The One True Game: According to Hoyle, and Others

[howandwhy99]

Darius stepped forward after Kayla finished. While he scrubbed himself down he refused to cut his hair or beard. “No self respecting dwarf would ever go without a beard!”

Cyrus leaned over to Dram and whispered: "Hmmm... I wonder how much it would be worth to the scroll making man that what he is handling poison? Not nice stuff. Plus the fact the yer'all scrubin' and shearin' every bits of yerselves would be of interest too, I bet. If'n you want to coax the name of her scribner outta her, I will go in with you on the reward."

Dram: “Hmmm. Reward?”

Cyrus looked back at him with a greedy eye. “Perhaps not. Who can say?” He then hopped up and approached Darius who had finished cleaning. Cyrus was careful not to get any of the soapy water on himself. “Why do they name you ‘the Black’, Cyrus?” Darius asked looking at the dwarf’s obvious red beard. “Maybe you should wash up next?”
Cyrus gave a wry laugh. “Naaaay. And it be Cyrus the Black. Ya got it backward. It’s fer me sense o’ humor y’ see.” He did not explain any more, but his answer gained him some strange looks.

Cyrus asked Darius where he got his armor and weapons. He looked over at the fine dwarven made plate and asked about its background too.

Darius explained that his armor and weapons were his inheritance, with the exception of the axe, which he acquired later, as well as the sword. His father crafted them long ago, and gave them to him when he came of age.

Cyrus: “Dwarven made is the very best. I miss the hold. The warm brew. The cracklin' fire of the forge. It was a pleasure to see such a fine peice o' armor such as this being fit together. And wakin' up with ale on me face after a long night in the festhall. Truly days to be remembered. That reminds me. When is you and I going to have a drink off? Haven't had another dwarf around to give me a bit o' competition in some time.”

Darius chuckled at the thought. "Though my human friends can make a good ale, I would wait until we can get true dwarven spirits to attempt such a contest. We would probably go broke trying to complete such a contest here. My father was once a master smith within the dwarven kingdom, but recently retired to prepare for his position on the council of thanes. Some think my sister may follow in his footsteps, I personally think she will be a silversmith. My other brothers and sister took paths more similarly to mine, but it would not surprise me to see my older brother leave military duty to take over as head of the household, and the family smithy. Right now, my uncle runs it. That was the last I heard about it, before being sent to Margrave. For all I know, my father has taken his place on the Council."

Darius began to tell stories of the hold. Of how the bearded women and men fought hard to make strong lives for themselves in the mountains.

Darius: “There is a legend of an Axe of the Dwarvish Lords. There is also another one concerning Moradin's Hammer, a replica of which the Lord Thane holds. And yet another involving Splinterstrike... a blade used to kill multitudes of Orcs.”

When these were mentioned, Cyrus quickly spoke up that he would join Darius on a quest for any of these weapons. His blood was pumping and he seemed very certain of his words.

Darius: “The stories told in my youth about the Axe included tales of great battles fought. The ax ewas wielded by some great warrior or other and with the death of the warrior usually also in the battle. It vanished, only to be found or used again in another tale.”

”The Hammer made the dwarven race; by Moradin's hand. It was used also to chisel a place in the mountains and hills for the people. When hurled it caused a loud boom-thunder and boosted morale of all dwarves while causing fear in their enemies.”

”Splinterstrike killed the last Hordeking Orc Garnash. It was also stolen by the Orcs after the battle. And is one of the reasons dwarves hate orcs so.”

All three weapons made Darius contemplate such a journey as Cyrus urged. Especially the hammer, and the return of the other two weapons to dwarven hands was certainly a worthy aspiration to him, especially that of the sword. Darius resolved that, if given the opportunity to return to the dwarven kingdoms, he will look into the written histories and historians in regards to these weapons for any clues of their current whereabouts.

Darius ruminated: “The dwarven records are literally written in stone. And the council of thanes is the best bet to learn from the elders, historians, and the high priest. Although, every parent has told the tale of Moradin's Hammer to his and her offspring at one time or other and it is partially mentioned at the opening of every prayer and council session.

As Darius told his stories, the rest of the team scrubbed down and looked for a place to sleep for the night. The loft overhead still had hay in it and most made their bed there. Dram brought his father in from the outside. He told his dad he was very worried. Dalin had not yet returned and the moon was high overhead.

 

[howandwhy99]

[INTERLUDE]

Father Benedict was becoming more and more distressed. His troubles sleeping had grown steadily worse the last two weeks. He meditated in the basement of the temple in hopes to learn what he should do. He was dizzy as well so much of late. The praying did not take the dizziness away, but did make him feel closer to the Gods. In fact, he felt almost as if he was soaring in the stars along with them. He remembered he had always loved the stars as a child. In the temple he had been taught the stars were the souls of all good men and women who die. It was a testament to the power of Goodness in the world as there were so many of them. Everyone knew the stars were uncountable.

