Turning her attention to the floor below, she throws a torch down and looks down. The room itself is looks to be bowl shaped, 40 feet around with the middle of the bowl about 15 feet below the edges of the floor and walls. In the center, at the lowest point in the room if crystal cube perhaps 5 feet per side. Since normally the crystals they have seen grow into towers, this could be the base of a crystal that has been amputated. It does not look, however, like it has grown since the time it was shaped or amputated leaving Firena to think that this is a new addition to the room. She wonders if she has found a secretlab of the Mayor’s. She shudders to think what the room was used for. No implements appear to be present. No drawings are on the floor. Nothing that would indicate a purpose.

The Company puzzles for a little bit and Firena ultimately decides that they will need Moren ‘s help. With that in mind, they leave the caves and ride to Crystalwatch. Much of the ride goes well until the morning of the 17^th. On the morning of the 17th April (the Company is due to arrive in Starkwall around 6pm), Drathon’s horse suddenly rears and pitches Drathon off the back. The horse itself drops back down to four feet when the Company can hear a snap and the horses cry of pain. For his part Drathon has rolled fairly well and is unhurt and ever the pragmatist, has a good look to see what may have caused his horse to rear. He sees a snake slithering away and issues a strong curse.

Vanith and Plynsen quickly ride toward the horse to grab it’s reigns. The horse for it’s part is dancing around screaming in pain. Firena approaches the animal and commands that the handlers hold the animal still. With Vanith and Plynsen holding the animal as still as possible, Firena bends down and places her hand and the screaming animals leg. She feels around and determines that it is a simple snap. She concentrates on the bone and confirms in her mind that it indeed is a simple break. She focuses her energy on it and taking an herb from her pouch, she waters is with an ointment and mumbles something. She can feel her leg starting to hurt and then the pain subsides. The horse begins to settle down and soon stands still (with the leg raised). Firena smiles as she stands telling everyone that the horse will be fine. The leg will be sore, but it is not broken anymore. Firena’s feeling very smug. She’s never healed an animal before!

The rest of the trip goes uneventfully. On the 20^th of April, they pull into Crystalwatch to reunite with the Nyra and Morven. Firena discovers that the pair have a rudimentary understanding of the spell and is ready to leave. Firena allows the Company to camp for the night and then heads back to the caverns. Finally, on the 26^th of April the Company returns to the Crystal Springs. They relax for the night, preparing to enter the caverns the next day. Without the Company’s help with building the ramp, progress has slowed. Fortunantly, however, it was nearly complete anyway. Though, no one is at the filling station now, Firena is happy to see that it looks complete. Presumably, they are seeking barrels to start filling. She wonders if they’ll have to buy them from Roscoe the unbalanced halfing…

In the morning, as a group, they head toward the nearest “window” and Firena asks Morven to open a door into the chamber – large enough for the largest of us (that’s Shasivin!) to enter.

Morven looks down at the room and asks for people to stand back about 10 feet. She places her hands on the rock and starts to push on it. She then murmurs:

Rock so dense
Rock so strong
Have the Sense
to move along.

Firena raises an eyebrow and looks askance at the diminutive mage, but doesn’t say anything. Morven yells the last word and flings her hands form the rock toward her back. At the same instant the Company can see a bright blue glow from the window. The rock trembles but rather than it moving, Morven falls backward and barely catches herself before falling to the floor. The glow disappears and Morven appears…well pissed.

Firena:

Magically sealed?

Morven stomps her foot and steps back toward the rock and places her hands on the rock again.

Firena:

Morven?

She starts to push on the rock.

Firena [loudly]:

Morven!

Morven stops and looks back at Firena.

Firena:

If it’s magically sealed, we may have to find another way in.

Morven looks at her for a second and her shoulders bow.

Morven:

If I spent some time building up the spell I may be able to break it.

Firena:

Do you think you can? I don’t want you to wear yourself out if not. We may have need of your skills later.

Morven:

I don’t know. You know, that rock thing glowed from the magic. I think it reacted to the magic use. I’ll have to think about this one …

Firena:

Ok, while you’re thinking, Shasivin! ... Any ideas about a way into this room?

Shasivin:

Naught tha’ I kin see. Them’s tunnels wind back e’ forth too much. ‘ers a lo’ ‘at we haven’ seen like.

Firena:

Okay, let’s try this. Take your best guess about the place in the tunnels that comes closest to that room down there. THere’s probably a magically hidden door. Maybe we can find it. Maybe we can even open it. Maybe not every place around that room’s sealed…

Shasivin looks for half an hour with no success until Firena calls him off.

