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<blockquote data-quote="Delemental" data-source="post: 2815374" data-attributes="member: 5203">Preparing for TroubleThe party gathered early the next morning down in one of the palace’s underground meeting rooms, awaiting the arrival of a priest of Erito and the body of the elf that had tried to kidnap Kyle and Autumn.&nbsp; Only Arrie was absent; Herion had been sent on a diplomatic mission to the Red Archipelago that morning, and had requested Arrie go with him, as the people of the island kingdom held a deep reverence for family, and Herion thought that going there as a married couple might help the mission proceed more smoothly.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle and Autumn were both looking better after a night of rest and magical healing, though Kyle still had a few bruises around his jaw.&nbsp; Kyle sat quietly, reading the book that Anduriel had given them, while Autumn joined in the small talk around the table.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; About thirty minutes later, two guards carried in the body of the elf on a litter, setting it on the table.&nbsp; They were followed by a short, skinny axani wearing ceremonial Eritan robes.&nbsp; The priest stood at the end of the table, near the elf’s head.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I am Vaxnor,” he said.&nbsp; “I have been instructed by the Church to perform the rite that will allow communication with these remains.&nbsp; You will be able to ask three questions before the magic expires.&nbsp; Are your questions prepared?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “We’ve got ‘em,” Lanara said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Who will be the designated questioner?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle closed his book and stood up.&nbsp; “I guess that’s me.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Please stand here, at my left.&nbsp; Do you speak the Elvish tongue?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Yes,”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Very good,” said Vaxnor, “as the remains will most likely communicate in their former native language.&nbsp; A translator will not be required.”&nbsp; He looked around the room.&nbsp; “Does anyone know the deceased’s patron deity?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Off the top of my head, probably not Paccë,” Lanara said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; When the others in the room indicated that no one knew, Vaxnor nodded.&nbsp; “Then I must advise you before I begin that if the deceased’s patron is not Erito, the lingering animus in the remains will recognize the dissonance in the ritual’s divine signature and may resist the compulsion to answer.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Kyle, I think we require a translator after all,” Lanara said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “He means that the body can tell who’s casting the spell, and if he doesn’t like them he can try to not answer questions.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle took his designated spot, and waited while Vaxnor intoned the words to the ritual.&nbsp; Several minutes later, the body of the elf suddenly jerked, and the eyes began to dart about as the mouth opened and closed slightly.&nbsp; Vaxnor produced a tall, thin hourglass from under his robe, and set it running on the table.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “The ritual is complete,” Vaxnor said.&nbsp; “You may proceed with your first question.&nbsp; There will be some brief time available to you after each answer for translation and discussion, but the magic will expire when the sand runs out.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “All right,” Kyle said, then leaned over to the body.&nbsp; “What was it you intended to do with the people you assaulted and attempted to abduct in the palace?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The jaw began to move faster and wider, and an eerie, whispering voice spilled out of his dry lips.&nbsp; “Purify him.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; After the translation from Elvish, Autumn frowned.&nbsp; “He only answered half the question,” she said.&nbsp; “I thought he was supposed to be truthful, but he only said what he was going to do to Kyle.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I think he did answer the whole question,” Osborn said.&nbsp; “He didn’t intend to do anything with you.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “They probably would have left you unconscious on the floor,” Kyle said.&nbsp; “They were after me.”&nbsp; He looked a little unsteady on his feet.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “You?&nbsp; Why you?” Autumn demanded.&nbsp; “And what does ‘purify’ mean?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “This is just a guess,” Razael said, “but I think Kyle’s cousin might have been ‘purified’.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Autumn was about to say something else, but Kyle held up a hand.&nbsp; “Lets finish the questions first.”&nbsp; He leaned over to the body again.&nbsp; “What does the symbol branded on your left arm represent?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The ethereal voice again echoed in the room.&nbsp; “It is the mark of our Order.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle scowled.&nbsp; “Damn.&nbsp; I meant to phrase that differently.&nbsp; I was flustered by the last question.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Well, it tells us that there’s some sort of organization behind this,” Maddie offered.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Great, so I have a whole group of people out to kill me,” Kyle snapped.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Kyle, do you need to take a break?” Autumn asked.&nbsp; “Someone else can ask the last question.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “No,” Vaxnor said, “He has been designated as the questioner.&nbsp; The designation cannot be altered mid-ritual.&nbsp; The wizard must ask the third question.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I’m fine,” Kyle said, though he didn’t look it.&nbsp; “Who gave the order for this attack to be carried out?” he said to the corpse, rather loudly.