Unfortunately, his stress did not subside. Ben had a terrible feeling the world was falling apart. Meditation normally helped to bring him to peace. Collecting himself he attempted to reorder his thoughts again. The Reverend Father Stauk-Flezr was far away across the County. Father Hedrach, the previous priest, had been killed. In his stead the newly anointed Ben had taken on the mantle of Fatherhood and faced the same threats as his predecessor. He did not know if the Dragon would return, nor if another attack would be levied. He did know for certain what others only whispered about. Lady Devereaux and Elion the Elf were no longer inside the Keep’s walls. Where they might have been taken though he could not say.

Ben pushed further back in time. His first real appointment had been a failure. Over twenty militia had died on his watch while at Outpost Xavier. Now Brother Thom was dead too. In truth, he had made friends. And he did count himself lucky to be their ally. But now they were gone. And the leader or actually the Lordship of Keep Margrave was Radcliff. He had seen Ratcliffe’s comic behavior. Ben felt sure he could trust the man, but hardly could he convince himself to rely the Radcliffe’s ability to secure the Keep. He stifled a yawn.

More than anything, Ben felt unsure about what to do next. Of course, he would keep helping the townsfolk with advice and giving Holyday sermons just as he always did. He had even taken up strolling around the Keep talking lightheartedly to residents in an effort to keep up morale. But Father Ben was more and more certain he had done the right thing by asking for a replacement. He only wished Darius and his friends could speed the new cleric there in a day. Feeling drowsy all of a sudden, Ben laid down on the stone floor of the meditation chamber. He dozed in the candlelight.

He was dreaming again. Dreaming of the attack on the Keep. He saw the Dragon hovering in the air. He saw himself cradling Brother Thom’s headless form. Realizing it was a dream Ben fought to change the outcome, to reverse the truth of what had happened. The dream world contorted around him. RAP! RAP! RAP! Ben could hear an urgent knocking. CRASH! Cracking his eyes open Ben realized the candles had gone out. RAP! RAP! RAP! Groping around he climbed the staircase to the congregation room above. His body ached horribly. He could feel the bruises darkening all over his body. He had no idea how he had just fallen so hard on the floor below. He put it out of his mind.

Taking a lit torch Father Ben peeked out the window in the front door. “Who’s there?” He counted eleven elderly men huddled in close with looks of fear on their faces. He quickly let them in. One named Sam introduced himself, but then his words started tripping over themselves. He explained how they were refugees from Hamfast. How Dram and a “shining dwarf” had rescued them from certain death. How they had slogged day and night to reach the Keep. And how the gate guard had to be bribed to let them in.

Ben did not know what to make of it. He assured them they were safe and set them up in the temple for the night. As the only other soul in the temple, there was plenty of spare space. It took a few hours to warm, feed, and clean the men, but Ben did not feel so tired. He urged them to bed as it was after midnight and they followed his bidding.

 

[howandwhy99]

Less than half a candlemark later, however, more visitors were at the door. This time Father Ben greeted several dour looking watchguard. “Release the criminals within!” one commanded. Ben told him he had no criminals, but only a few good men who he gave holy sanctuary too. The watchguard did not look happy at this. Father Ben brought his face closer to the peephole and summoned all his priestly splendor. “Tomorrow morning I will seek audience with Lord Radcliffe and straighten this affair out. If you feel the need to pound on my door, or heaven forbid, burst open this temple that is your business. I will not answer. Dawn is but a few short hours away and we all know how our Lordship likes to sleep late. Perhaps you will explain the damages to the temple when I go to wake him?”

Ben shut back the peephole and retired to bed. When dawn arrived he decided it would be best to rouse his wards early. He hoped for more coherent answers.

Father Ben & Hamfast refugees
Father Benedict sat down in private with the leaders of the refugee group and questioned them about why they were in town. He was looking for any information about what was going on outside of the Keep.

Tom, the mayor, and Sam told Ben about Dram and his father. About how they were imprisoned on trumped up charges for loitering or dereliction of duty at the other smithy. About the goblins increasing in number and eventually taking over the town for the most part. About how the Smith and the Sheriff and at first the Mayor (who also seemed very repentant) sold the weapons to the army for use in the war. They also told him how Dram returned and the shiny dwarf and how they fled to Outpost Bayer at Capt. Darius suggestion.

Father Benedict then asked about any illegal activities the group may have committed en route to the Keep. He tried not to alarm them.

None. They spent the night at the Outpost and then pushed on to the Keep in the morning. Darius said to tell Father Ben they were on their way to Holmfaust before going to Harling.

