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<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 3317534" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p>Brandt transported himself and the unholy priestess back to the temple in Fingerdale. There wouldn’t be any need to transport anyone else with them. Ischarus and Charis were needed at the villa in case it was going to be attacked again. Semeion and Rhema wouldn’t be able to do anything during the interrogation that Brandt and the members of his temple couldn’t also accomplish. For the night, it seemed to make more sense to have the four adventurers stay together with Rhema’s father.</p><p></p><p>Once Brandt took the woman back to Fingerdale via a teleportation spell, Iasho led the other four to a place where the five would be able to spend the night sheltered from the elements and in relative privacy. During the day, Iasho had discovered a small clearing with a thick layer of trees surrounding it. The clearing was no more than twenty feet wide and it had several fallen branches lying across the ground. These branches were easily cleared to make room for sleeping comfortably. The horses were secured along the edge of the clearing and slightly among the trees.</p><p></p><p>As the day had passed by, the party realized that the likelihood of retaliation grew less and less possible. If the priestess of Yrraxea had associates who were waiting for her return, then they should have come looking for her by now. The fact that the day had passed by so uneventfully most likely meant that the priestess was working within the Ephistaemi on the side of her duties for Yrraxea. Or at the very least, her dealings here with the villa were not officially sanctioned by the temple out of which she served.</p><p></p><p>Yet as the day drew to a close and the sun descended behind the tops of the trees, their fears increased. Suddenly the possibility of a surprise attack became a new threat. With the cover of darkness, a challenger could come upon them from almost any direction so long as they knew where to look.</p><p></p><p>This very possibility caused Ischarus to be particularly edgy as they set up camp for the night. <span style="color: Lightblue">“Perhaps their was no counterattack during the day because they were spying on us and watching our movements while they could from a distance. If they are powerful enough to teleport into this area, surely they are powerful enough to observe us through magical means. Maybe they wanted to wait for us to feel secure and then attack under the cover of darkness.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion nodded in agreement. <span style="color: Plum">“Of course. If they have the power to teleport then I absolutely guarantee that they have the power to observe the land where the teleport is to happen. I don’t know anybody who blindly teleports into an unknown situation.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis hefted her pick from where she had rested it beside her bedroll. <span style="color: Orange">“We talked about setting shifts. I’ll take the first watch. I’m not really feeling particularly tired this evening, so I wouldn’t mind staying awake for a few more hours while you all sleep.”</span></p><p></p><p>The rest of the party agreed upon a watch schedule and tried to rest as comfortably as they could. The night passed by quickly as they traded shifts and watches. Perhaps most importantly for them as they slept among the trees, the night passed uneventfully as well.</p><p></p><p>The same could not be said for Brandt and the priestess of Yrraxea. Once they had successfully transported to the temple, Brandt summoned two acolytes to his office. The acolytes responded as quickly as they could to the superior priest. They arrived only moments after the summons to the outside of Brandt’s office. Only after Brandt beckoned them to come in did they open the door and see Brandt standing over the bound and gagged woman.</p><p></p><p>Brandt nodded to the acolytes and motioned for them to step fully into the room. <span style="color: Lime">“Come in, come in. As you can see, I have need for you to raise this situation to the attention of several other priests.”</span></p><p></p><p>The acolytes stepped into the room and cautiously approached the bound woman. The taller of the acolytes looked down upon the woman and recognized the pendant around the gagged woman’s neck. <span style="color: Lime">“Yrraxea? This woman serves and honors Yrraxea?”</span> Suddenly his caution turned into a morbid curiosity. <span style="color: Lime">“Where did you bring her from? Master Brandt, have you been adventuring into the evil lands?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt lowered his glance to the woman and then looked to the acolyte who had spoken as if he were staring at him over a pair of lenses. <span style="color: Lime">“I figured that you would appreciate this find, Thomas. I see that your studies regarding the identification of the unholy under Master Searthu have been progressing well. Would it surprise you to know that this woman was discovered only a few miles outside of Fingerdale? She was retrieving an item that had been lost in the razing of a local nobleman’s villa. Fortunately, the nobleman’s remaining forces were strong enough to apprehend her.”</span></p><p></p><p>Both of the acolyte’s jaws opened as they heard Brandt’s testimony regarding the woman. The acolyte who had identified the pendant asked more questions of Brandt. <span style="color: Lime">“Yrraxea’s followers have grown so bold as to come this close to holy land? We’re not far from Barghost, after all. I could see them acting in the areas of Scarhaus or even Reignsburg so openly. But what does it mean to have a worshipper of Yrraxea so open here in Fingerdale?”</span></p><p></p><p>As the conversation continued, the woman opened her eyes but sat still upon the floor. There was no use fighting the bindings, but she could still listen attentively. If she knew what was coming, she might be able to produce some kind of defense before she was subjected to the questioning of Reah’s priests.