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Sins of Our Fathers - 2/10 - Final Update
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<blockquote data-quote="Destan" data-source="post: 913278" data-attributes="member: 12157"><p><strong>Pursuing the Second Shard</strong></p><p></p><p>Amelyssan tossed the shard of Margate’s staff onto the carpet of furs. The elf impassively eyed Aramin as his companions funneled into the tent behind him. “There’s your first piece, Rornman. Thus completes our end of the bargain.”</p><p></p><p>Aramin stretched forward on his haunches and lifted the wood, studying it intently for a handful of heartbeats. “You speak truly. Boy,” the Rornman called to his servant, “give these brave fellows the chest of coins. It is their due.”</p><p></p><p>John of Pell settled himself near the chest and began to count coins, humming a soft tune under his breath. Amelyssan waited while his companions took their places around the brazier before addressing Aramin once more. “We found the rûcken, those who carried the staff. But they were first found by a group of Gondians, hailing from Tarn Cal.”</p><p></p><p>Aramin tapped a broken nail against the few whiskers on his chin. “Interesting, interesting.”</p><p></p><p>“Indeed,” agreed Amelyssan. “I ask you – why would Gondians from Tarn Cal suddenly be interested in this antique, after it had remained outside the thoughts of men for so many years?”</p><p></p><p>Aramin shrugged. “I have not the answer to your question. Does it matter? You succeeded and you have been paid.”</p><p></p><p>Vath growled, his blistered skin peeling back from broken teeth. “It does matter. These green-robes died before relinquishing the claim on that staff.”</p><p></p><p>The Rornman suddenly stood and faced the coals, his back to the party. His voice was soft. “Events happen quickly these months. Some say a new Age will soon be born. Mayhaps others learned of the staff and feared it would be re-assembled; they wish to prevent an old evil from returning to this dark world.”</p><p></p><p>“Then we slew those who would do good?” Kellus asked. “I think you are not telling us the whole of it, Rornman.”</p><p></p><p>Raylin mac Larren drew his sword and began to run a whetstone down its length. “I have no qualms killing men, this is known. But I would know the why of it. If you have not told us all, then you had best remedy the situation. Now.”</p><p></p><p>John looked up from the coins in his hands. He glanced about at his companions, then let his gaze linger on Aramin. “I would start singing if I were you, Master Aramin. My friends seem a bit – shall we say – upset.”</p><p></p><p>The Rornman turned to face them. “I wish to prevent the staff from being joined. Should that happen, it would be no difficult feat to summon Ippizicus Child-Eater into the world once more.”</p><p></p><p>Amelyssan sat. “We are not demonbringers of your homeland. We do not want to see the return of this fiend. I wonder. Do you?”</p><p></p><p>Aramin threw his head back and laughed. The sound was that of a dying jackal. “Demonbringer? Me? Certainly not. If I wanted to rejoin the staff, then I would track it down myself.”</p><p></p><p>Kellus frowned. “I think it time we looked into your essence, Rornman. My companions and I are mercenaries, but we do not lack some morality. Do you agree to let me look into your soul?”</p><p></p><p>Aramin’s eyes flashed, but only for a moment. “Please. You will find no stain upon me.”</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>Kellus willed his inner power to drift outward and caress the Rornman’s breast. A few moments passed. Kellus let the power dissipate. “I find no evil in him.”</p><p></p><p>Amelyssan nodded. “It seems to me that none of us want the return of this demon. Would it not be best, then, to leave the remaining pieces of the staff alone? You have your shard. Protect it, I say, and let not the other portions come near.”</p><p></p><p>Aramin shrugged. “Perhaps what you say is correct, elf. Perhaps that would be best. But I am an old man. Growing older by the day. I am not proud of all I have done in this lifetime. I would do one better, should I be given the opportunity.”</p><p></p><p>“One better?”</p><p></p><p>“Aye. I would destroy it. I can do what Bishop Margate could not. I have the power to destroy the staff, thereby ending any chance for Ippizicus’ return.”</p><p></p><p>John pushed a pile of coins toward Raylins’ feet. “Kellus, can you ask your inner light – or whatever you call the fount of your powers – to see if he speaks truly?”</p><p></p><p>Kellus nodded. “Aye, though not today.”</p><p></p><p>Aramin frowned. “I have allowed the Rhelmsman to look into my core. He detected no evil. I must say – you treat your benefactor with a suspicion bordering on rudeness.”</p><p></p><p>“Common courtesy is not so common, eh?” John smiled without amusement. “Enough of this. You have paid us, and for that we thank you. Our task is finished.”</p><p></p><p>“Indeed it is,” agreed the Rornman. “But I told you earlier I would be willing to discuss other matters should you prove successful.”</p><p></p><p>“Go on,” ordered Raylin. He carefully dragged his share of coins into a leather purse.</p><p></p><p>“I will double my payment from the first undertaking. Two hundred crowns to each of you, should you return with the second portion of the staff. If you worry about my intentions, then you need not gather the third piece for me. You will be twice as rich as you are this moment, and your conscience will be clear.” Aramin’s face twisted into a sneer with his final phrase.