Seravin's Tales of the Night Below (Two Updates this Week - 07/24/07)
Once More into the Fray
The light snow had stopped earlier that morning and a bright patch of clouds announced that the sun was nearly overhead, trying to burn its way through to shine upon the city below. It seemed as if the gods themselves smiled upon the freeing of Latina’s cathedral. Senior Captain Dax Rusuk decided to take it as an omen that he was doing the right thing.
Barely a half-candle ago Captain Jared and his friends had arrived in the glory of the guardian angels. In the halo of glory the younger captain had explained that the sources of evil in the temple had been eradicated and the relics safeguarded. There were still beguiled captives roaming the grounds in the company of the dead however and the young captain intended to go back and free them if possible.
Senior Captain Rusuk considered for only a moment before acquiescing. He was prepared to take Captain Jared’s words of honor over the conniving words of the weasel Merith. There would be a price to pay for that later, but Dax Rusuk was prepared to pay it if necessary. He sent the adventuring captain back with his blessings and a few scrolls of healing and dispelling. He also advised Jared that the Latinan High Priestess, Kerress Raptoran had been arrested the night the cathedral had gone up in flames. They had all grimaced at that but did not seem too surprised. Instead they had taken off as quickly as the scroll could be delivered to them, in the company of a young Latinan acolyte who wanted a chance to help cleanse his temple.
That was a half-candle ago. A few moments later, a bright pinpoint of light appeared and exploded into a halo of glory announcing the heroes return.
---
Sword House Grounds
Senior Captain Dax Rusuk watched with a touch of awe as Captain Jared thanked the angelic guardians for their service to Corlean, the church, and the Empire. The eagle-headed angels nodded their acceptance and then saluted the mortals before them as they disappeared in a kaliediscope of light.
Human and half-elf stared at the fading motes of light that floated gently to the ground like new fallen snow for a moment. It was Jared who broke free of the reverie first and got down to the business at hand.
“Thank you for your help, Jack.” He said to the young acolyte who had helped them clear the cathedral grounds. You did a good job.”
The acolyte, Jack Ellis, still in the bloodied and stain robes he had worn since the fall of Crown’s Vigil, stood a little straighter. Some of the walking dead he had faced this morning had been friends only two days ago, his high priestess was under arrest, and what little he had gleaned from the strangers indicated that the Duke himself was enscorceled. By any measure Jack Ellis had lived a nightmare.
The nightmare was now over. The invaders had been put to flight, the bodies of his slain friends had been put to rest, and these heroes (for there was no other word) were intent on righting the grievous wrongs done to his priestess and liege lord. Jack Ellis resolved himself once again to the Defender and vowed to always remember the example these four exemplars provided.
Kellron cocked his head slightly at the acolyte. Therer was a familiar fire in the young man’s gaze and he smiled as he recognized a kindred soul*. “You better check on the other survivors.” He prodded gently. “A familiar presence should help them recover faster.”
Jack nodded agreement. “Thank you from me for letting me help. Thanks from my church for your success.” With that the acolyte shook each of their hands before hurrying off.
The senior captain was now alone with the four most wanted people in the city. It seemed like a good place to start. “I have to echo what the acolyte said. Thank you from all of us. You did good work and I appreciate it. I also know that the Colonel would appreciate it. You need to know that I have orders to arrest you though and I’m unsure how to resolve this.”
Kestral waved a hand in dismissal. “Oh. That. We know. Can you give us a head start?” She asked somewhat mischievously.
Rusuk’s grimace quirked into a small smile. “I’m not sure I can. The Duke’s representative is in the Colonel’s office. He’s bound to get bored and come out and hear the good new from someone.
Kestral’s bright blue eyes lit up. “Reeaaally?” She drawled. “Who’s the representative.”
Rusuk grimaced. “Ker Quentin Merith is here on behalf of the Duke.”
Kestral’s impish smile grew with delight. “Wonderful. I’ll go talk to him.” She told the gaping captain.
As Kestral made her way to the Colonel’s office, Jallarzi patted the captain’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. “ Consoled the half-elf. “He won’t know what happened.”
---
*Every time you save a cathedral, a paladin gains his aura. The characters needed some good news and both Jared and Kellron’s players were pleased that they had inspired someone with their good works.
The light snow had stopped earlier that morning and a bright patch of clouds announced that the sun was nearly overhead, trying to burn its way through to shine upon the city below. It seemed as if the gods themselves smiled upon the freeing of Latina’s cathedral. Senior Captain Dax Rusuk decided to take it as an omen that he was doing the right thing.
Barely a half-candle ago Captain Jared and his friends had arrived in the glory of the guardian angels. In the halo of glory the younger captain had explained that the sources of evil in the temple had been eradicated and the relics safeguarded. There were still beguiled captives roaming the grounds in the company of the dead however and the young captain intended to go back and free them if possible.
Senior Captain Rusuk considered for only a moment before acquiescing. He was prepared to take Captain Jared’s words of honor over the conniving words of the weasel Merith. There would be a price to pay for that later, but Dax Rusuk was prepared to pay it if necessary. He sent the adventuring captain back with his blessings and a few scrolls of healing and dispelling. He also advised Jared that the Latinan High Priestess, Kerress Raptoran had been arrested the night the cathedral had gone up in flames. They had all grimaced at that but did not seem too surprised. Instead they had taken off as quickly as the scroll could be delivered to them, in the company of a young Latinan acolyte who wanted a chance to help cleanse his temple.
That was a half-candle ago. A few moments later, a bright pinpoint of light appeared and exploded into a halo of glory announcing the heroes return.
---
Sword House Grounds
Senior Captain Dax Rusuk watched with a touch of awe as Captain Jared thanked the angelic guardians for their service to Corlean, the church, and the Empire. The eagle-headed angels nodded their acceptance and then saluted the mortals before them as they disappeared in a kaliediscope of light.
Human and half-elf stared at the fading motes of light that floated gently to the ground like new fallen snow for a moment. It was Jared who broke free of the reverie first and got down to the business at hand.
“Thank you for your help, Jack.” He said to the young acolyte who had helped them clear the cathedral grounds. You did a good job.”
The acolyte, Jack Ellis, still in the bloodied and stain robes he had worn since the fall of Crown’s Vigil, stood a little straighter. Some of the walking dead he had faced this morning had been friends only two days ago, his high priestess was under arrest, and what little he had gleaned from the strangers indicated that the Duke himself was enscorceled. By any measure Jack Ellis had lived a nightmare.
