Episode 33 – Blade and Shade
| The Characters |
Blade - Human Duellist, ? Level, Alignment: ?? (NPC) Anders - Human Ranger, 7th Level, Alignment: NG (NPC) Barak - Dwarven Fighter, 8th Level, Alignment: N (NPC) Morgul- Half Elven Mage, 7th Level, Alignment: CG (NPC) Quill - Human Thief 6th, Level, Alignment: N (NPC) Sanson - Human Priest of Ulaa, 7th Level, Alignment: NG |
| Locale | The Crying Manticore, Eastfair, The North Province |
| Date | 27th of Coldeven, 582 CY (Common Year) |
| Time | Dusk. |
The tavern was filled to overflowing, which was a surprise to none of the regulars considering tomorrow was Freeday. The people of Eastfair worked hard, too hard most times, and evenings such as this offered a well-earned respite from the toils of their oppressed lives. Eastfair had changed for the worse in recent years, most notably when the degenerate nobility recruited orcs to police the Granite City. It would save costs, they said. Initially the orcs maintained strict discipline throughout the city but as time wore on they began to drink and rebel against their human commanders. Even in the relative quiet of the Eastfair Old City, the "Angry Army" made their unruly presence felt. Now the good citizens feared to walk the streets at night and only ventured out in groups and even then it was considered unwise for the fairer sex to leave home after dark.
The five adventurers surveyed the unfamiliar tavern from the entranceway as they removed their damp cloaks and hung them on the coat-pegs. It was a homely tavern that engendered immediate comfort and warmth, the colours through the common room were bright and cheerful, a stark contrast to the grim, almost depressing city outside. A massive hearth burned bright in the center of the room, it's chimney nearly ten feet in diameter. Tables in their dozen were placed haphazardly around the grand fireplace, each table filled with locals and adventurers, both. The long phostwood bar along the opposite wall was the highlight of the room; somehow a dull, slightly phosphorescent glow emanated from the mystical wood. Above the bar, behind the team of barmen, hung the preserved head of the poor beast that gave the tavern its name: The Crying Manticore.
| Anders | (slaps Barak on the shoulder) Well, Barak. How does this compare to your famous dwarven taverns? Pretty impressive, huh? |
| Barak | (shrugs his shoulders, the plates of his mail clanking) I've seen better. |
| Anders | (laughs) You're not easily impressed, Barak, do you know that? |
| Barak | (grunts) |
| Quill | (approaches a barmaid) Hello, my sweet. |
| Barmaid | (smiles) Hi there, handsome. What can I do for you? |
| Quill | We are supposed to meet a man here. He said that arrangements have been made for a private room. |
| Barmaid | Of course. Follow me, he is expecting you. |
The barmaid led the five adventurers to the rear of the tavern, through a curtain, down a corridor to a door.
| Barmaid | Your friend is waiting for you inside. |
| Barak | (under his breath) He's not our friend. |
| Quill | Thank you, honey. (hands her a silver piece) Don't spend it all in the same place. (smiles) |
| Barmaid | (takes the coin eagerly, her eyes transfixed on the silver piece) Thank you, sir. If there is anything you want just ask for Jeanny. (places the coin in her apron pouch and returns to the common room) |
| Quill | (winks at Sanson) I think she likes me. |
| Sanson | No wonder. You probably gave her several weeks' wages. |
| Anders | Yes, Quill, don't throw your money away. |
| Quill | Relax, Anders. (nods to the door) Don't forget how much he offered to pay us. A silver piece will hardly be missed in the grand scheme of things. |
| Anders | We haven't been paid yet and until we do it would be wise to keep tight fist on our money. Agreed? |
| Quill | (nods) |
| Morgul | (indicates the door, and speaks in his customary quiet voice) Shall we? |
| Anders | Yes. (raises his finger in the air, warning his companions) Let's keep our wits about us; we don't know who this man is and the North Province is a dangerous place. |
Barak knocked then opened the door. The room within was dimly lit and contained a large, well-worn table and six chairs. Standing behind the chair at the rear of the room stood Blade, their contact. He was dressed in black leather armour and wore a sabre and rapier at his waist. His gloved hands were hooked casually on his belt and he gave the group a warm smile before inviting them to sit.
