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The Ambergate Chronicles - Galahorn or the Curious Adventure of the Glass Coffin
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<blockquote data-quote="eris404" data-source="post: 2606033" data-attributes="member: 5338"><p>The Church of Alioth, the Prophet, maintains a small chapel and cemetery in the town of Ambergate. There is also a chapel attached to the campus, but it is mostly for show, a symbol of the goodwill that supposedly exists between the mages and the Church. Few students attend services there, and the faithful servant who keeps this chapel of the One True Religion rarely interferes with the daily workings of the colleges. This isn’t to say the Church isn’t interested in the colleges, just that it is the concern of those with more power and prestige in the Church’s hierarchy, not the local parish priest. Dante could have chosen this church, but its proximity to the school (and of course, the masters), made it a bad choice for a duel. But Dante is as well acquainted with the town’s cemetery as he is with the one on campus and can navigate its tombstones and crypts in his sleep, let alone in the darkness. He is still at an advantage.</p><p></p><p>The town church is small and tidy and crowned with hideous gargoyles at odds with its otherwise plain exterior. A small suite of living quarters is attached to one side, almost as an afterthought. The priest maintains a garden in chapel yard, which is separated by an eight-foot wall from the cemetery. The late summer flowers are still blooming, though their perfume is turning sickly, much like over-ripe fruit. The priest retires early after prayers and sleeps as soundly as the dead.</p><p></p><p>Unfortunately, you’ll have to climb the gate if you want to see what happens. Be careful of the metal spikes on top.</p><p></p><p>With a little difficulty, George and Dante scale the wall. Neither is particularly athletic and although George has good aim and quick reflexes, neither will help him this night. Serai is positioned outside, waiting for the signal to send for the guard.</p><p></p><p>Dante leads George through rows of headstones to the unlocked crypt. The corpses within are light and dry, mummified by age. George isn’t much help. He holds the dresses, but Dante must actually clothe and carefully pose the fragile bodies. Later, Dante positions himself in the bell tower of the church, a good vantage point to see the entire cemetery, while George stays on the ground as bait. They leave a candle lit in the crypt as a beacon for Malek. George hopes that Malek will see it on his own and investigate, giving George an easy way to shut him inside. If not, he will have to lead Malek there and improvise.</p><p></p><p>There is nothing to do now but wait. George lingers out the line of sight of the gate and watches for sign of Malek and his second, a dark-haired crony with a hooknose and sour face. Malek takes his time getting over the wall and exploring the graveyard. He doesn’t see the candle or chooses to ignore it as he searches for Dante. George sighs, realizing he will need to lead Malek there. He leaves his hiding place, announcing himself to Malek.</p><p></p><p>“He’s back there,” George points towards the light. Malek says nothing, but leads the way.</p><p></p><p>George watches Malek closely. He’s ready and waiting to see what he will do, but has no idea how he himself will react. Because of this, Malek surprises him.</p><p></p><p>He mutters something that sounds like curse. He points his index finger at George’s eyes and there is a bright flash that blinds him. A second later, George is still rubbing eyes, seeing spots and afterimages.</p><p></p><p>It has all gone horribly awry. Malek is no fool and doesn’t plan on being taken easily. He and his second are running at top speed and have a good lead on George. He swears. He knows no spells, not even the simple cantrips that Dante knows so well, that could stop Malek. Feeling helpless, he races after them.</p><p></p><p>Malek reaches the chapel wall at an alarming speed and leaps over the eight-foot wall in one bound. This surprises George so much that he nearly stumbles over a half-hidden stone. Desperate, he screams for the guards he hopes are coming, shouting bloody murder, vandals, thieves! He does reach the wall, but can’t get a good handhold to pull himself up. He panics. The guards will be here any minute. Where can he hide? Then he remembers the crypt.