Into the Moral Darkness: (Now a Completed Story!)

[Nonlethal Force]

Ischarus and Rhema returned promptly and with Iasho’s help they prepared the chicken. Ischarus removed the sand from above the roasting pit and smiled when the earth grew warmer as he dug. “The ground is warm. The oven is more than ready for the bounty that we’ve purchased.” In a minute Ischarus had the warm oven unearthed, removed from the ground, and brushed free of sand.

Six hours later, after smoking underground on a low heat, the chicken had been roasted and it was pulled out of the ground. The sun had already set and the evening chill was beginning to set in. Some of the workers of the field had husked corn and prepared an old fashioned corn boil with peppers, onions, and potatoes as well. The feast was ready, and Iasho stood before the food in order to give a proper speech welcoming his daughter and the rest of the party home. “Family.”

He only got the one word out before he was interrupted. There was a gasp in the crowd as two figures appeared near Iasho’s location. Ischarus immediately drew his sword and jumped between Iasho and the figures. Fortunately, Ischarus had never bothered to remove his sword from his afternoon excursion into Huetown.

The taller of the figures began to laugh as he pulled back his hood. “Ischarus, there is no need for violence. Put down your blade.” The voice was Brandt’s, and the man next to him began to chuckle with Brandt.

Ischarus stowed his blade with a smile once he heard the familiar voice. “There are ways to crash a party that don’t provoke armed responses, you know. A more traditional approach, like walking up the path to the house, might be a bit less intense.” There was amusement in Ischarus’ voice demonstrating that he was not particularly upset.

The man beside Brandt spoke as he too lowered his hood. “You were right, Brandt. Teleporting with our hoods up to conceal our identity was more fun.” The voice was Master Searthu’s, and he was clearly enjoying the joke. “Good thing Ischarus didn’t run you through, though.”

Ischarus nodded to Master Searthu. “Good thing we have a policy against killing.” He smiled brightly and the humorous tone in his voice was easy to notice. “I wouldn’t recommend doing what you did to the Wizard’s College, though.”

Brandt motioned for Master Searthu to have a seat as he spoke. “No, indeed not.” He turned to Iasho and bowed slightly. “I believe, sir, that you were about to begin a discourse. Forgive us for interrupting. There apparently is a bit of a time lag in Master Searthu’s spying devices.” He winked to Master Searthu as he sat beside him.

Iasho cleared his throat again and began to speak. “Family, and honored friends.” He nodded and bowed slightly to Brandt and Master Searthu. “I was about to say that the last time we gathered together like this for a feast of this magnitude we were gathered among ruins. We were a mourning people, set on rebuilding. I know now that this statement would have been in error, but thanks to the appearance of Masters Brandt and Searthu it is now true. We are now more complete than we were then. Master Searthu has joined us in addition to Master Brandt, and all of my family of servants have come back to gather under the protective nature of this villa. We are indeed more complete now than before.”

He paused a moment to look as many of his servants in the eye as possible. For the time being, he avoided looking at the followers of Reah or the foursome. “Look at what our community has done. Together we have rebuilt what was stolen from us. Together we have replanted and the earth has given its bounty in honor of our care of the ground. Our community has protected the Confederacy of Tongra from invaders. Our community has grown in spiritual matters as well. Look at how far we have come as a community, and know that we could not have come this far alone. Feast on this bounty, and learn what community means. We support each other, always.”

Several of his servants began to clap in response. They were quickly joined by Brandt and Master Searthu. Rhema stood to reflect the speech back on her father as their leader, but Iasho knew her intentions and motioned for her to sit back down. This was not his night; it was the entire villa’s night for glory.

Iasho stepped to the roasting oven and uncovered it. He stepped behind the large pot that had been used for the corn boil and lifted a ladle. His intent was clear to everyone. He intended to serve them. “Come and eat. Take some chicken and I will give you a portion of potatoes, onion, peppers, and corn.”

Several of the servants rose, but the party motioned for Brandt and Master Searthu to go first. Once the followers of Reah had gone first, the party allowed the servants to go before them. It was a gesture of honor that didn’t go unnoticed.

Over dinner, most of the servants talked among themselves at various tables and seated throughout the villa’s lawn. Masters Brandt and Searthu were joined by the party, who were eager to hear what the followers of Reah had found out about the fleeing Yrraxeans. For the time being, however, the followers or Reah controled the flow of the discussion and they were being tight lipped about that particular piece of information.

Master Brandt spoke to Rhema while Iasho picked out his own chicken and joined them. “The villa looks great, and construction should easily finish before the winter by the look of it.”

Rhema nodded and didn’t respond because she was too busy chewing a chunk of her own chicken. Iasho handled the question as he sat down. “It should be finished by then. We’ve decided to rebuild the central house as it stood, but we’re hoping to take proper time and increase the servant housing. We hope to give each of the servants a bit more space, but also to raise the number of servants that we can handle here at the villa.”

Ischarus chuckled. “Iasho is concerned that we’re going to be defeating dragons with every trip into Quehalost. He wants to be able to handle more people freed from the oppression. After all, Ausaphaborishan, Llywessiar, or any of the Virtuous Dragons cannot be expected to always have room.”

Iasho spoke with much more seriousness than Ischarus. “We must all be ready to do our part.”

Brandt nodded, honoring Iasho’s sentiment. Master Searthu turned back to Iasho. “Do you think the efforts of your villa will be so productive?”

Semeion thought about all of the trouble that they almost got into over the attempt to bring Charis’ clan through the mountains. “While it would be nice, I can’t imagine being able to accomplish that feat every time.”

Iasho wouldn’t hear of it. “But we must be prepared. The villa can function with more training facilities and living space. And if we are already in the rebuilding process, we might as well plan ahead. After all, if we only rebuild what we had, we’ll have no room for growth. If we rebuild bigger, then we at least give ourselves the opportunity to be more successful.”

Brandt was amused. “I certainly can’t fault you for your optimism, sir. And I also cannot fault you on your ability to provide a feast. This food is simply excellent!”

Iasho smiled at the compliment. “Ischarus makes an excellent spiced chicken. And many of my servants here on the villa have become quite skilled at cooking for crowds. It is quite simple to cook a delicious feast when you have so many skilled people around you. It is a gift, really. It is a gift each of our stomachs has come to appreciate!”

