Session I (Part III)
September 17th, 407 MY
Li Hai awoke a little after sunrise, and after cleaning up, he came down to the common room of Cutter's already packed. The light crossbow, as usual, was his only visible weapon. He found Merin busily serving breakfast to the guards from his caravan. The inert form of Gorbag was still slouched over the same table from the night before, and everybody kept a wide berth of the huge man.
Li Hai ignored his traveling companions and the reek of Gorbag, and called the girl over to him. He looked around the room, seeing Cutter was not around, he touched upon subjects that her father was so reluctant to speak of the night before.
He found her ready to help, and soon he knew about the caravan that had disappeared, as well as the strange men in the woods. Merin mentioned Abbot Rethra's strange absence and the behavior of his men. The Abbot's men, for the past week or so, have only come down from their hilltop fort to get supplies at the general store. She stressed how odd they've been acting of late.
The Halthyte also questioned her about more ancient events, and the girl was much more forthcoming, than her father had been. Merin was able to tell Li Hai a bit about a certain character of no small infamy in Halthyte folklore: Radeem the Mad.
That name held a secret importance to Li Hai, and he was able to learn that the area around Cherry Knoll, as he had long suspected, had once served as Radeem's base of nearly a century ago. The exact nature of Radeem's power was unknown to Merin, but she concluded that the villain was something quite unnatural.
"I don't know much more about him, Master Li, but I....uh.....do know that my father wouldn't think that it’s a good idea that I'm talking about him.....to you."
Li Hai, his face pulled into what was his best attempt at a friendly smile, replied,” You think I would cause trouble if I were to go snooping after that name, aye girl? Well don't worry about that, trust me."
Merin just nodded and said, "Well, I guess its okay. Look I do know that my dad thinks that Radeem was an evil man. I think you should be careful though."
"While I appreciate that, I've come a long way to investigate the legend of Radeem. Now if you can tell me more I would be in your debt. It is said that he fell a century ago. Who or what caused his fall? I've heard that it was...."
Li Hai was interrupted as Cutter came through the door leading to the kitchen. "Merin!" her said,” I thought I told you to serve the men and come back to help get the wagons ready! The caravan is leaving soon."
Merin looked from Li Hai to her father, and quickly shot him a small smile saying, "Well perhaps we'll...."
"Now girl!" Cutter growled. Merin followed her father through the kitchen out back. The ostler narrowed his eyes at Li Hai, but said nothing, as he turned to follow his daughter out back.
The other caravan guards, heeding the ostler's impatience on behalf of their employer, began to gather their things, and soon all the men were outside, helping Hollum and Cutter with the wagons. A few of the men asked Li Hai whether he was coming or not, but the mysterious Halthyte ignored their questions, and left Cutter's Inn, walking in the direction of the derelict Abbey.
Over the course of the next hour, Li Hai found himself rebuffed by several unkempt Abbey guards. His desire to speak to the Abbot was met with lame excuses and outright lies as far as the Halthyte saw it. Despite his best efforts, Li Hai was unable to question the Abbot or any of his men about his personal quest.
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Gareth awoke to the sound of departing horses and bumping wagon wheels. He quickly groomed himself, donned his armor, and went downstairs. He found the common room empty, save for Gorbag and his filth. He was about to leave for the Abbey, when a weary looking Cutter came into the common room from the back. The ostler greeted Gareth and seemed relieved that the noble had indeed stayed to investigate the strange events of the last summer.
As the two men chatted, Gorbag lifted his massive head off the table, with an utterly confused look spread across his face.
"Where am I?" he asked groggily. The orc began to pull himself to his feet.
Gareth, with a genuine smile on his face, said, "Well it looks like you've slept off your feast from last night master orc!"
"Uh yeah. I hungry again."
"Of course you are, I'll whip something up in the kitchen for you in a few minutes." an annoyed Cutter replied. To Gareth he muttered, "This orc is eating me out of business."
Gareth just nodded, and looking at the many empty beer mugs and devoured chicken bones said, "I'm surprised he hasn't had to relieve himself yet. Hopefully he's potty-trained."
"Ha, I hope so to Lord Steele."
"Please, please call me Gareth. I take it he hasn't paid you yet Master Cutter?"
"You'd be right on that account, but I'm happy to give away some free food and brew as long as the orc doesn't wreck up the place."
