Shilsen's Eberron SH (Finished - The Last Word : 9/20/15)
- Thread starter Rackhir
- Start date
shilsen
Adventurer
Vorput said:
Not that bad, but they might have called another, probably more deadly, person fat. I don't know for sure.
I'll often jump forward in time during a session for reasons of time and pacing, skipping a scene or situation that we know won't affect something coming up after that, and returning to the skipped situation and playing it out later. During this escort job they accepted, the airship they're traveling on made a stop at Fairhaven for the princess to pay her respects to Queen Aurala of Aundair. The PCs got to meet her too. We skipped over that meeting, so we'll be playing it out over email during the break. With this bunch, just about anything's possible, so for all I know Aurala might be sending assassins after them or declaring war on Breland and/or Karrnath due to them. I'll have to wait and see.
After a false start involving his inability to enter England (due to possible state secret violations I can't tell you why), Shil has managed to make it back to India and is now working on an update for the story hour. Which he promises will be completed sometime before the heat death of the universe.
shilsen
Adventurer
As promised by Rackhir above, here's the next update:
* * * * * * * * * *
What do you do with an Archierophant like Ythana?
Now that they have made a decision, the Angels inform Joseth that they will be busy for a month, but after that, might be free to help deal with the situation in Q’Barra, assuming it’s still an issue at that point. Though clearly a little disappointed, Joseth takes the news with good grace, saying that he will check on them after a month has passed.
The Angels also dispatch a message via House Sivis to New Cyre, informing Corven that they would be interested in the Mournland expedition but will be busy for a month. Since the preparations for the expedition will take longer than that, once they are free they will contact him and see if some arrangement can be made.
* * * * *
The next morning, the Angels receive a pair of messages. The first is a sending from Sora Teraza to Nameless, saying, “If you receive this, please respond as soon as possible. I’m concerned about your safety. You’ve been gone a month now. What happened with Mordain?” Nameless promptly replies, “No problems. Mordain is the kindest, warmest, nicest person we met. We’re busy right now but everything is fine.”
The second message is delivered by a nondescript looking half-elf, and is from Talleon Haliar Tonan, Captain of the King’s Dark Lanterns in Sharn. He ‘invites’ them to visit him at the Citadel, since they need to “discuss some mutual acquaintances.” The Angels inform the messenger that they will do so, and are getting ready to depart, when the next message arrives, accompanied by a familiar, if recently rarely seen, face – Bodo.
The erstwhile street urchin turned Guardian Angel mascot/groupie turned novice at the Cathedral of the Silver Flame carries a note from the Archierophant to Gareth. It says that Ythana has contacted the Keeper of the Flame and will be traveling to Flamekeep this morning. Gareth should not leave the city until she returns and speaks to him, which should be within a few days.
Having delivered the missive, Bodo settles down to chat with the Angels about how they’ve been, what they’re doing, and the like. Finally, he asks, “Do you guys have any old stuff you can give me?”
“What kind of ‘old stuff’, and what do you want it for?” asks Gareth suspiciously.
Looking slightly guilty, Bodo continues, “Oh, just bits of old armor or weapons. Maybe something you used and don’t need. Especially stuff from your adventures would be great.”
Six emits a metallic chortle. “You are selling them to the other students, right?”
Bodo looks just a little more guilty as he hastily explains, “Yes. But they’re such big fans of you guys that they’d love to have some stuff like that. And since they barely let us have any money at the school, I thought this would be a good honest way to make some.”
“I’m sure we could find you some…,” begins Luna, when Gareth interrupts firmly, “No! We are not giving you things to sell to your classmates. You’re there to study and improve yourself and learn about the Flame, not run a business.”
“Oh, come on, Gareth! It’s just a little stuff. And I’m making the money honestly, aren’t I? Please!” Bodo’s pleas are unavailing, and he is quickly sent back to the school by Gareth, who then informs the others that they should stop encouraging Bodo to pay attention to this kind of thing instead of his studies and should avoid corrupting him. After a chorus of responses ranging from “Yeah, right!” to “Phhfftt!”, the paladin stalks off to the warforged guards of the house and informs them that if Bodo returns, he must be told about it first. The nearest guard raises a metal hand and asks, sounding slightly confused, “Is that first before Luna and Six are informed first, as they told us to do?”
* * *
An hour later, the Angels are seated in the comfortable meeting room adjoining his office that Talleon uses when meeting them. The gnome begins by making small talk, mentioning that he heard of their ‘minor fracas’ with some Boromars in Carosten Park and commenting on their disappearance from Sharn for a few weeks, inquiring politely about their health. The Angels try to be as patient as they can, and Talleon eventually comes to the subject he wished to discuss.
“I believe,” he says with a polite smile, “That you had a meeting with Hass ir’Tain yesterday. Might I ask what it was regarding? Are you working on something for him now, perchance?”
“If you don’t mind, we’d rather not say,” says Nameless, recalling that Hass has sworn the Angels to secrecy about this assignment, for reasons of security. “Not because we wouldn’t be open with you, but because of other people’s privacy.”
Talleon smiles broadly. “I’ll take that as a ‘yes, we’re working for him’ then. And no, I won’t try to coerce you to give me the information. Instead, I’ll just give you a warning. Not just as someone whose job, as you know, involves keeping an eye on anything pertaining to national security, but as a friend. You should be careful how much you trust a man who is a consistent critic of the royalty and a supporter of Ruken ir’Clarn, the single most vocal anti-monarchical voice in Parliament. Consider it friendly advice.”
