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<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 3328119" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p><strong>Chapter Three: THE INFERTILE HUNT</strong></p><p></p><p>The next morning Rhema, Ischarus, Charis, and Semeion woke up with the sun. They knew that Brandt had no doubt already questioned the priestess of Yrraxea. They saddled up their horses and headed to Fingerdale to try and meet with the powerful priest of the temple of Reah. Iasho stayed behind to watch over the remains of the villa and begin to plan a new layout for his villa that would rise again from the stones and timbers of the land.</p><p></p><p>The trip to Fingerdale passed uneventfully and well before noon the foursome found themselves hitching their horses to the rails provided in front of the temple. The entered the temple and looked for the nearest acolyte. As they had come to expect, the party did not need to look hard. </p><p></p><p>An acolyte waited for their entrance and immediately approached. As she stepped forward, another acolyte took her place in waiting for the next patron of the temple. The girl who approached the party looked as though she had not yet hit her growth spurt. She couldn’t have been much more than ten years old. As she spoke, the elevated pitch of her voice confirmed that she had not yet begun to hit puberty. <span style="color: Lime">“Sirs and Madams? How can the temple assist you today?”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus looked down to the girl. His large frame dwarfed the girl, and he tried to smile pleasantly as he spoke. <span style="color: LightBlue">“We wish to see Master Brandt. I believe he is expecting us, although we do not have an appointment.”</span></p><p></p><p>The girl thought for a moment and replied. <span style="color: Lime">“Do you mind waiting here in the lobby while I go and check on the status of Master Brandt this morning? I know he was here late last evening. I do not know if he is seeing clients for the day.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema smiled politely. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“I doubt he will refuse to see us. However, we will certainly wait for you to speak to the master.”</span></p><p></p><p>The girl bowed deeply and backed away until she was about 30 feet down the hallway. Once she was far enough away to not seem rude, she quickly spun on her heels and trotted down the stone hall. The faint patter of her bare feet could be heard as she jogged away towards Brandt’s office.</p><p></p><p>She returned much more quickly than any of the party expected. She had hardly been out of their sight for thirty seconds before the patter of her feet could be heard once more and this time they were returning towards the party. Another ten seconds later and the girl turned the corner and came into view. <span style="color: Lime">“Master Brandt says that you are welcome to come and meet with him.”</span></p><p></p><p>She had no sooner gotten the words out of her mouth than Brandt appeared around the corner of the hallway and into full view. His eyes carried dark circles underneath them as if he had not slept for the night. His face was weary and he carried his arms as if they were great weights. However, he smiled when the party came into view.</p><p></p><p>Once he had closed the gap enough to speak at a volume only slightly higher than a whisper, the veteran priest addressed the party. <span style="color: Lime">“I had a monitor on the temple doors that was searching for you, I figured that you would come. I was alerted to your presence before the acolyte had spoken her first word. But, I trust that your night passed far easier than mine? I also hope that your journey here was free of trouble?”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion nodded, smiling at the man who had unofficially become his own mentor. <span style="color: Plum">“Indeed, sir. Our night was relatively easy. Our watches proved unnecessary, although still a wise precaution. And our journey was easy this morning. However, if I may say so it appears that your night was much the opposite.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt nodded and continued to speak in his hushed tone. <span style="color: Lime">“Quite. However, I will certainly say more when we have gone into my office.”</span> The priest turned to the acolyte and smiled. <span style="color: Lime">“Aurelle, you performed marvelously. Please return to your post.”</span> The girl beamed at the praise and trotted down to her station by the temple entrance.</p><p></p><p>The foursome followed Brandt down the familiar hallway and into his office. Once the priest had closed the door and directed the party to sit comfortably, he began to speak. <span style="color: Lime">“It was a long night of research well after the interrogation was concluded.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema leaned forward in her chair. She was especially curious at the news that Brandt could give to her regarding the destruction of the only home she’d known since childhood. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“I am assuming that you found out who is responsible and why this act was committed?”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis chuckled at Rhema’s words. <span style="color: Orange">“By all means, Rhema, just cut straight to the chase. Don’t worry about anything except the most important fact first, right?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt smiled and interrupted before Rhema could offer up any kind of retort. <span style="color: Lime">“In truth, we found more questions than answers. We were unable to find out the rationale for the destruction of the villa. It would seem that the priestess of Yrraxea didn’t know herself.