The Wednesday Knights.
SESSION XLI.
Fryday 7th Apron 2000
Characters present
Bob Male Human Ranger 3 Priest of Kord 1 (Emma)
Endrin Male Human Bard 4 Sorcerer 2 (Wayne)
Liandri Male Elf Rogue 4 Wizard 2 (Kev.M.)
Mallaria Female Half-Elf Barbarian 2 Fighter 1 (Tomo)
Sayon Female Elf Rogue 2 Fighter 1 (Erin)
Carimor, mi amore, you know the score- we’re off.
“Gertcha, ain’t yew bledy gun yit. ‘Eroes eatin’ me outta ‘owse an’ ‘ome.”
Endrin looks askance at the barmy old man then finds something prettier to rest his eyes upon.
MMMNICE
HELLL-O
HERE SHE COMES, FIRST IMPRESSIONS.
Endrin doffs his cap as the beautiful, and seriously overdressed, young woman comes to a halt before him, she looks as though she’s just left the ball.
Endrin thinks he’s found it.
“I’m Lord Endrin of Amberdale, first Prince of Vauxhall… Nova, perhaps you would like to accompany me to somewhere where there are fewer…”
Endrin scans the still crowded streets of Carimor, the young woman follows his gaze.
She giggles.
Coquettishly.
Alas, is there any other way.
She steps closer.
Within range.
And looks up at Endrin with her big eyes.
Who licks his lips then continues-
“As I was saying, fewer… clothes.”
Her mouth opens slightly- maybe surprise, maybe, just maybe, not.
“And then afterwards, tomorrow, you can tell me your name.”
The young woman straightens up with a jolt.
“My name… my name… surely you recognise me Endrin?”
Endrin is taken aback.
“Recognise you… D’you mean we’ve… we’ve… met?”
“Oh yes, we’ve met.”
Endrin slips into the archives, the black book with accompanying mug shots in his brain, the few good ladies that have been kind enough to spend time with him.
The young woman waits.
“Well… have you remembered?”
“I’m only up to ‘N’, give me a minute.”
He gets his minute.
“And?”
“No, no, I can’t remember.”
“Well that’s the end of it then.”
She goes to turn away but Endrin speaks quickly.
“No, no, that’s not the end of it, I just went through the list of the few good ladies that have been kind enough to spend time with me…”
“Well?”
“Now for the bad, bad, sometimes thoroughly bad, ladies that have been wicked enough to spend time with me.”
She smiles.
“Alas this will take considerably longer, perhaps in the meantime you’d like to wet your whistle?”
Endrin points towards the Inn.
And sotto voce, just quiet enough so that she can hear.
“I know I would.”
She smiles again.
“You should have started with the second list- I would have.”
“You intrigue me?”
“You're very good Endrin, what’s your secret?”
“Practice.”
“In the mirror?”
She grins.
“Sometimes, but never alone.”
She laughs, she laughs like she knows your secret, but doesn’t care.
“I… I believe you… never alone.”
Then just as suddenly she looks flustered, maybe even angry.
“I must go.”
She turns and runs as fast as she can- which is very fast as it turns out, the chase is on.
Endrin eventually screams he cannot keep up.
“WHO… WHO ARE YOU? TELL ME, TELL ME, PLEASE?”
She stops and turns to face him.
“WHO AM I? Who am I?”
She trails off to a whisper.
“If I were you Endrin I’d start a bit closer to home.”
“Wha..?”
“Go to Weston, you’ll, or rather they’ll, see.”
She turns to leave again.
“WHAT? Where are you going? Who are you? What do you mean, closer to home- me?”
She moves off, at speed.
“WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN?”
In desperation.
She replies without turning.
“SOON.”
And sotto voce, quiet enough so that Endrin could never hear.
“All too soon.”
And with that she’s gone.
Three minutes seven seconds later.
CRASH
“Right, you (B0B), you (LIANDRI) and, no not you fatty (ZAN), you (SAYON)- we’re off, get your stuff- and one of you find Mallaria, I feel safer when she’s with us, least that way she’s not against us.”
“We off somewhere?”
“Weston.”
“Nice.”
“What’s there?”
“Answers.”
“Answers? To what?”
“Questions?”
“Questions? What questions?”
“I don’t know.”
“What?”
“But I’ll know the questions when I find the answers… at least I hope I will.”
“Endri..?”
“Bob, look, just don’t ask, I’ll explain as best as I can when we get on the road… and yes I’ll talk slow and use little words.”
“Tiny.”
“Sorry, tiny words.”
Bob smiles and then runs upstairs excited. Liandri whistles a happy tune while picking rotten-ish chunks of meat from between his teeth. Sayon keeps her head down and says nothing, just going with the flow.
Five minutes later the Wednesday Knights have been reassembled, at least sans Mallaria, they’re saddled up and ready to roll out.
“Where is she?”
“She said she was coming, had something to take care of.”
“What? Those exact words?”
“Yeah.”
“Pelor, you guys get riding, I’ll catch you up, give me Mallaria’s horse.”
Bob passes over the reins to Mallaria’s nag.
As he does a scream erupts from just down the road- running out of a building comes three men, naked men, followed by two slightly larger ladies, also naked, followed by a sheepish looking goat. Mallaria is of course at the head of the queue.
“START HER UP ENDRIN.”
Endrin begins to spur his horse; the others do likewise, Mallaria dashes alongside her galloping nag and swings herself into the saddle.
The Wednesday Knights gallop off at great speed.
“What’ch ya do?”