“Thank you,” says Gareth politely, wondering how this information might have a bearing on the escort job.
“You’re welcome,” says Talleon. “So, tell me – once you’re done with this job for Hass,” he quickly raises a hand to forestall claims to the contrary and adds, “Or whatever work you might be doing, when do you think you’ll be free?”
“Why?” asks Luna suspiciously. “Do you want us to do something?”
“I might have a little something I could throw your way.”
“Okay,” says Luna, rising instantly to her feet and striding quickly out the door. Talleon and the other Angels gape after her for a moment, and then all of them begin to chuckle. “She’s a little … abrupt, isn’t she?” laughs the gnome.
“You have no[/i] idea!”
Although they do not do so as precipitously, the other Angels slowly follow Luna, once Talleon says that’s effectively all he wished to speak to them about. They find her waiting for them near the exit to the Citadel. “You didn’t accept another job, did you?” she growls.
“No. But I’m wondering about the job for Hass now,” says Korm. “Could this be some sort of setup?”
Six says gloomily. “It’s us. It’s political. And we spoke to a gnome right now. Of course it’s a setup!”
* * * * *
Despite his gloomy prediction, Six and the others spend the next few days making preparations for the journey. With winter about to settle in and the fact that they are heading to Karrnath, up in the north of Khorvaire, and doing so by airship, warm clothing is purchased. Fett is informed that he will have to be looking after the Gray House for about a month before they return. The money provided by Mordain – much of which turns out to be centuries old and more valuable than as basic coinage – is disposed of and new equipment purchased or ordered.
Four days after their meeting with Hass, Nameless contacts him with a sending to inform Hass that they are ready to teleport to his location, as he had planned for them to do, for the final bit of briefing before the departure. Hass responds that they should do so half an hour later. In the interim, Nameless carefully studies the detailed description of a room that he had provided at the end of their previous meeting, and teleports the Angels there at the given time.
They appear in the middle of a large wooden chamber, lavish and well-appointed, with porthole-like windows that look out over the city of Wroat hundreds of feet below. Awaiting them are Hass and another formally-dressed man, the latter probably as old as the young half-elven parliamentarian, which puts him well into middle age as a human. Hass steps forward and introduces them. “Greetings and welcome to the Serenity. May I present Fenlen ir’Kess, another member of parliament and the person who suggested this assignment in the first place? Fenlen, these – of course – are the famed Guardian Angels of Sharn.”
Fenlen bows and asks the Angels to be seated, doing so himself. After a couple of polite platitudes, he says, “Naturally, I have heard and read a great deal about your exploits and abilities, as I’m sure anyone in the civilized areas of Khorvaire has. The addition of Hass having vouched for you makes me quite certain that you are perfect for this assignment, and this meeting is strictly a formality as far as I’m concerned, serving rather to fulfill my wish to meet you all in person. There is, however, one more person who you need to speak to and whose agreement we need before everything can be confirmed.” Fenlen raises his voice and calls, causing the door to be opened by a guard, who looks understandably surprised at finding the room full of people now. “Send in Sir Madoxx.”
Within a minute, there is a knock and the door opens again. The first thing the Angels notice about the figure that enters is the skeletal head, dark eyes gleaming from deep within the sockets of a skull-face. This visage tops a thick, skeletal body, which bears little resemblance to any actual skeleton that the Angels have ever seen, consisting of strangely interlaced bones on the surface of an ebony shape. The hilt of a large sword protrudes above the creature’s right shoulder. The figure eyes them for a moment and then reaches up to its head with both hands, only to snap the skull off. Revealed beneath is a dark, but clearly human, face, and the other Angels recognize instantly what Gareth already had at first glance – that the man in front of them is garbed from head to toe in an armor made primarily of bone. “May I introduce,” Hass says, “Sir Madoxx Kaminarr, head of security for Princess Haydith? Sir Madoxx Kaminarr, these are the Guardian Angels from Sharn.” Luna, whose right hand had just begun the motions of a spell at sight of the figure, mutters, “Wow – freaky!”
Madoxx’s face, tautly lined and chocolate-colored, with a neatly trimmed handlebar moustache flecked with gray, displays no expression in response to the comment or the introduction, dark eyes flickering from face to face as he walks forward. As he advances, Gareth rises to meet him, extending a hand. Madoxx Kaminarr, the paladin thinks to himself, recalling the name from his time in Karrnath, One of the most famous of the Bone Knights and hero of the Last War! He extends a hand, saying, “Sir Madoxx – I am Gareth Byron Deneith. I’ve heard much of your exploits during the War, though I never had the honor to serve with you. It’s a pleasure!” As Madoxx firmly shakes his hand, Gareth notes that the only decoration worn by the knight is an opal-studded signet ring, indicating that Madoxx is a member of the Order of Rekkenmark, one who graduated with honors as an officer from Karrnath’s Rekkenmark Academy, long viewed as the premier military institution in the Five Nations.
“Gareth,” says Madoxx, in a dryly precise voice, “I have heard of you.” He takes a seat and then adds, “I’ve done some checking about your group, and I’d discovered that one of you was Karrnathi. But you are living in Breland now?” The tone is dispassionate, but there is an underlying tinge of something – perhaps suspicion or disapproval. Gareth ignores it and says, “Yes. I have been in Sharn for the last few months, though we travel around enough to make it difficult to call it ‘living there.’ And home will in some sense always be Karrlakton, where my parents are from.”
“Yes. I know that is where Marshal Byron Deneith’s estate is. He was a good commander, and his death was an unfortunate loss to Karrnath.”