Gorbag interrupted their whispered conversation with a loud moan as he began to stretch out his tired limbs. As the orc worked out the kinks, Cutter took a breakfast order from Gareth and went into the kitchen. Gareth sat down on a bar stool and watched the massive orc silently. After another moment or two, Gorbag got a worried look on his face, and rumbled, "Where my sword? I lose it?"
"I'm sure Cutter put it with the other weapons his guests bring in. I'm sure it’s safe my big friend. No one here would want to take a sword from a mighty warrior such as you."
"Humph." The orc continued to scan the room for his greatsword.
"I must admit, I've seen my share of rock-bloods before, but none of them ever looked so, uh....wild. You must be from west of here."
Ignoring Gareth's platitudes, a frustrated Gorbag again growled, "Argh!!!!! Where my sword!?!"
Gareth leapt off the high bar stool and took a few steps away from the orc as Gorbag lurched towards the bar, his bruised face turning left and right scanning the floor.
"Master Cutter where is your guest's sword?! He seems slightly agitated."
From the kitchen Cutter called back, "It’s behind the bar Lord Steele, but please do see that he doesn't do anything violent. His breakfast will be ready in a moment."
Without waiting for the innkeeper's instructions to finish, Gareth had gone behind the bar, and found Gorbag's sword. Hefting it atop the bar, Gareth said, "Master orc, here it is, but please be careful with it.....for all our sakes'."
A muttered "thank you" was all Gorbag said as he put both of his meaty hands on the greatsword and seemed engrossed in its dull, heavy blade. He left it lying on the bar while he stroked the dull, thick blade.
Over the course of the next few minutes, Cutter brought out their breakfasts, which were nothing more scrambled eggs and greasy grits, and Gareth introduced himself. He then began to painstakingly piece together what business brought this strange barbaric orc to Cherry Knoll and the settled lands on coast.
After many slowly worded and oft repeated questions, all he could gather was that Gorbag had come west because of "bad things" in the hills. The orc had no planned destination, and as far as Gareth understood it, Gorbag had decided that Cutter's Inn was as good a place as any to live.
The orc wasn't aware that he was entering lands where many people would want to kill an orc such him on sight.
Gorbag, still nattering about Cutter's Inn concluded, "It nice here. No fightin'. Pretty and lot of stuff to eat. Bar-man nice n' puh-lite too."
Cutter, busy cleaning up the remains of Gorbag's meal last night, looked up at Gareth with genuine fear in his eyes.
Gareth merely laughed, and agreed with the orc's assessment of the ostler saying, "Indeed Master Gorbag, Cutter is a nice man. He's been most helpful to me so far. It’s good to know that you too are a peaceful man. You don't like fighting needlessly I take it?"
"Uh....."
Repeating his question, more slowly this time, Gareth asked, "You don't like fighting?"
"Naw, I like my sword," the simple orc said as continued to stroke the sword's blade, "but getting it all bloody aien't too fun."
"Well, I must say that that is a splendid sentiment Gorbag. If only other orcs on the frontier thought that way” Gareth trailed off, a worried look on his face. "Well Cutter, as I said previously, I plan to begin an investigation into the missing caravan. Hopefully the Abbot and his men will be more helpful to me than they've been to the villagers of Cherry Knoll.
"I hope so too Gareth." Cutter replied.
Gareth made ready to leave, straightening his chain shirt and strapping his finely wrought masterwork longsword to his belt, and somewhat absentmindedly said, "Well Cutter that meal was quite delightful. I'll most likely stay on tonight, but I'd like to pay you now."
The nobleman went into his belt purse and drew out a total of fifteen gold pieces to a wide-eyed Cutter.
"Three is for my room and board; the rest is for whatever else our friend Gorbag requires." Gareth then turned to Gorbag and said, "Well Gorbag, Cutter will be glad to serve you anything else you want. I only ask that you wait for me to return. I think I might have a proposal for you later on."
Sifting through all that Gareth had said for a few moments, Gorbag finally gave the nobleman a slow nod and said, "Uh....I stay here, eat lots, drink lots, and wait for you. OK."
And as Gareth was finally at the inn's door, he turned and called back to Cutter, "Oh and Master Cutter, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, do you mind tending to a few of those nasty wounds that Gorbag has? Also maybe you could be so good and show him to a place where he could wash up."
