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Message: <blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 4732891" data-attributes="member: 3285">Serpentine Path: Part 1a – The Hand of FateThe city of Althre’ was truly a wonder to behold. Althre’ was a mountaintop labyrinth composed of sculpted rock and delicate-looking bridges that stretched for miles, connecting the expanding boundaries of the city. Every building was a function of beauty and utility. Every piece of stone was a carved work of art, every street a wonder.  Sebastian, Beldin, and Vlad had wandered for several days through the city in awe. At first, there seemed to be too many scenic wonders to visit.  Kham, delayed for days by his mothers actions, eventually met them there. He acted as their guide, showing them such wonders as the Vault of Memory, the Vault of Utility, one of the Shrines of the Gift, and the Great Library of Althares.  “Normally I’d take you to see the Council of Wisdom,” said Kham with a bit of pride in his voice, “but they’re in session and admittance is forbidden except for official business.  I’ve got to go visit the Grand Church of Althares.” He nodded at a restaurant labeled, “The Hand of Fate.”  “You can hang out here until I’m finished.”Kham led the way into the restaurant, only to discover that The Hand of Fate was being used as a wedding reception for a priest of Althares.  “What are those nine owls for?” asked Vlad.Kham craned his neck while he waited for the restaurant owner to meet them.  “Those? That means this is the priest’s ninth wife.”“Ninth wife!” Sebastian peered into the room with consternation. “Did he kill the other eight?”Kham smirked. “Worse. He just married them.”“Nine wives,” said Beldin in disbelief.  “Now that’s stamina.”The busy restaurant owner had a hushed conversation with Kham.  Eventually, Kham won the argument. “They’re busy, but the cuisine here is excellent and I called in a favor.  Try to stay out of trouble.”  With a wink, Kham left the restaurant.A waitress took them over to a rickety-looking second floor rear balcony, away from the wedding party.  Once the table was prepared and food was delivered, the servants quickly left them to their meal.“Dril’s supposed to meet us, right?” said Vlad.  “I hear Calactyte and Bijoux will be joining us too.”“Yes.  Ilmarė is leading them separately on a caravan headed for Semar,” said Sebastian. “I advised Calactyte against coming to Althre’, but he insisted.  It’s a bad time to have scales in a city like this.”“It’s a beautiful city,” said Beldin.  “Even by dwarven standards.”The view from the balcony was breathtaking. Portions of The Great Stair were visible.  They could make out the bustling traffic that wound its way along the carved stone stairway, passing under the magnificent trio of waterfalls known as the Tresses of Saluwe’. The mist from the waterfalls was reflected in the early morning sunlight, creating a huge rainbow that framed the scene and provided a calming ambiance.  The view was so beautiful that it took a moment for raised voices below the balcony to register.“I’m not interested,” said a firm, resolute voice. “Now get lost.”“I know that voice. That’s Dril!” exclaimed Vlad.“Listen friend,” responded a silky smooth voice. “Travel through the mountains is a dangerous prospect without proper protection. Perhaps you should reconsider our offer.”“I am NOT your friend,” said Dril. “And I am NOT interested.”“You would be wise to accept our protection, MERCHANT.  We know your guards have deserted you.  You NEED us. Or do you expect your beloved Althares to send you replacements falling from the sky like rain?”Several other voices burst into laughter.“I’ve heard enough—” Vlad kicked back from the table, rising from his chair.  As he did so, the rickety balcony gave way with a loud CRACK! Vlad and Beldin tumbled forward with a crash, smashing into seat cushions on the floor.  Sebastian, his wings freed from their confines, slowly floated down to the table below and landed at its center before the startled men.  Sebastian addressed Dril, hands on his hips.  “You rang?” he asked with a smirk.Dril’s right hand tightly grasped the hilt of a scimitar on his left hip, but with Sebastian’s arrival, his demeanor changed. Dril loosened his grip and a broad smile creased his face.  “As a matter of fact, yes. Althares always provides for his faithful.” He nodded at Sebastian.  “Thanks for dropping in.”Vlad and Beldin got their feet, weapons at the ready.The six light-skinned men who had been accosting Dril were startled by their arrival.  They all wore long swords, heavy chain armor, and green tabards that bore a four-fingered claw insignia. They looked at each other, and then silently turned to leave.“Sssuit yourssself MERCHANT!” one of them snarled over his shoulder.  “You’ll be sssorry!”The other members of the group quickly gathered their friend and disappeared in the crowded streets.Vlad watched them go, filled with a creeping dread.  He had heard that lisp before.</blockquote>

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