</p><p></p><p>Baden spoke for the first time. “You appear to be forthright with us, and I would do the same by you. The men we slew, those who had killed the rûcken, were not Gondian priests, though they wore the green garb of that god. They were mercenaries, from Tarn Cal most like.”</p><p></p><p>Aramin nodded. “I thank you for being open, Axemarch dwarf. But I have held nothing from you. I wish to destroy the key that would return a demon to this world. It may very well be my undoing, but I am prepared to accept that fate. Do you, in turn, accept my second task?”</p><p></p><p>Baden nodded. “I do.”</p><p></p><p>John finished counting the coins, keeping only slightly more than his share for himself, and glanced at Aramin. “As do I. Where is this second piece? Do you know?”</p><p></p><p>The Rornman climbed to his feat with a number of curses. He waddled toward the rear of the tent and pulled a bearskin from atop a mirror. “I have seen him who carries the second piece. He is a Gondian priest. Truly a priest, that much I know. Though he has betrayed his temple and his fellows.”</p><p></p><p>Amelyssan looked from the scrying mirror to the Rornman. “Where is he?”</p><p></p><p>“Again, not far from here. He is heading north – perhaps to Tarn Cal. He and his fellows had taken the staff from another band of rucken earlier this tenday, yet he has spirited the piece away from his friends and now travels alone. On horseback. I know not why, nor do I know his destination.”</p><p></p><p>“This staff,” murmured Amelyssan, “does it hold power? Rather, does each piece hold power? Could it be forcing him to take actions he would otherwise not?”</p><p></p><p>“I do not think so, <em>horadrel</em>*. The staff is magical, certainly, but its sole power is imprisoning the demon. As such, it is inert while it remains sundered.”</p><p></p><p>Raylin stood and brushed dirt from his leather breeches. “Have you seen any landmarks in your mirror to better locate him? Rivers, mountains?”</p><p></p><p>“He travels along the Dwem River, northward. He is south of the Raven’s Roost crag. Do you know the place?”</p><p></p><p>“I do. It is three days’ ride from here. If he is on horseback, we had best not tarry.”</p><p></p><p>Aramin grinned. “No, I think not. In fact, it would be best if you left this very evening, yes?”</p><p></p><p>Amelyssan shared a silent look with the Rornman. “Very well. We shall find you here, again, within a tenday. See that you have our gold.”</p><p></p><p>The group exited the tent and stood still while the cold winds of the Cormick plains tousled their hair and blew away the stink of Aramin and his brazier. Kellus adjusted the mace upon his belt. “He plays us false.”</p><p></p><p>“He does,” agreed John. “But he is not evil. And his coins are real. That is enough for me.”</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>* <em>Horadrel</em> is the elven term for High Elf, the most common type of elf within Ostia Prim. Additionally, there are <em>gammedrel</em> (wild elves), <em>morhedrel</em> (dark elves), and other - much rarer- strains such as desert elves and acquatic elves.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Destan, post: 913278, member: 12157"] [b]Pursuing the Second Shard[/b] Amelyssan tossed the shard of Margate’s staff onto the carpet of furs. The elf impassively eyed Aramin as his companions funneled into the tent behind him. “There’s your first piece, Rornman. Thus completes our end of the bargain.” Aramin stretched forward on his haunches and lifted the wood, studying it intently for a handful of heartbeats. “You speak truly. Boy,” the Rornman called to his servant, “give these brave fellows the chest of coins. It is their due.” John of Pell settled himself near the chest and began to count coins, humming a soft tune under his breath. Amelyssan waited while his companions took their places around the brazier before addressing Aramin once more. “We found the rûcken, those who carried the staff. But they were first found by a group of Gondians, hailing from Tarn Cal.” Aramin tapped a broken nail against the few whiskers on his chin. “Interesting, interesting.” “Indeed,” agreed Amelyssan. “I ask you – why would Gondians from Tarn Cal suddenly be interested in this antique, after it had remained outside the thoughts of men for so many years?” Aramin shrugged. “I have not the answer to your question. Does it matter? You succeeded and you have been paid.” Vath growled, his blistered skin peeling back from broken teeth. “It does matter. These green-robes died before relinquishing the claim on that staff.” The Rornman suddenly stood and faced the coals, his back to the party. His voice was soft. “Events happen quickly these months. Some say a new Age will soon be born. Mayhaps others learned of the staff and feared it would be re-assembled; they wish to prevent an old evil from returning to this dark world.” “Then we slew those who would do good?” Kellus asked. “I think you are not telling us the whole of it, Rornman.” Raylin mac Larren drew his sword and began to run a whetstone down its length. “I have no qualms killing men, this is known. But I would know the why of it. If you have not told us all, then you had best remedy the situation. Now.” John looked up from the coins in his hands. He glanced about at his companions, then let his gaze linger on Aramin. “I would start singing if I were you, Master Aramin. My friends seem a bit – shall we say – upset.” The Rornman turned to face them. “I wish to prevent