Zad
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Divine Wrath - Prologue
Divine Wrath
Wherein our heros are sent on a mission of retribution from Pelor himself.
Prologue
OOC Notes:
This was a mini-session, designed to let Dravot, Kayleigh, and Jozan do some of their winter activities, and let us just spend a night and get it done rather than a lot of e-mail. No experience awarded.
Also note that due to in game reasons, Jozan is changing his name. More particularly he’s getting an elven name. If you miss that part, you’ll be awfully confused.
This Week’s Adventure:
When Lord Gelban informed us that most of the dark forces seemed quiet for now and that we would have some months to ourselves, I was quite pleased for the break. The last year has brought so many changes I could hardly keep up, and I’m relieved to have a chance to simply enjoy life. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I had little reason to remain in Greyhawk. I had been anxious to visit home for a while now, and this was my chance. I figured I would spend several weeks in Celene, then perhaps head to Highfolk for several more.
I started my preparations to leave, and it wasn’t long before Jozan came to me, asking if he could join me. He wanted to look further into the destruction of his birth village, and thought Celene might be a good place to start. Of course there’s few better travelling companions, so this was not a problem. I believed that his status as an elven paladin would open many doors for him, but perhaps I could help him out a bit as well.
Before I left however, there were matters I needed to discuss with Lord Gelban. I went up to his offices, and found that Nasir was not as his desk. Inside the office I could hear some very heated debate which climaxed at with the sound of something being smashed. My first impulse was to make sure there was no attack underway, but then I realized that The Gilden hardly needed me to defend him, and it was more likely a result of the argument.
A minute later, Nasir emerged. He looked shaken and struggling to contain his rage. However he was at least trying to mask it. He informed me that Lord Gelban was within and available, and then departed. Only after he left did I allow myself a smirk – I have not cared much for Nasir since his snide attitude after the Glitterhame, and I was amused to see him inconvenienced now.
I entered the office and saw that Lord Gelban too was apparently calming himself down after the argument. He offered some wine and gestured towards a couch, while he sat in a leather chair, before which was the smashed remains of what had once been a writing desk. He tried to act as if nothing was wrong, which I could only smile at.
“I think we’ve reached the point where we need not bother with such pretenses.” I said, to which he relaxed a bit and we went from there.
I told him I was planning to visit my home, and would be gone some weeks. He told me he had regular caravans that went to Celene which I could go with, or not as I wished. I was looking forward to the quiet time so declined his offer. I did have a few questions for him before I left.
First I asked about the Spire and Gulthias. He told me that the Silvering, in one of his other guises, has arranged for a cadre of paladins from the temple of Foltus to go to the Spire and conduct a cleansing. However they believed that while Gulthias would be gone by the time they got there, it would eliminate the lingering problem and that stronghold. I was pleased to hear this, and was quite sure those paladins would not stop til the Spire was no more than rubble. I pray they have better fortune than we did.
I also asked what went wrong. Had the Council overestimated us, or underestimated Gulthias, or both? He told me that Gulthias was much stronger than had been anticipated, and he had access to resources that had not been known. Who made the golems for instance? Some of them had girallon parts but Gulthias had shown no talent for the creation of such things. Where did they come from? Many questions remain but there was something more at work, and it cost us dearly.
Satisfied with that, I had some questions of a personal nature. I knew Lord Gelban knew my father, but did not know what precisely my father knew of Lord Gelban. I did not wish to misspeak and reveal something I should not. Lord Gelban was most grateful for my forethought in this matter, and said that while he has known my father his entire adult life in various forms, my father does not know of Lord Gelban’s true nature. Only his inner circle (which includes us I might add) has that knowledge. I assured him I would maintain his confidence. I asked if he had any message for my father, and he prepared a quick note for him while we spoke of other matters.
I also told him that I might be called before Her Majesty and wondered if she knew of his nature. He told me she knows of both Lord Gelban and of The Gilden, but not as the same being. I told him that were the Queen to ask directly, I would be bound to answer but it was not the sort of thing that would often arise in conversation, and I would keep the confidence if at all possible. This too he understood and appreciated.
The last matter, and the most troubling, was the one I most needed to speak to him on. That was of course the matter of The Mark. We had a frank discussion on the matter and I spoke my mind plainly to him, as well as what I knew from discussions with some of the others. He in turn told me his thoughts. What will happen remains to be seen.
With that I left him, and finished my packing. Jozan and I spoke, and we would leave the next morning with the two of us.
“Three” he corrected.
“Hmmm…” I said. “I do not think that would be well advised. While your station may allow you to somehow get a kobold into the country, I fear for his safety. Should one guard see him alone, he’d be killed before he could say a word. I think it might be safer for him, and more conducive to your purpose, to leave him here.”
Jozan saw the wisdom in this, having no wish to see Meepo hurt. He arranged with Valanthe to keep an eye on Meepo while he was gone. I could only smile at what that might lead to.
One other thing I had to do before leaving was a last bit of shopping. I had looked through the high market for something I had heard about from one of Lord Gelban’s stewards – an enchanted rod that would make spells hold their enchantment longer. The marketplace turned out to be a waste of effort and it was much easier to just ask Scorch, who’s guild contacts now allowed him easy access to such things.
In the morning Jozan and I set out towards Celene. It was a relaxing journey and one I had been looking forward too. In a few days we crossed into Celene with little difficulty, however I noted that border patrols were increased. An inquiry of the officer told me there was increased activity from the orcs from the south, and other humaniods. He seemed hesitant to say more. I could have revealed myself as a Champion and gotten more from him but it didn’t seem appropriate.
A few days more and we were coming up to the capital. It was a welcome sight and one I had sore missed. The morning we arrived, we saw overhead the Companion Guard – three of them on their hippogriff steeds in formation. The threat must be more pronounced for the Queen to deploy them this way – it was most unusual.
Jozan and I rode up to the modest estate I called home, and the greeting was warm but somewhat surprised. Apparently the staff knew I had been killed and returned, and apparently that information came from Lord Gelban who notified my parents. I would have preferred to tell them that myself but there was little help for it now.
