'll walk you all the way into the city if you like.”</span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Ah, looking for an excuse to leave the flocks and spend some time in town, eh?", Penn quipped. "Hardly seems fair to the sheep, when their only chance to see Rome is from the butcher's yard."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"I have no flocks to tend, sir. They're all pastured in the hollow, being fed on hay for another moon."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Then let's off and away.", the Bard laughed, tossing the lad a few silver pennies. "And when you see your grandfather again, you'll have a story to tell him."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Hail Caesar!", Nedel said, raising his hand in salute. The party had been escorted directly to the palace, rather than to the Captain of the Guard who had commissioned their latest venture.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Markus Caesar was in a conference with a pair of burly men, red shocked and wrapped in heavy woolen wear. That is, if you could call a glaring match a "conference".</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Ah, Centurian Nedel", the Emperor responded, waving the northern nobleman forward. "I'm glad to see you, though I would have been happier had you been here when your Legion departed."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"We were sent on a mission for the city, Emperor, and are barely two days past our due. Captain Domenicus of the city guard asked us to investigate Vandal raids in nearby towns."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Domenicus, eh? Well, he's no longer with the city guard. He's been given your old post with the 5th Legion. They set sail for Greece five days past, to engage the Vandals near Troy. I was expecting you to lead the Arcanist cohort, but you were nowhere to be seen." Caesar looked troubled. "In any case, I must relieve you of your command and your rank."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Begging the Emperor's pardon, but you are punishing Nedel for following the orders of the City Guard?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"He was a Centurion in the Imperial forces, not the City Guard.", Caesar responded wearily. "He should have sought leave before taking any other commission. Besides, I have other work for him, and you."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Turning, he introduced the group to his guests. "This is Fergus of Trathor, and the other is Padraig. These folk have journeyed from Britania, north of Hadrian's Wall.", he began, placing emphasis on the last part. "Their king has heard of Nedel's company, and came to me to request your services."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The import of those words was lost on no one. The regions north of the Wall were not under Caesar's rule, and never really had been, despite years of effort. These men were long standing enemies of the Empire. That they should be chaffering for Caesar's favor was most odd indeed.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Aye.", began the first man in Latin so heavily accented with Sylvan that it was hardly comprehensible. "The King's son, Seeburn, spoke well of you. He believes a small force might prevail where an army has not, and has convinced the King to let you try."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Let us try what?", asked Penn, first in Latin then in the Fey tongue.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Caesar frowned, for while he spoke the language of the forest folk, it was considered a barbarian tongue, and wasn't favored in the Imperial halls.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The guest, noting both the Bard's attempt at manners, and the Emperor's disapproval, replied in his rough Latin. "There's a challenge to the King's holdings, folk making trouble, raids in the border towns. There is no clear foe, no army to fight or face down. We know that they come from the Green Isle, for we've found their marks upon our slain, but the blue devils are naught to be seen."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Caesar stifled a smirk, hearing a Scott describe someone else as "blue devils", a term he had heard used many times to describe the highland folk themselves. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Their King was good enough to recognize that you were in my service, and so he sent his request to me.", Caesar declared. "I give leave for you to depart, and if you should accept it, Vicomus Nedel, I will grant you my commission as Ambassador to the Highlands." Then he added, "And I expect a full report on these Vandals you spoke of."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Nedel bowed, accepting his new posting, temporary as it may be. Penn stayed to make the report on their findings, while the others departed in the company of the Highlanders, to make arrangements.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">***</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"No!", Cassius declared firmly. "The Gypsy woman saw my future, and told me not to travel by sea for four moons. It's hardly been two. It won't be safe for me, or anyone else who sails with me."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Lad, Britania's an island.", Fergus explained for the fifth time. "There be no other way to get there, less'n you care to try riding your horse across the waves."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"We'll be safe enough if we sail west from Rome, then ride across Iberian Gaul to the Frankish port at Calais. The seas are cold, but calm here. The only real worry is crossing the channel. It's a short enough sail, but a rough one at this time of year."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Riding the whole way will take months. Perhaps longer, if the snows are deep.", Padraig added.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"We could wait for the storms to clear and the snows to melt.", Cassius argued stubbornly. "Two more moons should about do it, I'd think."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"There may not be a kingdom to go home to if we wait that long.", Fergus countered.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Cassius, you were warned not to travel by ship, yes?", Penn asked.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"That's right.", the warrior agreed.