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Tales of the Legacy - Concluded
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<blockquote data-quote="Delemental" data-source="post: 2710992" data-attributes="member: 5203"><p><strong>Stone's Blood</strong></p><p></p><p>She paused at the edge of the platform that dropped down to the ship.</p><p></p><p> “You know what? No. Forget it.”</p><p></p><p> The rest of the party turned and looked at Lanara. “What do you mean, ‘forget it’?” Kyle asked.</p><p></p><p> “The boat. Forget it. No more boats for me.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly rolled his eyes, and the others looked uncomfortable. “Lanara,” Arrie began, “we’re already here, and…”</p><p></p><p> “And the rest of you can go. I’m taking my horse and leaving. I can get to M’Dos by land as easily as taking a ship.”</p><p></p><p> “But we have already purchased your passage on this ship,” Tolly said testily.</p><p></p><p> “So, shove your gear in my bunk and give yourselves more room! Qin-Chu’s toes, Tolly, for someone who just had his eighteenth birthday party yesterday, you’re pretty grumpy.”</p><p></p><p> “You do realize that it’ll take you longer to get to M’Dos overland than it will take us by sea, right?” Arrie asked.</p><p></p><p> “Not that much longer. By myself I can make better time.”</p><p></p><p> There was an awkward pause. “Was it something we did?” Maddie asked.</p><p></p><p> “No, dear, I’m just not fond of boats, and in this case I have a choice.”</p><p></p><p> “Well,” said Kyle after another awkward silence, “should some of us come with you?”</p><p></p><p> “Stars and planets above, no!” she exclaimed. Seeing the hurt look on Kyle’s face, she smiled gently. “It’s nothing personal, folks. Just see no need to inconvenience everyone. Medos is a relatively safe country to travel in, and I’ll be on major roads with lots of traffic. Besides, it’ll be good to get a little private time. I can practice some of those songs that Tolly won’t ever let me play.”</p><p></p><p> “Okay, then,” Autumn said. “I guess we should help get your horse out from the hold and see you off.”</p><p></p><p> Though the captain wasn’t particularly pleased at having to unload one of the horses, he didn’t argue much. Since the ship was still taking on cargo, they were able to get the horse off without too much incident, and within an hour Lanara was on her way, riding off through the wide streets of the river-port district headed east. The others gathered onto the platform, which slowly lowered itself on study chains down through the bottom of the bridge that Miracle rested on and onto the merchant galley moored directly below.</p><p></p><p> Another hour passed before the ship lifted anchor and cast off. As the party watched the enormous span of Miracle slowly recede behind them as the galley made its way downriver to the ocean, Arrie sighed and smiled.</p><p></p><p> “I’m so glad to be out of that city,” she said. “I don’t think I ever want to come back.”</p><p></p><p> “Me either,” Osborn said. “That city sucked.”</p><p></p><p> Kyle turned to the hin. “I understand why she wouldn’t like it here, but why you?”</p><p></p><p> “Because, I couldn’t poke anything there.”</p><p></p><p> Kyle grinned. “Actually, Osborn, there were a number of prostitutes in Miracle.”</p><p></p><p> Everyone stared at Kyle, who looked around and shrugged. “What? Someone has to fill in for Lanara until she gets back.”</p><p></p><p> Autumn came up and put her arm around Kyle’s waist. “Let someone else do it, Kyle.”</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">* * *</p><p></p><p> It was an uneventful voyage. The spring rains set in the day after they set sail, and continued all the way to M’Dos. The party, having paid full passage and thus not expected to work, spent most of their time in their cabins. They had been on the road almost constantly for the past year, and were looking forward to finally arriving in M’Dos and fulfilling Tolly’s quest. The party had decided to stay in the capital city for a few weeks, giving everyone a chance to rest and catch their breath, but also giving Tolly and Kyle a chance to work on some magical items. Their arrival in M’Dos would also mark two significant events; Madrone’s birthday, and the one-year anniversary of the party meeting for the first time back at The Tower.</p><p></p><p> The party gathered at the ship’s railing as they came within sight of M’Dos. The city was built on one side of an large island, and spread out all the way to the shoreline. As they drew closer, Maddie began to point out details.</p><p></p><p> “That’s the government ward,” she said. “The large building in the middle is where the heads of the eighteen churches gather to make laws for Medos.”</p><p></p><p> “So, every church gets a voice?” Autumn asked, “even ones like Fiel and Grabâkh?”</p><p></p><p> “Every one,” Maddie confirmed. “You’ll find temples to every god or goddess in M’Dos, right out in the open. Qin-Chu’s temple is hidden, actually, but that’s more because of their nature than anything.”</p><p></p><p> “What keeps the evil churches from wreaking havoc?” Kyle asked.</p><p></p><p> “Or the chaotic ones?” Tolly asked.</p><p></p><p> “It’s a balance sort of thing. All the churches keep an eye on each other, and no one wants to risk getting in enough trouble to get kicked off the Divinity Council and possibly out of Medos. This is the only place a lot of the less savory deities can have a public face.”</p><p></p><p> Maddie began to point out other buildings. “The really tall building that looks like a giant unicorn horn? That’s Erito’s temple, the Infinite Spire. Over there is Ardara’s church, the Cathedral of Eminent Order.”</p><p></p><p> “Where?” Osborn asked, “on top of that big mound of granite?”</p><p></p><p> “The Cathedral <em>is</em> that big mound of granite,” Maddie replied. “As you might guess, the one with the giant pillar of flame on top is Grabâkh’s, the Temple of the Flaming Eye, and the one out there off shore that looks like it’s halfway submerged is Krûsh’s – The Citadel of Tides. Feesha’s is called The Eyrie, and it’s the one with all the thin spires and towers.”</p><p></p><p> Maddie spent the next few minutes pointing out what other temples she could identify from the ship to her friends. She pointed out the locations of the market wards, and the hospitality wards. Then she pointed to another section of the city.</p><p> “And that’s where I spent most of my days as a young man,” she said. “In the entertainer’s ward.”</p><p></p><p> “You going to be all right?” Arrie asked.</p><p></p><p> “Fine, actually. As Madrone I have far more freedom to move around in the city than I would as Kavan. I may even find out what my father’s been up to this whole time.”