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Message: <blockquote data-quote="el-remmen" data-source="post: 3651559" data-attributes="member: 11">InterSession #8.7– “Denouement & Decampment”: The Road to Sluetelot…Ralem, the 22nd of Ter – 566 H.E. (637 M.Y.)<a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Laarus+Raymer+of+Ra" target="_blank">Laarus Raymer of Ra</a> had arrived in <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Sluetelot" target="_blank">Sluetelot</a> the night before, but after meeting with <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Euleria+Finch" target="_blank">Euleria Finch</a> and seeing what progress she has made on behalf of the signers of the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Charter+of+Schiereiland" target="_blank">Charter of Schiereiland</a> he headed out to <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Lilly+City" target="_blank">Lilly City</a>.  Three days before that he had passed through <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Moon+City" target="_blank">Moon City</a> and had made an attempt to find Markos at the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/University+of+Thricia" target="_blank">University of Thricia</a>, where his cousin was training, but the city proved even bigger than he had imagined.He took a barge down the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Sluetelot+Canal" target="_blank">Sluetelot Canal</a> for something short of silver, and by late afternoon he was in ‘the Drowned City’.  Lilly City, also called ‘the City of Flowers’, or ‘New Heliopolis’ and at least once by a drunken bard, ‘the City of Too-Many Names’, was a city of canals, its buildings constructed atop the remains of the old city lost to the encroachment of <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Captured+Sea" target="_blank">the Captured Sea</a>. The young <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Priests+of+Ra" target="_blank">priest of Ra</a> was forced pay for a gondola to take him o the High Temple of Ra near the center of the city.The temple had fort-like outer walls topped with a golden glass pyramid surrounded by seven tall hieroglyphic-covered pillars.  He knew that with dawn he would be up there singing praises to his god before the sacred flame, as that was holiest of <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Ra" target="_blank">Ra’s</a> shrines in <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Thricia" target="_blank">Thricia</a>.    The filmy water of the city’s canals lapped at broad stone steps that led up to the thick bronze doors of the place, and the guards bowed to him as he entered. The temple foyer was a room paneled in beaten bronze relief of <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Matet" target="_blank">Matet’s</a> journey across the sky, reflecting numerous candles and open braziers.Laarus called a novice over. “Young novice, let Master Dracius know Laarus Raymer of Ra is here and requests an audience at his convenience.”  The novice bowed his head. “Yes sir. . .” He hurried off. In the meantime, he sought out the temple steward and arranged for a cell to sleep in. Having led enough guests to their quarters as a young novice himself, he did not require someone to guide him.  As he brought his gear there, <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Dracius+of+Ra" target="_blank">Dracius of Ra</a> greeted him with a smile, hand outstretched to clasp.He was an older man with a clean shaven head and a golden torc about his neck clasped firmly to his bronze-colored cassock.  “Young master Laarus! What a pleasant surprise! I would have thought you would have been deep in the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Disputed+Territories" target="_blank">Disputed Territories</a> by now…”“We made it to the Disputed Territories. But only to a secluded cove… We were investigating rumors of an attack against <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/House+Wetherwax" target="_blank">House Wetherwax</a>, but found ourselves in a completely unexpected situation,” Laarus explained, stopping in the doorway to his cell. “House Weatherwax may still be in danger, but we've learned little else to lead us in the direction of the truth. We are now preparing to depart towards the Disputed Territories once again. We plan to stop in Wesmearshire on the way. There seems to be great interest in the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/King+Stones" target="_blank">King Stones</a>, but I am uneasy about it. Do you know anything of them?”“An attack on House Wetherwax? You mean on their citadel in <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Tribunisport" target="_blank">Tribunisport</a>? Or on their ships? Did anything come of the rumors? Or were they just that?”  He followed Laarus into the cell and closed the door behind them for more privacy.“We were led to believe it would be against their fleet, but so far it has remained a rumor, but we all sense it is more serious. We only know of one who would have more information, but we don't know his whereabouts,” Laarus said.  