My mother came out and hugged me as only a mother can. Father it seemed was asleep. Given the choice of waking him or going for a bath, I had no trouble deciding and went off to my wing of the house. Jozan was treated with all courtesy and I’m sure they made him comfortable.
A few hours later, as the idea of leaving the tub was crossing my mind, I was informed that father was awake and anxious to see me. Having soaked up about all the warmth there was here, I got dressed and went down to dinner.
The meal was wonderful and Jozan was well received. Everything was much the same as it had been, and that was a great comfort, given all the changes I had been through in the last year.
Before I told my parents all that was changed with me, I asked what was news here. What I learned was shocking and disturbing. It was all mixed with my father’s usual political grumblings about the isolationist policies but was full of news nonetheless.
First, the army was indeed at increased alertness. There were groups of gnolls moving through to the north. They were not attacking Celene, just moving from east to west across the northern border. There were some skirmishes of course but no real attack.
I looked at Jozan briefly and then back to my father and asked “Who’s banner are these gnolls marching under?”
“We don’t know. It’s some kind of Aerdi symbol thought.”
I used some thick berry sauce and sketched out a dog-like symbol on my plate and asked if that was the mark on the banners. My father looked at me with shock and said it was.
It was Chavram’s banner.
Father was of course curious but I said I’d explain in a bit and to please go on. He then told me that there was also increased activity from the orcs from the Pomarj. Mostly probing attacks but it seemed to be a prelude.
With my face half in my hands I said “Let me guess. They’ve been accompanied by strange plant creatures that are difficult to combat?”
My father was silent. He finally managed “How did you know? We are having trouble turning them back as they prove hard to fight. They seem to always be in the company of orcish shamans.”
“I can give you a great deal of information about these creatures, as well as the gnolls. We will have to make sure it reaches the right ears.” I told him. I had no idea that this was a threat to Celene or I would have provided this information sooner. I must remember to keep a better ear towards home in the future.
Father added “Fortunately some of the times they have appeared, one of the Champions was able to help turn them back.”
Jozan and I exchanged another quick look, having arrived at one of the key topics of the discussion.
“Yes. The Champions. About that.”
It was not so much my statement that drew in their full attention but that I was clearly somewhat hesitant to go on. After a moment I tried to find more words.
“I told you that much has changed in the last year for me. There is much I would tell you of. But I think perhaps I should start with this. Your daughter is a Champion.”
Unfortunately my timing was lax, and my father was taking a sip of his wine at the time I said that. Much choking and coughing followed, and Jozan had to hold my father in his seat for a moment.
My sister was the least fazed. “Wow. A Champion. That’s neat. How come you get to be a Champion? I wanna be a Champion. Can I be a Champion?” and so on. This made Father cough even more.
I took off my now habitual gloves and they could now see the mark.
Once over their shock, they were very pleased and proud. Slightly confused, but proud nonetheless. I’m glad I started with that first however. Had I delayed any further, the news would have been much more . . . abrupt.
A servant ran in hurriedly and whispered to my father with great urgency. I sighed and put my face in my hands – there was no doubt what was happening and I was warned it would.
Father listened to the servant and then said with some confusion “Apparently there is a messenger from the Royal Court here.”
I looked up at him with resignation and said “You don’t say.”
The courtier was shown in, and four of the Companion Guard accompanied him. This in itself was most odd – a rather peculiar duty to assign them to. He spoke to my father and said “Is your daughter Kayleigh present?”
He was a young man, and seemed somewhat snotty. This in itself was hardly a surprise.
When he was told I was, he opened the scroll he was carrying and began reading. “Lady Kayleigh, daughter of Knight Ellsath and Champion of Celene, you are hereby instructed to appear before Her Royal Majesty Yolande at the time of the high sun tomorrow. In addition the Paladin of Sehanine is also instructed to appear before the Court, in keeping with the Fay Mysteries as the Moon waxes in the eighth house and the trees turn to bathe in the song of the winds of….”
It went on like this quite a while. As soon as he got to the words “Fay Mysteries” everyone’s eyes glazed over, knowing what was coming. After five minutes of that kind of thing, he finished, and the guards and my father all seemed to wake up and come back to the present.
The courtier asked “Do you know the way or do you require an escort?” I may be the new Champion, but I know when someone is being insulting. Rather than let it go I decided to assert myself.
“Oh, an escort would be lovely. So nice of you to offer. I’ll expect you here tomorrow then.”
The Companion Guards suppressed their snickers as the courtier tried to figure out how he lost control of that situation so quickly. Then I made a point of dismissing him just to agitate him further.
After they left, my Father was just looking at me and I said “I was told this might happen.” At a loss he just let it go.
There was something else I needed to tell them, before someone else spilled the beans. This time, I was having quite a hard time getting started. The more I hesitated the more concerned my parents got. This was clearly something I was having a hard time spitting out.
“So, I have been studying with another Champion that I met in my travels. In Highfolk.”
“Oh.” Father said, still trying to figure out where the problem was.
“Maybe you know him? He’s the Warden of Highfolk. Do you know him?” I said hoping for a reprieve.
“Hm. Warden…let’s see…” he mused. “The last Warden of Highfolk I knew…that was a while ago… killed by an orcish spear I think it was. No I don’t think I know him.”
I braced myself. “His name is Aran’gel.”
“Oh!” he said in a “what a coincidence” kind of way. “That’s the same name as the second Prince.”
I squirmed. He looked at me.
“No. Oh. No. It is a coincidence isn’t it? It’s just the same name.”
I squirmed.
“No. No no no. Aw, no.”
I said “I wanted to tell you before someone else did. I have no idea who knows what about this but at least now you’re prepared.”
It occurs to me that I didn’t actually mention that our relationship was slightly more than just professional. I’ll have to get to that bit later.
After he recovered and after we each had another glass of wine, I started in on a detailed story of the past year. We had an excellent meal and spent some hours going over what all had happened. My sister was riveted to every word of course, but so would I have been at her age. By the time dinner was done, so was the story. After that I went to bed – tomorrow would be a busy day.