</p><p></p><p> “Well, if you’re up for it I’d love a tour in a few days,” Kyle said.</p><p></p><p> “Certainly,” Maddie beamed.</p><p></p><p> The ship made it to port, and the party disembarked, following Maddie’s lead into the city to find a suitable inn. They settled on a cozy place called the Whistling Mermaid. Kyle and Autumn caused a bit of a flutter when they quietly announced that they were going to be sharing a room, but the news was not wholly unexpected. Kyle also paid for an extra room in which to work on magic items, alchemy, and on translating and transcribing the spells from Neville’s spellbooks. Tolly only stopped long enough to drop his pack off in the room we was sharing with Osborn before announcing that he was going to the Cathedral of Eminent Order to deliver his diamonds to Archprelate Jerome.</p><p></p><p> “I’ll go with you,” Autumn said.</p><p></p><p> It was a brisk thirty-minute walk up to the Cathedral. As they entered through the massive gold-plated doors, Tolly paused.</p><p></p><p> “What is it?” Autumn asked.</p><p></p><p> “It’s just… a good feeling knowing that this quest will soon be behind me.” Tolly switched his warhammer to his other shoulder before continuing.</p><p></p><p> “Why did you bring that?” the sentinel asked.</p><p></p><p> “The hammer is a relic of my church, Autumn. Though it has served me well, I feel it is time that I return back to their care, and forge a weapon of my own to continue Ardara’s work in this world.” Tolly looked at Autumn. “I should warn you that this could take some time. Getting in to see the Archprelate is not something done quickly.”</p><p></p><p> “I’ll wait with you,” was Autumn’s reply.</p><p></p><p> The two approached a large marble-topped desk, manned by a middle-aged dwarf in heavy plate armor. “Greetings, and the blessing of the Lady upon you, Brother,” the dwarf intoned.</p><p></p><p> “Greetings and blessings to you as well,” Tolly said. “I am Brother Tolly Nightsleaving, of Trageon, accompanied by Lady Autumn Verahannen of Merlion. I was sent upon a holy mission by Archprelate Jerome, and have come here to complete that mission. I wish to have a message sent to the Archprelate informing him of my arrival and requesting an appointment to meet with him.” Tolly crossed his hands behind his back as he finished, waiting.</p><p></p><p> The dwarf peered at him with bright, but narrow eyes. “I will direct you to the Office of the Archprelate,” he said. “You may deliver your request to his secretary there, Brother.” He proceeded to give Tolly a set of long, complex directions, which the young priest dutifully wrote down using a sheet of parchment and inkpen sitting on the desk. Then they set out. They went up several flights of stairs, heading for the top of the mountain-temple.</p><p></p><p> “Is Jerome at the very top?” Autumn asked as they reached another set of stairs.</p><p></p><p> “Nearly so. The very top of the Cathedral would be set aside for very important ceremonies.”</p><p></p><p> They finally came to a large set of doors seemingly carved of solid marble. The doors pushed open easily, however, to reveal a large, well-appointed antechamber. A large desk dominated one wall, and several people in Ardaran garb sat in wooden chairs around the room. Some looked as though they had been there for a while.</p><p></p><p> “How long did you say this would take, Tolly?” Autumn asked.</p><p></p><p> “Once, just before I entered the Tower, I was sent to see the Prelate in charge of Trageon. I waited in his offices for three days.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly and Autumn walked up to the desk, behind which sat another dwarf. Unlike the one at the main entrance, however, this dwarf clearly outranked Tolly. After making the proper obeisance, Tolly repeated his purpose and request.</p><p></p><p> The dwarf started to flip through a large appointment book. “Do you have written orders from Archprelate Jerome?”</p><p></p><p> “No,” Tolly replied. “They were verbal. This task was given to me after the Archprelate brought me back from the dead, exactly ten months and one day ago. I was in a small logging village in the southwestern corner of Tlaxan, close to Aleppi.”</p><p></p><p> “Ah, yes, that little side trip he took. A moment.” The dwarf flipped the book over several pages, and perused an entry there. Then he slammed the book closed. “Yes, we were left instructions for your arrival.” The dwarf looked at Tolly for a moment, shaking his head. “It would be best if Frelarr attends to you directly. Wait over there, Brother Nightsleaving, and when the current appointment comes out, you may go right in.”</p><p></p><p> There was a bit of grumbling from some of the human priests in the room as Tolly and Autumn sat down. “Wow, Tolly,” Autumn said, “you get priority.”</p><p></p><p> “Well, sometimes when you do missions for your superiors, they do not make you wait quite so long. Still, it appears there will be some wait. I am seeing this Frelarr, not Jerome.”</p><p></p><p> After a while, the inner doors to the office opened, and to dwarves came out. One walked away out of the room, while the second addressed the dwarf at the desk.</p><p></p><p> “Who’s next?” the dwarf said.</p><p></p><p> “Actually, sir, you have a priority… from Jerome.”</p><p></p><p> The dwarf at the desk opened his appointment book and showed an entry to the other dwarf, who nodded. “Oh, yes, the diamond thing.” The second dwarf motioned to Tolly. “Well, come on then.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly stood and began to make the formal bows to one of higher station, but the dwarf waved him off. “Enough of that,” he said. “Come in, come in.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly and Autumn entered an enormous office, with windows overlooking the city. At first glance, it seemed as though the office was being shared; the décor in half the room was dramatically different from the other half. One half was designed in a more traditional dwarven style; sparse and utilitarian. The rest was more ornate, with large carpets and upholstered chairs. The dwarf sat behind the desk and motioned for them to take seats as well. They remained standing.</p><p></p><p> “So, you’re Brother Nightsleaving, correct? And this is?”</p><p></p><p> “This is Lady Autumn Verahannen…” Tolly trailed off for a moment, realizing he didn’t know this man’s position in the church. He settled for a generic “… sir.”</p><p></p><p> “Pleasure,” he said, nodding to her, then he turned back to Tolly. “Wife?”</p><p></p><p> “No, sir,” he said, his voice remaining steady. “Friend and companion in battle. Am I correct in assuming that you are Frelarr?”</p><p></p><p> “That’s correct,” the dwarf said.