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Last Stand of the Dorinthians
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<blockquote data-quote="Deuce Traveler" data-source="post: 5871055" data-attributes="member: 34958"><p>The heroes traveled towards Trieste's valley once more, and once again it seemed as if the entire valley was watching them although this time the heroes knew they could erase a flock of crows and a mountain lion from the list of pursuers.</p><p></p><p>When the party reached the summit of the tall hills surrounding the dryad's grove, they began to hear the lure of the dryad's song pulling at them. They were worried of pushing further, where the affects would be even stronger. The grove of trees and tall grass was about 200 feet in diameter, with a shining pond that surrounded a small isle. On the tiny isle stood a great oak, but its leaves and branches looked twisted and wrong in a way that they couldn't quite understand. The heroes believed they saw a figure or two underneath the tree, but the night lowered visibility to the point that it was hard to be sure.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"We need to return the heart to the dark hole left in Trieste's tree. The question is how to do so with out being ensnared. I think this is best done either through speed, by me on Swift, force of will to resist by perhaps Silas. Or our best option may be a woman"</span> said Dartis looking knowingly at Danica.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Danica, how strongly do you feel the pull of the dryad? Even now I feel her song tug at me. How I wish we had Kel with us, or Alexander who knew so much of the natural world. But we move with who we have. I suppose the last option is to simply call out to Trieste. But she seems to not be herself and would not respond well to attempts to contact her. So, how do we best proceed? Do we have other options?"</span></p><p></p><p>Danica also felt the pull of the song, but it was different from what the men were describing. It was a strong pull, but it was more of something that she wanted to hear more of and made Danica feel lazy and tired versus something that made her take actions she would not take otherwise.</p><p></p><p>Danica was caught by Dartis' question. Her face went blank, <span style="color: YellowGreen">"Er." </span> Her voice caught immediately. Clearly she didn't know how to explain the pull. But she courtseyed as she bit her lip and and tried again. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"Lord Dartis, I don't know what effect the Dryad's song will have on me, but since it does not resonate with me as it aparently does with you, I will try. The song makes me tired, and at rest. The worst it will do -- or so I imagine -- is make me want to rest. If that is the case, then perhaps someone else could take the heart from my hands, and continue.</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I am not afraid,"</span> she said, visibly terrified, <span style="color: YellowGreen">"But I shall do what I can. I believe the heart too might offer protection. The dryad must want it back. It is part of her."</span> She paused, and a smile slowly grew over her face as a spark shined from the corner of her eye. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"Besides, if something happened to me, I have all you men to come rescue me."</span> She giggled.</p><p></p><p>Ventus considered the island, nearly losing himself in the song for a brief moment. He shook his head to clear it and faced Dartis. <span style="color: PaleTurquoise">"It all comes down to whether she wants her heart back or not. If she wants it, then simply approaching with it in hand might be enough. If her nature has twisted enough where she will resist it, then it may require all of our strengths. If the lure is too much for any one of us, then we could each be lured in one by one as we attempt to rescue those already lost to the song. Perhaps if we had enough rope, one could go in and be pulled out it they failed to hold strong." </span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"Perhaps it will not be so bad even if we fail,"</span> Barok looked down at the island smiling. <span style="color: SlateGray">"I'll go. From what the other tree-fairies said I don't think she kills her victims right away and I wouldn't mind a bit of 'rest' for a while. If it turns bad I'll have you guys to bail me out. And I am the only one of us with a chance to enter unnoticed."</span></p><p></p><p>Before Dartis could prepare a plan of action, Barok snatched the heart and began running down the hill. He gave a half-pause as the strength of the song intensified, and for a moment the rest of the party thought a collective, "Oh hell..."</p><p></p><p>But the rogue recovered and shook off the music while leaping over the occasional mound. The grass came alive and reached out for him, but the dextrous Barok was able to move too quick for the blades of grass to hold him down. He made it a third of the way before anyone could think to follow.</p><p></p><p>Barok stopped briefly before charging ahead and stuffed his ears with moss and tied a piece of cloth around his head to help block out the increasingly inviting sound. He had second thoughts, realizing that maybe the singing made him a bit overeager.</p><p></p><p>Danica stared in wonder as Barok made a run for the tree. Again, her words had gone almost unnoticed. But she watched him as he went, and shouted out encouragement: <span style="color: YellowGreen">"Be careful!"</span></p><p></p><p>Dartis swore at Barok's rashness and spurred on Swift. He cried out after Barok and led Swift into a gallop. He didn't make it more than 30 feet when the song took ahold of the nobleman, causing him to stop in amazement at the most beautiful music he had ever heard. And even though he could not see her face, Dartis knew that the woman by the pond was all the beauty he could imagine wrapped up in one stunning face. Swift begin to panic, as blades of grass wrapped up and around his hooves and immobilize the horse.</p><p></p><p>Barok continued his own run, and he continuesd to shake off the dryad's song. He was now 40 feet away, and could see her now. Despite her panic-filled face that gazed upon his defiant countenance, he noticed that she truly was a beautiful creature. A man stood up next to her, wearing the clothes of a Dorinthian noble attached to the cavalry forces. Barok's examination didn't slow down his nimbleness and once more he dodged the grasping blades of grass.</p><p></p><p>Danica dodged the grasping plants around her, but stumbled after making it only 15 feet. The music was like a beautiful lullaby, and the sorceress felt as if she should rest.</p><p></p><p>Silas moved quickly and surprisingly even more nimbly than Barok. He made it 30 feet with seeming ease, his mind concentrated upon his wife, a vision that the dryad's song had difficulty piercing.</p><p></p><p>Ventus was also able to dodge the plants, like Danica was, but only made it 15 feet before succumbing to the song... It was so beautiful, he realized.</p><p></p><p>S= Silas</p><p>D= Dartis</p><p>Da= Danica</p><p>V= Ventus</p><p>B= Barok</p><p>W= Dryad</p><p>N= Dorinthian Noble</p><p>T= Tree</p><p>..............................</p><p>.........V....Da............</p><p>............D......S.........</p><p>..............................</p><p>...............................</p><p>............B.................</p><p>...............................</p><p>...............................</p><p>........WN..................</p><p>..............T...............</p><p></p><p>The song continued, and for a moment Barok froze from the beauty of the dryad's voice. Everything was in that promise. Possession, desire, lust. Everything that a rogue could possibly want, although strangely there was no promise of love. The former scout muses that he normally made similar proposals whenever he had the opportunity. His dark humor helped him break the bonds of the enchantment, and once again he was on the move. He avoided the grasping plants and lands calf-deep in the pond by the great oak tree. As he moved onto the tiny isle, the Dorinthian cavalryman intercepted him, drawing his sword in warning. Barok could see by looking into the man's eyes that his will was not his own. The rogue could just make out a large hole in the tree behind him.</p><p></p><p>Dartis was still held by her song and Swift stopped struggling, more so because of its inability to move than from true desire. The plants wrapped steadily upwards and now touched the nobleman's legs and the horse's midsection...</p><p></p><p>Silas continued to dodge the plants and ignored the song by thinking of his family, making it another 30 feet and close enough to see that Barok was about to be engaged by a man wearing the cloak and armor of a Dorinthian cavalryman. The sight before him was almost enough to give him pause. The nobleman was Cal Dorin, the baron's lost son! And these mounds were his men, swallowed up by the twisted dryad's grove. They were not just Dorinthians. They were people of Fair Creek.</p><p></p><p>The sight of Dartis' horse ceasing its struggle pulled at the pity freely given by Danica's heart. She overcame the dryad's song and bolted next to Dartis in an attempt to free the nobleman. Before she could act, however, blades of grass rose up and snared her around her right thigh.</p><p></p><p>Ventus felt the pull of the dryad's song and took a few more steps forward so that he might better gaze upon the woman's beauty. Strangely, he was able to stumble past the ensnaring grass without getting himself caught.