| Anders | (takes his seat) I trust we haven't kept you waiting? |
| Blade | Not really. I arrived early and secured the private room ahead of time. I have arranged for some ale; I hope that is to your satisfaction? |
| Anders | (nods) So, what is this all about? |
| Blade | Quite simply, I need your help to reclaim a family heirloom that was lost many years ago. |
| Morgul | (his voice little more than a whisper) If were that simple, you wouldn't need us. |
| Blade | (laughs disarmingly) Quite true. I have reason to believe that it is located in an abandoned temple several days ride to the northeast, within the marshes at the head of the Trask River. |
| Jeanny | (enters the room with a pitcher of ale and six mugs, pours the drinks then leaves) |
| Anders | What is this heirloom you seek? |
| Blade | (sips his ale) A crystal skull. It was stolen from my great grandfather's estate many years ago by a band of reptilian fanatics of a long-forgotten religious sect. In my twenty-eight years I have traveled far and wide, spoken to many scholars, sages and more than a few charlatans. My search has brought me to this forsaken city. Here, in Eastfair, a sage told me of the temple and gave me this map to its location. (rolls a scroll case to the centre of the table) |
| Quill | (reaches for the scroll case, but pulls his hand back when he catches Sanson's disapproving glare) |
| Sanson | I mean no disrespect, sir, but would you mind if we ask you to open it? |
| Blade | My apologies, of course not. (recovers the scroll case, opens it and withdraws a rolled tube of vellum) I appreciate your caution. In times such as these one cannot be too careful. (unrolls the vellum and places it squarely on the table) |
| Quill | (leans forward and studies the map) |
| Anders | What did this sage tell you about the temple? Does he know of any current inhabitants? |
| Blade | Alas, he doesn't know what lives there now. The only thing he could tell me was that this sect used a crystal skull in their rituals that matched the description of my family heirloom. Perhaps lizardmen still occupy the ruins or, perhaps, we'll find them empty. It is this uncertainty that led me to request your services. Having come so far I would be a fool not to cross the T's and dot the I's at this late stage. |
| Barak | Huh? |
| Morgul | (whispers to the dwarf) I'll explain later. |
| Sanson | You said the sect used the skull in rites. What does this skull do? |
| Blade | Do? It doesn't do anything, except sit there. (laughs, then rubs his chin thoughtfully) At least, it never used to do anything. |
| Sanson | What of this sect? What god did they worship? |
| Blade | The sage said that lizards paid homage to an entity called Semuanya. I have never heard of it, have you? |
| Sanson | (shakes his head) |
| Morgul | I've not heard of it. |
| Blade | Nor I. |
| Quill | What of our payment? |
| Blade | Regardless of what we find I will pay you each five hundred gold pieces plus expenses. I will give you half now and the balance upon finding the skull. |
| Anders | (nods) A fair price. But what of the spoils we find in the temple? |
| Blade | I have no interest in anything other than the skull. What we find inside is yours to keep. |
| Quill | (nods, obviously impressed with the terms) |
| Sanson | (leans forward, his face grave) As Anders told you when he first met you, I am a priest. I want you to know from the outset that I will only provide divine healing should your life be in extreme danger. And even then healing will be offered only with Ulaa's permission. |
| Blade | Agreed. |
| Barak | Hey, can you use those toys at your waist? Or are we supposed to handle the brunt of all combat? |
| Blade | I will assist where I can, Barak, but I have not received any formal training as a warrior. Sadly, it is as you surmise; my blades are more for show than function. I will be relying heavily upon your combined skills should trouble arise. |
| Barak | (gruffly) Thought so. |
| Anders | When do you want to leave? |
| Blade | As soon as possible. If it is alright with you five, I would like to leave tomorrow. |
| Anders | The day after would be preferable. |
| Sanson | We have to organize horses and provisions, you see. |
| Blade | Um, of course. I'll leave the preparatory details to you experts; surely you're more experienced in those matters than I. |
| Anders | (laughs) We've had our fair share of expeditions, yes. We will buy enough to equip you as well. |
| Blade | Thank you. |
| Sanson | Well, I guess that's it. |
| Anders | We'll meet you out front of this tavern sunrise on Starday. |
| Blade | Sounds great to me. (looks at the five adventurers seated around the table, a broad smile upon his lips) I am beginning to feel a little excited. I can finally see an end to years and years of research and travels and, with a little luck, I'll be home with my heirloom before the month's end. Thank you for agreeing to help me; you five fill me with confidence. I shall see you on Starday. |
| Quill | Ahem, there is the little matter of our initial payment. |
| Blade | Oh, of course. |
Blade reached under his chair and, with considerable effort, placed his backpack upon the table. From within the backpack he withdrew a small iron-bound, oaken box and unlocked it with a key that hung from a chain about his neck.
