Last Stand of the Dorinthians (Final Chapter)

[GlassEye]

Silas fidgets absent-mindedly plucking dried stalks of grass from the ground and discarding them while Barok and Dartis argue their course of action. Finally, he looks up. Dartis, I have followed you for quite some time now but I have to question this plan of yours. Will you end this threat by killing everything? Surrounded by the decaying servants of a mad god and in a hostile empire?" He turns his attention to Caramip. "And how will you save the infected children? At this point, they may all be infected. What will you do then?" Silas shakes his head. "Not that I agree with your plan either, Barok. But it has the advantage of seeking answers from the source of this problem and that is something that I can understand. Knowledge that Kel may be able to use, or the priests of the Mother, or even my brethren in the Caernite scholars." He sighs deeply and plainly looks miserable at this point.

 

[Nephtys]

Barok looks at Silas, surprised and perhaps even grateful. He hadn't expected support. "It won't be easy, or safe, but it's the only way. We have to look at this from the inside to find a way out. And we don't have the time to take the longer road."

 

[GlassEye]

Silas nods slowly. "I agree." Again turning his attention to Dartis and Caramip he says, "Dartis, Caramip, if you cannot be persuaded from your path then I'm afraid this is where we part."

 

[Fenris]

Silas nods slowly. "I agree." Again turning his attention to Dartis and Caramip he says, "Dartis, Caramip, if you cannot be persuaded from your path then I'm afraid this is where we part."

"I think it may. I wish you well Silas. I trust your judgment and hope that this path brings you home to your family quickly and safely. I cannot follow that path. Nikolos had a vision, and I must follow the darkest, the most difficult path if I am to succeed. You do not destroy a weed by removing its stems and leaves, you must find and dig out the roots. I must find the root of this evil, no matter who it helps in the process."

Dartis heads to Silas and places his hands on his shoulders, "You have been a true friend and companion on our journeys, I will miss your council and friendship. May the Rider protect you."

 

[GlassEye]

Silas' eyes glisten and he smiles sadly as Dartis speaks his farewell. "I, too, will miss your friendship. May the Rider guard you and the Mother hold you safe." He looks like he wants to say more but quickly goes to gather up his gear. "Sooner parted, sooner reunited, eh?" A small smile tugs at his lips. "Be safe, Caramip."

Silas turns towards Barok, obviously practiced with quick farewells and eager to not prolong this one.

 

[Nephtys]

Barok listens to Dartis speach, trying to keep a sarcastic smile from his lips. Dark? You'll barely get your hands dirty. "We'll see whose path is the darker one, old friend. Or the most difficult one. You go seek the root of the matter, and we'll go for the heart." His expression softens for a moment. "It's been good knowing you, sir, Caramip. Try not to get killed."
He nods to Silas, then heads back down into town with his pack and horse.

 

[Bloodweaver1]

Caramip Ashhearth

"Far well and may the Gods smile down upon you." She says affectionately as her friends gather their things. "May our paths will cross again."

 

[Deuce Traveler]

Dartis and Caramip wait and contemplate their next move while Silas and Barok investigate the dead city once more.

Silas and Barok
[sblock]
You are unable to see inside the chapel, as the windows are high above and somewhat grimy and the doors are closed. Barok raps on the doors, and a few moments later a zombie-like citizen opens the portal allowing you to see inside the holy building. You can see that the image of the Rider has been torn down, but in its place stands a crude twisted tree symbol of Festios, Tallione's god of death and destruction. Nefius stands near a large chair on top of a dais and surrounded by townsfolk, and turns with a smile. "You've returned!"
[/sblock]

 

[Nephtys]

[sblock=DT, Silas]
Barok takes in the scene before him, a nervous smile touching the corners of his mouth. His words, carefully polished, are not untrue. Looking into that face of madness he finds himself doubting everything, not a great change from his usual outlook. "We have seen the true power of the Gods made manifest here on earth and though we dread it we have come to accept the inevitable. We must embrace this great change before it consumes all that we are. There is power here, and we want to share in it. We must, for that is the will of the Gods. The only Gods who matter."
[/sblock]

 

[GlassEye]

[sblock=DT, Barok]Silas briefly looks nervous at Nefius' welcome and frowns a bit at Barok's speech. He scratches at his left side and says, simply, "Yes, we've returned."[/sblock]