Satisfied with the answers from the group so far he told the refugees to lock the door and let no one in the temple while he was away. He then traveled with the guard outside the door to speak with Lord Radcliffe about a number of issues. He requested a private meeting, if possible.

Audience was granted. Ratcliffe seemed a little upset though.

Father Ben asked why the men in his temple were wanted as criminals.

Lord Ratcliffe:“The sheriff from Hamfest sent word that the refugees are in fact escaped prisoners. That they placed him in irons so they could make good their escape.”

“Also, the Outpost Bayer had a letter with Captain Darius’ writing.” (Ratcliffe handed it to Ben)

Ben remembered Lord Ratcliff could not read. Scanning over the letter he saw it was in Darius’s dwarven influenced script. It was addressed to an unnamed Sergeant at Outpost Bear and described what the refugees had already told Ben. How the village of Hamfast had been taken over by goblins and more besides. It also carried instructions on feeding and housing the thirty men the letter was sent with. The recipient was to then to escort them here to Keep Margrave. Ben reflected there was not nearly thirty Hamfastites back at the temple. He wondered what had become of the rest. Folding the letter again, Father Benedict explained to Lord Ratcliffe the details of the treachery in Hamfast.

 

[howandwhy99]

Lord Ratcliff and Father Ben
Ben: "I have found the supposed escaped prisoners in very poor shape. They tell a story of Dwarf Darius releasing them and taking Warrior Dram's father with them to the South. The refugees (or perhaps escapees) tell a different story about the current state of Hamfast. Tom, the actual mayor of Hamfast, tells of a hundred goblins having slaved for the town to forge weapons for the front. However, he implored to me that the entire town was enslaved when the goblins rebelled. That every man, woman, and child of Hamfast now slaves away at the smithies forging weapons. I don't know the new destination of these weapons, but I fear it is the work of the enemy."

"Another man named Samuelle told me of how a rival smith accused Dram's father of dereliction of duty and even now aids the goblins in their brutality. How all the leaders of the town including the Sheriff were put in irons. And how only by the work of friends Dram and Darius did they escape and flee to Outpost Bayer and from whence to here."

"I must say that I believe these folk and that is why I have yet to turn them in to your custody. It seems that the path is clear. A military force lead by a true hero must travel to Hamfast and see to the truth of these stories.

“Returning prisoners is a simple matter and they are safe in the temple. If you must have them in the prison, please let it be under the care of the temple parishioners and myself. Once the truth is discovered about Hamfast, then their fate can be decided."

"I suggest we put our heads together to decide what like-to-be hero will lead the military force. It cannot be I, as I am still reading over numerous letters and have need of supervising the builders of the keep and temple. Perhaps you know?"

Ratcliffe seemed rather bright of mind that day.... “It is as I feared. I have sent for Sgt Keenan Powell already. The Sgt will take a squad with him to the town to get a better idea. The weapons have traveled to the front for the Army. So for good or ill the goblins are serving our cause. My guess is the Black Market has a controlling interest in the sale of those goods.”

Radcliff asked that the men be moved to the prison just in case. He ordered Father Ben to release them to the watch. Ben acquiesced.

As he had rarely seen the Lord since his fellows left, Father Ben took the initiative and started asking more questions. In his heart he was worried. Ben knew he was in a dangerous position as Father Hedrach had been when he was in charge of the temple. He also knew Lord Radcliffe’s guilelessness would potentially lead the Keep into even greater peril unless someone else made more competent decisions. Ben started formulating a plan on how to protect the Keep and its inhabitants in spite of all the pitfalls.

He asked to see any and all of the reports from the Outposts. “Where are they going to?”Ratcliffe inquired. Ben explained he needed to transcribe them for records purposes. The Lord shrugged and pointed to the letter from Darius. It was the only communication he had received.

Father Ben & Lord Ratcliffe
Ben: “What of word from Harling and Lord and Lady Margrave? Have they been in contact since your ascension to nobility?

Radcliffe: “No word from Harling from Lady Margrave. No word from the front from Lord Margrave. No word on Lady Devereaux's whereabouts still also.”

Ben asked of Lord Radcliffe's ascension into the position of Captain and his military accomplishments too. He tried to keep this short. Ben wondered how such an untutored man could come to a position of authority.

“I served under Lady Devereaux as a Cpl and then eventually as a Sgt when she was Capt of the Watch. When she became Castellan. I became Capt. I became Sgt when Capt Devereaux mount was slain. The Sgt at the time took an arrow in the throat from a gnoll archer. Capt Devereaux charged me with taking the men back to the Keep while she went to defend the fallen Sgt. Her mount, Skywalking, died carrying the two of them clear of the ambush site. She walked back to the Keep dragging Sgt Katana's body. Skywalking was left in the field.”