The nightmare was now over. The invaders had been put to flight, the bodies of his slain friends had been put to rest, and these heroes (for there was no other word) were intent on righting the grievous wrongs done to his priestess and liege lord. Jack Ellis resolved himself once again to the Defender and vowed to always remember the example these four exemplars provided.
Kellron cocked his head slightly at the acolyte. Therer was a familiar fire in the young man’s gaze and he smiled as he recognized a kindred soul*. “You better check on the other survivors.” He prodded gently. “A familiar presence should help them recover faster.”
Jack nodded agreement. “Thank you from me for letting me help. Thanks from my church for your success.” With that the acolyte shook each of their hands before hurrying off.
The senior captain was now alone with the four most wanted people in the city. It seemed like a good place to start. “I have to echo what the acolyte said. Thank you from all of us. You did good work and I appreciate it. I also know that the Colonel would appreciate it. You need to know that I have orders to arrest you though and I’m unsure how to resolve this.”
Kestral waved a hand in dismissal. “Oh. That. We know. Can you give us a head start?” She asked somewhat mischievously.
Rusuk’s grimace quirked into a small smile. “I’m not sure I can. The Duke’s representative is in the Colonel’s office. He’s bound to get bored and come out and hear the good new from someone.
Kestral’s bright blue eyes lit up. “Reeaaally?” She drawled. “Who’s the representative.”
Rusuk grimaced. “Ker Quentin Merith is here on behalf of the Duke.”
Kestral’s impish smile grew with delight. “Wonderful. I’ll go talk to him.” She told the gaping captain.
As Kestral made her way to the Colonel’s office, Jallarzi patted the captain’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. “ Consoled the half-elf. “He won’t know what happened.”
---
*Every time you save a cathedral, a paladin gains his aura. The characters needed some good news and both Jared and Kellron’s players were pleased that they had inspired someone with their good works.
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Is this the end?
I really hope that this isn't the last of this story hour. I was truly enjoying reading it. You have an excellent writing style which helps put life into the characters. It was an excellent diversion from work and I hope there is more in the future but if not then thanks for the story so far and best of luck.
Torgal
I really hope that this isn't the last of this story hour. I was truly enjoying reading it. You have an excellent writing style which helps put life into the characters. It was an excellent diversion from work and I hope there is more in the future but if not then thanks for the story so far and best of luck.
Torgal
Torgal said:
Thank you very much.
Nope, it's not the end. Shortly after the last post I hit a creative wall and then the work piled on again. A week ago however I started to go through my notes and organize them a bit more and I think I'm ready to put the pen to paper again.
I'm hoping to start posting again in the next couple weeks.
Thanks for the encouragement and kind words.
Joshua Randall
Legend
Yay! That's good news.
Misdirected Expectations
There are events that no good person wants to see happen, yet when confronted by them these same people find that they are unable to look away. As a battle-tested veteran of a handful of fights Senior Captain Rusuk knew this. Further, the Captain knew that he was about to see another such event again as he watched the young Keress Thendry make her way to the only man in the entire building that was plotting the downfall of them all.
The only thing that stayed the Captain’s shout to stop her was the sorceress’ hand on his shoulder and the quiet confidence of both Kellron and Jared. These three sober and competent people were giving the slight young woman their full confidence; for all that she was young enough to be his daughter and despite her reputation in the church as a pickpocket (albeit a likeable one).
He watched Kestral cross to the opposite wall of the sanctuary and then followed her path to the doors that led to the colonel’s office. Rusuk had to admit the woman walked with a grace that few trained warriors could match as she passed behind one of the many pillars in the sanctuary. Rusuk allowed to himself that she might be able to hold her own against Merith if the man got violent. Reflexively suppressing a snarl at the thought of the merchant’s name, Rusuk flicked his eyes to the door Kestral was heading to and then back to where he last saw Kestral.
She wasn’t there. Frowning, Rusuk scanned up and down the far wall but there was no sign of the woman. The only person there was a dark-haired acolyte marching purposely to the offices.
“Where…?” Murmured the captain, wondering which pillar Kestral had paused behind. He had last seen her at that one over there, he mused.
Keress Jallarzi made a soft noise and it took Rusuk a moment to determine that the young sorceress was suppressing laughter.
Not trusting her voice, Jallarzi waved her hand at the young solider woman that the good captain had so obviously dismissed.
Rusuk’s eyes snapped back to the acolyte and stared. It couldn’t be. The young Kestral was all of five feet high in her boots and her long, straight hair was a light brown (though in the past he knew it had been blonde – during the “incident”). Only a few moments ago she had been wearing serviceable, if blood-stained, traveling garb.
The acolyte was not the same woman. Her black hair was cropped short, though longer than regulation usually permitted. She wore a fresh white and blue tabard over her leather armor, and the captain frowned as he realized it looked as if it had been tailored.
Rusuk wondered how Jallarzi had invoked the illusion. He hadn’t seen or heard her cast a spell, but she obviously had. That acolyte wasn’t one of his soldiers. With an open mind he could still see Kestral’s grace shine through the soldier’s march as she disappeared through the door that led to the offices.
“See? I told you; he won’t know what hit him.” Said Jallarzi, smugly.
---
The confident knock at the door made Ker Quentin Merith look up from the papers on Colonel Megara’s desk with a frown. The merchant was aware of just how little respect he was given here and had used it to be shuffled off to the good colonel’s office. He hadn’t expected to be bothered in the meantime. For a moment Mereith wondered if Captain Rusuk actually had captured the mercenaries.
Quentin shook his head and frowned as he touched the amulet hidden under his shirt. No. The captain hadn’t had enough time and his own watchers would have warned him.
“Enter!” He called out, wondering whether he was about to be presented with a problem or an opportunity.
There was a brief pause and then the heavy wooden door swung open quietly. Standing in the doorway was a young woman of medium height with short dark hair; wearing the same fighting leathers and the simple white and blue tabard that every other soldier in the building wore. However the calculating look in the woman’s dark eyes was quite unlike the other soldiers.
Opportunity Thought Quentin with satisfaction. Perhaps many opportunities. continued that same thought as he took in the soft curves under the leather armor and the woman’s friendly smile.
“Excuse me mi’lord.” Began the woman. “Are you the one representing the Duke?”
Quentin stood and waved generously to one of the colonel’s visiting chairs. “That I am. Why don’t you take a seat…” He trailed off waiting for her to introduce herself.”
“Private Claudia, mi’lord.”
Quentin smiled and nodded and waited for her to take her seat, and then sat himself. “A pleasure to meet you Claudia.” Answered the merchant as he was sitting. “I am Ker Quentin Merith of the Merith trading house.” He favored the young woman with all his charm. “While we’re in private though please call me Quentin. No sense standing on ceremony, is there?”