Brandt grinned as he stuck his fork through a chunk of potato. It was clear that he had every intention of enjoying it. Everyone at the table watched the joy on his face as he enjoyed the potato.

Rhema waited for Brandt to take the time to chew and she decided to change the topic. She addressed the follower of Reah that she thought would mind being interrupted the least. “Master Searthu, what is the news of Ophee?”

Master Searthu replied with an upbeat tone. “She has stayed at the temple for training and a bit more deprogramming. We think that her mind is free from the wizard’s influence, but she is not so convinced. She wants to be sure. And, she has taken to Reah. In fact, she has taken to both Reah and Bemme. We’ll be glad to keep her so long as she desires. If she wants, she’ll soon be ready to be accepted into the ranks of the acolytes. She’ll be older than most, but that will only mean that she’ll progress through the ranks more quickly on account of her maturity.”

Semeion accepted the response and decided to change the conversation even more. Brandt appeared to still be enjoying his food, so Semeion continued to question Master Searthu. “Master Searthu, have you heard anything from the king’s guard about the status of the fleeing Yrraxeans?”

Master Searthu shook his head. “Soon enough, Semeion. Have patience, and we’ll get you that information.” His eyes shifted around the area, indicating that he was unwilling to speak about such sensitive matters while so many people were around.

Semeion nodded, accepting the delay. Charis pushed the issue a bit more. “Well, then. Can we assume that the fact that both of you have come has something to do with it? After all,” she continued with a hint of playfulness in her voice, “we are often blessed with Brandt’s presence at the villa but not so often blessed with yours.”

Master Searthu joined Brandt at smiling in response to the comment. “Charis, you’ll get the answer to that question after you get the answer to Semeion’s question. For now, let me simply assert that the two are related, but not necessarily completely related.” Master Searthu finished his comment with a wink in Charis’ direction.

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Ischarus and Rhema returned promptly and with Iasho’s help they prepared the chicken. Ischarus removed the sand from above the roasting pit and smiled when the earth grew warmer as he dug. “The ground is warm. The oven is more than ready for the bounty that we’ve purchased.” In a minute Ischarus had the warm oven unearthed, removed from the ground, and brushed free of sand.

Six hours later, after smoking underground on a low heat, the chicken had been roasted and it was pulled out of the ground. The sun had already set and the evening chill was beginning to set in. Some of the workers of the field had husked corn and prepared an old fashioned corn boil with peppers, onions, and potatoes as well. The feast was ready, and Iasho stood before the food in order to give a proper speech welcoming his daughter and the rest of the party home. “Family.”

He only got the one word out before he was interrupted. There was a gasp in the crowd as two figures appeared near Iasho’s location. Ischarus immediately drew his sword and jumped between Iasho and the figures. Fortunately, Ischarus had never bothered to remove his sword from his afternoon excursion into Huetown.

The taller of the figures began to laugh as he pulled back his hood. “Ischarus, there is no need for violence. Put down your blade.” The voice was Brandt’s, and the man next to him began to chuckle with Brandt.

Ischarus stowed his blade with a smile once he heard the familiar voice. “There are ways to crash a party that don’t provoke armed responses, you know. A more traditional approach, like walking up the path to the house, might be a bit less intense.” There was amusement in Ischarus’ voice demonstrating that he was not particularly upset.

The man beside Brandt spoke as he too lowered his hood. “You were right, Brandt. Teleporting with our hoods up to conceal our identity was more fun.” The voice was Master Searthu’s, and he was clearly enjoying the joke. “Good thing Ischarus didn’t run you through, though.”

Ischarus nodded to Master Searthu. “Good thing we have a policy against killing.” He smiled brightly and the humorous tone in his voice was easy to notice. “I wouldn’t recommend doing what you did to the Wizard’s College, though.”

Brandt motioned for Master Searthu to have a seat as he spoke. “No, indeed not.” He turned to Iasho and bowed slightly. “I believe, sir, that you were about to begin a discourse. Forgive us for interrupting. There apparently is a bit of a time lag in Master Searthu’s spying devices.” He winked to Master Searthu as he sat beside him.

Iasho cleared his throat again and began to speak. “Family, and honored friends.” He nodded and bowed slightly to Brandt and Master Searthu. “I was about to say that the last time we gathered together like this for a feast of this magnitude we were gathered among ruins. We were a mourning people, set on rebuilding. I know now that this statement would have been in error, but thanks to the appearance of Masters Brandt and Searthu it is now true. We are now more complete than we were then. Master Searthu has joined us in addition to Master Brandt, and all of my family of servants have come back to gather under the protective nature of this villa. We are indeed more complete now than before.”

He paused a moment to look as many of his servants in the eye as possible. For the time being, he avoided looking at the followers of Reah or the foursome. “Look at what our community has done. Together we have rebuilt what was stolen from us. Together we have replanted and the earth has given its bounty in honor of our care of the ground. Our community has protected the Confederacy of Tongra from invaders. Our community has grown in spiritual matters as well. Look at how far we have come as a community, and know that we could not have come this far alone. Feast on this bounty, and learn what community means. We support each other, always.”

Several of his servants began to clap in response. They were quickly joined by Brandt and Master Searthu. Rhema stood to reflect the speech back on her father as their leader, but Iasho knew her intentions and motioned for her to sit back down. This was not his night; it was the entire villa’s night for glory.

Iasho stepped to the roasting oven and uncovered it. He stepped behind the large pot that had been used for the corn boil and lifted a ladle. His intent was clear to everyone. He intended to serve them. “Come and eat. Take some chicken and I will give you a portion of potatoes, onion, peppers, and corn.”

Several of the servants rose, but the party motioned for Brandt and Master Searthu to go first. Once the followers of Reah had gone first, the party allowed the servants to go before them. It was a gesture of honor that didn’t go unnoticed.

Over dinner, most of the servants talked among themselves at various tables and seated throughout the villa’s lawn. Masters Brandt and Searthu were joined by the party, who were eager to hear what the followers of Reah had found out about the fleeing Yrraxeans. For the time being, however, the followers or Reah controled the flow of the discussion and they were being tight lipped about that particular piece of information.

Master Brandt spoke to Rhema while Iasho picked out his own chicken and joined them. “The villa looks great, and construction should easily finish before the winter by the look of it.”

