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Message: <blockquote data-quote="el-remmen" data-source="post: 1338" data-attributes="member: 11">Session #13 Upstairs, Jana, Chance and Beorth waited in the hall, with Arnold/Garcon standing in the doorway. Suddenly, he sound of the door to the Royal Quarters opening coincided with the sound of armored figures hustling up the spiral steps. In a moment, they were surrounded by castle guards. “Drop your weapons!” one of the guards commanded, and Chance, Jana and Beorth complied. “Why do you have weapons and wear armor?” Before any of them could reply, a guard cam running up the hall, “Sir! The weapon storage room has been broken into and the blood seems to have its origin there!” “Yes, that is why we have our weapons,” said Beorth. “What?!? You killed the guard and broke into the armory?” the guard in charge asked. “No,” said Beorth quickly. “We were awakened in the middle of the night by noise and came out to discover blood in the hall. We took our weapons from the room, which had already been broken into, and my friends went to investigate, while we stayed and protected those who are the king’s guests and made sure no one else went into the storage room – by order of Martin the Green.” “You and you,” he pointed to Chance and Beorth. “Come with me.” He stopped in front of Jana and pulled her weapons from her hands,” You go back to bed, young lady. You shouldn’t get involved in these kinds of things.” Jana smiled, and went back to the room, noticing that Arnold/Garcon had already slipped back in and was in his bunk. Chance and Beorth were taken down to the great hall to wait. They could see the blood splattered everywhere and the bodies of the guards were being taken away. “Ach! Ah hope that tha others ah ahl-right,” said Chance. -------------- Meanwhile, in the bowels of the castle, the three villains were bound. “I’m telling you, I saw Devon’s wounds close up of their own accord,” maintained Jeremy. “Well, we can’t worry about that now,” replied Ratchis. “I know of priestly spells that can cause the same effect, maybe this spell-caster here did something. But, what is more important is that the little guy is still missing.” “What was his name again?” asked Jeremy. “I think they called him ‘the Square’” replied Kazrack. “Where is he?” Ratchis asked the bound warlock roughly, pushing him with the toe of his boot.“He is gone into the vault to find the treasury we sought,” said the warlock. “What?” Jeremy declared. “That is what you wanted? You guys are thieves?” “There is literally a king’s ransom in there,” said the warlock. “Do not look down your simple nose at us.” “Shut up,” Ratchis kicked him lightly again, and then stood to flank the door that led to the darkness of vaults below. It wwas open, but a crack. “Square! Come out of there and surrender. If we have to come in there after you I promise you will die, but if you just give yourself up now, you will make it a lot easier on all of us.” There was no reply. “Come out, Square! It’s all over,” Jeremy called into the darkness. “He’s not going to listen to you,” said the warlock. “Figures,” said Ratchis, pulling his sword, and looking to Jeremy. “Martin, watch the prisoners.” “Okay,” the Watch-mage replied, as Kazrack brought him a black case that appeared to have belonged to the hawk-faced man.Jeremy counted to three, and then kicked open the door. Kazrack was covering it with his crossbow. Ratchis stepped into the darkness, and Kazrack followed, unloading his crossbow and taking up his halberd again. The area beyond was a series narrow corridors with round stone seals in the wall at about chest height at regular intervals. Ratchis and Kazrack crept down the corridors carefully, when they heard the sound of metal scraping on stone, and then a clang. The jogged in the direction of the sound, and found a tiny alcove with a metal grate. Ratchis lifted the grate and peered down. The air below was moist and fetid, but the passage way was too narrow for him or Kazrack to follow. “Looks like he got away,” said Ratchis. “Makes sense that they would have had an alternate way out of here,” replied Kazrack. “Not that I know how Devon could possible fit down there.” They made their way back out of the lower vaults as castle guards burst into the room. “Drop your weapons and get on your knees!” they commanded. The four companions obliged, though Kazrack did it reluctantly. The Captain of the Guard, Edwin Merrick walked in. “What in the hells is going on here?” he demanded, looking at Martin. “We were chasing thieves, that…”Kazrack began. “Was I talking to you?” the captain said. “Martin, I ask again.” “Um, sir, we were pursuing these thieves you will find bound here. Two were taken in battle, but one gave himself up. One seems to have gotten away through a grate in the lower vault,” Martin explained. “Yusef! Take four men and check out the lower vault,” the Captain said to his men. “You four, stand up and line up.” They were surrounded by guards and brought back up to Great Hall, where guards watched Chance and Beorth. The captain gave orders to his men and then went into the royal audience chamber. “I’m glad to see you’re alright,” said Beorth. “Did you get them?” “One of them got away,” said Kazrack, disappointed. “No talking!” commanded one of the guards. They were forced to stand there for nearly forty-five minutes, when finally the captain returned. “The king has been awakened. You will answer his questions now,” the captain explained. “Remember, no disrespect to the king, or I will personally spend my off-duty hours beating the tar out of you in the dungeons. And, do not speak unless specifically addressed.” They were led into the audience chamber. The king was already seated on his