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Tokiwong's Story Hour... aka Big trouble in little Cormyr
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<blockquote data-quote="Aust Meliamne" data-source="post: 877" data-attributes="member: 95"><p>Xenon's Second Solo</p><p></p><p>The morning came soon after the night in the sewers; Xenon sighed as he rose up out of his comfortable bed. The air was warm the gentle fire in the firepit glowed slightly, crackling softly. Xenon smirekd as a servant entered and left him soft bread and warm soup for breakfast. Just after eating and cleaning himself up, there was a knocking at his door. </p><p>"Xenon, are you dressed?" it was the voice of Hadrian Reave, his patron and friend.</p><p></p><p>"Yes, please come in Hadrian."</p><p></p><p>Hadrian entered and smirked, "There were a few things I have been able to learn from our goblin friend, Yik," he turned, "Yik come in here please."</p><p></p><p>The little goblin prisoner stepped into the room cautiously dressed in young boys clothing, Yik proceeded to Xenon's soup bowl and played with his utensils.</p><p></p><p>Xenon shook his head, "And what have you learned, master?"</p><p></p><p>Hadrian folded his arms, "That for the most part the scions of House Dorbal are involved with these creatures, but it seems the deal may have soured. The drow you mentioned, his name is Sevak, and is a loathsome member of his species unlike Rhea."</p><p></p><p>Xenon nodded, "Hmmph, and what of the rest of his kind, are there more in the sewers?" </p><p>Hadrian shook his head, "The constabulary have investigated the sewers and word is the place is clean any further goblin menace and no mentioning of the drow. It is safe to assume that he is in hiding, I would believe."</p><p></p><p>Xenon sighed, "Well it would have been good to kill that one, but we can rest assured that the pact between them and House Dorbal and has fallen apart."</p><p></p><p>Hadrian nodded, "Well the arrest of Lord Dorbal and his two sons, it is safe to assume that soon the house will ripe for the picking. I have been pondering just how much wealth their farmlands bring in," with a coy smile.</p><p></p><p>Xenon smirked, "Hmm how about their encampment, where are the rest of the goblins if there are more?"</p><p></p><p>Hadrian turned, "I have an answer for that as well, just follow me," he walked towards the main study in the manse.</p><p></p><p>Xenon followed with Yik in tow, which was carrying spoon and licking it happily. He entered the study and saw a map displayed on the table, of the region surrounding Quell. </p><p>Hadrian pointed a finger at a red recently scrawled 'X', "There is the site of a citadel, that from Yik's own words is where the shadow men dwell, or some such. I think it is there that you will find some possible answers to this riddle." </p><p></p><p>Xenon nodded, "So here is where the rest of the encampment is?"</p><p></p><p>"Not exactly, according to Yik, the goblins were hired through Sevak by these 'shadow men' to work as muscle and fodder. It is my belief that here are actual agents of this group we are dealing with, and not their goblin cronies," he shrugs.</p><p></p><p>"Hmm, this should be our next target I would believe, but" Xenon paused, thinking, "I think I need to speak with House Dorbal first, would you excuse me master while I attend to this."</p><p></p><p>Hadrian nodded, "Of course, I trust you will do all that is required. Just one thing before you go."</p><p></p><p>Xenon stopped, "Yes Hadrian?"</p><p></p><p>"Back at the Courthouse, during the attack, are you sure they were after Rhea?"</p><p></p><p>"Well I am sure, that is what it seemed like." </p><p></p><p>Hadrian paused, "I understand, but it puzzles me, what would our enemies have to gain from that, it would have been to their advantage to let the drow be executed." </p><p></p><p>Xenon thought for a moment, "Well then do you think they were after Thev?"</p><p></p><p>Hadrian nodded, "Well we already know that Thev's companions were also Knights of the Black Horn and were slaughtered in that ambush, it seems to me that they wanted to silence him, in case he knows something they don't want public. Just a thought I suppose."</p><p></p><p>Xenon nodded, "That makes sense, but who is 'they'?"</p><p></p><p>"Well, they would be patrons of this goblin and his tribe, and possibly the group House Dorbal was allied with, a League. A League of Shadows, as best I can put it," Hadrian spoke solemnly.</p><p></p><p>Xenon echoed, "The League of Shadows, hmm now I have to speak with House Dorbal." </p><p></p><p>With that Xenon took haste and headed for the courthouse, where the House Dorbal captives were being held. The building was under repairs from the damage done during the attempted assassination of Rhea Twiceborn. Thankfully it had been foiled but the damage to the courthouse was done. It would be weeks before the repairs would be completed. The aide at the entrance was helpful but would not allow Xenon to see the prisoners without first speaking with the inquisitor.