Rhema nodded and didn’t respond because she was too busy chewing a chunk of her own chicken. Iasho handled the question as he sat down. “It should be finished by then. We’ve decided to rebuild the central house as it stood, but we’re hoping to take proper time and increase the servant housing. We hope to give each of the servants a bit more space, but also to raise the number of servants that we can handle here at the villa.”

Ischarus chuckled. “Iasho is concerned that we’re going to be defeating dragons with every trip into Quehalost. He wants to be able to handle more people freed from the oppression. After all, Ausaphaborishan, Llywessiar, or any of the Virtuous Dragons cannot be expected to always have room.”

Iasho spoke with much more seriousness than Ischarus. “We must all be ready to do our part.”

Brandt nodded, honoring Iasho’s sentiment. Master Searthu turned back to Iasho. “Do you think the efforts of your villa will be so productive?”

Semeion thought about all of the trouble that they almost got into over the attempt to bring Charis’ clan through the mountains. “While it would be nice, I can’t imagine being able to accomplish that feat every time.”

Iasho wouldn’t hear of it. “But we must be prepared. The villa can function with more training facilities and living space. And if we are already in the rebuilding process, we might as well plan ahead. After all, if we only rebuild what we had, we’ll have no room for growth. If we rebuild bigger, then we at least give ourselves the opportunity to be more successful.”

Brandt was amused. “I certainly can’t fault you for your optimism, sir. And I also cannot fault you on your ability to provide a feast. This food is simply excellent!”

Iasho smiled at the compliment. “Ischarus makes an excellent spiced chicken. And many of my servants here on the villa have become quite skilled at cooking for crowds. It is quite simple to cook a delicious feast when you have so many skilled people around you. It is a gift, really. It is a gift each of our stomachs has come to appreciate!”

Brandt grinned as he stuck his fork through a chunk of potato. It was clear that he had every intention of enjoying it. Everyone at the table watched the joy on his face as he enjoyed the potato.

Rhema waited for Brandt to take the time to chew and she decided to change the topic. She addressed the follower of Reah that she thought would mind being interrupted the least. “Master Searthu, what is the news of Ophee?”

Master Searthu replied with an upbeat tone. “She has stayed at the temple for training and a bit more deprogramming. We think that her mind is free from the wizard’s influence, but she is not so convinced. She wants to be sure. And, she has taken to Reah. In fact, she has taken to both Reah and Bemme. We’ll be glad to keep her so long as she desires. If she wants, she’ll soon be ready to be accepted into the ranks of the acolytes. She’ll be older than most, but that will only mean that she’ll progress through the ranks more quickly on account of her maturity.”

Semeion accepted the response and decided to change the conversation even more. Brandt appeared to still be enjoying his food, so Semeion continued to question Master Searthu. “Master Searthu, have you heard anything from the king’s guard about the status of the fleeing Yrraxeans?”

Master Searthu shook his head. “Soon enough, Semeion. Have patience, and we’ll get you that information.” His eyes shifted around the area, indicating that he was unwilling to speak about such sensitive matters while so many people were around.

Semeion nodded, accepting the delay. Charis pushed the issue a bit more. “Well, then. Can we assume that the fact that both of you have come has something to do with it? After all,” she continued with a hint of playfulness in her voice, “we are often blessed with Brandt’s presence at the villa but not so often blessed with yours.”

Master Searthu joined Brandt at smiling in response to the comment. “Charis, you’ll get the answer to that question after you get the answer to Semeion’s question. For now, let me simply assert that the two are related, but not necessarily completely related.” Master Searthu finished his comment with a wink in Charis’ direction.
[/Sblock]

 

[Nonlethal Force]

The conversation continued for some time, and eventually a fire was built to keep away much of the evening chill. Brandt and Master Searthu showed considerable patience as the evening passed on. They were waiting for a proper time to address the party regarding the news of the Yrraxeans. A few hours after the meal, many of the servants excused themselves and headed to their quarters to rest. They were grateful for the relaxing day and evening, but they also knew that their day of rest would need to be made up for the next day. Many offered words of appreciation to Iasho before leaving the festivities and turning in for the night.

When most of the people had departed, Brandt leaned back in his chair and cleared his throat. “Now, I believe that there was the question of the Yrraxeans?” He smiled, knowing that he was finally giving the party what they wanted.

Each of the party members smiled and leaned forward, showing obvious interest in the change of direction for the conversation. Brandt continued explaining the situation. “We were able to find several of the Yrraxean ships out on the open water. By the time we were able to locate them through a magical means, however, they had already sailed beyond the coastal waters of Tongra.”

Ischarus frowned. “South, no doubt?”

Brandt nodded. “Of course. Even sailing to Fenneress they would choose to head south first.”

Charis turned to Semeion and whispered to him. She didn’t want to interrupt the flow of the conversation. “Why is south the obvious direction of sailing? Aren’t the winds predominantly from the west?”

Semeion nodded, but it was Master Searthu who answered the question with a smile. “Heading west would give them the fastest escape from Tongra, of course. The winds would carry them away quite fast. However, sailing west from Tongra leads them directly into the coastal waters of Barghost. If they thought Tongra gave them a poor welcome then they’d be surely disappointed by the official reaction in Barghost. The worship of Yrraxea would bring a fierce and swift reaction. They wouldn’t want to risk being caught in the territory of Barghost. And they would know that Barghost would willingly respond to a summons for help by King Rupert.”

Charis nodded. “And, heading south takes them around Quehalost. There aren’t any ports along the mountainous shoreline, but there won’t likely be pursuit coming ahead of them, either.”

Brandt nodded. “Well, not unless we can work something out with the nation of Fenneress, anyway. But they’ll be safe for a while and they’ll know that.”

Ischarus turned back to Brandt. “The king’s ships cannot catch them?”

Brandt shook his head. “It is unlikely. If we would have been able to locate them quickly they might have had a chance. But it took too long. Once we were able to find them we noticed that they had paid well for their passage. The ships that they bought passage upon were fast. The only hope we would have is if a storm would come and force them to anchor. And any storm coming along would hamper our efforts as well.”

Rhema agreed with Brandt’s sentiment. “Yeah. The only other thing that we could hope for is a dead calm. But again, that would be just as bad for the pursuit as for the Yrraxeans.”