The woman’s head nodded in a charmingly tentative way, apparently disarmed by his generosity. “Thank you mi…Quentin.” She said.
The merchant nodded encouragingly. “Now, what can I do for you?” He asked pleasantly.
The woman took a deep breath, as if preparing herself for confession. Quentin wasn’t blind to what it did for the woman’s figure.
“It’s the captain here.” She began. “He’s going to let the people you’re looking for go.”
Quentin favored her with a long look, wondering what she was up to. He came to three conclusions. The woman was pretending to an innocence that she didn’t possess; she was doing so in order to manipulate him, and he found it both charming and useful.
“Are you sure?” He asked, allowing a bit of anger to show through.
Claudia nodded earnestly. “Yes mi…Quentin. I overheard him talking with some people.”
Quentin leaned back, wondering if what the woman said was true. It was entirely possible and he wouldn’t put it past the captain. He almost hoped it was true so that he could have the pleasure of seeing the captain hang.
After a long moment he finally asked “Why are you telling me this?”
Claudia had the grace to look embarrassed for a brief moment before looking Quentin in the eyes. “I don’t want to be a soldier all my life.” She said ferverently. “As an orphan I didn’t get many opportunities but I’m making the most of what I have.” She shrugged. “Besides, I’m not fond of someone who tells me I should follow orders but breaks them himself.”
Quentin nodded with a sympathetic look. “I can appreciate that. These temples have gotten too full of themselves lately and I don’t mind telling you that the Duke is mightily disappointed in their leadership these days.”
“I’m willing to help however I can.” Said Claudia quite earnestly while leaning forward a bit. “I want to do what’s best for the Duke.”
Sure you are. Thought Quentin cynically. Still, he sensed he could trust the woman as long as she understood that he could help her.
He leaned forward himself, putting his arms on the desk and clasping his hands together. “Let’s say I believe you.” He said. “However, you’re a low-ranking soldier and I don’t doubt that the captain can find someone else to say that you’re a troublemaker.”
Fear crossed the woman’s face, but it was quickly schooled.
“Just so.” Said Quentin, letting her know that he understood her situation. “As I said the Duke is displeased with the temple leadership as of late and has turned to new advisors. You may have heard that his Grace listens to the wise counsel of Ker Aruk. He’s an insightful man from up north that had been advising Baron Roth. Now that the good baron is marrying the Duke’s daughter, Ker Aruk is advising his Grace.
Quentin saw that he had the ambitious young soldier’s full attention. That pleased him.
“Being new to the city, Ker Aruk has gathered a number of advisors of his own.” He paused meaningfully, “including myself.” He added.
Quentin saw the young woman putting the sentences together and she looked at him with even greater respect (and was that a touch of avarice perhaps?).
“Ker Aruk is still looking for bright, capable people.” Continued Merith. “The corruption and hypocrisy that infects the temples are not limited to them, and with the current troubles Ker Aruk needs all the reliable people he can find. I can further add that Ker Aruk rewards both loyalty and capability. Do you think you might be one of these people?” Asked Quentin.
Claudia rocked back into her chair, obviously considering what Quentin had just told her. “What about his Grace? She asked. “He’s letting Ker Aruk gather private followers in the city?”
It was a good question. “Certainly.” Quentin assured her. “His Grace is getting on in years and won’t be around forever. He’s planning for the future by seeing to his daughter’s marriage to a capable leader and making sure the city benefits from the best advice. It’s a good arrangement for all.”
“I see.” She said and then she smiled radiantly as she leaned forward again. “I think I’m just the person you’re looking for. What can I do to convince you and Ker Aruk of that?”
Quentin decided her smile was a dangerous weapon. He wanted to trust her. “Capable and loyal service.” He answered her. “Success brings the rewards, both monetary and otherwise.”
Claudia’s smile seemed to grow wider, if that was possible. “You’ll find that I am that person.” She assured him. “But…” She trailed off and her smile disappeared.
Here it comes. Thought Quentin. “But…?” He asked, taking the bait.
“You’ll need to assure yourself of my loyalty.” She said, gesturing towards the door. “There’s magic out there. The Latinan temple had that pillar of flame, the mercenaries you’re looking for are capable of disappearing, and who knows what else that isn’t in the rumors.”
Merith reappraised the young soldier. “That’s pretty perceptive of you.” He finally said.
Claudia shrugged. “You wanted somebody bright. I told you I am that person.” She paused. “I’m willing to be interviewed by Ker Aruk or a truth-teller of your choice.” She offered.
“You mean you’re willing to meet one of the most powerful men in the city.” Quentin said flatly.
A cheerful grin crossed Claudia’s face. “Certainly. I’ve heard things today and I’m willing to pass them on, but it’s also worth my neck for selling out my superiors here. I want to make sure there’s a position outside of the temple for me.” Claudia saw the frown cross Quntin’s face. “I do want to work with you.” She assured him. “I can benefit from your experience and leadership, but I also want some independence. She gestured to her armor. “I’ve had enough of discipline and order.”
Quentin nodded slowly, thinking it over. Claudia had finally revealed her true self and he was still trying to come to grips with it. He decided he liked the real Claudia. She really did seem to be as bright as she claimed. She would make a better assistant than any of the fools currently working for him.
“I think I can work with you.” He said out out loud. “I have some arrangements to make and I’ll contact you tomorrow.” He paused a moment. “Would you be available for lunch tomorrow?
“I don’t know. With the trouble and all…”
Quentin grimaced and waved her objection away. “I’ll make it an order. Don’t worry, you’ll be released. Expect to have lunch with me at the Crown’s Table tomorrow at noon.”
Claudia’s eyes widened a bit, obviously impressed. The Crown’s Table was famous for its food. The Duke himself was said to dine there on occasion.
Quentin stood and waited for Claudia to stand before speaking. “I appreciate you taking your concerns to me, Claudia.” He said, taking her by the arm and escorting her to the door. “I think you’ll find that working with me will be everything you were looking for.”
Claudia brought her hand up to touch Quentin’s hand on her arm. “Thank you Quentin, I am sure it will be.” She demurred. Before he could respond, her hand gracefully sought out the door and she pulled herself away from him. “Thank you for seeing me. I look forward to lunch tomorrow.”
Ker Quentin Merith bowed low, pleased with himself. Things were going well.