“Thank you.” Gratified at the compliment about his father, Gareth beams at Maddox and then quickly introduces his companions. Once he has done so, Fenlen says, “I have told them a little about the arrangements here, but I thought that better left to you. And I’ve told them that we need your agreement before their aid can be accepted.”
Maddox nods and then addresses the Angels. “I have, as I said, done some checking on your backgrounds and exploits, and you are evidently vouched for by the Brelish government and personally by Hass ir’Tain. I’m sure your abilities will be very useful, much more so than trying to put a few hundred soldiers on this ship, which also raises the chances of traitors and saboteurs. In short, I’m quite happy to have you on board. There is only one restriction I must ask you to agree to before I allow it. I shall leave you free to decide how to carry out the job of guarding Haydith, but you must agree that, if I ever need to give you an order, you will follow it. Otherwise, I cannot agree. Princess Haydith’s safety is my first, last and only priority, and I cannot risk it being jeopardized by any uncertainty about a chain of command and argument about decisions, if it comes to that, even with skilled individuals such as yourself. I should add, however, that I think it unlikely to have a situation where I will be giving any of you orders. What do you say?”
Luna, hackles rising at the idea – however theoretical – of anyone giving her orders, begins heatedly, “What the…,” before Korm swiftly places a hand on her wrist and squeezes firmly, and a little painfully. The interruption allows Nameless to speak up instead. “That is acceptable, as long as you understand that we are likely to respond in idiosyncratic ways to any danger, and it is in that flexibility and, I admit, unpredictability that our strengths lie. But I have no problem agreeing to your requirement.”
“All right then,” says Madoxx, casting a glance at Luna, who doesn’t deign to add anything.
“If I may ask something,” says Six, “Why not just have Nameless teleport the princess straight to Karrnath?” Glancing at the alienist, he adds, “You can reach that far, right?”
Just a trifle smugly, Nameless responds, “Right now I can reach anywhere on Khorvaire – and actually on the planet – with an accurate enough description, with no chance of error.”
Maddox smiles thinly, for the first time since he entered, and says, “Trusting you to guard the princess on her trip isn’t the same as trusting you to teleport off with her. But beyond that, there are other reasons.” Fenlen nods and opens a document with neat writing on it, which Six can see is a list of dates and words next to them. “Something that you haven’t been told is the itinerary of this trip, for security reasons, but now that Sir Maddox has agreed to our suggestion, here it is.”
The Brelish diplomat continues, “The ship will leave Wroat on the 15th and will proceed north, entering Aundair on the 17th. It will dock at Fairhaven at dawn on the 19th, where Haydith will meet with Queen Aurala. Departing the Aundairan capital on the 20th, the ship will head north, avoiding Thrane completely and crossing into Karrnath from the northwest at night on the 21st. It will reach Korth on the 22nd.” Folding the paper, he adds, “Haydith’s visit to Aurala en route to Karrnath, short as it will be, is an important event. The Queen has not yet agreed to participate in the friendly exchange that Breland and Karrnath have, with children and siblings of our monarchs dwelling in the other country to learn more about its culture and increase the bonds between the nations in the aftermath of the War, and it is hoped Haydith – with her experience of Brelish hospitality – can be a little persuasive to that end.”
“All right,” says Gareth. “If I may ask, why is the airship avoiding Thrane?”
Fenlen looks to Maddox, but the bone knight says nothing, simply looking back at Fenlen with a hint of dark amusement in his eyes. After an awkward few seconds, Hass steps in. “Thrane and Karrnath are undergoing some disputes right now, and while the leaders of both countries are certain the princess would be perfectly safe traveling through Thrane, it was considered preferable to fly over Aundair.”
Six, who has been studying the political affairs of the nations a lot more closely than the others, momentarily considers mentioning that presumably a Karrnathi princess visiting Fairhaven instead of Flamekeep while traveling from Breland would also be a lot more acceptable in the current moment of Breland’s growing friendship with Aundair (and Karrnath’s long-held rivalry with Thrane and the Church of the Silver Flame). Only momentarily.
Maddox glances at Gareth “You are a worshipper of Thrane’s Church of the Silver Flame, correct?”
“I am a paladin of the Silver Flame, but only nominally a member of the Church, and have no affiliation with Thrane. Why do you ask?”
“Simply satisfying my curiosity,” says the bone knight. Then he addresses the group again. “I shall leave you now. It was a pleasure, and I will see you again on the 15th.” He rises and departs. As he is going, Fenlen says, “In order to retain as much privacy as possible, please teleport to this chamber at 9 in the morning on the 15th.” He smiles a little and adds, “I suggest you bring some warm clothing. As Gareth can tell you, it is much colder in Karrnath than Sharn, especially on the deck of a flying airship in Aryth.”
After exchanging a few more words, the Angels leave via Nameless’ spell, reappearing in their sanctum at the Gray House.
* * * * *
The remaining period before the group’s departure passes remarkably peacefully by the Angels’ standards, except for one more meeting…
…and so,” says Ythana Morr, facing all of the Angels across her desk, “Nameless must come with me to speak to the Keeper of the Flame.”
“When does this have to happen?” asks Nameless, in as polite a manner as he can.
“Tomorrow. I will only be able to prepare the appropriate spell then, since I used it to return today. Please make any preparations you need to.”
“How long will this meeting take? We have a limited amount of time available, since we’re involved with a job.”