After Gareth was out of earshot, Cutter muttered, "Maybe twelve gold aien't enough....."
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As Gareth left the village square and turned towards the hill that the Abbey was on, he saw Li Hai walking down the hill on the same path that Gareth found himself on. As the two men approached one another Gareth, with an uncertain smile on his face, called, "Hail friend, I had thought all of those traveling with Hollum's caravan had left."
Li Hai, his face bereft of emotion, stopped walking and replied, "I had thought I was the only one to stay as well. Why are you still here?"
"We were both mistaken then." Gareth answered as he also halted his ascent of the low rise, ending up about four feet from Li Hai. "Actually, I'm here on a hopefully quick errand. I'll probably rejoin the caravan in a few days, but first I wanted to question the Abbot about a few things."
"Whatever this errand is, I can tell you the Abbot's men were not very friendly to travelers. They'll probably not help you."
"I take it you were unable to see the Abbot, Master......."
"Li Hai." (1)
Gareth was about to say something, but then a quizzical look came on to his face, followed by a small smile. "Hmmmm......I'm not fluent in Halthyte, but doesn't that m-..."
Li Hai quickly cut Gareth off, and answered with a with annoyed sneer, "Yes it does."
"You took the name for yourself then?" Gareth asked, trying to avoid showing too much mirth.
"I did. What of it?"
"I mean no disrespect Li Hai. I'm sure that it suits you. Actually it fits you to a tee," he concluded, and then said with a slight bow to his shoulders, "Well, I'm Gareth Steele, fourth son of Sir Roderick Steele I, Lord of Westpoint."
Li Hai just nodded at the introduction, and simply said, "Mytherians always have such long names."
"Heh, I suppose that we do. Tell me what were you trying to talk to the Abbot about?"
"Well that's a private matter, just as sure as I am yours is too." Li Hai replied.
"Not so my good man, my errand actually concerns the entire village of Cherry Knoll. I'm investigating the disappearance of a caravan for the Clover Trading Company. There's a rich "damsel in distress" that seems to not be getting the attention she deserves."
"I've not heard of this and I'm not here about that. I'm just a simple traveler with no interest in that sort of thing. So don't worry about me hogging all the reward money friend." The Halthyte promised.
"That's not what I was implying at all friend. I'm actually thinking about looking for some information on it from anybody I can. From what I've heard, there's something odd going on in this town, and I was coming to see Abbot Rethra to let him know that I'd be more than happy to help in whatever capacity he might need."
"I've heard that he hasn't left that Abbey in months, or been seen by anyone but his men either."
"Well I plan on at least trying to see him," and Gareth further proclaimed, "He can't deny a member of the Steele family."
Li Hai looked at Gareth appraisingly and then said, "Well Gareth, if you can help me get some of the information I'm looking for from the Abbot, I could help you find that missing caravan." Li Hai then added, "I noticed that you are in this village on your own. You'll need more men than that to root out a group of bandits or whoever might have caused the disappearance of that caravan."
Gareth thought about the mysterious Halthyte's offer, and told him that he'd think about it. He did add however, that Li Hai was welcome to return with Gareth to the Abbey and demand to speak to the Abbot. The young noble said he could at least help Li Hai get whatever information he needed from the old Abbot, and with that the pair walked up the hill together.
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Not far from Cherry Knoll pair of weary travelers was finally reaching their long sought destination. The unlikely companions were none other than the dwarf Kelec and his unnamed wolf. Kelec was sweating profusely in the noonday sun, and he was relieved to reach Illitol's Mound. As the wolf and he broke through the last bit of underbrush, they found themselves in a large grove in the middle of the Tsai-Nau woods.
The grove was really a vast field of wildflowers with a number of beehives scattered about. In the middle of the field was a low hill. A closer look revealed that the hill had a small abode cut into its side. Great timbers supported a sod roof that was now thick with flowers. A small, inviting door stood open, and sitting casually in the doorway, watching the bees fly about, was a wolf cub with its head resting lazily on its paws.
As it became aware of the travelers, it stood up let out a happy bark and bounded towards them. In a few short minutes, about seven adult wolves and four young pups had assembled, all greeting their returned brother and Kelec to friendly licks. Kelec happily petted all of them, and soon felt the doubts he had about his mission melt away.