---
Ker Merith left Sword House in a huff shortly thereafter, not even bothering to seek out Senior Captain Rusuk. Instead the merchant summoned a carriage and made his way immediately to his Grace’s estate. He never found out that the three people he was looking for had been less than a hundred feet away and had watched him leave.
There are events that no good person wants to see happen, yet when confronted by them these same people find that they are unable to look away. As a battle-tested veteran of a handful of fights Senior Captain Rusuk knew this. Further, the Captain knew that he was about to see another such event again as he watched the young Keress Thendry make her way to the only man in the entire building that was plotting the downfall of them all.
The only thing that stayed the Captain’s shout to stop her was the sorceress’ hand on his shoulder and the quiet confidence of both Kellron and Jared. These three sober and competent people were giving the slight young woman their full confidence; for all that she was young enough to be his daughter and despite her reputation in the church as a pickpocket (albeit a likeable one).
He watched Kestral cross to the opposite wall of the sanctuary and then followed her path to the doors that led to the colonel’s office. Rusuk had to admit the woman walked with a grace that few trained warriors could match as she passed behind one of the many pillars in the sanctuary. Rusuk allowed to himself that she might be able to hold her own against Merith if the man got violent. Reflexively suppressing a snarl at the thought of the merchant’s name, Rusuk flicked his eyes to the door Kestral was heading to and then back to where he last saw Kestral.
She wasn’t there. Frowning, Rusuk scanned up and down the far wall but there was no sign of the woman. The only person there was a dark-haired acolyte marching purposely to the offices.
“Where…?” Murmured the captain, wondering which pillar Kestral had paused behind. He had last seen her at that one over there, he mused.
Keress Jallarzi made a soft noise and it took Rusuk a moment to determine that the young sorceress was suppressing laughter.
Not trusting her voice, Jallarzi waved her hand at the young solider woman that the good captain had so obviously dismissed.
Rusuk’s eyes snapped back to the acolyte and stared. It couldn’t be. The young Kestral was all of five feet high in her boots and her long, straight hair was a light brown (though in the past he knew it had been blonde – during the “incident”). Only a few moments ago she had been wearing serviceable, if blood-stained, traveling garb.
The acolyte was not the same woman. Her black hair was cropped short, though longer than regulation usually permitted. She wore a fresh white and blue tabard over her leather armor, and the captain frowned as he realized it looked as if it had been tailored.
Rusuk wondered how Jallarzi had invoked the illusion. He hadn’t seen or heard her cast a spell, but she obviously had. That acolyte wasn’t one of his soldiers. With an open mind he could still see Kestral’s grace shine through the soldier’s march as she disappeared through the door that led to the offices.
“See? I told you; he won’t know what hit him.” Said Jallarzi, smugly.
---
The confident knock at the door made Ker Quentin Merith look up from the papers on Colonel Megara’s desk with a frown. The merchant was aware of just how little respect he was given here and had used it to be shuffled off to the good colonel’s office. He hadn’t expected to be bothered in the meantime. For a moment Mereith wondered if Captain Rusuk actually had captured the mercenaries.
Quentin shook his head and frowned as he touched the amulet hidden under his shirt. No. The captain hadn’t had enough time and his own watchers would have warned him.
“Enter!” He called out, wondering whether he was about to be presented with a problem or an opportunity.
There was a brief pause and then the heavy wooden door swung open quietly. Standing in the doorway was a young woman of medium height with short dark hair; wearing the same fighting leathers and the simple white and blue tabard that every other soldier in the building wore. However the calculating look in the woman’s dark eyes was quite unlike the other soldiers.
Opportunity Thought Quentin with satisfaction. Perhaps many opportunities. continued that same thought as he took in the soft curves under the leather armor and the woman’s friendly smile.
“Excuse me mi’lord.” Began the woman. “Are you the one representing the Duke?”
Quentin stood and waved generously to one of the colonel’s visiting chairs. “That I am. Why don’t you take a seat…” He trailed off waiting for her to introduce herself.”
“Private Claudia, mi’lord.”
Quentin smiled and nodded and waited for her to take her seat, and then sat himself. “A pleasure to meet you Claudia.” Answered the merchant as he was sitting. “I am Ker Quentin Merith of the Merith trading house.” He favored the young woman with all his charm. “While we’re in private though please call me Quentin. No sense standing on ceremony, is there?”
The woman’s head nodded in a charmingly tentative way, apparently disarmed by his generosity. “Thank you mi…Quentin.” She said.
The merchant nodded encouragingly. “Now, what can I do for you?” He asked pleasantly.
The woman took a deep breath, as if preparing herself for confession. Quentin wasn’t blind to what it did for the woman’s figure.
“It’s the captain here.” She began. “He’s going to let the people you’re looking for go.”
Quentin favored her with a long look, wondering what she was up to. He came to three conclusions. The woman was pretending to an innocence that she didn’t possess; she was doing so in order to manipulate him, and he found it both charming and useful.
“Are you sure?” He asked, allowing a bit of anger to show through.
Claudia nodded earnestly. “Yes mi…Quentin. I overheard him talking with some people.”
Quentin leaned back, wondering if what the woman said was true. It was entirely possible and he wouldn’t put it past the captain. He almost hoped it was true so that he could have the pleasure of seeing the captain hang.
After a long moment he finally asked “Why are you telling me this?”
Claudia had the grace to look embarrassed for a brief moment before looking Quentin in the eyes. “I don’t want to be a soldier all my life.” She said ferverently. “As an orphan I didn’t get many opportunities but I’m making the most of what I have.” She shrugged. “Besides, I’m not fond of someone who tells me I should follow orders but breaks them himself.”
Quentin nodded with a sympathetic look. “I can appreciate that. These temples have gotten too full of themselves lately and I don’t mind telling you that the Duke is mightily disappointed in their leadership these days.”
“I’m willing to help however I can.” Said Claudia quite earnestly while leaning forward a bit. “I want to do what’s best for the Duke.”
Sure you are. Thought Quentin cynically. Still, he sensed he could trust the woman as long as she understood that he could help her.
He leaned forward himself, putting his arms on the desk and clasping his hands together. “Let’s say I believe you.” He said. “However, you’re a low-ranking soldier and I don’t doubt that the captain can find someone else to say that you’re a troublemaker.”
Fear crossed the woman’s face, but it was quickly schooled.
“Just so.” Said Quentin, letting her know that he understood her situation. “As I said the Duke is displeased with the temple leadership as of late and has turned to new advisors. You may have heard that his Grace listens to the wise counsel of Ker Aruk. He’s an insightful man from up north that had been advising Baron Roth. Now that the good baron is marrying the Duke’s daughter, Ker Aruk is advising his Grace.