Master Searthu nodded and continued the discussion. “Exactly. There was no simple way to catch them. Plus, when you consider that a few of them on board must wield some pretty strong magic it might not even be safe to send the king’s men after them. Who knows what power Yrraxea may give to them to enable them to escape?”

Semeion question the logic regarding magical offense. “You’re not trying to tell me that the king doesn’t have the kind of resources to counter any magic that could come out of Quehalost, surely? I mean, we’ve been able to best the Yrraxeans, even Ankh Bahl.”

Brandt agreed with the premise, but had problems with the implication of Semeion’s conclusion. “Well, I think it would have been a different story had the Yrraxeans tried to flee by way of the land. But magic over the water becomes completely more unreliable. The boat is capable of being attacked and horrible creatures can be summoned from the depths of the sea. But what is truly worse is that is that the defense of the boat would have to be the primary focus of the king’s magicians. For if in the midst of an offensive flurry they let go of their defense, then they are suddenly sunk without the hope of friendly land to which they can try and make it. Sure, the magicians could save themselves, but in a battle over water they have to be concerned with the crew as well. Magical battles over the water are quite deadly. On land, the removal of the possibility of sinking really does simplify things quite a bit.”

Semeion nodded, accepting the answer. He didn’t really agree with it, but he also had very little experience on the water. “So, at this point we are just handing things over to the government of Fenneress?”

Brandt shrugged and nodded. “What else can we do? We can’t catch them, and when they do make land they’ll be in a different country. The people of Fenneress are like the people of Tongra. There’ll not be many there that give them quarter. But, they must have some means arranged because they left here with intent to make it to Fenneress and go into Quehalost from there.”

Rhema looked puzzled. “The one thing about all of this that I don’t quite get is why they simply didn’t teleport to Quehalost directly. I mean, if many of the powerful agents of Yrraxea were from Quehalost to begin with, they shouldn’t have too much difficulty returning, right?”

Master Searthu responded. “Certainly. The magic should have been reliable. The only real question is whether or not the leaders would be powerful enough to move all of the people that needed to be moved. This plan has been in the works for a long time, apparently. They may have made a number of converts. If this is true, the leaders might have teleported and the followers may be on the boats.”

Semeion returned to the question of magic. “If that’s the case, then the ships might not be hard to capture with magical means.”

Brandt replied to Semeion’s assertion. “True. But we don’t know that is the case. If they have access to teleportation the leaders might not be on the boats. But for all we know Pahk and the wizard in Eberdeen may have been their only access to teleportation magic. With them removed, their ability to teleport might have been crippled. After all, you did have to board the ship that the Yrraxeans sent to influence Fingerdale had used. They didn’t use teleportation magic to get here, apparently. We just don’t know.”

Master Searthu continued Brandt’s point for him. “In either case, the simple solution is to just be patient and hand the matter over to the authorities of Fenneress. They can bring the ships into custody as they approach the land. It is the solution that puts the fewest people at risk and has the highest chance of success. That is why the king opted to allow the problem to transfer under the authority of the Alliance of Fenneress. We’ll offer to assist, of course.”

Charis looked into the fire. “So that’s it, then? We just sit back and watch evil sail into the sunset? We have to be pleased with what we’ve accomplished but forced to accept that they got away?”

Brandt nodded. “Not quite. Even if we’d have managed to catch them off guard and trap them here in Tongra, the evil of Yrraxea would still exist in Quehalost. Ankh Bahl would still be looking for a way to return and avenge her banishment. The only real and true victory is to eradicate Yrraxea’s influence on the world.”

Ischarus and Brandt shared a hearty laugh. Ischarus drew Brandt’s assertion to the illogical conclusion that Brandt’s words led them to understand. “Yeah. Eradicate the influence of avarice on the world? There is nothing like trying to separate the people in this land from their greed and desire for personal gain.”

Master Searthu shrugged and joined the answer in his own words. “That’s pretty much it. So long as avarice is a goal of some, Yrraxea will always have a foothold in the land – even the civilized lands of Tongra and Fenneress. Granted, her foothold will always be strongest in Quehalost where there are no laws or ethical standards which govern her influence.”

Charis frowned. “Well, if that isn’t enough to deflate the celebratory end of a hard struggle, then I don’t know what is. We’ve won, but only temporarily. The land is safe, for now.”

Rhema leaned over and put her hand on the back of Charis’ hand. “That’s all it ever is, isn’t it? We do what we can, but we’re only mortal. We can’t change the fundamental shape of the world and the powers at work in it. We can only choose which side with which we want to fight and how hard we want to fight with that particular side. We can affect the here and now. If we’re lucky, we can make an impression that lasts into the future. But the likelihood of causing Yrraxea to lose complete influence over the land is unlikely. People will continue to seek after their own personal gain – many of them at the expense of others. For now, we work with what we can and do what we can. We influence what we can, and be thankful for the changes and safety that we can provide.”

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
The conversation continued for some time, and eventually a fire was built to keep away much of the evening chill. Brandt and Master Searthu showed considerable patience as the evening passed on. They were waiting for a proper time to address the party regarding the news of the Yrraxeans. A few hours after the meal, many of the servants excused themselves and headed to their quarters to rest. They were grateful for the relaxing day and evening, but they also knew that their day of rest would need to be made up for the next day. Many offered words of appreciation to Iasho before leaving the festivities and turning in for the night.

When most of the people had departed, Brandt leaned back in his chair and cleared his throat. “Now, I believe that there was the question of the Yrraxeans?” He smiled, knowing that he was finally giving the party what they wanted.

Each of the party members smiled and leaned forward, showing obvious interest in the change of direction for the conversation. Brandt continued explaining the situation. “We were able to find several of the Yrraxean ships out on the open water. By the time we were able to locate them through a magical means, however, they had already sailed beyond the coastal waters of Tongra.”

Ischarus frowned. “South, no doubt?”

Brandt nodded. “Of course. Even sailing to Fenneress they would choose to head south first.”

Charis turned to Semeion and whispered to him. She didn’t want to interrupt the flow of the conversation. “Why is south the obvious direction of sailing? Aren’t the winds predominantly from the west?”