“Nuthin’”
“Ok, what were you supposed to do?”
“Ah clever Endrin. I was supposed to do everything.”
“I can see how that would be disappointing.”
“Where are their clothes?”
“The goat ate ‘em.”
“So why did you take the goat?”
“To eat their clothes. Silly”
Bob tries to work it out; some of the others are getting there. Endrin smiles to himself, not listening to a word Mallaria says anymore.
Moonday 10th Apron 2000
Back on the road again.
“So tell me again, what’s this all about?”
“Pelor, Bob- do you never listen.”
“It’s about His Highness getting laid.”
“MALLARIA!”
“Hnh hnh. He’s met some bird and she’s knocked him back.”
“ – “
“His ego can’t stand it.”
“That’s not it- this… woman,”
“Beautiful woman.”
“Yes, beautiful woman, she said something about my past- about who I am, at least I think that’s what she meant, about who I REALLY am.”
“Oh, right. So why’re we going to Weston?”
“Pelor, because whatever it is I need to know I’ll find out in Weston, or, somehow, someone will know me there, I think- I’m not certain what she meant, sorry.”
“Oh. So we’re going to Weston to find out.”
“Yes.”
“All of us?”
“What?”
“We’re all going to Weston because some woman met you in town and said some stuff and then mentioned Weston. Is that it?”
“ – “
“Well?”
“Yes, that’s about it, I don’t know, you’ll have to trust me Bob.”
Endrin holds Bob’s gaze.
“Alright, I just wanted to know. It’s fine.”
They ride on in silence for an hour or so.
“So, Endrin.”
“Yes Mallaria.”
“I just want to get this straight,”
“We’ve…”
“You’re not going to get laid, and it’s nothing to do with your ego?”
“No, for the last time. No.”
“But it’s about you, it’s all about you- about who you are, that’s what you said.”
“Yes. Yes, I suppose.”
“Oh. Ok. That’s alright then.”
“Good.”
“Good.”
They ride on for an hour or so, once again in silence.
“Endrin?”
“Wha…?”
“If she’s in Weston, the woman, sorry, this beautiful woman- would you sleep with her? Give her one? Y’know hide the salami? Would’ya?”
An hour later the silence is broken.
It begins to rain.
Woodensday 12th Apron 2000
Back on the road again II.
“Riders approaching.”
Liandri states matter-of-factly.
“Six of them- they’re in a rush.”
“We’ll pull over, be ready.”
The Knights gear up, keeping their weapons out of sight, then watch and wait.
Thirty seconds later a group of horsemen fly by, the lead rider takes a good look at the Knights.
Ten seconds later the riders slow up dramatically, turn their horses around, and head back at pace to the Knights.
Who ready their weapons.
The riders are all in the same livery, except the lead rider- who looks more like a Squire, certainly well-dressed, and Elven, the others humans.
“Greeting travellers, I am Endrin, we travel to Weston- what news of the road ahead?”
The riders look suddenly confused, the Elf recovers quickest.
“Endrin? We were sent for you, although, in truth, I did not know your name. You are wanted.”
“Wanted? By whom? For what?”
“We are to escort you to Weston- for your benefit?”
Endrin stares hard at the Elf trying to fathom him out.
“I swear to you that we mean you no harm, my task is merely to escort you safely to my master, in Weston. I do not know how it is that you are here, unless you knew you were wanted- I did not expect to find you so soon. I know only that you are missed. I see from your face that you have questions, maybe in Weston you will find the answers… maybe only more questions.”
Endrin continues to stare.
“Will you come?”
Endrin remains silent then…
“Who am I?”
Even the horses seem to hold their breath.
“Who am I?”
The Elf looks away quickly.
“I am Aniel. I am here to escort you to Weston- for your benefit. Ride with us.”
The silence continues until Aniel begins to lead his horse away, back towards Weston, the liveried men follow.
Endrin has no idea what game is being played.
“I would be glad to ride with you Aniel. We can talk en route.”
The Knights and the riders head off.
Weston-Super-Mare.
Hours later, hours of Endrin’s questions without answer, Aniel remains silent. Nor can the other riders be persuaded to say a single word.
The town of Weston is a dump, obviously once prosperous; those days are long gone- the buildings have begun to collapse. None of them look inhabited and yet there are a gaggle of men huddled over a fire on the main street, they look to be vagrants.
Aniel spurs his horse on, the Knights follow through the town- heading towards a large and similarly run down villa. At the gate, which stands open, are two guards in the same livery.
They ride on to the villa itself and there are met by several more of what are obviously guardsmen. The door to the villa stands open, Aniel motions for the Wednesday Knights to enter.
They hesitate.
“I swear I mean you no harm Endrin.”
The Knights file in, through a large hall and into an anti-chamber, at the far side of which a man sits at a desk- the scratch of his quill on the parchment before him. He looks up, as if to speak, he opens his mouth- but the words just wont come out.
Finally he speaks.
“We’ve been expecting you…?”
“Endrin.”
“Yes, Endrin.”
“Won’t you take a seat?”
“I will, but I’d rather I got some answers.”
“And your companions.”
The Knights take a seat. The guardsmen head off, but Aniel sticks around.
“Yes, answers… Mmm, yes.”
A silence descends.
Then he begins to speak, and once he starts, he doesn’t stop.
“This is the Villa of Baron Peyto DeMoren, the family seat as it were…”
Two hours later the Knights emerge from the room- once more in silence, Endrin looks ashen.
WHO AM I?
He excuses himself and takes a walk around the Manor, the other Knights find food, drink and chatter.