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema’s eyes grew wide. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“What? You weren’t able to find out who was responsible?”</span> She attempted to stand, but Ischarus reached out a hand and placed it upon her knee. She tried to shrug him off, but was unable to accomplish her desire. Since she was restrained, she simply squirmed uncomfortably in her seat for a few seconds.</p><p></p><p>Brandt replied honestly to Rhema’s assertion. <span style="color: Lime">“That does not mean that our interrogation was altogether unsuccessful, either. We were able to find out a few important details. I believe that these details will be quite significant when it comes to your next step.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled at Brandt’s offer. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Well, then. Do tell. Any information is important at this stage. Considering all we know is that the Ephistaemi are involved, anything that you can add will be appreciated.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt looked directly to Rhema. <span style="color: Lime">“We learned that the priestess’ name was Darkbringer among the Ephistaemi. We also learned that she was working with another member of the Ephistaemi called Bloodseeker.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis frowned disapprovingly and slightly stuck out her tongue. <span style="color: Orange">“Such dark names. Obviously we’re dealing with the most pleasant of the Ephistaemi this time around.”</span> Her tone had taken on a distinctly sarcastic tone.</p><p></p><p>Brandt smirked at Charis’ response. <span style="color: Lime">“Obviously! But that should not surprise you, considering what they were responsible for accomplishing while we were all away for the ceremony.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis nodded. <span style="color: Orange">“True enough.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt picked up his story where he had left off. <span style="color: Lime">“However, we were not able to completely discern how Bloodseeker fit into the equation. Bloodseeker did not hire Darkbringer. As close as we could tell, Bloodseeker was more like a reference.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema chewed the inside of her cheek as she churned the information through her head. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“A recruiter, perhaps?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt pursed his lips and thought for a moment before speaking. <span style="color: Lime">“Perhaps. Although it was clear that Bloodseeker did not pay Darkbringer. Their connection was minimal at best. They didn’t work together on this project, yet I got the distinct impression that without Bloodseeker this would not have been possible.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus also churned the information through his mind. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Well, if they’re not directly connected then who was in charge of Darkbringer? Who gave her orders and paid her for the task?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt shook his head in disgust. <span style="color: Lime">“That’s the part we were never able to figure out. The priestess of Yrraxea did not know! Trust me, I am sure that our interrogation methods were working properly. The answers she did know were given immediately without coercion once Master Searthu applied his magic. But she seemed to know absolutely nothing about who actually was in charge of paying her off and giving her orders. Our best guess is that the information came through Bloodseeker, although that is sketchy at best.”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema sighed deeply. The frustration of feeling blocked from useful information was getting the better of her. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Then where do we find this Bloodseeker?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt breathed in deeply and looked to the ground before returning his gaze upon Rhema and answering the legitimate question. <span style="color: Lime">“This is the disturbing part, and it is the part that had me up doing research most of the night. Bloodseeker works for Lord Ironblood.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis chuckled again. <span style="color: Orange">“Huh. I wonder. Could there be any connection to the name? Bloodseeker works for Ironblood. That seems too simple.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt’s eyes glistened with a newness of thought. His eyes wrinkled as he wondered how such a simple detail could have escaped his analysis. Had he been looking so deeply that he missed the most obvious answer?</p><p></p><p>He didn’t get a chance to answer before Rhema jumped to the next obvious conclusion. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“You are telling me that my father has been betrayed by Lord Ironblood? All the tribute that my father paid was for naught?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt nodded. <span style="color: Lime">“That is one possibility. The unfortunate fact is that we’ll not know unless this Bloodseeker can be found and brought in for questioning. I imagine that Bloodseeker knows far more about the motivation behind that attack than the priestess of Yrraxea. Once the interrogation had begun last night it was quite clear that Darkbringer was simply a hired tool to do a job. She was hired because she wouldn’t ask too many questions. The challenge of the destruction of the villa stood before her and she didn’t care about the motivation. Since she didn’t care why the villa needed to be destroyed, she was the perfect tool. She could be used and discarded without fear of her revealing too much.