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “The Suelamach,” the body whispered, and then it stopped moving.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “The what?”&nbsp; Kyle said, his voice rising.&nbsp; “Who in blazes is that?”&nbsp; Kyle looked at Lanara, who shrugged.&nbsp; Then he turned to Vaxnor.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Cast the spell again,” Kyle said, “I have more questions.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I cannot,” Vaxnor replied.&nbsp; “I have only prepared that ritual once today.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Tomorrow, then,” he snapped.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Again, Vaxnor shook his head.&nbsp; “The lingering animus has been depleted.&nbsp; It will take a week before it is sufficiently robust enough to endure another communication ritual.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Fine,” Kyle growled.&nbsp; “A week, then.”&nbsp; Kyle cast a spell of his own, and the body glowed slightly for a moment.&nbsp; “Tell the guards to put that somewhere safe for a week,” he barked, “when Vaxnor here can come back and do this again.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I’m afraid I cannot guarantee my availability to you six days hence…” Vaxnor began.&nbsp; But Kyle had already come around the table, and snatched up his book.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Maddie,” Kyle said, pointing at Vaxnor, “clear this up.&nbsp; Him or someone else, I don’t care.”&nbsp; He began to walk toward the door.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Where are you going?” Autumn asked, rising from her chair.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Praxos,” Kyle said, “I have a ship to rebuild.”&nbsp; He walked out of the room, letting the door slam behind him.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Stunned, Autumn hesitated for a moment, then walked out of the room in pursuit of her fiancée.&nbsp; The others sat silently until Vaxnor had collected his belongings and bid the party a good morning.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the sentinel,” Razael said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Well, you’d probably be grumpy too if you found out someone was hunting you down and trying to kill you,” Osborn said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The tracker shrugged.&nbsp; “It’s not so bad once you’re used to the idea.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Well, Kyle’s not ‘used to the idea’,” Osborn said.&nbsp; “I can see why people would want to hunt you down.&nbsp; But Kyle?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “He’s got a point,” Lanara said.&nbsp; “I mean, we’ve got plenty of folks out there who want us dead as a group, but Kyle specifically?&nbsp; The man couldn’t make enemies if he tried.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Tell that to Lady Auror,” Razael observed.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I don’t think we’re going to figure this out any time soon,” Maddie said.&nbsp; “I’ll go to the church and arrange for another priest in a week.&nbsp; Maybe some more questions will help.&nbsp; For the time being, though, I think we should avoid the subject around Kyle.”&nbsp;*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The next few days were extremely busy.&nbsp; Kyle’s mood improved quickly, but he was still seen rarely by the others.&nbsp; The party had been given permission to use the palace’s teleportation circle to the port city of Praxos to facilitate the work on their ship and the hiring of crew for the voyage.&nbsp; Kyle was at the shipyards from sunrise to sunset, directing workers to make the modifications that Tiranel had specified to their ship.&nbsp; He did a significant portion of the work himself, using magic to fashion armor plating quickly or to speed up modifications that might have taken weeks otherwise.&nbsp; At night, he would return to the palace and start reading Anduriel’s book again, staying up late into the night.&nbsp; When Autumn expressed her concern, Kyle tried to reassure her that he was just trying to get everything done as fast as he could and that he’d ease up once the ship was finished.&nbsp; Autumn wasn’t entirely convinced, but she and Lanara were busy trying to recruit a crew, so she had little time to ponder it.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The others kept busy as well.&nbsp; Razael was placed in charge of consumables, and he decided to go out hunting, and prepare fresh jerky for the voyage.&nbsp; Osborn was given the task of obtaining dry goods and supplies, and Maddie was charged with gathering the equipment they’d need to survive in the arctic climate.&nbsp; Xu was not given any specific task, but was left free to help whoever needed it most from day to day.&nbsp; The monk did make one important contribution on her own; she had saved up quite a bit of money, having no need to spend it on herself, and used the money to purchase an extradimensional trunk for the ship, which eased the cargo burden considerably.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The party met in the evening of the fifth day, the night before the church of Erito was sending another priest to perform a second speak with dead rite.&nbsp; They each reported on their progress; Kyle said that the armor plating was half done, and the framework for the collapsible mast was complete, and the ice ram would be delivered tomorrow.&nbsp; Razael had arranged for delivery of all the non-meat foodstuffs, taking advantage of his former connections in the capital, and had a healthy stock of jerky being smoked.&nbsp; Osborn was also well on his way to getting all the supplies they would need, and Maddie had been able to get several cold-weather outfits and tents at very reasonable prices.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “We have the crew pretty much hired,” Autumn reported, “including an… extra hand or two.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Hey,” said Lanara, “if I’m going to be forced to be on a boat for two months there and two months back, I’ll need to relax.&nbsp; I see no problem with having my own masseuse.&nbsp; You’ve got someone to rub your shoulders already.”&nbsp; Lanara grinned at Maddie and Xu.&nbsp; “But I’m willing to share of anyone’s interested.