</p><p></p><p>S= Silas</p><p>D= Dartis</p><p>Da= Danica</p><p>V= Ventus</p><p>B= Barok</p><p>W= Dryad</p><p>N= Dorinthian Noble</p><p>T= Tree</p><p></p><p>..............................</p><p>..............................</p><p>..........V.DDa............</p><p>..............................</p><p>...............................</p><p>.................S............</p><p>...............................</p><p>............B..................</p><p>........W..N.................</p><p>..............T...............</p><p></p><p>As Danica struggled with the growing tendrils and vines wrapping around her leg, she spied the sword-wielding Dorinthian about to attack Barok. She reacted quickly, forgetting herself for a moment:</p><p></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Your strength spills into the earth"</span> she proclaimed in a loud voice, as a shimmering beam leapt forth from her outstretched hand. She reached for her crossbow.</p><p></p><p>Barok shouted out to the two lovers by the tree while continuing to move forwards, <span style="color: SlateGray">"Morduk is dead. I killed the ugly bastard, twise, and I've got his head right here to prove it,"</span> he held up the head by the hair. <span style="color: SlateGray">"The Heart is yours once again if you will but let me pass. Get that noble fop out of the way and let me show you what a real man can do."</span> he winked at her.</p><p></p><p>He continued to advance and struck out with lightning speed, throwing Morduk's gory head right at the knights face while hooking his foot behind the man's knee and pushing him out of the way to try for a trip. <span style="color: SlateGray">"Did you really think he could stand in my way? I'll save you wether you want it or not."</span></p><p></p><p>Though events had again spiralled out of his control, Silas followed as Barok ran headlong into the grove. Seeing Cal Dorin face Barok and knowing the surrounding mounds were likely his men as described by Ventus, Silas continued to plow forward to aid the man and free the others, somehow. His mind, however, was full of the image of his wife as he last saw her: holding their child, standing next to his aged father, as the town came to see them all off. As they marched faint strains of Dorinthia's battle-hymn floated after...</p><p></p><p>Suddenly Silas burst out in song. <span style="color: orange">"Dor-IN-thi-AH! Dor-IN-thi-AH!..."</span> Loud and out of tune, it was still recognizable as Dorinthia's anthem and he put all his emotion into it, hoping to rouse the sleepers.</p><p></p><p>Dartis took no notice of the malicious monocots creeping up his leg. Once more he had become far too entranced by the most wonderful song.</p><p></p><p>Ventus merely brushed the grass away from his leg as he easily pulled free to continue towards the source of his enchantment. He stumbled forward, his mind in a daze.</p><p></p><p>For a moment of surprise, the dryad and Cal Dorin watch as Barok showed the heart in his hand. Then the wood creature stopped singing for a brief second, and stared in anger, speaking the command, <span style="color: blue">"Kill him."</span></p><p></p><p>Cal moved to comply, but before Barok could attempt to trip him, a bolt of magic flew over his shoulder and hit the nobleman. Danica's spell of weakness seemed to affect him, but then he visibly shook off the spell. Silas' shouting was heard behind Barok: <span style="color: orange">"Dor-IN-thi-AH! Dor-IN-thi-AH!..."</span>. From the mounds around Barok, the cry was taken up by hoarse and weak voices, <strong><em>"Dor-IN-thi-AH! Dor-IN-thi-AH!..."</em></strong></p><p></p><p>Perhaps it was the chanting that did it, or the recognition of heroic friends. Perhaps it was the brave and bloodied Barok's stubborn stand, or the distraction of Danica's spell. Whatever the cause, Cal lowered his blade and the rogue skirted by and drove the heart deep into the oak's hole behind him. The singing stopped, freeing Ventus and Dartis from its enchantment.</p><p></p><p>The hole sealed itself and the dryad had a change come over her. Her enraged face grew soft and pleasant for a moment, before she collapsed in tears, wailing. <span style="color: Blue">"Gods! He killed them. He killed my so many of my friends,"</span> she said as she collapsed with her face in her hands. Cal took a few steps towards her, as if intending to hold and comfort her. He stared down at the pitiful creature, and changed his mind while clenching and unclenching his hands.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: White">"Thank you,"</span> Cal said to Barok with a cold expression. <span style="color: White">But come, we must now free our friends."</span> </p><p></p><p>Barok turned and smiled expectantly at the dryad, his smile growing stale when noticing her reaction. <em>Gods! I should have known, no "Oh my brave Hero! Look at those noble wounds, please let me kiss them and make it better..." No, instead I get a weeper.</em> </p><p></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"There, there, don't worry about that,"</span> he tried halfheartedly to console her. <span style="color: SlateGray">"Everything ends. It's the way of, uh, nature or something. At least you got your vengeance. It's all right, you'll get new friends, you've got a new one right here," </span> he said, touching her shoulder gently.</p><p></p><p>He smiled distractedly at the knight, <span style="color: SlateGray">"That's all right sir. Thanks for getting out of the way."</span> <span style="color: SlateGray">"...That really doesn't sound like such a bad idea, now when she's not an insane monster anymore."</span> </p><p></p><p>Barok watched quietly as Cal took his blade in hand once more and moved towards the nearest mound, but it was not needed. Like a coccoon, the grass opened to reveal dozens of Fair Creek cavalrymen. All but two were still alive, although greatly weakened. Even Alexander's sister, the half-orc paladin Alexis, was found and gave Silas and Danica a small smile of thanks and recognition.</p><p></p><p>As the group set up camp, Dartis again found time to have private words with the various members of the group. To Danica he said, <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Again you have proven your worth and valor Daughter of Dorinthia. You and your abilities, all of them, benefit the people of Dorinthia, our people."</span> said Dartis clasping her on the shoulders. <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"On behalf of them I thank you."</span> </p><p></p><p>Danica yelped as Dartis grabbed her shoulders--even as the wound began to heal, they were still sensitive, and the skin of her upper arm was exposed through the tear in the cloth. But she smiled, and courtsied, and said, <span style="color: YellowGreen">"Thank you, my Lord. For Dorinthia."</span></p><p></p><p>Ventus stoof at the edge of the grove, a rather severe expression on his face, tight lipped and stock still. It was as much of his inner feelings as he would let show on the exterior; he did not allow his anger to cloud his face. He was angry at Barok for rushing off into the trap, he was angry at the others for following, and he was angry at himself for not having the willpower to resist the dryad's song.</p><p></p><p>The dryads sent help in the form of berries that burst from bushes that spontaneously erupted up from the ground and the heroes found that the nearby pond had fresh water to help the starved men. Somehow the grass preserved them at the same time it sapped their bodies of nutrients. The heroes spent the day burying the two soldiers that had died while the men and surviving horses recover. Cal took the two deaths the hardest. <span style="color: White">"My fault. We had to ride and try to warn my father, but the Imperials intercepted us and we rode into the hills to lose them when I heard her voice. I wasn't strong enough to resist that... thing. And my soldiers died for my weakness. In my mind I saw her as a Dorinthian noblewoman. Someone to continue a kingdom's noble lineage with. Gods..."</span> he hissed in disgust. Perhaps the dryad heard him from her distant tree, for she looked at him in a hurt expression before disappearing into her oak once more. Some rigid pride had broken in Cal, and the heroes were not sure whether it was for the better. Although his men still looked at him with respect as he passed, he would never forget the tragedy that he was partly responsible for.</p><p></p><p>Dartis approached the stoic legionairre, Ventus, as he stoood to the side of the camp. "Well Tallione, you have proven yourself truthful and more than competent in battle. I thank you for your aid in defeating the ogre. We could not have won with out you. I again say to you that I hold your vow upheld. By your own admission, the men who saved you are now free. Though you are free to pursue your own path, I sense you would not return to Tallione. I would ask you then Ventusm would you not journey with us a while. We could use a stout man who knows about standing and fighting. I know there may be some distrust that may exist for a bit, but I at the least offer my hand in friendship." said Dartis extending his right hand, while pulling out a knife with his left in offer to cut the remaining and symbolic bonds on the legionairres wrists.</p><p></p><p>Ventus nodded solemnly and ran his wrist slightly for a moment, relieving the sensation that has stayed with him for many days now. He looked Dartis in the eyes, trying to read the man, then clasped hands with him firmly.