[AU] Siege on Ebonring Keep - Part 2

[Rybaer]

The apparent leader of the small band, who also has the least aggressive demeanor, shows his teeth at the mention of Khajom's name. To most, this would come across as a threatening display, but Pyior had known Khajom long enough to recognize it as something more of a grin.

"Khajom, indeed," he says. "He is my sister's son. You count him as friend. Tell me what has come of him, then, since he departed our tribe. Speculation has made for interesting talk around the dinner fire on more than one occasion."

"And what's this of the Ebonring Keep falling?" another of the litorians says. "We had heard rumors, but know nothing of this new lord. Perhaps she will demonstrate wisdom and swear loyalty to the Trythium."

 

[Liminal Syzygy]

Pyior barely keeps his jaw from dropping at the final comment. They must be members of the Trythium -- the very cult Khajom was travelling to Grenveld to investigate!

Pyior stammers slightly when answering, "Khajom set off on some personal business several days ago. He didn't really fill us in. And yes the Ebonring Keep was wrested from the clutches of the rhodin by Iriana Truthspeaker. We were all just there and confirmed it with our own eyes."

 

[Erekose13]

Not having known Khajom very well, Ys-Korros prefers to stay silent during the discussions with the litorians. If however, Pyior looks like he needs a little encouragement Ys-Korros will offer a few pointed "Indeed." or "As he has said." remarks.

 

[rangerjohn]

Danwyn remains quiet. Unless the conversation moves around to the finer points of a fight, or the situation with the female sprite. Things he is more comfortable discussing.

 

[Rybaer]

The leader listens carefully to Pyior. "So, young Khajom in nearby then? I should very much like to see him again. He would make an excellent ally and servant to the Trythium."

One of the other litorians chimes in. "What of the rhodin who held the Keep? Was this Truthspeaker able to exterminate the vermin?"

 

[Liminal Syzygy]

Pyior answers the leader first, "Nearby? I'm not sure about that, he didn't tell me exactly what his errand was." And then mumbles almost as if to himself "But I wouldn't mind seeing him as well."

Pyior can't help but wince slightly at the word vermin, and answers the subordinate, "Um, yes. Truthspeaker was able to er, deal them. You know Truthspeaker had a Litorian lieutenant come to think of it. I think her name was Yaren."

 

[Rybaer]

"Yaren, eh?" the senior litorian says. "Never heard of her." The other litorians shake their heads in agreement.

"Well, I guess this Truthspeaker might not be all bad," he adds. "Very well, you may continue on your way as long as you give your word to travel through Trythium lands with all due haste. The Trythium are much kinder and more forgiving than some of the other tribes in this region."

The litorians step aside to allow the group to pass. They keep a scrutinizing eye on the party until well out of sight...and even after they're left behind everyone has a nagging feeling of being watched.

 

[Liminal Syzygy]

At the next resting stop, Pyior pulls out the map Iriana gave them to determine how far it is to Grenveld, and how far out of their way it is.

"That wasn't pleasant, and I don't know about you but I get the feeling we're being followed. I can't help but think we should detour to Grenveld to see how Khajom and Osric are coming along in their investigation into this cult."

 

[Erekose13]

"How far out of the way is that?" Ys-Korros says, leaning in over the map.

 

[Rybaer]

Regrettably, Grenveld does not appear on Truthspeaker's hastily sketched map...nor does any other litorian settlement. Only a vast area labeled "litorian occupied lands."

From speaking with Khajom, Pyior suspects that Grenveld is probably within a day's ride of your current location - due east. On the rolling hills of the plains, however, it would be easy to miss entirely even with a map.

(ooc - Presently, you are heading north. You are staying just within sight of the Floating Forest to the west.)

It is entirely possible that were you to head toward and find Grenveld, you might actually beat Khajom and Osric there as they are traveling on foot. They had a head start and took a more direct path (and presumably Khajom knows the area well), but they might also be taking their time and trying to get a feel for the situation before barging in.

(ooc - Using my big DM Subtle Stick, I'll let you know that I hadn't really intended for the cult to be anything other than environmental flavor...at least for the time being. I might change my mind later. Now, you are perfectly welcome to pursue this path, but in the interests of time in a slow-moving game, I just thought I'd let you know that it's not pertinent to the story right now.)