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “So, all we need are the captain and mates,” Autumn continued.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Duchess, if I may,” Razael said, “I’d suggest skipping the captain, and just getting us a really good first mate.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Why is that?” she asked.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Well, I’ve put in a bit of time on ships in my time,” he said.&nbsp; “Spent two years on a free trader coaster, and stints here and there in the Imperial Navy, or other… unaligned naval powers.&nbsp; Why, there was one time we was running from this band of pirates, and there was a storm…”“Raz?” Maddie said, gently laying a hand on his arm.&nbsp; In their short time with the old tracker, the party had noticed that he would sometimes ramble a bit about his past.“Oh, right.&nbsp; Anyway, in my experience, the captain of the ship ain’t always the one who knows the most about the ship.&nbsp; They’re just the ones with the money or the family to run a ship.&nbsp; It’s the first mate who runs the show.&nbsp; Besides, the rule at sea is that the captain has the final say over anything on the ship, even over the owners.&nbsp; We don’t need a captain going against our orders.”“I have to admit, he makes sense,” Osborn said.“True,” Autumn agreed, “but no crew will accept eight captains.&nbsp; We’d have to pick one of us.”“Count me out,” Lanara said.“Me too,” Razael said.&nbsp; “It’s not my cup of ale.”“Well,” Kyle said slowly, “I do know a little bit about sailing, so I wouldn’t be completely incompetent.&nbsp; And I will know the ship pretty well by the time we set sail.&nbsp; So I guess I could do it.”Lanara slapped her hand on the table.&nbsp; “Captain Goodson it is, then.”Autumn smiled at Kyle.&nbsp; “Would you like me to get you a nice captain’s hat?”“I’d say get a parrot, too, but then Violet might get jealous,” Maddie offered.“I can teach you to dance a jig and drink rum!” Lanara added.“All right, all right,” Kyle said, “enough of that.&nbsp; Look, I think I might actually turn in early tonight.&nbsp; Tomorrow’s going to be a long day, what with the ram coming in, and of course the…” he paused for a half-second, “… thing in the morning.”Autumn laid a hand over Kyle’s.&nbsp; “Are you going to be all right at the ritual tomorrow?”“I will,” he said, “I promise.&nbsp; I just got a little freaked out last time.&nbsp; But it’s better I know as much as I can now.”“All right,” Autumn said, “but if you change your mind, tell me.”Kyle nodded, then stood.&nbsp; “Well, see you all downstairs in the morning.”&nbsp; He walked to the door, and then stopped halfway to the door.&nbsp; “Autumn?&nbsp; If you’re not busy, I’d like a little company tonight.&nbsp; I’m not in the mood to read.”“All right, Kyle,” Autumn said, “in a little while.”Kyle left, and the rest of the party sat quietly.&nbsp; Autumn glanced around the room, then at the door, then fiddled with the waistband of her dress a bit, looked at the door again, and then at everyone else.“Oh, for Ladta’s sake!” Lanara said, “Go!”Autumn stood up, mumbled a quick “thanks,” and then left.&nbsp; As she went out the door, Lanara sighed and rolled her eyes.“That’s why I have no use for decorum,” she said.&nbsp;*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; They had taken up positions nearly identical to where they were last week as the priest came to perform the ritual.&nbsp; This time it was a red-haired elf-touched priestess who came, who introduced herself as Anika.&nbsp; Kyle again chose to ask the questions, reassuring Autumn that he was fine.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; As the corpse began to twitch and the mouth opened, Kyle leaned in.&nbsp; “What is the name of your order?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The body whispered a phrase in Elvish, and Kyle’s brow furrowed.&nbsp; “Scion-Watchers?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Psion-Watchers?” Autumn said, “Is that what he said?&nbsp; I couldn’t hear. Which group of psionicists do you think they’re part of?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “No, no,” Kyle said, “it’s s-c-i-o-n, not p-s-i-o-n.&nbsp; They sound the same in Common but not in Elvish.&nbsp; I have no idea what a Scion is, though.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “It’s another term for a descendant or heir,” Razael said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I meant that I don’t know what it means in this context,” Kyle explained.&nbsp; “I’ve never heard of a group called the Scion-Watchers.&nbsp; Lanara?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Sorry, Kyle,” the bard said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Okay, then.” Kyle turned his attention back to the corpse.&nbsp; “How was the one you were after impure?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “His bloodline made him so.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “My bloodline?” Kyle said, “but that makes no sense.&nbsp; My family…” he stopped, and took a breath.&nbsp; “It’ll wait until after the last question.”&nbsp; He leaned in for the third and final time.&nbsp; “What does your order hope to accomplish or prevent with these purifications?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “To ensure the bloodline remains pure,” the body gasped, before falling still once again.&nbsp; Anika bid the party farewell and left shortly thereafter.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “What’s going on here?” Kyle said after she left, clearly irritated.&nbsp; “That all makes no sense.&nbsp; If my bloodline makes me impure, then how will killing me purify it?&nbsp; And why is my bloodline impure?&nbsp; My family is nothing but farmers and laborers!”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Except for you,” Maddie said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “And didn’t you say that the cousin that was killed was a merchant?” Lanara asked.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Yes, but he was adopted into the family.&nbsp; He’s not a Goodson by birth.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Maybe these people didn’t know that,” Lanara said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “And you have at least one mage somewhere in your lineage,” Autumn reminded him.&nbsp; “Remember, it is your ‘family’s staff’.