Firena:

All right. It’s intriguing, but I can’t see spending much longer doing this. Shasivin, Drathon care to take a bash at the wall? Maybe force can succeed where magic does not. Failing that, we’ll be leaving. We’ll give Morven one more shot, then we have better places to be.

Shasivin:

Wot, With me axe?

Drathon groans. Morning Star. Not a problem.

Firena:

With whatever you find most agreeable.

Drathon takes a few whacks at the stone and is able to make some progress.

Drathon:

Pick’d be easier.

Firena:

Not bad. Try some more.

Drathon hammers away for another 5 minutes and is able to widen the window so that there is a 5 inch circular opening.

Firena:

Drathon, do you think it’s worth continuing? There’s not much a hole, and I’m worried about the state of your morning star.

Drathon:

Aye. Won’t ruin it. Need picks. ... and miners.

Friena:

What about the worksite, where we built that device to fill the barrels. Any tools left behind there?

Shasivin:

No picks. Hammers, spikes?

Firena:

They’ll do, if they’re there. We should go look. We’re not doing anyone any good standing here.

Morven:

Uh, Firena hammering out a hole big enough to fit through could take a while. What’s our point here?

Firena:

It bothers me that the one task we’ve been unable to accomplish is to find any sign of Doselford’s missing mayor. That room down there is the best best so far for somplace he could be hiding, hurt, dead, whatever. I’m doing everything I can think of to gain access to that room. If we can’t do it, fine. We leave. But I don’t want to leave until I’ve exhausted the possibilities.

Morven:

It’s possible that there is a skeleton down there, but were we sent here to find him?

Firena:

No, we weren’t, but Lord Aphic did mention him, and the fact that he has been missing for some time now. I’d like to take word back to him about the reason for the disapearance.

Morven spends three hours resting and then re-enters the caves. She casts the same spell as before. The effect is the same as before, as she yells the last word, the blue light flashes as before this time brighter. She is, however, able to move a 2m height section of rock out of the wall before she falls to the ground.

Drathon is first to Morven and signals to Firena, who is on her way already. Firena can see blood trickling out of Morven’s nose and immediately calls for her to be moved out of the cave. Shasivin grabs Morven’s legs and Drathon her arms. Firena can feel a pulse and see breathing, so she knows that Morven is alive. Fortunantly, is about ten minutes Morven is conscious, though not feeling too well. Firena asks if she simply overdid the spell, but Morven responds that she knows she didn’t do that. True, she put a lot more power into the spell than before, but she could feel the energy travelling out of her body. It definitely didn’t go off in her body. However, she knows that more energy left her body than she gathered in. She beleives that the Crystal took the energy to fuel the defense somehow. It took more energy out of her than she had planned on being taken out.

Firena:

Hmm. Any way you can use the Crystals to fuel your magic?

Morven:

Probably. I may have to un-artifice it. On the other hand, it may naturally work on any magic cast from the crystal.

Firena:

Interesting. Think about that for a while. Figure out a way to use those things to our advantage. While you’re doing that, rest. Take it easy. We’ll wait until you’re ready before we go into the cave.

Morven takes another three hours resting and feels she is ready to go back in. Around 4:00 PM, the Company lowers a rope into the bowl room and looks around. Several things are immediately obvious. There is only one exit to the room. It is through an obvious stone-carved door with a crystal bar that could be used to bar the door. There is no skeleton in the room. The block of crystal was obviously cut from a live crystal. However, there are no obvious markings of an axe or blade. Very possibliy it was magically cut.

The Company heads out the only door and down a set of long steps heading down very deep.

Firena looks at the others, shrugs her shoulders, and starts down the steps.

The stairs end in a 12 foot square landing. A Portcullis covers the only exit out. A larger room, about 20 feet wide by 30 feet long is on the other side of the portcullis. There is no obivous signs of a handle to raise the portcullis. The do find, however, what looks to be small holes on either side of the portcullis .. perhaps for a key of some sort.

Firena:

Actually, I think this answers our question nicely. He obviously has moved in and isn’t coming back. Anyone feel we need to go any further?

Morven:

It’s posible that he didn’t move in … um … but that something else is …

Is there any signs of an exit on the other side of the portcullis?

There is another door on the far side of the room.

Firena:

It’s interesting that the keyholes are on the inside. Whoever [glances at Morven] or whatever is in there obviously wants to keep us out, not keep someone or something inside. Does anyone want to have a go at picking the probably magicked locks?