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus locked eyes with Rhema for a few seconds. He could almost hear her thoughts leaping out of her eyes, which were growing darker with nearly every sentence coming out of Brandt’s mouth. Ischarus seemed to subconsciously respond to Rhema’s thoughts and then he spoke. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Well, then. It seems like we are at a standstill until we find this Bloodseeker.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt rose to his feet before any of the party members could stand. <span style="color: Lime">“There is one other disturbing piece of information of which you should all be aware. Darkbringer was told to burn the villa at that specific time. It was not a coincidence. The attack was planned because they knew that you all would be away. That includes your father, Rhema. They knew that you would all be away.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion frowned. <span style="color: Plum">“Then we face a foe that wants us alive. At least for now, that is. We can likely rule out any enemy in Quehalost, then, can’t we? The denizens of Quehalost would likely want us dead, not alive.”</span></p><p></p><p>The rest of the party nodded with Semeion’s conclusion. In any regard, they were now done here for the time being. Until they found the one called Bloodseeker, there would likely not be any advance in the quest to find the responsible party. Bloodseeker had to be found, and likely he had to be found quickly.</p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p>Chapter Three: THE INFERTILE HUNT</p><p></p><p>The next morning Rhema, Ischarus, Charis, and Semeion woke up with the sun. They knew that Brandt had no doubt already questioned the priestess of Yrraxea. They saddled up their horses and headed to Fingerdale to try and meet with the powerful priest of the temple of Reah. Iasho stayed behind to watch over the remains of the villa and begin to plan a new layout for his villa that would rise again from the stones and timbers of the land.</p><p></p><p>The trip to Fingerdale passed uneventfully and well before noon the foursome found themselves hitching their horses to the rails provided in front of the temple. The entered the temple and looked for the nearest acolyte. As they had come to expect, the party did not need to look hard. </p><p></p><p>An acolyte waited for their entrance and immediately approached. As she stepped forward, another acolyte took her place in waiting for the next patron of the temple. The girl who approached the party looked as though she had not yet hit her growth spurt. She couldn’t have been much more than ten years old. As she spoke, the elevated pitch of her voice confirmed that she had not yet begun to hit puberty. “Sirs and Madams? How can the temple assist you today?”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus looked down to the girl. His large frame dwarfed the girl, and he tried to smile pleasantly as he spoke. “We wish to see Master Brandt. I believe he is expecting us, although we do not have an appointment.”</p><p></p><p>The girl thought for a moment and replied. “Do you mind waiting here in the lobby while I go and check on the status of Master Brandt this morning? I know he was here late last evening. I do not know if he is seeing clients for the day.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema smiled politely. “I doubt he will refuse to see us. However, we will certainly wait for you to speak to the master.”</p><p></p><p>The girl bowed deeply and backed away until she was about 30 feet down the hallway. Once she was far enough away to not seem rude, she quickly spun on her heels and trotted down the stone hall. The faint patter of her bare feet could be heard as she jogged away towards Brandt’s office.</p><p></p><p>She returned much more quickly than any of the party expected. She had hardly been out of their sight for thirty seconds before the patter of her feet could be heard once more and this time they were returning towards the party. Another ten seconds later and the girl turned the corner and came into view. “Master Brandt says that you are welcome to come and meet with him.”</p><p></p><p>She had no sooner gotten the words out of her mouth than Brandt appeared around the corner of the hallway and into full view. His eyes carried dark circles underneath them as if he had not slept for the night. His face was weary and he carried his arms as if they were great weights. However, he smiled when the party came into view.</p><p></p><p>Once he had closed the gap enough to speak at a volume only slightly higher than a whisper, the veteran priest addressed the party. “I had a monitor on the temple doors that was searching for you, I figured that you would come. I was alerted to your presence before the acolyte had spoken her first word. But, I trust that your night passed far easier than mine? I also hope that your journey here was free of trouble?”</p><p></p><p>Semeion nodded, smiling at the man who had unofficially become his own mentor. “Indeed, sir. Our night was relatively easy. Our watches proved unnecessary, although still a wise precaution. And our journey was easy this morning. However, if I may say so it appears that your night was much the opposite.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt nodded and continued to speak in his hushed tone. “Quite. However, I will certainly say more when we have gone into my office.” The priest turned to the acolyte and smiled. “Aurelle, you performed marvelously. Please return to your post.” The girl beamed at the praise and trotted down to her station by the temple entrance.</p><p></p><p>The foursome followed Brandt down the familiar hallway and into his office. Once the priest had closed the door and directed the party to sit comfortably, he began to speak. “It was a long night of research well after the interrogation was concluded.