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Do you want to ask more questions?” Maddie asked.&nbsp; “I could try and get another priest.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle thought for a moment.&nbsp; “No,” he said.&nbsp; “I don’t think this guy is high enough in their order to be able to answer the kinds of questions I would have.&nbsp; All it would do is get me more worried about my family.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Your family,” Autumn gasped.&nbsp; “Kyle, do you think they’re safe?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I don’t know,” he replied.&nbsp; “But what can I do?&nbsp; I have no idea where they are.&nbsp; Targeth’s shield keeps me from scrying them.&nbsp; I’d have to be inside the shield to try, and even then it will take a lot of time to find them.&nbsp; And we have no time for me to go there right now.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “We could put the voyage off…” Autumn offered.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “No, we can’t.&nbsp; We’ve come too far to back out.&nbsp; Besides, the stuff that’s down there is important for us to know.&nbsp; As much as I hate to say it, the world kind of takes precedence over an old farmer and his five kids right now.&nbsp; I just have to hope that these Scion-Watchers have as much trouble finding my family as I have.”&nbsp; Kyle swallowed.&nbsp; “Still, if and when we get back, I’d appreciate it if we could plan a trip to Targeth if nothing more pressing comes up.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Absolutely,” Osborn said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “It might be a good idea anyway,” Maddie said.&nbsp; “We could go to The Tower.&nbsp; They have huge libraries there.&nbsp; Maybe you can find some reference to these Scion-Watchers, or why they might be interested in you or your family.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I’ve never been to Targeth,” Razael said.&nbsp; “They’d never let me in.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I can’t imagine why,” Autumn said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Tlaxan wanted to have at least one major nation on the continent they weren’t at war with because of Raz,” Kyle said, half-joking.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I have never started a war,” Razael protested.&nbsp; “Not while you’ve been alive, anyway.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle shook his head.&nbsp; “I should get to Praxos,” Kyle said.&nbsp; “The ram’s probably already at the shipyards waiting.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I have a question first,” Razael said.&nbsp; “What in the blazes is a psion – the p-s-i-o-n one - and why does the word seem to make everyone’s hair stand up on end?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The party all looked around at each other.&nbsp; “I do need to go,” Kyle said, “but maybe it’s about time we let Raz here know why exactly we’re going to the south pole, and what we’ve been doing.”&nbsp;*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Another week and a half passed.&nbsp; Kyle finished the work on the ship, ahead of schedule, and was able to spend a couple of days in Noxolt buying new spells.&nbsp; He also stocked up on raw materials to create some magical and alchemical items aboard the ship.&nbsp; The mates were hired and took charge of loading the cargo on the ship, leaving Autumn free to make arrangements for the care of the party’s animals with Aralda.&nbsp; Herion and Arrie returned from their mission; Arrie’s skin was noticeably tanned, and she wore necklaces made from brightly colored flowers.&nbsp; The prince and the warrior were caught up on the events of the past several days.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Three days before the ship was set to sail, Kyle was sitting in his room, reading Anduriel’s book, when Autumn walked in.&nbsp; She moved slowly, and looked pale.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “What’s wrong?” Kyle asked, jumping up and helping her to sit down.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Herion…” She swallowed heavily, “Prince Herion has bestowed my duchy on me.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; It was something they’d expected.&nbsp; The investiture ceremony had granted Autumn official status as a Duchess within the Empire, but Herion had said that the Emperor would take longer to decide where her lands would be located.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “So, I take it you didn’t get some remote little area in northern Tlaxan like we’d thought,” Kyle said.&nbsp; “They didn’t put you close to Merlion, did they?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Autumn shook her head.&nbsp; “They gave me Vargas.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle’s jaw dropped.&nbsp; Vargas was a major trade city on the Lassh River, Tlaxan’s western border.&nbsp; “You’re kidding.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “No, I’m not.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “But… we’re leaving in three days.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Apparently the Emperor has informed the former Lord Mayor’s steward of the situation.&nbsp; He will manage the city and my estate in my absence.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “The former Lord Mayor?&nbsp; They didn’t fire him, did they?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “You don’t ‘fire’ a Lord Mayor, Kyle.&nbsp; They’re nobility.&nbsp; No, apparently Duke Marniel fell ill and passed away a few days ago, and he had no heirs – none that are recognized by the Crown.&nbsp; The rumor around court is that it was the very lifestyle that produced so many illegitimate heirs that finally caught up with him and did him in.”&nbsp; Autumn laughed bitterly.&nbsp; “How fortunate they were that there was a lady of sufficient title to take on the mantle of leadership so soon after his parting.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I see,” Kyle said.&nbsp; “So… what now?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Now we sail to the south pole,” Autumn said, “and on the way there and back I’ll have a lot to think about.&nbsp; When we get back, I should probably visit my new duchy and set affairs in order there.&nbsp; I should at least meet the man who’s running it for me.