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Into the Moral Darkness: (Now a Completed Story!)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 3784053" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p>Master Searthu leaned forward and lowered his voice. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span> He smiled and leaned back.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>Master Searthu continued. <span style="color: Lime">“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?”</span></p><p></p><p>Each of the party members grinned and sat back in their chairs. Semeion began to chuckle. <span style="color: Plum">“Oh. I remember now. Charis asked why you were here and if your presence was related to the Yrraxean threat.”</span></p><p></p><p>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. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>The party and Iasho agreed with Master Searthu’s recollection. Brandt continued the conversation. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>Iasho and Rhema exchanged confused glances while Semeion answered Brandt’s challenge. <span style="color: Plum">“Trust? How can we answer that question until we know what you are asking?”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis joined her husband in his words. <span style="color: Orange">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt chuckled at Charis’ assertive nature. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>Each of the party shrugged and nodded, acknowledging that they were ready to listen. Brandt paused for a moment before continuing. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>It was Rhema who spoke first. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“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?”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu inhaled deeply before answering. <span style="color: Lime">“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?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt smiled and leaned forward. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>Rhema chased the doubt away from Semeion’s mind. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>Master Searthu leaned back once the party and Iasho had agreed to the proposal. <span style="color: Lime">“Master Brandt was not entirely forthcoming earlier.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion grinned, fighting off the desire to worry. <span style="color: Plum">“This is not beginning well for a pair of people who just asked to be trusted.”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt held out a hand and smiled. <span style="color: Lime">“Patience, Semeion. Master Searthu will explain what he means.”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu continued his speech. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>Iasho spoke in shock. <span style="color: Lime">“But, that organization is a fairy tale told by the oppressed to bring hope to their situation!”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt grinned. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu continued, amused by Brandt’s descriptions of the organization. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>Charis raised her left eyebrow as a question formed in her mind. <span style="color: Orange">“So your place in the Temple of Reah is only a disguise?”</span></p><p></p><p>Rhema was struck by the question. She looked at Master Searthu, suddenly much more interested in his answer. <span style="color: PaleGreen">“Yeah. Your position is a cover?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt spoke harshly. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu was pleased with Brandt’s answer and he continued the explanation. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu could tell that he had caught the party’s attention and that Rhema had been satisfied with Brandt’s earlier answer. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus frowned. <span style="color: LightBlue">“We already go into Quehalost. What do you offer beyond that?”</span></p><p></p><p>Master Searthu nodded, deferring to Brandt. Brandt smiled politely and spoke. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled and squeezed the hand of his wife. <span style="color: LightBlue">“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?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt smiled. <span style="color: Lime">“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?”</span></p><p></p><p>Iasho nodded. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion asked a very important question. <span style="color: Plum">“And, we will be at the king’s disposal as he beckons?”</span></p><p></p><p>Brandt nodded. <span style="color: Lime">“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.”</span></p><p></p><p>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. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Well, these gentlemen have come for an answer. I suppose it is time we should give them one.”</span></p><p></p><p>Semeion turned to Charis and then looked back to Ischarus. <span style="color: Plum">“Well, it does sound like an interesting proposition.”</span> He leaned back in his chair and smiled.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">THE END</p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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?”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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?”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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?”</p><p></p><p>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?”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>Master Searthu leaned back once the party and Iasho had agreed to the proposal. “Master Brandt was not entirely forthcoming earlier.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion grinned, fighting off the desire to worry. “This is not beginning well for a pair of people who just asked to be trusted.”</p><p></p><p>Brandt held out a hand and smiled. “Patience, Semeion. Master Searthu will explain what he means.”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>Iasho spoke in shock. “But, that organization is a fairy tale told by the oppressed to bring hope to their situation!”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>Charis raised her left eyebrow as a question formed in her mind. “So your place in the Temple of Reah is only a disguise?”</p><p></p><p>Rhema was struck by the question. She looked at Master Searthu, suddenly much more interested in his answer. “Yeah. Your position is a cover?”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus frowned. “We already go into Quehalost. What do you offer beyond that?”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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?”</p><p></p><p>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?”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>Semeion asked a very important question. “And, we will be at the king’s disposal as he beckons?”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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.”</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">THE END</p><p>[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 3784053, member: 35788"] Master Searthu leaned forward and lowered his voice. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] 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. [Color=Lime]“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?”[/Color] Each of the party members grinned and sat back in their chairs. Semeion began to chuckle. [Color=Plum]“Oh. I remember now. Charis asked why you were here and if your presence was related to the Yrraxean threat.”[/Color] 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. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] The party and Iasho agreed with Master Searthu’s recollection. Brandt continued the conversation. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] Iasho and Rhema exchanged confused glances while Semeion answered Brandt’s challenge. [Color=Plum]“Trust? How can we answer that question until we know what you are asking?”[/Color] Charis joined her husband in his words. [Color=Orange]“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.”[/Color] Brandt chuckled at Charis’ assertive nature. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] Each of the party shrugged and nodded, acknowledging that they were ready to listen. Brandt paused for a moment before continuing. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] 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. [Color=PaleGreen]“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?”[/Color] Master Searthu inhaled deeply before answering. [Color=Lime]“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?”[/Color] Brandt smiled and leaned forward. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] 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. [Color=PaleGreen]“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.”[/Color] 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. [Color=Lime]“Master Brandt was not entirely forthcoming earlier.”[/Color] Semeion grinned, fighting off the desire to worry. [Color=Plum]“This is not beginning well for a pair of people who just asked to be trusted.”[/Color] Brandt held out a hand and smiled. [Color=Lime]“Patience, Semeion. Master Searthu will explain what he means.”[/Color] Master Searthu continued his speech. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] Iasho spoke in shock. [Color=Lime]“But, that organization is a fairy tale told by the oppressed to bring hope to their situation!”[/Color] Brandt grinned. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] Master Searthu continued, amused by Brandt’s descriptions of the organization. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] Charis raised her left eyebrow as a question formed in her mind. [Color=Orange]“So your place in the Temple of Reah is only a disguise?”[/Color] Rhema was struck by the question. She looked at Master Searthu, suddenly much more interested in his answer. [Color=PaleGreen]“Yeah. Your position is a cover?”[/Color] Brandt spoke harshly. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] Master Searthu was pleased with Brandt’s answer and he continued the explanation. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] Master Searthu could tell that he had caught the party’s attention and that Rhema had been satisfied with Brandt’s earlier answer. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] Ischarus frowned. [Color=LightBlue]“We already go into Quehalost. What do you offer beyond that?”[/Color] Master Searthu nodded, deferring to Brandt. Brandt smiled politely and spoke. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] Ischarus smiled and squeezed the hand of his wife. [Color=LightBlue]“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?”[/Color] Brandt smiled. [Color=Lime]“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?”[/Color] Iasho nodded. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] Semeion asked a very important question. [Color=Plum]“And, we will be at the king’s disposal as he beckons?”[/Color] Brandt nodded. [Color=Lime]“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.”[/Color] 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. [Color=LightBlue]“Well, these gentlemen have come for an answer. I suppose it is time we should give them one.”[/Color] Semeion turned to Charis and then looked back to Ischarus. [Color=Plum]“Well, it does sound like an interesting proposition.”[/Color] He leaned back in his chair and smiled. [Center]THE END[/Center] [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. [Center]THE END[/Center] [/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
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