Fortunately clothes were not a problem. I spent the next morning getting ready. Exactly at the appointed time, the courtier showed up, again with four of the Companion Guard, and we all went to the palace. On the way I was able to speak to the Guard, who were none too happy about this duty, escorting someone who clearly didn’t need any escorting. They also went on a bit about the “Fay Mysteries.” Comments like “You know what I did yesterday? I lit braziers. Fifty five of them” were not uncommon. The Queen’s study of the mysteries seems to have been running slightly amok lately.
We arrived at the palace, and began to go through the appropriate rituals. In the first room it was light a candle, the next ring a bell, the third was listening to the wind through the trees there, and so on. Some twenty rooms like this. I tried to bypass some of it but apparently the forms had to be observed. I was sure I could skip it if I chose, but figured it would be wiser not to. I tried to keep an eye out for other Champions, but saw none. When I asked, I was told that I was the only Champion currently at the palace.
I entered the court, and upon the grand throne was Her Majesty, and her advisor Onselven. Around the room were various knights, courtiers, nobles and advisors chatting about various topics. Conversation continued as I entered, and even when the Queen spoke it only caused a brief pause.
Immediately as I entered, Her Majesty said “Is this Our newest Champion? Attend us.” Conversations continued as I approached the throne and knelt before Her. I hadn’t noticed this at the time really, until it all stopped a moment later. When the Queen said, in a terse voice “So…how is my son?”
The room went silent. Onselven’s grip on his staff tightened markedly, and even he didn’t see this was coming. Everyone looked like peasants in a village where a dragon had landed, and they were all just trying not to be the next one eaten.
Lacking any good idea how to handle this I tried the truth. “He has faced his share of trials of late, Your Majesty.”
“I see.” she said. “And when is he coming home? His people need him. Does he not care about this?”
I was clearly in trouble here if I didn’t find a way out of this forest. There was no doubt I was going to evade this question, and was searching for the best words when I heard Jozan over the scale saying “I confess I do not know his mind on this matter.”
I love those scales.
“I confess I do not know his mind on this matter, Your Majesty.”
There were a few small nods around the room, obviously approving of that answer. It seemed enough for the Queen as well as she went to Jozan.
When I introduced him as Jozan, the Queen simply stated “That is a human name.” It was explained how he came by this name and it is the only one he has. At that point, all hell broke loose.
A shadow appeared in the middle of court. Not just any shadow of course. It was Verulinda. How she managed to get in here was beyond me. The guards were all on alert, as was Onselven, who seemed concerned but ready to handle it if necessary. Verulinda then said that Jozan was her nephew, and he was entitled to a proper name. She also felt it necessary to mention several times that she was dead. I think this was mostly as an explanation of why she was being rather flip.
It took a fair bit of explaining to calm things down but they did calm. Verulinda said that Jozan was her sister’s child. The village was a settlement on the outskirts of Highfolk but the elves of Celenian blood and that Jozan was therefore a son of Celene. (Some of this was in a loudly whispered conversation between Jozan and Verulinda in the middle of court. Not good form at all. She apparently wanted to talk to Jozan but he left too quickly.)
The Queen offered to allow him to choose his elven name according to the usual ceremonies and asked that the return for the ceremony when he has chosen it.
She had one last thing for me. “We will call you before us for the ritual that is done for all new Champions in some hours time.” There was an obvious dismissal in that, and I backed away from the throne, and the conversations resumed. She seemed to have little interest in me outside of my knowledge of her son. What precisely she knew of our . . . relationship was not clear. After a time She withdrew from the throne room.
We then remained in the room, having conversations with various people. Despite the matter with Aran’gel (nobody actually said his name, or got anywhere near that topic) people were polite, kind, and generally treated me as a figure of great rank. It was a bit odd, but not over done and therefore not a difficulty. At my first chance, I spoke with Onselven, and told him I had information regarding a number of topics that would be of interest regarding the gnolls and the orcs, and asked who should receive this information. He took a keen interest and said that he would like to hear it himself. Fortunately my father had also found Datrigar, the First Blade of the Knights of Luna, and brought him over for introductions. Datrigar would also wish to hear this information so this saved me saying it twice. Datrigar led the Knights of Luna, and yet deferred to me, treating me as a superior. I found that rather odd, and found it easier to relate to him as one soldier to another.
I spent the next three hours going over the gulthias horrors, their origins and weaknesses and so forth as well as Chavram and his plots and schemes. When discussing the binders, Onselven was quite concerned. I started to worry.
“I do hope” I asked pointedly “that the binder in Celene is quite safe?”
He looked at me and said quietly “You’re standing on it.”
I had to steel myself a bit after that. He went on. “You will see it yourself soon. It is part of the initiation.”
I was sure that the information I brought would be of use, and briefly discussed methods of making sure that I could relay more in the future, as well as receive information from home.
After this I was summoned, again with Jozan, to the Queen in a private audience. Behind the throne was a hedge made of gold. From the right angle there was a passage and through this we went, eventually turning into a passage that sloped into the ground. We descended some fifty feet, and emerged into a now-familiar setting.
Like the others, this chamber had two levels in concentric circles. The stone was the same silver-veined stone as the chamber and the same as we had seen in visions, the great index, and the chamber in Brindenford. Unlike the others, this one had a binder. In the center was the binder – a hazy being of mostly torso of shimmering colors. Around it were two stone bands as intersecting circles like a quartered fruit. It seemed smaller than the one in Brindenford.
The Queen awaited us there. She said “Behold the first binder. The first and most important, the key that leads to all others. This is one of the greater binders. This binder is protected. The constraints you see limit it. It will answer only to me and only in some capacities. Each Champion has placed their hand upon the binder and sworn an oath to protect Celene and her people. It is time for you to take this oath.”
I had no issue with taking the oath. But I’m sure it was evident on my face that I was having difficulty with the notion of touching the binder. After all that had been happening, I was fearful of this powerful thing and did not know what would happen were I to actually touch it. The Queen was patient however and allowed me time to approach and steady myself. And I put my hands on the binder and spoke the oath. For the briefest moment, I saw a vision of what was surely the City of Brass.
The Queen nodded as though all was as it should be. We then spoke about the binders and it seems that they have a great deal of information about them. There are limits – for instance the binders cannot be directly used to free each other – it was part of the Contract so the princes would not be in direct opposition to each other. Each binder is also keyed to a particular area of magic and will not be able to do much outside of it. This was of keen interest to me, and I requested all the information they had on these limits as it would prove useful to us. Her Majesty said it would be provided to me.