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Well, you know I’ll help where I can,” Kyle said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Thank you, Kyle.”&nbsp; Autumn snuggled up next to him.&nbsp; “Of course, you know that once we’re married, you’ll be Duke of Vargas, and it’ll be just as much your problem as mine.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Don’t remind me,” Kyle groaned.&nbsp; “I’m having enough trouble adjusting to ‘Captain Goodson’.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The last three days were a whirlwind of frenzied last-minute preparations.&nbsp; All thoughts of assassin cults or noble titles were pushed aside as the party rushed to meet their deadline.&nbsp; Summer was passing them by quickly, and if they were too slow in starting their voyage, they would arrive at the pole in the middle of winter, which would make the already dangerous mission nearly impossible.&nbsp; It was a close thing, but they barely finished their work within the window of opportunity.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; They gathered at the docks in Praxos, having said their farewells to the Imperial Family in Noxolt that morning.&nbsp; They spent a few moments regarding their heavily modified ship.&nbsp; The squat, ironclad vessel sat low in the water, its wedge-shaped ram making it look very front-heavy.&nbsp; The mast had been pulled down; the ship would need to be rowed out of harbor anyway, and the first mate wanted the crew to practice assembling and dismantling the mast a few times while they were relatively close to port.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Damn, that’s an ugly ship,” Lanara said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “At least you can tell it apart from all the others,” Arrie offered.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Ugly or not, that’s our home for the next six months,” Kyle said.&nbsp; “Shall we?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The party began to move toward the gangplank.&nbsp; “Wait!” Maddie said suddenly, and she ran off down the docks into the city.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Where’s she off to?” Razael cursed, and followed after her.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The party waited around for a little while, until Maddie came back, Razael still behind her.&nbsp; She held a large bottle of wine in one hand.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “We haven’t given the ship a name yet,” she said.&nbsp; “She needs a name.&nbsp; It’s bad luck to sail without one.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “It’s bad luck to be on a boat, period,” Lanara said quietly to herself.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Maddie handed the wine bottle to Kyle.&nbsp; “Since he’s captain, I say he gets the honors.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle looked at the bottle.&nbsp; “Well, one idea comes to mind, but you won’t like it.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “How do you know until you tell us?” Arrie said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle told them his idea.&nbsp; The party looked at each other for a moment, and then each of them nodded their approval.&nbsp; Kyle grinned.&nbsp; “Okay, then, I hereby christen this ship… the Armadillo.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Kyle smashed the bottle on the hull.&nbsp; Several sailors who’d been standing near the railing cheered.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Okay, folks,” Arrie said.&nbsp; “Let’s go.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; With that, the party boarded their ship, and prepared to meet their destiny.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Delemental, post: 2815374, member: 5203"] [b]Preparing for Trouble[/b] The party gathered early the next morning down in one of the palace’s underground meeting rooms, awaiting the arrival of a priest of Erito and the body of the elf that had tried to kidnap Kyle and Autumn. Only Arrie was absent; Herion had been sent on a diplomatic mission to the Red Archipelago that morning, and had requested Arrie go with him, as the people of the island kingdom held a deep reverence for family, and Herion thought that going there as a married couple might help the mission proceed more smoothly. Kyle and Autumn were both looking better after a night of rest and magical healing, though Kyle still had a few bruises around his jaw. Kyle sat quietly, reading the book that Anduriel had given them, while Autumn joined in the small talk around the table. About thirty minutes later, two guards carried in the body of the elf on a litter, setting it on the table. They were followed by a short, skinny axani wearing ceremonial Eritan robes. The priest stood at the end of the table, near the elf’s head. “I am Vaxnor,” he said. “I have been instructed by the Church to perform the rite that will allow communication with these remains. You will be able to ask three questions before the magic expires. Are your questions prepared?” “We’ve got ‘em,” Lanara said. “Who will be the designated questioner?” Kyle closed his book and stood up. “I guess that’s me.” “Please stand here, at my left. Do you speak the Elvish tongue?” “Yes,” “Very good,” said Vaxnor, “as the remains will most likely communicate in their former native language. A translator will not be required.” He looked around the room. “Does anyone know the deceased’s patron deity?” “Off the top of my head, probably not Paccë,” Lanara said. When the others in the room indicated that no one knew, Vaxnor nodded. “Then I must advise you before I begin that if the deceased’s patron is not Erito, the lingering animus in the remains will recognize the dissonance in the ritual’s divine signature and may resist the compulsion to answer.” “Kyle, I think we require a translator after all,” Lanara said. “He means that the body can tell who’s casting the spell, and if he doesn’t like them he can try to not answer questions.” Kyle took his designated spot, and waited while Vaxnor intoned the words to the ritual. Several minutes later, the body of the elf suddenly jerked, and the eyes began to dart about as the mouth opened and closed slightly. Vaxnor produced a tall, thin hourglass from under his robe, and set it running on the table. “The ritual is complete,” Vaxnor said. “You may proceed with your first question. There