The Archierophant frowns slightly. “I cannot say. Since you will need to remain in Flamekeep as long as the Keeper feels is necessary, I suggest you cancel the job. Or leave the rest of your friends to deal with it, since their presence is not crucial.” There is the slightest tinge of hopefulness to her tone, which the more perceptive among the Angels notice. They exchange glances, but Gareth is the one who speaks up. “That is not really an option. As I mentioned at our last meeting, we cannot allow you to keep Nameless in Flamekeep – or elsewhere – any longer than he chooses to stay. And this ‘job’ is very important and we have given our word to all participate in it. So I must refuse, with all due respect.”
The frown deepens, and for a moment Ythana seems about to say something, but then she turns to Nameless. “Do you refuse to accompany me to Flamekeep?”
“I’m willing to go to Flamekeep and meet the Keeper,” Nameless says carefully, “But as Gareth said, it’s impossible to do that on an extended basis right now. If you could promise that we would be able to leave tomorrow evening, I’d be more than happy to do so. But if not, then I cannot.” As he speaks, the alienist feels a familiar stirring in one of his pouches, the one that now houses the awakened and ambulatory rock Edgar, and he quickly places a hand over it, certain that Edgar’s appearance will not help to improve the Archierophant’s attitude.
An attitude which, going by the expression on her face, is quickly worsening, as she says, “Despite knowing what a danger – if what Gareth tells me is correct – you are to everyone around you, as well as potentially the whole of Khorvaire? Your priorities seem significantly confused.”
“Only if I’m killed,” points out Nameless, adding with a slight smile, “Which I’m planning to not have happen any time soon. And evidently I’m a bit of a danger if I’m in the same place for a while, so keeping me in Flamekeep for long would be a problem too.”
“That would be for the Keeper to decide. But you seem much more concerned about this job, whatever it is.”
“We have promised to take it on,” puts in Gareth, “And my word is my bond. With all due respect, I cannot break it.”
“Your word? And you don’t see that there are more important things in play here?”
Gareth looks a little uncomfortable, but continues politely, “I am a paladin of the Flame. I cannot break my word.”
“I know precisely what you are!” snaps Ythana, who is clearly beginning to lose her temper, if she has not already done so. “And as a paladin of the Flame, your allegiance should be to the Church and to the Flame and to what creates the greatest good for the greatest number around you, not to an egotistical focusing on some ill-considered promise!”
Looking even more uncomfortable, Gareth says, “My allegiance is to the Flame, first and foremost, before even the Church, and I do not think in this regard that taking Nameless to Flamekeeep is of the utmost immediate importa…”
This time, Ythana doesn’t even let him finish. “And you set yourself up in judgement of that? I am Archierophant of the Church in Breland. I am speaking on behalf of the Keeper of the Flame, the voice of the Flame in this world. And you refuse us and prefer your own judgement?”
There is a long pause, and then Gareth sighs and says, “Unfortunately, yes. With all due respect.”
Nameless, feeling protective towards Gareth, quickly adds, “May I point out that I’m not refusing to come to Flamekeep? I’m simply saying that I’ll do so later, when I have some more time on hand.” He thinks, And when I know for a fact that you won’t try to lock me up and throw away the key, but doesn’t verbalize it.
The Archierophant’s attention snaps back to him. She half-rises, and then visibly collects herself. When she speaks, her tone is more controlled, but no less threatening. “I am tempted to drag you before the Keeper myself, but I know of your capabilities and those of your companions, so I shall refrain.” Her gaze flashes to Gareth. “Even though I am tempted to do so simply to see exactly how true your supposed allegiances are. Or to declare you excommunicate from the Church for your actions today.”
“With all due respect…,” begins Gareth, causing Ythana’s eyes to bulge slightly, as she shouts, “Stop saying that! With all due respect, my a…,” before she again – barely – composes herself. “This meeting is ended. You are free to leave. I suggest you think very strongly about the decisions you are taking. Especially you, Gareth.”
For a moment, Gareth considers expressing his regrets again, but decides that might push her over the edge. The Angels wordlessly take their leave. Once outside, Korm looks sympathetically at Gareth. “Sounds like you’re in big trouble. I hope Gurr’khan takes what I told the Gatekeepers a little better.”
“I guess it can’t be helped,” says Gareth. “At least Cedric will get a big laugh out of it.” He looks over at Nameless. “Try not to die on this trip. If you do, I’ll look really stupid for supporting you.”
“Note to self,” says Nameless dryly, “Avoid dying, for sake of Gareth’s reputation.”
* * * * * * * * * *
What do you do with an Archierophant like Ythana?
Now that they have made a decision, the Angels inform Joseth that they will be busy for a month, but after that, might be free to help deal with the situation in Q’Barra, assuming it’s still an issue at that point. Though clearly a little disappointed, Joseth takes the news with good grace, saying that he will check on them after a month has passed.
The Angels also dispatch a message via House Sivis to New Cyre, informing Corven that they would be interested in the Mournland expedition but will be busy for a month. Since the preparations for the expedition will take longer than that, once they are free they will contact him and see if some arrangement can be made.
* * * * *
The next morning, the Angels receive a pair of messages. The first is a sending from Sora Teraza to Nameless, saying, “If you receive this, please respond as soon as possible. I’m concerned about your safety. You’ve been gone a month now. What happened with Mordain?” Nameless promptly replies, “No problems. Mordain is the kindest, warmest, nicest person we met. We’re busy right now but everything is fine.”
The second message is delivered by a nondescript looking half-elf, and is from Talleon Haliar Tonan, Captain of the King’s Dark Lanterns in Sharn. He ‘invites’ them to visit him at the Citadel, since they need to “discuss some mutual acquaintances.” The Angels inform the messenger that they will do so, and are getting ready to depart, when the next message arrives, accompanied by a familiar, if recently rarely seen, face – Bodo.