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: PaleTurquoise">"You are correct in assuming that I can no more return to my home than your people can to theirs. I find myself in need of a new home, or a new purpose. Perhaps I will find my way along side you and your comrades."</span> </p><p></p><p>Ventus saw that the situation had resolved itself, but that would bring about its own worries, for now the neccesary reprimand for Barok's impetuous behavior would never come. He stood watch stoicly over the recovering Dorinthians, glad at least that he was able to repay his debt and aid in some small way their release. His eyes gazed out over the men, seeking out the one whose words saved him from sharing their fate on his first journey to this glade, fearing that he may have been to late for him.</p><p></p><p>Dartis found Barok at some point. <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"I wish to thank you for your efforts Barok. Both against the ogre and to replace the heart. However I would also caution you to not be so rash. There is far too much at stake here. The future of our people hangs upon every action we take and we must not fail. I am overjoyed that you succeeded, but, had you not......."</span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue"></span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"This is not a reprimand, nor a formal action. Though I am captain of the army, I ask you as a companion and a friend, to please exercise some due caution. There are so many back there. The same that followed you to the mountian, that desperately need us to succeed. I cannot afford to lose you, nor can I afford to have any failures. Our people's morale hangs by a thread, it is our duty to maintian that. I know you are not used to leading and thinking of the people you lead. But look at Cal and how he grieves over the men he lost. Imagine the people you lead to the mountian. They still look to you. I still need you to help lead our people to safety Barok. Dorinthia needs you Barok, will you be there for Her?" </span> </p><p></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"You really believe you're going to restore Dorinthia again? That you can put everything back together, bring us victory and peace and then give yourself a crown? With this?"</span> he gestures to the encampment. <span style="color: SlateGray">"No, Dorinthia is lost. Her people murdered or in chains, her towns and fields in ashes inhabited only by beasts and ghosts. All we can do now is seek our vengeance and our deaths like men."</span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray"></span></p><p><span style="color: SlateGray">"You don't think I grieve only because I do not wallow in it? I have lost as much as any of you, but this is not the time for tears. These,"</span> he touches one of his wounds and the crusted blood surrounding it, <span style="color: SlateGray">"are the only tears I'm going to cry. And if I seek some pleasure on my way to death, can you blame me?"</span></p><p></p><p>Dartis listened to Baroks words and was silent a moment. <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Then why are you here? Why not run after the Imperial column and die <em>'like a man'</em>? Why not go and through your life away if you have lost so much and are seeking death?</span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">And truly then why did you lead the refugees back to the hills? Dorinthia is lost only when we allow Her to be. You are right that this is not the time for tears, but neither of wtaer nor of blood. Nor is it time for vengance. That time will come. But if you truley have lost hope, then leave us, seek your death as you wish and find vengance as you can.</span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">But I think there is more to you Barok. Some compassion must still dwell within you. Some pride of being Dorinthian. Why else would you lead those people to safety if <em>'her people are murdered or in chains, her towns and fields are ashes inhabited only by beasts and ghosts'</em> ?</span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue"></span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">So long as I draw breath I will seek to protect Dorinthia and her people, no matter where the live. If you cannot understand that I pity you. And I will not have you compromising the future of Dorinthia. A fool I may be, but that hope is all those refugees have, and I will not fail them.</span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue"></span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">Your choice is your own. I will release you from any obilgation the Dorinthian army holds you to. But can you ever free yourself from the obligations you owe it the army and to Dorinthia?" </span> </p><p></p><p>And Dartis turned and walked away to leave Barok to his thoughts.</p><p></p><p>Dartis found Cal at some point through the evening and pulled him aside for a private counsel. <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Cal, you must recover here. You have lost no luster in your men's eyes. There is no shame here. This is not war or battle. This is sorcery. I myself was smitten by the song. I was held captive by the grasses. There is no shame in that, it does not diminsih your value as a warrior. We faced a gnome some time back who cast his sorcerous magic. Oh it was beautiful. He showed me here I could find our people, where we could live safe. But it was a lie. But Cal, these lies only have power because in our hearts we want what is promised so much. In our hearts lies the hope of Dorinthia. To desire the success of of people is nothing to be ashamed of. And if that hope makes us more vulnerable to evil sorcery, then so be it. For with out that hope in our hearts Cal, Dorthinia will die."</span></p><p></p><p>Dartis turned to face Cal, and grabbed him by the shoulders and stared into his face <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Cal, my brother, my kinsmen, listen to me. You must shake this black mood off. Our men, our people need us. Did we weep after Kalden? Of course, but we did not cower from the next battle. Tonight we will honor those who have fallen. But we must move on Cal. Hope is finally rising, we must show that to our people."</span></p><p></p><p>Dartis then proceeded to tell Cal the tale of their rescue mission to find them, how they found the Imperials and how they were turned back, and finally the tale of Morduk. He also informed Cal that his father grieved terribly for him and will desire news of him soon. </p><p></p><p>Cal nodded at Dartis, though did not meet his eyes, <strong>"Thank you, Baron Kalnian, but leading men to die by the sword is one thing. Watching them helplessly as their lives are sucked out of their bodies is quite another. Still, I will carry on, for my men so that they may better serve our people if nothing else."</strong></p><p></p><p>The party spent the night guarding the sleeping troops. Cal slept furthest from the oak tree, and the dryads did not reappear though the food continued to grow when needed. In the morning, on the crest of the hill, a small band of men could be seen observing the poor camp.</p><p></p><p>Ventus saw that they were wearing the clothing of Craeceans, a diverse and educated people in love with science and philosophy that were eventually taken over by the Tallione Empire.</p><p></p><p>The two new visitors, Nikolos and Caramip (two new PCs!), had traveled far to find the camp of Commander Sassarius, but it looked like his army had left. Which was unfortunate, since they needed to restock on supplies for their research into Dorinthian culture. Dorinthians had the most interesting, but primitive architecture, although they were hoping to move on and examine the plains that supported the nomadic lifestyle Dorinthians practiced before founding a kingdom. </p><p></p><p>Nikolos and Caramip had followed a horse trail, thinking maybe it would lead to Sassarius' cavalry, but ran into this surprise. Instead of finding a Tallione camp, here lied what looked to be some tattered remnants of Dorinthian cavalry. How marvelous! And Nikolos thought Dorinthia was completely defeated. Hmmm... the duo thought that maybe they should go before the Dorinthians noticed them as they might not appreciate being discovered... oops... too late...</p><p></p><p>At the dawning of the new morning, Ventus stood watching the newcomers, sizing them up to determine their purpose. Their clothing was familiar enough. He stepped forward to call out. <span style="color: PaleTurquoise">"Hail to you, Craeceans. What business brings you here?"</span></p><p></p><p>In the morning Ventus' call alerted Dartis who went to join Ventus at the edge of the camp. <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Ventus, what do you know of these Craeceans?"</span> Dartus called back, <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"A scholarly expedition you say. Then by all means come and join us Witness Nikolos!"</span> as Dartis waved Silas on up. It was best to have another scholar to join the parlay, if inded these men were scholars. As an afterthought Dartis gave Barok a small signal to indicate that the crafty man should circle around to provide some cover and ensure that this group was alone.</p><p></p><p>Ventus shrugged in response to Dartis' query. He leaned in to answer quietly. <span style="color: PaleTurquoise">"A peaceful enough people, scholars and educators. . . but subjects of the Tallione Empire."