will be some brief time available to you after each answer for translation and discussion, but the magic will expire when the sand runs out.” “All right,” Kyle said, then leaned over to the body. “What was it you intended to do with the people you assaulted and attempted to abduct in the palace?” The jaw began to move faster and wider, and an eerie, whispering voice spilled out of his dry lips. “Purify him.” After the translation from Elvish, Autumn frowned. “He only answered half the question,” she said. “I thought he was supposed to be truthful, but he only said what he was going to do to Kyle.” “I think he did answer the whole question,” Osborn said. “He didn’t intend to do anything with you.” “They probably would have left you unconscious on the floor,” Kyle said. “They were after me.” He looked a little unsteady on his feet. “You? Why you?” Autumn demanded. “And what does ‘purify’ mean?” “This is just a guess,” Razael said, “but I think Kyle’s cousin might have been ‘purified’.” Autumn was about to say something else, but Kyle held up a hand. “Lets finish the questions first.” He leaned over to the body again. “What does the symbol branded on your left arm represent?” The ethereal voice again echoed in the room. “It is the mark of our Order.” Kyle scowled. “Damn. I meant to phrase that differently. I was flustered by the last question.” “Well, it tells us that there’s some sort of organization behind this,” Maddie offered. “Great, so I have a whole group of people out to kill me,” Kyle snapped. “Kyle, do you need to take a break?” Autumn asked. “Someone else can ask the last question.” “No,” Vaxnor said, “He has been designated as the questioner. The designation cannot be altered mid-ritual. The wizard must ask the third question.” “I’m fine,” Kyle said, though he didn’t look it. “Who gave the order for this attack to be carried out?” he said to the corpse, rather loudly. “The Suelamach,” the body whispered, and then it stopped moving. “The what?” Kyle said, his voice rising. “Who in blazes is that?” Kyle looked at Lanara, who shrugged. Then he turned to Vaxnor. “Cast the spell again,” Kyle said, “I have more questions.” “I cannot,” Vaxnor replied. “I have only prepared that ritual once today.” “Tomorrow, then,” he snapped. Again, Vaxnor shook his head. “The lingering animus has been depleted. It will take a week before it is sufficiently robust enough to endure another communication ritual.” “Fine,” Kyle growled. “A week, then.” Kyle cast a spell of his own, and the body glowed slightly for a moment. “Tell the guards to put that somewhere safe for a week,” he barked, “when Vaxnor here can come back and do this again.” “I’m afraid I cannot guarantee my availability to you six days hence…” Vaxnor began. But Kyle had already come around the table, and snatched up his book. “Maddie,” Kyle said, pointing at Vaxnor, “clear this up. Him or someone else, I don’t care.” He began to walk toward the door. “Where are you going?” Autumn asked, rising from her chair. “Praxos,” Kyle said, “I have a ship to rebuild.” He walked out of the room, letting the door slam behind him. Stunned, Autumn hesitated for a moment, then walked out of the room in pursuit of her fiancée. The others sat silently until Vaxnor had collected his belongings and bid the party a good morning. “Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the sentinel,” Razael said. “Well, you’d probably be grumpy too if you found out someone was hunting you down and trying to kill you,” Osborn said. The tracker shrugged. “It’s not so bad once you’re used to the idea.” “Well, Kyle’s not ‘used to the idea’,” Osborn said. “I can see why people would want to hunt you down. But Kyle?” “He’s got a point,” Lanara said. “I mean, we’ve got plenty of folks out there who want us dead as a group, but Kyle specifically? The man couldn’t make enemies if he tried.” “Tell that to Lady Auror,” Razael observed. “I don’t think we’re going to figure this out any time soon,” Maddie said. “I’ll go to the church and arrange for another priest in a week. Maybe some more questions will help. For the time being, though, I think we should avoid the subject around Kyle.” * * * The next few days were extremely busy. Kyle’s mood improved quickly, but he was still seen rarely by the others. The party had been given permission to use the palace’s teleportation circle to the port city of Praxos to facilitate the work on their ship and the hiring of crew for the voyage. Kyle was at the shipyards from sunrise to sunset, directing workers to make the modifications that Tiranel had specified to their ship. He did a significant portion of the work himself, using magic to fashion armor plating quickly or to speed up modifications that might have taken weeks otherwise. At night, he would return to the palace and start reading Anduriel’s book again, staying up late into the night. When Autumn expressed her concern, Kyle tried to reassure her that he was just trying to get everything done as fast as he could and that he’d ease up once the ship was finished. Autumn wasn’t entirely convinced, but she and Lanara were busy trying to recruit a crew, so she had little time to ponder it. The others kept busy as well. Razael was placed in charge of consumables, and he decided to go out hunting, and prepare fresh jerky for the voyage. Osborn was given the task of obtaining dry goods and supplies, and Maddie was charged with gathering the equipment they’d need to survive in the arctic climate. Xu was not given any specific task, but was left free to help whoever needed it most from day to day. The monk did make one important contribution on her own; she had saved up quite a bit of money, having no need to spend it on herself, and used the money to purchase an extradimensional trunk for the ship, which eased the cargo burden considerably. The party met in the evening of the fifth day, the night before the church of Erito was sending another priest to perform a second speak with dead rite. They each reported on their progress; Kyle said that the armor plating was half done, and the framework for the collapsible mast was complete, and the ice ram would be delivered tomorrow. Razael had arranged for delivery of all the non-meat foodstuffs, taking advantage of his former connections in the capital, and had a healthy stock of jerky being smoked. Osborn was also well on his way to getting all the supplies they would need, and Maddie had