| Blade | (opens the lid and slides the box toward Anders) Two hundred and fifty platinum plates. |
| Anders | You don't mind if we check it, do you? |
| Blade | (waves his hand nonchalantly at the box) By all means. |
| Morgul | (rises from the table, casts a spell then examines the box and its contents. After several moments he sits down and nods at Sanson) |
| Sanson | (casts a spell, examines the box then casts a quick glance to Blade before nodding to Anders) |
| Anders | (shakes Blade's hand) We have a deal. |
| Blade | Aren't you going to count it? |
| Anders | We can do that later. (to his companions) Let's go. (to Quill) Quill, you take the box. |
| Quill | (retrieves his magical bag of holding from his backpack) It'll be my pleasure. |
| Locale | The Grand Citadel, Del Mord. |
| Date | 27th of Coldeven, 582 CY (Common Year) |
| Time | Dusk. |
Deep in the heart of the Del Mord Grand Citadel, the hearth in the Chamber of Scales burned bright. The firelight danced off the lush red velvet ceiling-to-floor curtains giving the room a warm glow. The highly polished oak table in the center of the room sported six high-backed chairs, of which only three were occupied. At the head of the table sat the host, Canon Destrier, political advisor to Prelate Wyndonsmirth the third. To his right sat Dalmiath, the hardened woodsman and representative from the Adri Forest. Across from him sat Kurtiss Fossilwright, the troubled Ambassador from Sunndi.
Suddenly the doors to the room opened and a beautiful gray elf swept into the room, resplendent in a blue and silver full-length dress. Her violet eyes shone when her smile greeted those at the table.
| Dalmiath | (rises) Ah, Fioranna. You look beautiful, as ever. |
| Fioranna | (nods) Thank you Dalmiath. It has been too long. (hugs Dalmiath) |
| Dalmiath | (helps Fioranna take her seat) It has indeed. How are things in Nyrond? |
| Firoanna | Not bad, not bad at all. |
| Destrier | And The Free City, how does she fair? You've been Ambassador there for what, three years? |
| Fiorrana | Quite a bit longer than three, Destrier. As to the city, Greyhawk is booming. (looks at the Canon with an appraising eye) Say, have you lost weight? |
| Destrier | (turns away, embarrassed) A little, yes. Margot is trying to poison me with vegetables and soup. I haven't had a decent feed in months. |
| Fioranna | (laughs) Oh, I'm sure that's not true. Margot is a wonderful cook. |
| Destrier | You'll have to come over for dinner before you leave. She'd flay me alive if she knew you were in town and didn't come to visit. |
| Fioranna | I will. |
| Destrier | You know, you're quite welcome to stay with us while you're here. |
| Fioranna | Thank you for the offer, but Erianthonnel would be offended if I stayed anywhere other than the Sorrow of Aliador. |
| Kurtiss | (coughs politely) So, where is Shade? Why is he forever keeping us waiting? |
| Destrier | Calm down, Ambassador Fossilwright, I'm sure Shade will be here momentarily. |
| Kurtiss | (mumbles into his greying beard) |
| Fioranna | (gravely) Yes, this Ambassador Shade is a concern. Why has Ivid sent an Ambassador to Almor? It is most unusual. You know, if we thought Almor's delicate position with Nyrond would be compromised with Shade's presence, we would send our own full-time Ambassador in an instant. |
| Destrier | I know that, Fioranna. Nyrond has nothing to fear. Shade would have us believe that Overking Ivid is petitioning for an alliance, not only with Almor but also with Nyrond. |
| Fioranna | But you don't believe him? |
| Destrier | I didn't say that. |
| Kurtiss | Of course we don't believe him. The only reason he is here is to extradite some Knights of the Holy Shielding so he can deliver them to the torturers in Rauxes. That man speaks lies. |
| Fioranna | (looks to Destrier) Then surely... ? |
| Destrier | No. We have had no success with our divinations upon Ambassador Shade; his mind is closed to us. |
| Dalmiath | (horrified) |
| Destrier | Close your mouth, Dalmiath. You know full well that sometimes we use the Academy mages in our dealings with important personages; Ambassador Shade is no different. |
| Dalmiath | (closes his mouth and smoothes down his vest) Well I hope you don't consider me important enough to go prying into my memories. |
| Destrier | You have my assurance, Dalmiath, we have not yet had to call upon the mages in your case. |
Abruptly the doors opened and the towering figure of Ambassador Shade strode into the room, his black velvet cape fanning out behind him. With a curt nod to those at the table he took his seat without aplomb or ceremony.