Benedict then asked about Radcliffe's knowledge regarding Guido, and also of Darius.

“Guido became Cpl of the watch when I replaced his older brother. Sgt Darius is a fine gentleman. But he is not quite right in the head.” He thought aloud, "I can't read." (laughs)

Ben: “Do you mean that Guido's older brother was the Captain of the Watch before yourself?”

“No, no. Guido's older brother was the Sgt of patrol. I was corporal and Lady Devereaux was the Captain.

 

[howandwhy99]

Father Ben contemplated the rocky ascent to power of Lord Radcliffe. He decided to change the topic.

Ben: “How exactly does the messaging system at the Keep work? Who is sent with word and where? Is this paid? Is it an honorary position? How is confidentiality kept?”

Radcliffe: “Word is sent by courier. Usually on horseback or by coach. Sometimes with homeing pigeons to Harling. And when Elian was around it was sent by magic. The messages all go to Lady Margrave in Harling. Only trusted messengers are sent and with sealed documents.”

“What of all correspondences up until this time? We were under the impression they were all destroyed during the attack. Might Harling have copies of these? Or Lady Margrave?” In response Lord Ratcliffe decided to give Ben his wish: access to any and all papers he requested. Ben asked to start skimming whatever was immediately available. It amounted to only one book. It was a ledger recording the accounts on how heavily overdrawn the County was.

Father Ben did learn from the ledger however the accompaniment of the Keep. There were currently 150 regular army troops, 1 Capt. (the former quartermaster), 4 (was 5) Sgt, and 10 Cpls at the Keep in rotating shifts. The 23 of the 25 remaining outposts had 10 volunteers and 1 Cpl or Sgt.. Outpost yung and white had 10 volunteers, 10 regular army, 1 Cpl and 1 Sgt each. There were roughly 50 noncombatants in the Keep too. There had been no attacks on any other outposts. Though as Ben already knew bear had seen some activity because of the refugees.

After returning to the temple Father Ben greeted the Hamfast refugees with his unfortunate news. He tried to offer it in the best way possible. “Prison might not be so bad”, he said. “And I will come by to make sure you are treated well and fed.” But the refugees refused to go. In response they prepared to burn down the temple, if threatened with force. Seeing their newfound reasoning, Ben decided another tack might be best.

He said he would put them up in the temple and explained that he could only help so much. He talked on how the Keep also needed a great deal of work done. If they felt healthy enough to do so, they might help in repairing the temple or main Keep. He said Lord Radcliffe sent Sergeant Keenan to root out the Goblins, but that because of the war all of Margrave needed strong-willed and able-bodied folk to fight for it. If they were willing, Ben could point out many areas for volunteer work. This work would show their value to Lord Radcliffe and prove his mistake in trying to imprison them. It would also help make fellow Hamfastites, who should soon be freed, feel safe back at the Keep. And allow them to ensure that goblins were not allowed to do such a thing again. Ben finished his speech waiting expectantly

The men begged for sanctuary.

The next day Father Ben examined the remains of the Inn. It was in partial repair. It looked like the repairs were advancing even faster then before. He found the reason. Reynaldo had joined the crew. Ben bartered with the construction crew. He was trying to find work for the refugees. It did not take much urging. There was plenty of work to be done still even weeks after the fire and attack. Travelers were coming back and looking for a place to stay. A makeshift space inside the Inn was the only spot for them.

Father Ben sent a word for Mirel’s parents. He wanted to learn the whereabouts of Mirel. When they arrived he asked them if they were the ones who taught her to count so well. They had. Inspiration hit. Ben asked if they could do accounting for the keep. “To tally the number of businesses and types. I was hoping Mirel could help as well.” He told them he wanted to learn the number of families within the Keep and the number of members in each. Father Ben explained that the current troubles required that each and every life be looked over. He said especially they would need to keep a strict eye out for visitors since the fire. The number and descriptions of all Inn patrons would need to be accounted for. Mirel’s parents seemed to take it all in stride.

Two day’s later Ben heard a knock at his door. Mirel had finally turned up. She did not enter but dutifully gave her report. “There are roughly 50 comers and goers to the Keep. The staff of the shops and the kitchens and so forth.” This was in addition to the soldiers. Then she handed the priest a large sack of coin. She said it was for the church and to look after the keep. “I am too young for such money. It’s for healing herbs. ‘Cause they cost so much. Why do I need it? I ask for what I need and people give it.” Then she scampered off. Before she was out of sight she turned back, “I’d rather give it to you then to Igor anyways. Dalin says we can trust Igor with our lives, but not our gold.” Then she left. Ben simply stood in the doorway with a confused look. Later he counted the money. It was over seven hundred in gold, nearly all Mirel’s share of the treasure from Quesquaton.