Bob and Sayon talk quietly.
“How do you think he got the key?”
“He’s always had it. I remember seeing it on a chain when we were kids in school, back in Amberdale. That seems a long time ago.”
“It’s not even four months since we started this.”
The Knights stop to stare at Liandri, a lot has happened in such a short time.
“Who’s the woman then? She had a key too.”
“Dunno.”
“ – “
“But she knows.”
Liandri butts in again.
“Is all this his then?”
“Whatever’s in the vault is.”
“Wheeeeeeew. Ho ho. Come to daddy.”
“LIANDRI!”
“Whaaaaat?”
“Shut up, think of Endrin.”
“What about him? He’s just discovered that he’s rich, his dad was a Baron, Peytro whatever his name is, was. He’s feckin’ loaded- what’s he got to worry about.”
Bob looks hard at Liandri.
“His dad’s not his dad, he’s someone else he’s never met, never heard of even. His mum’s not his mum, this Amelia that disappeared all those years ago, he doesn’t know if she’s dead or alive somewhere. He’s not from Amberdale, he’s from here- this ghost town. That’s all he’s got know- the people he thought where his parents are… who knows. Endrin’s always needed tp know more- he loves finding things out- he loves gossip. He thrives on gossip, especially if it’s about him. And now he doesn’t even know who he is. It’s the ultimate whatsit, like coppery or tinny, the other one, you know.”
“Irony.”
Mallaria adds.
Bob nods agreement then shakes his head and looks downcast, saddened. Taking deep breaths after, what for him, was an epic speech.
“He doesn’t know who he is. His families gone.”
Liandri quits grinning and finds an insect to worry and torture.
Mallaria takes up the grin.
“I wonder who the bird is then, the ‘beautiful woman’, has he lost his parents only to gain a sister, I wonder if he’ll still want to shag her?”
Bob rises in a flash, Sayon goes to dive between Bob and his prey- Mallaria. She slows Bob down a little, but not enough…
“Leave her.”
Endrin’s in the room.
“Lets go get the other key and open this vault. All these questions… The answers may be not so far away.”
The Knights kick into gear- Endrin leads off, Bob goes to follow but Mallaria pushes him aside and heads after the Bard.
“Anytime Ranger, anytime you like.”
Bob picks himself up and falls in line, storing up the anger for use later- something that deserves to suffer will undoubtedly suffer, but be reassured, not for long.
Ne Moren’s Vault.
The Knights make easy work of the panelling in the cellar, the hidden door to the vault is revealed. Aniel passes Bob a silver key, Endrin reaches for the one around his neck, where it’s always been.
Seconds later the door swings open, a dark and musky passageway leads off- some way ahead is a pinprick of light. Aniel salutes the Knights then he and the guardsmen leave the cellar.
The Knights stand in silence, only the sound of the door to the cellar being locked and secured.
Sayon breaks ranks and begins to creep down the dark passage, the others begin their routine- torches lit, weapons drawn- ready for adventure.
Sayon returns.
“It heads on a way, there are passages off, two left, one right- at the end a door, I think, that’s where the light is- to the left of the door, oddly.”
Endrin nods then makes to enter, Sayon block his path.
“There’s someone or something here- by the entrance, a message, scratched on the wall- it says “Betrayer”, I think it’s been written in blood.”
The Knights take a deep breath.
“Good work Sayon. Guard yourselves, we go…”
But once again Endrin is prevented from entering, Bob, the huge Ranger, lurches in front of Endrin, draws both of his swords and passes in.
Thirty feet in there’s a crossroads, Bob and Sayon head right to a door, Endrin and Liandri left, likewise, to a door- Mallaria stands guard in the corridor.
EEEEEEERRRRR
Beyond is dilapidated bunkhouse complete with rotten food and soured wine. Bob and Sayon begin their search, they do not have to look long before they make their first discovery- a Giant Centipede shoots out from beneath one of the bunks. Then another, and another, each three to four feet long, until there are a half-a-dozen of the creatures trying to bring one of the Knights down.
By the time Mallaria rushes in it’s all over. Sayon is perched on a bunk, bow in hand, Bob in the centre of the room surrounded by dead Centipedes.
“You’re not needed Barbarian.”
Mallaria smiles at Bob’s bravado, then stoops down to reach under the first bunk- she retrieves a crumpled piece of paper.
“Man words. Probably important.”
She grins again.
“You need me, and you know it. There may come a time when I no longer need you… that could be interesting.”
Bob straightens out the paper and with Sayons help-
“What’s that word?”
“That’s not a word, that’s a stain, let me do it.”
They read it.
Meanwhile…
The other door opens into a room filled with beauty, Endrins torch illuminates the chamber, reflected a thousand-fold. Four trees seemingly crafted from gold and silver are gathered round a lipped pool of very murky water. Huge elaborate tapestries line the walls.
Endrins stops to stare.
Liandri, obeys his Elven urges, he makes for the trees. Without thought he attempts to pluck one of the leaves from the tree, without success. He grapples with the leaf for a second but only succeeds in cutting his hand.
“FECK”
Liandri turns round, slightly concerned that Endrin hasn’t started shouting at him yet for, ‘despoiling the beauty’, or some other guff.
But Endrin hasn’t moved- Liandri follows his gaze.
About a minute later the other Knights enter the chamber.
“We’ve found a clue, I think.”
“I. I found, you just think- hnh, no, what am I saying...”
“You can’t even read Barbarian. What does it matter that you found it.”