the staff from being joined. Should that happen, it would be no difficult feat to summon Ippizicus Child-Eater into the world once more.” Amelyssan sat. “We are not demonbringers of your homeland. We do not want to see the return of this fiend. I wonder. Do you?” Aramin threw his head back and laughed. The sound was that of a dying jackal. “Demonbringer? Me? Certainly not. If I wanted to rejoin the staff, then I would track it down myself.” Kellus frowned. “I think it time we looked into your essence, Rornman. My companions and I are mercenaries, but we do not lack some morality. Do you agree to let me look into your soul?” Aramin’s eyes flashed, but only for a moment. “Please. You will find no stain upon me.” *** Kellus willed his inner power to drift outward and caress the Rornman’s breast. A few moments passed. Kellus let the power dissipate. “I find no evil in him.” Amelyssan nodded. “It seems to me that none of us want the return of this demon. Would it not be best, then, to leave the remaining pieces of the staff alone? You have your shard. Protect it, I say, and let not the other portions come near.” Aramin shrugged. “Perhaps what you say is correct, elf. Perhaps that would be best. But I am an old man. Growing older by the day. I am not proud of all I have done in this lifetime. I would do one better, should I be given the opportunity.” “One better?” “Aye. I would destroy it. I can do what Bishop Margate could not. I have the power to destroy the staff, thereby ending any chance for Ippizicus’ return.” John pushed a pile of coins toward Raylins’ feet. “Kellus, can you ask your inner light – or whatever you call the fount of your powers – to see if he speaks truly?” Kellus nodded. “Aye, though not today.” Aramin frowned. “I have allowed the Rhelmsman to look into my core. He detected no evil. I must say – you treat your benefactor with a suspicion bordering on rudeness.” “Common courtesy is not so common, eh?” John smiled without amusement. “Enough of this. You have paid us, and for that we thank you. Our task is finished.” “Indeed it is,” agreed the Rornman. “But I told you earlier I would be willing to discuss other matters should you prove successful.” “Go on,” ordered Raylin. He carefully dragged his share of coins into a leather purse. “I will double my payment from the first undertaking. Two hundred crowns to each of you, should you return with the second portion of the staff. If you worry about my intentions, then you need not gather the third piece for me. You will be twice as rich as you are this moment, and your conscience will be clear.” Aramin’s face twisted into a sneer with his final phrase. Baden spoke for the first time. “You appear to be forthright with us, and I would do the same by you. The men we slew, those who had killed the rûcken, were not Gondian priests, though they wore the green garb of that god. They were mercenaries, from Tarn Cal most like.” Aramin nodded. “I thank you for being open, Axemarch dwarf. But I have held nothing from you. I wish to destroy the key that would return a demon to this world. It may very well be my undoing, but I am prepared to accept that fate. Do you, in turn, accept my second task?” Baden nodded. “I do.” John finished counting the coins, keeping only slightly more than his share for himself, and glanced at Aramin. “As do I. Where is this second piece? Do you know?” The Rornman climbed to his feat with a number of curses. He waddled toward the rear of the tent and pulled a bearskin from atop a mirror. “I have seen him who carries the second piece. He is a Gondian priest. Truly a priest, that much I know. Though he has betrayed his temple and his fellows.” Amelyssan looked from the scrying mirror to the Rornman. “Where is he?” “Again, not far from here. He is heading north – perhaps to Tarn Cal. He and his fellows had taken the staff from another band of rucken earlier this tenday, yet he has spirited the piece away from his friends and now travels alone. On horseback. I know not why, nor do I know his destination.” “This staff,” murmured Amelyssan, “does it hold power? Rather, does each piece hold power? Could it be forcing him to take actions he would otherwise not?” “I do not think so, [i]horadrel[/i]*. The staff is magical, certainly, but its sole power is imprisoning the demon. As such, it is inert while it remains sundered.” Raylin stood and brushed dirt from his leather breeches. “Have you seen any landmarks in your mirror to better locate him? Rivers, mountains?” “He travels along the Dwem River, northward. He is south of the Raven’s Roost crag. Do you know the place?” “I do. It is three days’ ride from here. If he is on horseback, we had best not tarry.” Aramin grinned. “No, I think not. In fact, it would be best if you left this very evening, yes?” Amelyssan shared a silent look with the Rornman. “Very well. We shall find you here, again, within a tenday. See that you have our gold.” The group exited the tent and stood still while the cold winds of the Cormick plains tousled their hair and blew away the stink of Aramin and his brazier. Kellus adjusted the mace upon his belt. “He plays us false.” “He does,” agreed John. “But he is not evil. And his coins are real. That is enough for me.” * [i]Horadrel[/i] is the elven term for High Elf, the most common type of elf within Ostia Prim. Additionally, there are [i]gammedrel[/i] (wild elves), [i]morhedrel[/i] (dark elves), and other - much rarer- strains such as desert elves and acquatic elves. [/QUOTE]
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