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema leaned forward in her chair. She was especially curious at the news that Brandt could give to her regarding the destruction of the only home she’d known since childhood. “I am assuming that you found out who is responsible and why this act was committed?”</p><p></p><p>Charis chuckled at Rhema’s words. “By all means, Rhema, just cut straight to the chase. Don’t worry about anything except the most important fact first, right?”</p><p></p><p>Brandt smiled and interrupted before Rhema could offer up any kind of retort. “In truth, we found more questions than answers. We were unable to find out the rationale for the destruction of the villa. It would seem that the priestess of Yrraxea didn’t know herself.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema’s eyes grew wide. “What? You weren’t able to find out who was responsible?” She attempted to stand, but Ischarus reached out a hand and placed it upon her knee. She tried to shrug him off, but was unable to accomplish her desire. Since she was restrained, she simply squirmed uncomfortably in her seat for a few seconds.</p><p></p><p>Brandt replied honestly to Rhema’s assertion. “That does not mean that our interrogation was altogether unsuccessful, either. We were able to find out a few important details. I believe that these details will be quite significant when it comes to your next step.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled at Brandt’s offer. “Well, then. Do tell. Any information is important at this stage. Considering all we know is that the Ephistaemi are involved, anything that you can add will be appreciated.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt looked directly to Rhema. “We learned that the priestess’ name was Darkbringer among the Ephistaemi. We also learned that she was working with another member of the Ephistaemi called Bloodseeker.”</p><p></p><p>Charis frowned disapprovingly and slightly stuck out her tongue. “Such dark names. Obviously we’re dealing with the most pleasant of the Ephistaemi this time around.” Her tone had taken on a distinctly sarcastic tone.</p><p></p><p>Brandt smirked at Charis’ response. “Obviously! But that should not surprise you, considering what they were responsible for accomplishing while we were all away for the ceremony.”</p><p></p><p>Charis nodded. “True enough.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt picked up his story where he had left off. “However, we were not able to completely discern how Bloodseeker fit into the equation. Bloodseeker did not hire Darkbringer. As close as we could tell, Bloodseeker was more like a reference.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema chewed the inside of her cheek as she churned the information through her head. “A recruiter, perhaps?”</p><p></p><p>Brandt pursed his lips and thought for a moment before speaking. “Perhaps. Although it was clear that Bloodseeker did not pay Darkbringer. Their connection was minimal at best. They didn’t work together on this project, yet I got the distinct impression that without Bloodseeker this would not have been possible.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus also churned the information through his mind. “Well, if they’re not directly connected then who was in charge of Darkbringer? Who gave her orders and paid her for the task?”</p><p></p><p>Brandt shook his head in disgust. “That’s the part we were never able to figure out. The priestess of Yrraxea did not know! Trust me, I am sure that our interrogation methods were working properly. The answers she did know were given immediately without coercion once Master Searthu applied his magic. But she seemed to know absolutely nothing about who actually was in charge of paying her off and giving her orders. Our best guess is that the information came through Bloodseeker, although that is sketchy at best.”</p><p></p><p>Rhema sighed deeply. The frustration of feeling blocked from useful information was getting the better of her. “Then where do we find this Bloodseeker?”</p><p></p><p>Brandt breathed in deeply and looked to the ground before returning his gaze upon Rhema and answering the legitimate question. “This is the disturbing part, and it is the part that had me up doing research most of the night. Bloodseeker works for Lord Ironblood.”</p><p></p><p>Charis chuckled again. “Huh. I wonder. Could there be any connection to the name? Bloodseeker works for Ironblood. That seems too simple.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt’s eyes glistened with a newness of thought. His eyes wrinkled as he wondered how such a simple detail could have escaped his analysis. Had he been looking so deeply that he missed the most obvious answer?</p><p></p><p>He didn’t get a chance to answer before Rhema jumped to the next obvious conclusion. “You are telling me that my father has been betrayed by Lord Ironblood? All the tribute that my father paid was for naught?”</p><p></p><p>Brandt nodded. “That is one possibility. The unfortunate fact is that we’ll not know unless this Bloodseeker can be found and brought in for questioning. I imagine that Bloodseeker knows far more about the motivation behind that attack than the priestess of Yrraxea. Once the interrogation had begun last night it was quite clear that Darkbringer was simply a hired tool to do a job. She was hired because she wouldn’t ask too many questions. The challenge of the destruction of the villa stood before her and she didn’t care about the motivation. Since she didn’t care why the villa needed to be destroyed, she was the perfect tool. She could be used and discarded without fear of her revealing too much.