The erstwhile street urchin turned Guardian Angel mascot/groupie turned novice at the Cathedral of the Silver Flame carries a note from the Archierophant to Gareth. It says that Ythana has contacted the Keeper of the Flame and will be traveling to Flamekeep this morning. Gareth should not leave the city until she returns and speaks to him, which should be within a few days.
Having delivered the missive, Bodo settles down to chat with the Angels about how they’ve been, what they’re doing, and the like. Finally, he asks, “Do you guys have any old stuff you can give me?”
“What kind of ‘old stuff’, and what do you want it for?” asks Gareth suspiciously.
Looking slightly guilty, Bodo continues, “Oh, just bits of old armor or weapons. Maybe something you used and don’t need. Especially stuff from your adventures would be great.”
Six emits a metallic chortle. “You are selling them to the other students, right?”
Bodo looks just a little more guilty as he hastily explains, “Yes. But they’re such big fans of you guys that they’d love to have some stuff like that. And since they barely let us have any money at the school, I thought this would be a good honest way to make some.”
“I’m sure we could find you some…,” begins Luna, when Gareth interrupts firmly, “No! We are not giving you things to sell to your classmates. You’re there to study and improve yourself and learn about the Flame, not run a business.”
“Oh, come on, Gareth! It’s just a little stuff. And I’m making the money honestly, aren’t I? Please!” Bodo’s pleas are unavailing, and he is quickly sent back to the school by Gareth, who then informs the others that they should stop encouraging Bodo to pay attention to this kind of thing instead of his studies and should avoid corrupting him. After a chorus of responses ranging from “Yeah, right!” to “Phhfftt!”, the paladin stalks off to the warforged guards of the house and informs them that if Bodo returns, he must be told about it first. The nearest guard raises a metal hand and asks, sounding slightly confused, “Is that first before Luna and Six are informed first, as they told us to do?”
* * *
An hour later, the Angels are seated in the comfortable meeting room adjoining his office that Talleon uses when meeting them. The gnome begins by making small talk, mentioning that he heard of their ‘minor fracas’ with some Boromars in Carosten Park and commenting on their disappearance from Sharn for a few weeks, inquiring politely about their health. The Angels try to be as patient as they can, and Talleon eventually comes to the subject he wished to discuss.
“I believe,” he says with a polite smile, “That you had a meeting with Hass ir’Tain yesterday. Might I ask what it was regarding? Are you working on something for him now, perchance?”
“If you don’t mind, we’d rather not say,” says Nameless, recalling that Hass has sworn the Angels to secrecy about this assignment, for reasons of security. “Not because we wouldn’t be open with you, but because of other people’s privacy.”
Talleon smiles broadly. “I’ll take that as a ‘yes, we’re working for him’ then. And no, I won’t try to coerce you to give me the information. Instead, I’ll just give you a warning. Not just as someone whose job, as you know, involves keeping an eye on anything pertaining to national security, but as a friend. You should be careful how much you trust a man who is a consistent critic of the royalty and a supporter of Ruken ir’Clarn, the single most vocal anti-monarchical voice in Parliament. Consider it friendly advice.”
“Thank you,” says Gareth politely, wondering how this information might have a bearing on the escort job.
“You’re welcome,” says Talleon. “So, tell me – once you’re done with this job for Hass,” he quickly raises a hand to forestall claims to the contrary and adds, “Or whatever work you might be doing, when do you think you’ll be free?”
“Why?” asks Luna suspiciously. “Do you want us to do something?”
“I might have a little something I could throw your way.”
“Okay,” says Luna, rising instantly to her feet and striding quickly out the door. Talleon and the other Angels gape after her for a moment, and then all of them begin to chuckle. “She’s a little … abrupt, isn’t she?” laughs the gnome.
“You have no[/i] idea!”
Although they do not do so as precipitously, the other Angels slowly follow Luna, once Talleon says that’s effectively all he wished to speak to them about. They find her waiting for them near the exit to the Citadel. “You didn’t accept another job, did you?” she growls.
“No. But I’m wondering about the job for Hass now,” says Korm. “Could this be some sort of setup?”
Six says gloomily. “It’s us. It’s political. And we spoke to a gnome right now. Of course it’s a setup!”
* * * * *
Despite his gloomy prediction, Six and the others spend the next few days making preparations for the journey. With winter about to settle in and the fact that they are heading to Karrnath, up in the north of Khorvaire, and doing so by airship, warm clothing is purchased. Fett is informed that he will have to be looking after the Gray House for about a month before they return. The money provided by Mordain – much of which turns out to be centuries old and more valuable than as basic coinage – is disposed of and new equipment purchased or ordered.
Four days after their meeting with Hass, Nameless contacts him with a sending to inform Hass that they are ready to teleport to his location, as he had planned for them to do, for the final bit of briefing before the departure. Hass responds that they should do so half an hour later. In the interim, Nameless carefully studies the detailed description of a room that he had provided at the end of their previous meeting, and teleports the Angels there at the given time.
They appear in the middle of a large wooden chamber, lavish and well-appointed, with porthole-like windows that look out over the city of Wroat hundreds of feet below. Awaiting them are Hass and another formally-dressed man, the latter probably as old as the young half-elven parliamentarian, which puts him well into middle age as a human. Hass steps forward and introduces them. “Greetings and welcome to the Serenity. May I present Fenlen ir’Kess, another member of parliament and the person who suggested this assignment in the first place? Fenlen, these – of course – are the famed Guardian Angels of Sharn.”