Before I departed, I told Her Majesty I would be travelling to Highfolk soon, and if she had any message she would like me to deliver. Onselven tightened considerably. The Queen looked tight lipped and angry but said “Please tell Our Champion that his people need him and wish him to return home soon.” For whatever reason, I felt sad about the rift between them. And I asked “And do you have any message for your son?” placing the emphasis on the end. Onselven looked like he was going to have kittens. The Queen thought a moment and held her emotions in check and said “We have no message for Our son at this time.”
Jozan and I withdrew and left the palace. This of course required completion of rituals of the Fey Mysteries once again, but we were able to speed through them a bit more this time and I discharged the guards as we left the palace, for which they were grateful.
I’m glad Aran’gel warned me about all this.
After that, things were a lot more relaxed. I got to take baths, go shopping (a few magic items, plenty of clothes, and so on) and catch up with old friends. Rasha got to romp and play and generally had a grand time of it, safer than he’d ever be in Greyhawk. It was wonderful, and I felt renewed.
I met with several other advisors to the Court at various points to provide further details about the gulthias horrors and the gnolls. Apparently they thought they were moving to retake old fortresses in the Cron hills, but reports were this was not the case. The latest thinking was that they may be heading for some fortress in the Barrier Peaks.
There were two binder locations in the barrier peaks.
I was also given more information about the binders than we had seen to date. It seems that whatever this method of containing them involves, it can be done again. They have the techniques, but not the material. If we can find the source of the material and capture the binders, we might be able to lock them away again.
After eight relaxing weeks, I was ready to turn my thoughts to Highfolk. I had actually delayed slightly – Jozan had chosen his name, but the Queen had set the date of the ceremony according to the Fey Mysteries which translated to waiting a couple extra weeks.
The ceremony was a wonderful thing to behold. I was getting more used to being known as a Champion and the treatment that went with it but it was still odd at times. Still, I was very pleased to be able to be there with Jozan and be a part of it.
Jozan made his choice, and the Queen looked well upon it. No longer Jozan, he is now Aethramyr. As the ceremony came to a close, there was what I can only describe as a “moment”. Jozan froze, and then fell, in a way that’s becoming rather routine in my life. He told me he had received a vision. Not from Sehanine though but from Pelor. Within a minute, Dravot was on the scale – he had received the same vision, along with Thorkeld.
The Queen was most understanding about the sending, and the ceremony was concluded. As soon as we were alone, Jozan told me what he saw.
He was standing somewhere cold. A bone numbing cold. He knew instantly that Dravot and Thorkeld were seeing it also. The ice beneath his feet was black and reached as far as he could see. There were metallic structures on the bare landscape, and long trenches with wooden pylons, and sharp stakes, and some kind of barbed wire. Some buildings were large metal towers and others large domes. On some, huge metal arms went up and down in some kind of pattern. Steam hissed from some areas, and other noxious fumes from others.
Then came a man running fast and low to the ground. He had the tattoo of an owl on his neck, and wore leathers and furs for the cold. It was night, and he was trying not to be seen. He moved up to one of the trenches with barbed wire in front, and flipped over it and into the trench. A trio of some kind of twisted elves walked along right past the trench – clearly on some kind of patrol. They were not dressed for the cold but did not seem to suffer from it with not even mist forming from their breath, and each carried a blade that looked unnaturally sharp. They had angular features and spoke in a variant of elvish that Jozan did not know. The human hid from them til they passed then went on.
He went down the trench which has buttresses of wood shoring up holes into the earth from the trenches. In the darkness people skittered in the holes. Humans. Starved and badly treated, almost unrecognizable. He went down farther. One hole has a man, woman and child, the woman with a symbol of Pelor in her hand. The human said “I bring news from the owl. We’re going to get you out. Someone coming. We don’t know who but they’re coming. We’re going to get you before they take the rest of us.”
Then there is some kind of musical sound wavering between chimes and an odd musical pipe sound. The man says “The cuckoo is coming. I’ve got to go.” He stepped out of the warren and comes into the arms of the elven guards. One says in guttural common “The egg has been waiting for your return. You will be made an example. So will the family.” The man went for his dagger but one of the elves slices his hand from his wrist with a smooth motion. The man then turned to run but a long metal pipe or hose reached out from the distance and struck him square in the chest. The man froze, then groaned. The sounds started again, and the man paled as his life force was sucked out, along with much of his internal organs and fluids. In a few moments, he was dead. The pipe snaked back off to where it came from. The elves then go into the hole and pull out the family. To the man they say “You are to be made example. To be killed is not good enough. The cuckoo takes you.”
Another tune plays and a pipe comes out and grapples him around the chest like a harness and takes him away. To the little girl they say “Death not good enough, put her in a marionette.”
Then they say “The owl will not come. You will remember.”
The vision ends with the woman, crying and praying to Pelor.
A conversation between myself, Dravot, and Aethramyr follows. There is no doubt in their minds – Pelor has showed them the suffering of his people, and he wants them to put an end to it, to free them, and to punish their oppressor.
But where? I had thought it was some other plane of existence. But then it finally hit someone. The black ice. Far to the north, at the very edge of the Flanness is the Land of Black Ice.
It seemed that Pelor wanted something done, and those who wronged his people smitten.
The overall gist of this was relayed to Lord Gelban, who of course had no desire to stop Aethramyr or Dravot, and had no immediate need of us in any case. Since Jozan … sorry Aethramyr went with me to rescue Aran’gel, it seems only just that I offer to join him on this quest. We began making arrangement to meet up in Highfolk and continue northward from there. Scorch had completed the work he was doing and was therefore available, and Valanthe was always open for some new trouble to get in to.
As for Rackhir… I’m not sure. This is a deed for Dravot and Aethramyr, and it is their decision to make. But I am ill at ease with the Mark in our company. Rackhir is what he is, and this does not trouble me. But I have no wish to ever wake up and see Chavram again. Unless Dravot has found some way to hamper the mark, I will urge them not to ask him to join us.
Seems I’ll get to visit Aran’gel but not for as long as I had hoped.