 

[howandwhy99]

[Session 11]

Dalin arrived at the townhouse shortly after midnight. He had paid several gold trying to track down the rest of the team. The only one awake inside was Darius. The paladin said Pax was supposed to be keeping watch on the street from the roof above, but somehow the big man must have missed Dalin. As quietly as possible the two climbed up to the loft and out a trapdoor onto the roof. There Dalin reported what he had learned about the nobles believing Darius to be an evil mastermind and traitor. It was no surprise to Darius. “Kayla said as much to me last night in private. We talked about returning to the Keep and resigning our commissions. Dram didn’t seem to care which way we went. I would be careful around him now he has his father back.” He told Dalin to get some rest. After ordering Pax to keep a closer watch on the road, Darius climbed back down to watch the front door. He dwelled upon the slanderous news of his ruined reputation. When he and Pax’s watch was over he roused Kayla and Igor. He was happy to tell them Dalin had returned.

Igor disappeared into the night as Kayla waited on the rooftop. He returned only a short time later. Kayla was always surprised at how efficient he was at his occupation. Igor had very bad news. His masters had already learned Darius the Dwarf was somewhere within the Outer City. The nobles were outraged. Some thought he may even be planning an attack on Harling. If a dwarf army were brought to Margrave, another war could start. Therefore, the dwarf prince was to die. Igor was sure some guild experts had already been dispatched; perhaps even a few freelancers. The whole team was in grave danger and needed to leave, not just Harling but Margrave County altogether. Kayla had not seen Igor so genuinely frightened before. He told her to gather the others and leave with all speed just before dawn. He himself was going to try and lead away their attackers with whatever distraction he could manage. “If I am successful, you should have the time you need to get away.”

Kayla was in shock. Igor led her down from the roof and to the front chambers. There he started unloading all the team’s gear from his backpack. “Have them load the supplies on the horses. There should still be room for some of you to ride.” When finished he slung his pack back over his shoulder. Then he dressed in all black and smudged black pitch over his face and hands. He and Kayla talked for a short while more about what needed to be done at the Keep and where they might meet up again. The rest of their conversation was more private. Going back to the rooftop Igor admitted one last thing to her. It was possible he too might be given an assignment. While he would risk his life that night to save the team, to refuse his masters meant certain death. And with that, the would-be chef departed.

Kayla woke Ormond the Redd and Cyrus for the next watch. She gave explicit instructions to Ormand. He was to wake her as soon as his watch was over. She also preferred if he were on the roof to serve as lookout. She did not trust their new “guardian” to do so. Cyrus tried to stay awake by pacing around downstairs. He was scared. How was he supposed to know the stupid dwarf he was with was named Darius? His eye fell upon the paladin’s armor. Curious, he looked over the rest of the group’s items too. It was true they were a rich bunch. Up above on the roof Ormand stared out over the starlit city. It was an amazing spectacle to behold. His thoughts wandered back over the day’s events. He was certain Dram’s father did not like him. He had not said as much, but Ormand felt he could tell. Working for Dram was hard, but he had come to love it. It was as if the adventures of his youth had come true. And the people he got to travel with! For the first time he was in a real city. Why at least four different women had talked with him that day! As he remembered he flushed bright red all over again.

Voices of cityfolk drifted up from the alleyway below. Ormand the Redd had actually talked back to one woman. Well, stammered actually. The voices below became louder. One started bellowing out a song. “I’m Darius the Dwarf I am, Darius the Dwarf I am, I am…oof!” Ormand heard metal clanking and lots of people cheering or maybe jeering below. It sounded like a parade. Ormand recalled the woman’s name was fair Beulah. She was stunning. Smashing and hitting could be heard now. Ormand wondered if one of the pubs had just let out. He stared up into the night sky. The wind had picked up and clouds now blew over. Raindrops began to fall. It sounded like someone was knocking on the door below. Ormand thought Cyrus would probably get it. The dwarf was stationed right there. The rain picked up and really started pouring. As the pounding continued it became more frantic, but then stopped. A loud scream rang out. “Why doesn’t he check on that?” thought Ormand and he ducked inside to get out of the rain.

 

[howandwhy99]

Darius was already awake from the scream and looking around. Dram woke up too and lit a torch. Both remembered the attack on the Keep. Then Darius noticed all of the team’s supplies had been neatly piled in the front room. Dram started waking the others and realized Cyrus was missing. “My armor is missing!” yelled out Darius. He picked up his hammer and ran to the front door. Outside a crowd was dispersing pulling coats over their heads to protect from the rain. Darius spied the body of a nude dwarf lying in a puddle. It was all tied up. Carrying the wet Cyrus back inside, he untied him and slapped him awake demanding to know what happened. “OOHH… me noggin’!” Cyrus held his head in his hands. He looked to have been given a serious thrashing. “Where ‘re me clothes?” he asked. “You can have clothes when you explain yourself, now talk!” shouted Darius.