Fenlen bows and asks the Angels to be seated, doing so himself. After a couple of polite platitudes, he says, “Naturally, I have heard and read a great deal about your exploits and abilities, as I’m sure anyone in the civilized areas of Khorvaire has. The addition of Hass having vouched for you makes me quite certain that you are perfect for this assignment, and this meeting is strictly a formality as far as I’m concerned, serving rather to fulfill my wish to meet you all in person. There is, however, one more person who you need to speak to and whose agreement we need before everything can be confirmed.” Fenlen raises his voice and calls, causing the door to be opened by a guard, who looks understandably surprised at finding the room full of people now. “Send in Sir Madoxx.”
Within a minute, there is a knock and the door opens again. The first thing the Angels notice about the figure that enters is the skeletal head, dark eyes gleaming from deep within the sockets of a skull-face. This visage tops a thick, skeletal body, which bears little resemblance to any actual skeleton that the Angels have ever seen, consisting of strangely interlaced bones on the surface of an ebony shape. The hilt of a large sword protrudes above the creature’s right shoulder. The figure eyes them for a moment and then reaches up to its head with both hands, only to snap the skull off. Revealed beneath is a dark, but clearly human, face, and the other Angels recognize instantly what Gareth already had at first glance – that the man in front of them is garbed from head to toe in an armor made primarily of bone. “May I introduce,” Hass says, “Sir Madoxx Kaminarr, head of security for Princess Haydith? Sir Madoxx Kaminarr, these are the Guardian Angels from Sharn.” Luna, whose right hand had just begun the motions of a spell at sight of the figure, mutters, “Wow – freaky!”
Madoxx’s face, tautly lined and chocolate-colored, with a neatly trimmed handlebar moustache flecked with gray, displays no expression in response to the comment or the introduction, dark eyes flickering from face to face as he walks forward. As he advances, Gareth rises to meet him, extending a hand. Madoxx Kaminarr, the paladin thinks to himself, recalling the name from his time in Karrnath, One of the most famous of the Bone Knights and hero of the Last War! He extends a hand, saying, “Sir Madoxx – I am Gareth Byron Deneith. I’ve heard much of your exploits during the War, though I never had the honor to serve with you. It’s a pleasure!” As Madoxx firmly shakes his hand, Gareth notes that the only decoration worn by the knight is an opal-studded signet ring, indicating that Madoxx is a member of the Order of Rekkenmark, one who graduated with honors as an officer from Karrnath’s Rekkenmark Academy, long viewed as the premier military institution in the Five Nations.
“Gareth,” says Madoxx, in a dryly precise voice, “I have heard of you.” He takes a seat and then adds, “I’ve done some checking about your group, and I’d discovered that one of you was Karrnathi. But you are living in Breland now?” The tone is dispassionate, but there is an underlying tinge of something – perhaps suspicion or disapproval. Gareth ignores it and says, “Yes. I have been in Sharn for the last few months, though we travel around enough to make it difficult to call it ‘living there.’ And home will in some sense always be Karrlakton, where my parents are from.”
“Yes. I know that is where Marshal Byron Deneith’s estate is. He was a good commander, and his death was an unfortunate loss to Karrnath.”
“Thank you.” Gratified at the compliment about his father, Gareth beams at Maddox and then quickly introduces his companions. Once he has done so, Fenlen says, “I have told them a little about the arrangements here, but I thought that better left to you. And I’ve told them that we need your agreement before their aid can be accepted.”
Maddox nods and then addresses the Angels. “I have, as I said, done some checking on your backgrounds and exploits, and you are evidently vouched for by the Brelish government and personally by Hass ir’Tain. I’m sure your abilities will be very useful, much more so than trying to put a few hundred soldiers on this ship, which also raises the chances of traitors and saboteurs. In short, I’m quite happy to have you on board. There is only one restriction I must ask you to agree to before I allow it. I shall leave you free to decide how to carry out the job of guarding Haydith, but you must agree that, if I ever need to give you an order, you will follow it. Otherwise, I cannot agree. Princess Haydith’s safety is my first, last and only priority, and I cannot risk it being jeopardized by any uncertainty about a chain of command and argument about decisions, if it comes to that, even with skilled individuals such as yourself. I should add, however, that I think it unlikely to have a situation where I will be giving any of you orders. What do you say?”
Luna, hackles rising at the idea – however theoretical – of anyone giving her orders, begins heatedly, “What the…,” before Korm swiftly places a hand on her wrist and squeezes firmly, and a little painfully. The interruption allows Nameless to speak up instead. “That is acceptable, as long as you understand that we are likely to respond in idiosyncratic ways to any danger, and it is in that flexibility and, I admit, unpredictability that our strengths lie. But I have no problem agreeing to your requirement.”
“All right then,” says Madoxx, casting a glance at Luna, who doesn’t deign to add anything.
“If I may ask something,” says Six, “Why not just have Nameless teleport the princess straight to Karrnath?” Glancing at the alienist, he adds, “You can reach that far, right?”
Just a trifle smugly, Nameless responds, “Right now I can reach anywhere on Khorvaire – and actually on the planet – with an accurate enough description, with no chance of error.”
Maddox smiles thinly, for the first time since he entered, and says, “Trusting you to guard the princess on her trip isn’t the same as trusting you to teleport off with her. But beyond that, there are other reasons.” Fenlen nods and opens a document with neat writing on it, which Six can see is a list of dates and words next to them. “Something that you haven’t been told is the itinerary of this trip, for security reasons, but now that Sir Maddox has agreed to our suggestion, here it is.”