throne. “On your knees!” The Captain issued his command to the party, and they obeyed. “Your highness, these are intruders we caught in the treasury.” “Very well, Captain Merrick. Thank you, your vigilance and hard work pleases us,” the king said. He was wrapped in his kingly robes, but his eyes looked sunken and dark. “Martin, you may rise.” “Thank you, your highness,” said Martin, bowing his head. “Now, tell us what has happened.” Martin began to tell the tell of the sounds, the blood in the hall, the dead guards, the animals and the confrontation with Markle and Devon. The king cleared his throat. “It pleases us that these rogues were caught, and the captain assures us that the fourth in their group will likely be caught, as it is known where all the drainage grates end up. However, there is still the matter of your running about the castle armed without leave.” “But your majesty, we only did it in your service,” said Kazrack.“Shut up,” Ratchis hissed to Kazrack. Martin the Green tugged on the dwarf’s sleeve and put a finger to his lips. The king’s eyes widened, and then narrowed with annoyance. “We must still think of a proper punishment for your actions, so we shall pronounce our sentence tomorrow after the mid-day meal. You shall be brought before us again,” the king said. “Until then, sleep well, and again we thank you for your efforts.” “Thank you, your majesty. Your highness has been very generous,” Martin replied. The party was shown out, and returned to their rooms for an uneasy sleep for what was left of the night. On the way, Beorth asked Ratchis, “I get the feeling Martin did not tell the king the whole story, what happened?” “Markle said that Jana knew that they were going to attempt this robbery. He even implied that she was supposed to help them,” Ratchis replied. “Oh,” was all Beorth said in reply. ------ Ralem, 8th of Syet - 564 H.E.Very early the next morning, Beorth stopped by Martin’s quarters to confer on the events of the previous night. After a bit of time they decided that they should find Jana and talk to her about it and went to the room she was sharing to find her. However, she was not present. Beorth and Martin were just walking out of Jana’s room when they noticed her coming down the hallway. She seemed to be upset about something and seemed to be in a hurry to get to the sanctuary of her room. Beorth stepped in front of her and said, “Ah! Jana! I am glad that we have found you. Martin and I have some serious matters to discuss with you.” For a second, Jana’s breath caught in her throat and she rolled her eyes, “I am sure that you do.” Martin gestured toward his suite. “Would you care to step this way?” he asked while quickly unlocking the door to his room. “After you, “ Beorth said, as he motioned for Jana to step into the room ahead of him. After all three were in the room, Martin moved back to the door and Jana could hear the key turn inside the lock. “Please make yourselves comfortable,” the Watch-Mage said as he waved his hand around the room. Jana lowered herself onto the simple divan while Beorth and Martin placed their two wooden chairs slightly in front of and to the side of Jana’s position. Beorth took a deep breath and began. “Jana, as you know, the others have accused you of something very serious. They say that you knew what Markle and his ‘friends’ were planning to do the night before last.” Beorth paused for a moment, inhaled and then slowly let his breath out. “Jana, what I need to know is what exactly you knew about Markle and his plans…” Jana looked up at Beorth, “I knew nothing of their plans….” “But that is not what the others are saying. They are saying that you had prior knowledge of what was to happen and you chose not to say anything to anyone.” “Listen to me when I tell you that I did NOT know exactly what they were planning…” “Exactly what they were planning?” Beorth asked, “But you DID know something was afoot?” Jana looked back at Beorth in silence. “Jana I need to understand…” Beorth sputtered. “I want to know… Jana, I need…” Beorth cast a look of entreaty at Martin. “Help me, Watch Mage.” Martin who had been listening quietly, turned his eyes toward Jana and simply said. “He wants to know, can you be trusted?” “Trusted? By whom? And for what? What does THAT mean?” Jana replied. “Look, Jana,” Beorth continued, “these are very serious allegations against you. My first impulse is to turn you over to the Royal Guard and let them question you.” “Well, you will do whatever you want.” “Ten men have died as a result of your inaction and the life of the King was put in danger because you failed to tell anyone what you knew. I must know what you knew, Jana. You have to tell me what you knew. If I am satisfied that you didn’t know anything, I will let the matter go and I won’t turn you over to the Guard.” “You have to believe me, I didn’t know what was going to happen. I knew that Markle was planning something but I did not know exactly what it was.” Jana insisted. “Did you suspect that Markle was involved in the murder of the guard?” Beorth asked. “I thought he was.” “You thought he was and you didn’t tell the others? Why didn’t you tell them when you knew that they were walking into danger? Were you scared to?” “You guys don’t know Markle like I do. You have no idea what he is capable of. He and his friends are VERY dangerous.” Jana explained. “I was scared, not for the group, but rather for myself. Markle and his friends can cause great harm to me.” “If you knew they were dangerous and were planning something, why didn’t you turn them in or warn us ahead of time? We could have stopped them or protected you…” Beorth wanted desperately to believe her. “Protected me? PROTECTED me? Do you think that you are safe from him now that he