None seem inclined to pick the locks. Yalinari (the most likely candidate) remains very quiet.

Firena:

So unless we want to try to manually raise the portcullis or break it down, we go back. Volunteers?

Again, no seems inclined.

Morven:

OK, good point, let’s get out of here. This place is creepy.

Firena:

I’m not particulary worried about creepy, but I am worried about the reaction of a “fairly powerful mage” who finds out we’ve carved a new door in his carefully constructed practice room, or whatever it is, then tore down his portcullis and broke down his front door, just to find out if he was planning on returning to Doselford to finish out his term. I think we can report we found and let the local authorities handle the matter.

With that said and with all in agreement the Company turns and heads back out of the caves.

The trip to Doeslford is uneventful and they arrive at the Springs on the night of the 9^th of April. As the Vanith and Plynsen set camp, Hanar, Drathon, and Firena head down to the cave entrance. Firena can see how they missed it before. Even with the crystal tower pushed to the side it is hard to see. She sticks a torch into the passageway and sees a mid-size cavern. She’s anxious to get started, but contains herself. She doesn’t want to be in the caverns unneccessarily and contents herself with preparing for the next day. As before, she can feel the heat and discomfort of the place.

Not much planned for the day. Check gear, untangle ropes, the usual routine. We’ll get to be early, set a light watch (one person per shift), and get up early for maximum amount of time in the caverns.

The order in the caverns is as follows: Firena, Drathon, Hanar, Edmund. The others are staying back to help with construction, with Shasivin in charge of the work crew. (Yalinari can help if he wants to, but Firena doesn’t expect him to.) If the four find anything interesting, they can come back for the others. Yalinari spends his time practicing his signature. He wants to get it down to the point where he can sign it and actually look like it’s his.

The group finds a cavern about 15’ by 15’. As was the other caves, this one is warm (though not as warm as the fountain chamber) and filled with crystals. There is one passageway out of the cavern and so, the spelunkers move through the passageway. After what seems like ten minutes, they file into a larger cavern. This one is very moist and warmer than the past chamber. There are three exits to this chamber two on the right and one on the left.

Drathon suggests checking the walls and floors near the entrances to all three exits. If the mayor came often, he might have left a trace. If not, he may have marked the correct passage somehow (with a rune or a scuff mark or something).

The group checks out the exits and finds that they are labelled 1, 2, and 3. Firena suggests they don’t split up, and in the interest of being unpredictable, suggests they start with number 3 and take the passageway from exit number three and find that the passageway becomes very steep…almost too steep to walk.

We’d better tie a rope on, even if we don’t necessarily need it going down, we may do so coming back up.

The group finds a good sized stalgmite to tie their rope off. The group, using the rope, heads down the steep decline. After about 60 feet they find themselves near the top of another cavern about 30’x30’. They peer into the cavern, but no exits appear visible. The light from the torches seems to filter through the crystals causing them to “come alive” with blue light. It’s eerie.

Firena:

Well, can anyone think of a good reason to go down there?

Drathon:

Last entryway hidden?

Firena:

Congratulations. You just volunteered. I’ll be right behind you. Hanar, you after me. Edmund, bow ready. I want you to stay up here, in case we need some help executing a quick escape.

Drathon shrugs, throws his torch down and quickly climbs down the rope. He spends about five mintues carefully searching the cavern to no avail. He tosses the torch up and scampers back up the rope.

While they’re in the caverns, they’ll check the floor for obvious signs of movement, dragging, etc. Tap, tap, tap, the usual. Oh, and an old trick Firena used once before – hold the torch close to the walls in lots of different places. See if the flame moves toward hidden cracks.
After 15 or 20 minutes of searching, they move on.

After going through cavern after cavern she finds that the complex is much larger than she expected. After three hours, there are still many branches that they have not travelled through. There is also several areas that were too small to get through, but there were caverns on the other side. The place is definitely eerie and warm. Though the temperatrue has varied, but never reached as high as the headwaters of the Spring, it was definitely not the 60 degrees that she’d expect it to be. The average temperature where they are is about 80 degrees.

Firena calls a halt to their search. If the mayor wanted to be found he should have picked a more accessable place to fall over. For now, she’d like to get out and check the progress of the construction outside. This warren could concievably continue forever, and she has no desire to spend the rest of the day therein. Perhaps they will return tomorrow. For now, though, lunch awaits, and then they can all lend a hand with the construction.

The Company then heads out to the construction site. Firena finds that they are making good progress. Shortly, however, they will run out of boards. Though they have plenty of wood it takes a while for the woodworker to make the planks and with the extended help they are using them faster than they can be made.