</p><p></p><p>Brandt looked to the acolyte who had studied under Searthu. <span style="color: Lime">“I am pretty sure that your master would find this discovery interesting, don’t you think? I know that it is late, but I would like you to find out if Master Searthu has left the temple. If he hasn’t, please explain to him what you have seen with your eyes and heard with your ears. If he has left for the evening, please summon another acolyte to take your temple duties and go to his home and tell him what you know. I think that while he may be bothered originally by being disturbed, he will quickly be grateful.”</span></p><p></p><p>The acolyte bowed low to Brandt and backed his way out of Brandt’s office. Soon the door closed on its own once more. Brandt was left alone with the second acolyte and the bound priestess of Yrraxea. Brandt addressed the second acolyte who stood silently in the office. <span style="color: Lime">“Barra, you still continue to study under the protective arts of Master Buschlerre, do you not?”</span></p><p></p><p>The acolyte nodded in silence. His master had often cautioned him that silence was as useful a skill that any spell caster could employ. The acolyte knew that silence taught the mind to listen and to remain alert to one’s surroundings.</p><p></p><p>Brandt smiled at the acolyte’s reaction. There was no doubt that this acolyte was under the rigorous teaching of Master Buschlerre. <span style="color: Lime">“Go and find your master. I assume that he is still in the temple. For some reason the elven followers of Reah here in Fingerdale have an absurd aversion to spending time away from the temple. Of course this is not a bad thing, especially because it will be to Master Buschlerre’s benefit on this night. You can still speak, can you not?”</span></p><p></p><p>The acolyte smiled as he looked directly in Brandt’s eyes. Rather than responding, the acolyte merely nodded his head in the affirmative. The acolyte’s eyes did not leave Brandt’s eyes or his mouth as Brandt spoke.</p><p></p><p>Brandt couldn’t help but laugh at the preparedness of this acolyte. There could be no doubt that Master Buschlerre had spent years influencing this particular student. <span style="color: Lime">“Very well, indeed. Tell your master that I will have need of his silence as well as his defense before the night is over. Tell your master what I have told both of you tonight. Explain to Master Buschlerre that the interrogation of a priestess of Yrraxea will take place as soon as Master Searthu can be summoned. Once the interrogation is complete, your master’s expertise at keeping this priestess from casting spells will be quite useful. Of course, tell Master Buschlerre that he is welcome to participate in the interrogation as well.”</span></p><p></p><p>The acolyte nodded once more in the affirmative and began to back away as the first acolyte had done. After taking two steps, however, the acolyte stopped. Brandt watched the acolyte’s actions and glanced back to the acolyte’s face once the acolyte had chosen to linger. The master searched the acolyte’s face for a few moments before speaking. <span style="color: Lime">“Yes, Barra? Is there more you wish of me today?”</span></p><p></p><p>The acolyte nodded and licked his dry lips. <span style="color: Lime">“May I have your sanction to speak well, sir?”</span> Brandt nodded and motioned with his hand that the acolyte was to continue. <span style="color: Lime">“Sir, my training period is almost complete. I will be coming upon my time of examination. The fact that you know the gifts and talents of acolytes that are not your own impresses me, sir. I would be honored if you would consider being a part of my challenge team.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt smiled at the offer. <span style="color: Lime">“You understand what you are asking, no doubt? The fact that I know your strengths and weaknesses will not make it easy for you, Barra. And I do believe in the challenges to stretch the acolytes to ensure that they are ready.”</span></p><p></p><p>The acolyte of Master Buschlerre smiled. <span style="color: Lime">“Yes, sir. Your reputation upon the challenge teams precedes you, sir.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt was intrigued. He raised an eyebrow in the direction of the acolyte, but did not say anything further. He knew that by remaining quiet he would keep the acolyte in the dark as to whether he had taken the acolyte’s last comment as an insult or a compliment.</p><p></p><p>The acolyte continued. <span style="color: Lime">“I would have it no other way, sir. I would like to know that I was challenged properly when my time comes. I do not wish to pick a challenge team that wants to see me pass. I wish to pick a challenge team that wants to ensure that I am right for your order. If I am to be called a Master, I desire to know that I was challenged by the best, Master Brandt.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt smiled broadly. The acolyte had spoken well, even if he did portray a hint of arrogance that exceeded self-confidence. <span style="color: Lime">“Go and find your master, Barra. When you have demonstrated your worth to me by completing my task for you then I shall give you my answer.”</span></p><p></p><p>The acolyte backed out the room the rest of the way and Brandt was left alone with the priestess of Yrraxea. He knelt down to the ground and spoke directly to the woman. <span style="color: Lime">“There is a saying among the storytellers who entertain the people in the city square. They say that villains fall because their pride forbids them to keep any secrets. In other words, their villainous monologues lead to their own destruction by warning their victims of what is coming.