</p><p></p><p>Xenon was led to the inquisitor's chamber and stood before the matron's desk. To her right was a stern Purple Dragon Knight, with a wary demeanor upon his scowling face.</p><p></p><p>Xenon bowed politely, "Good morning madam, I have come with a request to speak with the Dorbal prisoners." </p><p></p><p>She gave him a curious look, "For what reason Master Xenon?" </p><p></p><p>"Well madam I am not sure if this is the place to speaking of such things?"</p><p></p><p>She nodded, "Speak quickly."</p><p></p><p>Xenon complied, "Well I have reason to believe that I may have information that can assist your investigation, but it is imperative that I speak with a member of House Dorbal to know for sure."</p><p></p><p>She gave a puzzled look, "Hmm, I am intrigued. And just what is the information, you have Master Xenon." </p><p></p><p>"I would rather not say yet, but if I am able to speak with a member of House Dorbal I will reveal all I know," he smiled politely.</p><p></p><p>The inquisitor glanced at the Purple Dragon Knight, "Lead him to the prisoner," she sat back, "maybe you can shed some light on this particular mystery." </p><p></p><p>The Purple Dragon Knight led Xenon to the holding cells of the prisoners, the guards politely gave them access and the two arrived at the cell of Arthen Dorbal, the youngest son of the Dorbal family. </p><p>The knight opened the door, and Xenon entered with the knight following. He closed the door behind him and folded his arms. Sitting in a chair dressed in purple noble finery was a young man in his late teens, with wild black hair and hard green eyes. The youth spat as the two entered.</p><p></p><p>"Who are you?" Xenon said sternly. </p><p>The youth looked up at Xenon disdainfully, "What is this, hmm, another interrogation, tell your dogs in the capitol that Arthen Dorbal has spoke his piece."</p><p></p><p>"Well Arthen, I have come to speak to you about the League..." Xenon said with a coy smile. </p><p></p><p>Arthen's eyes lit up with fear, "Who are you stranger, are you, it must be. The end is nigh I see, they have come for me, and so it ends." </p><p></p><p>Xenon was puzzled, "What are you talking about?"</p><p></p><p>Arthen cringed slightly, "The shadow has found me, you are the blade, the sword that will end my pitiful life. But I can say that we are not the ones, we have not betrayed you, and it was the usurper that tipped our hands. We are no the fools..." the man sneered madly, "for you are fools, we know the price. The eye is lost but we did not lose it, but we know what you do not. We know the key... and it is the Eye, don't you see it is right there so close yet, the Usurper he has it now. For certain, he does. It was the Usurper's hand that killed the scion Beltaine, we played no part, his death was his work."</p><p></p><p>"The Eye, what is the Eye?" Xenon continued to press the crazed youth.</p><p></p><p>"The Eye is the key, the key mind you assassin... it is the key, it can open the path, but we don't have it. The unaged one told us thus, and he knows the cost, and the path. But we betrayed him and in turn, he has turned against us in our arrogance, we shall die... but come quick and bring the death, for I shall not suffer longer."</p><p></p><p>Xenon smirked and began preparing a spell, "Then tell me who is this unaged one?" </p><p></p><p>The purple dragon knight shook his head, "That is not wise Xenon, even a prisoner has rights."</p><p></p><p>Xenon stopped his magic, and sighed, "Answer me wretch?"</p><p></p><p>"He is... the unagaed one, and he knows what we cannot know... what we do not know... but please why spare me the blade, end it." Arthen cringed pathetically, his eyes betraying the madness swelling in his fevered mind.</p><p></p><p>"Then speak the name of my master before you die, who is that I work for?" Xenon continued unabated.</p><p></p><p>Arthen shook his head wildly, "I cannot, I must not mention the name, for fear, the shadow will take me, and I will be swallowed by the abyss. There is death in that name, the word it is the death, and I am the lamb, please end it assassin."</p><p></p><p>Xenon sneered, "Say it worm!"</p><p></p><p>"I cannot, but..." he paused searching for semblance of his sanity, "why must I say this, why must the Shadis Masin taunt me so, do the wish to damn me eternally." Arthen curled up pathetically and babbled in tongues, his sanity finally cracked.</p><p></p><p>Xenon turned to the shocked purple dragon knight; "I am finished here." The knight opened the door and led Xenon back to the inquisitor.</p><p></p><p>The inquisitor looked up as he entered, "What have you learned, Master Xenon?"</p><p></p><p>Xenon paused, "With all due respect madam, I would much prefer, that my Patron Lord Reave be present before I divulge all I have learned."</p><p></p><p>The inquisitor looked at him coldly then motioned for the knight to fetch Lord Reave. She sat back in her chair, "Hopefully you were able to gather something useful, the other two members of the house went mad."