</p><p></p><p> “I have come here to meet with Archprelate Jerome,” Tolly explained. “I was sent to obtain diamonds to replace those used in a resurrection ritual. The Archprelate instructed me to return and speak with him when I had completed this quest.”</p><p></p><p> “Yes, the diamonds. May I see them?”</p><p></p><p> Tolly handed Frelarr a small sack. Frelarr reached in and pulled out a large diamond, holding it up to the light from the window. He examined it for a moment, then replaced it in the bag. “Very nice,” he said. “Well done.” Leaving the bag on the desk, he looked at Tolly with a level eye. “You’ve been away for a while, correct? You haven’t been in touch with the church recently?”</p><p></p><p> “Today was my first opportunity, sir,” Tolly said.</p><p></p><p> “Then you wouldn’t know. Archprelate Jerome died about a week ago.”</p><p></p><p> “Oh dear,” Autumn exclaimed. Tolly remained silent.</p><p></p><p> “Why don’t you have a seat?” Frelarr suggested. Both of them took the dwarf’s offer this time.</p><p></p><p> “This is unexpected,” Tolly said. “I know that the Archprelate was getting on in years, but…”</p><p></p><p> “He was a human,” Frelarr said. “Their lives are sadly brief.” Frelarr held his hands out in a helpless gesture. “I’m Archprelate Frelarr, by the way.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly turned slightly pale, and immediately dropped to one knee. “I beg forgiveness from the Hand of the Earth, the foundation upon which Ardara builds…”</p><p></p><p> “Enough, enough,” Frelarr said, waving his arms in irritation. “Get up and have a seat, Brother Nightsleaving. First of all, I’m not officially Archprelate yet. Second, I’m not one for all this ceremony. I’m thinking of initiating a few reforms.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly sat back down, still slightly flustered. “What manner of reforms?”</p><p></p><p> Frelarr sighed. “All this ceremony is nice, but it gets in the way of work.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly frowned. “True, but without ceremony sometimes the feel of order is lost.”</p><p></p><p> “A good point. That’s why I’ll look at it for a while before I decide anything.”</p><p></p><p>“Did… the former Archprelate leave any instructions for me?” Tolly asked.</p><p></p><p> “Not that we’ve seen. Just a note that he was expecting you soon.” Frelarr sighed. “Of course, Jerome left a lot of loose ends.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly frowned at this. The Archprelates were usually not ones to leave ‘loose ends’. Though an Archprelate, once elected by the Council of Prelates, served for life, they usually would carefully choose and train their successor, and when they were ready to assume the mantle of leadership, the old Archprelate would commit ritual suicide to ensure an orderly transfer of power. “His death was unexpected?”</p><p></p><p> “Sadly, yes. One day he was healthy, the next he was dead. But he was eighty-three.”</p><p></p><p> “Were the circumstances at all suspicious?”</p><p></p><p> Archprelate Frelarr shrugged. “To be honest, I wasn’t even around when it happened. I’d come down on pilgrimage from the Confederates, and when I arrived I was told that I’d been chosen as Archprelate. They were fitting me for robes that same day.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly shook his head. This was all feeling so… chaotic. “Will there be an investigation into his death?”</p><p></p><p> “Yes, I believe the Inquisitors are looking into it.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly leaned forward. “Archprelate, I would like to speak with the Inquisition. I may have information useful to them. We have recently encountered forces in the world that have not been seen on the face of the planet for some time. Psionicists are back, which I am not certain means much to you.”</p><p></p><p> Frelarr shook his head to indicate that it did not. “Why don’t you compile a full report, Brother Nightsleaving,” he suggested. “Leave it on my secretary’s desk. I can have the Inquisition look at it and contact you.” Frelarr stood up. “I’m sorry, but as you might imagine I’ve got a lot of people to see.”</p><p></p><p> As they stood, Autumn spoke up. “Pardon me for speaking out of turn, Archprelate, but I wanted you to know that Tolly has been a very hard-working advocate for Ardara throughout our travels, and wanted to say as someone who is not a member of this church that he is very much a servant of Ardara.”</p><p></p><p> Frelarr nodded. “It’s good to know that our priests are doing their duty to Ardara. Thank you for coming.”</p><p></p><p> Frelarr escorted them to the door and saw them out. On the way down the stairs, Tolly began to think out loud.</p><p></p><p> “The situation seems suspicious,” he said. “Ardaran Archprelates do not just die unexpectedly. Jerome was a vigorous man. Yes, he was human, and our lives are short compared to dwarves, but the Hand of the Earth just falling without warning? It creates too much disorder in the church.”</p><p></p><p> “So you suspect he was assassinated,” Autumn said, “and you suspect the psions are behind it.”</p><p></p><p> “It would be congruous with other actions we have seen the psions take,” he replied. “They seem interested in subverting existing power structures on the surface. Their efforts to unite the orc clans is an example, as is their attempt to gain influence over the Imperial Family of Tlaxan.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly continued to muse silently for several minutes, until he reached the main foyer of the Cathedral. He turned abruptly away from the exit and headed for the same clerk he’d spoken with on their arrival.</p><p></p><p> “Greetings, brother,” said the clerk. “How may I be of service?”</p><p></p><p> “I need to know where I can find the offices of the Inquisition,” Tolly said.</p><p></p><p> The clerk turned white as a sheet. “You… want to go there?”</p><p></p><p> “I have information that the Archprelate has told me to report to the Inquisition.”</p><p></p><p> “You… you’ve told this to Archprelate Frelarr?”</p><p></p><p> “Yes.”</p><p></p><p> “I… I think they’ll probably contact you,” the clerk said nervously. “Please, Brother, just wait for them to come to you.”</p><p></p><p> “Very well,” Tolly said, “then give me directions to the forges.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly turned and headed back for the exit after the clerk gave him instructions to reach the forges under the Cathedral. At Autumn’s questioning look, he said, “The Ardaran Inquisition has something of a reputation, even outside the church, but especially within it.”</p><p></p><p> Autumn looked a bit green. “I hope they’re only contacting you, then.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly shrugged. “They hardly ever torture anyone to death these days.”