Semeion nodded, but it was Master Searthu who answered the question with a smile. “Heading west would give them the fastest escape from Tongra, of course. The winds would carry them away quite fast. However, sailing west from Tongra leads them directly into the coastal waters of Barghost. If they thought Tongra gave them a poor welcome then they’d be surely disappointed by the official reaction in Barghost. The worship of Yrraxea would bring a fierce and swift reaction. They wouldn’t want to risk being caught in the territory of Barghost. And they would know that Barghost would willingly respond to a summons for help by King Rupert.”

Charis nodded. “And, heading south takes them around Quehalost. There aren’t any ports along the mountainous shoreline, but there won’t likely be pursuit coming ahead of them, either.”

Brandt nodded. “Well, not unless we can work something out with the nation of Fenneress, anyway. But they’ll be safe for a while and they’ll know that.”

Ischarus turned back to Brandt. “The king’s ships cannot catch them?”

Brandt shook his head. “It is unlikely. If we would have been able to locate them quickly they might have had a chance. But it took too long. Once we were able to find them we noticed that they had paid well for their passage. The ships that they bought passage upon were fast. The only hope we would have is if a storm would come and force them to anchor. And any storm coming along would hamper our efforts as well.”

Rhema agreed with Brandt’s sentiment. “Yeah. The only other thing that we could hope for is a dead calm. But again, that would be just as bad for the pursuit as for the Yrraxeans.”

Master Searthu nodded and continued the discussion. “Exactly. There was no simple way to catch them. Plus, when you consider that a few of them on board must wield some pretty strong magic it might not even be safe to send the king’s men after them. Who knows what power Yrraxea may give to them to enable them to escape?”

Semeion question the logic regarding magical offense. “You’re not trying to tell me that the king doesn’t have the kind of resources to counter any magic that could come out of Quehalost, surely? I mean, we’ve been able to best the Yrraxeans, even Ankh Bahl.”

Brandt agreed with the premise, but had problems with the implication of Semeion’s conclusion. “Well, I think it would have been a different story had the Yrraxeans tried to flee by way of the land. But magic over the water becomes completely more unreliable. The boat is capable of being attacked and horrible creatures can be summoned from the depths of the sea. But what is truly worse is that is that the defense of the boat would have to be the primary focus of the king’s magicians. For if in the midst of an offensive flurry they let go of their defense, then they are suddenly sunk without the hope of friendly land to which they can try and make it. Sure, the magicians could save themselves, but in a battle over water they have to be concerned with the crew as well. Magical battles over the water are quite deadly. On land, the removal of the possibility of sinking really does simplify things quite a bit.”

Semeion nodded, accepting the answer. He didn’t really agree with it, but he also had very little experience on the water. “So, at this point we are just handing things over to the government of Fenneress?”

Brandt shrugged and nodded. “What else can we do? We can’t catch them, and when they do make land they’ll be in a different country. The people of Fenneress are like the people of Tongra. There’ll not be many there that give them quarter. But, they must have some means arranged because they left here with intent to make it to Fenneress and go into Quehalost from there.”

Rhema looked puzzled. “The one thing about all of this that I don’t quite get is why they simply didn’t teleport to Quehalost directly. I mean, if many of the powerful agents of Yrraxea were from Quehalost to begin with, they shouldn’t have too much difficulty returning, right?”

Master Searthu responded. “Certainly. The magic should have been reliable. The only real question is whether or not the leaders would be powerful enough to move all of the people that needed to be moved. This plan has been in the works for a long time, apparently. They may have made a number of converts. If this is true, the leaders might have teleported and the followers may be on the boats.”

Semeion returned to the question of magic. “If that’s the case, then the ships might not be hard to capture with magical means.”

Brandt replied to Semeion’s assertion. “True. But we don’t know that is the case. If they have access to teleportation the leaders might not be on the boats. But for all we know Pahk and the wizard in Eberdeen may have been their only access to teleportation magic. With them removed, their ability to teleport might have been crippled. After all, you did have to board the ship that the Yrraxeans sent to influence Fingerdale had used. They didn’t use teleportation magic to get here, apparently. We just don’t know.”

Master Searthu continued Brandt’s point for him. “In either case, the simple solution is to just be patient and hand the matter over to the authorities of Fenneress. They can bring the ships into custody as they approach the land. It is the solution that puts the fewest people at risk and has the highest chance of success. That is why the king opted to allow the problem to transfer under the authority of the Alliance of Fenneress. We’ll offer to assist, of course.”

Charis looked into the fire. “So that’s it, then? We just sit back and watch evil sail into the sunset? We have to be pleased with what we’ve accomplished but forced to accept that they got away?”

Brandt nodded. “Not quite. Even if we’d have managed to catch them off guard and trap them here in Tongra, the evil of Yrraxea would still exist in Quehalost. Ankh Bahl would still be looking for a way to return and avenge her banishment. The only real and true victory is to eradicate Yrraxea’s influence on the world.”

Ischarus and Brandt shared a hearty laugh. Ischarus drew Brandt’s assertion to the illogical conclusion that Brandt’s words led them to understand. “Yeah. Eradicate the influence of avarice on the world? There is nothing like trying to separate the people in this land from their greed and desire for personal gain.”

Master Searthu shrugged and joined the answer in his own words. “That’s pretty much it. So long as avarice is a goal of some, Yrraxea will always have a foothold in the land – even the civilized lands of Tongra and Fenneress. Granted, her foothold will always be strongest in Quehalost where there are no laws or ethical standards which govern her influence.”

Charis frowned. “Well, if that isn’t enough to deflate the celebratory end of a hard struggle, then I don’t know what is. We’ve won, but only temporarily. The land is safe, for now.”

Rhema leaned over and put her hand on the back of Charis’ hand. “That’s all it ever is, isn’t it? We do what we can, but we’re only mortal. We can’t change the fundamental shape of the world and the powers at work in it. We can only choose which side with which we want to fight and how hard we want to fight with that particular side. We can affect the here and now. If we’re lucky, we can make an impression that lasts into the future. But the likelihood of causing Yrraxea to lose complete influence over the land is unlikely. People will continue to seek after their own personal gain – many of them at the expense of others. For now, we work with what we can and do what we can. We influence what we can, and be thankful for the changes and safety that we can provide.”
[/Sblock]

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Master Searthu leaned forward and lowered his voice. “I’m glad you feel that way, Rhema. Now that you have the answer to your first question, I think that it is time to give you an answer to the other big question of the night.” He smiled and leaned back.