</p><p></p><p>Xenon nodded, "Well to be blunt madam, this Arthen Dorbal has lost his mind as well, but he has illuminated a few things for me."</p><p></p><p>She nodded and waited patiently for Lord Reave to arrive. After a few moments of silence he entered, confused and shaken. </p><p>He bowed respectfully, "Good afternoon madam." </p><p></p><p>The inquisitor nodded to him, "Now speak your piece Xenon."</p><p></p><p>Xenon smiled, "Of course madam, it is as I believed, the scions of House Dorbal are very much afraid of their allies, more so then the law. This League of Shadows as it were seems to have a grip on them, that not even I can fathom."</p><p></p><p>"Continue," the inquisitor spoke evenly.</p><p></p><p>"Well from what I could decipher from his babbling it seems that there is a schism at this point within their ranks, he mentioned an Usurper, and I believe it is this Usurper that is responsible for the death of Lord Beltaine. But I do not know the identity of this individual, and it is safe to say that this League does not either," he paused to think for a moment.</p><p></p><p>Hadrian spoke, "So this usurper was responsible for the death of Lord Beltaine, hmm, anything else?" </p><p></p><p>Xenon smiled, "It seems that House Dorbal was searching for something called the Eye, I am not sure what it is, but they seem to believe it is a key or some such. Told to them by a person that they call the Unaged One, again his true identity is unknown to me. But they seem to put great stock in his words."</p><p></p><p>The inquisitor nodded, "This is most disturbing. I can see that my journey here was not wasted."</p><p></p><p>Xenon folded his arms, "It seems this is much bigger then a wayward drow, I would presume." </p><p></p><p>The inquisitor smiled, "The drow is an afterthought her presence has no bearing on my being here in this city, this League of Shadows is a much larger and pervasive threat, to be sure. Have you at least come up with a name of the masters of this league?"</p><p></p><p>Xenon nodded, "They seem to fear and follow something or someone called the Shadis Masin. In any case, Hadrian and myself have determined a possible location of their agents in the area, and I have devised a plan, if you would allow me to make such a presumption?"</p><p></p><p>The Inquisitor nodded, "Please continue."</p><p></p><p>"This location is a citadel to the north of here and it would be prudent to dispatch a small group of individuals to investigate it. So as to not alert our enemies en masse, I believe that my allies may be able to do this with the utmost subtlety."</p><p></p><p>The inquisitor mulled over the idea and finally spoke, "It seems that is prudent, take that drow with you, she is released from her bond, on the condition to assists in this endeavor. You have done a good service on this day Master Xenon Morieth, do not think the Crown does not recognize this. I look forward to see how well your investigation turns out, you are both dismissed."</p><p></p><p>Xenon and Hadrian left the courthouse, with many questions answered, but with many of those answers leading to only more questions.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Aust Meliamne, post: 877, member: 95"] Xenon's Second Solo The morning came soon after the night in the sewers; Xenon sighed as he rose up out of his comfortable bed. The air was warm the gentle fire in the firepit glowed slightly, crackling softly. Xenon smirekd as a servant entered and left him soft bread and warm soup for breakfast. Just after eating and cleaning himself up, there was a knocking at his door. "Xenon, are you dressed?" it was the voice of Hadrian Reave, his patron and friend. "Yes, please come in Hadrian." Hadrian entered and smirked, "There were a few things I have been able to learn from our goblin friend, Yik," he turned, "Yik come in here please." The little goblin prisoner stepped into the room cautiously dressed in young boys clothing, Yik proceeded to Xenon's soup bowl and played with his utensils. Xenon shook his head, "And what have you learned, master?" Hadrian folded his arms, "That for the most part the scions of House Dorbal are involved with these creatures, but it seems the deal may have soured. The drow you mentioned, his name is Sevak, and is a loathsome member of his species unlike Rhea." Xenon nodded, "Hmmph, and what of the rest of his kind, are there more in the sewers?" Hadrian shook his head, "The constabulary have investigated the sewers and word is the place is clean any further goblin menace and no mentioning of the drow. It is safe to assume that he is in hiding, I would believe." Xenon sighed, "Well it would have been good to kill that one, but we can rest assured that the pact between them and House Dorbal and has fallen apart." Hadrian nodded, "Well the arrest of Lord Dorbal and his two sons, it is safe to assume that soon the house will ripe for the picking. I have been pondering just how much wealth their farmlands bring in," with a coy smile. Xenon smirked, "Hmm how about their encampment, where are the rest of the goblins if there are more?" Hadrian turned, "I have