“But… a dwarf can’t go without pants!”
“Talk!” said Darius cutting him off. “Where’s my armor?”
“Okay, okay. I was mindin’ me own business when I saw sneak in here a group of foul thiefs. ‘cause I had no torch lit they did’na see me. They grabbed yer armor first. Pro’lly ‘cause it was so shiny bright, right? So I jumped ‘em. I knocked two… nah three down with one punch. The rest bolted out o’ here an’ I chased ‘em. Out in the street tho’ they had a whole army. I swear t’ ya I fought as bravely as any, but they got the better o’ me. Stole me clothes right off me back! Wicked, wicked folks ‘round these parts.”

It was obvious Darius did not believe him for a second. “I’m sorry ‘bout yer armor. Tis’ not my fault” Cyrus apologized. It was then Kayla rushed over. Dram had just woken her. She ordered everyone to pack up their gear. They were to leave immediately. “Why?” Darius implored. She dragged him over to the corner and started whispering everything they had to do. The rest of the team groggily packed up their gear and loaded the horses. None were too happy about the early rising. By the time the rain stopped and the sun had started breaking over the horizon they were a good hour’s ride from the city walls. Darius had marched Cyrus through the rain and city streets in the nude. “I need pants!” Cyrus had kept calling out along the way. “Tis not right t’ do such a thing t’ yer own lovin’ kind.” No one else said a word, as they did not want to incur the paladin’s wrath.

After another hour of travel the two worked out an agreement. Darius took Cyrus’s plate armor for his own and he gave Cyrus a blanket, albeit a small one. The team marched on through the rest of the morning. Both they and the horses were still very tired. At noon Darius finally called a halt and they set up a makeshift camp along the side of the road in a field. Short one-person watches were set. No one had trouble sleeping, even in the bright sun and heavy Azer heat.


[DAY 84 – Moonday, Azer 16th, CY 81]

Pax woke Darius. “My turn?” asked the dwarf. Pax simply pointed to fallen jumble past the campsite. It was some sort of creature fallen from a horse. Not wanting to alarm the rest of the group he let them sleep a little longer. Darius ordered Pax to turn the little woman-thing over. She was dressed in leaves and as thin as small as an Elf, but her skin was light blue all over. Only her hair and eyes were a different color being a bright fiery red. Her hair almost looked aflame. The woman was taller than Darius, perhaps four feet in height. She wore leather armor cut for her body and was covered in leaves and twigs. Darius laid his hand upon her brow and called forth the power of Thor. “Be well for you are restored.” The creature opened its eyes. “החיצ” Darius had no idea what it just said. “ښ ٺظ” the creature tried again. This was a little recognizable. It sounded like something Elian would say. He decided to wake Kayla.

Kayla stared in disbelief at the creature before her. It looked somewhat like an elf, only different. There was an untamed wildness to the woman. “The front... needs help...they chased me...first week of riding...horse exhausted...not eaten...” it said in Elvish. After the creature caught its breath, Kayla continued in Elvish: “Who are you?”
“I am a princess of the Fey” it responded.
“FAE? But Fae… EAT people, don’t they?” asked Kayla.
“I do not each flesh. I am the result of the Fey Queen dallying with an Elven male.”
Kayla wavered for a second. “What is your name?”
“Red rose of the trellis outside my window that I look upon…” A very long flowing description continued to pour out of her. “What may we call you simply?” tried Kayla stopping her.
“Rose.” The Elf-Fey pulled Kayla closer exposing her fangs. “I need to seek out help!”
Kayla tried to push away. The woman was stronger than she looked. “We can help. It’s okay.”

 

[howandwhy99]

After a long discussion, the creature fell asleep again. Kayla turned to Darius and Pax and spoke in the Common Tongue. “She admits to be Fae or at least partly!” Kayla exclaimed. “I can’t believe it. She traveled here all the way from the Front. She must be working for our allies and Lord Magrave!”
Darius was a little more dubious. “But can we trust her?”
“Well, yes, I think so,” said Kayla. “She has seen the fighting at the front lines. She has a message to deliver.”
“Are you sure she’s telling the truth? Fey are tricksters” said Darius.
“Yes. She told me at the Front they were fighting goblins, and demons, and strange abominations. This makes sense! Remember what we heard about the Chaos Lords?”
Darius nodded. It looked like he had another charge to take care of.