| Shade | Enough chit chat, let's get down to business, shall we? |
| Kurtiss | You have kept us waiting again, Shade. What is your excuse this time? |
| Shade | (his lips open in a cold smile) I assure you, Kurtiss, I need never excuse myself to the likes of you. |
| Destrier | Shade! Let's have a modicum of decorum here, please. |
| Shade | (nods, then looks to Fioranna) Ah, my dear Fioranna Aielestriel. I had heard you would be making an appearance. Tell me, how goes your spell-weaving? |
| Fioranna | (her faces drains of colour) Spell-weaving? I don't know what you're talking about? |
| Shade | (laughs humorlessly) Oh, I'm sure you don't. Now, Destrier, shall we begin? |
| Destrier | Um, of course. The representatives from the Theocracy and Onnwal send their apologies; they are otherwise engaged. |
| Shade | No matter. They are unimportant. |
| Kurtiss | (into his beard) To you, perhaps. |
| Shade | What was that, Kurtiss old chap? |
| Kurtiss | Nothing. Just clearing my throat. |
| Shade | (smiles) But, of course. |
| Destrier | (clears his throat) Why have you assembled us, Ambassador Shade? |
| Shade | (reaches into his cape, withdraws a roll of parchment and places it on the table) I have just received a formal request from Rauxes to begin proceedings in the extradition of the Shield Lander Knights. My government would like to express their heartfelt thanks for your cooperation in this matter. |
| Kurtiss | (spits) I was wondering when you'd get around to this subject, Shade. Your gall astounds me. You can tell your government that there will be no extradition, the knights have committed no crime. |
| Destrier | With all due respect, Mister Fossilwright, you are out of order. The knights in question are under the jurisdiction of Almor and this is not a Sunndi issue. |
| Kurtiss | But Destrier, the knights fought along our borders for months, surely that entitles us to some say in the matter? |
| Shade | (smiles and shakes his head, a grin forming on his lips) You are sadly mistaken. When the knights left Sunndi lands they gave up any claim to that sanctuary. (to Destrier) My retinue will be here soon to take these war criminals back to Rauxes for a fair trial. |
| Kurtiss | Fair trial! That's a joke. |
| Destrier | Kurtiss, please. (to Shade) I'm afraid the matter has become complicated. Fioranna should be able to illuminate the issue. |
| Shade | (casts an icy glare at Fioranna) |
| Fioranna | Ambassador Shade, this may come as a surprise to you but these knights of Holy Shielding have also committed crimes against the Kingdom of Nyrond. And since word of this matter reached me, I have contacted both the Shield Land High Council and the Almor government and they have agreed to place the knights into my custody. |
| Shade | (angrily) What? |
| Fioranna | It's true, I'll be taking the knights back to Nyrond with me. |
| Shade | Like hell! (looks to Destrier, venom in his eyes but a smile on his lips) Please, Canon, tell me this is a bad joke. (to Fioranna) What claim does Nyrond have with these knights? Did they butcher innocent townsfolk as they did on our borders? I think not. |
| Fioranna | (nods, and allows Shade's tirade to finish) These knights committed the most heinous crime of trespass. On their journey to Sunndi the knights illegally traversed seven Nyrondal fiefs. Each fief has lodged a writ against the knights citing an old Nyrondal law that dictates that no foreign, armed knights may cross their borders without first gaining prior permission from the Lord. |
| Shade | That's ridiculous! How does trespass compare to the foul acts of murder these animals inflicted upon the fair people of the South Province? |
| Kurtiss | (his voice incredulous) Bah! Don't preach innocence to us, Shade. If your enlightened government truly cared for the lives its citizens, they would never have thrust them into the midst of a battle. Your war-generals should be tried for crimes against humanity - using innocents as shields is a foul, cowardly act. |
| Shade | (hisses) Watch your tongue, Kurtiss. |
| Fioranna | (places a calming hand upon Kurtiss' shoulder) I assure you, Ambassador Shade, in the eyes of Nyrondal law trespass is a serious crime and the knights will be brought to justice. Should they be found innocent of the crime we will, of course, hand them over to your government. In the advent of a guilty verdict, however, you are free to try them in absentia and any sentence you impose can be served after our own. |
| Shade | Ivid's council will hear of this! (rises from his seat and places both hands upon the table, his knuckles white with rage) I warn you: your political machinations blind neither me nor the Great Kingdom. Justice will be done. |
| Kurtiss | That is a thinly veiled threat, Ambassador and one that ill becomes you when you exhort peace. |
| Shade | (casts Kurtiss a withering glare, before turning back to Fioranna) You and I both know how this will end, Fioranna. |