</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, Dante sees Malek and his toady clear the garden wall. In the darkness, he makes out Serai on the outside wall, climbing it as if her hands were glued to it. In the garden below, a third form, cloaked and shadowy, has joined fray. At first, Dante thinks it could be priest or another of Malek’s buddies come to help vandalize the chapel. Hooknose withdraws a rolled paper from the case on his belt. Malek reaches out, asking for the scroll. Dante’s heart sinks.</p><p></p><p>But then Dante hears words intoned in a strange, lilting language he’s never heard before. The grass, the flowers and even the vines on the garden wall grow and writhe like serpents. The hooded stranger commands them with a movement from his hand. By his will, they wrap around feet, climb legs and grasp at arms. Malek dodges and pulls free of the mobile, vicious plants, only to be ensnared again. He moves slowly, like a man wading in the ocean and being pulled down by the undertow.</p><p></p><p>Serai calls out to Dante in a hoarse whisper. She holds out her hand, mimics climbing the wall and points to him. He nods. She closes her eyes a moment in concentration, and he sees a subtle, oily sheen envelope her body. He feels his hands and feet become thick and sticky and his arms and legs thicken. A quick test reveals the secretions on his hands and feet, combined with the extra strength in his arms and legs, allow him to stick to the wall. Slowly, he descends, face first, determined not to let Malek get away.</p><p></p><p>Hooknose is startled by something moving in the grass and loses his grip on the rolled parchment. The cloaked man snatches it away. Malek cries out in frustration and retreats to the garden gate. The plants impede him, snatching at his clothes, his hair, his arms and legs, but they can’t stop him. Hooknose realizes Malek is abandoning him and panics. He pulls at the plants with the strength of one truly terrified and breaks free. In a few seconds, he is behind Malek and out the gate and in only a moment more they are gone from the cemetery.</p><p></p><p>The hooded figure squats among the grasping plants and lifts what looks to Dante like a still-writhing vine from the ground – a snake or viper of some kind, but the darkness does not allow him a good look. This creature the stranger places into a bag at his side. His hood falls back and Dante can at last see his face – gaunt and narrow, ageless, with sharply pointed ears outlined in the moonlight.</p><p></p><p>Back in the crypt, George swears the corpses moved. With the candlelight gone, he realizes immediately his mistake. His stomach clenches with fear as the dry, papery corpses leer at him from their lascivious poses. He watches one, only to see movement out of the corner of eye from the other. He cowers in a corner and makes himself as small as possible.</p><p></p><p>When the door creaks open, he thinks his heart will fly right out of his mouth, but it is only Dante, looking for his friend. Dante smiles, but it is not cruel or teasing. He rights the corpses and doesn’t ask George to help this time. He never mentions this to George, or anyone else for that matter, ever again.</p><p></p><p>I think they all could stand a drink. If we follow them, we could get a few beers at Ragi’s Favorite Tavern. I doubt Dante will give George any grief about it this time.</p><p></p><p>Yes, there they are, and George is making a fool of himself as usual. They look worn out, don’t they? I know, you’re wondering who the mysterious elf is, aren’t you? His name is Jade (or loosely translates as Jade from the Elvin language) and he is an acquaintance of Serai’s and also a druid and assistant to the Elvin ambassador here. They met on an Elvin ship, and since Serai is human and Murkraali, you get the feeling that there’s more to that story that she isn’t telling. Never mind that, she will tell her own story in her own time.</p><p></p><p>So Jade has given George an Elvin spice to put in his drink and now he is quite sincerely drunk. Thankfully, Ragi isn’t here to see him like this, a depressed, lovesick mess. The elf seems interested in the effects the spice is having on George. He asks questions and seems fascinated by the answers. One gets the impression of a child watching a spider trapped inside an overturned glass. The child doesn’t mean to be cruel, but its curiosity has made it callous. Alioth, in his Infinite Mercy and Wisdom, lets George finally pass out. The common folk say St. Brune loves drunkards most of all, for no man has more courage, strength or passion, nor is any man in more need of the blessed saint’s protection, than one who is too far into his cups.</p><p></p><p>It is closing time now, and they have woken George. Even half-drunk, he’s a stealthy one and can sneak back into the dormitory with the professionalism of a cat burglar. They say good night outside, in the warm night that still smells green like summer, under a glaring moon and sprinkle of stars.