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Well, let us take passage on a freight barge then, instead of a proper ship. That way you can avoid the curse."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The Highlander began to raise an objection to this specious distinction, but backed down before the Bard's sharp look.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Marcus shook his head in disbelief, for he'd heard the "fortune" told by the Gypsy woman. It had been concocted on the spot, and warned against travel by sea during the winter, sound advice but hardly a curse. And it never spoke of ships.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Cassius looked uncomfortable with the argument as well, but Penn smiled as if all were in agreement. "We'll take a day or two for business in the city, then set out on the first available transport.</span> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">***</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Cassius was nervous the entire sea voyage, but it was Penn who spent the first two days at the rail.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The ride through Frankish Iberia was equally uneventful, until they arrived at the city of Paris, an island in a river.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"The markets are that way, if you want to see what the city has to offer", Fergus advised. "Padraig and I will be at the port, arranging passage. Meet us at the waterfront in an hour or so."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Penn marveled at the market square. "There are stages everywhere.", he observed in delight. "Are they auction places, or... "</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"They're for performers.", a local said with a smile. "This is the City of Bards, if such a city exists." Then, noting the Half Satyr's lyre, he smiled even wider. "If you want to truly test your skill, this is the place."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Penn looked around for his friends, to ask if they had time for him to play, but stopped when he saw Euphemia. She was pale and nervous, and looking around with obvious discomfort.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Are you all right, dear lady?", he asked in concern.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Save it for someone your own size.", she all but snapped back, then caught herself. "Sorry, Penn. It's just that I don't like this place. Too many memories."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"What sort of problems, if you don't mind my asking?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The others also attended closely, mostly out of concern, but with a good mix of curiosity tossed in, as exemplified by Cassius' response.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Yeah, I mean we don't even know your real name."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The Halfling gave the big man a dark look as she responded. "Family problems, and that's all I'm saying. I'll just be happier when we're gone."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Oh, you shouldn't leave just yet, sister.", came a voice from the edge of the square. Advancing with a stroll that managed to look both casual and menacing at the same time was another Halfling. His hands were empty, but tense, as if waiting for an excuse to do... something.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"In fact, you should come with us.", the small man continued, ignoring the taller folk around. "Father would be so disappointed if you left town before he got to talk to you."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Half a dozen more Halflings began to filter out of the crowd, gently surrounding the companions, weapons evident, but hands empty.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"The lady isn't going anywhere she doesn't want to go.", Penn said firmly.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The leader of the Halfling looked up, as if noticing the wiry Bard for the first time. "We're family, and this is family business. Not yours."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">" </span><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><em>Let them chase me.</em>", Euphemia whispered urgently. "<em>I'll be all right.</em>" And then she was gone, off in a blur of motion.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Her sudden darting run caught the predators unawares, and she was halfway across the square before they could take a step. Dodging between knees, she took off like the wind through a momentary gap in the crowd, and then angled down an adjoining avenue.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Euphemia’s “brother”, if that’s who he was, took off after her in a mad sprint, joined by another of the small company, but she had a good lead, and seemed to know exactly where she was going.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Cassius made to follow, but did so at a simple stroll, to force the hand of the remaining crew. If they drew weapons, the fight was on. If they didn't...</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The circle of Halflings shifted, elongating their pattern to stay between Cassius and the mad chase that was taking shape along the cobbled ways.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Penn smiled and stood his ground, waiting for the moment. It occurred as Euphemia passed an alley. He hummed a tune and waved his hand in a small gesture, and suddenly the speeding halfling veered both left and right, like images in a mirror. One turned left down the street, while the other turned right into that alley. Her pursuers slowed for a few paces in indecision, then turned left.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Ah well.", Penn said, shaking his head in disappointment. "It was worth the try." Then turning to the belligerent who was left in charge of the small crew, he smiled. "So, how's the weather been lately?</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Sunny for some, very dark for others.", the small man replied with an evil smile.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Oh I don't know.", Marcus laughed. "I'd hate to be the first one going into an alley after her.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"I notice that her brother is letting the other one take the point.", Cassius chuckled, joining in on the joke.