been able to get several cold-weather outfits and tents at very reasonable prices. “We have the crew pretty much hired,” Autumn reported, “including an… extra hand or two.” “Hey,” said Lanara, “if I’m going to be forced to be on a boat for two months there and two months back, I’ll need to relax. I see no problem with having my own masseuse. You’ve got someone to rub your shoulders already.” Lanara grinned at Maddie and Xu. “But I’m willing to share of anyone’s interested.” “So, all we need are the captain and mates,” Autumn continued. “Duchess, if I may,” Razael said, “I’d suggest skipping the captain, and just getting us a really good first mate.” “Why is that?” she asked. “Well, I’ve put in a bit of time on ships in my time,” he said. “Spent two years on a free trader coaster, and stints here and there in the Imperial Navy, or other… unaligned naval powers. Why, there was one time we was running from this band of pirates, and there was a storm…” “Raz?” Maddie said, gently laying a hand on his arm. In their short time with the old tracker, the party had noticed that he would sometimes ramble a bit about his past. “Oh, right. Anyway, in my experience, the captain of the ship ain’t always the one who knows the most about the ship. They’re just the ones with the money or the family to run a ship. It’s the first mate who runs the show. Besides, the rule at sea is that the captain has the final say over anything on the ship, even over the owners. We don’t need a captain going against our orders.” “I have to admit, he makes sense,” Osborn said. “True,” Autumn agreed, “but no crew will accept eight captains. We’d have to pick one of us.” “Count me out,” Lanara said. “Me too,” Razael said. “It’s not my cup of ale.” “Well,” Kyle said slowly, “I do know a little bit about sailing, so I wouldn’t be completely incompetent. And I will know the ship pretty well by the time we set sail. So I guess I could do it.” Lanara slapped her hand on the table. “Captain Goodson it is, then.” Autumn smiled at Kyle. “Would you like me to get you a nice captain’s hat?” “I’d say get a parrot, too, but then Violet might get jealous,” Maddie offered. “I can teach you to dance a jig and drink rum!” Lanara added. “All right, all right,” Kyle said, “enough of that. Look, I think I might actually turn in early tonight. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day, what with the ram coming in, and of course the…” he paused for a half-second, “… thing in the morning.” Autumn laid a hand over Kyle’s. “Are you going to be all right at the ritual tomorrow?” “I will,” he said, “I promise. I just got a little freaked out last time. But it’s better I know as much as I can now.” “All right,” Autumn said, “but if you change your mind, tell me.” Kyle nodded, then stood. “Well, see you all downstairs in the morning.” He walked to the door, and then stopped halfway to the door. “Autumn? If you’re not busy, I’d like a little company tonight. I’m not in the mood to read.” “All right, Kyle,” Autumn said, “in a little while.” Kyle left, and the rest of the party sat quietly. Autumn glanced around the room, then at the door, then fiddled with the waistband of her dress a bit, looked at the door again, and then at everyone else. “Oh, for Ladta’s sake!” Lanara said, “Go!” Autumn stood up, mumbled a quick “thanks,” and then left. As she went out the door, Lanara sighed and rolled her eyes. “That’s why I have no use for decorum,” she said. * * * They had taken up positions nearly identical to where they were last week as the priest came to perform the ritual. This time it was a red-haired elf-touched priestess who came, who introduced herself as Anika. Kyle again chose to ask the questions, reassuring Autumn that he was fine. As the corpse began to twitch and the mouth opened, Kyle leaned in. “What is the name of your order?” The body whispered a phrase in Elvish, and Kyle’s brow furrowed. “Scion-Watchers?” “Psion-Watchers?” Autumn said, “Is that what he said? I couldn’t hear. Which group of psionicists do you think they’re part of?” “No, no,” Kyle said, “it’s s-c-i-o-n, not p-s-i-o-n. They sound the same in Common but not in Elvish. I have no idea what a Scion is, though.” “It’s another term for a descendant or heir,” Razael said. “I meant that I don’t know what it means in this context,” Kyle explained. “I’ve never heard of a group called the Scion-Watchers. Lanara?” “Sorry, Kyle,” the bard said. “Okay, then.” Kyle turned his attention back to the corpse. “How was the one you were after impure?” “His bloodline made him so.” “My bloodline?” Kyle said, “but that makes no sense. My family…” he stopped, and took a breath. “It’ll wait until after the last question.” He leaned in for the third and final time. “What does your order hope to accomplish or prevent with these purifications?” “To ensure the bloodline remains pure,” the body gasped, before falling still once again. Anika bid the party farewell and left shortly thereafter. “What’s going on here?” Kyle said after she left, clearly irritated. “That all makes no sense. If my bloodline makes me impure, then how will killing me purify it? And why is my bloodline impure? My family is nothing but farmers and laborers!” “Except for you,” Maddie said. “And didn’t you say that the cousin that was killed was a merchant?” Lanara asked. “Yes, but he was adopted into the family. He’s not a Goodson by birth.” “Maybe these people didn’t know that,” Lanara said. “And you have at least one mage somewhere in your lineage,” Autumn reminded him. “Remember, it is your ‘family’s staff’.” “Do you want to ask more questions?” Maddie asked. “I could try and get another priest.” Kyle thought for a moment. “No,” he said. “I don’t think this guy is high enough in their order to be able to answer the kinds of questions I would have. All it would do is get me more worried about my family.” “Your family,” Autumn gasped. “Kyle, do you think they’re safe?