“Oh sorry, good-old Bob, at least I admit that I can’t read. What’s the point Bob, you’ve read it, what’s it say then… do you even remember? You FECK, you make me sick, you sanctimonious fecker, yeah that’s the thing- sure you can read a bit, but do you even understand the words- oh the tiny ones, you know all the tiny words but…”
Mallaria looks at Bob, who’s looking past Mallaria, not even listening.
“Bob?”
Then she follows his gaze.
“Oh feck, oh fecky fecky feck. OH FECK. Feck, feck, feck, feck. FECK- we’re never going to hear the last of this are we.”
The Knights take turns to stare at the tapestries moving from one to the other and then back again- open mouthed. They depict a hero in action, a hero being admired by a group of regal looking Elves, a hero being feted by regal looking Humans and finally the same hero standing with figures from the previous tapestries outside the Villa in which the Knights now stand.
The hero is of course Endrin, the exact spit- in one tapestry even the clothes are the same.
Mallaria finishes her moaning and kicks the Rogues into action.
“Search, search it. Now.”
The Knights drift into life, although Endrin appears reluctant.
A few minutes later Liandri makes a discovery.
GGGGGRRRRIIIIINNNNND.
“Heads up we’re in business.”
Liandri has discovered a secret chamber, he heads in- Endrin follows.
Beyond is a statue a fine statue of a Knight armed with an elaborate longsword in his hands, a plaque at the base reads-
“Sir Jaycin Threefingers, Hero of the Realm.”
“There’s another plaque on the back.”
“What’s it say?”
“Had he twenty perfect hands, still he would not be able to count his great deeds.”
“I’ve heard of him.”
“Obviously.”
Liandri moves back round to the front of the statue.
“Hang on.”
And finds a ring on one of the statues fingers- he removes it.
“It says "Elven Friend", on it- in Elvish. Nice.”
Endrin is deep in thought.
“What was all that about through there- the tapestries, family?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Who is he?”
“Kragor Ne Moren, I don’t know much about him- a warrior, maybe- he helped the Elves a long time ago, fought in wars- the usual, you know hero stuff.”
Liandri shrugs and goes to pocket the ring.
“He was my grandfather, or so it would seem.”
Liandri looks vaguely interested.
“Give the ring to Bob eh Liandri- he’s a good friend.”
Liandri shrugs again and slinks out of the secret chamber.
Endrin looks once more at the statue, there’s a hand print in the base, just above the plaque. He bends down to examine it, then tries to place his hand in the print- he has one finger too many.
Mallaria, meanwhile, has discovered an inscription around the edge of the pool-
“All true life results from two components- Water & Light.”
“Mmm… Lovely.”
Endrin comments re-entering the chamber.
Mallaria continues.
“Read him the note Ranger.”
Bob stares daggers at Mallaria then unfurls the crumpled piece of parchment that Mallaria found earlier, clears his throat and then passes it to Sayon, who reads.
“You stupid fool- by the time you find this note, it will be too late. You’ll never have her back! And by the time she recovers from what I’ve done to her, she’ll be able to visit your grave.”
Endrin nods.
“It seems Amelia didn’t just disappear then.”
The other Knights nod and look interested.
Bob toys with his new ring as the Knights head off- further down the corridor, down some steps and into a chamber on the left. Liandri and Sayon creep inside as the other Knights ready themselves.
The two Rogues circle around the upper level of a two tiered chamber, below them seems to be a crypt, a few scattered and smashed coffins indicate that others have been here. Eventually the pair complete their circuit and take the stone stairs down to the lower level.
“AAAAAARRRGGGHH BONIES.”
The other Knights come rushing in, Bob leaping down brandishing his Holy Symbol, and in the same instance realising he is seeing things remarkably better in the shadowy light- thanks to his new Elven Friend ring. Of the eight Skeletons seven scatter- Sayon and Liandri in pursuit; smashing them down.
Out of the shadows either side of the stairs lurch four Zombies- Mallaria leaps down splitting one of the foul things in two on her descent. Soon another two of the creatures lurch into sight- regardless, it is not enough the undead are soon put to the sword.
The Rogues head out to do some real searching, Sayon finds caskets for both of Endrin’s parents- Paytro Ne Moren, on inspection there’s no body inside; and Amelia Ne Moren, although her name is crossed out, empty again, but scratched on the casket is the legend, “Always Lisette.”
“Who’s Lisette, Endrin?”
He shrugs.
Liandri on the other hand finds three black onyx gems and a blank scroll- he neglects to mention the gems in his report.
The Knights move on.
To the door, or rather just before the door is an alcove, in which, on a pedestal sits, a glowing gem- the light seen earlier. Without hesitation Endrin picks it up, examines it closely then straightens-
“I’ve got an idea.”
Endrin strides back to the chamber with the pool aqnd the trees and places the glowing gem into the water- in an instant the pool clears.
“Thought so.”
The other Knights stare.
“Drink some Sayon.”
“Why me?”
“Last in, first out.”
Mallaria counters.
“Why me Endrin?”
“Because you’re wounded, trust me.”
Sayon eventually shuffles forward, gingerly places her hand in the water, and then tastes a drop.
“It’s alright.”
She takes a bigger gulp, a wound she received from a Skeleton previously knits together- healed.
“Blimey.”
Ten minutes later Bob has siphoned off a small cask of the Healing brew.
They head back to the door, Endrin with the light of the gem cutting through the shadows, leading the way.
In the centre of the door is a depression, just big enough for the gem.
GGGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNND.
And so endeth turn number 41.
Next turn “Evenin’ Stan’ard.”