</span> He relaxed somewhat, taking his hand away from the hilt of his sword, but he continued to watch the new arrivals in case they were more than they claimed to be.</p><p></p><p>Nikolos glanced at his entourage, then looked at Caramip. <span style="color: DarkGreen">"Well, this should be fascinating."</span> Leaning on his longspear, which made a passable walking staff, he called back, <span style="color: DarkGreen">"We are a scholarly expedition, seeking knowledge in the blessed name of Adeiros the Seeker. I am the Witness Nikolos. Whom am I addressing?"</span> It was obviously rather silly to try to fight, and Nikolos rather doubted that his party, leading pack mules loaded with supplies and all the impedimentia of scholarly field work, were going to long out-run Dorinthian horse archers.</p><p></p><p>Nikolos smiled a little. It wasn't lost on him that the Dorinthians hadn't actually identified themselves. Still, there was little help for it now. <span style="color: DarkGreen">"Well, let's go see what we can learn down below. Best behavior, hmmm?"</span> This last was directed at his Caramip.</p><p></p><p>With an innocent smile, Caramip nods her head and follows in step behind her large friend. Her innocent smile quickly turns mischievous as she reached into her pack and produced two empty coconut halves. As if on cue, she quickly rapped the two coconut halves together as she walked behind her friend. The beat and sound of the empty coconuts mimic that of a large house trotting a long a cobble stone road. At the same time she hummed a load an obvious out of tune hymn similar to that of trumpets blaring for some Lord.</p><p></p><p>Despite protests from her large friend she continued with the gross buffoonery. Only to stop with hysterical laughter once they came face to face with the weary travelers.</p><p></p><p>Nikolos finished walking down the hill, smiling in anticipation of learning new and interesting things. Of course, the first thing he learned was that these Dorinthians looked as if they'd been battered around a good bit. <span style="color: DarkGreen">Many thanks for your kind welcome. I can't help but see that you've had some trouble. May I be of assistance? I'm not the greatest healer,but the Seeker is beneficient with his power."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Gladly would we accept your help as well Nikolos. The Seeker's gifts are welcome here. But if I may ask, what brings a small group so far from Tallione, Craecean?" </span> asked Dartis.</p><p></p><p>Ventus stood a little behind Dartis and off to one side, watching the approaching travelers carefully. He nodded his own greetings as they approached, but waited to hear their response to the question posed. However, part of him hoped that they were no more than they appeared to be. The ogre and his allies had left far more injuries than a single night's rest could mend.</p><p></p><p>Nikolos nodded politely to the obvious soldiers, Ventus and Dartis, then gave Caramip a truly arched look. <span style="color: DarkGreen">"Allow me to introduce Mistress Caramip. She is a font of tales and information...though at times..."</span> He left that statement unfinished, and opened his healing kit. <span style="color: DarkGreen">"With your permission?"</span></p><p></p><p>“<span style="color: Yellow">Oh boo!</span>” She responded. “<span style="color: Yellow">I worked real hard on that. Any idea how hard it was for me to hide a hollow coconut from you?</span>” She humps with her hands on her hips. “<span style="color: Yellow">Gods forbid that you show a bit of humor.</span>”</p><p></p><p>She turned to face their newfound friends and offered them a bright smile with a small wave. “<span style="color: Yellow">Greetings! Seems like you all had a bit of fun here.</span>”, she said as she took a better look at the disheveled camp site. As Nikolos began to administer his care, she pulled out her trusty mandolin and began to play a soothing hymn. </p><p>Nikolos spent much of his magic and healing abilities on the five wounded heroes while Caramip lifted spirits with her music. The man was quite talented, and in no time at all the party was in a much better condition. He then saw to some of the worst off of the soldiers, and the heroes began to become confident that they could get the group of them back on the way to the dwarven kingdom by the next morning. After that, it would be another couple of days of preparation before they were all on the way back to their new home.</p><p></p><p>Silas guffawed indecorously at the bard's shenanigans. Seeing that the Seeker or Witness or whatever his title was, tolerated the bard's antics put him a little more at ease to finally approach and give a greeting. <span style="color: orange">"Welcome, Witness Nikolos, Mistress Caramip. I am Silas Eyrstan, a Caernite scholar and a Dorinthian."</span> He hesitated to say more without an indication from Dartis that it was ok, especially knowing that he had a tendency to carry on a bit more than might be wise.</p><p></p><p>As Witness Nikolos tended the other soldiers, Silas asked, <span style="color: orange">"Your aid is appreciated, Witness Nikolos. Seeker...Adeiros, is it? I don't recognize the name. Perhaps you could tell me more..."</span> </p><p></p><p>Nikolos replied as he worksed over the wounded, having used the power of Adeiros to heal the worst off. <span style="color: DarkGreen">"Adeiros is the Seeker of knowledge. His worship extends to all lands, though I suppose he's much more prominent in Craece then elsewhere. The Great Library of Adeiros there is an amazing place. An entire city dedicated to the pursuit and compilation of knowledge. I hope that my history of the Dorinthian War will someday reside on the shelves there."</span></p><p></p><p>He finished bandaging a wound, grateful for Caramip's playing. He was not a complete stranger to fighting and bloodshed, but he has seen things done to the Dorinthians, in the name of the Empire, that turned the stomach. <span style="color: DarkGreen">"Of course, I doubt that my writings will be completely acceptable in my own lifetime. But many of the greatest scholars' works have only come to light after they've gone to the glory of Adeiros, so I'll be in good company."</span></p><p></p><p>Ventus Tessan bowed to the new arrivals in thanks for their efforts on behalf of the group. He rubbed idly at his ribs, testing the newly healed wounds and considered the Seeker and his. . . ally. <span style="color: PaleTurquoise">"My thanks for your aid, your arrival is fortuitously timed. My name is Tessan Ventus, and I offer you my gratitude."</span></p><p></p><p>The Seeker's further comments about his work produce a raised eyebrow as he looked over the man. <span style="color: PaleTurquoise">"You are writing a history of the Dorinthian War? An interesting choice of topic. I trust your research is going well?"</span></p><p></p><p>Nikolos returned Tessan's bow, at least so much as he could while working. At the man's question, he shrugged slightly. <span style="color: DarkGreen">"It is going reasonably well. Wars are always difficult to fully understand, are they not? So much blood and suffering over what seems in afterthought to be small matters. As you might imagine, a lot of what I have, aside from my own observations, comes from various Imperial officers and functionaries, extolling their victories and courage in the face of the wicked and barbaric Dorinthians."</span></p><p></p><p>The nearby Silas unaccountably choked and coughed loudly. He briefly looks over at Ventus but turned back to the Witness. Rolling his eyes a little he said, <span style="color: orange">"And, of course, the Craeceans were vile degenerates until the Tallione showed them the proper way of life. Perhaps you should speak to some Dorinthians though I doubt you'll find we feel these are 'small matters'."</span> Somewhat prickly, Silas stood, intent on bustling around the camp to prepare a meal for the collected company and guests.</p><p></p><p>Nikolos smiled at Silas' comment and said before he could walk away. <span style="color: DarkGreen">"Well, I'm afraid you'll find no shortage of vile and degenerate Craeceans. By all accounts, my ancestors were rather at a loss once it became apparent the Talliones weren't going to be stopped by scathing philosophical rhetoric or well-turned satiric verse. So far as talking to some Dorinthians, it would seem I've come to the right place, wouldn't you agree?"</span></p><p></p><p>Silas let Nikolos' indominitable good nature siphon off his flush of irritation. <span style="color: orange">"Forgive me, Witness. Emotions concerning this subject are, as you might understand, still somewhat raw. I would agree, it would seem that your Seeker has indeed led you to the proper place and time to hear the Dorinthian viewpoint."</span> As he begins ladling out servings of a thick stew and crusty bread he says, <span style="color: orange">"It isn't much but you are more than welcome to a share."</span></p><p></p><p>After recognizing Nikolos' healing abilities, and his interest in Dorinthia's side of the story, the party invited the priest to join them and see the Dorinthian people for himself. The offer was too exciting to pass up.</p><p></p><p>Upon thinking on Dartis' words, Cal asked for an extra moment alone to talk to the dryad. She hadn't come from her tree for quite some time (not even for Barok), although as the group left and allowed Cal a moment alone, they saw her come forth once more to speak quietly with the man. What words were exchanged, the heroes did not know, although Cal seemed to have gained a necklace made of twined and somehow threaded leaves.