Divine Wrath
Wherein our heros are sent on a mission of retribution from Pelor himself.
Prologue
OOC Notes:
This was a mini-session, designed to let Dravot, Kayleigh, and Jozan do some of their winter activities, and let us just spend a night and get it done rather than a lot of e-mail. No experience awarded.
Also note that due to in game reasons, Jozan is changing his name. More particularly he’s getting an elven name. If you miss that part, you’ll be awfully confused.
This Week’s Adventure:
When Lord Gelban informed us that most of the dark forces seemed quiet for now and that we would have some months to ourselves, I was quite pleased for the break. The last year has brought so many changes I could hardly keep up, and I’m relieved to have a chance to simply enjoy life. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I had little reason to remain in Greyhawk. I had been anxious to visit home for a while now, and this was my chance. I figured I would spend several weeks in Celene, then perhaps head to Highfolk for several more.
I started my preparations to leave, and it wasn’t long before Jozan came to me, asking if he could join me. He wanted to look further into the destruction of his birth village, and thought Celene might be a good place to start. Of course there’s few better travelling companions, so this was not a problem. I believed that his status as an elven paladin would open many doors for him, but perhaps I could help him out a bit as well.
Before I left however, there were matters I needed to discuss with Lord Gelban. I went up to his offices, and found that Nasir was not as his desk. Inside the office I could hear some very heated debate which climaxed at with the sound of something being smashed. My first impulse was to make sure there was no attack underway, but then I realized that The Gilden hardly needed me to defend him, and it was more likely a result of the argument.
A minute later, Nasir emerged. He looked shaken and struggling to contain his rage. However he was at least trying to mask it. He informed me that Lord Gelban was within and available, and then departed. Only after he left did I allow myself a smirk – I have not cared much for Nasir since his snide attitude after the Glitterhame, and I was amused to see him inconvenienced now.
I entered the office and saw that Lord Gelban too was apparently calming himself down after the argument. He offered some wine and gestured towards a couch, while he sat in a leather chair, before which was the smashed remains of what had once been a writing desk. He tried to act as if nothing was wrong, which I could only smile at.
“I think we’ve reached the point where we need not bother with such pretenses.” I said, to which he relaxed a bit and we went from there.
I told him I was planning to visit my home, and would be gone some weeks. He told me he had regular caravans that went to Celene which I could go with, or not as I wished. I was looking forward to the quiet time so declined his offer. I did have a few questions for him before I left.
First I asked about the Spire and Gulthias. He told me that the Silvering, in one of his other guises, has arranged for a cadre of paladins from the temple of Foltus to go to the Spire and conduct a cleansing. However they believed that while Gulthias would be gone by the time they got there, it would eliminate the lingering problem and that stronghold. I was pleased to hear this, and was quite sure those paladins would not stop til the Spire was no more than rubble. I pray they have better fortune than we did.
I also asked what went wrong. Had the Council overestimated us, or underestimated Gulthias, or both? He told me that Gulthias was much stronger than had been anticipated, and he had access to resources that had not been known. Who made the golems for instance? Some of them had girallon parts but Gulthias had shown no talent for the creation of such things. Where did they come from? Many questions remain but there was something more at work, and it cost us dearly.
Satisfied with that, I had some questions of a personal nature. I knew Lord Gelban knew my father, but did not know what precisely my father knew of Lord Gelban. I did not wish to misspeak and reveal something I should not. Lord Gelban was most grateful for my forethought in this matter, and said that while he has known my father his entire adult life in various forms, my father does not know of Lord Gelban’s true nature. Only his inner circle (which includes us I might add) has that knowledge. I assured him I would maintain his confidence. I asked if he had any message for my father, and he prepared a quick note for him while we spoke of other matters.
I also told him that I might be called before Her Majesty and wondered if she knew of his nature. He told me she knows of both Lord Gelban and of The Gilden, but not as the same being. I told him that were the Queen to ask directly, I would be bound to answer but it was not the sort of thing that would often arise in conversation, and I would keep the confidence if at all possible. This too he understood and appreciated.
The last matter, and the most troubling, was the one I most needed to speak to him on. That was of course the matter of The Mark. We had a frank discussion on the matter and I spoke my mind plainly to him, as well as what I knew from discussions with some of the others. He in turn told me his thoughts. What will happen remains to be seen.
With that I left him, and finished my packing. Jozan and I spoke, and we would leave the next morning with the two of us.
“Three” he corrected.
“Hmmm…” I said. “I do not think that would be well advised. While your station may allow you to somehow get a kobold into the country, I fear for his safety. Should one guard see him alone, he’d be killed before he could say a word. I think it might be safer for him, and more conducive to your purpose, to leave him here.”
Jozan saw the wisdom in this, having no wish to see Meepo hurt. He arranged with Valanthe to keep an eye on Meepo while he was gone. I could only smile at what that might lead to.
One other thing I had to do before leaving was a last bit of shopping. I had looked through the high market for something I had heard about from one of Lord Gelban’s stewards – an enchanted rod that would make spells hold their enchantment longer. The marketplace turned out to be a waste of effort and it was much easier to just ask Scorch, who’s guild contacts now allowed him easy access to such things.
In the morning Jozan and I set out towards Celene. It was a relaxing journey and one I had been looking forward too. In a few days we crossed into Celene with little difficulty, however I noted that border patrols were increased. An inquiry of the officer told me there was increased activity from the orcs from the south, and other humaniods. He seemed hesitant to say more. I could have revealed myself as a Champion and gotten more from him but it didn’t seem appropriate.
A few days more and we were coming up to the capital. It was a welcome sight and one I had sore missed. The morning we arrived, we saw overhead the Companion Guard – three of them on their hippogriff steeds in formation. The threat must be more pronounced for the Queen to deploy them this way – it was most unusual.
Jozan and I rode up to the modest estate I called home, and the greeting was warm but somewhat surprised. Apparently the staff knew I had been killed and returned, and apparently that information came from Lord Gelban who notified my parents. I would have preferred to tell them that myself but there was little help for it now.
My mother came out and hugged me as only a mother can. Father it seemed was asleep. Given the choice of waking him or going for a bath, I had no trouble deciding and went off to my wing of the house. Jozan was treated with all courtesy and I’m sure they made him comfortable.