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt continued his own monologue, knowing that the priestess of Yrraxea was unable to interrupt him. <span style="color: Lime">“However, I am going to demonstrate the same flaw out of my sympathy for you, priestess. You should prepare yourself. I have summoned the strongest controller of the temple’s aegis. We will be protected against your vile magic. I have also summoned the temple’s strongest truth-speaker. He holds the distinction of being our temple’s True-Tongue. You will be left with no option but to tell us why you have come and who has sent you. I would recommend that you prepare yourself for this event. Before the night is over we will know your secrets. Pray to your goddess for the protection of your tongue. Or pray to Reah for forgiveness of your earlier transgressions. I care not which you chose, but I warn you to pray.”</span></p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p>Brandt transported himself and the unholy priestess back to the temple in Fingerdale. There wouldn’t be any need to transport anyone else with them. Ischarus and Charis were needed at the villa in case it was going to be attacked again. Semeion and Rhema wouldn’t be able to do anything during the interrogation that Brandt and the members of his temple couldn’t also accomplish. For the night, it seemed to make more sense to have the four adventurers stay together with Rhema’s father.</p><p></p><p>Once Brandt took the woman back to Fingerdale via a teleportation spell, Iasho led the other four to a place where the five would be able to spend the night sheltered from the elements and in relative privacy. During the day, Iasho had discovered a small clearing with a thick layer of trees surrounding it. The clearing was no more than twenty feet wide and it had several fallen branches lying across the ground. These branches were easily cleared to make room for sleeping comfortably. The horses were secured along the edge of the clearing and slightly among the trees.</p><p></p><p>As the day had passed by, the party realized that the likelihood of retaliation grew less and less possible. If the priestess of Yrraxea had associates who were waiting for her return, then they should have come looking for her by now. The fact that the day had passed by so uneventfully most likely meant that the priestess was working within the Ephistaemi on the side of her duties for Yrraxea. Or at the very least, her dealings here with the villa were not officially sanctioned by the temple out of which she served.</p><p></p><p>Yet as the day drew to a close and the sun descended behind the tops of the trees, their fears increased. Suddenly the possibility of a surprise attack became a new threat. With the cover of darkness, a challenger could come upon them from almost any direction so long as they knew where to look.</p><p></p><p>This very possibility caused Ischarus to be particularly edgy as they set up camp for the night. “Perhaps their was no counterattack during the day because they were spying on us and watching our movements while they could from a distance. If they are powerful enough to teleport into this area, surely they are powerful enough to observe us through magical means. Maybe they wanted to wait for us to feel secure and then attack under the cover of darkness.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion nodded in agreement. “Of course. If they have the power to teleport then I absolutely guarantee that they have the power to observe the land where the teleport is to happen. I don’t know anybody who blindly teleports into an unknown situation.”</p><p></p><p>Charis hefted her pick from where she had rested it beside her bedroll. “We talked about setting shifts. I’ll take the first watch. I’m not really feeling particularly tired this evening, so I wouldn’t mind staying awake for a few more hours while you all sleep.”</p><p></p><p>The rest of the party agreed upon a watch schedule and tried to rest as comfortably as they could. The night passed by quickly as they traded shifts and watches. Perhaps most importantly for them as they slept among the trees, the night passed uneventfully as well.</p><p></p><p>The same could not be said for Brandt and the priestess of Yrraxea. Once they had successfully transported to the temple, Brandt summoned two acolytes to his office. The acolytes responded as quickly as they could to the superior priest. They arrived only moments after the summons to the outside of Brandt’s office. Only after Brandt beckoned them to come in did they open the door and see Brandt standing over the bound and gagged woman.</p><p></p><p>Brandt nodded to the acolytes and motioned for them to step fully into the room. “Come in, come in. As you can see, I have need for you to raise this situation to the attention of several other priests.”</p><p></p><p>The acolytes stepped into the room and cautiously approached the bound woman. The taller of the acolytes looked down upon the woman and recognized the pendant around the gagged woman’s neck. “Yrraxea? This woman serves and honors Yrraxea?” Suddenly his caution turned into a morbid curiosity. “Where did you bring her from? Master Brandt, have you been adventuring into the evil lands?”</p><p></p><p>Brandt lowered his glance to the woman and then looked to the acolyte who had spoken as if he were staring at him over a pair of lenses. “I figured that you would appreciate this find, Thomas. I see that your studies regarding the identification of the unholy under Master Searthu have been progressing well. Would it surprise you to know that this woman was discovered only a few miles outside of Fingerdale? She was retrieving an item that had been lost in the razing of a local nobleman’s villa. Fortunately, the nobleman’s remaining forces were strong enough to apprehend her.”</p><p></p><p>Both of the acolyte’s jaws opened as they heard Brandt’s testimony regarding the woman. The acolyte who had identified the pendant asked more questions of Brandt. “Yrraxea’s followers have grown so bold as to come this close to holy land? We’re not far from Barghost, after all. I could see them acting in the areas of Scarhaus or even Reignsburg so openly. But what does it mean to have a worshipper of Yrraxea so open here in Fingerdale?”