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Imagina looked nervously at her friends, unsure of what was happening, while Sylus' hand strayed near his quiver. Penn waved them back. "She said to let them chase her, and I trust her judgment. Besides, she has the advantage."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Advantage?", asked the leader of the toughs, cocking his head to one side. "Do you know who we are?" A red mask dangled from his fingers.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Of course she has the advantage. They want her alive, to talk to her father. She, on the other hand, suffers no such impediment." Penn let that sink in for a long moment. "As for the mask, don't tell me: You're in the theater?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Funny, longshanks.", the tough replied. "People around here know enough to show us the respect we deserve."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Let me guess. Her father is, what is that title? In some towns there's a person called 'the Grandfather of Thieves'. "</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"That's what he's called here as well, and he doesn't like people parting without his leave. Not even family."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Well, we must depart. We have a boat to catch, and we aren't stupid enough to be the first to draw weapons. Not in a strange town. So if you don't mind?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">The toughs exchanged a look, the leader gave a signal, and they faded back into the crowd.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Do you think she'll be all right?", Imagina asked, concern clouding her face.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"I honestly don't know. She seemed to think so, but there are more of them than there are of her. In any case, </span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> she didn't want us involved, and at this point we haven't much choice."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"What do you mean?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">"Do you think we could find her faster than the local Thieve's Guild can, when they know the city and we don't?"</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greenfield, post: 5934136, member: 6669384"] [FONT=Verdana]*** The passage along the Styx is a fearful journey, one that very few take and live to tell about. Fewer still have the strength of spirit to recall such a passage, for as the goblet spills what it cannot contain, so the mortal mind rejects what mortal men were never meant to know. But even spilled wine may yet cling to a goblet, and so when the companions arrived at their destination, they stood in shock for long moments, the image of the Stygian shores still before their eyes, then fading like faces in a dream. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Marcus drew a long, shuddering breath, then slowly exhaled and opened his eyes.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The companions stood in the middle of a plane, a circle of scorched earth extending ten paces in any direction. The ground here was already hard packed, with large rectangular stones laid out in odd geometric forms all about.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Wow. You activated it!", came a child's voice from one side. A boy who was probably looking forward to his tenth summer stood at the edge of the stone pattern, staring at the newcomers.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "My grandfather has been trying to activate this for years? How did you do it?", he asked.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "We didn't.", Penn replied, still pushing dark visions from his mind. "It was done for us, though I've no idea why."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Then he shook his head to clear it and visibly brightened his expression. "You look like a fine strapping lad. Know you the road to Rome?"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "All roads lead to Rome, sir.", the boy responded happily.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Ah, but they also lead away from her as well. Could you show us to the nearest road, and point us in the right direction?"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "I'll do better.”, came the eager answer. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] “I'll walk you all the way into the city if you like.”[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Ah, looking for an excuse to leave the flocks and spend some time in town, eh?", Penn quipped. "Hardly seems fair to the sheep, when their only chance to see Rome is from the butcher's yard." "I have no flocks to tend, sir. They're all pastured in the hollow, being fed on hay for another moon."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Then let's off and away.", the Bard laughed, tossing the lad a few silver pennies. "And when you see your grandfather again, you'll have a story to tell him."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] *** "Hail Caesar!", Nedel said, raising his hand in salute. The party had been escorted directly to the palace, rather than to the Captain of the Guard who had commissioned their latest venture. Markus Caesar was in a conference with a pair of burly men, red shocked and wrapped in heavy woolen wear. That is, if you could call a glaring match a "conference".[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Ah, Centurian Nedel", the Emperor responded, waving the northern nobleman forward. "I'm glad to see you, though I would have been happier had you been here when your Legion departed."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "We were sent on a mission for the city, Emperor, and are barely two days past our due. Captain Domenicus of the city guard asked us to investigate Vandal raids in nearby towns."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Domenicus, eh? Well, he's no longer with the city guard. He's been given your old post with the 5th Legion. They set sail for Greece five days past, to engage the Vandals near Troy. I was expecting you to lead the Arcanist cohort, but you were nowhere to be seen." Caesar looked troubled. "In any case, I must relieve you of your command and your rank."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Begging the Emperor's pardon, but you are punishing Nedel for following the orders of the City Guard?"