A few hours later, as the idea of leaving the tub was crossing my mind, I was informed that father was awake and anxious to see me. Having soaked up about all the warmth there was here, I got dressed and went down to dinner.
The meal was wonderful and Jozan was well received. Everything was much the same as it had been, and that was a great comfort, given all the changes I had been through in the last year.
Before I told my parents all that was changed with me, I asked what was news here. What I learned was shocking and disturbing. It was all mixed with my father’s usual political grumblings about the isolationist policies but was full of news nonetheless.
First, the army was indeed at increased alertness. There were groups of gnolls moving through to the north. They were not attacking Celene, just moving from east to west across the northern border. There were some skirmishes of course but no real attack.
I looked at Jozan briefly and then back to my father and asked “Who’s banner are these gnolls marching under?”
“We don’t know. It’s some kind of Aerdi symbol thought.”
I used some thick berry sauce and sketched out a dog-like symbol on my plate and asked if that was the mark on the banners. My father looked at me with shock and said it was.
It was Chavram’s banner.
Father was of course curious but I said I’d explain in a bit and to please go on. He then told me that there was also increased activity from the orcs from the Pomarj. Mostly probing attacks but it seemed to be a prelude.
With my face half in my hands I said “Let me guess. They’ve been accompanied by strange plant creatures that are difficult to combat?”
My father was silent. He finally managed “How did you know? We are having trouble turning them back as they prove hard to fight. They seem to always be in the company of orcish shamans.”
“I can give you a great deal of information about these creatures, as well as the gnolls. We will have to make sure it reaches the right ears.” I told him. I had no idea that this was a threat to Celene or I would have provided this information sooner. I must remember to keep a better ear towards home in the future.
Father added “Fortunately some of the times they have appeared, one of the Champions was able to help turn them back.”
Jozan and I exchanged another quick look, having arrived at one of the key topics of the discussion.
“Yes. The Champions. About that.”
It was not so much my statement that drew in their full attention but that I was clearly somewhat hesitant to go on. After a moment I tried to find more words.
“I told you that much has changed in the last year for me. There is much I would tell you of. But I think perhaps I should start with this. Your daughter is a Champion.”
Unfortunately my timing was lax, and my father was taking a sip of his wine at the time I said that. Much choking and coughing followed, and Jozan had to hold my father in his seat for a moment.
My sister was the least fazed. “Wow. A Champion. That’s neat. How come you get to be a Champion? I wanna be a Champion. Can I be a Champion?” and so on. This made Father cough even more.
I took off my now habitual gloves and they could now see the mark.
Once over their shock, they were very pleased and proud. Slightly confused, but proud nonetheless. I’m glad I started with that first however. Had I delayed any further, the news would have been much more . . . abrupt.
A servant ran in hurriedly and whispered to my father with great urgency. I sighed and put my face in my hands – there was no doubt what was happening and I was warned it would.
Father listened to the servant and then said with some confusion “Apparently there is a messenger from the Royal Court here.”
I looked up at him with resignation and said “You don’t say.”
The courtier was shown in, and four of the Companion Guard accompanied him. This in itself was most odd – a rather peculiar duty to assign them to. He spoke to my father and said “Is your daughter Kayleigh present?”
He was a young man, and seemed somewhat snotty. This in itself was hardly a surprise.
When he was told I was, he opened the scroll he was carrying and began reading. “Lady Kayleigh, daughter of Knight Ellsath and Champion of Celene, you are hereby instructed to appear before Her Royal Majesty Yolande at the time of the high sun tomorrow. In addition the Paladin of Sehanine is also instructed to appear before the Court, in keeping with the Fay Mysteries as the Moon waxes in the eighth house and the trees turn to bathe in the song of the winds of….”
It went on like this quite a while. As soon as he got to the words “Fay Mysteries” everyone’s eyes glazed over, knowing what was coming. After five minutes of that kind of thing, he finished, and the guards and my father all seemed to wake up and come back to the present.
The courtier asked “Do you know the way or do you require an escort?” I may be the new Champion, but I know when someone is being insulting. Rather than let it go I decided to assert myself.
“Oh, an escort would be lovely. So nice of you to offer. I’ll expect you here tomorrow then.”
The Companion Guards suppressed their snickers as the courtier tried to figure out how he lost control of that situation so quickly. Then I made a point of dismissing him just to agitate him further.
After they left, my Father was just looking at me and I said “I was told this might happen.” At a loss he just let it go.
There was something else I needed to tell them, before someone else spilled the beans. This time, I was having quite a hard time getting started. The more I hesitated the more concerned my parents got. This was clearly something I was having a hard time spitting out.
“So, I have been studying with another Champion that I met in my travels. In Highfolk.”
“Oh.” Father said, still trying to figure out where the problem was.
“Maybe you know him? He’s the Warden of Highfolk. Do you know him?” I said hoping for a reprieve.
“Hm. Warden…let’s see…” he mused. “The last Warden of Highfolk I knew…that was a while ago… killed by an orcish spear I think it was. No I don’t think I know him.”
I braced myself. “His name is Aran’gel.”
“Oh!” he said in a “what a coincidence” kind of way. “That’s the same name as the second Prince.”
I squirmed. He looked at me.
“No. Oh. No. It is a coincidence isn’t it? It’s just the same name.”
I squirmed.
“No. No no no. Aw, no.”
I said “I wanted to tell you before someone else did. I have no idea who knows what about this but at least now you’re prepared.”
It occurs to me that I didn’t actually mention that our relationship was slightly more than just professional. I’ll have to get to that bit later.
After he recovered and after we each had another glass of wine, I started in on a detailed story of the past year. We had an excellent meal and spent some hours going over what all had happened. My sister was riveted to every word of course, but so would I have been at her age. By the time dinner was done, so was the story. After that I went to bed – tomorrow would be a busy day.
Fortunately clothes were not a problem. I spent the next morning getting ready. Exactly at the appointed time, the courtier showed up, again with four of the Companion Guard, and we all went to the palace. On the way I was able to speak to the Guard, who were none too happy about this duty, escorting someone who clearly didn’t need any escorting. They also went on a bit about the “Fay Mysteries.” Comments like “You know what I did yesterday? I lit braziers. Fifty five of them” were not uncommon. The Queen’s study of the mysteries seems to have been running slightly amok lately.