</p><p></p><p>As the conversation continued, the woman opened her eyes but sat still upon the floor. There was no use fighting the bindings, but she could still listen attentively. If she knew what was coming, she might be able to produce some kind of defense before she was subjected to the questioning of Reah’s priests.</p><p></p><p>Brandt looked to the acolyte who had studied under Searthu. “I am pretty sure that your master would find this discovery interesting, don’t you think? I know that it is late, but I would like you to find out if Master Searthu has left the temple. If he hasn’t, please explain to him what you have seen with your eyes and heard with your ears. If he has left for the evening, please summon another acolyte to take your temple duties and go to his home and tell him what you know. I think that while he may be bothered originally by being disturbed, he will quickly be grateful.”</p><p></p><p>The acolyte bowed low to Brandt and backed his way out of Brandt’s office. Soon the door closed on its own once more. Brandt was left alone with the second acolyte and the bound priestess of Yrraxea. Brandt addressed the second acolyte who stood silently in the office. “Barra, you still continue to study under the protective arts of Master Buschlerre, do you not?”</p><p></p><p>The acolyte nodded in silence. His master had often cautioned him that silence was as useful a skill that any spell caster could employ. The acolyte knew that silence taught the mind to listen and to remain alert to one’s surroundings.</p><p></p><p>Brandt smiled at the acolyte’s reaction. There was no doubt that this acolyte was under the rigorous teaching of Master Buschlerre. “Go and find your master. I assume that he is still in the temple. For some reason the elven followers of Reah here in Fingerdale have an absurd aversion to spending time away from the temple. Of course this is not a bad thing, especially because it will be to Master Buschlerre’s benefit on this night. You can still speak, can you not?”</p><p></p><p>The acolyte smiled as he looked directly in Brandt’s eyes. Rather than responding, the acolyte merely nodded his head in the affirmative. The acolyte’s eyes did not leave Brandt’s eyes or his mouth as Brandt spoke.</p><p></p><p>Brandt couldn’t help but laugh at the preparedness of this acolyte. There could be no doubt that Master Buschlerre had spent years influencing this particular student. “Very well, indeed. Tell your master that I will have need of his silence as well as his defense before the night is over. Tell your master what I have told both of you tonight. Explain to Master Buschlerre that the interrogation of a priestess of Yrraxea will take place as soon as Master Searthu can be summoned. Once the interrogation is complete, your master’s expertise at keeping this priestess from casting spells will be quite useful. Of course, tell Master Buschlerre that he is welcome to participate in the interrogation as well.”</p><p></p><p>The acolyte nodded once more in the affirmative and began to back away as the first acolyte had done. After taking two steps, however, the acolyte stopped. Brandt watched the acolyte’s actions and glanced back to the acolyte’s face once the acolyte had chosen to linger. The master searched the acolyte’s face for a few moments before speaking. “Yes, Barra? Is there more you wish of me today?”</p><p></p><p>The acolyte nodded and licked his dry lips. “May I have your sanction to speak well, sir?” Brandt nodded and motioned with his hand that the acolyte was to continue. “Sir, my training period is almost complete. I will be coming upon my time of examination. The fact that you know the gifts and talents of acolytes that are not your own impresses me, sir. I would be honored if you would consider being a part of my challenge team.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt smiled at the offer. “You understand what you are asking, no doubt? The fact that I know your strengths and weaknesses will not make it easy for you, Barra. And I do believe in the challenges to stretch the acolytes to ensure that they are ready.”</p><p></p><p>The acolyte of Master Buschlerre smiled. “Yes, sir. Your reputation upon the challenge teams precedes you, sir.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt was intrigued. He raised an eyebrow in the direction of the acolyte, but did not say anything further. He knew that by remaining quiet he would keep the acolyte in the dark as to whether he had taken the acolyte’s last comment as an insult or a compliment.</p><p></p><p>The acolyte continued. “I would have it no other way, sir. I would like to know that I was challenged properly when my time comes. I do not wish to pick a challenge team that wants to see me pass. I wish to pick a challenge team that wants to ensure that I am right for your order. If I am to be called a Master, I desire to know that I was challenged by the best, Master Brandt.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt smiled broadly. The acolyte had spoken well, even if he did portray a hint of arrogance that exceeded self-confidence. “Go and find your master, Barra. When you have demonstrated your worth to me by completing my task for you then I shall give you my answer.”</p><p></p><p>The acolyte backed out the room the rest of the way and Brandt was left alone with the priestess of Yrraxea. He knelt down to the ground and spoke directly to the woman. “There is a saying among the storytellers who entertain the people in the city square. They say that villains fall because their pride forbids them to keep any secrets. In other words, their villainous monologues lead to their own destruction by warning their victims of what is coming.