Quentin saw that he had the ambitious young soldier’s full attention. That pleased him.
“Being new to the city, Ker Aruk has gathered a number of advisors of his own.” He paused meaningfully, “including myself.” He added.
Quentin saw the young woman putting the sentences together and she looked at him with even greater respect (and was that a touch of avarice perhaps?).
“Ker Aruk is still looking for bright, capable people.” Continued Merith. “The corruption and hypocrisy that infects the temples are not limited to them, and with the current troubles Ker Aruk needs all the reliable people he can find. I can further add that Ker Aruk rewards both loyalty and capability. Do you think you might be one of these people?” Asked Quentin.
Claudia rocked back into her chair, obviously considering what Quentin had just told her. “What about his Grace? She asked. “He’s letting Ker Aruk gather private followers in the city?”
It was a good question. “Certainly.” Quentin assured her. “His Grace is getting on in years and won’t be around forever. He’s planning for the future by seeing to his daughter’s marriage to a capable leader and making sure the city benefits from the best advice. It’s a good arrangement for all.”
“I see.” She said and then she smiled radiantly as she leaned forward again. “I think I’m just the person you’re looking for. What can I do to convince you and Ker Aruk of that?”
Quentin decided her smile was a dangerous weapon. He wanted to trust her. “Capable and loyal service.” He answered her. “Success brings the rewards, both monetary and otherwise.”
Claudia’s smile seemed to grow wider, if that was possible. “You’ll find that I am that person.” She assured him. “But…” She trailed off and her smile disappeared.
Here it comes. Thought Quentin. “But…?” He asked, taking the bait.
“You’ll need to assure yourself of my loyalty.” She said, gesturing towards the door. “There’s magic out there. The Latinan temple had that pillar of flame, the mercenaries you’re looking for are capable of disappearing, and who knows what else that isn’t in the rumors.”
Merith reappraised the young soldier. “That’s pretty perceptive of you.” He finally said.
Claudia shrugged. “You wanted somebody bright. I told you I am that person.” She paused. “I’m willing to be interviewed by Ker Aruk or a truth-teller of your choice.” She offered.
“You mean you’re willing to meet one of the most powerful men in the city.” Quentin said flatly.
A cheerful grin crossed Claudia’s face. “Certainly. I’ve heard things today and I’m willing to pass them on, but it’s also worth my neck for selling out my superiors here. I want to make sure there’s a position outside of the temple for me.” Claudia saw the frown cross Quntin’s face. “I do want to work with you.” She assured him. “I can benefit from your experience and leadership, but I also want some independence. She gestured to her armor. “I’ve had enough of discipline and order.”
Quentin nodded slowly, thinking it over. Claudia had finally revealed her true self and he was still trying to come to grips with it. He decided he liked the real Claudia. She really did seem to be as bright as she claimed. She would make a better assistant than any of the fools currently working for him.
“I think I can work with you.” He said out out loud. “I have some arrangements to make and I’ll contact you tomorrow.” He paused a moment. “Would you be available for lunch tomorrow?
“I don’t know. With the trouble and all…”
Quentin grimaced and waved her objection away. “I’ll make it an order. Don’t worry, you’ll be released. Expect to have lunch with me at the Crown’s Table tomorrow at noon.”
Claudia’s eyes widened a bit, obviously impressed. The Crown’s Table was famous for its food. The Duke himself was said to dine there on occasion.
Quentin stood and waited for Claudia to stand before speaking. “I appreciate you taking your concerns to me, Claudia.” He said, taking her by the arm and escorting her to the door. “I think you’ll find that working with me will be everything you were looking for.”
Claudia brought her hand up to touch Quentin’s hand on her arm. “Thank you Quentin, I am sure it will be.” She demurred. Before he could respond, her hand gracefully sought out the door and she pulled herself away from him. “Thank you for seeing me. I look forward to lunch tomorrow.”
Ker Quentin Merith bowed low, pleased with himself. Things were going well.
---
Ker Merith left Sword House in a huff shortly thereafter, not even bothering to seek out Senior Captain Rusuk. Instead the merchant summoned a carriage and made his way immediately to his Grace’s estate. He never found out that the three people he was looking for had been less than a hundred feet away and had watched him leave.
Joshua Randall
Legend
As it should be. That was fantastic in its boldness.AsEver said:
Suuuuure you did.... I'm picturing Quentin Merith as Robert Shaw's character in The Sting right about now.I got to betray the party, everyone knew it, and they were all rooting for me.![:]](http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/devious.png "Devious :]")
Joshua Randall said:
Heh. She gets bolder. This part of the session she had been operating solo with the players observing.
In an intrigue-based game it's a good sign when the players starting using Commune to check on the loyalty of other characters. Of course that's just my opinion.
That should be two posts from now; of which I'm working on the next one. Hopefully to be ready this weekend.
An Evening at the Deverex Household
A woman of fire and passion. That’s how Imych described his young half-elven lover. The bard would have taken consolation that his death had hurt the young woman but would not have been at all surprised that she had forgiven her father for it. Her mercurial nature is what had first attracted him to her. Little did he know that both traits were common throughout her family line back to the elfin woman that she occasionally (if inaccurately) called Grandmother.
In fact Jaylissa shared several traits with her remote elven ancestor; including long, rich red hair, hard, grass green eyes, natural grace, and a ruthless pragmatism broken only by a mercurial temper. Jaylissa didn’t know it but she had been bred to her job. She was good at it because her Grandmother left as little as possible to chance in what was ultimately a family enterprise.
It was just as well, for Jaylissa was learning under fire. Her father kidnapped, perhaps dead, her organization still recovering from a catastrophic raid, and a city being slowly dismembered from the inside. Or as she later referred to it, a time of opportunity.
---
Jallarzi, Jared, and Kellron were in the Jaylissa’s sitting room with the young kerress and Lore, her sorcerous advisor. The three heroes had related (in part) the day’s events, from the infiltration and cleansing of the Cathedral to Kestral’s confrontation with Quentin Merith.
“She’s still at Sword House.” Added Kellron. “In case Merith shows up or thinks to check up on her.”
“Hmmm.” Jaylissa thought for a moment while her slender hands toyed idly with her wine glass. “I know him. He’s a rat-faced weasel of a man." She wrinkled her nose. “He wants power and respect so much that no right-thinking person will give him either.”
She paused before continuing. “I’ve heard of Baron Roth’s upcoming marriage and father mentioned Aruk in passing a couple times, but I don’t know anything specific. I can get more information on both of them tomorrow though.”
