Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="el-remmen" data-source="post: 1476" data-attributes="member: 11">Session #19 “How did you become deputized?” Kazrack asked the three men, who were now circling up to return to their card game. “We ran into him, the Glaive that is,” Phillip explained. “And he convinced us that it would be a good idea for us to become deputies, and we agreed – figured has ta be less dangerous than hunting for a dragon.” “Finn, do you promise not to run way if we release your bonds?” Kazrack asked the Herman-Lander. Finn Fisher opened his mouth to reply. “You can’t do that!” Torsius shouted. “I am not trying anything, these men just aren’t very comfortable,” Kazrack said. “”They’re not uncomfortable,” he turned to Finn. “Are you uncomfortable?” “Well, actually…” “See? They are fine,” Torsius said. “Can we not leave things at the status quo until the bounty-hunter returns?” Phillip said. “He will be back soon enough.” Jana tried to make herself comfortable in the rear of the cave, but Torsius kept looking at her and licking his lips. “I just thought if they were untied, they could rest easier,” Kazrack said. “Listen,” Phillip intoned. “You have to understand, we are just trying to do a job here. We’re not trying to cause you any trouble, so we don’t understand why you’re trying to cause us trouble, especially when we been trying to be hospitable by sharing our fire.” “Just seems strange,” Jeremy interjected. “If he saw them run away then he was following them before they were deserters.” “Yes, does sound funny, doesn’t it?’ Ratchis added. The tension in the room began to build again. “We’re guests here,” Jana suddenly said, sitting up straight. “We should wait until their leader comes back to discuss it. I’m sure we’ll get all our questions answered.” “Yes,” said Beorth. “We do want to make sure that the law is being properly adhered to.” Kazrack leaned forward and whispered to Jana, “If we let them take these men they’ll be killed.” “Yeah?” Jana said, without an iota of caring more than was needed in here voice. “If we keep them tied up and it does come to a fight, they could stab them as they sit there,” Jeremy commented. “Hey!” Torsius cried. “We wouldn’t stab a defenseless man! What do you takes us for?” “Yeah?” Kazrack said, surprised, and turned to the tall lanky quiet one. “And you?” “Mumma-numma-summuh-uh,” Cottonsmouth said. “See? Him neither,” said Torsius. They broke out the rations, chewing on what was last left of the meat pies the gnomes packed them. “We got jerky if you want some,” Phillip offered. “I’m gonna get some from the back, and some more firewood. Ratchis, would you help me?” Ratchis and Phillip went through the narrow crack to another smaller chamber. There was a bedroll in there and the signs of another smaller fire once having been lit in here. There was a pile of neatly stacked wood back there and a large pack. Jeremy moved over to sit between Frank and Gwar. “It sure is good to see you guys,” said Frank. “Yeah, any luck yet? Have you seen the dragon?” Gwar asked. “No,” Jeremy replied. “You don’t want to see it!” Gwar said and he and his brother shuddered at once. “Why?” Jeremy asked. “Peligroso. Muy Peligroso!” Carlos said, from across the narrow cave. “What is ‘peligroso’?” Kazrack asked. “Danger, much danger,” Carlos replied. “It was green, like the sun on the water,” said Finn. “Sounds beautiful,” said Jeremy. “Yes, but terrible as well.” “Hey, I just noticed something,” Finn said. “Where’s Chance?” The group was silent. Ratchis walked back into the main cavern and dropped a pile of wood beside the fire and began to break pieces in half and chuck them in. Finn just looked from face to sad face. “He’s dead,” Ratchis finally said. “Whut? What happened?” Gwar asked, his face sinking into one of consternation and sorrow with others. “Wilderness is dangerous,” Ratchis replied. “What do you mean?” asked Gwar. “Did he fall off a cliff, or freeze to death or something? Was he killed by a bear?” “He was attacked by orcs,” said Karack. Jana curled up in a ball again and wrapped her blanket around her, suddenly finding her sleepiness. Martin meanwhile had leaned over to whisper in Beorth’s ear. “Don’t trust these three,” the watch-mage whispered. “They’re thieves. Second-hand reports, but evidence enough to be cautious. I am going to sleep.” Martin too, picked a spot and nodded off. And soon everyone nodded off except Beorth and Ratchis, who kept watch and then later work Jeremy and Kazrack to do the same. Isilem, 22nd of Nuiet – 564 H.E.The wind’s last howl turned into a gasp just before the sun rose, and everyone awoke to the brightness of Ra’s Glory peering into the cave mouth. Martin stretched and looked up to see Ratchis standing right above him. “Prepare that damn spell you need,” the half-orc growled. “Uh, yeah,” Martin replied weakly. “I was planning on it.” “You guys have magic?” Phillip asked. “Don’t sound so surprised,” said Martin standing up. “What do you mean by that?’ Phillip replied, the Watch-mage just went over to his own pack and pulled out his spellbook. He turned to Ratchis. “How about you? Do you do magic?” “I am a Friar of Nephthys,” Ratchis replied. “I like Nephthys!” cried Torsius, excitedly. “Really?” asked Ratchis. “Why?” “Because if you get in trouble and you are on the run, you can go to a temple of Nephthys and they’ll hide you,” Torsius explained. “That’s what me Pa always said. If you’re in trouble, go to a temple of Nephthys.” The hours of the day passed without event. The party took turns going outside to feel the warmth of the sun on their face, and they nibbled what little food their was, and collected snow for melting into fresh water. Mostly, they rested out the aches and pains of the long journey and the rough weather, and they waited for the Glaive to return, but the sun began to sink and he still was not back. They sat around the fire once more, spread out and trying not to think about food, and the night was a deep and dark blue, turning blacker all the time. “I don’t plan to leave these people behind,” said Kazrack, leaning into speak softly to Ratchis. “I think it’s obvious what the King intends to do with them, or at least the people under him,” said Ratchis. “I’m starting to wonder if there is any connection between the King and our friend in the valley,” said Kazrack. “I know the agents of Set have the power to disguise themselves, and Menovians worship Set,” Ratchis mused. Martin stepped over to the two of them and joined the conversation. “Ratchis, I heard rumor these men are pick-pockets and thieves, so you should keep your eye out for that,” he said.  Jeremy must have overheard as well, because he scooted over to talk as well, “We have no reason to think the king is involved. For all we know they are just obeying the law and our friends here really did run away, and if that is so if we try to stop them we’ll be breaking the law.” “Jeremy, I joined up on the rumor that the king would sell these men into slavery. Now, on the first indication that people are running away he has someone ready to take them captive?” Ratchis said. “Now he can give these men ‘mercy’ and just sell them into slavery for 10 years, instead of prison or killing them.” “Then why didn’t he just snag us all at the castle, then?” Jeremy asked. “Word would have gotten out that all these would-be dragon-hunters disappeared or were taken captive,” Kazrack said. “This whole plot allows them to have some legitimacy in the eyes of others and not visibly ally themselves with Menovia or anger Herman Land,” Ratchis added. “Even if this is not a slave plot, I neither trust, nor like the King of Gothanius.” “I just don’t know if we’d be doing the right thing freeing these guys if the laws of the land say they have to go to jail,” Jeremy said. “Jeremy, there are the laws of man and then there are the laws of the gods. The first tell us what we ought not do in order to keep peace. The second tells us what is right and what is wrong, and these are more important than the first.” “Hey, what are you guys all huddled here talking about?” Phillip asked stepping over into their circle. “We’re philosophizing about what is right and what is wrong,” said Kazrack. “Well, count me in then,” said Phillip. “I love this stuff – once was gonna enter the seminary and become a priest of Ra, I was.” “I was just saying that the laws of any given society are their own and no more right or wrong than any others and should be obeyed whenever possible,” said Jeremy. “That’s ridiculous!” Phillip said. “Look at Thricia!” “Excuse me?” Martin said, coughing into his hand. “Come on, Martin. You know what I am talking about. Thricia is decadent. You hardly have any laws there at all!” Phillip expounded. “I think I know what Jeremy means,” said Kazrack. “Like the way your opinion is no more valid than any other man’s.” “What?” Phillip was now astonished. “Of course it is more valid, I am Herman-Lander. We are the richest and most powerful country and why? Because we have a strong leader and a strong leader’s opinion is more valid than all of ours put together. Where are you from that you would say any man’s opinion would be worth the same as a king’s? That is crazy talk, next thing you know people will want to throw down governments because they think they are just as entitled to rule, as if the gods did not pick the lines of kings for a reason!” “I am not talking about toppling kings,” said Jeremy, flustered. “I am just saying that the laws set up for a community are just as good or bad, depending on how well they govern.” “You are the most arrogant man I have ever met,” said Kazrack to Jeremy. “Look at Wallbrook, from what I hear they are really lawless, if Malcolm was anyone to judge them by. Have the power to take something and it is legally yours. If you can’t hold on to it, you don’t deserve to keep it, they say down there. Is that a good law?” “Jeremy, you’re saying that if the Black Islands Barony ruled the world, then slavery and murder would be good because they were the only society?” Martin inquired. “No,” said Jeremy. “Because there would always be people like us who would fight their tyranny and form our own societies. “I’m glad to see you are willing to do your part to keep the Black Islands Barony from ruling the world,” said Kazrack sarcastically.  (34)“How did you get on this conversation anyway?” asked Phillip. “It was going fine until you got into it,” snapped Martin. “Cranky, aren’t we?” said Phillip, mocking a hurt face. “Oh, enough of this!” Martin stood. “I am going to practice some illusions. Jeremy would you help me? Suddenly, a figure came stumbling into the cave, his hands tied behind his back, and landed face first on the hard ground. “Looks like we have some guests,” came a booming voice from the cave entrance. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Notes:(34) As I am sure you all remember, the party first ended up in Derome-Delem to avoid in fighting in the war against the Black Island Barony.</blockquote>

Verification