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt continued his own monologue, knowing that the priestess of Yrraxea was unable to interrupt him. “However, I am going to demonstrate the same flaw out of my sympathy for you, priestess. You should prepare yourself. I have summoned the strongest controller of the temple’s aegis. We will be protected against your vile magic. I have also summoned the temple’s strongest truth-speaker. He holds the distinction of being our temple’s True-Tongue. You will be left with no option but to tell us why you have come and who has sent you. I would recommend that you prepare yourself for this event. Before the night is over we will know your secrets. Pray to your goddess for the protection of your tongue. Or pray to Reah for forgiveness of your earlier transgressions. I care not which you chose, but I warn you to pray.”</p><p>[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 3317534, member: 35788"] Brandt transported himself and the unholy priestess back to the temple in Fingerdale. There wouldn’t be any need to transport anyone else with them. Ischarus and Charis were needed at the villa in case it was going to be attacked again. Semeion and Rhema wouldn’t be able to do anything during the interrogation that Brandt and the members of his temple couldn’t also accomplish. For the night, it seemed to make more sense to have the four adventurers stay together with Rhema’s father. Once Brandt took the woman back to Fingerdale via a teleportation spell, Iasho led the other four to a place where the five would be able to spend the night sheltered from the elements and in relative privacy. During the day, Iasho had discovered a small clearing with a thick layer of trees surrounding it. The clearing was no more than twenty feet wide and it had several fallen branches lying across the ground. These branches were easily cleared to make room for sleeping comfortably. The horses were secured along the edge of the clearing and slightly among the trees. As the day had passed by, the party realized that the likelihood of retaliation grew less and less possible. If the priestess of Yrraxea had associates who were waiting for her return, then they should have come looking for her by now. The fact that the day had passed by so uneventfully most likely meant that the priestess was working within the Ephistaemi on the side of her duties for Yrraxea. Or at the very least, her dealings here with the villa were not officially sanctioned by the temple out of which she served. Yet as the day drew to a close and the sun descended behind the tops of the trees, their fears increased. Suddenly the possibility of a surprise attack became a new threat. With the cover of darkness, a challenger could come upon them from almost any direction so long as they knew where to look. This very possibility caused Ischarus to be particularly edgy as they set up camp for the night. [Color=Lightblue]“Perhaps their was no counterattack during the day because they were spying on us and watching our movements while they could from a distance. If they are powerful enough to teleport into this area, surely they are powerful enough to observe us through magical means. Maybe they wanted to wait for us to feel secure and then attack under the cover of darkness.”[/Color] Semeion nodded in agreement. [Color=Plum]“Of course. If they have the power to teleport then I absolutely guarantee that they have the power to observe the land where the teleport is to happen. I don’t know anybody who blindly teleports into an unknown situation.”[/Color] Charis hefted her pick from where she had rested it beside her bedroll. [Color=Orange]“We talked about setting shifts. I’ll take the first watch. I’m not really feeling particularly tired this evening, so I wouldn’t mind staying awake for a few more hours while you all sleep.”[/Color] The rest of the party agreed upon a watch schedule and tried to rest as comfortably as they could. The night passed by quickly as they traded shifts and watches. Perhaps most importantly for them as they slept among the trees, the night passed uneventfully as well. The same could not be said for Brandt and the priestess of Yrraxea. Once they had successfully transported to the temple, Brandt summoned two acolytes to his office. The acolytes responded as quickly as they could to the superior priest. They arrived only moments after the summons to the outside of Brandt’s office. Only after Brandt beckoned them to come in did they open the door and see Brandt standing over the bound and gagged woman. Brandt nodded to the acolytes and motioned for them to step fully into the room. [Color=Lime]“Come in, come in. As you can see, I have need for you to raise this situation to the attention of several other priests.”[/Color] The acolytes stepped into the room and cautiously approached the bound woman. The taller of the acolytes looked down upon the woman and recognized the pendant around the gagged woman’s neck. [Color=Lime]“Yrraxea? This woman serves and honors Yrraxea?”[/Color] Suddenly his caution turned into a morbid curiosity. [Color=Lime]“Where did you bring her from? Master Brandt, have you been adventuring into the evil lands?”[/Color] Brandt lowered his glance to the woman and then looked to the acolyte who had spoken as if he were staring at him over a pair of lenses. [Color=Lime]“I figured that you would appreciate this find, Thomas. I see that your studies regarding the identification of the unholy under Master Searthu have been progressing well. Would it surprise you to know that this woman was discovered only a few miles outside of Fingerdale? She was retrieving an item that had been lost in the razing of a local nobleman’s villa. Fortunately, the nobleman’s remaining forces were strong enough to apprehend her.”[/Color] Both of the acolyte’s jaws opened as they heard Brandt’s testimony regarding the woman. The acolyte who had identified the pendant asked more questions of Brandt. [Color=Lime]“Yrraxea’s followers have grown so bold as to come this close to holy land? We’re not far from Barghost, after all. I could see them acting in the areas of Scarhaus or even Reignsburg so openly. But what does it mean to have a worshipper of Yrraxea so open here in Fingerdale?”