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus locked eyes with Rhema for a few seconds. He could almost hear her thoughts leaping out of her eyes, which were growing darker with nearly every sentence coming out of Brandt’s mouth. Ischarus seemed to subconsciously respond to Rhema’s thoughts and then he spoke. “Well, then. It seems like we are at a standstill until we find this Bloodseeker.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt rose to his feet before any of the party members could stand. “There is one other disturbing piece of information of which you should all be aware. Darkbringer was told to burn the villa at that specific time. It was not a coincidence. The attack was planned because they knew that you all would be away. That includes your father, Rhema. They knew that you would all be away.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion frowned. “Then we face a foe that wants us alive. At least for now, that is. We can likely rule out any enemy in Quehalost, then, can’t we? The denizens of Quehalost would likely want us dead, not alive.”</p><p></p><p>The rest of the party nodded with Semeion’s conclusion. In any regard, they were now done here for the time being. Until they found the one called Bloodseeker, there would likely not be any advance in the quest to find the responsible party. Bloodseeker had to be found, and likely he had to be found quickly.</p><p>[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 3328119, member: 35788"] [B]Chapter Three: THE INFERTILE HUNT[/B] The next morning Rhema, Ischarus, Charis, and Semeion woke up with the sun. They knew that Brandt had no doubt already questioned the priestess of Yrraxea. They saddled up their horses and headed to Fingerdale to try and meet with the powerful priest of the temple of Reah. Iasho stayed behind to watch over the remains of the villa and begin to plan a new layout for his villa that would rise again from the stones and timbers of the land. The trip to Fingerdale passed uneventfully and well before noon the foursome found themselves hitching their horses to the rails provided in front of the temple. The entered the temple and looked for the nearest acolyte. As they had come to expect, the party did not need to look hard. An acolyte waited for their entrance and immediately approached. As she stepped forward, another acolyte took her place in waiting for the next patron of the temple. The girl who approached the party looked as though she had not yet hit her growth spurt. She couldn’t have been much more than ten years old. As she spoke, the elevated pitch of her voice confirmed that she had not yet begun to hit puberty. [Color=Lime]“Sirs and Madams? How can the temple assist you today?”[/Color] Ischarus looked down to the girl. His large frame dwarfed the girl, and he tried to smile pleasantly as he spoke. [Color=LightBlue]“We wish to see Master Brandt. I believe he is expecting us, although we do not have an appointment.”[/Color] The girl thought for a moment and replied. [Color=Lime]“Do you mind waiting here in the lobby while I go and check on the status of Master Brandt this morning? I know he was here late last evening. I do not know if he is seeing clients for the day.”[/Color] Rhema smiled politely. [Color=PaleGreen]“I doubt he will refuse to see us. However, we will certainly wait for you to speak to the master.”[/Color] The girl bowed deeply and backed away until she was about 30 feet down the hallway. Once she was far enough away to not seem rude, she quickly spun on her heels and trotted down the stone hall. The faint patter of her bare feet could be heard as she jogged away towards Brandt’s office. She returned much more quickly than any of the party expected. She had hardly been out of their sight for thirty seconds before the patter of her feet could be heard once more and this time they were returning towards the party. Another ten seconds later and the girl turned the corner and came into view. [Color=Lime]“Master Brandt says that you are welcome to come and meet with him.”[/Color] She had no sooner gotten the words out of her mouth than Brandt appeared around the corner of the hallway and into full view. His eyes carried dark circles underneath them as if he had not slept for the night. His face was weary and he carried his arms as if they were great weights. However, he smiled when the party came into view. Once he had closed the gap enough to speak at a volume only slightly higher than a whisper, the veteran priest addressed the party. [Color=Lime]“I had a monitor on the temple doors that was searching for you, I figured that you would come. I was alerted to your presence before the acolyte had spoken her first word. But, I trust that your night passed far easier than mine? I also hope that your journey here was free of trouble?”[/Color] Semeion nodded, smiling at the man who had unofficially become his own mentor. [Color=Plum]“Indeed, sir. Our night was relatively easy. Our watches proved unnecessary, although still a wise precaution. And our journey was easy this morning. However, if I may say so it appears that your night was much the opposite.”[/Color] Brandt nodded and continued to speak in his hushed tone. [Color=Lime]“Quite. However, I will certainly say more when we have gone into my office.”[/Color] The priest turned to the acolyte and smiled. [Color=Lime]“Aurelle, you performed marvelously. Please return to your post.”[/Color] The girl beamed at the praise and trotted down to her station by the temple entrance. The foursome followed Brandt down the familiar hallway and into his office. Once the priest had closed the door and directed the party to sit comfortably, he began to speak. [Color=Lime]“It was a long night of research well after the interrogation was concluded.”