We arrived at the palace, and began to go through the appropriate rituals. In the first room it was light a candle, the next ring a bell, the third was listening to the wind through the trees there, and so on. Some twenty rooms like this. I tried to bypass some of it but apparently the forms had to be observed. I was sure I could skip it if I chose, but figured it would be wiser not to. I tried to keep an eye out for other Champions, but saw none. When I asked, I was told that I was the only Champion currently at the palace.
I entered the court, and upon the grand throne was Her Majesty, and her advisor Onselven. Around the room were various knights, courtiers, nobles and advisors chatting about various topics. Conversation continued as I entered, and even when the Queen spoke it only caused a brief pause.
Immediately as I entered, Her Majesty said “Is this Our newest Champion? Attend us.” Conversations continued as I approached the throne and knelt before Her. I hadn’t noticed this at the time really, until it all stopped a moment later. When the Queen said, in a terse voice “So…how is my son?”
The room went silent. Onselven’s grip on his staff tightened markedly, and even he didn’t see this was coming. Everyone looked like peasants in a village where a dragon had landed, and they were all just trying not to be the next one eaten.
Lacking any good idea how to handle this I tried the truth. “He has faced his share of trials of late, Your Majesty.”
“I see.” she said. “And when is he coming home? His people need him. Does he not care about this?”
I was clearly in trouble here if I didn’t find a way out of this forest. There was no doubt I was going to evade this question, and was searching for the best words when I heard Jozan over the scale saying “I confess I do not know his mind on this matter.”
I love those scales.
“I confess I do not know his mind on this matter, Your Majesty.”
There were a few small nods around the room, obviously approving of that answer. It seemed enough for the Queen as well as she went to Jozan.
When I introduced him as Jozan, the Queen simply stated “That is a human name.” It was explained how he came by this name and it is the only one he has. At that point, all hell broke loose.
A shadow appeared in the middle of court. Not just any shadow of course. It was Verulinda. How she managed to get in here was beyond me. The guards were all on alert, as was Onselven, who seemed concerned but ready to handle it if necessary. Verulinda then said that Jozan was her nephew, and he was entitled to a proper name. She also felt it necessary to mention several times that she was dead. I think this was mostly as an explanation of why she was being rather flip.
It took a fair bit of explaining to calm things down but they did calm. Verulinda said that Jozan was her sister’s child. The village was a settlement on the outskirts of Highfolk but the elves of Celenian blood and that Jozan was therefore a son of Celene. (Some of this was in a loudly whispered conversation between Jozan and Verulinda in the middle of court. Not good form at all. She apparently wanted to talk to Jozan but he left too quickly.)
The Queen offered to allow him to choose his elven name according to the usual ceremonies and asked that the return for the ceremony when he has chosen it.
She had one last thing for me. “We will call you before us for the ritual that is done for all new Champions in some hours time.” There was an obvious dismissal in that, and I backed away from the throne, and the conversations resumed. She seemed to have little interest in me outside of my knowledge of her son. What precisely she knew of our . . . relationship was not clear. After a time She withdrew from the throne room.
We then remained in the room, having conversations with various people. Despite the matter with Aran’gel (nobody actually said his name, or got anywhere near that topic) people were polite, kind, and generally treated me as a figure of great rank. It was a bit odd, but not over done and therefore not a difficulty. At my first chance, I spoke with Onselven, and told him I had information regarding a number of topics that would be of interest regarding the gnolls and the orcs, and asked who should receive this information. He took a keen interest and said that he would like to hear it himself. Fortunately my father had also found Datrigar, the First Blade of the Knights of Luna, and brought him over for introductions. Datrigar would also wish to hear this information so this saved me saying it twice. Datrigar led the Knights of Luna, and yet deferred to me, treating me as a superior. I found that rather odd, and found it easier to relate to him as one soldier to another.
I spent the next three hours going over the gulthias horrors, their origins and weaknesses and so forth as well as Chavram and his plots and schemes. When discussing the binders, Onselven was quite concerned. I started to worry.
“I do hope” I asked pointedly “that the binder in Celene is quite safe?”
He looked at me and said quietly “You’re standing on it.”
I had to steel myself a bit after that. He went on. “You will see it yourself soon. It is part of the initiation.”
I was sure that the information I brought would be of use, and briefly discussed methods of making sure that I could relay more in the future, as well as receive information from home.
After this I was summoned, again with Jozan, to the Queen in a private audience. Behind the throne was a hedge made of gold. From the right angle there was a passage and through this we went, eventually turning into a passage that sloped into the ground. We descended some fifty feet, and emerged into a now-familiar setting.
Like the others, this chamber had two levels in concentric circles. The stone was the same silver-veined stone as the chamber and the same as we had seen in visions, the great index, and the chamber in Brindenford. Unlike the others, this one had a binder. In the center was the binder – a hazy being of mostly torso of shimmering colors. Around it were two stone bands as intersecting circles like a quartered fruit. It seemed smaller than the one in Brindenford.
The Queen awaited us there. She said “Behold the first binder. The first and most important, the key that leads to all others. This is one of the greater binders. This binder is protected. The constraints you see limit it. It will answer only to me and only in some capacities. Each Champion has placed their hand upon the binder and sworn an oath to protect Celene and her people. It is time for you to take this oath.”
I had no issue with taking the oath. But I’m sure it was evident on my face that I was having difficulty with the notion of touching the binder. After all that had been happening, I was fearful of this powerful thing and did not know what would happen were I to actually touch it. The Queen was patient however and allowed me time to approach and steady myself. And I put my hands on the binder and spoke the oath. For the briefest moment, I saw a vision of what was surely the City of Brass.
The Queen nodded as though all was as it should be. We then spoke about the binders and it seems that they have a great deal of information about them. There are limits – for instance the binders cannot be directly used to free each other – it was part of the Contract so the princes would not be in direct opposition to each other. Each binder is also keyed to a particular area of magic and will not be able to do much outside of it. This was of keen interest to me, and I requested all the information they had on these limits as it would prove useful to us. Her Majesty said it would be provided to me.