| Fioranna | (nods) The knights will be taken to Nyrond and tried as criminals. Justice will be served. |
| Shade | (to Destrier) I will join my retinue at the border then lodge a formal complaint with your superiors at Chathold. Until I return I formally request that the Nyrondal expedition be withheld pending a full inquiry. Good day, gentlemen. (turns and begins to walk away before turning and bowing low to Fioranna) And until next we meet, my Lady. (leaves the room, slamming the double doors behind him) |
| Destrier | (looks to Fioranna, his face grim) I am not at all comfortable with this outcome, Fioranna. I have never seen Shade so angry. My charter here is peace and I am displeased that the Prelacy may once again serve as the battleground between your two governments. (turns to Kurtiss) All personal feelings aside, I will fight to keep Almor free and if that means handing the knights to the Great Kingdom then so be it. |
| Fioranna | I appreciate your candour. We, too, can ill afford to enter into hostilities with Ivid and understand that the needs of the many outweigh the lives of a few. |
| Kurtiss | But if we can save them, we should make every effort. |
| Dalmiath | Not if it means war. |
Shade strode back to his chambers, furious. His guards barely had time to open the doors before the powerfully built Shade burst through. Once inside, he divested himself of the trappings of state and donned more appropriate attire.
| Shade | Tonight, I feast. (moves to the doors and all but yells through the wood) Guards, I am not to be disturbed under any circumstances. Do you understand me? |
| Guards | (muffled voices) Yes, sir. |
Shade opened the stained glass window to his room, uttered a few words of magic and was gone.
The Sorrow of Aliador was busy tonight; the foul weather had kept most of the residents inside the tavern longer than usual. Fires crackled pleasantly in the many fireplaces around the grand common room and the mood in the tavern was rich. An elven minstrel plucked his harp skilfully, his lilting voice reminding many of the patrons of a better time and place.
| Erianthonnel | That'll be a silver piece, Theriath. |
| Theriath | (hands over a coin) Can we also have three meals brought to our table? |
| Erianthonnel | Certainly, I shall have my daughter bring them over. Will venison suffice? |
| Theriath | That'll be perfect, thank you. (takes up his pitcher and returns to his table) |
| Erianthonnel | (turns to his daughter) Three venison, Rochelle, to Theriath's table. |
| Rochelle | Yes, father. |
Rochelle entered the kitchen at the rear of the inn and began to prepare the meals. She glanced out the window - as she often did during a storm - and marvelled as the lightning illuminated the droplets racing down the glass to the sill. The trees to the rear of the inn seemed to adopt a sinister aspect during these storms and Rochelle liked to imagine that creatures of shadow hid there, unable to harm her within the warm protection of the kitchen.
As the finishing touches were added to the three meals lightning, in a series of spectacular arcs, illuminated the rear grounds for several heartbeats. Rochelle dropped the garnish and peered out of the window intently.
| Rochelle | Was that a man? |
With neither thought nor reason the young elf walked to the back door, swept a cloak about her shoulders and stepped out into the rain. The flash had left her momentarily blinded but that did not halt her progress.
| Rochelle | Under the elm, I'm sure of it. |
She was drenched within moments, her slippers sodden and ruined, but she didn't care. Closer and closer she came, inexorably drawn to the huge tree. Another flash lit the sky and Rochelle drew in her breath and saw a tall figure, beckoning her forth with an outstretched hand.
| Figure | (softly) Come to me. |
Rochelle slowed her approach. Her every sense told her to flee, yet her feet betrayed her. Thunder sounded overhead, sending a chill through the very core of the young elf's being. She continued to approach, stopping only when she felt the light touch of the figure's hand upon her cheek. She was dimly aware of a second hand, behind her back, drawing her closer. Rochelle's gaze was drawn to the figure's eyes, twin embers glowing in the darkness, and suddenly she felt safe.
| Figure | (a whisper) Yes. |
She felt momentary discomfort as the fangs pierced her neck. Her knees buckled - but powerful hands kept her from falling. As her lifeblood flowed from her body the darkness had never seemed so complete. In a heartbeat she knew oblivion.
Shade cast his dripping clothes into the hamper and smoothed back his jet-black hair. His hunger was satiated but his thirst for revenge still strong.
| Shade | (looks to his discarded robes of office, licks his lips and smiles) Soon, dear Fioranna. Soon. |
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