</p><p></p><p> It was a quieter walk back to the Whistling Mermaid. Once there, Autumn shared the details with the group of Jerome’s death, Frelarr’s appointment, and Tolly’s suspicions.</p><p></p><p> “I may be contacted in the next few days by a slightly suspicious seeming character,” Tolly said. “Do not concern yourself too much; it’s probably just the Inquisition.” Tolly paused for a minute, then shook his head sadly. “Just the Inquisition. Did I say that?” When others confirmed that he had, he shook his head again. “You know, traveling with you people has really… changed me. I never would have looked at the Inquisition without fear before.”</p><p></p><p> “Is it fair to assume that the church might have done a divination or two on the matter?” Kyle asked.</p><p></p><p> “That is why I expect the Inquisition to contact me. They may not know of psionics and thus would not know what to look for.”</p><p></p><p> “Or, it could just be a really good assassin,” Arrie pointed out. “Psionics aren’t to blame for everything, you know.”</p><p></p><p> “True,” Tolly said.</p><p></p><p> “Do you know this new Archprelate well enough to know what policy changes might be instigated, and who they might benefit?” Arrie asked.</p><p></p><p> “Archprelate Frelarr did mention some reforms he is considering. He apparently does not hold to ceremony as much as Jerome did. But he intends to take a long look at it; changes in the church are not easy to make.”</p><p></p><p> “Right, I forgot we were talking about Ardara. The more things stay the same, the more they stay the same.”</p><p></p><p> “It sounds like we won’t know much until the Inquisition shows up,” Kyle said.</p><p></p><p> “So, it seems that what we thought was going to be a leisurely time in M’Dos…” Autumn commented.</p><p></p><p> “Oh, it still could be. We could hop on a ferry, then ride away from this as fast as we can,” Arrie said. “But I can see the vein in Tolly’s forehead throbbing when I say that.”</p><p></p><p> “But it’s worth pointing out that we did come here to take a break after Tolly’s quest ended,” Kyle said. “And the city’s just chock full of very powerful clerics and holy warriors. We don’t have to solve every problem, you know.”</p><p></p><p> Tolly sighed. “Until I’m satisfied there was no foul play, I cannot picture leaving.”</p><p></p><p> “Can we at least wait until your Inquisition asks for our help before jumping in the midst of all this?” Arrie asked.</p><p></p><p> “That would be wise. The Inquisition does not take kindly to outside interference.”</p><p></p><p> “Right, then,” Arrie said, standing up. “Let’s get busy selling all this collected treasure so we can start relaxing properly.”</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">* * *</p><p></p><p> Several days passed. After selling their goods and dividing up the money, the party went their separate ways. Tolly spent his days at the Ardaran forges; he was still tasked with creating a silvered greatsword for the hound archon Alexriel, and was also making a new weapon for himself. Kyle produced a number of alchemical items for Autumn, then set about creating some magical items for Osborn and Arrie, and generally was not seen much outside of either his makeshift lab or the room he shared with Autumn. Autumn visited the temple of her own god Bail; a resplendent structure that looked more like a palace than a church. The church elders asked about the oathbond dagger she had recovered in the Dwarven Confederates, and then lost to Marreck; she reported that she had not yet been able to track it down. She asked about Archprelate Jerome, and learned that there was no suspicion of assassination among the clergy in the city. Osborn, checking underworld information sources, learned that there was no talk of a plot again Jerome; he then went to the temple of Ladta and spent his days gambling. Maddie and Arrie seemed to find an instant bond in their pursuit of debauchery, and were seen together frequently. Xu, however, mostly stayed in her room; even more so when Osborn commented on seeing a number of people in the city from Xhintai.</p><p></p><p> “I also saw a bunch of people that looked kind of like you,” Osborn told her, “but their eyes were a bit different. They wore loose clothing, with lots of flowers and plants in them.”</p><p></p><p> “Those are natives of the Red Archipelago,” Xu explained. “Their islands lie north of Affon.”</p><p></p><p> “Neat,” Osborn said, before heading back to the dice tables.</p><p></p><p> It was several days before anyone saw Kyle for more than a few minutes, other than Autumn. He emerged from his makeshift lab every few days when he’d completed a piece of work; he presented Osborn with a new knife vest that held several dozen daggers at once, and Arrie with an extradimensional bag to hold a collection of orcish shotputs. It was over a week before he came down to the common room to find Madrone, who was sitting with Arrie discussing local news.</p><p></p><p> “I need a couple days off,” he said, sitting down at their table. “My next project is a long one, so I thought it’d be better if I took it easy and actually enjoyed some of our vacation.”</p><p></p><p> “A very wise decision, Kyle,” said Maddie.</p><p></p><p> “So, I’m ready for that tour we talked about,” he said to the elf.</p><p></p><p> “Wonderful!” she said, clapping in glee. “I know just the place to start. There’s a parlor with the most amazing acrobatic dancers. One of them has a very impressive routine involving a pole in the ground.”</p><p></p><p> “Um, that wasn’t the kind of tour I was expecting,” Kyle said. “I thought you’d be showing me all the temples and such.”</p><p></p><p> “Temples?” Maddie asked, sounding thoroughly perplexed as to why anyone would want to see temples.</p><p></p><p> “I want one of your tours!” Arrie said, jumping up. “Let’s go!”</p><p></p><p> “Hey, wait…” Kyle protested, as Maddie and Arrie hooked a hand under each arm and pulled him out the door. They were gone several hours, and when they returned Kyle was considerably more subdued. In fact, he looked somewhat dazed, though the hint of a grin kept creeping onto his face. All three were slightly unsteady on their feet.</p><p></p><p> “Good tour, Maddie,” was all he said before he went up the stairs to his room.</p><p></p><p> Maddie looked over at Arrie cheerfully. “Think we should tell Autumn?”</p><p></p><p> “Nah, more fun to watch him squirm later. Besides, it’s harmless fun. Now, you still have that bottle we bought?”</p><p></p><p> Maddie laughed. “Which one?”</p><p></p><p> It was late into the next day before Maddie and Arrie were seen again. They came down the stairs together, and were surprised to see Lanara walk in. Both women ran up and greeted the cansin.</p><p></p><p> “Hi there,” Lanara replied, rather listlessly. “Thanks for leaving word with the ferry-master for me.”