</p><p></p><p>The party arrived as heroes once more in the dwarven kingdom, although even the dwarves seemed to be slowing down on the alcohol and more appreciative of simple pleasures, such as drinking sips of water to alleviate morning headaches... soon after the party, its ragtag army, and the rest of the refugees were supplied and on the way north.</p><p></p><p>Silas found a moment when he could talk to Dartis alone. <span style="color: orange">"Lord Kalnian, before we left the kingdom of King Bermax of the Dwarves you asked me to consider several things. Finding Cal Dorin with members of his cavalry is a great thing for our people. Though the flower of Dorinthian nobility has been greatly depleted, killed or taken by the Tallione, a noble wedding would do much to restore our people's hopes for the future."</span> Silas coughed, seeming somewhat embarrassed but continuing nonetheless. <span style="color: orange">"Baron Dorin has a daughter of marriagable age and you yourself are unwed... Perhaps you should speak to the Baron when we return. We will be returning home now, won't we?"</span></p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>Closing Chapter 3, the Imperials. Next, Chapter 4...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Deuce Traveler, post: 5871055, member: 34958"] The heroes traveled towards Trieste's valley once more, and once again it seemed as if the entire valley was watching them although this time the heroes knew they could erase a flock of crows and a mountain lion from the list of pursuers. When the party reached the summit of the tall hills surrounding the dryad's grove, they began to hear the lure of the dryad's song pulling at them. They were worried of pushing further, where the affects would be even stronger. The grove of trees and tall grass was about 200 feet in diameter, with a shining pond that surrounded a small isle. On the tiny isle stood a great oak, but its leaves and branches looked twisted and wrong in a way that they couldn't quite understand. The heroes believed they saw a figure or two underneath the tree, but the night lowered visibility to the point that it was hard to be sure. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"We need to return the heart to the dark hole left in Trieste's tree. The question is how to do so with out being ensnared. I think this is best done either through speed, by me on Swift, force of will to resist by perhaps Silas. Or our best option may be a woman"[/COLOR] said Dartis looking knowingly at Danica. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Danica, how strongly do you feel the pull of the dryad? Even now I feel her song tug at me. How I wish we had Kel with us, or Alexander who knew so much of the natural world. But we move with who we have. I suppose the last option is to simply call out to Trieste. But she seems to not be herself and would not respond well to attempts to contact her. So, how do we best proceed? Do we have other options?"[/COLOR] Danica also felt the pull of the song, but it was different from what the men were describing. It was a strong pull, but it was more of something that she wanted to hear more of and made Danica feel lazy and tired versus something that made her take actions she would not take otherwise. Danica was caught by Dartis' question. Her face went blank, [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Er." [/COLOR] Her voice caught immediately. Clearly she didn't know how to explain the pull. But she courtseyed as she bit her lip and and tried again. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Lord Dartis, I don't know what effect the Dryad's song will have on me, but since it does not resonate with me as it aparently does with you, I will try. The song makes me tired, and at rest. The worst it will do -- or so I imagine -- is make me want to rest. If that is the case, then perhaps someone else could take the heart from my hands, and continue. "I am not afraid,"[/COLOR] she said, visibly terrified, [COLOR=YellowGreen]"But I shall do what I can. I believe the heart too might offer protection. The dryad must want it back. It is part of her."[/COLOR] She paused, and a smile slowly grew over her face as a spark shined from the corner of her eye. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Besides, if something happened to me, I have all you men to come rescue me."[/COLOR] She giggled. Ventus considered the island, nearly losing himself in the song for a brief moment. He shook his head to clear it and faced Dartis. [COLOR=PaleTurquoise]"It all comes down to whether she wants her heart back or not. If she wants it, then simply approaching with it in hand might be enough. If her nature has twisted enough where she will resist it, then it may require all of our strengths. If the lure is too much for any one of us, then we could each be lured in one by one as we attempt to rescue those already lost to the song. Perhaps if we had enough rope, one could go in and be pulled out it they failed to hold strong." [/COLOR] [COLOR=SlateGray]"Perhaps it will not be so bad even if we fail,"[/COLOR] Barok looked down at the island smiling. [COLOR=SlateGray]"I'll go. From what the other tree-fairies said I don't think she kills her victims right away and I wouldn't mind a bit of 'rest' for a while. If it turns bad I'll have you guys to bail me out. And I am the only one of us with a chance to enter unnoticed."[/COLOR] Before Dartis could prepare a plan of action, Barok snatched the heart and began running down the hill. He gave a half-pause as the strength of the song intensified, and for a moment the rest of the party thought a collective, "Oh hell..." But the rogue recovered and shook off the music while leaping over the occasional mound. The grass came alive and reached out for him, but the dextrous Barok was able to move too quick for the blades of grass to hold him down. He made it a third of the way before anyone could think to follow. Barok stopped briefly before charging ahead and stuffed his ears with moss and tied a piece of cloth around his head to help block out the increasingly inviting sound. He had second thoughts, realizing that maybe the singing made him a bit overeager. Danica stared in wonder as Barok made a run for the tree. Again, her words had gone almost unnoticed. But she watched him as he went, and shouted out encouragement: [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Be careful!"[/COLOR] Dartis swore at Barok's rashness and spurred on Swift. He cried out after Barok and led Swift into a gallop. He didn't make it more than 30 feet when the song took ahold of the nobleman, causing him to stop in amazement at the most beautiful music he had ever heard. And even though he could not see her face, Dartis knew that the woman by the pond was all the beauty he could imagine wrapped up in one stunning face. Swift begin to panic, as blades of grass wrapped up and around his hooves and immobilize the horse. Barok continued his own run, and he continuesd to shake off the dryad's song. He was now 40 feet away, and could see her now. Despite her panic-filled face that gazed upon his defiant countenance, he noticed that she truly was a beautiful creature. A man stood up next to her, wearing the clothes of a Dorinthian noble attached to the cavalry forces. Barok's examination didn't slow down his nimbleness and once more he dodged the grasping blades of grass. Danica dodged the grasping plants around her, but stumbled after making it only 15 feet. The music was like a beautiful lullaby, and the sorceress felt as if she should rest. Silas moved quickly and surprisingly even more nimbly than Barok. He made it 30 feet with seeming ease, his mind concentrated upon his wife, a vision that the dryad's song had difficulty piercing. Ventus was also able to dodge the plants, like Danica was, but only made it 15 feet before succumbing to the song... It was so beautiful, he realized. S= Silas D= Dartis Da= Danica V= Ventus B= Barok W= Dryad N= Dorinthian Noble T= Tree .............................. .........V....Da............ ............D......S......... .............................. ............................... ............B................. ............................... ............................... ........WN.................. ..............T............... The song continued, and for a moment Barok froze from the beauty of the dryad's voice. Everything was in that promise. Possession, desire, lust. Everything that a rogue could possibly want, although strangely there was no promise of love. The former scout muses that he normally made similar proposals whenever he had the opportunity. His dark humor helped him break the bonds of the enchantment, and once again he was on the move. He avoided the grasping plants and lands calf-deep in the pond by the great oak tree. As he moved onto the tiny isle, the Dorinthian cavalryman intercepted him, drawing his sword in warning. Barok could see by looking into the man's eyes that his will was not his own. The rogue could just make out a large hole in the tree behind him. Dartis was still held by her song and Swift stopped struggling, more so because of its inability to move than from true desire. The plants wrapped steadily upwards and now touched the nobleman's legs and the horse's midsection... Silas continued to dodge the plants and ignored the song by thinking of his family, making it another 30 feet and close enough to see that Barok was about to be engaged by a man wearing the cloak and armor of a Dorinthian cavalryman. The sight before him was almost enough to give him pause. The nobleman was Cal Dorin, the baron's lost son! And these mounds were his men, swallowed up by the twisted dryad's grove. They were not just Dorinthians. They were people of Fair Creek. The sight of Dartis' horse ceasing its struggle pulled at the pity freely given by Danica's heart. She overcame the dryad's song and bolted next to Dartis in an attempt to free the nobleman. Before she could act, however, blades of grass rose up and snared her around her right thigh. Ventus felt the pull of the dryad's song and took a few more steps forward so that he might better gaze upon the woman's beauty. Strangely, he was able to stumble past the ensnaring grass without getting himself caught. S= Silas D= Dartis Da= Danica V= Ventus B= Barok W= Dryad N= Dorinthian Noble T= Tree .............................. .............................. ..........V.DDa............ .............................. ............................... .................S............ ............................... ............B.................. ........W..N................. ..............T............... As Danica struggled with the growing tendrils and vines wrapping around her leg, she spied the sword-wielding Dorinthian about to attack Barok. She reacted quickly, forgetting herself for a moment: [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Your strength spills into the earth"[/COLOR] she proclaimed in a loud voice, as a shimmering beam leapt forth from her outstretched hand. She reached for her crossbow. Barok shouted out to the two lovers by the tree while continuing to move forwards, [COLOR=SlateGray]"Morduk is dead. I killed the ugly bastard, twise, and I've got his head right here to prove it,"[/COLOR] he held up the head by the hair. [COLOR=SlateGray]"The Heart is yours once again if you will but let me pass. Get that noble fop out of the way and let me show you what a real man can do."[/COLOR] he winked at her. He continued to advance and struck out with lightning speed, throwing Morduk's gory head right at the knights face while hooking his foot behind the man's knee and pushing him out of the way to try for a trip. [COLOR=SlateGray]"Did you really think he could stand in my way? I'll save you wether you want it or not."[/COLOR] Though events had again spiralled out of his control, Silas followed as Barok ran headlong into the grove. Seeing Cal Dorin face Barok and knowing the surrounding mounds were likely his men as described by Ventus, Silas continued to plow forward to aid the man and free the others, somehow. His mind, however, was full of the image of his wife as he last saw her: holding their child, standing next to his aged father, as the town came to see them all off. As they marched faint strains of Dorinthia's battle-hymn floated after... Suddenly Silas burst out in song. [color=orange]"Dor-IN-thi-AH! Dor-IN-thi-AH!..."[/color] Loud and out of tune, it was still recognizable as Dorinthia's anthem and he put all his emotion into it, hoping to rouse the sleepers. Dartis took no notice of the malicious monocots creeping up his leg. Once more he had become far too entranced by the most wonderful song. Ventus merely brushed the grass away from his leg as he easily pulled free to continue towards the source of his enchantment. He stumbled forward, his mind in a daze. For a moment of surprise, the dryad and Cal Dorin watch as Barok showed the heart in his hand. Then the wood creature stopped singing for a brief second, and stared in anger, speaking the command, [color=blue]"Kill him."[/color] Cal moved to comply, but before Barok could attempt to trip him, a bolt of magic flew over his shoulder and hit the nobleman. Danica's spell of weakness seemed to affect him, but then he visibly shook off the spell. Silas' shouting was heard behind Barok: [color=orange]"Dor-IN-thi-AH! Dor-IN-thi-AH!..."[/color]. From the mounds around Barok, the cry was taken up by hoarse and weak voices, [b][i]"Dor-IN-thi-AH! Dor-IN-thi-AH!..."[/i][/b][i][/i] Perhaps it was the chanting that did it, or the recognition of heroic friends. Perhaps it was the brave and bloodied Barok's stubborn stand, or the distraction of Danica's spell. Whatever the cause, Cal lowered his blade and the rogue skirted by and drove the heart deep into the oak's hole behind him. The singing stopped, freeing Ventus and Dartis from its enchantment. The hole sealed itself and the dryad had a change come over her. Her enraged face grew soft and pleasant for a moment, before she collapsed in tears, wailing. [Color=Blue]"Gods! He killed them. He killed my so many of my friends,"[/Color] she said as she collapsed with her face in her hands. Cal took a few steps towards her, as if intending to hold and comfort her. He stared down at the pitiful creature, and changed his mind while clenching and unclenching his hands. [Color=White]"Thank you,"[/Color] Cal said to Barok with a cold expression. [Color=White]But come, we must now free our friends."[/Color] Barok turned and smiled expectantly at the dryad, his smile growing stale when noticing her reaction. [I]Gods! I should have known, no "Oh my brave Hero! Look at those noble wounds, please let me kiss them and make it better..." No, instead I get a weeper.[/I] [COLOR=SlateGray]"There, there, don't worry about that,"[/COLOR] he tried halfheartedly to console her. [COLOR=SlateGray]"Everything ends. It's the way of, uh, nature or something. At least you got your vengeance. It's all right, you'll get new friends, you've got a new one right here," [/COLOR] he said, touching her shoulder gently. He smiled distractedly at the knight, [COLOR=SlateGray]"That's all right sir. Thanks for getting out of the way."[/COLOR] [COLOR=SlateGray]"...That really doesn't sound like such a bad idea, now when she's not an insane monster anymore."[/Color] Barok watched quietly as Cal took his blade in hand once more and moved towards the nearest mound, but it was not needed. Like a coccoon, the grass opened to reveal dozens of Fair Creek cavalrymen. All but two were still alive, although greatly weakened. Even Alexander's sister, the half-orc paladin Alexis, was found and gave Silas and Danica a small smile of thanks and recognition. As the group set up camp, Dartis again found time to have private words with the various members of the group. To Danica he said, [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Again you have proven your worth and valor Daughter of Dorinthia. You and your abilities, all of them, benefit the people of Dorinthia, our people."[/COLOR] said Dartis clasping her on the shoulders. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"On behalf of them I thank you."[/COLOR] Danica yelped as Dartis grabbed her shoulders--even as the wound began to heal, they were still sensitive, and the skin of her upper arm was exposed through the tear in the cloth. But she smiled, and courtsied, and said, [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Thank you, my Lord. For Dorinthia."[/COLOR] Ventus stoof at the edge of the grove, a rather severe expression on his face, tight lipped and stock still. It was as much of his inner feelings as he would let show on the exterior; he did not allow his anger to cloud his face. He was angry at Barok for rushing off into the trap, he was angry at the others for following, and he was angry at himself for not having the willpower to resist the dryad's song. The dryads sent help in the form of berries that burst from bushes that spontaneously erupted up from the ground and the heroes found that the nearby pond had fresh water to help the starved men. Somehow the grass preserved them at the same time it sapped their bodies of nutrients. The heroes spent the day burying the two soldiers that had died while the men and surviving horses recover. Cal took the two deaths the hardest. [Color=White]"My fault. We had to ride and try to warn my father, but the Imperials intercepted us and we rode into the hills to lose them when I heard her voice. I wasn't strong enough to resist that... thing. And my soldiers died for my weakness. In my mind I saw her as a Dorinthian noblewoman. Someone to continue a kingdom's noble lineage with. Gods..."[/Color] he hissed in disgust. Perhaps the dryad heard him from her distant tree, for she looked at him in a hurt expression before disappearing into her oak once more. Some rigid pride had broken in Cal, and the heroes were not sure whether it was for the better. Although his men still looked at him with respect as he passed, he would never forget the tragedy that he was partly responsible for. Dartis approached the stoic legionairre, Ventus, as he stoood to the side of the camp. "Well Tallione, you have proven yourself truthful and more than competent in battle. I thank you for your aid in defeating the ogre. We could not have won with out you. I again say to you that I hold your vow upheld. By your own admission, the men who saved you are now free. Though you are free to pursue your own path, I sense you would not return to Tallione. I would ask you then Ventusm would you not journey with us a while. We could use a stout man who knows about standing and fighting. I know there may be some distrust that may exist for a bit, but I at the least offer my hand in friendship." said Dartis extending his right hand, while pulling out a knife with his left in offer to cut the remaining and symbolic bonds on the legionairres wrists. Ventus nodded solemnly and ran his wrist slightly for a moment, relieving the sensation that has stayed with him for many days now. He looked Dartis in the eyes, trying to read the man, then clasped hands with him firmly. [COLOR=PaleTurquoise]"You are correct in assuming that I can no more return to my home than your people can to theirs. I find myself in need of a new home, or a new purpose. Perhaps I will find my way along side you and your comrades."