[/Color] As the conversation continued, the woman opened her eyes but sat still upon the floor. There was no use fighting the bindings, but she could still listen attentively. If she knew what was coming, she might be able to produce some kind of defense before she was subjected to the questioning of Reah’s priests. Brandt looked to the acolyte who had studied under Searthu. [Color=Lime]“I am pretty sure that your master would find this discovery interesting, don’t you think? I know that it is late, but I would like you to find out if Master Searthu has left the temple. If he hasn’t, please explain to him what you have seen with your eyes and heard with your ears. If he has left for the evening, please summon another acolyte to take your temple duties and go to his home and tell him what you know. I think that while he may be bothered originally by being disturbed, he will quickly be grateful.”[/Color] The acolyte bowed low to Brandt and backed his way out of Brandt’s office. Soon the door closed on its own once more. Brandt was left alone with the second acolyte and the bound priestess of Yrraxea. Brandt addressed the second acolyte who stood silently in the office. [Color=Lime]“Barra, you still continue to study under the protective arts of Master Buschlerre, do you not?”[/Color] The acolyte nodded in silence. His master had often cautioned him that silence was as useful a skill that any spell caster could employ. The acolyte knew that silence taught the mind to listen and to remain alert to one’s surroundings. Brandt smiled at the acolyte’s reaction. There was no doubt that this acolyte was under the rigorous teaching of Master Buschlerre. [Color=Lime]“Go and find your master. I assume that he is still in the temple. For some reason the elven followers of Reah here in Fingerdale have an absurd aversion to spending time away from the temple. Of course this is not a bad thing, especially because it will be to Master Buschlerre’s benefit on this night. You can still speak, can you not?”[/Color] The acolyte smiled as he looked directly in Brandt’s eyes. Rather than responding, the acolyte merely nodded his head in the affirmative. The acolyte’s eyes did not leave Brandt’s eyes or his mouth as Brandt spoke. Brandt couldn’t help but laugh at the preparedness of this acolyte. There could be no doubt that Master Buschlerre had spent years influencing this particular student. [Color=Lime]“Very well, indeed. Tell your master that I will have need of his silence as well as his defense before the night is over. Tell your master what I have told both of you tonight. Explain to Master Buschlerre that the interrogation of a priestess of Yrraxea will take place as soon as Master Searthu can be summoned. Once the interrogation is complete, your master’s expertise at keeping this priestess from casting spells will be quite useful. Of course, tell Master Buschlerre that he is welcome to participate in the interrogation as well.”[/Color] The acolyte nodded once more in the affirmative and began to back away as the first acolyte had done. After taking two steps, however, the acolyte stopped. Brandt watched the acolyte’s actions and glanced back to the acolyte’s face once the acolyte had chosen to linger. The master searched the acolyte’s face for a few moments before speaking. [Color=Lime]“Yes, Barra? Is there more you wish of me today?”[/Color] The acolyte nodded and licked his dry lips. [Color=Lime]“May I have your sanction to speak well, sir?”[/Color] Brandt nodded and motioned with his hand that the acolyte was to continue. [Color=Lime]“Sir, my training period is almost complete. I will be coming upon my time of examination. The fact that you know the gifts and talents of acolytes that are not your own impresses me, sir. I would be honored if you would consider being a part of my challenge team.”[/Color] Brandt smiled at the offer. [Color=Lime]“You understand what you are asking, no doubt? The fact that I know your strengths and weaknesses will not make it easy for you, Barra. And I do believe in the challenges to stretch the acolytes to ensure that they are ready.”[/Color] The acolyte of Master Buschlerre smiled. [Color=Lime]“Yes, sir. Your reputation upon the challenge teams precedes you, sir.”[/Color] Brandt was intrigued. He raised an eyebrow in the direction of the acolyte, but did not say anything further. He knew that by remaining quiet he would keep the acolyte in the dark as to whether he had taken the acolyte’s last comment as an insult or a compliment. The acolyte continued. [Color=Lime]“I would have it no other way, sir. I would like to know that I was challenged properly when my time comes. I do not wish to pick a challenge team that wants to see me pass. I wish to pick a challenge team that wants to ensure that I am right for your order. If I am to be called a Master, I desire to know that I was challenged by the best, Master Brandt.”[/Color] Brandt smiled broadly. The acolyte had spoken well, even if he did portray a hint of arrogance that exceeded self-confidence. [Color=Lime]“Go and find your master, Barra. When you have demonstrated your worth to me by completing my task for you then I shall give you my answer.”[/Color] The acolyte backed out the room the rest of the way and Brandt was left alone with the priestess of Yrraxea. He knelt down to the ground and spoke directly to the woman. [Color=Lime]“There is a saying among the storytellers who entertain the people in the city square. They say that villains fall because their pride forbids them to keep any secrets. In other words, their villainous monologues lead to their own destruction by warning their victims of what is coming.”