</p><p></p><p>The story doesn’t end here, but only begins. The morning shines on Dante and George and with it comes a summons to Raventhorpe, the Master of Gloom Hall. Dante is composed, but George’s head is ringing like a bell and the master’s hard face, as impassive as a stone golem, has always made George nervous. Today he stares in disapproval down his nose at George and folds his arms tightly against his chest like armor.</p><p></p><p>“Can you tell me why I found Maxwell roaming the halls while wearing a pink dress?” he asks. His voice is eerily calm.</p><p></p><p>Dante nods and adds, “Yes, sir, some students decided to play a prank. Some words were exchanged, but nothing came of it. I thought it prudent to send him to you.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, I’m sure the ‘vandals’ will be caught and get their punishment,” Raventhorpe replies dryly. He locks his gaze with Dante’s for a moment, then adds, “I think students with too much free time tend to get into mischief. Don’t you agree? I have an errand for you and Mr. Barleycorn.”</p><p></p><p>From a desk drawer, he pulls a parchment in formal script with a wax seal and signature at the bottom.</p><p></p><p>“This is a bill of sale for a new bell we have commissioned for the church. Take this to Lucius Krekett in Bellhold and bring back the bell. In one piece, gentlemen, please. You’ll have a wagon and team, of course. Worthen will be accompanying you. Leave here today and come straight back. Do I make myself clear?”</p><p></p><p>The lads say yes, sir, we understand, though neither looks too pleased about the errand, as it sounds too much like punishment.</p><p></p><p>Later, the boys find Serai and Jade near the stables. Neither student is surprised to see Serai is carrying a small, ladylike pack and is dressed for travel. She is pleased at the chance to travel, even if it is just to the next town, and although she isn’t officially a student here, none of the masters seem to mind that she comes along. The elf is just as anxious to explore this strange land and seems more than a little protective of Serai.</p><p></p><p>Worthen is the cheerful handyman who does odd jobs around the campus. He would be slight in build without that round potbelly, and the points to his ears suggest Elvin heritage or perhaps even an Elvin parent. The druid asks him about this, but Worthen’s answers are vague, whether from ignorance or shame none of them can tell. Worthen does travel outside the campus, into Ambergatetown and elsewhere, and so he has a wealth of stories. Bellhold, it seems, is an interesting small town indeed.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="eris404, post: 2606033, member: 5338"] The Church of Alioth, the Prophet, maintains a small chapel and cemetery in the town of Ambergate. There is also a chapel attached to the campus, but it is mostly for show, a symbol of the goodwill that supposedly exists between the mages and the Church. Few students attend services there, and the faithful servant who keeps this chapel of the One True Religion rarely interferes with the daily workings of the colleges. This isn’t to say the Church isn’t interested in the colleges, just that it is the concern of those with more power and prestige in the Church’s hierarchy, not the local parish priest. Dante could have chosen this church, but its proximity to the school (and of course, the masters), made it a bad choice for a duel. But Dante is as well acquainted with the town’s cemetery as he is with the one on campus and can navigate its tombstones and crypts in his sleep, let alone in the darkness. He is still at an advantage. The town church is small and tidy and crowned with hideous gargoyles at odds with its otherwise plain exterior. A small suite of living quarters is attached to one side, almost as an afterthought. The priest maintains a garden in chapel yard, which is separated by an eight-foot wall from the cemetery. The late summer flowers are still blooming, though their perfume is turning sickly, much like over-ripe fruit. The priest retires early after prayers and sleeps as soundly as the dead. Unfortunately, you’ll have to climb the gate if you want to see what happens. Be careful of the metal spikes on top. With a little difficulty, George and Dante scale the wall. Neither is particularly athletic and although George has good aim and quick reflexes, neither will help him this night. Serai is positioned outside, waiting for the signal to send for the guard. Dante leads George through rows of headstones to the unlocked crypt. The corpses within are light and dry, mummified by age. George isn’t much help. He holds the dresses, but Dante must