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “But what can I do? I have no idea where they are. Targeth’s shield keeps me from scrying them. I’d have to be inside the shield to try, and even then it will take a lot of time to find them. And we have no time for me to go there right now.” “We could put the voyage off…” Autumn offered. “No, we can’t. We’ve come too far to back out. Besides, the stuff that’s down there is important for us to know. As much as I hate to say it, the world kind of takes precedence over an old farmer and his five kids right now. I just have to hope that these Scion-Watchers have as much trouble finding my family as I have.” Kyle swallowed. “Still, if and when we get back, I’d appreciate it if we could plan a trip to Targeth if nothing more pressing comes up.” “Absolutely,” Osborn said. “It might be a good idea anyway,” Maddie said. “We could go to The Tower. They have huge libraries there. Maybe you can find some reference to these Scion-Watchers, or why they might be interested in you or your family.” “I’ve never been to Targeth,” Razael said. “They’d never let me in.” “I can’t imagine why,” Autumn said. “Tlaxan wanted to have at least one major nation on the continent they weren’t at war with because of Raz,” Kyle said, half-joking. “I have never started a war,” Razael protested. “Not while you’ve been alive, anyway.” Kyle shook his head. “I should get to Praxos,” Kyle said. “The ram’s probably already at the shipyards waiting.” “I have a question first,” Razael said. “What in the blazes is a psion – the p-s-i-o-n one - and why does the word seem to make everyone’s hair stand up on end?” The party all looked around at each other. “I do need to go,” Kyle said, “but maybe it’s about time we let Raz here know why exactly we’re going to the south pole, and what we’ve been doing.” * * * Another week and a half passed. Kyle finished the work on the ship, ahead of schedule, and was able to spend a couple of days in Noxolt buying new spells. He also stocked up on raw materials to create some magical and alchemical items aboard the ship. The mates were hired and took charge of loading the cargo on the ship, leaving Autumn free to make arrangements for the care of the party’s animals with Aralda. Herion and Arrie returned from their mission; Arrie’s skin was noticeably tanned, and she wore necklaces made from brightly colored flowers. The prince and the warrior were caught up on the events of the past several days. Three days before the ship was set to sail, Kyle was sitting in his room, reading Anduriel’s book, when Autumn walked in. She moved slowly, and looked pale. “What’s wrong?” Kyle asked, jumping up and helping her to sit down. “Herion…” She swallowed heavily, “Prince Herion has bestowed my duchy on me.” It was something they’d expected. The investiture ceremony had granted Autumn official status as a Duchess within the Empire, but Herion had said that the Emperor would take longer to decide where her lands would be located. “So, I take it you didn’t get some remote little area in northern Tlaxan like we’d thought,” Kyle said. “They didn’t put you close to Merlion, did they?” Autumn shook her head. “They gave me Vargas.” Kyle’s jaw dropped. Vargas was a major trade city on the Lassh River, Tlaxan’s western border. “You’re kidding.” “No, I’m not.” “But… we’re leaving in three days.” “Apparently the Emperor has informed the former Lord Mayor’s steward of the situation. He will manage the city and my estate in my absence.” “The former Lord Mayor? They didn’t fire him, did they?” “You don’t ‘fire’ a Lord Mayor, Kyle. They’re nobility. No, apparently Duke Marniel fell ill and passed away a few days ago, and he had no heirs – none that are recognized by the Crown. The rumor around court is that it was the very lifestyle that produced so many illegitimate heirs that finally caught up with him and did him in.” Autumn laughed bitterly. “How fortunate they were that there was a lady of sufficient title to take on the mantle of leadership so soon after his parting.” “I see,” Kyle said. “So… what now?” “Now we sail to the south pole,” Autumn said, “and on the way there and back I’ll have a lot to think about. When we get back, I should probably visit my new duchy and set affairs in order there. I should at least meet the man who’s running it for me.” “Well, you know I’ll help where I can,” Kyle said. “Thank you, Kyle.” Autumn snuggled up next to him. “Of course, you know that once we’re married, you’ll be Duke of Vargas, and it’ll be just as much your problem as mine.” “Don’t remind me,” Kyle groaned. “I’m having enough trouble adjusting to ‘Captain Goodson’.” The last three days were a whirlwind of frenzied last-minute preparations. All thoughts of assassin cults or noble titles were pushed aside as the party rushed to meet their deadline. Summer was passing them by quickly, and if they were too slow in starting their voyage, they would arrive at the pole in the middle of winter, which would make the already dangerous mission nearly impossible. It was a close thing, but they barely finished their work within the window of opportunity. They gathered at the docks in Praxos, having said their farewells to the Imperial Family in Noxolt that morning. They spent a few moments regarding their heavily modified ship. The squat, ironclad vessel sat low in the water, its wedge-shaped ram making it look very front-heavy. The mast had been pulled down; the ship would need to be rowed out of harbor anyway, and the first mate wanted the crew to practice assembling and dismantling the mast a few times while they were relatively close to port. “Damn, that’s an ugly ship,” Lanara said. “At least you can tell it apart from all the others,” Arrie offered. “Ugly or not, that’s our home for the next six months,” Kyle said. “Shall we?” The party began to move toward the gangplank. “Wait!” Maddie said suddenly, and she ran off down the docks into the city. “Where’s she off to?” Razael cursed, and followed after her. The party waited around for a little while, until Maddie came back, Razael still behind her. She held a large bottle of wine in one hand. “We haven’t given the ship a name yet,” she said. “She needs a name. It’s bad luck to sail without one.” “It’s bad luck to be on a boat, period,” Lanara said quietly to herself. Maddie handed the wine bottle to Kyle. “Since he’s captain, I say he gets the honors.” Kyle looked at the bottle. “Well, one idea comes to mind, but you won’t like it.” “How do you know until you tell us?” Arrie said. Kyle told them his idea. The party looked at each other for a moment, and then each of them nodded their approval. Kyle grinned. “Okay, then, I hereby christen this ship… the Armadillo.” Kyle smashed the bottle on the hull. Several sailors who’d been standing near the railing cheered. “Okay, folks,” Arrie said. “Let’s go.” With that, the party boarded their ship, and prepared to meet their destiny. [/QUOTE]

Verification