The party exchanged puzzled looks. By this time in the night, they had forgotten about Charis’ question relating to the presence of Master Searthu. When they glanced back to Master Searthu, they only received a face that was seemingly enjoying the confusion of his cryptic comment.

Master Searthu continued. “Have I become so commonplace over the course of this evening that you are no longer curious as to why both Brandt and I were required to attend to pass along the rather mundane information regarding the Yrraxeans?”

Each of the party members grinned and sat back in their chairs. Semeion began to chuckle. “Oh. I remember now. Charis asked why you were here and if your presence was related to the Yrraxean threat.”

Master Searthu couldn’t help but yawn. It had been a long day of taxing magic, and the cool night by the warm fire was beginning to make him tired. “Exactly. And if you remember, I offered up the answer that my presence did have something to do with the Yrraxeans, but it was not completely tied to them.”

The party and Iasho agreed with Master Searthu’s recollection. Brandt continued the conversation. “We have a proposition for you, but before we give it to you we must ask for permission. The permission is going to sound rather strange, but this is where you’ll need to trust us. If you five do not think that you can trust us, then you need to be honest right now and we’ll return to Fingerdale.”

Iasho and Rhema exchanged confused glances while Semeion answered Brandt’s challenge. “Trust? How can we answer that question until we know what you are asking?”

Charis joined her husband in his words. “Seriously. I mean, you both have never failed us before. But at the same time we cannot make any agreements until we know what we are getting ourselves into. If nothing else, I think that was a lesson that we were supposed to have learned from our trouble with the wizard in Eberdeen. I think you told us yourself that we shouldn’t make an agreement until we understand the ramifications of the agreement. So spill the beans, and then we’ll tell you what we think.”

Brandt chuckled at Charis’ assertive nature. “Well, it’s never good to hear your words turned around on you, but I suppose it does demonstrate that you have learned from your situation. So I’ll tell you half of it. And if you all can meet me halfway then we’ll talk.”

Each of the party shrugged and nodded, acknowledging that they were ready to listen. Brandt paused for a moment before continuing. “I’ll need permission from each of you ahead of time before we go further. What we need permission to do is to erase this conversation from your minds should you not find it agreeable. And, that is where the trust comes into play. We have an interesting conversation ahead of us, but it is a conversation of the utmost secrecy. Should you be agreeable, there will be nothing done to any of you. Should you decline upon hearing what we have to say, then we will erase the knowledge of the conversation from your mind. Only that information will be erased. You’ll have to trust us on that regard.”

A tone of seriousness had fallen across the party, Iasho, and the two followers of Reah. Suddenly, Brandt and Master Searthu were talking about the realm of mind control. The fire crackled in silence for nearly a minute as each person was lost in their own thoughts.

It was Rhema who spoke first. “I know mind control, and I understand its effectiveness. But, I also know that I can trust myself. What can we do to guarantee that trust is held on both sides?”

Master Searthu inhaled deeply before answering. “Since you understand mind control, what if I allowed you to remain alert while the rest of the minds were blanked. Once they were safely through the process and you are satisfied, then I’ll work the process on you with your friends to oversee it. Is that acceptable?”

Brandt smiled and leaned forward. “Remember, we are agents of Reah and agents of justice. We will keep our word. And the memory blanking would only be necessary if you five are not approving of what we have to offer. Our offer is tempting enough that we hope you are agreeable, but we must have your word that if you are not agreeable then we can remove any knowledge that you will gain through our offer.”

Semeion looked deeply in Brandt’s eyes. Brandt had become a mentor to him in matters arcane. Up until this very moment, Semeion had never doubted the follower of Reah. Now he found a slight doubt creeping into his mind.

Rhema chased the doubt away from Semeion’s mind. “I’m agreeable to that. I’m willing to listen and be the party’s advocate if we are not in agreement. Once they are through the procedure, then I’ll willingly submit myself.”

Rhema’s confidence was enough to stimulate the rest of the group out of their contemplation. One by one, they each agreed to Brandt’s proposal. So long as they wouldn’t undergo the procedure alone, it seemed worth the risk.

Master Searthu leaned back once the party and Iasho had agreed to the proposal. “Master Brandt was not entirely forthcoming earlier.”

Semeion grinned, fighting off the desire to worry. “This is not beginning well for a pair of people who just asked to be trusted.”

Brandt held out a hand and smiled. “Patience, Semeion. Master Searthu will explain what he means.”

Master Searthu continued his speech. “Yes. You see, Master Brandt and I are followers of Reah first and foremost. But we are also members of an organization called the Eiss Nukti.”

Iasho spoke in shock. “But, that organization is a fairy tale told by the oppressed to bring hope to their situation!”

Brandt grinned. “Yes, and there are no doubt people in Quehalost who thought that you all were a simple fairy tale as well. But, you proved them to be wrong by freeing a whole tribe of oppressed people. We are legendary. We are absolutely impossible to discover. But we are more real than fairy tales.”

Master Searthu continued, amused by Brandt’s descriptions of the organization. “We exist only within other organizations. We are a secret police, unknown even to the authorities of the land. We have agents in all of the civilized lands. As you no doubt have guessed, we are both personally assigned to watch over the area of Fingerdale and report any interesting findings to the Eiss Nukti commanders.”

Charis raised her left eyebrow as a question formed in her mind. “So your place in the Temple of Reah is only a disguise?”

Rhema was struck by the question. She looked at Master Searthu, suddenly much more interested in his answer. “Yeah. Your position is a cover?”

Brandt spoke harshly. “No. Our faith is most certainly real, and it would never be compromised by the Eiss Nukti. In truth, Master Searthu was the one who invited me to join with him in service to the Eiss Nukti. I was a member of the Temple of Reah far before I joined the Eiss Nukti. The Eiss Nukti is merely an additional tool that I have at my disposal for the fighting of evil. And believe me when I tell you that it is not the other way around. I serve Reah first, and the Eiss Nukti helps me to that very end.”

Master Searthu was pleased with Brandt’s answer and he continued the explanation. “The Eiss Nukti are primarily known for providing aide spontaneously and without being asked. Help is often only received when an Eiss Nukti member perceives a need and acts upon it out of a feeling of charity or compulsion to fight against evil. Many in the order are highly religious and worship any of the charitable gods, although being religious is certainly not a prerequisite. What is a prerequisite is the desire to fight against evil.”