SESSION XLI.
Fryday 7th Apron 2000
Characters present
Bob Male Human Ranger 3 Priest of Kord 1 (Emma)
Endrin Male Human Bard 4 Sorcerer 2 (Wayne)
Liandri Male Elf Rogue 4 Wizard 2 (Kev.M.)
Mallaria Female Half-Elf Barbarian 2 Fighter 1 (Tomo)
Sayon Female Elf Rogue 2 Fighter 1 (Erin)
Carimor, mi amore, you know the score- we’re off.
“Gertcha, ain’t yew bledy gun yit. ‘Eroes eatin’ me outta ‘owse an’ ‘ome.”
Endrin looks askance at the barmy old man then finds something prettier to rest his eyes upon.
MMMNICE
HELLL-O
HERE SHE COMES, FIRST IMPRESSIONS.
Endrin doffs his cap as the beautiful, and seriously overdressed, young woman comes to a halt before him, she looks as though she’s just left the ball.
Endrin thinks he’s found it.
“I’m Lord Endrin of Amberdale, first Prince of Vauxhall… Nova, perhaps you would like to accompany me to somewhere where there are fewer…”
Endrin scans the still crowded streets of Carimor, the young woman follows his gaze.
She giggles.
Coquettishly.
Alas, is there any other way.
She steps closer.
Within range.
And looks up at Endrin with her big eyes.
Who licks his lips then continues-
“As I was saying, fewer… clothes.”
Her mouth opens slightly- maybe surprise, maybe, just maybe, not.
“And then afterwards, tomorrow, you can tell me your name.”
The young woman straightens up with a jolt.
“My name… my name… surely you recognise me Endrin?”
Endrin is taken aback.
“Recognise you… D’you mean we’ve… we’ve… met?”
“Oh yes, we’ve met.”
Endrin slips into the archives, the black book with accompanying mug shots in his brain, the few good ladies that have been kind enough to spend time with him.
The young woman waits.
“Well… have you remembered?”
“I’m only up to ‘N’, give me a minute.”
He gets his minute.
“And?”
“No, no, I can’t remember.”
“Well that’s the end of it then.”
She goes to turn away but Endrin speaks quickly.
“No, no, that’s not the end of it, I just went through the list of the few good ladies that have been kind enough to spend time with me…”
“Well?”
“Now for the bad, bad, sometimes thoroughly bad, ladies that have been wicked enough to spend time with me.”
She smiles.
“Alas this will take considerably longer, perhaps in the meantime you’d like to wet your whistle?”
Endrin points towards the Inn.
And sotto voce, just quiet enough so that she can hear.
“I know I would.”
She smiles again.
“You should have started with the second list- I would have.”
“You intrigue me?”
“You're very good Endrin, what’s your secret?”
“Practice.”
“In the mirror?”
She grins.
“Sometimes, but never alone.”
She laughs, she laughs like she knows your secret, but doesn’t care.
“I… I believe you… never alone.”
Then just as suddenly she looks flustered, maybe even angry.
“I must go.”
She turns and runs as fast as she can- which is very fast as it turns out, the chase is on.
Endrin eventually screams he cannot keep up.
“WHO… WHO ARE YOU? TELL ME, TELL ME, PLEASE?”
She stops and turns to face him.
“WHO AM I? Who am I?”
She trails off to a whisper.
“If I were you Endrin I’d start a bit closer to home.”
“Wha..?”
“Go to Weston, you’ll, or rather they’ll, see.”
She turns to leave again.
“WHAT? Where are you going? Who are you? What do you mean, closer to home- me?”
She moves off, at speed.
“WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN?”
In desperation.
She replies without turning.
“SOON.”
And sotto voce, quiet enough so that Endrin could never hear.
“All too soon.”
And with that she’s gone.
Three minutes seven seconds later.
CRASH
“Right, you (B0B), you (LIANDRI) and, no not you fatty (ZAN), you (SAYON)- we’re off, get your stuff- and one of you find Mallaria, I feel safer when she’s with us, least that way she’s not against us.”
“We off somewhere?”
“Weston.”
“Nice.”
“What’s there?”
“Answers.”
“Answers? To what?”
“Questions?”
“Questions? What questions?”
“I don’t know.”
“What?”
“But I’ll know the questions when I find the answers… at least I hope I will.”
“Endri..?”
“Bob, look, just don’t ask, I’ll explain as best as I can when we get on the road… and yes I’ll talk slow and use little words.”
“Tiny.”
“Sorry, tiny words.”
Bob smiles and then runs upstairs excited. Liandri whistles a happy tune while picking rotten-ish chunks of meat from between his teeth. Sayon keeps her head down and says nothing, just going with the flow.
Five minutes later the Wednesday Knights have been reassembled, at least sans Mallaria, they’re saddled up and ready to roll out.
“Where is she?”
“She said she was coming, had something to take care of.”
“What? Those exact words?”
“Yeah.”
“Pelor, you guys get riding, I’ll catch you up, give me Mallaria’s horse.”
Bob passes over the reins to Mallaria’s nag.
As he does a scream erupts from just down the road- running out of a building comes three men, naked men, followed by two slightly larger ladies, also naked, followed by a sheepish looking goat. Mallaria is of course at the head of the queue.
“START HER UP ENDRIN.”
Endrin begins to spur his horse; the others do likewise, Mallaria dashes alongside her galloping nag and swings herself into the saddle.
The Wednesday Knights gallop off at great speed.
“What’ch ya do?”
“Nuthin’”
“Ok, what were you supposed to do?”