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "He was a Centurion in the Imperial forces, not the City Guard.", Caesar responded wearily. "He should have sought leave before taking any other commission. Besides, I have other work for him, and you."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Turning, he introduced the group to his guests. "This is Fergus of Trathor, and the other is Padraig. These folk have journeyed from Britania, north of Hadrian's Wall.", he began, placing emphasis on the last part. "Their king has heard of Nedel's company, and came to me to request your services."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The import of those words was lost on no one. The regions north of the Wall were not under Caesar's rule, and never really had been, despite years of effort. These men were long standing enemies of the Empire. That they should be chaffering for Caesar's favor was most odd indeed.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Aye.", began the first man in Latin so heavily accented with Sylvan that it was hardly comprehensible. "The King's son, Seeburn, spoke well of you. He believes a small force might prevail where an army has not, and has convinced the King to let you try."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Let us try what?", asked Penn, first in Latin then in the Fey tongue.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Caesar frowned, for while he spoke the language of the forest folk, it was considered a barbarian tongue, and wasn't favored in the Imperial halls.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The guest, noting both the Bard's attempt at manners, and the Emperor's disapproval, replied in his rough Latin. "There's a challenge to the King's holdings, folk making trouble, raids in the border towns. There is no clear foe, no army to fight or face down. We know that they come from the Green Isle, for we've found their marks upon our slain, but the blue devils are naught to be seen."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Caesar stifled a smirk, hearing a Scott describe someone else as "blue devils", a term he had heard used many times to describe the highland folk themselves. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Their King was good enough to recognize that you were in my service, and so he sent his request to me.", Caesar declared. "I give leave for you to depart, and if you should accept it, Vicomus Nedel, I will grant you my commission as Ambassador to the Highlands." Then he added, "And I expect a full report on these Vandals you spoke of."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Nedel bowed, accepting his new posting, temporary as it may be. Penn stayed to make the report on their findings, while the others departed in the company of the Highlanders, to make arrangements.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] *** "No!", Cassius declared firmly. "The Gypsy woman saw my future, and told me not to travel by sea for four moons. It's hardly been two. It won't be safe for me, or anyone else who sails with me." "Lad, Britania's an island.", Fergus explained for the fifth time. "There be no other way to get there, less'n you care to try riding your horse across the waves."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "We'll be safe enough if we sail west from Rome, then ride across Iberian Gaul to the Frankish port at Calais. The seas are cold, but calm here. The only real worry is crossing the channel. It's a short enough sail, but a rough one at this time of year."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Riding the whole way will take months. Perhaps longer, if the snows are deep.", Padraig added.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "We could wait for the storms to clear and the snows to melt.", Cassius argued stubbornly. "Two more moons should about do it, I'd think."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "There may not be a kingdom to go home to if we wait that long.", Fergus countered.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Cassius, you were warned not to travel by ship, yes?", Penn asked.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "That's right.", the warrior agreed.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Well, let us take passage on a freight barge then, instead of a proper ship. That way you can avoid the curse."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The Highlander began to raise an objection to this specious distinction, but backed down before the Bard's sharp look.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Marcus shook his head in disbelief, for he'd heard the "fortune" told by the Gypsy woman. It had been concocted on the spot, and warned against travel by sea during the winter, sound advice but hardly a curse. And it never spoke of ships.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Cassius looked uncomfortable with the argument as well, but Penn smiled as if all were in agreement. "We'll take a day or two for business in the city, then set out on the first available transport.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]*** Cassius was nervous the entire sea voyage, but it was Penn who spent the first two days at the rail. The ride through Frankish Iberia was equally uneventful, until they arrived at the city of Paris, an island in a river.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "The markets are that way, if you want to see what the city has to offer", Fergus advised. "Padraig and I will be at the port, arranging passage. Meet us at the waterfront in an hour or so."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] *** Penn marveled at the market square. "There are stages everywhere.", he observed in delight. "Are they auction places, or... " "They're for performers.", a local said with a smile. "This is the City of Bards, if such a city exists." Then, noting the Half Satyr's lyre, he smiled even wider. "If you want to truly test your skill, this is the place."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Penn looked around for his friends, to ask if they had time for him to play, but stopped when he saw Euphemia. She was pale and nervous, and looking around with obvious discomfort.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Are you all right, dear lady?", he asked in concern.