</p><p></p><p> “Lanara, what’s wrong?” Arrie asked.</p><p></p><p> “I’m just… tired,” the bard answered. “It was a long trip.”</p><p></p><p> “If we try to cheer you up, will that make you happy?”</p><p></p><p> Maddie pulled out a half-empty bottle of liquor. “Perhaps this?”</p><p></p><p> Lanara smiled, though it wasn’t very convincing. “I appreciate the thought, but I think I’m just tired and need rest. It wasn’t a very good trip for me. Which room is ours?’</p><p></p><p> After getting instructions, Lanara walked slowly to the stairs. Maddie frowned and shook her head as the bard walked away.</p><p></p><p> “That’s odd,” she said.</p><p></p><p> “What’s odd?”</p><p></p><p> Maddie pointed to Lanara’s waist. Hanging from a belt was a rapier, worn as though it had been there all along.</p><p></p><p> “A weapon?” Arrie said, mystified. “Lanara with an actual weapon that could hurt someone? Something has to have happened while she was gone.”</p><p></p><p> “Well, you know Lanara,” Maddie said. “If she doesn’t want to talk about it, she won’t. Let’s give her time to rest and see how she is in the morning.”</p><p></p><p> As they spoke, Kyle came down the stairs. He stopped when he saw Arrie and Maddie standing near the door.</p><p></p><p> “Hello, Kyle!” Arrie shouted. “Ready for another tour? I think there’s a couple of dancers in M’Dos who would love to see you again today!”</p><p></p><p> Kyle turned and went back up the stairs, followed by the laughter of two women.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Delemental, post: 2710992, member: 5203"] [b]Stone's Blood[/b] She paused at the edge of the platform that dropped down to the ship. “You know what? No. Forget it.” The rest of the party turned and looked at Lanara. “What do you mean, ‘forget it’?” Kyle asked. “The boat. Forget it. No more boats for me.” Tolly rolled his eyes, and the others looked uncomfortable. “Lanara,” Arrie began, “we’re already here, and…” “And the rest of you can go. I’m taking my horse and leaving. I can get to M’Dos by land as easily as taking a ship.” “But we have already purchased your passage on this ship,” Tolly said testily. “So, shove your gear in my bunk and give yourselves more room! Qin-Chu’s toes, Tolly, for someone who just had his eighteenth birthday party yesterday, you’re pretty grumpy.” “You do realize that it’ll take you longer to get to M’Dos overland than it will take us by sea, right?” Arrie asked. “Not that much longer. By myself I can make better time.” There was an awkward pause. “Was it something we did?” Maddie asked. “No, dear, I’m just not fond of boats, and in this case I have a choice.” “Well,” said Kyle after another awkward silence, “should some of us come with you?” “Stars and planets above, no!” she exclaimed. Seeing the hurt look on Kyle’s face, she smiled gently. “It’s nothing personal, folks. Just see no need to inconvenience everyone. Medos is a relatively safe country to travel in, and I’ll be on major roads with lots of traffic. Besides, it’ll be good to get a little private time. I can practice some of those songs that Tolly won’t ever let me play.” “Okay, then,” Autumn said. “I guess we should help get your horse out from the hold and see you off.” Though the captain wasn’t particularly pleased at having to unload one of the horses, he didn’t argue much. Since the ship was still taking on cargo, they were able to get the horse off without too much incident, and within an hour Lanara was on her way, riding off through the wide streets of the river-port district headed east. The others gathered onto the platform, which slowly lowered itself on study chains down through the bottom of the bridge that Miracle rested on and onto the merchant galley moored directly below. Another hour passed before the ship lifted anchor and cast off. As the party watched the enormous span of Miracle slowly recede behind them as the galley made its way downriver to the ocean, Arrie sighed and smiled. “I’m so glad to be out of that city,” she said. “I don’t think I ever want to come back.” “Me either,” Osborn said. “That city sucked.” Kyle turned to the hin. “I understand why she wouldn’t like it here, but why you?” “Because, I couldn’t poke anything there.” Kyle grinned. “Actually, Osborn, there were a number of prostitutes in Miracle.” Everyone stared at Kyle, who looked around and shrugged. “What? Someone has to fill in for Lanara until she gets back.” Autumn came up and put her arm around Kyle’s waist. “Let someone else do it, Kyle.” [CENTER]* * *[/CENTER] It was an uneventful voyage. The spring rains set in the day after they set sail, and continued all the way to M’Dos. The party, having paid full passage and thus not expected to work, spent most of their time in their cabins. They had been on the road almost constantly for the past year, and were looking forward to finally arriving in M’Dos and fulfilling Tolly’s quest. The party had decided to stay in the capital city for a few weeks, giving everyone a chance to rest and catch their breath, but also giving Tolly and Kyle a chance to work on some magical items. Their arrival in M’Dos would also mark two significant events; Madrone’s birthday, and the one-year anniversary of the party meeting for the first time back at The Tower. The party gathered at the ship’s railing as they came within sight of M’Dos. The city was built on one side of an large island, and spread out all the way to the shoreline. As they drew closer, Maddie began to point out details. “That’s the government ward,” she said. “The large building in the middle is where the heads of the eighteen churches gather to make laws for Medos.” “So, every church gets a voice?” Autumn asked, “even ones like Fiel and Grabâkh?” “Every one,” Maddie confirmed. “You’ll find temples to every god or goddess in M’Dos, right out in the open. Qin-Chu’s temple is hidden, actually, but that’s more because of their nature than anything.” “What keeps the evil churches from wreaking havoc?” Kyle asked. “Or the chaotic ones?” Tolly asked. “It’s a balance sort of thing. All the churches keep an eye on each other, and no one wants to risk getting in enough trouble to get kicked off the Divinity Council and possibly out of Medos. This is the only place a lot of the less savory deities can have a public face.” Maddie began to point out other buildings. “The really tall building that looks like a giant unicorn horn? That’s Erito’s temple, the Infinite Spire. Over there is Ardara’s church, the Cathedral of Eminent Order.” “Where?” Osborn asked, “on top of that big mound of granite?” “The Cathedral [I]is[/I] that big mound of granite,” Maddie replied. “As you might guess, the one with the giant pillar of flame on top is Grabâkh’s, the Temple of the Flaming Eye, and the one out there off shore that looks like it’s halfway submerged