“Ah clever Endrin. I was supposed to do everything.”
“I can see how that would be disappointing.”
“Where are their clothes?”
“The goat ate ‘em.”
“So why did you take the goat?”
“To eat their clothes. Silly”
Bob tries to work it out; some of the others are getting there. Endrin smiles to himself, not listening to a word Mallaria says anymore.
Moonday 10th Apron 2000
Back on the road again.
“So tell me again, what’s this all about?”
“Pelor, Bob- do you never listen.”
“It’s about His Highness getting laid.”
“MALLARIA!”
“Hnh hnh. He’s met some bird and she’s knocked him back.”
“ – “
“His ego can’t stand it.”
“That’s not it- this… woman,”
“Beautiful woman.”
“Yes, beautiful woman, she said something about my past- about who I am, at least I think that’s what she meant, about who I REALLY am.”
“Oh, right. So why’re we going to Weston?”
“Pelor, because whatever it is I need to know I’ll find out in Weston, or, somehow, someone will know me there, I think- I’m not certain what she meant, sorry.”
“Oh. So we’re going to Weston to find out.”
“Yes.”
“All of us?”
“What?”
“We’re all going to Weston because some woman met you in town and said some stuff and then mentioned Weston. Is that it?”
“ – “
“Well?”
“Yes, that’s about it, I don’t know, you’ll have to trust me Bob.”
Endrin holds Bob’s gaze.
“Alright, I just wanted to know. It’s fine.”
They ride on in silence for an hour or so.
“So, Endrin.”
“Yes Mallaria.”
“I just want to get this straight,”
“We’ve…”
“You’re not going to get laid, and it’s nothing to do with your ego?”
“No, for the last time. No.”
“But it’s about you, it’s all about you- about who you are, that’s what you said.”
“Yes. Yes, I suppose.”
“Oh. Ok. That’s alright then.”
“Good.”
“Good.”
They ride on for an hour or so, once again in silence.
“Endrin?”
“Wha…?”
“If she’s in Weston, the woman, sorry, this beautiful woman- would you sleep with her? Give her one? Y’know hide the salami? Would’ya?”
An hour later the silence is broken.
It begins to rain.
Woodensday 12th Apron 2000
Back on the road again II.
“Riders approaching.”
Liandri states matter-of-factly.
“Six of them- they’re in a rush.”
“We’ll pull over, be ready.”
The Knights gear up, keeping their weapons out of sight, then watch and wait.
Thirty seconds later a group of horsemen fly by, the lead rider takes a good look at the Knights.
Ten seconds later the riders slow up dramatically, turn their horses around, and head back at pace to the Knights.
Who ready their weapons.
The riders are all in the same livery, except the lead rider- who looks more like a Squire, certainly well-dressed, and Elven, the others humans.
“Greeting travellers, I am Endrin, we travel to Weston- what news of the road ahead?”
The riders look suddenly confused, the Elf recovers quickest.
“Endrin? We were sent for you, although, in truth, I did not know your name. You are wanted.”
“Wanted? By whom? For what?”
“We are to escort you to Weston- for your benefit?”
Endrin stares hard at the Elf trying to fathom him out.
“I swear to you that we mean you no harm, my task is merely to escort you safely to my master, in Weston. I do not know how it is that you are here, unless you knew you were wanted- I did not expect to find you so soon. I know only that you are missed. I see from your face that you have questions, maybe in Weston you will find the answers… maybe only more questions.”
Endrin continues to stare.
“Will you come?”
Endrin remains silent then…
“Who am I?”
Even the horses seem to hold their breath.
“Who am I?”
The Elf looks away quickly.
“I am Aniel. I am here to escort you to Weston- for your benefit. Ride with us.”
The silence continues until Aniel begins to lead his horse away, back towards Weston, the liveried men follow.
Endrin has no idea what game is being played.
“I would be glad to ride with you Aniel. We can talk en route.”
The Knights and the riders head off.
Weston-Super-Mare.
Hours later, hours of Endrin’s questions without answer, Aniel remains silent. Nor can the other riders be persuaded to say a single word.
The town of Weston is a dump, obviously once prosperous; those days are long gone- the buildings have begun to collapse. None of them look inhabited and yet there are a gaggle of men huddled over a fire on the main street, they look to be vagrants.
Aniel spurs his horse on, the Knights follow through the town- heading towards a large and similarly run down villa. At the gate, which stands open, are two guards in the same livery.
They ride on to the villa itself and there are met by several more of what are obviously guardsmen. The door to the villa stands open, Aniel motions for the Wednesday Knights to enter.
They hesitate.
“I swear I mean you no harm Endrin.”
The Knights file in, through a large hall and into an anti-chamber, at the far side of which a man sits at a desk- the scratch of his quill on the parchment before him. He looks up, as if to speak, he opens his mouth- but the words just wont come out.
Finally he speaks.
“We’ve been expecting you…?”
“Endrin.”
“Yes, Endrin.”
“Won’t you take a seat?”
“I will, but I’d rather I got some answers.”
“And your companions.”
The Knights take a seat. The guardsmen head off, but Aniel sticks around.
“Yes, answers… Mmm, yes.”
A silence descends.
Then he begins to speak, and once he starts, he doesn’t stop.
“This is the Villa of Baron Peyto DeMoren, the family seat as it were…”
Two hours later the Knights emerge from the room- once more in silence, Endrin looks ashen.
WHO AM I?
He excuses himself and takes a walk around the Manor, the other Knights find food, drink and chatter.