is in the King’s dungeon?” Beorth had never seen Jana so passionate about anything. “Markle is a very powerful man and his reach is far longer than you know… he is still a threat even if he is a prisoner.” “What is he planning, Jana?” Martin asked. “I don’t know.” “You don’t know? Or you don’t want to say?” Beorth added. “I don’t know.” Beorth sighed. “Jana, you are a young girl and I don’t blame you for being afraid of Markle. I also believe that you didn’t mean our traveling companions harm, but…” Beorth could not finish. “But,” intoned the Watch Mage, “would you do the same again?” Jana paused and thought for a moment before answering, “Had I known the extent of the danger and what Markle was planning, I would not do the same again.” Beorth watched Jana for a moment and settled back into his chair, “That is all I need to know.” Martin glanced over at Beorth and then leaned forward in his chair. “But there is the OTHER matter to discuss…” “What other matter?” Jana groaned. “It has been said that you have been seen using magic.” Martin began. “Yeah, so?” Jana replied. “So where does it come from? No one has ever seen you study a spellbook or use arcane symbols.” “I do not have a spellbook nor do I use one.” “Well, then, where does your knowledge of magic come from? Are you self taught?” “What I know was taught to me.” “So you studied as an apprentice with someone?” “No, not exactly,” Jana hesitated. “Well then who taught you?” “A friend.” “Who is this ‘friend’ of yours? What is his name and what does he look like?” “I will not tell you his name. He is a small creature with wings, a tail and mottled white skin,” Jana said. Martin glanced over at Beorth who was obviously shaken by the reply. “And when does he teach you?” “He comes when I ask him to,” Jana said as if it were the most common thing. “Is he a god of some sort?” Beorth asked. “No, he is not.” “Well, is he a demon?” Beorth continued. Jana’s reply was a flat and simple, “No.” “Has he ever asked you to commit an evil act?” Jana chuckled. “Evil? What is evil? I have never really sat down and thought about it.” “Well, you are sitting now. Now is as good a time as any to consider it,” Beorth said, thoughtfully. The room was still and quiet for long moments. “I have never harmed others for my magic and I have not done anything ‘evil’ to gain my powers. I use my powers to protect myself.” “You must understand that magic of your kind can be potentially very dangerous,’ said Martin. “And you are saying yours is not?” Jana retorted. “Mine was taught by the Academy. It is codified and tested. It is safe in and of itself, not like witchcraft,” Martin said. “You know nothing about witchcraft that your precious Academy did not teach you,” said Jana with some venom. “And that is all I need know, the Academy does not teach falsehoods,” Martin insisted. “Can I go now?” Jana said. “We are not holding you here Jana,” Beorth said gently. “We just wanted to talk.” “Feels more like an interrogation to me,” Jana said, throwing an evil eye at Martin. “I apologize,” said Martin, and Jana cocked her head thinking she heard sarcasm in his voice. “I am sure you are hungry. We will meet you at breakfast.” Jana walked to the door and tried the knob, and then turned and looked back at the Watch-mage. “It is locked,” she said. “Oh, dear, my apologies,” he got up and unlocked it for her. Martin and Beorth spoke for a few minutes more and then followed Jana down to breakfast. --------- At breakfast the next day, the feces hit the fan. . . The Dining Chamber was full of young men excitedly talking about the previous night’s events and about their plans to leave and hunt the dragon. Ratchis finished chewing down a piece of buttered toast with a slice of lard on it, when he turned to Jana, “So, how much did you know?” “Huh?” she replied. “Don’t play dumb,” Ratchis said. “What did they offer you for you help?” “Who? What?” “Markle and the others, what did they offer you and why didn’t you tell us what was going to happen?” Ratchis was persistent. “We know you were supposed to help them. Markle told us as much.” “I am not going to talk about this,” Jana replied. “Oh, yes you are,” insisted Ratchis. “Whut is this about?” Chance asked. “Markle cursed Jana last night, while we faced him, because she was supposed to help them, and I guess he figured she had told us about what they planned, as she should have,” Kazrack said. “It is not as if I actually helped them,” Jana said. “But you didn’t tell us either,” said Ratchis angrily. “And because of bastards a lot of innocent guards were killed!”He slammed his fist on the table. “Um, Ratchis, could you keep voice down a bit? People are staring,” said Martin. “The thing is. . .” Kazrack started. “I just don’t know if we can trust you,” interrupted Ratchis. “We need full disclosure on everything.” “Yes, how can we have someone for a companion that…” Kazrack was interrupted again. “I want to know now,” said Ratchis. “Ratchis, if I could speak,” Kazrack tried again. “I want to hear from Jana,” said Ratchis. “Okay, good,” said Kazrack, not listening to Ratchis and continuing. “I think it is fair to say that we can judge by Jana’s past actions that if she knew that the guards were going to be killed she would have made a different decision. My problem is that by not warning us she allowed us to go into a dangerous situation without all the members of our group.” “So, why didn’t you tell us, Jana?” Beorth asked in his usual subdued tone. “I, uh… I was scared. I didn’t know exactly what they were going to do, or what they’d do to me or to any of you if I told,” Jana said in a tone not common to the world-wise girl. “I find that hard to believe,” Ratchis said. “Believe what you will then!” she snapped back. “Look,” said Kazrack