[/Color] Rhema leaned forward in her chair. She was especially curious at the news that Brandt could give to her regarding the destruction of the only home she’d known since childhood. [Color=PaleGreen]“I am assuming that you found out who is responsible and why this act was committed?”[/Color] Charis chuckled at Rhema’s words. [Color=Orange]“By all means, Rhema, just cut straight to the chase. Don’t worry about anything except the most important fact first, right?”[/Color] Brandt smiled and interrupted before Rhema could offer up any kind of retort. [Color=Lime]“In truth, we found more questions than answers. We were unable to find out the rationale for the destruction of the villa. It would seem that the priestess of Yrraxea didn’t know herself.”[/Color] Rhema’s eyes grew wide. [Color=PaleGreen]“What? You weren’t able to find out who was responsible?”[/Color] She attempted to stand, but Ischarus reached out a hand and placed it upon her knee. She tried to shrug him off, but was unable to accomplish her desire. Since she was restrained, she simply squirmed uncomfortably in her seat for a few seconds. Brandt replied honestly to Rhema’s assertion. [Color=Lime]“That does not mean that our interrogation was altogether unsuccessful, either. We were able to find out a few important details. I believe that these details will be quite significant when it comes to your next step.”[/Color] Ischarus smiled at Brandt’s offer. [Color=LightBlue]“Well, then. Do tell. Any information is important at this stage. Considering all we know is that the Ephistaemi are involved, anything that you can add will be appreciated.”[/Color] Brandt looked directly to Rhema. [Color=Lime]“We learned that the priestess’ name was Darkbringer among the Ephistaemi. We also learned that she was working with another member of the Ephistaemi called Bloodseeker.”[/Color] Charis frowned disapprovingly and slightly stuck out her tongue. [Color=Orange]“Such dark names. Obviously we’re dealing with the most pleasant of the Ephistaemi this time around.”[/Color] Her tone had taken on a distinctly sarcastic tone. Brandt smirked at Charis’ response. [Color=Lime]“Obviously! But that should not surprise you, considering what they were responsible for accomplishing while we were all away for the ceremony.”[/Color] Charis nodded. [Color=Orange]“True enough.”[/Color] Brandt picked up his story where he had left off. [Color=Lime]“However, we were not able to completely discern how Bloodseeker fit into the equation. Bloodseeker did not hire Darkbringer. As close as we could tell, Bloodseeker was more like a reference.”[/Color] Rhema chewed the inside of her cheek as she churned the information through her head. [Color=PaleGreen]“A recruiter, perhaps?”[/Color] Brandt pursed his lips and thought for a moment before speaking. [Color=Lime]“Perhaps. Although it was clear that Bloodseeker did not pay Darkbringer. Their connection was minimal at best. They didn’t work together on this project, yet I got the distinct impression that without Bloodseeker this would not have been possible.”[/Color] Ischarus also churned the information through his mind. [Color=LightBlue]“Well, if they’re not directly connected then who was in charge of Darkbringer? Who gave her orders and paid her for the task?”[/Color] Brandt shook his head in disgust. [Color=Lime]“That’s the part we were never able to figure out. The priestess of Yrraxea did not know! Trust me, I am sure that our interrogation methods were working properly. The answers she did know were given immediately without coercion once Master Searthu applied his magic. But she seemed to know absolutely nothing about who actually was in charge of paying her off and giving her orders. Our best guess is that the information came through Bloodseeker, although that is sketchy at best.”[/Color] Rhema sighed deeply. The frustration of feeling blocked from useful information was getting the better of her. [Color=PaleGreen]“Then where do we find this Bloodseeker?”[/Color] Brandt breathed in deeply and looked to the ground before returning his gaze upon Rhema and answering the legitimate question. [Color=Lime]“This is the disturbing part, and it is the part that had me up doing research most of the night. Bloodseeker works for Lord Ironblood.”[/Color] Charis chuckled again. [Color=Orange]“Huh. I wonder. Could there be any connection to the name? Bloodseeker works for Ironblood. That seems too simple.”[/Color] Brandt’s eyes glistened with a newness of thought. His eyes wrinkled as he wondered how such a simple detail could have escaped his analysis. Had he been looking so deeply that he missed the most obvious answer? He didn’t get a chance to answer before Rhema jumped to the next obvious conclusion. [Color=PaleGreen]“You are telling me that my father has been betrayed by Lord Ironblood? All the tribute that my father paid was for naught?”[/Color] Brandt nodded. [Color=Lime]“That is one possibility. The unfortunate fact is that we’ll not know unless this Bloodseeker can be found and brought in for questioning. I imagine that Bloodseeker knows far more about the motivation behind that attack than the priestess of Yrraxea. Once the interrogation had begun last night it was quite clear that Darkbringer was simply a hired tool to do a job. She was hired because she wouldn’t ask too many questions. The challenge of the destruction of the villa stood before her and she didn’t care about the motivation. Since she didn’t care why the villa needed to be destroyed, she was the perfect tool. She could be used and discarded without fear of her revealing too much.”[/Color] Ischarus locked eyes with Rhema for a few seconds. He could almost hear her thoughts leaping out of her eyes, which were growing darker with nearly every sentence coming out of Brandt’s mouth. Ischarus seemed to subconsciously respond to Rhema’s thoughts and then he spoke. [Color=LightBlue]“Well, then. It seems like we are at a standstill until we find this Bloodseeker.”