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Save it for someone your own size.", she all but snapped back, then caught herself. "Sorry, Penn. It's just that I don't like this place. Too many memories."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "What sort of problems, if you don't mind my asking?"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The others also attended closely, mostly out of concern, but with a good mix of curiosity tossed in, as exemplified by Cassius' response.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Yeah, I mean we don't even know your real name."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The Halfling gave the big man a dark look as she responded. "Family problems, and that's all I'm saying. I'll just be happier when we're gone."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Oh, you shouldn't leave just yet, sister.", came a voice from the edge of the square. Advancing with a stroll that managed to look both casual and menacing at the same time was another Halfling. His hands were empty, but tense, as if waiting for an excuse to do... something.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "In fact, you should come with us.", the small man continued, ignoring the taller folk around. "Father would be so disappointed if you left town before he got to talk to you."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Half a dozen more Halflings began to filter out of the crowd, gently surrounding the companions, weapons evident, but hands empty.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "The lady isn't going anywhere she doesn't want to go.", Penn said firmly.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The leader of the Halfling looked up, as if noticing the wiry Bard for the first time. "We're family, and this is family business. Not yours."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] " [/FONT][FONT=Verdana][I]Let them chase me.[/I]", Euphemia whispered urgently. "[I]I'll be all right.[/I]" And then she was gone, off in a blur of motion. Her sudden darting run caught the predators unawares, and she was halfway across the square before they could take a step. Dodging between knees, she took off like the wind through a momentary gap in the crowd, and then angled down an adjoining avenue.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Euphemia’s “brother”, if that’s who he was, took off after her in a mad sprint, joined by another of the small company, but she had a good lead, and seemed to know exactly where she was going.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Cassius made to follow, but did so at a simple stroll, to force the hand of the remaining crew. If they drew weapons, the fight was on. If they didn't...[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The circle of Halflings shifted, elongating their pattern to stay between Cassius and the mad chase that was taking shape along the cobbled ways.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Penn smiled and stood his ground, waiting for the moment. It occurred as Euphemia passed an alley. He hummed a tune and waved his hand in a small gesture, and suddenly the speeding halfling veered both left and right, like images in a mirror. One turned left down the street, while the other turned right into that alley. Her pursuers slowed for a few paces in indecision, then turned left.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Ah well.", Penn said, shaking his head in disappointment. "It was worth the try." Then turning to the belligerent who was left in charge of the small crew, he smiled. "So, how's the weather been lately?[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Sunny for some, very dark for others.", the small man replied with an evil smile.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Oh I don't know.", Marcus laughed. "I'd hate to be the first one going into an alley after her.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "I notice that her brother is letting the other one take the point.", Cassius chuckled, joining in on the joke.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] Imagina looked nervously at her friends, unsure of what was happening, while Sylus' hand strayed near his quiver. Penn waved them back. "She said to let them chase her, and I trust her judgment. Besides, she has the advantage."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Advantage?", asked the leader of the toughs, cocking his head to one side. "Do you know who we are?" A red mask dangled from his fingers.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Of course she has the advantage. They want her alive, to talk to her father. She, on the other hand, suffers no such impediment." Penn let that sink in for a long moment. "As for the mask, don't tell me: You're in the theater?"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Funny, longshanks.", the tough replied. "People around here know enough to show us the respect we deserve."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Let me guess. Her father is, what is that title? In some towns there's a person called 'the Grandfather of Thieves'. "[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "That's what he's called here as well, and he doesn't like people parting without his leave. Not even family."[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Well, we must depart. We have a boat to catch, and we aren't stupid enough to be the first to draw weapons. Not in a strange town. So if you don't mind?"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] The toughs exchanged a look, the leader gave a signal, and they faded back into the crowd.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Do you think she'll be all right?", Imagina asked, concern clouding her face.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "I honestly don't know. She seemed to think so, but there are more of them than there are of her. In any case, [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] she didn't want us involved, and at this point we haven't much choice." "What do you mean?"[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana] "Do you think we could find her faster than the local Thieve's Guild can, when they know the city and we don't?"[/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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Curse of Darkness VII - Britania
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