Master Searthu could tell that he had caught the party’s attention and that Rhema had been satisfied with Brandt’s earlier answer. “Of course, because you are being told about the Eiss Nukti implies that you are being invited to join. We have a need that you all are capable of fulfilling. Actually, if I can be honest I should add that you all brought your ability to meet our need yourself. Some of our members have expressed interest in entering Quehalost and taking the fight against evil to them. Many have tried, and a few have succeeded. But we are always looking to add loyal soldiers to our ranks.”

Ischarus frowned. “We already go into Quehalost. What do you offer beyond that?”

Master Searthu nodded, deferring to Brandt. Brandt smiled politely and spoke. “Besides our support? You have already benefited from the support of the Eiss Nukti. Normally, the Temple of Reah would not be so interested in helping a group of adventurers jump across the land. Most of the assistance that you received was because we were impressed by your quests and wished to hone your skills as agents of charity and justice. I promise that our assistance was given freely, but that is what the Eiss Nukti is all about. We do not ask much of our members other than they fight evil and oppression – as well as be willing to lean on each other for support. These are things that you all do very well already.”

Ischarus smiled and squeezed the hand of his wife. “Yes, we do. Thanks for the compliment, for what it’s worth. But if you all exist within another organization, how would we fit in? What would be our role?”

Brandt smiled. “In my dealings with King Rupert, I have become aware of the fact that he was impressed by your efforts the other day. There is an organization called the Contra Vili, which is a sub-group of the king’s army. They are special agents within the army. They are paid to patrol the Quehalost-Tongra border. At my suggestion, King Rupert has shown interest in adding your skills to his ranks. You would be free to make any excursions that you desire. The king’s arsenal would be at your disposal within reason, of course. And, the king is willing to pay you through very official channels. If nothing else, I do believe that the pay would help defray the costs of operating in Lord Ironblood’s region?”

Iasho nodded. “The money would be helpful, as would being tied to King Rupert through very official channels. But I won’t tell my daughter and her associates where to place her allegiance.”

Semeion asked a very important question. “And, we will be at the king’s disposal as he beckons?”

Brandt nodded. “Agents of the Contra Vili are under no specific orders except to patrol the border and make excursions into Quehalost as needed. The only time that those orders are lifted is in the time of invasion. With Barghost to our east, invasion is likely to only come from one direction. That direction will be Quehalost, and you’ll already be in service through that area. It is unlikely that you’ll be called anywhere else at any time during your service. Very little will change for you and your missions, you will be better compensated for your efforts, and in exchange you will provide a service to the Eiss Nukti as experienced agents into a land that is notoriously rough.”

The party and the followers of Reah exchanged several more rounds of questions before Ischarus leaned forward and looked his wife, Charis, and Semeion each in the eye. “Well, these gentlemen have come for an answer. I suppose it is time we should give them one.”

Semeion turned to Charis and then looked back to Ischarus. “Well, it does sound like an interesting proposition.” He leaned back in his chair and smiled.

THE END​

[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]
Master Searthu leaned forward and lowered his voice. “I’m glad you feel that way, Rhema. Now that you have the answer to your first question, I think that it is time to give you an answer to the other big question of the night.” He smiled and leaned back.

The party exchanged puzzled looks. By this time in the night, they had forgotten about Charis’ question relating to the presence of Master Searthu. When they glanced back to Master Searthu, they only received a face that was seemingly enjoying the confusion of his cryptic comment.

Master Searthu continued. “Have I become so commonplace over the course of this evening that you are no longer curious as to why both Brandt and I were required to attend to pass along the rather mundane information regarding the Yrraxeans?”

Each of the party members grinned and sat back in their chairs. Semeion began to chuckle. “Oh. I remember now. Charis asked why you were here and if your presence was related to the Yrraxean threat.”

Master Searthu couldn’t help but yawn. It had been a long day of taxing magic, and the cool night by the warm fire was beginning to make him tired. “Exactly. And if you remember, I offered up the answer that my presence did have something to do with the Yrraxeans, but it was not completely tied to them.”

The party and Iasho agreed with Master Searthu’s recollection. Brandt continued the conversation. “We have a proposition for you, but before we give it to you we must ask for permission. The permission is going to sound rather strange, but this is where you’ll need to trust us. If you five do not think that you can trust us, then you need to be honest right now and we’ll return to Fingerdale.”

Iasho and Rhema exchanged confused glances while Semeion answered Brandt’s challenge. “Trust? How can we answer that question until we know what you are asking?”

Charis joined her husband in his words. “Seriously. I mean, you both have never failed us before. But at the same time we cannot make any agreements until we know what we are getting ourselves into. If nothing else, I think that was a lesson that we were supposed to have learned from our trouble with the wizard in Eberdeen. I think you told us yourself that we shouldn’t make an agreement until we understand the ramifications of the agreement. So spill the beans, and then we’ll tell you what we think.”

Brandt chuckled at Charis’ assertive nature. “Well, it’s never good to hear your words turned around on you, but I suppose it does demonstrate that you have learned from your situation. So I’ll tell you half of it. And if you all can meet me halfway then we’ll talk.”

Each of the party shrugged and nodded, acknowledging that they were ready to listen. Brandt paused for a moment before continuing. “I’ll need permission from each of you ahead of time before we go further. What we need permission to do is to erase this conversation from your minds should you not find it agreeable. And, that is where the trust comes into play. We have an interesting conversation ahead of us, but it is a conversation of the utmost secrecy. Should you be agreeable, there will be nothing done to any of you. Should you decline upon hearing what we have to say, then we will erase the knowledge of the conversation from your mind. Only that information will be erased. You’ll have to trust us on that regard.”

A tone of seriousness had fallen across the party, Iasho, and the two followers of Reah. Suddenly, Brandt and Master Searthu were talking about the realm of mind control. The fire crackled in silence for nearly a minute as each person was lost in their own thoughts.

It was Rhema who spoke first. “I know mind control, and I understand its effectiveness. But, I also know that I can trust myself. What can we do to guarantee that trust is held on both sides?”

Master Searthu inhaled deeply before answering. “Since you understand mind control, what if I allowed you to remain alert while the rest of the minds were blanked. Once they were safely through the process and you are satisfied, then I’ll work the process on you with your friends to oversee it. Is that acceptable?”