getting everyone’s attention. “We have all done something as an individual in the past that has failed the group at one time or another. We should be forgiving of Jana.” “Fargive uh fer what? She din do nuthin’” said Chance, speaking for the first time. “Yes she did, Chance,” said Kazrack. “She committed an error by omission.” “I don’t understand why you all making a big deal of this. It all worked out for the best, didn’t it?” Jana said. “That is not the point!” Ratchis said loudly. “Attention everyone!” came the voice of Daniel the castle steward from the front of the dining chamber. “Immediately after the meal, the trophy room will be open for you all to come and pick out some weapons and equipment. Beginning at noon, groups of five may come to this room to register, gain their map and go on their way. Thank you.” Many people began to end their meal, but the companions were not done with their discussion. “I have a simple solution to this whole problem,” said Kazrack. “A little thing I will ask each of you to do, that will relieve us of any suspicision.” “What is that?” Jeremy asked, with suspicion in his voice. “I only ask that we all make an oath to put the good of the party before ourselves,” Kazrack said with a smile. Everyone groaned. “What?” asked the dwarf, puzzled. “That’s stupid, Kazrack,” said Ratchis. “I thought you had a real solution.” “It is a real solution,” said Kazrack. “We all just make a promise to think of the group first.” “I will not make that promise,” said Ratchis. “Why not?” asked Kazrack. “I will not make it either,” said Jana. “Why set myself up to be a liar?” Kazrack looked at her as if he knew she would say that. “Why not?” asked Kazrack. “We are a group with common goals. We are companions who rely on each other. We should not keep things from each other or work against each other!” “I agree,” said Ratchis. “I’m sure Beorth and the…others…” He looked to Jana with a sneer, “ would agree.” “So, making the promise is no big deal,” the dwarf insisted. “No, it it is a big deal,” said Ratchis. “I will not make such an oath, because only one thing comes before me and that is my goddess, not this group, not anything.” “Anyway, a promise is worthless,” added Jeremy. “People can promise anything and still do what they want.” “But a man who is having a doubt about whether or not something is the right thing to do, and who has made an oath is more likely to come down on the side of the oath made,” said Kazrack. “Ach! Kahzrahk, thas jast stupid,” Chance said. “How kin ya expect people ta mahk a promise they may not kep? Ah know I cahnt mahk such a oath.” “Are you saying you plan to betray the group?” Kazrack asked amazed. “Plahnnin’? No,” Chance replied. “But ya nevah know whut is gunn hoppen. Bad enough ya might be farced ta do somethin’ ya friends won’t like, but ta brek a promise in addition is horrible.” Kazrack sighed. “If are all friends then I do not see why we cannot make this oath together,” said Kazrack. “And now that I see all your hesitance, I have to wonder if it is even possible for me to continue traveling with you all.” “Okay, okay,” said Jeremy, with a forced smile and a bit of a patronizing tone. “I promise to put the group before myself, okay? Right, Ratchis? Go ahead and promise.” “I promise to behave just as I always have,” Ratchis said. “We know,” said Jeremy with a sigh. “My actions and attitude should speak for themselves,” Ratchis added. “I do not need to make an oath to prove my willingness to help and to be a friend.” “I will make the promise if you want me to,” said Beorth. “But my oath to Anubis always comes first.” “Well, of course,” said Kazrack. “I am not asking anyway to promise to betray their beliefs.” “I still will not do it,” said Ratchis. “Nor will I,” said Jana. “Ach! Me too,” said Chance. Martin remained silent. “Then perhaps I need to leave this group. If you cannot make such a simple promise, especially if you are saying that you are already doing it,” Kazrack looked at Ratchis. “I do not know if I can trust you.” Kazrack stood to leave. “Wait,” Martin finally spoke up. “There is another matter of business I think your group needs to discuss. Beorth and I spoke about it earlier.” Everyone looked to the tall mage. “It appears that Jana,” he paused. “Is a witch.”“Yeah, so?” said Kazrack. “Witchcraft is a very dangerous and non-traditional form of spell-casting,” said Martin. “Or maybe, it is too traditional that your little Academy would like to admit,” said Jana acerbically “She’s a witch, so what?’ said Kazrack. “You are a wizard. She is a witch. If you were a woman, you’d be a witch, too.” Jeremy snickered. “No, it is not just a matter of gender, it is a matter of form,” Martin tried to explain. “Male witches are warlocks, female wizards and still wizards.” “So, you’re a witch?’ Jeremy asked Jana, recoiling a bit. “You could say that, yes,” Jana replied. “The why didn’t you ever tell us?” the Neergaardian responded. “Because ignorant people like him,” she pointed to Martin the Green. “react as they do.” “Well, I just need assurance that you learn and practice your magic in a safe way, because we both know that most witches do not,” Martin said. “So says you,” was all Jana had in terms of a reply. “This witch-stuff doesn’t matter so much to me except that it is even more reason for a promise to be extracted from everyone in terms of good behavior and cooperation,” said Kazrack. “Are you still going on about that?” said Jana. Kazrack stood, “I must require this oath from all of you if only because without it I cannot trust some of you enough to travel with you,” Kazrack said looking at Jana, and his eyes drifting to Chance as well. “But Kahzrahk,” Chance said. “Ya friends wit’ someone becahz they’re ya friend, nut becahz