[/Color] Brandt continued his own monologue, knowing that the priestess of Yrraxea was unable to interrupt him. [Color=Lime]“However, I am going to demonstrate the same flaw out of my sympathy for you, priestess. You should prepare yourself. I have summoned the strongest controller of the temple’s aegis. We will be protected against your vile magic. I have also summoned the temple’s strongest truth-speaker. He holds the distinction of being our temple’s True-Tongue. You will be left with no option but to tell us why you have come and who has sent you. I would recommend that you prepare yourself for this event. Before the night is over we will know your secrets. Pray to your goddess for the protection of your tongue. Or pray to Reah for forgiveness of your earlier transgressions. I care not which you chose, but I warn you to pray.”[/Color] [Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section] Brandt transported himself and the unholy priestess back to the temple in Fingerdale. There wouldn’t be any need to transport anyone else with them. Ischarus and Charis were needed at the villa in case it was going to be attacked again. Semeion and Rhema wouldn’t be able to do anything during the interrogation that Brandt and the members of his temple couldn’t also accomplish. For the night, it seemed to make more sense to have the four adventurers stay together with Rhema’s father. Once Brandt took the woman back to Fingerdale via a teleportation spell, Iasho led the other four to a place where the five would be able to spend the night sheltered from the elements and in relative privacy. During the day, Iasho had discovered a small clearing with a thick layer of trees surrounding it. The clearing was no more than twenty feet wide and it had several fallen branches lying across the ground. These branches were easily cleared to make room for sleeping comfortably. The horses were secured along the edge of the clearing and slightly among the trees. As the day had passed by, the party realized that the likelihood of retaliation grew less and less possible. If the priestess of Yrraxea had associates who were waiting for her return, then they should have come looking for her by now. The fact that the day had passed by so uneventfully most likely meant that the priestess was working within the Ephistaemi on the side of her duties for Yrraxea. Or at the very least, her dealings here with the villa were not officially sanctioned by the temple out of which she served. Yet as the day drew to a close and the sun descended behind the tops of the trees, their fears increased. Suddenly the possibility of a surprise attack became a new threat. With the cover of darkness, a challenger could come upon them from almost any direction so long as they knew where to look. This very possibility caused Ischarus to be particularly edgy as they set up camp for the night. “Perhaps their was no counterattack during the day because they were spying on us and watching our movements while they could from a distance. If they are powerful enough to teleport into this area, surely they are powerful enough to observe us through magical means. Maybe they wanted to wait for us to feel secure and then attack under the cover of darkness.” Semeion nodded in agreement. “Of course. If they have the power to teleport then I absolutely guarantee that they have the power to observe the land where the teleport is to happen. I don’t know anybody who blindly teleports into an unknown situation.” Charis hefted her pick from where she had rested it beside her bedroll. “We talked about setting shifts. I’ll take the first watch. I’m not really feeling particularly tired this evening, so I wouldn’t mind staying awake for a few more hours while you all sleep.” The rest of the party agreed upon a watch schedule and tried to rest as comfortably as they could. The night passed by quickly as they traded shifts and watches. Perhaps most importantly for them as they slept among the trees, the night passed uneventfully as well. The same could not be said for Brandt and the priestess of Yrraxea. Once they had successfully transported to the temple, Brandt summoned two acolytes to his office. The acolytes responded as quickly as they could to the superior priest. They arrived only moments after the summons to the outside of Brandt’s office. Only after Brandt beckoned them to come in did they open the door and see Brandt standing over the bound and gagged woman. Brandt nodded to the acolytes and motioned for them to step fully into the room. “Come in, come in. As you can see, I have need for you to raise this situation to the attention of several other priests.” The acolytes stepped into the room and cautiously approached the bound woman. The taller of the acolytes looked down upon the woman and recognized the pendant around the gagged woman’s neck. “Yrraxea? This woman serves and honors Yrraxea?” Suddenly his caution turned into a morbid curiosity. “Where did you bring her from? Master Brandt, have you been adventuring into the evil lands?” Brandt lowered his glance to the woman and then looked to the acolyte who had spoken as if he were staring at him over a pair of lenses. “I figured that you would appreciate this find, Thomas. I see that your studies regarding the identification of the unholy under Master Searthu have been progressing well. Would it surprise you to know that this woman was discovered only a few miles outside of Fingerdale? She was retrieving an item that had been lost in the razing of a local nobleman’s villa. Fortunately, the nobleman’s remaining forces were strong enough to apprehend her.” Both of the acolyte’s jaws opened as they heard Brandt’s testimony regarding the woman. The acolyte who had identified the pendant asked more questions of Brandt. “Yrraxea’s followers have grown so bold as to come this close to holy land? We’re not far from Barghost, after all. I could see them acting in the areas of Scarhaus or even Reignsburg so openly. But what does it mean to have a worshipper of Yrraxea so open here in Fingerdale?” As the conversation continued, the woman opened her eyes but sat still upon the floor. There was no use fighting the bindings, but she could still listen attentively. If she knew what was coming, she might be able to produce some kind of defense before she was subjected to the questioning of Reah’s priests. Brandt looked