Bob and Sayon talk quietly.
“How do you think he got the key?”
“He’s always had it. I remember seeing it on a chain when we were kids in school, back in Amberdale. That seems a long time ago.”
“It’s not even four months since we started this.”
The Knights stop to stare at Liandri, a lot has happened in such a short time.
“Who’s the woman then? She had a key too.”
“Dunno.”
“ – “
“But she knows.”
Liandri butts in again.
“Is all this his then?”
“Whatever’s in the vault is.”
“Wheeeeeeew. Ho ho. Come to daddy.”
“LIANDRI!”
“Whaaaaat?”
“Shut up, think of Endrin.”
“What about him? He’s just discovered that he’s rich, his dad was a Baron, Peytro whatever his name is, was. He’s feckin’ loaded- what’s he got to worry about.”
Bob looks hard at Liandri.
“His dad’s not his dad, he’s someone else he’s never met, never heard of even. His mum’s not his mum, this Amelia that disappeared all those years ago, he doesn’t know if she’s dead or alive somewhere. He’s not from Amberdale, he’s from here- this ghost town. That’s all he’s got know- the people he thought where his parents are… who knows. Endrin’s always needed tp know more- he loves finding things out- he loves gossip. He thrives on gossip, especially if it’s about him. And now he doesn’t even know who he is. It’s the ultimate whatsit, like coppery or tinny, the other one, you know.”
“Irony.”
Mallaria adds.
Bob nods agreement then shakes his head and looks downcast, saddened. Taking deep breaths after, what for him, was an epic speech.
“He doesn’t know who he is. His families gone.”
Liandri quits grinning and finds an insect to worry and torture.
Mallaria takes up the grin.
“I wonder who the bird is then, the ‘beautiful woman’, has he lost his parents only to gain a sister, I wonder if he’ll still want to shag her?”
Bob rises in a flash, Sayon goes to dive between Bob and his prey- Mallaria. She slows Bob down a little, but not enough…
“Leave her.”
Endrin’s in the room.
“Lets go get the other key and open this vault. All these questions… The answers may be not so far away.”
The Knights kick into gear- Endrin leads off, Bob goes to follow but Mallaria pushes him aside and heads after the Bard.
“Anytime Ranger, anytime you like.”
Bob picks himself up and falls in line, storing up the anger for use later- something that deserves to suffer will undoubtedly suffer, but be reassured, not for long.
Ne Moren’s Vault.
The Knights make easy work of the panelling in the cellar, the hidden door to the vault is revealed. Aniel passes Bob a silver key, Endrin reaches for the one around his neck, where it’s always been.
Seconds later the door swings open, a dark and musky passageway leads off- some way ahead is a pinprick of light. Aniel salutes the Knights then he and the guardsmen leave the cellar.
The Knights stand in silence, only the sound of the door to the cellar being locked and secured.
Sayon breaks ranks and begins to creep down the dark passage, the others begin their routine- torches lit, weapons drawn- ready for adventure.
Sayon returns.
“It heads on a way, there are passages off, two left, one right- at the end a door, I think, that’s where the light is- to the left of the door, oddly.”
Endrin nods then makes to enter, Sayon block his path.
“There’s someone or something here- by the entrance, a message, scratched on the wall- it says “Betrayer”, I think it’s been written in blood.”
The Knights take a deep breath.
“Good work Sayon. Guard yourselves, we go…”
But once again Endrin is prevented from entering, Bob, the huge Ranger, lurches in front of Endrin, draws both of his swords and passes in.
Thirty feet in there’s a crossroads, Bob and Sayon head right to a door, Endrin and Liandri left, likewise, to a door- Mallaria stands guard in the corridor.
EEEEEEERRRRR
Beyond is dilapidated bunkhouse complete with rotten food and soured wine. Bob and Sayon begin their search, they do not have to look long before they make their first discovery- a Giant Centipede shoots out from beneath one of the bunks. Then another, and another, each three to four feet long, until there are a half-a-dozen of the creatures trying to bring one of the Knights down.
By the time Mallaria rushes in it’s all over. Sayon is perched on a bunk, bow in hand, Bob in the centre of the room surrounded by dead Centipedes.
“You’re not needed Barbarian.”
Mallaria smiles at Bob’s bravado, then stoops down to reach under the first bunk- she retrieves a crumpled piece of paper.
“Man words. Probably important.”
She grins again.
“You need me, and you know it. There may come a time when I no longer need you… that could be interesting.”
Bob straightens out the paper and with Sayons help-
“What’s that word?”
“That’s not a word, that’s a stain, let me do it.”
They read it.
Meanwhile…
The other door opens into a room filled with beauty, Endrins torch illuminates the chamber, reflected a thousand-fold. Four trees seemingly crafted from gold and silver are gathered round a lipped pool of very murky water. Huge elaborate tapestries line the walls.
Endrins stops to stare.
Liandri, obeys his Elven urges, he makes for the trees. Without thought he attempts to pluck one of the leaves from the tree, without success. He grapples with the leaf for a second but only succeeds in cutting his hand.
“FECK”
Liandri turns round, slightly concerned that Endrin hasn’t started shouting at him yet for, ‘despoiling the beauty’, or some other guff.
But Endrin hasn’t moved- Liandri follows his gaze.
About a minute later the other Knights enter the chamber.
“We’ve found a clue, I think.”
“I. I found, you just think- hnh, no, what am I saying...”
“You can’t even read Barbarian. What does it matter that you found it.”