He kept his hands folded in front of him and spoke in an even and unexcited tone, never looking away from the elder priest.“And that is?”“Vanthus Vanderboren. We don't know how he is involved. He appears to have had contact with one who is,” Laarus replied.“Vanderboren? I seem to know that name… Son of <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Vareck+of+the+Dancing+Sword" target="_blank">Vareck of the Dancing Sword</a>, correct?” Laarus nodded, and Dracius of Ra continued. “Interesting… Have you alerted House Wetherwax?”“I have not.” He paused and bowed his head slightly to the right, deep in thought and then looked up again. “I don't believe anyone else has either. But, as I've said, it is little more than a rumor at this point.”“But you must have felt there was something to it or else you would not have investigated it…” Dracius rubbed his scalp hard with his right hand. “My question is: If this Vanthus is a danger to the Wetherwaxes or has information that can guard them against attack should they not be told so they may raise their own effort to find him?”“Feeling there might be something to the rumors does not make them true. One should pay mind to their feelings, but never mistake them for fact,” Laarus stated, as if quoting an old adage. “Had we informed Weatherwax of our initial assumptions, we would've misled them. We have little more proof of anything now. I would not wish to steer their efforts in the wrong direction.”“How can you steer their efforts in the wrong direction by warning them of a possible attack and someone who knows more of it, young Laarus? I can understand not wanting to propagate rumors, but what do you think will happen if there is an attack and the word gets out that you and your companions knew something.… anything about it ahead of time?”“I see your point,” Laarus conceded. “I still feel uneasy about doing so.” He gave it another moment’s thought, and continued. “I've not the time to visit them immediately. I'll need to meet with the rest of the group and convince them it is the just thing to do.”“I can easily send word for you and tell them of this 'Vanthus', and you can go on with your journey to the Disputed Territories and the King Stones…” Dracius offered.“I feel it would be best if we were to bring the news to House Weatherwax ourselves. Should I not be able to convince them to delay our departure, I'll send you a message gladly accepting your offer.” “It is no trouble at all. I am sending an agent of the church down there for temple business. It is someone I trust implicitly,” Dracius assured him.“Have there been any new divinations concerning the Disputed Territories and the Kingdom of the Red God since we last spoke?” Laarus asked.“Divinations? I am not sure which you mean…?” Dracius frowned. “But I would not be privy to the divinations of our higher priests unless I were being briefed for some duty I was being given.”“I mean, do you have any further information on the activities in the Disputed Territories?” Laarus rephrased. (1)“No. . . Nothing new… It has not been very long,” He smiled. “Now, did you say you had some questions on the King Stones?”“Yes. What do you know about them? As I said, there appears strong interest to head there. But, I'm not so sure.”“Well, I just have a general knowledge. Long ago they were the tombs of pretender barbarian kings, but have long since been ransacked and transformed into the lairs of various humanoids that are always vying for control of the resources in the area with the local remaining human barbarian tribes. . .”Laarus holds up his hand. “I don't want to waste your time. I was more wondering if you saw any significance to the matter at hand.”“Significance? I am not sure I know what you mean. . .”“Traveling to the King Stones was first mentioned by <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Joezyn+Barhyte" target="_blank">Joezyn Barhyte</a>. He suggested we could gain treasure by raiding the tombs found there. The tombs may be defiled. But some of those buried worshipped <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Ra%27s+Pantheon" target="_blank">Ra's Pantheon</a>, though in a different visage. I do not feel it is right to steal from their tombs. We've since learned of a group of adventurers doing just this. They encountered dervishes in the area. This news gives the area significance, as we know the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Red+God+of+the+West" target="_blank">Red God</a> has at least a passing presence there. But, there are some in my band who are still interested in Barhyte's suggestion. And one who has another motivation, though he sees it not fit to share. This is what troubles me.”