ya make a promise.” “Well, I guess we are not all friends then,” said Kazrack and stormed off. The rest of the companions sat in silence for what seemed a long time. Finally, Ratchis spoke, “Might as well see what equipment they have to offer us before we are supposed to meet with the king.” The half-orc stood and walked towards the trophy room, and Jana and Chance left as well. “Martin, what does Jana being a witch really mean?” Jeremy asked. “It means she summons extra-planar beings to gain her magicks from,” said Martin. “Extra-planar?” Jeremy cocked his head. “She summons demons that teach her spells, demons she controls – but that could come out of her control and be free to wreak havoc in out own world,” Martin explained. “That’s not good,” said Jeremy. ----- Ratchis went to the trophy room where tables of weapons, armor and other equipment were set up among all the trophies on display. Dozens of the lads hoping to win the reward picked through swords (long and short), crossbows, daggers, clubs, maces, suits of ring mail and scale mail, shield and other items like coils of rope, backpacks and whetstones, walking among the trophies. There were two stuffed brown bears on their rear legs and growling, a mountain lion, a moose head above the hearth, and that of 12 point buck on a perpendicular wall. A huge tattered flag and the crest of Gothanius (6) also hung on the wall. What drew Ratchis’ attention the most were two stuffed orcish specimens. They had a reddish glint to their short piggish body hair, and were dressed in studded leather, carried spears and wore horned helmets. He stood and stared at them for a long moment, but was distracted by Kazrack passing him carrying a dwarf-sized chain shirt. The dwarf stopped, “I want you to know that this whole thing had nothing to do with you, but to be fair to others I thought I would ask the oath from everyone, when it is Chance and Jana that I mostly want it from.” “It doesn’t matter,” replied Ratchis. “I don’ think a promise of any kind from anyone is going to make a difference in how anyone acts.” Kazrack sighed, “I disagree.” The dwarf left the trophy room. Ratchis picked up a bunch of equipment he thought he might need, including a heavy crossbow and a long sword. ------- Beorth made his way to the chapel on the castle grounds, hoping to find a priest of Ra there that he might confer with about the necklace he now carried from the crazed man in the mortuary. (7) Unfortunately, all he found was a deacon, who helped administer the morning services and lit candles in the evening. ------- After the mid-day meal, they all (except Jana) gathered before the audience chamber to be led in to see the king. Eventually, Daniel came to them before the king again. They got down on one knee and listened to the king. “We have thought long in this matter, and have decided to be generous,” the king said. “You punishment shall be a great honor, a simple task that we shall give to you that will do your efforts to do right credit, while you still endeavor to fulfill the task you were originally summoned here to do.” “Thank you, your highness,” said Martin. “Thank you,Martin,” the king replied. “We are sure that it was your fine influence that kept these fine men in line in their effort to help, and since you did do such a good job, they will escort you to your post in Summit and make sure you get there safely, and then this group of five can go on the dragon-hunt after accomplishing that.” The king paused, but the great thanks he expected did not come. He frowned. “This means that you five must officially register as a group, and must wait for Martin to be prepared to leave before you can go,” King Brevelan added. “The five of you may go along on your business. There is one last thing we must speak to Martin the Green about in private.” As the others walked out into the Great Hall, Beorth asked, “What about Jana? She makes six of us.” “I don’t even think she should count,” said Kazrack. “We might be better off without her,” said Ratchis. “Ah cahnt buhlieve ya guys!” said Chance. “Jana has always been ar friend. She’s helped us wit’ ar wounds and used her spells aginst ar foes. We know we cun trust her becarze we always have had ta!” No one said anything, but the group dispersed.Jeremy ran out to garden, late for his rendezvous with Princess Tracell. He found her still waiting, chittering with her ladies in waiting. She was dressed in a coat of fine mink pelts, and wore her hair in a tight bun. Her eyes shone brightly in the shocking glare of the sun on the snow. “Princess! I’m sorry I am late,” Jeremy said. Tracell walked away from her ladies and shooed their attempt to follow, approaching the Neergaardian. “I knew that you were among those that had to speak to my father,” Tracel said with a side smile. “Is it true that you and your companions defeated thieves trying to break into the Royal Treasury?” “Well, it is true that I did, and that my companions were there,” Jeremy winked. “Oh,” Tracell coverer her painted mouth with the tips of her fingers. “It must have been very dangerous!” “Dangerous? To the thieves maybe; the only reason they are still alive is because I am merciful,” Jeremy said cockily. “Oh, I am so sure that you will be the one to defeat the dragon,” Tracell said, siding up to him closely. “You are so brave and skilled and…handsome!” “Well, thank you,” said Jeremy, feeling his face heat up a bit. “Um, but…I was, uh…hoping you could help me in a way that would help my mission to slay the dragon.” “Really? What? Anything!” “Well, you see I need something from town and I can’t leave the castle to go to town, but I need this thing to help me on my trip,” Jeremy explained. “Well, I cannot go to town myself,” Tracel said, and Jeremy’s