“Oh sorry, good-old Bob, at least I admit that I can’t read. What’s the point Bob, you’ve read it, what’s it say then… do you even remember? You FECK, you make me sick, you sanctimonious fecker, yeah that’s the thing- sure you can read a bit, but do you even understand the words- oh the tiny ones, you know all the tiny words but…”
Mallaria looks at Bob, who’s looking past Mallaria, not even listening.
“Bob?”
Then she follows his gaze.
“Oh feck, oh fecky fecky feck. OH FECK. Feck, feck, feck, feck. FECK- we’re never going to hear the last of this are we.”
The Knights take turns to stare at the tapestries moving from one to the other and then back again- open mouthed. They depict a hero in action, a hero being admired by a group of regal looking Elves, a hero being feted by regal looking Humans and finally the same hero standing with figures from the previous tapestries outside the Villa in which the Knights now stand.
The hero is of course Endrin, the exact spit- in one tapestry even the clothes are the same.
Mallaria finishes her moaning and kicks the Rogues into action.
“Search, search it. Now.”
The Knights drift into life, although Endrin appears reluctant.
A few minutes later Liandri makes a discovery.
GGGGGRRRRIIIIINNNNND.
“Heads up we’re in business.”
Liandri has discovered a secret chamber, he heads in- Endrin follows.
Beyond is a statue a fine statue of a Knight armed with an elaborate longsword in his hands, a plaque at the base reads-
“Sir Jaycin Threefingers, Hero of the Realm.”
“There’s another plaque on the back.”
“What’s it say?”
“Had he twenty perfect hands, still he would not be able to count his great deeds.”
“I’ve heard of him.”
“Obviously.”
Liandri moves back round to the front of the statue.
“Hang on.”
And finds a ring on one of the statues fingers- he removes it.
“It says "Elven Friend", on it- in Elvish. Nice.”
Endrin is deep in thought.
“What was all that about through there- the tapestries, family?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Who is he?”
“Kragor Ne Moren, I don’t know much about him- a warrior, maybe- he helped the Elves a long time ago, fought in wars- the usual, you know hero stuff.”
Liandri shrugs and goes to pocket the ring.
“He was my grandfather, or so it would seem.”
Liandri looks vaguely interested.
“Give the ring to Bob eh Liandri- he’s a good friend.”
Liandri shrugs again and slinks out of the secret chamber.
Endrin looks once more at the statue, there’s a hand print in the base, just above the plaque. He bends down to examine it, then tries to place his hand in the print- he has one finger too many.
Mallaria, meanwhile, has discovered an inscription around the edge of the pool-
“All true life results from two components- Water & Light.”
“Mmm… Lovely.”
Endrin comments re-entering the chamber.
Mallaria continues.
“Read him the note Ranger.”
Bob stares daggers at Mallaria then unfurls the crumpled piece of parchment that Mallaria found earlier, clears his throat and then passes it to Sayon, who reads.
“You stupid fool- by the time you find this note, it will be too late. You’ll never have her back! And by the time she recovers from what I’ve done to her, she’ll be able to visit your grave.”
Endrin nods.
“It seems Amelia didn’t just disappear then.”
The other Knights nod and look interested.
Bob toys with his new ring as the Knights head off- further down the corridor, down some steps and into a chamber on the left. Liandri and Sayon creep inside as the other Knights ready themselves.
The two Rogues circle around the upper level of a two tiered chamber, below them seems to be a crypt, a few scattered and smashed coffins indicate that others have been here. Eventually the pair complete their circuit and take the stone stairs down to the lower level.
“AAAAAARRRGGGHH BONIES.”
The other Knights come rushing in, Bob leaping down brandishing his Holy Symbol, and in the same instance realising he is seeing things remarkably better in the shadowy light- thanks to his new Elven Friend ring. Of the eight Skeletons seven scatter- Sayon and Liandri in pursuit; smashing them down.
Out of the shadows either side of the stairs lurch four Zombies- Mallaria leaps down splitting one of the foul things in two on her descent. Soon another two of the creatures lurch into sight- regardless, it is not enough the undead are soon put to the sword.
The Rogues head out to do some real searching, Sayon finds caskets for both of Endrin’s parents- Paytro Ne Moren, on inspection there’s no body inside; and Amelia Ne Moren, although her name is crossed out, empty again, but scratched on the casket is the legend, “Always Lisette.”
“Who’s Lisette, Endrin?”
He shrugs.
Liandri on the other hand finds three black onyx gems and a blank scroll- he neglects to mention the gems in his report.
The Knights move on.
To the door, or rather just before the door is an alcove, in which, on a pedestal sits, a glowing gem- the light seen earlier. Without hesitation Endrin picks it up, examines it closely then straightens-
“I’ve got an idea.”
Endrin strides back to the chamber with the pool aqnd the trees and places the glowing gem into the water- in an instant the pool clears.
“Thought so.”
The other Knights stare.
“Drink some Sayon.”
“Why me?”
“Last in, first out.”
Mallaria counters.
“Why me Endrin?”
“Because you’re wounded, trust me.”
Sayon eventually shuffles forward, gingerly places her hand in the water, and then tastes a drop.
“It’s alright.”
She takes a bigger gulp, a wound she received from a Skeleton previously knits together- healed.
“Blimey.”
Ten minutes later Bob has siphoned off a small cask of the Healing brew.
They head back to the door, Endrin with the light of the gem cutting through the shadows, leading the way.
In the centre of the door is a depression, just big enough for the gem.
GGGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNND.
And so endeth turn number 41.
Next turn “Evenin’ Stan’ard.”