is Krûsh’s – The Citadel of Tides. Feesha’s is called The Eyrie, and it’s the one with all the thin spires and towers.” Maddie spent the next few minutes pointing out what other temples she could identify from the ship to her friends. She pointed out the locations of the market wards, and the hospitality wards. Then she pointed to another section of the city. “And that’s where I spent most of my days as a young man,” she said. “In the entertainer’s ward.” “You going to be all right?” Arrie asked. “Fine, actually. As Madrone I have far more freedom to move around in the city than I would as Kavan. I may even find out what my father’s been up to this whole time.” “Well, if you’re up for it I’d love a tour in a few days,” Kyle said. “Certainly,” Maddie beamed. The ship made it to port, and the party disembarked, following Maddie’s lead into the city to find a suitable inn. They settled on a cozy place called the Whistling Mermaid. Kyle and Autumn caused a bit of a flutter when they quietly announced that they were going to be sharing a room, but the news was not wholly unexpected. Kyle also paid for an extra room in which to work on magic items, alchemy, and on translating and transcribing the spells from Neville’s spellbooks. Tolly only stopped long enough to drop his pack off in the room we was sharing with Osborn before announcing that he was going to the Cathedral of Eminent Order to deliver his diamonds to Archprelate Jerome. “I’ll go with you,” Autumn said. It was a brisk thirty-minute walk up to the Cathedral. As they entered through the massive gold-plated doors, Tolly paused. “What is it?” Autumn asked. “It’s just… a good feeling knowing that this quest will soon be behind me.” Tolly switched his warhammer to his other shoulder before continuing. “Why did you bring that?” the sentinel asked. “The hammer is a relic of my church, Autumn. Though it has served me well, I feel it is time that I return back to their care, and forge a weapon of my own to continue Ardara’s work in this world.” Tolly looked at Autumn. “I should warn you that this could take some time. Getting in to see the Archprelate is not something done quickly.” “I’ll wait with you,” was Autumn’s reply. The two approached a large marble-topped desk, manned by a middle-aged dwarf in heavy plate armor. “Greetings, and the blessing of the Lady upon you, Brother,” the dwarf intoned. “Greetings and blessings to you as well,” Tolly said. “I am Brother Tolly Nightsleaving, of Trageon, accompanied by Lady Autumn Verahannen of Merlion. I was sent upon a holy mission by Archprelate Jerome, and have come here to complete that mission. I wish to have a message sent to the Archprelate informing him of my arrival and requesting an appointment to meet with him.” Tolly crossed his hands behind his back as he finished, waiting. The dwarf peered at him with bright, but narrow eyes. “I will direct you to the Office of the Archprelate,” he said. “You may deliver your request to his secretary there, Brother.” He proceeded to give Tolly a set of long, complex directions, which the young priest dutifully wrote down using a sheet of parchment and inkpen sitting on the desk. Then they set out. They went up several flights of stairs, heading for the top of the mountain-temple. “Is Jerome at the very top?” Autumn asked as they reached another set of stairs. “Nearly so. The very top of the Cathedral would be set aside for very important ceremonies.” They finally came to a large set of doors seemingly carved of solid marble. The doors pushed open easily, however, to reveal a large, well-appointed antechamber. A large desk dominated one wall, and several people in Ardaran garb sat in wooden chairs around the room. Some looked as though they had been there for a while. “How long did you say this would take, Tolly?” Autumn asked. “Once, just before I entered the Tower, I was sent to see the Prelate in charge of Trageon. I waited in his offices for three days.” Tolly and Autumn walked up to the desk, behind which sat another dwarf. Unlike the one at the main entrance, however, this dwarf clearly outranked Tolly. After making the proper obeisance, Tolly repeated his purpose and request. The dwarf started to flip through a large appointment book. “Do you have written orders from Archprelate Jerome?” “No,” Tolly replied. “They were verbal. This task was given to me after the Archprelate brought me back from the dead, exactly ten months and one day ago. I was in a small logging village in the southwestern corner of Tlaxan, close to Aleppi.” “Ah, yes, that little side trip he took. A moment.” The dwarf flipped the book over several pages, and perused an entry there. Then he slammed the book closed. “Yes, we were left instructions for your arrival.” The dwarf looked at Tolly for a moment, shaking his head. “It would be best if Frelarr attends to you directly. Wait over there, Brother Nightsleaving, and when the current appointment comes out, you may go right in.” There was a bit of grumbling from some of the human priests in the room as Tolly and Autumn sat down. “Wow, Tolly,” Autumn said, “you get priority.” “Well, sometimes when you do missions for your superiors, they do not make you wait quite so long. Still, it appears there will be some wait. I am seeing this Frelarr, not Jerome.” After a while, the inner doors to the office opened, and to dwarves came out. One walked away out of the room, while the second addressed the dwarf at the desk. “Who’s next?” the dwarf said. “Actually, sir, you have a priority… from Jerome.” The dwarf at the desk opened his appointment book and showed an entry to the other dwarf, who nodded. “Oh, yes, the diamond thing.” The second dwarf motioned to Tolly. “Well, come on then.” Tolly stood and began to make the formal bows to one of higher station, but the dwarf waved him off. “Enough of that,” he said. “Come in, come in.” Tolly and Autumn entered an enormous office, with windows overlooking the city. At first glance, it seemed as though the office was being shared; the décor in half the room was dramatically different from the other half. One half was designed in a more traditional dwarven style; sparse and utilitarian. The rest was more ornate, with large carpets and upholstered chairs. The dwarf sat behind the desk and motioned for them to take seats as well. They remained standing. “So, you’re Brother Nightsleaving, correct? And this is?” “This is Lady Autumn Verahannen…” Tolly trailed off for a moment, realizing he didn’t know this man’s position in the church. He settled for a generic “… sir.” “Pleasure,” he said, nodding to her, then he turned back to Tolly. “Wife?” “No, sir,” he said, his voice remaining steady. “Friend and companion in battle. Am I correct in assuming that you are Frelarr?” “That’s correct,” the dwarf said. “I