Before I departed, I told Her Majesty I would be travelling to Highfolk soon, and if she had any message she would like me to deliver. Onselven tightened considerably. The Queen looked tight lipped and angry but said “Please tell Our Champion that his people need him and wish him to return home soon.” For whatever reason, I felt sad about the rift between them. And I asked “And do you have any message for your son?” placing the emphasis on the end. Onselven looked like he was going to have kittens. The Queen thought a moment and held her emotions in check and said “We have no message for Our son at this time.”
Jozan and I withdrew and left the palace. This of course required completion of rituals of the Fey Mysteries once again, but we were able to speed through them a bit more this time and I discharged the guards as we left the palace, for which they were grateful.
I’m glad Aran’gel warned me about all this.
After that, things were a lot more relaxed. I got to take baths, go shopping (a few magic items, plenty of clothes, and so on) and catch up with old friends. Rasha got to romp and play and generally had a grand time of it, safer than he’d ever be in Greyhawk. It was wonderful, and I felt renewed.
I met with several other advisors to the Court at various points to provide further details about the gulthias horrors and the gnolls. Apparently they thought they were moving to retake old fortresses in the Cron hills, but reports were this was not the case. The latest thinking was that they may be heading for some fortress in the Barrier Peaks.
There were two binder locations in the barrier peaks.
I was also given more information about the binders than we had seen to date. It seems that whatever this method of containing them involves, it can be done again. They have the techniques, but not the material. If we can find the source of the material and capture the binders, we might be able to lock them away again.
After eight relaxing weeks, I was ready to turn my thoughts to Highfolk. I had actually delayed slightly – Jozan had chosen his name, but the Queen had set the date of the ceremony according to the Fey Mysteries which translated to waiting a couple extra weeks.
The ceremony was a wonderful thing to behold. I was getting more used to being known as a Champion and the treatment that went with it but it was still odd at times. Still, I was very pleased to be able to be there with Jozan and be a part of it.
Jozan made his choice, and the Queen looked well upon it. No longer Jozan, he is now Aethramyr. As the ceremony came to a close, there was what I can only describe as a “moment”. Jozan froze, and then fell, in a way that’s becoming rather routine in my life. He told me he had received a vision. Not from Sehanine though but from Pelor. Within a minute, Dravot was on the scale – he had received the same vision, along with Thorkeld.
The Queen was most understanding about the sending, and the ceremony was concluded. As soon as we were alone, Jozan told me what he saw.
He was standing somewhere cold. A bone numbing cold. He knew instantly that Dravot and Thorkeld were seeing it also. The ice beneath his feet was black and reached as far as he could see. There were metallic structures on the bare landscape, and long trenches with wooden pylons, and sharp stakes, and some kind of barbed wire. Some buildings were large metal towers and others large domes. On some, huge metal arms went up and down in some kind of pattern. Steam hissed from some areas, and other noxious fumes from others.
Then came a man running fast and low to the ground. He had the tattoo of an owl on his neck, and wore leathers and furs for the cold. It was night, and he was trying not to be seen. He moved up to one of the trenches with barbed wire in front, and flipped over it and into the trench. A trio of some kind of twisted elves walked along right past the trench – clearly on some kind of patrol. They were not dressed for the cold but did not seem to suffer from it with not even mist forming from their breath, and each carried a blade that looked unnaturally sharp. They had angular features and spoke in a variant of elvish that Jozan did not know. The human hid from them til they passed then went on.
He went down the trench which has buttresses of wood shoring up holes into the earth from the trenches. In the darkness people skittered in the holes. Humans. Starved and badly treated, almost unrecognizable. He went down farther. One hole has a man, woman and child, the woman with a symbol of Pelor in her hand. The human said “I bring news from the owl. We’re going to get you out. Someone coming. We don’t know who but they’re coming. We’re going to get you before they take the rest of us.”
Then there is some kind of musical sound wavering between chimes and an odd musical pipe sound. The man says “The cuckoo is coming. I’ve got to go.” He stepped out of the warren and comes into the arms of the elven guards. One says in guttural common “The egg has been waiting for your return. You will be made an example. So will the family.” The man went for his dagger but one of the elves slices his hand from his wrist with a smooth motion. The man then turned to run but a long metal pipe or hose reached out from the distance and struck him square in the chest. The man froze, then groaned. The sounds started again, and the man paled as his life force was sucked out, along with much of his internal organs and fluids. In a few moments, he was dead. The pipe snaked back off to where it came from. The elves then go into the hole and pull out the family. To the man they say “You are to be made example. To be killed is not good enough. The cuckoo takes you.”
Another tune plays and a pipe comes out and grapples him around the chest like a harness and takes him away. To the little girl they say “Death not good enough, put her in a marionette.”
Then they say “The owl will not come. You will remember.”
The vision ends with the woman, crying and praying to Pelor.
A conversation between myself, Dravot, and Aethramyr follows. There is no doubt in their minds – Pelor has showed them the suffering of his people, and he wants them to put an end to it, to free them, and to punish their oppressor.
But where? I had thought it was some other plane of existence. But then it finally hit someone. The black ice. Far to the north, at the very edge of the Flanness is the Land of Black Ice.
It seemed that Pelor wanted something done, and those who wronged his people smitten.
The overall gist of this was relayed to Lord Gelban, who of course had no desire to stop Aethramyr or Dravot, and had no immediate need of us in any case. Since Jozan … sorry Aethramyr went with me to rescue Aran’gel, it seems only just that I offer to join him on this quest. We began making arrangement to meet up in Highfolk and continue northward from there. Scorch had completed the work he was doing and was therefore available, and Valanthe was always open for some new trouble to get in to.
As for Rackhir… I’m not sure. This is a deed for Dravot and Aethramyr, and it is their decision to make. But I am ill at ease with the Mark in our company. Rackhir is what he is, and this does not trouble me. But I have no wish to ever wake up and see Chavram again. Unless Dravot has found some way to hamper the mark, I will urge them not to ask him to join us.
Seems I’ll get to visit Aran’gel but not for as long as I had hoped.