“Thank you.” Said Jallarzi with a small smile. “We have another favor to ask though.” She paused to make sure that Jaylissa was receptive and then continued. “Kestral might be meeting with Aruk tomorrow at the Crown’s Table. Would it be possible to somehow observe it while hidden?”
Jaylissa thought for a moment then nodded. “There’s a private room that isn’t so private there. I can arrange you to get the room next to it if it doesn’t happen too early."
They continued chatting for awhile until Jaylissa declared she had to make the arrangements for their room at the Crown’s Table.
---
Comfortably seated, Shalzerith closed his steel-grey eyes for a moment and centered himself. It was almost as if he were nervous. A faint smile played across the archmage’s lips at the thought. He had bargained with things from the hells themselves and had plumbed realms of twisting madness. This next task was trivial in comparison.
There was a rustle of satin and then the seductive voice of a woman broke through his calming reverie. “Really, Shalzerith, you have more important things to worry about. Leave this distraction be."
The elderly mage held his breath a moment more and then let it go with the slightest of sighs. “I would think you would aid my goals. You are the last one I’d expect to tell me to pass temptation by.”
There was another rustle followed by the sound of bare feet padding across the cold tile. The familiar warmth and weight of a woman’s arms draped over his shoulders from behind. Sweet, warm air breathed across his ear. “There’s the good kind of temptation that encourages you.” Whispered the woman with a playful nip on the same ear, causing the wizard to shiver.
The woman pushed herself away suddenly. “And then there’s temptation that serves no purpose and distracts you from your work.” He heard her pad around his chair and took her seat again next to him at his dining table.
Shalzerith grimaced. He was only human and she knew exactly what he liked. She was in one of ‘those’ moods. Opening his eyes he looked at the woman. Dressed in a loose, dark-blue satin robe that hung open loosely. Luxurious, long white hair framed her delicate, exotic face. Piercing blue eyes, so dark they were almost purple, met his own with a confidence that matched his own.
He raised an eyebrow, surprised. “That’s not your usual form.” He observed, noting his own reaction almost clinically.
The woman shrugged carelessly. “A reminder only; if you need a distraction, I can serve.”
Shalzerith snorted with humor. “I don’t’ think I can imagine you serving.” He commented.
“Neither will she.”
“I don’t want her too.” He said mildly. “For that matter, I don’t want you wearing Jallarzi’s form right now.” He smiled mirthlessly. “That would be a bad distraction.”
The woman held his gaze for a moment and then nodded. “Very well.” The air around the woman blurred briefly and when it cleared her form had changed. Still dressed in her half-open robe, she was now taller with darker skin, long, honey-blonde hair and pale blue eyes. “Let me know how it goes.” She said, standing. With a formal bow she excused herself and walked out of the room.
Shalzerith watched her walk out. Aazijosh was a magnificent creature. She was willing to fulfill his every desire; for a price. Shalzerith focused himself on that price. No, Aazijosh was completely unsuitable as a companion, as diverting as he found her.
Jallarzi was the companion he was seeking. A woman of beauty and power whose ambition was met by her intelligence. Better, she was still young enough to need a mentor and a guide, someone she could learn to trust.
He made a note to thank Aazijosh for helping firm up his resolution. Standing, he reached for the scroll case sitting to the side and made his way to his workroom. Tonight he would take the first step.
---
Jallarzi was given a private room in the south wing of the Deverex household. Kellron and Jared were in adjoining rooms across the hall. The young woman was in bed spending her time studying, as she so often did, looking over the spells she intended to prepare in the morning as well as jotting down some additional notes on a spell of prismatic energy she was rersearching.
Jallarzi noticed the scrying sphere almost as soon as it appeared. The scrying spheres were not quite a daily occurrence, but had happened often enough that Jallarzi snarled in irritation. With a flick of her wrist she targeted a dispel magic at the spell. Somewhat surprisingly the orb disappeared. Not so predictably, a few seconds later Jallarzi was contacted by a sending.
<"Journey-wizard Jallarzi, it is I, Shalzerith. It is urgent that I speak with you. May I teleport to your location?”>
Jallarzi’s irritation turned to suspicion. <”Wait three candle marks so I can get ready.”> she replied back on the tail-end of the spell.
Jallarzi looked about to make sure another scyring sphere hadn’t been invoked, then she jumped out of bed to make her way to Jared and Kellron’s room.
---
A muffled *bampf* of displaced air announced an impeccably robed Shalzerith as he appeared in the room. The silver-haired master wizard looked about the room with a neutral gaze. Arcane sight laid over his normal vision giving him a double-view of the bedroom. At first glance, Jallarzi sat alone at the small desk with her white staff of frost at hand whilst the rest of the room was empty.
His enhanced vision showed him that the real Jallarzi sat on the bed, dressed for battle with her staff close at hand. Her familiar was nowhere to be found, but Shalzerith presumed it was under the bed. The Sarathian knight, Kellron, stood in the corner, cloaked by invisibility. His weapon was unsheathed but lowered. The other knight, Jared, was sitting at the desk, disguised as Jallarzi. It was the last that had caused him to almost start. The image of Jallarzi super-imposed over the armored knight was incongruous.
Shalzerith spared the knights a raised eyebrow and then faced Jallarzi. Bowing low, he spoke. “Journey-mage Jallarzi, I thank you for seeing me on such short notice.” His hand swept out to indicate the two warriors. “I applaud your sense of caution. It was very clever.”
The half-elf frowned. She was evidently irritated that he had seen straight through their deception so quickly. “Just tell me what you needed to Master Shalzerith.”
The archmage sensed he had mis-stepped but wasn’t sure how. Still, the young wizard had every right to be suspicious. People were trying to harm her after all. “I come bearing a warning.”
Jallarzi cocked her head to one side in a fashion that Shalzerith found endearing. “How so?” She asked, somewhat more politely.
“It has come to my attention that you have annoyed several powerful people. They intend to kill you shortly.”
“We know.” Interrupted the warrior at the desk. He was evidently irritated at being ignored. Shalzerith ignored him more.
Jallarzi gazed at the wizard thoughtfully. “Why tell me?” She asked.
Giving her an encouraging smile, Shalzerith praised her. “That’s a very good question and at the root of why I am here.” Seeing that she was waiting for him to continue, he did so. “I have recently attained immortality, or at least freedom from the worry of age. Looking at the prospect of eternity I have decided I need something to keep me occupied.”