have come here to meet with Archprelate Jerome,” Tolly explained. “I was sent to obtain diamonds to replace those used in a resurrection ritual. The Archprelate instructed me to return and speak with him when I had completed this quest.” “Yes, the diamonds. May I see them?” Tolly handed Frelarr a small sack. Frelarr reached in and pulled out a large diamond, holding it up to the light from the window. He examined it for a moment, then replaced it in the bag. “Very nice,” he said. “Well done.” Leaving the bag on the desk, he looked at Tolly with a level eye. “You’ve been away for a while, correct? You haven’t been in touch with the church recently?” “Today was my first opportunity, sir,” Tolly said. “Then you wouldn’t know. Archprelate Jerome died about a week ago.” “Oh dear,” Autumn exclaimed. Tolly remained silent. “Why don’t you have a seat?” Frelarr suggested. Both of them took the dwarf’s offer this time. “This is unexpected,” Tolly said. “I know that the Archprelate was getting on in years, but…” “He was a human,” Frelarr said. “Their lives are sadly brief.” Frelarr held his hands out in a helpless gesture. “I’m Archprelate Frelarr, by the way.” Tolly turned slightly pale, and immediately dropped to one knee. “I beg forgiveness from the Hand of the Earth, the foundation upon which Ardara builds…” “Enough, enough,” Frelarr said, waving his arms in irritation. “Get up and have a seat, Brother Nightsleaving. First of all, I’m not officially Archprelate yet. Second, I’m not one for all this ceremony. I’m thinking of initiating a few reforms.” Tolly sat back down, still slightly flustered. “What manner of reforms?” Frelarr sighed. “All this ceremony is nice, but it gets in the way of work.” Tolly frowned. “True, but without ceremony sometimes the feel of order is lost.” “A good point. That’s why I’ll look at it for a while before I decide anything.” “Did… the former Archprelate leave any instructions for me?” Tolly asked. “Not that we’ve seen. Just a note that he was expecting you soon.” Frelarr sighed. “Of course, Jerome left a lot of loose ends.” Tolly frowned at this. The Archprelates were usually not ones to leave ‘loose ends’. Though an Archprelate, once elected by the Council of Prelates, served for life, they usually would carefully choose and train their successor, and when they were ready to assume the mantle of leadership, the old Archprelate would commit ritual suicide to ensure an orderly transfer of power. “His death was unexpected?” “Sadly, yes. One day he was healthy, the next he was dead. But he was eighty-three.” “Were the circumstances at all suspicious?” Archprelate Frelarr shrugged. “To be honest, I wasn’t even around when it happened. I’d come down on pilgrimage from the Confederates, and when I arrived I was told that I’d been chosen as Archprelate. They were fitting me for robes that same day.” Tolly shook his head. This was all feeling so… chaotic. “Will there be an investigation into his death?” “Yes, I believe the Inquisitors are looking into it.” Tolly leaned forward. “Archprelate, I would like to speak with the Inquisition. I may have information useful to them. We have recently encountered forces in the world that have not been seen on the face of the planet for some time. Psionicists are back, which I am not certain means much to you.” Frelarr shook his head to indicate that it did not. “Why don’t you compile a full report, Brother Nightsleaving,” he suggested. “Leave it on my secretary’s desk. I can have the Inquisition look at it and contact you.” Frelarr stood up. “I’m sorry, but as you might imagine I’ve got a lot of people to see.” As they stood, Autumn spoke up. “Pardon me for speaking out of turn, Archprelate, but I wanted you to know that Tolly has been a very hard-working advocate for Ardara throughout our travels, and wanted to say as someone who is not a member of this church that he is very much a servant of Ardara.” Frelarr nodded. “It’s good to know that our priests are doing their duty to Ardara. Thank you for coming.” Frelarr escorted them to the door and saw them out. On the way down the stairs, Tolly began to think out loud. “The situation seems suspicious,” he said. “Ardaran Archprelates do not just die unexpectedly. Jerome was a vigorous man. Yes, he was human, and our lives are short compared to dwarves, but the Hand of the Earth just falling without warning? It creates too much disorder in the church.” “So you suspect he was assassinated,” Autumn said, “and you suspect the psions are behind it.” “It would be congruous with other actions we have seen the psions take,” he replied. “They seem interested in subverting existing power structures on the surface. Their efforts to unite the orc clans is an example, as is their attempt to gain influence over the Imperial Family of Tlaxan.” Tolly continued to muse silently for several minutes, until he reached the main foyer of the Cathedral. He turned abruptly away from the exit and headed for the same clerk he’d spoken with on their arrival. “Greetings, brother,” said the clerk. “How may I be of service?” “I need to know where I can find the offices of the Inquisition,” Tolly said. The clerk turned white as a sheet. “You… want to go there?” “I have information that the Archprelate has told me to report to the Inquisition.” “You… you’ve told this to Archprelate Frelarr?” “Yes.” “I… I think they’ll probably contact you,” the clerk said nervously. “Please, Brother, just wait for them to come to you.” “Very well,” Tolly said, “then give me directions to the forges.” Tolly turned and headed back for the exit after the clerk gave him instructions to reach the forges under the Cathedral. At Autumn’s questioning look, he said, “The Ardaran Inquisition has something of a reputation, even outside the church, but especially within it.” Autumn looked a bit green. “I hope they’re only contacting you, then.” Tolly shrugged. “They hardly ever torture anyone to death these days.” It was a quieter walk back to the Whistling Mermaid. Once there, Autumn shared the details with the group of Jerome’s death, Frelarr’s appointment, and Tolly’s suspicions. “I may be contacted in the next few days by a slightly suspicious seeming character,” Tolly said. “Do not concern yourself too much; it’s probably just the Inquisition.” Tolly paused for a minute, then shook his head sadly. “Just the Inquisition. Did I say that?” When others confirmed that he had, he shook his head again. “You know, traveling with you people has really… changed me. I never would have looked at the Inquisition without fear before.” “Is it fair to assume that the church might have done a divination or two on the matter?” Kyle asked. “That is why I expect the Inquisition to contact me. They may not know of psionics and thus would not know what to look for.” “Or, it