shoulders sagged. “But, I can have one of my servants go. What is it you need?” “You see had someone I really cared about, a friend who died on the hard journey up here,” Jeremy said, his lower lip pouted out into an exaggerated sad face. “And I just want a way to remember him, something to help my morale on the road.” “What is that?” “A cup, a mug of sorts, that has his name on it,” Jeremy said. “Is that all?” Tracel said. “What is the name?” “Malcolm,” Jeremy replied. “M-A-L-C-O-L-M.” “I will have one of my servants fetch it for me,” Tracel said. “I must go, but meet me here again at the same time tomorrow.” “Will you have the mug for me?” Jeremy asked. “Um, no,” Tracel seemed confused. “It will take me more than a day to get it. I only meant so that we could see each other and talk more. Don’t you want that?” “Oh!” Jeremy exclaimed. “Yes, of course. I’d love to.” The princess hurried off with her ladies in waiting, and returned towards the castle, passing Ratchis who was on his way out to the garden to do his daily exercises. He was in the middle of doing his 180 push-ups, when he heard someone walk by and stop. He looked over to see one of the princesses standing there watching him. Ratchis stood. “You look pretty strong,” she said. Ratchis said nothing. The princess’s beauty was almost painful against the backdrop of the snow-covered garden. She wore a fur cape and hood, but no coat, only a light shawl over her brown dress, which looked much too plain for her. She had a dark complexion like a Herman-Lander, dark hair and green eyes. Ratchis remembered her muscular arms from the night before. It was Selma. “Of course, the size of one’s opponent does not matter to a prepared warrior,” Selma said, eying the long sword Ratchis wore. It was the one he had gotten from the trophy room. Ratchis grunted, “You know how to use a sword?” “Very well actually, though my father tries to forbid me to practice anymore. He says more than the most basic martial training is unbecoming a princess. I say that men are frightened of women being able to best them in combat. What do you say?” “I say that anyone can and should do anything they want,” Ratchis replied. “As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone that is.” Selma smiled, “So what if I said that I could best you in battle, I just a woman?” “I would wonder if it were true, but I would not doubt it just because you were a woman,” Ratchis said. “Heh,” was Selma’s only reply. “If I thought we could spar without our getting in trouble I’d like to see the truth of this…” She walked away towards the castle. Ratchis just stood watching her walk out of his view, and then began to jog about the castle grounds looking for a spot where there were no guards. Eventually, he found a quiet and isolated area between the rear wall and the castle-proper, and then hurried back to the castle. ----- Meanwhile Chance had gone to find Kazrack, who was sharpening his halberd blade. “Kahzrahk, Ah wanted ta talk wit’ ya,” the Wallbrookian said. “What is it Chance?” Kazrack said, without looking up. “Ah wanted ta make eh bet wit’ ya,” Chance said. “A bet?” the dwarf stopped and looked up. “Aye! A bet. If I win ya ferget ahl this stuff about the promise n’ everything, if Ah lose then ah’ll not only mek the promise, ahl get Jana ta do it ta,” Chance explained. “I do not think I can leave such a thing to a wager,” said Kazrack. “It is too important.” “Whaddya mean by that?” said Chance, getting slightly angry. “Leaving it ta uh wager is leavin’ it in tha hands uf the gods. If it is es good enough fer Bes, it es good enough fer us.” “Well, what is the bet?” “Ah betcha ah kin knock down that dar with one hand!” said Chance with a big smile. “What? Really?” Kazrack said. “It must be a trick.” “No trick! I will knock it down with one hand all by myself and no magic,” Chance assured him. Kazrack’s brow wrinkled as he thought and looked back and forth from the door to Chance. “Wait a minute,” Kazrack said. “You are just are going to knock on the door and move down knocking lower and lower. Knocking down the door!” “Damn!” Chance said. “Ya know whut Kazrack, here was uh perfect opportunity ta just give in without losing face, but no.” “I can’t do that,” Kazrack said. “I cannot travel with people I cannot trust.” “If you could trust us before, ya kin trust us now. Nothing has changed,” said Chance and he left the room, passing Jeremy who had come to speak to Kazrack as well. “Is Kazrack in there?” Jeremy asked Chance. “Ya, good luck, ya’ll need et!” Jeremy walked in, “Kazrack, I wanted to talk to you about Jana.” “Ok,” said the dwarf, getting back to his blade sharpening. “Martin said that Jana is a witch,” said Jeremy. “Yes, I know,” said Kazrack. “Martin told me what that really means,” said Jeremy. “What does it mean?” “It means she controls demons!” “Yeah, witches, watch-mages, all those folks control demons,” said Kazrack. “Martin does not control demons,” Jeremy replied. “Well, that’s no good. He should control demons, someone has to, can’t let them run around wild causing harm,” the dwarf reasoned. “No, that is not how it works,” said Jeremy exasperated. “She summons them. She bring them to this world to learn magic from them, but they could get free and hurt people!” “Oh,” Kazrack said as if deep in thought. “I guess that is another reason to not trust her, I guess.” “Well, if the five of us leave her behind you can forget this whole promise thing and we can continue on our way,” Jeremy suggested. “I can’t do that,” Kazrack said. “Originally, I wanted the promise mostly because of Chance and Jana, but now Ratchis’ response troubles me. I just don’t understand why he would not make the oath.” “Some people just don’t like to be told what to do,” said Jeremy. “Friars