Heartened by her evident interest, the wizard continued. “I’ve decided that I would like to share my knowledge; pass it on if you will. You may not know it, but you are an amazing young woman. In the space of less than a year you have achieved tremendous skill with magic. I can think of no other member of the Library with your sheer potential and I wish to take you on as an apprentice and train you. Thus, it's to my benefit to gain your trust by warning you."
He smiled hopefully at the half-elven woman. She was obviously taken aback but seemed to be seriously considering his offer. “This is rather sudden.” She began.
“But no less earned.”
Jallarzi frowned at the interruption but let it pass. “I and my friends are currently involved in a task we have to finish.” She told the wizard. “I will think it over after this is all finished.”
Shalzerith stiffened. It wasn’t the answer he had been looking for. Still, she hadn’t rejected it outright. “I was hoping to serve the dual-purpose of removing you from danger and passing on my knowledge.” He told her. “However, it speaks well of you that you have the dedication to see a difficult task through.”
“Thank you.” She said curtly.
“If I cannot dissuade you then allow me to provide you some small aid. A token of my appreciation of your talents.” So saying, Shalzerith reached into his robe for the scroll case he had brought. He pulled it out with a flourish and presented it to the younger wizard. “I believe these are beyond your current abilities and I would normally not give them to someone who wasn’t ready. Your skill thus far leads me to believe that you will grow into these spells soon enough however.”
Jallarzi slid off the bed and stood to accept the scroll case. “I thank you for your generosity.” She said.
Shalzerith smiled at her evident appreciation. “Think nothing of it, Kerress Jallarzi. As I said, I believe you will make a worthy apprentice and your are quite ready for these spells.” With a bow he stepped back. “I will take my leave now.” So saying he spoke a word and gestured, disappearing with another *bampf* of imploding air.
---
After checking the scroll caes for residual spells, Jallarzi opened it up; eagerness warring with caution. She pulled out two pale white scrolls. She unrolled the first and gazed over it while her friends watched. Slowly she set it aside and looked at the second one.
With a stunned look, the journey-wizard rolled both scrolls up and put them back into their case.
“Well?” Asked Kellron
“He gave me two spells.” She said.
“And?” Asked Jared.
“The first is a greater planar binding. She said. It made sense, for Shalzerith was noted for his skills in conjuration.
“And the second?”
"Limited wish" She said flatly.
---
Heeding Shalzerith’s warning, and not quite trusting him, the three friends decided to spend the night in the same room. Jared and Kellron brought the blankets from their room into Jallarzi’s and then decided to split the night into two watches while Jallarzi slept.
A woman of fire and passion. That’s how Imych described his young half-elven lover. The bard would have taken consolation that his death had hurt the young woman but would not have been at all surprised that she had forgiven her father for it. Her mercurial nature is what had first attracted him to her. Little did he know that both traits were common throughout her family line back to the elfin woman that she occasionally (if inaccurately) called Grandmother.
In fact Jaylissa shared several traits with her remote elven ancestor; including long, rich red hair, hard, grass green eyes, natural grace, and a ruthless pragmatism broken only by a mercurial temper. Jaylissa didn’t know it but she had been bred to her job. She was good at it because her Grandmother left as little as possible to chance in what was ultimately a family enterprise.
It was just as well, for Jaylissa was learning under fire. Her father kidnapped, perhaps dead, her organization still recovering from a catastrophic raid, and a city being slowly dismembered from the inside. Or as she later referred to it, a time of opportunity.
---
Jallarzi, Jared, and Kellron were in the Jaylissa’s sitting room with the young kerress and Lore, her sorcerous advisor. The three heroes had related (in part) the day’s events, from the infiltration and cleansing of the Cathedral to Kestral’s confrontation with Quentin Merith.
“She’s still at Sword House.” Added Kellron. “In case Merith shows up or thinks to check up on her.”
“Hmmm.” Jaylissa thought for a moment while her slender hands toyed idly with her wine glass. “I know him. He’s a rat-faced weasel of a man." She wrinkled her nose. “He wants power and respect so much that no right-thinking person will give him either.”
She paused before continuing. “I’ve heard of Baron Roth’s upcoming marriage and father mentioned Aruk in passing a couple times, but I don’t know anything specific. I can get more information on both of them tomorrow though.”
“Thank you.” Said Jallarzi with a small smile. “We have another favor to ask though.” She paused to make sure that Jaylissa was receptive and then continued. “Kestral might be meeting with Aruk tomorrow at the Crown’s Table. Would it be possible to somehow observe it while hidden?”
Jaylissa thought for a moment then nodded. “There’s a private room that isn’t so private there. I can arrange you to get the room next to it if it doesn’t happen too early."
They continued chatting for awhile until Jaylissa declared she had to make the arrangements for their room at the Crown’s Table.
---
Comfortably seated, Shalzerith closed his steel-grey eyes for a moment and centered himself. It was almost as if he were nervous. A faint smile played across the archmage’s lips at the thought. He had bargained with things from the hells themselves and had plumbed realms of twisting madness. This next task was trivial in comparison.
There was a rustle of satin and then the seductive voice of a woman broke through his calming reverie. “Really, Shalzerith, you have more important things to worry about. Leave this distraction be."
The elderly mage held his breath a moment more and then let it go with the slightest of sighs. “I would think you would aid my goals. You are the last one I’d expect to tell me to pass temptation by.”
There was another rustle followed by the sound of bare feet padding across the cold tile. The familiar warmth and weight of a woman’s arms draped over his shoulders from behind. Sweet, warm air breathed across his ear. “There’s the good kind of temptation that encourages you.” Whispered the woman with a playful nip on the same ear, causing the wizard to shiver.
The woman pushed herself away suddenly. “And then there’s temptation that serves no purpose and distracts you from your work.” He heard her pad around his chair and took her seat again next to him at his dining table.
Shalzerith grimaced. He was only human and she knew exactly what he liked. She was in one of ‘those’ moods. Opening his eyes he looked at the woman. Dressed in a loose, dark-blue satin robe that hung open loosely. Luxurious, long white hair framed her delicate, exotic face. Piercing blue eyes, so dark they were almost purple, met his own with a confidence that matched his own.
He raised an eyebrow, surprised. “That’s not your usual form.” He observed, noting his own reaction almost clinically.
The woman shrugged carelessly. “A reminder only; if you need a distraction, I can serve.”
Shalzerith snorted with humor. “I don’t’ think I can imagine you serving.” He commented.
“Neither will she.”
“I don’t want her too.” He said mildly. “For that matter, I don’t want you wearing Jallarzi’s form right now.” He smiled mirthlessly. “That would be a bad distraction.”