could just be a really good assassin,” Arrie pointed out. “Psionics aren’t to blame for everything, you know.” “True,” Tolly said. “Do you know this new Archprelate well enough to know what policy changes might be instigated, and who they might benefit?” Arrie asked. “Archprelate Frelarr did mention some reforms he is considering. He apparently does not hold to ceremony as much as Jerome did. But he intends to take a long look at it; changes in the church are not easy to make.” “Right, I forgot we were talking about Ardara. The more things stay the same, the more they stay the same.” “It sounds like we won’t know much until the Inquisition shows up,” Kyle said. “So, it seems that what we thought was going to be a leisurely time in M’Dos…” Autumn commented. “Oh, it still could be. We could hop on a ferry, then ride away from this as fast as we can,” Arrie said. “But I can see the vein in Tolly’s forehead throbbing when I say that.” “But it’s worth pointing out that we did come here to take a break after Tolly’s quest ended,” Kyle said. “And the city’s just chock full of very powerful clerics and holy warriors. We don’t have to solve every problem, you know.” Tolly sighed. “Until I’m satisfied there was no foul play, I cannot picture leaving.” “Can we at least wait until your Inquisition asks for our help before jumping in the midst of all this?” Arrie asked. “That would be wise. The Inquisition does not take kindly to outside interference.” “Right, then,” Arrie said, standing up. “Let’s get busy selling all this collected treasure so we can start relaxing properly.” [CENTER]* * *[/CENTER] Several days passed. After selling their goods and dividing up the money, the party went their separate ways. Tolly spent his days at the Ardaran forges; he was still tasked with creating a silvered greatsword for the hound archon Alexriel, and was also making a new weapon for himself. Kyle produced a number of alchemical items for Autumn, then set about creating some magical items for Osborn and Arrie, and generally was not seen much outside of either his makeshift lab or the room he shared with Autumn. Autumn visited the temple of her own god Bail; a resplendent structure that looked more like a palace than a church. The church elders asked about the oathbond dagger she had recovered in the Dwarven Confederates, and then lost to Marreck; she reported that she had not yet been able to track it down. She asked about Archprelate Jerome, and learned that there was no suspicion of assassination among the clergy in the city. Osborn, checking underworld information sources, learned that there was no talk of a plot again Jerome; he then went to the temple of Ladta and spent his days gambling. Maddie and Arrie seemed to find an instant bond in their pursuit of debauchery, and were seen together frequently. Xu, however, mostly stayed in her room; even more so when Osborn commented on seeing a number of people in the city from Xhintai. “I also saw a bunch of people that looked kind of like you,” Osborn told her, “but their eyes were a bit different. They wore loose clothing, with lots of flowers and plants in them.” “Those are natives of the Red Archipelago,” Xu explained. “Their islands lie north of Affon.” “Neat,” Osborn said, before heading back to the dice tables. It was several days before anyone saw Kyle for more than a few minutes, other than Autumn. He emerged from his makeshift lab every few days when he’d completed a piece of work; he presented Osborn with a new knife vest that held several dozen daggers at once, and Arrie with an extradimensional bag to hold a collection of orcish shotputs. It was over a week before he came down to the common room to find Madrone, who was sitting with Arrie discussing local news. “I need a couple days off,” he said, sitting down at their table. “My next project is a long one, so I thought it’d be better if I took it easy and actually enjoyed some of our vacation.” “A very wise decision, Kyle,” said Maddie. “So, I’m ready for that tour we talked about,” he said to the elf. “Wonderful!” she said, clapping in glee. “I know just the place to start. There’s a parlor with the most amazing acrobatic dancers. One of them has a very impressive routine involving a pole in the ground.” “Um, that wasn’t the kind of tour I was expecting,” Kyle said. “I thought you’d be showing me all the temples and such.” “Temples?” Maddie asked, sounding thoroughly perplexed as to why anyone would want to see temples. “I want one of your tours!” Arrie said, jumping up. “Let’s go!” “Hey, wait…” Kyle protested, as Maddie and Arrie hooked a hand under each arm and pulled him out the door. They were gone several hours, and when they returned Kyle was considerably more subdued. In fact, he looked somewhat dazed, though the hint of a grin kept creeping onto his face. All three were slightly unsteady on their feet. “Good tour, Maddie,” was all he said before he went up the stairs to his room. Maddie looked over at Arrie cheerfully. “Think we should tell Autumn?” “Nah, more fun to watch him squirm later. Besides, it’s harmless fun. Now, you still have that bottle we bought?” Maddie laughed. “Which one?” It was late into the next day before Maddie and Arrie were seen again. They came down the stairs together, and were surprised to see Lanara walk in. Both women ran up and greeted the cansin. “Hi there,” Lanara replied, rather listlessly. “Thanks for leaving word with the ferry-master for me.” “Lanara, what’s wrong?” Arrie asked. “I’m just… tired,” the bard answered. “It was a long trip.” “If we try to cheer you up, will that make you happy?” Maddie pulled out a half-empty bottle of liquor. “Perhaps this?” Lanara smiled, though it wasn’t very convincing. “I appreciate the thought, but I think I’m just tired and need rest. It wasn’t a very good trip for me. Which room is ours?’ After getting instructions, Lanara walked slowly to the stairs. Maddie frowned and shook her head as the bard walked away. “That’s odd,” she said. “What’s odd?” Maddie pointed to Lanara’s waist. Hanging from a belt was a rapier, worn as though it had been there all along. “A weapon?” Arrie said, mystified. “Lanara with an actual weapon that could hurt someone? Something has to have happened while she was gone.” “Well, you know Lanara,” Maddie said. “If she doesn’t want to talk about it, she won’t. Let’s give her time to rest and see how she is in the morning.” As they spoke, Kyle came down the stairs. He stopped when he saw Arrie and Maddie standing near the door. “Hello, Kyle!” Arrie shouted. “Ready for another tour? I think there’s a couple of dancers in M’Dos who would love to see you again today!” Kyle turned and went back up the stairs, followed by the laughter of two women. [/QUOTE]
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