to the acolyte who had studied under Searthu. “I am pretty sure that your master would find this discovery interesting, don’t you think? I know that it is late, but I would like you to find out if Master Searthu has left the temple. If he hasn’t, please explain to him what you have seen with your eyes and heard with your ears. If he has left for the evening, please summon another acolyte to take your temple duties and go to his home and tell him what you know. I think that while he may be bothered originally by being disturbed, he will quickly be grateful.” The acolyte bowed low to Brandt and backed his way out of Brandt’s office. Soon the door closed on its own once more. Brandt was left alone with the second acolyte and the bound priestess of Yrraxea. Brandt addressed the second acolyte who stood silently in the office. “Barra, you still continue to study under the protective arts of Master Buschlerre, do you not?” The acolyte nodded in silence. His master had often cautioned him that silence was as useful a skill that any spell caster could employ. The acolyte knew that silence taught the mind to listen and to remain alert to one’s surroundings. Brandt smiled at the acolyte’s reaction. There was no doubt that this acolyte was under the rigorous teaching of Master Buschlerre. “Go and find your master. I assume that he is still in the temple. For some reason the elven followers of Reah here in Fingerdale have an absurd aversion to spending time away from the temple. Of course this is not a bad thing, especially because it will be to Master Buschlerre’s benefit on this night. You can still speak, can you not?” The acolyte smiled as he looked directly in Brandt’s eyes. Rather than responding, the acolyte merely nodded his head in the affirmative. The acolyte’s eyes did not leave Brandt’s eyes or his mouth as Brandt spoke. Brandt couldn’t help but laugh at the preparedness of this acolyte. There could be no doubt that Master Buschlerre had spent years influencing this particular student. “Very well, indeed. Tell your master that I will have need of his silence as well as his defense before the night is over. Tell your master what I have told both of you tonight. Explain to Master Buschlerre that the interrogation of a priestess of Yrraxea will take place as soon as Master Searthu can be summoned. Once the interrogation is complete, your master’s expertise at keeping this priestess from casting spells will be quite useful. Of course, tell Master Buschlerre that he is welcome to participate in the interrogation as well.” The acolyte nodded once more in the affirmative and began to back away as the first acolyte had done. After taking two steps, however, the acolyte stopped. Brandt watched the acolyte’s actions and glanced back to the acolyte’s face once the acolyte had chosen to linger. The master searched the acolyte’s face for a few moments before speaking. “Yes, Barra? Is there more you wish of me today?” The acolyte nodded and licked his dry lips. “May I have your sanction to speak well, sir?” Brandt nodded and motioned with his hand that the acolyte was to continue. “Sir, my training period is almost complete. I will be coming upon my time of examination. The fact that you know the gifts and talents of acolytes that are not your own impresses me, sir. I would be honored if you would consider being a part of my challenge team.” Brandt smiled at the offer. “You understand what you are asking, no doubt? The fact that I know your strengths and weaknesses will not make it easy for you, Barra. And I do believe in the challenges to stretch the acolytes to ensure that they are ready.” The acolyte of Master Buschlerre smiled. “Yes, sir. Your reputation upon the challenge teams precedes you, sir.” Brandt was intrigued. He raised an eyebrow in the direction of the acolyte, but did not say anything further. He knew that by remaining quiet he would keep the acolyte in the dark as to whether he had taken the acolyte’s last comment as an insult or a compliment. The acolyte continued. “I would have it no other way, sir. I would like to know that I was challenged properly when my time comes. I do not wish to pick a challenge team that wants to see me pass. I wish to pick a challenge team that wants to ensure that I am right for your order. If I am to be called a Master, I desire to know that I was challenged by the best, Master Brandt.” Brandt smiled broadly. The acolyte had spoken well, even if he did portray a hint of arrogance that exceeded self-confidence. “Go and find your master, Barra. When you have demonstrated your worth to me by completing my task for you then I shall give you my answer.” The acolyte backed out the room the rest of the way and Brandt was left alone with the priestess of Yrraxea. He knelt down to the ground and spoke directly to the woman. “There is a saying among the storytellers who entertain the people in the city square. They say that villains fall because their pride forbids them to keep any secrets. In other words, their villainous monologues lead to their own destruction by warning their victims of what is coming.” Brandt continued his own monologue, knowing that the priestess of Yrraxea was unable to interrupt him. “However, I am going to demonstrate the same flaw out of my sympathy for you, priestess. You should prepare yourself. I have summoned the strongest controller of the temple’s aegis. We will be protected against your vile magic. I have also summoned the temple’s strongest truth-speaker. He holds the distinction of being our temple’s True-Tongue. You will be left with no option but to tell us why you have come and who has sent you. I would recommend that you prepare yourself for this event. Before the night is over we will know your secrets. Pray to your goddess for the protection of your tongue. Or pray to Reah for forgiveness of your earlier transgressions. I care not which you chose, but I warn you to pray.” [/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
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