an answer for that as well, just follow me," he walked towards the main study in the manse. Xenon followed with Yik in tow, which was carrying spoon and licking it happily. He entered the study and saw a map displayed on the table, of the region surrounding Quell. Hadrian pointed a finger at a red recently scrawled 'X', "There is the site of a citadel, that from Yik's own words is where the shadow men dwell, or some such. I think it is there that you will find some possible answers to this riddle." Xenon nodded, "So here is where the rest of the encampment is?" "Not exactly, according to Yik, the goblins were hired through Sevak by these 'shadow men' to work as muscle and fodder. It is my belief that here are actual agents of this group we are dealing with, and not their goblin cronies," he shrugs. "Hmm, this should be our next target I would believe, but" Xenon paused, thinking, "I think I need to speak with House Dorbal first, would you excuse me master while I attend to this." Hadrian nodded, "Of course, I trust you will do all that is required. Just one thing before you go." Xenon stopped, "Yes Hadrian?" "Back at the Courthouse, during the attack, are you sure they were after Rhea?" "Well I am sure, that is what it seemed like." Hadrian paused, "I understand, but it puzzles me, what would our enemies have to gain from that, it would have been to their advantage to let the drow be executed." Xenon thought for a moment, "Well then do you think they were after Thev?" Hadrian nodded, "Well we already know that Thev's companions were also Knights of the Black Horn and were slaughtered in that ambush, it seems to me that they wanted to silence him, in case he knows something they don't want public. Just a thought I suppose." Xenon nodded, "That makes sense, but who is 'they'?" "Well, they would be patrons of this goblin and his tribe, and possibly the group House Dorbal was allied with, a League. A League of Shadows, as best I can put it," Hadrian spoke solemnly. Xenon echoed, "The League of Shadows, hmm now I have to speak with House Dorbal." With that Xenon took haste and headed for the courthouse, where the House Dorbal captives were being held. The building was under repairs from the damage done during the attempted assassination of Rhea Twiceborn. Thankfully it had been foiled but the damage to the courthouse was done. It would be weeks before the repairs would be completed. The aide at the entrance was helpful but would not allow Xenon to see the prisoners without first speaking with the inquisitor. Xenon was led to the inquisitor's chamber and stood before the matron's desk. To her right was a stern Purple Dragon Knight, with a wary demeanor upon his scowling face. Xenon bowed politely, "Good morning madam, I have come with a request to speak with the Dorbal prisoners." She gave him a curious look, "For what reason Master Xenon?" "Well madam I am not sure if this is the place to speaking of such things?" She nodded, "Speak quickly." Xenon complied, "Well I have reason to believe that I may have information that can assist your investigation, but it is imperative that I speak with a member of House Dorbal to know for sure." She gave a puzzled look, "Hmm, I am intrigued. And just what is the information, you have Master Xenon." "I would rather not say yet, but if I am able to speak with a member of House Dorbal I will reveal all I know," he smiled politely. The inquisitor glanced at the Purple Dragon Knight, "Lead him to the prisoner," she sat back, "maybe you can shed some light on this particular mystery." The Purple Dragon Knight led Xenon to the holding cells of the prisoners, the guards politely gave them access and the two arrived at the cell of Arthen Dorbal, the youngest son of the Dorbal family. The knight opened the door, and Xenon entered with the knight following. He closed the door behind him and folded his arms. Sitting in a chair dressed in purple noble finery was a young man in his late teens, with wild black hair and hard green eyes. The youth spat as the two entered. "Who are you?" Xenon said sternly. The youth looked up at Xenon disdainfully, "What is this, hmm, another interrogation, tell your dogs in the capitol that Arthen Dorbal has spoke his piece." "Well Arthen, I have come to speak to you about the League..." Xenon said with a coy smile. Arthen's eyes lit up with fear, "Who are you stranger, are you, it must be. The end is nigh I see, they have come for me, and so it ends." Xenon was puzzled, "What are you talking about?" Arthen cringed slightly, "The shadow has found me, you are the blade, the sword that will end my pitiful life. But I can say that we are not the ones, we have not betrayed you, and it was the usurper that tipped our hands. We are no the fools..." the man sneered madly, "for you are fools, we know the price. The eye is lost but we did not lose it, but we know what you do not. We know the key... and it is the Eye, don't you see it is right there so close yet, the Usurper he has it now. For certain, he does. It was the Usurper's hand that killed the