[/COLOR] Ventus saw that the situation had resolved itself, but that would bring about its own worries, for now the neccesary reprimand for Barok's impetuous behavior would never come. He stood watch stoicly over the recovering Dorinthians, glad at least that he was able to repay his debt and aid in some small way their release. His eyes gazed out over the men, seeking out the one whose words saved him from sharing their fate on his first journey to this glade, fearing that he may have been to late for him. Dartis found Barok at some point. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"I wish to thank you for your efforts Barok. Both against the ogre and to replace the heart. However I would also caution you to not be so rash. There is far too much at stake here. The future of our people hangs upon every action we take and we must not fail. I am overjoyed that you succeeded, but, had you not......." "This is not a reprimand, nor a formal action. Though I am captain of the army, I ask you as a companion and a friend, to please exercise some due caution. There are so many back there. The same that followed you to the mountian, that desperately need us to succeed. I cannot afford to lose you, nor can I afford to have any failures. Our people's morale hangs by a thread, it is our duty to maintian that. I know you are not used to leading and thinking of the people you lead. But look at Cal and how he grieves over the men he lost. Imagine the people you lead to the mountian. They still look to you. I still need you to help lead our people to safety Barok. Dorinthia needs you Barok, will you be there for Her?" [/COLOR] [COLOR=SlateGray]"You really believe you're going to restore Dorinthia again? That you can put everything back together, bring us victory and peace and then give yourself a crown? With this?"[/COLOR] he gestures to the encampment. [COLOR=SlateGray]"No, Dorinthia is lost. Her people murdered or in chains, her towns and fields in ashes inhabited only by beasts and ghosts. All we can do now is seek our vengeance and our deaths like men." "You don't think I grieve only because I do not wallow in it? I have lost as much as any of you, but this is not the time for tears. These,"[/COLOR] he touches one of his wounds and the crusted blood surrounding it, [COLOR=SlateGray]"are the only tears I'm going to cry. And if I seek some pleasure on my way to death, can you blame me?"[/COLOR] Dartis listened to Baroks words and was silent a moment. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Then why are you here? Why not run after the Imperial column and die [I]'like a man'[/I]? Why not go and through your life away if you have lost so much and are seeking death? And truly then why did you lead the refugees back to the hills? Dorinthia is lost only when we allow Her to be. You are right that this is not the time for tears, but neither of wtaer nor of blood. Nor is it time for vengance. That time will come. But if you truley have lost hope, then leave us, seek your death as you wish and find vengance as you can. But I think there is more to you Barok. Some compassion must still dwell within you. Some pride of being Dorinthian. Why else would you lead those people to safety if [I]'her people are murdered or in chains, her towns and fields are ashes inhabited only by beasts and ghosts'[/I] ? So long as I draw breath I will seek to protect Dorinthia and her people, no matter where the live. If you cannot understand that I pity you. And I will not have you compromising the future of Dorinthia. A fool I may be, but that hope is all those refugees have, and I will not fail them. Your choice is your own. I will release you from any obilgation the Dorinthian army holds you to. But can you ever free yourself from the obligations you owe it the army and to Dorinthia?" [/COLOR] And Dartis turned and walked away to leave Barok to his thoughts. Dartis found Cal at some point through the evening and pulled him aside for a private counsel. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Cal, you must recover here. You have lost no luster in your men's eyes. There is no shame here. This is not war or battle. This is sorcery. I myself was smitten by the song. I was held captive by the grasses. There is no shame in that, it does not diminsih your value as a warrior. We faced a gnome some time back who cast his sorcerous magic. Oh it was beautiful. He showed me here I could find our people, where we could live safe. But it was a lie. But Cal, these lies only have power because in our hearts we want what is promised so much. In our hearts lies the hope of Dorinthia. To desire the success of of people is nothing to be ashamed of. And if that hope makes us more vulnerable to evil sorcery, then so be it. For with out that hope in our hearts Cal, Dorthinia will die."[/COLOR] Dartis turned to face Cal, and grabbed him by the shoulders and stared into his face [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Cal, my brother, my kinsmen, listen to me. You must shake this black mood off. Our men, our people need us. Did we weep after Kalden? Of course, but we did not cower from the next battle. Tonight we will honor those who have fallen. But we must move on Cal. Hope is finally rising, we must show that to our people."[/COLOR] Dartis then proceeded to tell Cal the tale of their rescue mission to find them, how they found the Imperials and how they were turned back, and finally the tale of Morduk. He also informed Cal that his father grieved terribly for him and will desire news of him soon. Cal nodded at Dartis, though did not meet his eyes, [b]"Thank you, Baron Kalnian, but leading men to die by the sword is one thing. Watching them helplessly as their lives are sucked out of their bodies is quite another. Still, I will carry on, for my men so that they may better serve our people if nothing else."[/b] The party spent the night guarding the sleeping troops. Cal slept furthest from the oak tree, and the dryads did not reappear though the food continued to grow when needed. In the morning, on the crest of the hill, a small band of men could be seen observing the poor camp. Ventus saw that they were wearing the clothing of Craeceans, a diverse and educated people in love with science and philosophy that were eventually taken over by the Tallione Empire. The two new visitors, Nikolos and Caramip (two new PCs!), had traveled far to find the camp of Commander Sassarius, but it looked like his army had left. Which was unfortunate, since they needed to restock on supplies for their research into Dorinthian culture. Dorinthians had the most interesting, but primitive architecture, although they were hoping to move on and examine the plains that supported the nomadic lifestyle Dorinthians practiced before founding a kingdom. Nikolos and Caramip had followed a horse trail, thinking maybe it would lead to Sassarius' cavalry, but ran into this surprise. Instead of finding a Tallione camp, here lied what looked to be some tattered remnants of Dorinthian cavalry. How marvelous! And Nikolos thought Dorinthia was completely defeated. Hmmm... the duo thought that maybe they should go before the Dorinthians noticed them as they might not appreciate being discovered... oops... too late... At the dawning of the new morning, Ventus stood watching the newcomers, sizing them up to determine their purpose. Their clothing was familiar enough. He stepped forward to call out. [COLOR=PaleTurquoise]"Hail to you, Craeceans. What business brings you here?"[/COLOR] In the morning Ventus' call alerted Dartis who went to join Ventus at the edge of the camp. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Ventus, what do you know of these Craeceans?"[/COLOR] Dartus called back, [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"A scholarly expedition you say. Then by all means come and join us Witness Nikolos!"[/COLOR] as Dartis waved Silas on up. It was best to have another scholar to join the parlay, if inded these men were scholars. As an afterthought Dartis gave Barok a small signal to indicate that the crafty man should circle around to provide some cover and ensure that this group was alone. Ventus shrugged in response to Dartis' query. He leaned in to answer quietly. [COLOR=PaleTurquoise]"A peaceful enough people, scholars and educators. . . but subjects of the Tallione Empire."[/COLOR] He relaxed somewhat, taking his hand away from the hilt of his sword, but he continued to watch the new arrivals in case they were more than they claimed to be. Nikolos glanced at his entourage, then looked at Caramip. [COLOR=DarkGreen]"Well, this should be fascinating."[/COLOR] Leaning on his longspear, which made a passable walking staff, he called back, [COLOR=DarkGreen]"We are a scholarly expedition, seeking knowledge in the blessed name of Adeiros the Seeker. I am the Witness Nikolos. Whom am I addressing?"