actually clothe and carefully pose the fragile bodies. Later, Dante positions himself in the bell tower of the church, a good vantage point to see the entire cemetery, while George stays on the ground as bait. They leave a candle lit in the crypt as a beacon for Malek. George hopes that Malek will see it on his own and investigate, giving George an easy way to shut him inside. If not, he will have to lead Malek there and improvise. There is nothing to do now but wait. George lingers out the line of sight of the gate and watches for sign of Malek and his second, a dark-haired crony with a hooknose and sour face. Malek takes his time getting over the wall and exploring the graveyard. He doesn’t see the candle or chooses to ignore it as he searches for Dante. George sighs, realizing he will need to lead Malek there. He leaves his hiding place, announcing himself to Malek. “He’s back there,” George points towards the light. Malek says nothing, but leads the way. George watches Malek closely. He’s ready and waiting to see what he will do, but has no idea how he himself will react. Because of this, Malek surprises him. He mutters something that sounds like curse. He points his index finger at George’s eyes and there is a bright flash that blinds him. A second later, George is still rubbing eyes, seeing spots and afterimages. It has all gone horribly awry. Malek is no fool and doesn’t plan on being taken easily. He and his second are running at top speed and have a good lead on George. He swears. He knows no spells, not even the simple cantrips that Dante knows so well, that could stop Malek. Feeling helpless, he races after them. Malek reaches the chapel wall at an alarming speed and leaps over the eight-foot wall in one bound. This surprises George so much that he nearly stumbles over a half-hidden stone. Desperate, he screams for the guards he hopes are coming, shouting bloody murder, vandals, thieves! He does reach the wall, but can’t get a good handhold to pull himself up. He panics. The guards will be here any minute. Where can he hide? Then he remembers the crypt. Meanwhile, Dante sees Malek and his toady clear the garden wall. In the darkness, he makes out Serai on the outside wall, climbing it as if her hands were glued to it. In the garden below, a third form, cloaked and shadowy, has joined fray. At first, Dante thinks it could be priest or another of Malek’s buddies come to help vandalize the chapel. Hooknose withdraws a rolled paper from the case on his belt. Malek reaches out, asking for the scroll. Dante’s heart sinks. But then Dante hears words intoned in a strange, lilting language he’s never heard before. The grass, the flowers and even the vines on the garden wall grow and writhe like serpents. The hooded stranger commands them with a movement from his hand. By his will, they wrap around feet, climb legs and grasp at arms. Malek dodges and pulls free of the mobile, vicious plants, only to be ensnared again. He moves slowly, like a man wading in the ocean and being pulled down by the undertow. Serai calls out to Dante in a hoarse whisper. She holds out her hand, mimics climbing the wall and points to him. He nods. She closes her eyes a moment in concentration, and he sees a subtle, oily sheen envelope her body. He feels his hands and feet become thick and sticky and his arms and legs thicken. A quick test reveals the secretions on his hands and feet, combined with the extra strength in his arms and legs, allow him to stick to the wall. Slowly, he descends, face first, determined not to let Malek get away. Hooknose is startled by something moving in the grass and loses his grip on the rolled parchment. The cloaked man snatches it away. Malek cries out in frustration and retreats to the garden gate. The plants impede him, snatching at his clothes, his hair, his arms and legs, but they can’t stop him. Hooknose realizes Malek is abandoning him and panics. He pulls at the plants with the strength of one truly terrified and breaks free. In a few seconds, he is behind Malek and out the gate and in only a moment more they are gone from the cemetery. The hooded figure squats among the grasping plants and lifts what looks to Dante like a still-writhing vine from the ground – a snake or viper of some kind, but the darkness does not allow him a good look. This creature the stranger places into a bag at his side. His hood falls back and Dante can at last see his face – gaunt and narrow, ageless, with sharply pointed ears outlined in the moonlight. Back in the crypt, George swears the corpses moved. With the candlelight gone, he realizes immediately his mistake. His stomach clenches with fear as the dry, papery corpses leer at him from their lascivious poses. He