Later in the day Cyrus awoke. Dropping his hand back down to his side he cursed. The fool humans had taken his dagger too last night. Why oh why had he been cursed with such an unappreciated sense of humor? He recalled that he had looked awe-inspiring in Darius’s armor. But it certainly was short-lived. Searching around he noticed only the human named Dram was awake. He also noticed a newcomer who had bedded down near the dwarven paladin. Cyrus waited to see who the next watch would be. When Dram woke the elderly man named “Da”, he knew his chance had come. Pulling his blanket slowly away, Cyrus crept into the high grown crops. Without any other option he picked a direction on the road and started walking.

“Damn!” thought Darius. He just noticed the grubby dwarf was missing. As he began dressing in Cyrus’s old armor he realized the old dwarf was not the only thing dirt-clad and smelly. It was already late in the day, but the team packed up and took off on the road to travel east. Along the way Kayla started explaining why they had to leave in such a rush. False rumors of Darius being hated and taking over the Keep had spread throughout the city. She did not know who started them, but she and Darius had decided to go back to the Keep and give up their positions. Igor had left before everyone else to acquire their replacements from Lady Margrave. He was the one who suggested leaving in the middle of the night to keep their identities secret. “Afterwards, we plan to leave Margrave entirely. It is the only way to ensure Darius’s safety. He could still be attacked, if we remained at the Keep” Kayla explained.

No one had said anything up unto that point about their new blue companion. It might have been because of the events the prior evening. No questions were brooked or inquiries asked. After an hour or more of riding Dram spotted Cyrus. No one even looked at him now as he pulled his blanket up over his head. Darius grabbed the dwarf and tied him to one of the packhorses. Cyrus seemed almost grateful. After sunset the sky darkened and looked like it might rain again. Darius took point leading the horses along the road with his darkvision.

Up ahead, Darius spotted a caravan of wagons pulled alongside the road. They had a campfire built and were playing music. As the team overtook them Kayla, Dram’s father, and a few others recognized the people as “Travelers”. They were a band of wanderes who had a bad reputation. Darius hailed his arrival and everyone stopped for a bit. Seeing Cyrus still tied up on the packhorse and in clear view of the Travelers, Darius finally decided to relent. He asked the colorfully dressed folk around the fire for any clothing he could buy for the dwarf. After ten minutes of searching for something that fit, Cyrus was dressed in the most garish, ill-fitting, incredulous, and bawdy ensemble imaginable; a hodgepodge of Travelers clothing of all kind. Trying to make amends Darius gave Cyrus the spare battleaxe he carried with him. The older dwarf did not look pleased at all.

 

[howandwhy99]

Kayla began examining the many colorful wagons. One had a sign with an open hand upon it. Intrigued Kayla knocked. A young woman with long flowing hair answered. “Yes! Please come in! I will read your fortune, yes?” Kayla did not enter, but the woman came out to her anyways. Seeing the woman grab Kayla’s hand, Dram and Dalin rushed over fearing an attack. “You will go on a long journey,” said the woman reading the palm. “It will be dangerous. You will have many adventures.”

Kayla laughed. She asked the young woman’s name. “I am Diedre the Seer. I see your future.” She looked at Dram and Dalin. Some of the other team members started to walk over. “I will read your future too, yes?” Many of them agreed smiling. The fortunes told were rather simple. Afterward Kayla entered the woman’s wagon for a short talk. Dalin noticed several flickers of light go off inside. He wondered just exactly what Kayla was up to. When the two women came back outside Diedre unharnessed a horse and pulled it up alongside Kayla’s. It was announced that Kayla had found herself an apprentice.

It seemed odd, but Diedre left her people quite willingly. She waved goodbye and the team was traveling again. The time was close to midnight, but no one was tired. After only another hour they reached Holmfaust. Most of the rooms were full at the Red Lion Inn, but Darius managed to secure a few beds in the hostel room from the innkeeper. The rest of the team had to sleep in the stables. Even though the hour was late the common room was bustling with people. Kayla and Diedre went upstairs to converse, while everyone else relaxed and listed to the most recent gossip. Darius was not nearly as shunned by the common folk here. He felt a little safer, but did not want to press his luck. So instead he took Cyrus up to the bar and bought him a fine meal.

Tongues wagged on all sides in conversation. Dalin and Dram had their work cut out for them as the tried to join in different ones. Warily the two maneuvered around the patrons making sure never to bring up Darius’s name. Unfortunately, the topic came up nevertheless. They heard ‘Darius the Dwarf’ had replaced a commoner lord named Strom Miller and now was openly commanding Keep Margrave. Ducking around, Dram heard another farmer talking about how a man named Gil from Hamfast had quite a price on his head: a whole cow for whoever brought him in. Taking his father by the hand, Dram quickly led him to the room upstairs. Next, a flutist struck up a tune and Rose came out of her hiding spot in the corner. She began singing a Fey song in her own tongue. The farmers and townsfolk of Holmfaust stared in amazement. As she finished tears were flowing down their faces.