The pack's warm welcome was broken by a determined bark from the direction of the mound. Kelec and the other wolves stopped all saw a large white wolf standing regally atop the mound. It eyed Kelec for a few moments, and then leapt off the mound and came towards the dwarven woodsman.
Kelec respectfully came forward to greet this great wolf, and suddenly his mind was filled with visions and flashes of emotion. He was disconcerted at first, but quickly realized that the wolf was trying to communicate empathically. The wolf's thoughts did not convey words, but it effectively related to Kelec that it could understand the words of humans.
Kelec nodded and said gruffly, "Well I'm here because I was told to come. I'm Kelec a member of Nexatatus's circle. And I aien't no human!"
The white wolf ignored the dwarf's bruised ego, and related that its name in human speech was Thornfur. This part of the forest, once home to the great druid Illitol, was his domain. He was now its guardian, and a great evil had befallen the area.
"Yeah yeah I know. I've already been through this. What do I need to do?"
Before they continued further, Thornfur led Kelec into Illitol's Mound-home, now the den of this wolf pack. Kelec saw that the inside of the house was spacious and mostly bare. Besides an unused fireplace, a broken down bed frame and a small plank table with two benches in the center of the room, this home had few of the amenities even Kelec was used to. Shreds of old blankets, dead leaves, broken pottery, and old bones were scattered about, making this 30' by 40' room feel more like a cave than a home.
The wolves brought Kelec and the wolf who had brought him to the grove some deer meat, raw and but a day old, to help relieve their weariness. Kelec, never one to turn down food, ate the meat in a few gulps (2). His black beard was now caked in animal fat and blood, but the dwarf didn't seem to care.
With his stomach filled, he put his mind to the task at hand, and soon Kelec and Thornfur were deep in discussion.
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Thanks to Gareth's dogged persistence, and the liberal use of both the Steele name and that of Baron Stafford (3), both Gareth and Li Hai found themselves being led into the dilapidated Abbey after only ten minutes of arguing with a few guards.
Gareth managed to convince the guards that it was unnecessary to take either his or Li Hai's weapons, and both were led into the main hall of the Abbey. The main hall was a large room dominated by three long tables put together end to end so that they formed an "E" without the middle line. There were several doors leading into this room, all of which were closed.
Strangely, the main hall was filled with about ten or twelve of the Abbot's men, all barely sleeping or at least resting in pallets scattered around the room. The room smelled of body odor and another oddly pleasant smell. Neither Gareth nor Li-Hai recognized it, but the closest approximation either would later be able to give was "cinnamon."
The two companions questioned several of the men, all acted cagey and tried to do as little talking as possible. Gareth noticed that each man looked very, very tired, and all of them had bleary bloodshot eyes. The men looked like they had bad hangovers and some energy-sapping fever all at once.
The unofficial spokesman for these men was a burly man named Michael, and it was this man who led Gareth and Li Hai to a thick wooden door at the very back of the main hall. As he opened the door, they saw a set of cold stone stairs leading down into the darkness. He began lighting a
large candle set on an intricate candlestick, and handing it to Li Hai, said,” The Abbot's down there in his strong room. He's probably sleeping, but if you're really from the Baron, then go on down and talk to him."
As soon as Gareth and Li Hai began their descent, they heard Michael slams the door behind them.
"What the hell is his problem?" Li Hai muttered.
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Endnotes:
1.) Li Hai, in Halthyte (and Chinese
), means formidable or powerful, but many people use the word to mean "cool" or "badass."
2.) Kelec's virile and robust dwarven health has given him the ability to eat just about anything imaginable, and this dwarf isn't one to discriminate. To him food is food is food.
3.) Baron Raelin Stafford is the ruler of the port city of Archaven and the nominal lord of all the lands between that city and Cherry Knoll. He's rumored to have ties to the pirates of the Turtle Gods' Sea, and he's something of an enemy of the Stokan Knights, the ruling order of the northern Eswhalon colony. Stafford is a rogue member of the respected Stafford family of Southgate, and became the ruler of Archaven, a destination for many seedy travelers, slavers, and pirates, nearly twenty years ago.
hehehe Now I will sit back and watch as the dwarft Kelec grows stronger and stronger, outstripping all others in power might...and smell muhahahahhaha. 
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