[/Color] Brandt rose to his feet before any of the party members could stand. [Color=Lime]“There is one other disturbing piece of information of which you should all be aware. Darkbringer was told to burn the villa at that specific time. It was not a coincidence. The attack was planned because they knew that you all would be away. That includes your father, Rhema. They knew that you would all be away.”[/Color] Semeion frowned. [Color=Plum]“Then we face a foe that wants us alive. At least for now, that is. We can likely rule out any enemy in Quehalost, then, can’t we? The denizens of Quehalost would likely want us dead, not alive.”[/Color] The rest of the party nodded with Semeion’s conclusion. In any regard, they were now done here for the time being. Until they found the one called Bloodseeker, there would likely not be any advance in the quest to find the responsible party. Bloodseeker had to be found, and likely he had to be found quickly. [Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section] Chapter Three: THE INFERTILE HUNT The next morning Rhema, Ischarus, Charis, and Semeion woke up with the sun. They knew that Brandt had no doubt already questioned the priestess of Yrraxea. They saddled up their horses and headed to Fingerdale to try and meet with the powerful priest of the temple of Reah. Iasho stayed behind to watch over the remains of the villa and begin to plan a new layout for his villa that would rise again from the stones and timbers of the land. The trip to Fingerdale passed uneventfully and well before noon the foursome found themselves hitching their horses to the rails provided in front of the temple. The entered the temple and looked for the nearest acolyte. As they had come to expect, the party did not need to look hard. An acolyte waited for their entrance and immediately approached. As she stepped forward, another acolyte took her place in waiting for the next patron of the temple. The girl who approached the party looked as though she had not yet hit her growth spurt. She couldn’t have been much more than ten years old. As she spoke, the elevated pitch of her voice confirmed that she had not yet begun to hit puberty. “Sirs and Madams? How can the temple assist you today?” Ischarus looked down to the girl. His large frame dwarfed the girl, and he tried to smile pleasantly as he spoke. “We wish to see Master Brandt. I believe he is expecting us, although we do not have an appointment.” The girl thought for a moment and replied. “Do you mind waiting here in the lobby while I go and check on the status of Master Brandt this morning? I know he was here late last evening. I do not know if he is seeing clients for the day.” Rhema smiled politely. “I doubt he will refuse to see us. However, we will certainly wait for you to speak to the master.” The girl bowed deeply and backed away until she was about 30 feet down the hallway. Once she was far enough away to not seem rude, she quickly spun on her heels and trotted down the stone hall. The faint patter of her bare feet could be heard as she jogged away towards Brandt’s office. She returned much more quickly than any of the party expected. She had hardly been out of their sight for thirty seconds before the patter of her feet could be heard once more and this time they were returning towards the party. Another ten seconds later and the girl turned the corner and came into view. “Master Brandt says that you are welcome to come and meet with him.” She had no sooner gotten the words out of her mouth than Brandt appeared around the corner of the hallway and into full view. His eyes carried dark circles underneath them as if he had not slept for the night. His face was weary and he carried his arms as if they were great weights. However, he smiled when the party came into view. Once he had closed the gap enough to speak at a volume only slightly higher than a whisper, the veteran priest addressed the party. “I had a monitor on the temple doors that was searching for you, I figured that you would come. I was alerted to your presence before the acolyte had spoken her first word. But, I trust that your night passed far easier than mine? I also hope that your journey here was free of trouble?” Semeion nodded, smiling at the man who had unofficially become his own mentor. “Indeed, sir. Our night was relatively easy. Our watches proved unnecessary, although still a wise precaution. And our journey was easy this morning. However, if I may say so it appears that your night was much the opposite.” Brandt nodded and continued to speak in his hushed tone. “Quite. However, I will certainly say more when we have gone into my office.” The priest turned to the acolyte and smiled. “Aurelle, you performed marvelously. Please return to your post.” The girl beamed at the praise and trotted down to her station by the temple entrance. The foursome followed Brandt down the familiar hallway and into his office. Once the priest had closed the door and directed the party to sit comfortably, he began to speak. “It was a long night of research well after the interrogation was concluded.” Rhema leaned forward in her chair. She was especially curious at the news that Brandt could give to her regarding the destruction of the only home she’d known since childhood. “I am assuming that you found out who is responsible and why this act was committed?” Charis chuckled at Rhema’s words. “By all means, Rhema, just cut straight to the chase. Don’t worry about anything except the most important fact first, right?” Brandt smiled and interrupted before Rhema could offer up any kind of retort. “In truth, we found more questions than answers. We were unable to find out the rationale for the destruction of the villa. It would seem that the priestess of Yrraxea didn’t know herself.” Rhema’s