“Well, if you know of dervish camps in the area of the King Stones then you know more than I do, for I have not heard of such. . . From what I know these camps are further south - but that does not mean there are not more in other places. . . The barbarian kings followed syncretic heretical cults. . . Their rituals of burial are not those of the recognized laws of <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Anubis" target="_blank">Anubis</a>. . . And even if they were, whatever belonged to the so-called kings originally buried there are long gone. . . If you do come upon a tomb that is still sealed from that time, then within will be a great amount of wealth - but you must decide then whether it would be a violation based on the situation, and if it is, then leave it sealed.”“Are these kings of old not from the barbarian tribes that exist today? Are you saying that none of these tribes are true followers of Ra's Pantheon?” Laarus asked.  The young priest still stood, though the elder priest sat on a low stool, occasionally flexing his knee in slow exaggerated stretches.“If they are remains to be seen. . . They have unapproved of traditions, and at such a time when the Disputed Territories are reincorporated into Thricia the church will have to make a ruling on those barbarians, and work towards bringing them into the fold of the proper way to honor Ra and the other gods. . . Again, this is something you will have to decide upon your arrival and interaction with them. . . As for the connection of the current tribes to those of old. .. Whatever connection it tenuous at best. . . Similar to those <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Thrician+Noble+Houses" target="_blank">noble houses</a> that declare themselves descendants of <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Harbinger" target="_blank">Harbinger</a> or <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Amarantha+of+Isis" target="_blank">Amarantha</a>…”“I see. So are these <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Beast+Gods" target="_blank">Beast Gods</a> not truly Ra and the other gods in a different visage? I always saw them as such. Not as a loose approximation of the proper gods of Ra's Pantheon. Or is only the barbarians' method of worship and their rituals suspect?” Laarus continued with his query.“Generally, the latter…but do not think that all these tribes worship in the same ways or the same gods. . . There are as many different customs as there are tribes. . .”“I was not assuming such. And I understand not all the beast gods have connection to Ra and his Pantheon.” Laarus took a moment of silence to let it all set in. “You've eased the burden on my mind. While maybe not moral, removing items from these tombs would not an affront to the gods. I've less to worry of my companion's behavior. I'll heed your advice and rule again once the evidence is seen.” Turning to his items, Laarus picked up his suit of scale mail. “I'm donating this to the church. I plan to purchase a different set of armor tomorrow.”“I shall bring it to the armory for you, if you like, as you must be fatigued from your journey” Dracius said, standing and reaching for it.  Laarus thanked his mentor and handed it over.As Dracius turned to leave, Laarus asked one final question. “Should I need to take you up on your offer, what is the name of the agent you are sending?”“Eubren Winter of Ra.”Tholem, the 25th of Ter – 566 H.E. (637 M.Y.)Victoria of Anhur and Bleys the Aubergerine traveled with a caravan of gnomish merchants heading for <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Weirspierogen" target="_blank">Weirspierogen</a> thanks to the efforts of <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Lavinia+Vanderboren" target="_blank">Lavinia Vanderboren</a>.  The road between was not safe enough for two to travel alone, and the gnomes were happy to have extra bodies to discourage bugbears and bandits. There the militant and the watch-mage would catch the ferry across <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Drie-Hoek+Bay" target="_blank">Drie-Hoek Bay</a> to <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Sluetelot" target="_blank">Sluetelot</a> . The road west made its way over and around wooded hills, coming round bends to come upon half-deserted hamlets of poor folks living off the land.  It skirted atop the bald foothills of the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Little+Groots" target="_blank">Little Groots Mountains</a>, known for its goblins.  However, they traveled without event.As neither was very talkative, they fell into an easy and comfortable silence around each other.  The kind of quiet respect that requires no verbal acknowledgment, and that even years of friendship cannot always muster.   When they did speak it was succinct comments on horses or birds (2), and once a brief conversation about the relationship of the gods to one another.The journey had taken a hard week, spending most of their day walking, which made Victoria miss Argos all the more. (3)  They made their final camp just past mid-day in the shade of towering trees atop the final rise of the northern <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Ben Huevels" target="_blank">Ben Huevels</a> where they gave way to Weirspierogen and the bay.  