scion Beltaine, we played no part, his death was his work." "The Eye, what is the Eye?" Xenon continued to press the crazed youth. "The Eye is the key, the key mind you assassin... it is the key, it can open the path, but we don't have it. The unaged one told us thus, and he knows the cost, and the path. But we betrayed him and in turn, he has turned against us in our arrogance, we shall die... but come quick and bring the death, for I shall not suffer longer." Xenon smirked and began preparing a spell, "Then tell me who is this unaged one?" The purple dragon knight shook his head, "That is not wise Xenon, even a prisoner has rights." Xenon stopped his magic, and sighed, "Answer me wretch?" "He is... the unagaed one, and he knows what we cannot know... what we do not know... but please why spare me the blade, end it." Arthen cringed pathetically, his eyes betraying the madness swelling in his fevered mind. "Then speak the name of my master before you die, who is that I work for?" Xenon continued unabated. Arthen shook his head wildly, "I cannot, I must not mention the name, for fear, the shadow will take me, and I will be swallowed by the abyss. There is death in that name, the word it is the death, and I am the lamb, please end it assassin." Xenon sneered, "Say it worm!" "I cannot, but..." he paused searching for semblance of his sanity, "why must I say this, why must the Shadis Masin taunt me so, do the wish to damn me eternally." Arthen curled up pathetically and babbled in tongues, his sanity finally cracked. Xenon turned to the shocked purple dragon knight; "I am finished here." The knight opened the door and led Xenon back to the inquisitor. The inquisitor looked up as he entered, "What have you learned, Master Xenon?" Xenon paused, "With all due respect madam, I would much prefer, that my Patron Lord Reave be present before I divulge all I have learned." The inquisitor looked at him coldly then motioned for the knight to fetch Lord Reave. She sat back in her chair, "Hopefully you were able to gather something useful, the other two members of the house went mad." Xenon nodded, "Well to be blunt madam, this Arthen Dorbal has lost his mind as well, but he has illuminated a few things for me." She nodded and waited patiently for Lord Reave to arrive. After a few moments of silence he entered, confused and shaken. He bowed respectfully, "Good afternoon madam." The inquisitor nodded to him, "Now speak your piece Xenon." Xenon smiled, "Of course madam, it is as I believed, the scions of House Dorbal are very much afraid of their allies, more so then the law. This League of Shadows as it were seems to have a grip on them, that not even I can fathom." "Continue," the inquisitor spoke evenly. "Well from what I could decipher from his babbling it seems that there is a schism at this point within their ranks, he mentioned an Usurper, and I believe it is this Usurper that is responsible for the death of Lord Beltaine. But I do not know the identity of this individual, and it is safe to say that this League does not either," he paused to think for a moment. Hadrian spoke, "So this usurper was responsible for the death of Lord Beltaine, hmm, anything else?" Xenon smiled, "It seems that House Dorbal was searching for something called the Eye, I am not sure what it is, but they seem to believe it is a key or some such. Told to them by a person that they call the Unaged One, again his true identity is unknown to me. But they seem to put great stock in his words." The inquisitor nodded, "This is most disturbing. I can see that my journey here was not wasted." Xenon folded his arms, "It seems this is much bigger then a wayward drow, I would presume." The inquisitor smiled, "The drow is an afterthought her presence has no bearing on my being here in this city, this League of Shadows is a much larger and pervasive threat, to be sure. Have you at least come up with a name of the masters of this league?" Xenon nodded, "They seem to fear and follow something or someone called the Shadis Masin. In any case, Hadrian and myself have determined a possible location of their agents in the area, and I have devised a plan, if you would allow me to make such a presumption?" The Inquisitor nodded, "Please continue." "This location is a citadel to the north of here and it would be prudent to dispatch a small group of individuals to investigate it. So as to not alert our enemies en masse, I believe that my allies may be able to do this with the utmost subtlety." The inquisitor mulled over the idea and finally spoke, "It seems that is prudent, take that drow with you, she is released from her bond, on the condition to assists in this endeavor. You have done a good service on this day Master Xenon Morieth, do not think the Crown does not recognize this. I look forward to see how well your investigation turns out, you are both dismissed." Xenon and Hadrian left the courthouse, with many questions answered, but with many of those answers leading to only more questions. [/QUOTE]
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