eyes grew wide. “What? You weren’t able to find out who was responsible?” She attempted to stand, but Ischarus reached out a hand and placed it upon her knee. She tried to shrug him off, but was unable to accomplish her desire. Since she was restrained, she simply squirmed uncomfortably in her seat for a few seconds. Brandt replied honestly to Rhema’s assertion. “That does not mean that our interrogation was altogether unsuccessful, either. We were able to find out a few important details. I believe that these details will be quite significant when it comes to your next step.” Ischarus smiled at Brandt’s offer. “Well, then. Do tell. Any information is important at this stage. Considering all we know is that the Ephistaemi are involved, anything that you can add will be appreciated.” Brandt looked directly to Rhema. “We learned that the priestess’ name was Darkbringer among the Ephistaemi. We also learned that she was working with another member of the Ephistaemi called Bloodseeker.” Charis frowned disapprovingly and slightly stuck out her tongue. “Such dark names. Obviously we’re dealing with the most pleasant of the Ephistaemi this time around.” Her tone had taken on a distinctly sarcastic tone. Brandt smirked at Charis’ response. “Obviously! But that should not surprise you, considering what they were responsible for accomplishing while we were all away for the ceremony.” Charis nodded. “True enough.” Brandt picked up his story where he had left off. “However, we were not able to completely discern how Bloodseeker fit into the equation. Bloodseeker did not hire Darkbringer. As close as we could tell, Bloodseeker was more like a reference.” Rhema chewed the inside of her cheek as she churned the information through her head. “A recruiter, perhaps?” Brandt pursed his lips and thought for a moment before speaking. “Perhaps. Although it was clear that Bloodseeker did not pay Darkbringer. Their connection was minimal at best. They didn’t work together on this project, yet I got the distinct impression that without Bloodseeker this would not have been possible.” Ischarus also churned the information through his mind. “Well, if they’re not directly connected then who was in charge of Darkbringer? Who gave her orders and paid her for the task?” Brandt shook his head in disgust. “That’s the part we were never able to figure out. The priestess of Yrraxea did not know! Trust me, I am sure that our interrogation methods were working properly. The answers she did know were given immediately without coercion once Master Searthu applied his magic. But she seemed to know absolutely nothing about who actually was in charge of paying her off and giving her orders. Our best guess is that the information came through Bloodseeker, although that is sketchy at best.” Rhema sighed deeply. The frustration of feeling blocked from useful information was getting the better of her. “Then where do we find this Bloodseeker?” Brandt breathed in deeply and looked to the ground before returning his gaze upon Rhema and answering the legitimate question. “This is the disturbing part, and it is the part that had me up doing research most of the night. Bloodseeker works for Lord Ironblood.” Charis chuckled again. “Huh. I wonder. Could there be any connection to the name? Bloodseeker works for Ironblood. That seems too simple.” Brandt’s eyes glistened with a newness of thought. His eyes wrinkled as he wondered how such a simple detail could have escaped his analysis. Had he been looking so deeply that he missed the most obvious answer? He didn’t get a chance to answer before Rhema jumped to the next obvious conclusion. “You are telling me that my father has been betrayed by Lord Ironblood? All the tribute that my father paid was for naught?” Brandt nodded. “That is one possibility. The unfortunate fact is that we’ll not know unless this Bloodseeker can be found and brought in for questioning. I imagine that Bloodseeker knows far more about the motivation behind that attack than the priestess of Yrraxea. Once the interrogation had begun last night it was quite clear that Darkbringer was simply a hired tool to do a job. She was hired because she wouldn’t ask too many questions. The challenge of the destruction of the villa stood before her and she didn’t care about the motivation. Since she didn’t care why the villa needed to be destroyed, she was the perfect tool. She could be used and discarded without fear of her revealing too much.” Ischarus locked eyes with Rhema for a few seconds. He could almost hear her thoughts leaping out of her eyes, which were growing darker with nearly every sentence coming out of Brandt’s mouth. Ischarus seemed to subconsciously respond to Rhema’s thoughts and then he spoke. “Well, then. It seems like we are at a standstill until we find this Bloodseeker.” Brandt rose to his feet before any of the party members could stand. “There is one other disturbing piece of information of which you should all be aware. Darkbringer was told to burn the villa at that specific time. It was not a coincidence. The attack was planned because they knew that you all would be away. That includes your father, Rhema. They knew that you would all be away.” Semeion frowned. “Then we face a foe that wants us alive. At least for now, that is. We can likely rule out any enemy in Quehalost, then, can’t we? The denizens of Quehalost would likely want us dead, not alive.” The rest of the party nodded with Semeion’s conclusion. In any regard, they were now done here for the time being. Until they found the one called Bloodseeker, there would likely not be any advance in the quest to find the responsible party. Bloodseeker had to be found, and likely he had to be found quickly. [/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
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