Bleys Winter thought of his father not quite a day’s ride to the south, and then his mind drifted to the map folios he carried, their wards dispelled by <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Malcolm+the+Bronze" target="_blank">Malcolm the Bronze</a> and their great value appraised by Lavinia Vanderboren.  He remembered that evening when he went to ask her the favor, and to try to fill in some questions he had regarding Vanthus, and her parents. He recalled how he had bended to one knee, her hand clasped in his and held to his chest as he swore, “I vow to do my best to bring Vanthus and answers back to you, my lady. From this night forth: I swear before <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Isis" target="_blank">Isis</a>.” (4)Bleys noted the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Tower+of+High+Hill" target="_blank">Tower of High Hill</a> and realized how close they really were.Victoria walked over.  “Bleys, I was thinking we should request the hospitality of <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Sparlange" target="_blank">Sparlange</a>… Since <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/House+Devenpeck" target="_blank">House Devenpeck</a>  is known to be no friends of House Wetherwax, perhaps if we bring up the rumors of the plot while there something will come loose… Perhaps some name will be mentioned…”“I would rather not,” Bleys replied flatly, looking slightly uncomfortable. “Could you not bed down at the Temple of <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Anhur" target="_blank">Anhur</a>? I am almost certain that <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Garkhan+the+Green" target="_blank">Garkhan the Green</a> would grant me hospitality for one evening.” (5)Noting Bleys' rare show of discomfort, Victoria asked, "What's wrong? Didn't the others suggest that we all try to find more information about the possible plot against Weatherwax while we were going our separate ways? Is there something you're not telling me?""Well, I can say that there is much you don't know?" Bleys sighed, it was half a statement and kind of a question. "Let me ask you this: Where do you stand on honor? Is it more honorable to serve duty and law, or to serve altruism and goodness?""Laws form the path by which we travel toward the light, so I do not feel the need to put service for one over the other. That said, law is the means and good is the end, if that answers your question any," Victoria responded, obviously confused by this sudden philosophical discussion, despite her immediate answer.  She considered Bleys for a moment, and then continued, "Do you have reason to mistrust the Devenpecks, but lack evidence? If so, what better opportunity to obtain some than staying at their manse?"Bleys nodded as she replied, as if in agreement. "You are entitled to your suspicions, I will not correct you.  He adopted a tone of formality and lowered his voice just slightly. He surveyed the hasty camp, looking for any caravan members who might be attempting to overhear the young nobles' conversation.  "However, Lady Victoria, it should be known that as second son to <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Callum+Winter" target="_blank">Callum Winter</a>, patriarch of the Devenpeck Winters, Master of the Roost in the Ben Heuvels, in service to House Devenpeck, it would be uncouth of me to cast further suspicion upon the nobility of the house we dutifully serve, or propagate uncorroborated rumors as to their political machinations or agenda as I certainly have no evidence to do so. I must now beseech you to desist in your inquiry." Bleys looked directly at her with the last. "…And I would rather not look for venom and snakes in the vipers' nest. At least not yet, not now…"As realization of Bleys' blood ties dawned on Victoria, her eyes widened, but quickly narrowed again. She returned Bleys' stare.  She whispered, "I had not spoken of suspecting <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/House+Devenpeck" target="_blank">House Devenpeck</a> … My thought was that they may know of others with bad intentions toward House Weatherwax. I understand that it may be… unseemly to use our benefactors for information this way, but I have no intention of accusing the Devenpecks or even of spreading any rumors of their involvement in the plot, since I have little reason yet to think they are involved. My intention is merely to bring up the rumors of the plot as light dinner conversation, and hope that it will lead to some possible suspects we are unaware of. If you have some problem with even this, Bleys, I wish you would as straightforward as I have found you so far and tell me why."Victoria Ostrander put her fists on her hips, striking an imposing figure in her scale mail armor, silver spear of Anhur shining around her neck.Bleys looked about again, as if nervous. "Victoria, listen to me… Have reason… This is a conversation that we can no longer have. Not now. Not here. We may speak again in <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Sluetelot" target="_blank">Sluetelot</a> . I cannot go to Sparlange with you tonight. I can be no clearer on this." He leaned closer. "And while you may do as you wish, I would encourage