watches one, only to see movement out of the corner of eye from the other. He cowers in a corner and makes himself as small as possible. When the door creaks open, he thinks his heart will fly right out of his mouth, but it is only Dante, looking for his friend. Dante smiles, but it is not cruel or teasing. He rights the corpses and doesn’t ask George to help this time. He never mentions this to George, or anyone else for that matter, ever again. I think they all could stand a drink. If we follow them, we could get a few beers at Ragi’s Favorite Tavern. I doubt Dante will give George any grief about it this time. Yes, there they are, and George is making a fool of himself as usual. They look worn out, don’t they? I know, you’re wondering who the mysterious elf is, aren’t you? His name is Jade (or loosely translates as Jade from the Elvin language) and he is an acquaintance of Serai’s and also a druid and assistant to the Elvin ambassador here. They met on an Elvin ship, and since Serai is human and Murkraali, you get the feeling that there’s more to that story that she isn’t telling. Never mind that, she will tell her own story in her own time. So Jade has given George an Elvin spice to put in his drink and now he is quite sincerely drunk. Thankfully, Ragi isn’t here to see him like this, a depressed, lovesick mess. The elf seems interested in the effects the spice is having on George. He asks questions and seems fascinated by the answers. One gets the impression of a child watching a spider trapped inside an overturned glass. The child doesn’t mean to be cruel, but its curiosity has made it callous. Alioth, in his Infinite Mercy and Wisdom, lets George finally pass out. The common folk say St. Brune loves drunkards most of all, for no man has more courage, strength or passion, nor is any man in more need of the blessed saint’s protection, than one who is too far into his cups. It is closing time now, and they have woken George. Even half-drunk, he’s a stealthy one and can sneak back into the dormitory with the professionalism of a cat burglar. They say good night outside, in the warm night that still smells green like summer, under a glaring moon and sprinkle of stars. The story doesn’t end here, but only begins. The morning shines on Dante and George and with it comes a summons to Raventhorpe, the Master of Gloom Hall. Dante is composed, but George’s head is ringing like a bell and the master’s hard face, as impassive as a stone golem, has always made George nervous. Today he stares in disapproval down his nose at George and folds his arms tightly against his chest like armor. “Can you tell me why I found Maxwell roaming the halls while wearing a pink dress?” he asks. His voice is eerily calm. Dante nods and adds, “Yes, sir, some students decided to play a prank. Some words were exchanged, but nothing came of it. I thought it prudent to send him to you.” “Yes, I’m sure the ‘vandals’ will be caught and get their punishment,” Raventhorpe replies dryly. He locks his gaze with Dante’s for a moment, then adds, “I think students with too much free time tend to get into mischief. Don’t you agree? I have an errand for you and Mr. Barleycorn.” From a desk drawer, he pulls a parchment in formal script with a wax seal and signature at the bottom. “This is a bill of sale for a new bell we have commissioned for the church. Take this to Lucius Krekett in Bellhold and bring back the bell. In one piece, gentlemen, please. You’ll have a wagon and team, of course. Worthen will be accompanying you. Leave here today and come straight back. Do I make myself clear?” The lads say yes, sir, we understand, though neither looks too pleased about the errand, as it sounds too much like punishment. Later, the boys find Serai and Jade near the stables. Neither student is surprised to see Serai is carrying a small, ladylike pack and is dressed for travel. She is pleased at the chance to travel, even if it is just to the next town, and although she isn’t officially a student here, none of the masters seem to mind that she comes along. The elf is just as anxious to explore this strange land and seems more than a little protective of Serai. Worthen is the cheerful handyman who does odd jobs around the campus. He would be slight in build without that round potbelly, and the points to his ears suggest Elvin heritage or perhaps even an Elvin parent. The druid asks him about this, but Worthen’s answers are vague, whether from ignorance or shame none of them can tell. Worthen does travel outside the campus, into Ambergatetown and elsewhere, and so he has a wealth of stories. Bellhold, it seems, is an interesting small town indeed. [/QUOTE]
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