of Nephthys least of all.” “That is not a good enough reason,” replied Kazrack. “A dwarf would never make a decision based on that.” “Ratchis is not a dwarf,” said Jeremy. “But he is stubborn enough to be one if you are an example.” Jeremy left. ---- Up in Martin’s quarters, the Watch-Mage taught Beorth how to play King’s Men (8), while Ratchis returned to the Trophy Room and collected some more gear. He carried another sword and a suit of ring mail outside and dumped it in the isolated place he found, being careful to not be seen by any guards. He then went back into the castle and stopped a guard. “I am looking for Princess Selma,” he said. “Do you know where I can find her?” The guard looked confused. “The princesses cannot be disturbed and cannot be seen without permission of the king or queen,” the guard replied. “Why are you looking for her?” “I have a gift for her,” Ratchis replied, and wandered off to find her. He made his way to the east wing and looked in the library. In this small room with less than a dozen books was Princess Veldicca. She sat in a lovely dress with a large book on the table before her. She looked up startled. “Oh, if you need the library I will leave you to it,” she began to close the book. “Um, no your highness, I was just looking for your sister,” said Ratchis, feeling his face warm again. “Which one?” “Oh, uh… the oldest…Selma?” “I’m not sure where she is, but if I see her I will tell her you are looking for her,” Veldicca said politely. “What’s your name?” “I’m Ratchis and thanks,” he walked back out into the Great Hall where he happened to see Selma crossing from the dining hall. “Oh, uh Selma!” said Ratchis. The eyes of Princess Selma’s handmaiden widened incredibly at the half-orc’s daring to address royalty like that. Selma cracked a small smile despite her surprise. “Yes?” “I uh, wanted to know if you, uh, wanted to come outside with me for a little while, I uh… have a surprise for you,” Ratchis said. “What is it?” the princess asked. “A place for us to spar,” Ratchis whispered. “I got you some armor and a weapon. I thought you might like the diversion.” Selma laughed, “Are you crazy? Do you think we could do such a thing anywhere in the castle without being seen? And do you know what would happen to yo if you were caught fighting even in a friendly spar with a princess?” She laughed some more, and Ratchis just stood there silent and embarrassed. “Thank you for the effort,” she said, patting his shoulder. “Maybe in some other time and place. I appreciate it.” She walked off with her servant, still laughing some. Ratchis stood there dejected for a moment and then retrieved the items he had stowed and headed back to the trophy room. He found the place empty., and dropped the extra gear and looked around. The two orcish specimens seemed to stare at him in silent agony. Gritting his teeth, Ratchis drew his long sword and with two solid blows chopped the heads of both specimens and then kicked them over. He then walked out of the Trophy Room, calmly. ------ That night at dinner, Finn and Carlos came by their table and explained that the two of them were going to form a group with Frank and Gwar and a fellow they met from one of the other groups and head out the next morning. The wished him luck and he thanked them for their help. ------ After dinner, Kazrack found Daniel the steward to ask him a few questions: "To whom do I speak if I have questions about the contract I signed?" Kazrack asked him."I can answer any and all questions regarding this matter," Daniel replies. "Very good then. Has any consideration been given to the fact that one of the Princesses would be forced to marry a Dwarf if my group should win?" "Forced?" Daniel's eyebrows raised. "Regardless, you are being presumptuous in saying your group will the one to succeed. As to the details of such an eventuality, I am not at liberty to discussion such a matter. However, I get the impression that you are trying to imply something specific. Have at it, I do not mean to be rude, but I have a castle and the whims of a king to attend to." “I will try to be brief as you are so busy. I got the impression, perhaps mistakenly, that the Princesses would be married off to the group that completed the quest. If my group were to succeed I doubt any of the Princesses would be happy to marry a dwarf and, in light of this, I thought it prudent to suggest we alter my contract. Shall I continue - or is there a better time for me to approach you?” “Alter how?” Daniel asked. “I would suggest allowing me to act as an individual instead of as part of a group. If I succeed I would ask only for the monetary award and a land grant equal to what five men would have received.” Kazrack explained. “Unfortunately, that is not possible,” said Daniel. “First of all, the king gave specific instructions that you and your companions accompany Martin the Green to Summit. You are required to do this. If after accomplishing this fact and making sure that Martin the Green is there safe and settled you choose to travel onward by yourself that is your choice – a foolish choice if you ask me, but your choice none-the-less. However, no contracted individual will get more land and resources than one man can easily use. Though we do have some land that could be prospected and become very profitable when compared to other parcels of the same size.” “Very well then, I have one other request of you,” Kazrack said. “Yes?” “Would it be possible for me to use the forge on the castle grounds to repair my armor and that of my companions?” “I think I can arrange it for tomorrow, but you will have to use your own resources,” replied Daniel. “That will be fine,” said Kazrack. Very well then, I thank you for your time. --------- Isilem, 