you to do the same. At the very least, should you do so, make no inquiries while there, into this suspected plot. And it may behoove us were you not to offer my presence in town. You are blooded of a minor noble house, should an accident befall you, well… excuses could be made." Bleys paused, but Victoria seemed to still be mulling it over, so he continued: "The Temple of Anhur, I am certain, could house you for one evening, would not protocol be slaked by requesting this?"Victoria studied Bleys for a long time. "Very well, I'll take your advice, but we will speak of this in <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Sluetelot" target="_blank">Sluetelot</a> . I mislike secrets among those who are ostensibly friends." The caravan master was calling out in his high gnomish voice that the break was over. “We should be in Weirspierogen proper in about three or four hours,” he announced.  Victoria walked to where the front of the caravan was forming up, not saying another word.Later, Bleys reminded her that they would meet just before dawn at the ferry to <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Sluetelot" target="_blank">Sluetelot</a> .  She nodded her agreement.----------------------------------------------Hours later she was in the sparring court of Weirspierogen’s temple of Anhur, taking out her anger on a practice dummy.  The novices, who lined up to spar with the guest militant, as was custom in this church, did their best to hide their worry when they saw her brutal and precise blows.The temple was halfway up the western side of High Hill.  From here there was a good view of Weirspierogen below, and it was much smaller and impoverished than Victoria had imagined.  Passing Sparlange on the way, she noted there was no lack of splendor and pomp there, and the temple of Anhur, while spartan, as was custom, was large and well-attended; everything of the finest quality.  Militant Julian Spar played the part of host for her.  He had earned a reasonable high rank at this temple despite his youth.  He was friendly and eager to hear of her exploits.  He also passed on the high militant’s invitation to join him at his table at dinner.------------------------------------------------High Militant Crispus Devenpeck was a tall and handsome man just past thirty, his brown hair cut very close to his scalp, and counter to Thrician custom.  He took his meals in the mess hall with other militants and novices, at a table removed from the others, where he and his advisors could talk privately, if they needed to.  This time, however, the occasion was merely good form in handling a guest.He stood as Victoria approached, reaching his hand out to shake it with the equal respect some militants failed to show women of their order.“Well met and welcome,” he said, sitting down and gesturing for her to do the same. “I must admit I am surprised to see a member of your charter here in town without young Bleys.  I hope all is well with him…” He smiled.“Bleys is alive and well and traveled with me here to Weirspeirogen,” Victoria replied. “Though he felt his visit was better spent consulting with the local watch-mage… I must compliment the impressive statue of Anhur above the sparring court.  It is a wonderful example of craftsmanship…”“Yes,” High Militant Crispus replied, going along willingly with the change of subject. “It is a Brairley… A relatively recent installation, obviously…” (6)  And the talk went on in that fashion…End of Intersession #8.7-----------------------------------------------------------Notes:(1) There was some confusion regarding Dracius of Ra’s use of the word “divined” when he first discussed the Disputed Territories with Laarus.  The latter interpreting it to mean, the information the elder priest was sharing was gained by means of divine magic.(2) <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/House+Ostrander" target="_blank">House Ostrander</a> is known for their ability to breed fine horses, and Bleys’ father is the Master of the Roost, <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/House+Devenpeck" target="_blank">House Devenpeck’s</a> aviary for faultless and falcons.(3) Argos was killed by falling into the yellow musk creeper pit in Session #4(4) This scene, too, is from an InterSession thread that did not make it to the story hour.(5) There was also a scene covering Bleys the Aubergine’s visit with Garkhan the Green, some the contents of which may be covered in a future installment in the young watch-mage’s journal.(6) <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Susan+Brairley" target="_blank">Susan Brairley</a> is a famous sculptor from <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Moon+City" target="_blank">Moon City</a>, and is incidentally the mother of <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Gregori+the+Brown" target="_blank">Gregori the Brown</a>, watch-mage and one-time member of <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/The+Oath" target="_blank">The Oath</a> adventuring company.</blockquote>

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