The Brelish diplomat continues, “The ship will leave Wroat on the 15th and will proceed north, entering Aundair on the 17th. It will dock at Fairhaven at dawn on the 19th, where Haydith will meet with Queen Aurala. Departing the Aundairan capital on the 20th, the ship will head north, avoiding Thrane completely and crossing into Karrnath from the northwest at night on the 21st. It will reach Korth on the 22nd.” Folding the paper, he adds, “Haydith’s visit to Aurala en route to Karrnath, short as it will be, is an important event. The Queen has not yet agreed to participate in the friendly exchange that Breland and Karrnath have, with children and siblings of our monarchs dwelling in the other country to learn more about its culture and increase the bonds between the nations in the aftermath of the War, and it is hoped Haydith – with her experience of Brelish hospitality – can be a little persuasive to that end.”
“All right,” says Gareth. “If I may ask, why is the airship avoiding Thrane?”
Fenlen looks to Maddox, but the bone knight says nothing, simply looking back at Fenlen with a hint of dark amusement in his eyes. After an awkward few seconds, Hass steps in. “Thrane and Karrnath are undergoing some disputes right now, and while the leaders of both countries are certain the princess would be perfectly safe traveling through Thrane, it was considered preferable to fly over Aundair.”
Six, who has been studying the political affairs of the nations a lot more closely than the others, momentarily considers mentioning that presumably a Karrnathi princess visiting Fairhaven instead of Flamekeep while traveling from Breland would also be a lot more acceptable in the current moment of Breland’s growing friendship with Aundair (and Karrnath’s long-held rivalry with Thrane and the Church of the Silver Flame). Only momentarily.
Maddox glances at Gareth “You are a worshipper of Thrane’s Church of the Silver Flame, correct?”
“I am a paladin of the Silver Flame, but only nominally a member of the Church, and have no affiliation with Thrane. Why do you ask?”
“Simply satisfying my curiosity,” says the bone knight. Then he addresses the group again. “I shall leave you now. It was a pleasure, and I will see you again on the 15th.” He rises and departs. As he is going, Fenlen says, “In order to retain as much privacy as possible, please teleport to this chamber at 9 in the morning on the 15th.” He smiles a little and adds, “I suggest you bring some warm clothing. As Gareth can tell you, it is much colder in Karrnath than Sharn, especially on the deck of a flying airship in Aryth.”
After exchanging a few more words, the Angels leave via Nameless’ spell, reappearing in their sanctum at the Gray House.
* * * * *
The remaining period before the group’s departure passes remarkably peacefully by the Angels’ standards, except for one more meeting…
…and so,” says Ythana Morr, facing all of the Angels across her desk, “Nameless must come with me to speak to the Keeper of the Flame.”
“When does this have to happen?” asks Nameless, in as polite a manner as he can.
“Tomorrow. I will only be able to prepare the appropriate spell then, since I used it to return today. Please make any preparations you need to.”
“How long will this meeting take? We have a limited amount of time available, since we’re involved with a job.”
The Archierophant frowns slightly. “I cannot say. Since you will need to remain in Flamekeep as long as the Keeper feels is necessary, I suggest you cancel the job. Or leave the rest of your friends to deal with it, since their presence is not crucial.” There is the slightest tinge of hopefulness to her tone, which the more perceptive among the Angels notice. They exchange glances, but Gareth is the one who speaks up. “That is not really an option. As I mentioned at our last meeting, we cannot allow you to keep Nameless in Flamekeep – or elsewhere – any longer than he chooses to stay. And this ‘job’ is very important and we have given our word to all participate in it. So I must refuse, with all due respect.”
The frown deepens, and for a moment Ythana seems about to say something, but then she turns to Nameless. “Do you refuse to accompany me to Flamekeep?”
“I’m willing to go to Flamekeep and meet the Keeper,” Nameless says carefully, “But as Gareth said, it’s impossible to do that on an extended basis right now. If you could promise that we would be able to leave tomorrow evening, I’d be more than happy to do so. But if not, then I cannot.” As he speaks, the alienist feels a familiar stirring in one of his pouches, the one that now houses the awakened and ambulatory rock Edgar, and he quickly places a hand over it, certain that Edgar’s appearance will not help to improve the Archierophant’s attitude.
An attitude which, going by the expression on her face, is quickly worsening, as she says, “Despite knowing what a danger – if what Gareth tells me is correct – you are to everyone around you, as well as potentially the whole of Khorvaire? Your priorities seem significantly confused.”
“Only if I’m killed,” points out Nameless, adding with a slight smile, “Which I’m planning to not have happen any time soon. And evidently I’m a bit of a danger if I’m in the same place for a while, so keeping me in Flamekeep for long would be a problem too.”
“That would be for the Keeper to decide. But you seem much more concerned about this job, whatever it is.”
“We have promised to take it on,” puts in Gareth, “And my word is my bond. With all due respect, I cannot break it.”
“Your word? And you don’t see that there are more important things in play here?”
Gareth looks a little uncomfortable, but continues politely, “I am a paladin of the Flame. I cannot break my word.”
“I know precisely what you are!” snaps Ythana, who is clearly beginning to lose her temper, if she has not already done so. “And as a paladin of the Flame, your allegiance should be to the Church and to the Flame and to what creates the greatest good for the greatest number around you, not to an egotistical focusing on some ill-considered promise!”