9th of Syet – 564 H.E.The night went by with no event. Early the next morning Kazrack grabbed a small snack from breakfast and then went to use the forge. The others sat around the table at breakfast and found the Dining Hall to be emptier. Several groups of young men had already left for their journey to seek out the dragon. “We have a problem,” said Beorth. “We are a group of six and we may only travel as a group of five. What are we to do?” “Perhaps one of us can find another group to travel with and maybe meet up with us later,” suggested Ratchis, not looking up from his eggs and sausage. “But I guess that someone must be Jana, since the other five of you have been given a task by the king,” said Martin. “Well, she is a witch,” said Jeremy, ignoring the fact that she was sitting right there. “Let’s just leave her behind.” At that moment there was a commotion at the podium, where one of Daniel’s assistants was registering those groups ready to leave the castle for the dragon-hunt. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN I DON’T COUNT?!?” It was Maria’s voice, echoed by the sound of Simon and Peter trying to calm her down. “It doesn’t mean you can’t come,” said Peter. “We still need you,” said James. “We’ll all share some of our reward with you.” “That is not the point!” Maria declared. “Not only did they wait until the last moment to inform us, they have no right to say that the contract is void because I am woman!” She stormed off. “Ah guess that answers that question,” said Chance smiling. Breakfast ended and everyone went on their way to do what they would to pass the time and think about the problems of party dynamics that faced them. Jeremy went back upstairs to sleep, while Martin prepared his list of things he wanted the court to provide him for the journey to summit. Beorth made his way out to the shrine of Ra to pray, while Jana – who knows how she spent her time. Ratchis walked out to the garden to do his daily exercises, but was met by Edwin Merrick, the captain of the guards and four of his men. “Ratchis?” the captain asked. “Yes,” the Friar of Nephthys replied. “I need to ask you some questions,” Captain Merrick said with a sneer. “What about?” “About some property that was destroyed in the Trophy Room,” the Captain replied. “Will you give your weapons up and come with me please?” Ratchis looked at the guards that had fanned out. He paused and then slowly drew his sword and handed it to the Captain, who merely pointed to another guard who took the weapon. The Captain turned and Ratchis followed. The guards fell in line behind them. As they approached the guardhouse, Ratchis could see the front gatehouse scored by fire. The stones were black, and the ground was muddy and covered in ash. However, the damage did not look as bad from as it looked like it might’ve been that night he observed the fire from the tower. In the guardhouse, the Captain sat, while Ratchis remained standing. Two guards remained in the room, watching. “Tell me what you know about the damage to the king’s trophies in the Trophy Room,” the Captain said. “I know nothing of it,” replied Ratchis with an even voice. The Captain looked at him for a long time. “You are of orcish descent, are you not?” “Yes, I am.” “Fir-Hagre?” (9)“Darksh,” Ratchis replied. “Well, the trophies defaced in the Trophy Room were specimens of the Fir-Hagre.  They terrorized our people for years, but the efforts of the king wiped them out. Those were his prized possessions,” the Captain explained. Ratchis remained silent. He could feel the tension in his body; his muscles were like one tightening coil ready to spring forth in sudden violence and anger. “Where were you yesterday afternoon?” the Captain asked. “I was training in the garden and then I went upstairs and took a nap,” said Ratchis. “Really? Who saw you?” “The princess Selma saw me. I’m not sure if anyone else did.” “One of our guards puts you in the Great Hall in the afternoon. And one of the servants says she saw you enter the library, which is right across from the trophy room.” “Yes, I saw one of the princesses there and her retainers,” Ratchis replied. “Perhaps you were making sure any possible witnesses were indisposed,” said the Captain. “Are you accusing me of this?” Ratchis asked. “What would I gain from doing such a thing?” “You are part orcish, they are orcs. Perhaps their presence there offended you. Who knows?” The Captain leaned forward. “I only know that right now you look like the most likely suspect and the time and place fits. So, if you don’t mind, I am going to have to ask you to stay here in one of our cells while we look into this some more.” Ratchis hands tightened into fists, and he felt his blood boiling over and a pressure in his head. He breathed out long and low. “I hope you won’t give us any trouble. This will be a lot easier for all of us if you just come along,” the Captain said, slowly standing. Ratchis relaxed. “Fine,” he replied. Ratchis followed the guards out a door and down some steps to a lower floor lined with cells. He was searched and placed in the tiny cell. The cot was too small for him and the floor was covered in dirty straw. The figure in the cell next to him was sleeping, but stirred and looked up. The man smiled broadly. It was Markle. “I should have known I’d see you in here,” he said. End of Session #13-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Notes:(6) The crest of Gothanius is a quartered field on shield with opposed yellow and red, with a white star (on red) in top left-hand corner.(7) See "Out of the Frying Pan: Book I: Gathering Wood" session #8.(8) King’s Men is the Aquerra equivalent of Chess.(9) The Fir-Hagre is the orcish tribe driven out of Greenreed Valley.</blockquote>

Verification