Brandt smiled and leaned forward. “Remember, we are agents of Reah and agents of justice. We will keep our word. And the memory blanking would only be necessary if you five are not approving of what we have to offer. Our offer is tempting enough that we hope you are agreeable, but we must have your word that if you are not agreeable then we can remove any knowledge that you will gain through our offer.”

Semeion looked deeply in Brandt’s eyes. Brandt had become a mentor to him in matters arcane. Up until this very moment, Semeion had never doubted the follower of Reah. Now he found a slight doubt creeping into his mind.

Rhema chased the doubt away from Semeion’s mind. “I’m agreeable to that. I’m willing to listen and be the party’s advocate if we are not in agreement. Once they are through the procedure, then I’ll willingly submit myself.”

Rhema’s confidence was enough to stimulate the rest of the group out of their contemplation. One by one, they each agreed to Brandt’s proposal. So long as they wouldn’t undergo the procedure alone, it seemed worth the risk.

Master Searthu leaned back once the party and Iasho had agreed to the proposal. “Master Brandt was not entirely forthcoming earlier.”

Semeion grinned, fighting off the desire to worry. “This is not beginning well for a pair of people who just asked to be trusted.”

Brandt held out a hand and smiled. “Patience, Semeion. Master Searthu will explain what he means.”

Master Searthu continued his speech. “Yes. You see, Master Brandt and I are followers of Reah first and foremost. But we are also members of an organization called the Eiss Nukti.”

Iasho spoke in shock. “But, that organization is a fairy tale told by the oppressed to bring hope to their situation!”

Brandt grinned. “Yes, and there are no doubt people in Quehalost who thought that you all were a simple fairy tale as well. But, you proved them to be wrong by freeing a whole tribe of oppressed people. We are legendary. We are absolutely impossible to discover. But we are more real than fairy tales.”

Master Searthu continued, amused by Brandt’s descriptions of the organization. “We exist only within other organizations. We are a secret police, unknown even to the authorities of the land. We have agents in all of the civilized lands. As you no doubt have guessed, we are both personally assigned to watch over the area of Fingerdale and report any interesting findings to the Eiss Nukti commanders.”

Charis raised her left eyebrow as a question formed in her mind. “So your place in the Temple of Reah is only a disguise?”

Rhema was struck by the question. She looked at Master Searthu, suddenly much more interested in his answer. “Yeah. Your position is a cover?”

Brandt spoke harshly. “No. Our faith is most certainly real, and it would never be compromised by the Eiss Nukti. In truth, Master Searthu was the one who invited me to join with him in service to the Eiss Nukti. I was a member of the Temple of Reah far before I joined the Eiss Nukti. The Eiss Nukti is merely an additional tool that I have at my disposal for the fighting of evil. And believe me when I tell you that it is not the other way around. I serve Reah first, and the Eiss Nukti helps me to that very end.”

Master Searthu was pleased with Brandt’s answer and he continued the explanation. “The Eiss Nukti are primarily known for providing aide spontaneously and without being asked. Help is often only received when an Eiss Nukti member perceives a need and acts upon it out of a feeling of charity or compulsion to fight against evil. Many in the order are highly religious and worship any of the charitable gods, although being religious is certainly not a prerequisite. What is a prerequisite is the desire to fight against evil.”

Master Searthu could tell that he had caught the party’s attention and that Rhema had been satisfied with Brandt’s earlier answer. “Of course, because you are being told about the Eiss Nukti implies that you are being invited to join. We have a need that you all are capable of fulfilling. Actually, if I can be honest I should add that you all brought your ability to meet our need yourself. Some of our members have expressed interest in entering Quehalost and taking the fight against evil to them. Many have tried, and a few have succeeded. But we are always looking to add loyal soldiers to our ranks.”

Ischarus frowned. “We already go into Quehalost. What do you offer beyond that?”

Master Searthu nodded, deferring to Brandt. Brandt smiled politely and spoke. “Besides our support? You have already benefited from the support of the Eiss Nukti. Normally, the Temple of Reah would not be so interested in helping a group of adventurers jump across the land. Most of the assistance that you received was because we were impressed by your quests and wished to hone your skills as agents of charity and justice. I promise that our assistance was given freely, but that is what the Eiss Nukti is all about. We do not ask much of our members other than they fight evil and oppression – as well as be willing to lean on each other for support. These are things that you all do very well already.”

Ischarus smiled and squeezed the hand of his wife. “Yes, we do. Thanks for the compliment, for what it’s worth. But if you all exist within another organization, how would we fit in? What would be our role?”

Brandt smiled. “In my dealings with King Rupert, I have become aware of the fact that he was impressed by your efforts the other day. There is an organization called the Contra Vili, which is a sub-group of the king’s army. They are special agents within the army. They are paid to patrol the Quehalost-Tongra border. At my suggestion, King Rupert has shown interest in adding your skills to his ranks. You would be free to make any excursions that you desire. The king’s arsenal would be at your disposal within reason, of course. And, the king is willing to pay you through very official channels. If nothing else, I do believe that the pay would help defray the costs of operating in Lord Ironblood’s region?”

Iasho nodded. “The money would be helpful, as would being tied to King Rupert through very official channels. But I won’t tell my daughter and her associates where to place her allegiance.”

Semeion asked a very important question. “And, we will be at the king’s disposal as he beckons?”

Brandt nodded. “Agents of the Contra Vili are under no specific orders except to patrol the border and make excursions into Quehalost as needed. The only time that those orders are lifted is in the time of invasion. With Barghost to our east, invasion is likely to only come from one direction. That direction will be Quehalost, and you’ll already be in service through that area. It is unlikely that you’ll be called anywhere else at any time during your service. Very little will change for you and your missions, you will be better compensated for your efforts, and in exchange you will provide a service to the Eiss Nukti as experienced agents into a land that is notoriously rough.”

The party and the followers of Reah exchanged several more rounds of questions before Ischarus leaned forward and looked his wife, Charis, and Semeion each in the eye. “Well, these gentlemen have come for an answer. I suppose it is time we should give them one.”

Semeion turned to Charis and then looked back to Ischarus. “Well, it does sound like an interesting proposition.” He leaned back in his chair and smiled.

THE END​

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