Sensing a challenge, Cyrus stood up on his bar stool and began a song himself. “There once was a lass who owned a bucket. She couldn’t walk straight, but boy could she…” “STOP!” shouted Darius. “I too have a song to sing.” Darius started a drinking song with several verses. Changing the dwarven words to Common though, the tune was a little off. But no one seemed to care. Between verses he pounded his tankard on the bar to keep in tune. Once they learned the chorus the whole crowd joined in. Apparently the anger against dwarfs was not as deep as Darius had first believed. Afterwards, all the humans who had tried to drink along with the song were passed out on the floor.

Later that night, after everyone was asleep, Cyrus opened one eye. He had only feigned dozed an hour having rested while tied on horseback. Tiptoeing around, he gathered some things: shoes, a bit of coin, some of Darius’s clothes, and other miscellaneous supplies. Piling up the clownish clothes he had been given he wrapped the blanket he had been wearing around them and left the Cyrus-shaped bundle under the bar. Then he snuck away in the early morning light. The rest of the team slept in the following morning. The constant traveling had worn them thin. When Darius finally awoke Cyrus was nowhere in Holmfaust to be found. “What happened to him?” he asked.
“It is obvious, no?” replied Diedre the Seer.

 

[howandwhy99]

[DAY 85 – Feastday, Azer 17th, CY 81]

By the time everyone was gathered and accounted for it was late morning and very hot. Darius gave a report on Cyrus having stolen from him and deserting. He asked anyone else with missing gear to step forward. No one moved. Later, after packing the horses for afternoon travel, there was a debate upon which path to take back to the Keep. Dram and Dalin wanted to head east back through Hamfast and to cause some more damage to the goblins. Kayla and Darius thought a fast, safe trip through Hommlet was more appropriate. Standing up, Dram mistakenly pointed to the north road as the one he shouted about going no other way. Darius relented without mentioning the mix up. It seemed not everyone remembered which road led in what direction.

As they passed by Balorn’s tower just outside of town Kayla called for a stop. She wanted to report to her mentor. Coming outside and closing the door behind him, Balorn did listened quietly to Kayla and the team’s new plan. After abandoning their position, they would be passing by again in a few days time. It would be the last time he saw her before leaving Margrave. Then Kayla introduced her new apprentice Diedre. Balorn shook hands in his usual reticent manner. Rose stood behind Dalin hoping not to be noticed. Darius handed over his ornamental dagger, which Balorn had prized so highly before. When it left Darius’s hand the tug it had on his soul from when he had first acquired the it was released. He mentioned this to Balorn. The two came to an agreement: Balorn would keep the dagger until Darius return, and then he would tell the dwarf everything he could discern of it. From over Dalin’s shoulder Rose noticed the dagger had a Fey inscription on the hilt. It read “Flame”, but she kept that to herself.

It was several more hours upon the northern road and dusk fell just as Hommlet came into sight. Kayla took Diedre and and separated from the others after entering town. Making sure she was not followed, she went and knocked on the door to Burné’s stone tower. Rufus was the only one at home though, so she passed along Balorn’s warning about the red powder and how to wash off. Rufus thanked Kayla and gave a warm welcome to Diedre. He also warned of trouble on the road. Bandit activity was reported to have worsened recently. The rest of the team went to reserve rooms at the Welcome Wench. Along the back wall Dram examined some wanted posters and recognized one with a drawing of his father’s face. “Out! Back out!” he commanded. Darius went in alone read the posters: one whole cow. The hunt was still on for Gil Hammersmith.

When Kayla and Diedre arrived back, Darius led everyone outside of town. With Drams’ father a wanted man, he was not willing to stay in Hommlet where someone might recognize him. After a mile or more of riding in the dark, the road entered into the Greenwillow Forest. No one was willing to risk its dangers, so they set up camp outside it. As they cooked dinner and settled in it seemed the animal noises from the forest were particularly loud. Frogs were croaking very loudly all around the encampment. Rose tried to understand what they were saying, but it was simpleton frog jabber. “Frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog, frog.”

Ormand the Redd and Dram took first watch. Dram tended the fire as Ormand collected dried wood from near the forest’s edge. Everyone else was just finishing up dinner and brushing down the horses when all of the animal noises suddenly stopped. Drawing back to the campfire Dram and Ormand knocked their bows. A soft hissing noise came from deep inside the forest. It grew louder. Then Dram spotted some sort of blob sliding along the ground as fast as a horse could gallop. It passed through the trees and underbrush destroying everything its wake and engulfing all before it. Nothing it touched even slowed it. Within an instant the blob stopped in front of the encampment. In the firelight it looked like a gooey ochre greenish-yellow mass. It was easily ten feet across and had skeleton bones sticking out of it. Dram recognized some of them as human.