Looking even more uncomfortable, Gareth says, “My allegiance is to the Flame, first and foremost, before even the Church, and I do not think in this regard that taking Nameless to Flamekeeep is of the utmost immediate importa…”
This time, Ythana doesn’t even let him finish. “And you set yourself up in judgement of that? I am Archierophant of the Church in Breland. I am speaking on behalf of the Keeper of the Flame, the voice of the Flame in this world. And you refuse us and prefer your own judgement?”
There is a long pause, and then Gareth sighs and says, “Unfortunately, yes. With all due respect.”
Nameless, feeling protective towards Gareth, quickly adds, “May I point out that I’m not refusing to come to Flamekeep? I’m simply saying that I’ll do so later, when I have some more time on hand.” He thinks, And when I know for a fact that you won’t try to lock me up and throw away the key, but doesn’t verbalize it.
The Archierophant’s attention snaps back to him. She half-rises, and then visibly collects herself. When she speaks, her tone is more controlled, but no less threatening. “I am tempted to drag you before the Keeper myself, but I know of your capabilities and those of your companions, so I shall refrain.” Her gaze flashes to Gareth. “Even though I am tempted to do so simply to see exactly how true your supposed allegiances are. Or to declare you excommunicate from the Church for your actions today.”
“With all due respect…,” begins Gareth, causing Ythana’s eyes to bulge slightly, as she shouts, “Stop saying that! With all due respect, my a…,” before she again – barely – composes herself. “This meeting is ended. You are free to leave. I suggest you think very strongly about the decisions you are taking. Especially you, Gareth.”
For a moment, Gareth considers expressing his regrets again, but decides that might push her over the edge. The Angels wordlessly take their leave. Once outside, Korm looks sympathetically at Gareth. “Sounds like you’re in big trouble. I hope Gurr’khan takes what I told the Gatekeepers a little better.”
“I guess it can’t be helped,” says Gareth. “At least Cedric will get a big laugh out of it.” He looks over at Nameless. “Try not to die on this trip. If you do, I’ll look really stupid for supporting you.”
“Note to self,” says Nameless dryly, “Avoid dying, for sake of Gareth’s reputation.”
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Excellent update. Made me laugh. Though I believe instead of "regret" i actually said "with all due respect".
I am waiting for gareth to get excommunicated...will be great when the party gets back gareth goes up (think office space) "hmmm yea, about that meeting, yea, hmm yea, hmm can't happen - tps reports and all, yea"![:]](http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/devious.png "Devious :]")
I am waiting for gareth to get excommunicated...will be great when the party gets back gareth goes up (think office space) "hmmm yea, about that meeting, yea, hmm yea, hmm can't happen - tps reports and all, yea"
shilsen
Adventurer
AviLazar said:
Aha! I knew something sounded off. I made the edits and it reads much better with your line, I think. Especially since that was half the reason she was so pissed off
It was very well done at the table. I am waiting for gareth to get excommunicated...will be great when the party gets back gareth goes up (think office space) "hmmm yea, about that meeting, yea, hmm yea, hmm can't happen - tps reports and all, yea"
We'll have to wait and see. As always, I haven't decided yet, but will do so when the time comes, based on what happens in the interim and PC decisions/actions/words. One thing's for sure, Ythana will find out quite soon that the Angels guarded Haydith on her way to Karrnath. And will likely NOT be impressed by that as a choice preferred over traveling to Flamekeep. Nevertheless, an actual excommunication is a little unlikely, as Gareth would know, though it might happen. If it does, Cedric'll be really impressed if Gareth pulls it off, considering even he hasn't yet. But then he tries to avoid coming in contact with the Archierophant, and she ignores his existence in Sharn, and they're both happier that way. Gareth, on the other hand, is more of a people person
Vorput said:
We knew him, Horatio?
shilsen said:We'll have to wait and see. As always, I haven't decided yet, but will do so when the time comes, based on what happens in the interim and PC decisions/actions/words. One thing's for sure, Ythana will find out quite soon that the Angels guarded Haydith on her way to Karrnath. And will likely NOT be impressed by that as a choice preferred over traveling to Flamekeep. Nevertheless, an actual excommunication is a little unlikely, as Gareth would know, though it might happen. If it does, Cedric'll be really impressed if Gareth pulls it off, considering even he hasn't yet. But then he tries to avoid coming in contact with the Archierophant, and she ignores his existence in Sharn, and they're both happier that way. Gareth, on the other hand, is more of a people person
Gareth is so adamant about not having ANY evil in the church; you know I have been talking about him cleaning it up for years. He is getting close to the power level where he will be able to challenge powerful elements of the church - so yea I see Gareth getting excommunicated - and socially that would hurt Gareth - who is all about the people - but for Gareth it is the Silver Flame first and the people always...Gareth realizes the church is not all about the people all the time - and that doesn't sit well with him.
shilsen said:
So what would you have had happen to Haydith if we'd not taken up this job? If they'd gotten hit with the same kind of attack without us and without a considerably higher level guard, I'm guessing she'd have been dead meat. I mean the <censored> alone would have <deleted> half the <?????> on the airship.
Rackhir said:
Yea I don't care if Ythana has her skirt all in a ruffle over this - the princess is an innocent and deserves our protection. The moment Gareth allows one person to be sacrificed to appease someone else - even if it is his 'leaders' - is the moment Gareth really does fall from grace. They say paladins have to make tough choices at times - in my opinion the choice Gareth had to make didn't even come up on his ethical equation chart.
But yea, the "with all due respect" is just classic. "With all due respect, kiss my @$$, respectfully."