The woman held his gaze for a moment and then nodded. “Very well.” The air around the woman blurred briefly and when it cleared her form had changed. Still dressed in her half-open robe, she was now taller with darker skin, long, honey-blonde hair and pale blue eyes. “Let me know how it goes.” She said, standing. With a formal bow she excused herself and walked out of the room.
Shalzerith watched her walk out. Aazijosh was a magnificent creature. She was willing to fulfill his every desire; for a price. Shalzerith focused himself on that price. No, Aazijosh was completely unsuitable as a companion, as diverting as he found her.
Jallarzi was the companion he was seeking. A woman of beauty and power whose ambition was met by her intelligence. Better, she was still young enough to need a mentor and a guide, someone she could learn to trust.
He made a note to thank Aazijosh for helping firm up his resolution. Standing, he reached for the scroll case sitting to the side and made his way to his workroom. Tonight he would take the first step.
---
Jallarzi was given a private room in the south wing of the Deverex household. Kellron and Jared were in adjoining rooms across the hall. The young woman was in bed spending her time studying, as she so often did, looking over the spells she intended to prepare in the morning as well as jotting down some additional notes on a spell of prismatic energy she was rersearching.
Jallarzi noticed the scrying sphere almost as soon as it appeared. The scrying spheres were not quite a daily occurrence, but had happened often enough that Jallarzi snarled in irritation. With a flick of her wrist she targeted a dispel magic at the spell. Somewhat surprisingly the orb disappeared. Not so predictably, a few seconds later Jallarzi was contacted by a sending.
<"Journey-wizard Jallarzi, it is I, Shalzerith. It is urgent that I speak with you. May I teleport to your location?”>
Jallarzi’s irritation turned to suspicion. <”Wait three candle marks so I can get ready.”> she replied back on the tail-end of the spell.
Jallarzi looked about to make sure another scyring sphere hadn’t been invoked, then she jumped out of bed to make her way to Jared and Kellron’s room.
---
A muffled *bampf* of displaced air announced an impeccably robed Shalzerith as he appeared in the room. The silver-haired master wizard looked about the room with a neutral gaze. Arcane sight laid over his normal vision giving him a double-view of the bedroom. At first glance, Jallarzi sat alone at the small desk with her white staff of frost at hand whilst the rest of the room was empty.
His enhanced vision showed him that the real Jallarzi sat on the bed, dressed for battle with her staff close at hand. Her familiar was nowhere to be found, but Shalzerith presumed it was under the bed. The Sarathian knight, Kellron, stood in the corner, cloaked by invisibility. His weapon was unsheathed but lowered. The other knight, Jared, was sitting at the desk, disguised as Jallarzi. It was the last that had caused him to almost start. The image of Jallarzi super-imposed over the armored knight was incongruous.
Shalzerith spared the knights a raised eyebrow and then faced Jallarzi. Bowing low, he spoke. “Journey-mage Jallarzi, I thank you for seeing me on such short notice.” His hand swept out to indicate the two warriors. “I applaud your sense of caution. It was very clever.”
The half-elf frowned. She was evidently irritated that he had seen straight through their deception so quickly. “Just tell me what you needed to Master Shalzerith.”
The archmage sensed he had mis-stepped but wasn’t sure how. Still, the young wizard had every right to be suspicious. People were trying to harm her after all. “I come bearing a warning.”
Jallarzi cocked her head to one side in a fashion that Shalzerith found endearing. “How so?” She asked, somewhat more politely.
“It has come to my attention that you have annoyed several powerful people. They intend to kill you shortly.”
“We know.” Interrupted the warrior at the desk. He was evidently irritated at being ignored. Shalzerith ignored him more.
Jallarzi gazed at the wizard thoughtfully. “Why tell me?” She asked.
Giving her an encouraging smile, Shalzerith praised her. “That’s a very good question and at the root of why I am here.” Seeing that she was waiting for him to continue, he did so. “I have recently attained immortality, or at least freedom from the worry of age. Looking at the prospect of eternity I have decided I need something to keep me occupied.”
Heartened by her evident interest, the wizard continued. “I’ve decided that I would like to share my knowledge; pass it on if you will. You may not know it, but you are an amazing young woman. In the space of less than a year you have achieved tremendous skill with magic. I can think of no other member of the Library with your sheer potential and I wish to take you on as an apprentice and train you. Thus, it's to my benefit to gain your trust by warning you."
He smiled hopefully at the half-elven woman. She was obviously taken aback but seemed to be seriously considering his offer. “This is rather sudden.” She began.
“But no less earned.”
Jallarzi frowned at the interruption but let it pass. “I and my friends are currently involved in a task we have to finish.” She told the wizard. “I will think it over after this is all finished.”
Shalzerith stiffened. It wasn’t the answer he had been looking for. Still, she hadn’t rejected it outright. “I was hoping to serve the dual-purpose of removing you from danger and passing on my knowledge.” He told her. “However, it speaks well of you that you have the dedication to see a difficult task through.”
“Thank you.” She said curtly.
“If I cannot dissuade you then allow me to provide you some small aid. A token of my appreciation of your talents.” So saying, Shalzerith reached into his robe for the scroll case he had brought. He pulled it out with a flourish and presented it to the younger wizard. “I believe these are beyond your current abilities and I would normally not give them to someone who wasn’t ready. Your skill thus far leads me to believe that you will grow into these spells soon enough however.”
Jallarzi slid off the bed and stood to accept the scroll case. “I thank you for your generosity.” She said.
Shalzerith smiled at her evident appreciation. “Think nothing of it, Kerress Jallarzi. As I said, I believe you will make a worthy apprentice and your are quite ready for these spells.” With a bow he stepped back. “I will take my leave now.” So saying he spoke a word and gestured, disappearing with another *bampf* of imploding air.
---
After checking the scroll caes for residual spells, Jallarzi opened it up; eagerness warring with caution. She pulled out two pale white scrolls. She unrolled the first and gazed over it while her friends watched. Slowly she set it aside and looked at the second one.
With a stunned look, the journey-wizard rolled both scrolls up and put them back into their case.
“Well?” Asked Kellron
“He gave me two spells.” She said.
“And?” Asked Jared.
“The first is a greater planar binding. She said. It made sense, for Shalzerith was noted for his skills in conjuration.
“And the second?”
"Limited wish" She said flatly.
---
Heeding Shalzerith’s warning, and not quite trusting him, the three friends decided to spend the night in the same room. Jared and Kellron brought the blankets from their room into Jallarzi’s and then decided to split the night into two watches while Jallarzi slept.
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