[/COLOR] It was obviously rather silly to try to fight, and Nikolos rather doubted that his party, leading pack mules loaded with supplies and all the impedimentia of scholarly field work, were going to long out-run Dorinthian horse archers. Nikolos smiled a little. It wasn't lost on him that the Dorinthians hadn't actually identified themselves. Still, there was little help for it now. [COLOR=DarkGreen]"Well, let's go see what we can learn down below. Best behavior, hmmm?"[/COLOR] This last was directed at his Caramip. With an innocent smile, Caramip nods her head and follows in step behind her large friend. Her innocent smile quickly turns mischievous as she reached into her pack and produced two empty coconut halves. As if on cue, she quickly rapped the two coconut halves together as she walked behind her friend. The beat and sound of the empty coconuts mimic that of a large house trotting a long a cobble stone road. At the same time she hummed a load an obvious out of tune hymn similar to that of trumpets blaring for some Lord. Despite protests from her large friend she continued with the gross buffoonery. Only to stop with hysterical laughter once they came face to face with the weary travelers. Nikolos finished walking down the hill, smiling in anticipation of learning new and interesting things. Of course, the first thing he learned was that these Dorinthians looked as if they'd been battered around a good bit. [COLOR=DarkGreen]Many thanks for your kind welcome. I can't help but see that you've had some trouble. May I be of assistance? I'm not the greatest healer,but the Seeker is beneficient with his power."[/COLOR] [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Gladly would we accept your help as well Nikolos. The Seeker's gifts are welcome here. But if I may ask, what brings a small group so far from Tallione, Craecean?" [/COLOR] asked Dartis. Ventus stood a little behind Dartis and off to one side, watching the approaching travelers carefully. He nodded his own greetings as they approached, but waited to hear their response to the question posed. However, part of him hoped that they were no more than they appeared to be. The ogre and his allies had left far more injuries than a single night's rest could mend. Nikolos nodded politely to the obvious soldiers, Ventus and Dartis, then gave Caramip a truly arched look. [COLOR=DarkGreen]"Allow me to introduce Mistress Caramip. She is a font of tales and information...though at times..."[/COLOR] He left that statement unfinished, and opened his healing kit. [COLOR=DarkGreen]"With your permission?"[/COLOR] “[COLOR=Yellow]Oh boo![/COLOR]” She responded. “[COLOR=Yellow]I worked real hard on that. Any idea how hard it was for me to hide a hollow coconut from you?[/COLOR]” She humps with her hands on her hips. “[COLOR=Yellow]Gods forbid that you show a bit of humor.[/COLOR]” She turned to face their newfound friends and offered them a bright smile with a small wave. “[COLOR=Yellow]Greetings! Seems like you all had a bit of fun here.[/COLOR]”, she said as she took a better look at the disheveled camp site. As Nikolos began to administer his care, she pulled out her trusty mandolin and began to play a soothing hymn. Nikolos spent much of his magic and healing abilities on the five wounded heroes while Caramip lifted spirits with her music. The man was quite talented, and in no time at all the party was in a much better condition. He then saw to some of the worst off of the soldiers, and the heroes began to become confident that they could get the group of them back on the way to the dwarven kingdom by the next morning. After that, it would be another couple of days of preparation before they were all on the way back to their new home. Silas guffawed indecorously at the bard's shenanigans. Seeing that the Seeker or Witness or whatever his title was, tolerated the bard's antics put him a little more at ease to finally approach and give a greeting. [color=orange]"Welcome, Witness Nikolos, Mistress Caramip. I am Silas Eyrstan, a Caernite scholar and a Dorinthian."[/color] He hesitated to say more without an indication from Dartis that it was ok, especially knowing that he had a tendency to carry on a bit more than might be wise. As Witness Nikolos tended the other soldiers, Silas asked, [color=orange]"Your aid is appreciated, Witness Nikolos. Seeker...Adeiros, is it? I don't recognize the name. Perhaps you could tell me more..."[/color] Nikolos replied as he worksed over the wounded, having used the power of Adeiros to heal the worst off. [COLOR=DarkGreen]"Adeiros is the Seeker of knowledge. His worship extends to all lands, though I suppose he's much more prominent in Craece then elsewhere. The Great Library of Adeiros there is an amazing place. An entire city dedicated to the pursuit and compilation of knowledge. I hope that my history of the Dorinthian War will someday reside on the shelves there."[/COLOR] He finished bandaging a wound, grateful for Caramip's playing. He was not a complete stranger to fighting and bloodshed, but he has seen things done to the Dorinthians, in the name of the Empire, that turned the stomach. [COLOR=DarkGreen]"Of course, I doubt that my writings will be completely acceptable in my own lifetime. But many of the greatest scholars' works have only come to light after they've gone to the glory of Adeiros, so I'll be in good company."[/COLOR] Ventus Tessan bowed to the new arrivals in thanks for their efforts on behalf of the group. He rubbed idly at his ribs, testing the newly healed wounds and considered the Seeker and his. . . ally. [COLOR=PaleTurquoise]"My thanks for your aid, your arrival is fortuitously timed. My name is Tessan Ventus, and I offer you my gratitude."[/COLOR] The Seeker's further comments about his work produce a raised eyebrow as he looked over the man. [COLOR=PaleTurquoise]"You are writing a history of the Dorinthian War? An interesting choice of topic. I trust your research is going well?"[/COLOR] Nikolos returned Tessan's bow, at least so much as he could while working. At the man's question, he shrugged slightly. [COLOR=DarkGreen]"It is going reasonably well. Wars are always difficult to fully understand, are they not? So much blood and suffering over what seems in afterthought to be small matters. As you might imagine, a lot of what I have, aside from my own observations, comes from various Imperial officers and functionaries, extolling their victories and courage in the face of the wicked and barbaric Dorinthians."[/COLOR] The nearby Silas unaccountably choked and coughed loudly. He briefly looks over at Ventus but turned back to the Witness. Rolling his eyes a little he said, [color=orange]"And, of course, the Craeceans were vile degenerates until the Tallione showed them the proper way of life. Perhaps you should speak to some Dorinthians though I doubt you'll find we feel these are 'small matters'."[/color] Somewhat prickly, Silas stood, intent on bustling around the camp to prepare a meal for the collected company and guests. Nikolos smiled at Silas' comment and said before he could walk away. [COLOR=DarkGreen]"Well, I'm afraid you'll find no shortage of vile and degenerate Craeceans. By all accounts, my ancestors were rather at a loss once it became apparent the Talliones weren't going to be stopped by scathing philosophical rhetoric or well-turned satiric verse. So far as talking to some Dorinthians, it would seem I've come to the right place, wouldn't you agree?"[/COLOR] Silas let Nikolos' indominitable good nature siphon off his flush of irritation. [color=orange]"Forgive me, Witness. Emotions concerning this subject are, as you might understand, still somewhat raw. I would agree, it would seem that your Seeker has indeed led you to the proper place and time to hear the Dorinthian viewpoint."[/color] As he begins ladling out servings of a thick stew and crusty bread he says, [color=orange]"It isn't much but you are more than welcome to a share."[/color] After recognizing Nikolos' healing abilities, and his interest in Dorinthia's side of the story, the party invited the priest to join them and see the Dorinthian people for himself. The offer was too exciting to pass up. Upon thinking on Dartis' words, Cal asked for an extra moment alone to talk to the dryad. She hadn't come from her tree for quite some time (not even for Barok), although as the group left and allowed Cal a moment alone, they saw her come forth once more to speak quietly with the man. What words were exchanged, the heroes did not know, although Cal seemed to have gained a necklace made of twined and somehow threaded leaves. The party arrived as heroes once more in the dwarven kingdom, although even the dwarves seemed to be slowing down on the alcohol and more appreciative of simple pleasures, such as drinking sips of water to alleviate morning headaches... soon after the party, its ragtag army, and the rest of the refugees were supplied and on the way north. Silas found a moment when he could talk to Dartis alone. [color=orange]"Lord Kalnian, before we left the kingdom of King Bermax of the Dwarves you asked me to consider several things. Finding Cal Dorin with members of his cavalry is a great thing for our people. Though the flower of Dorinthian nobility has been greatly depleted, killed or taken by the Tallione, a noble wedding would do much to restore our people's hopes for the future."[/color] Silas coughed, seeming somewhat embarrassed but continuing nonetheless. [color=orange]"Baron Dorin has a daughter of marriagable age and you yourself are unwed... Perhaps you should speak to the Baron when we return. We will be returning home now, won't we?"[/color] ***** Closing Chapter 3, the Imperials. Next, Chapter 4... [/QUOTE]
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