The answer to that is obvious – Firena offers the Company’s help in making planks. The woodworker will allow a certain amount of help, stacking wood, etc., but the act of actually making the boards is a trade secret. Unless someone’s willing to pledge as his aspirant …. thought not. Firena finds that by the end of the day, there’s not much to be done. The last thing to be done then is to divide up the daily tasks (cooking – they really miss Nyra now! -, collecting firewood and water, etc.)

Th plan for the next three days is as follows: In the morning, they’ll help the carpenter until the planks give out, then retire to search the caves, in 3 groups while he makes more planks.

• Firena, Yalinari, and Edmund will be in one group;


• Hanar and Drathon in another;


• Shasivin and Vanith in the third.

The Company searchs the caverns for three days mapping out the caverns as best as they can. They find that the cavern complex is larger than three days of searching via Firena’s method can map out. Finally nearing, the end of the third day Shasivin approaches Firena. He tells her that he has found something interesting. He shows her the map and tells her that there is a series of five caves that all open up to a larger central cave; each one only having a narrow slit looking down at the large central cave. This is all about 80 feet below the surface. What’s interesting is that to him it looks like there is a man made object near the center of this room. However, he has not been able to find anyway into the room. The cave itself is far too tall for the torchlight to really get a good look at the walls of the cavern. There are far too many crystals, stalagtites, and stalagmites in the way.

Firena:

That is indeed interesting. It certainly appears to be man-made, does it not? Perhaps we should take a closer look tomorrow. It might be worth positioning one person at each slit and seeing if that does anything. ... Have you actually tried throwing a few torches through one of the slits to try to get more light on the subject?

Shasivan admits that he hasn’t thrown any torches down, yet and Firena replies that Morven is their expert at moving rocks. Maybe there is something she can do to fashion an alternate entry for us. The time has come to go pick her up anyway. And so with that, the Company leaves settles in for the night.

The night passes uneventfully and they head out the next morning. The temperature has dropped significantly and the ride is much more pleasant. Again, uneventfully, the Company rides South and by the 27^th they are passing by the Springs. Hanar suggests that they stop by the springs to see what Sulius and crew have acheived. It’s not really out of their way and they may find Drathon and Shasivin there and not farther along to Doselford. Firena thinks about it and agrees.

They follow their older route to the Springs and can see that there is a small hut built on the hill, just out of eyesight of the road. The hut appears to have a bed, a cistern, and a covered area with a feeding trough. As they get closer to the trough, they can see a system of pulleys and ropes heading down into the mouth of the cave. Firena nods as she looks at it. The floor of the valley is pocked with crystals growing at all angles and heights. No one could roll a barrel through it without a raised platform. It looks like they have half built a ramp for the barrels to be pulled up the hill to the hut.

She follows the ropes down to the entryway for the caves and finds that the ramp ends with a platform about 10 inches off the ground. Another set of pulleys and ropes heads into the caverns. There are a series of small buckets and clasps by the entrance to the caverns. It looks like someone fills a bucket in the springs and then, using the pulleys, moves the bucket up through the entrance to another person filling the barrel. When the barrel is full, they can cap it and push it over on it’s side. From that point a third person can then pull the barrel up to the loading platform for loading onto a cart. She leans down to the entrance and calls in. As she expected, there is no reply. Satisfied for now, she leads the Company back to Doselford.

The trip is uneventful, however Firena notices that as they get closer to Doselford Hanar is inadvertantly riding faster and appears anxious. It’s then that she realizes that her husband is back in Doselford and it will have been a month since they have seen each other. She makes note of this and then thinks back that they have sent the pair their separate ways more often than they have been together. None has complained, but Firena doesn’t really want to alienate either of them.

Finally, on Flamada 2^nd, the Company pulls into Doselford. Dusting themselves off, they head toward the Twisted Pike for lunch before heading to the temple. The Pike is the same as it was when they were here last. Once again, the Company fills the tavern at lunchtime. A quick lunch, for Hanar is anxious to look for her husband, and Hanar and Firena head off to the temple. The rest of the Company stays at the tavern.

When Firena and Hanar get to the Temple they are told that Drathon and Shasivin are assissting a woodcutter getting wood for the well. Exegetae Sulius offers lunch and discussion, but Firena puts him off until supper. Of more immediate concern is getting Hanar conencted with Drathon. They head into the woods and it isn’t very long before they can hear the woodsmen. As soon as they are within eyeshot, Hanar rushes toward Drathon and collects him up in a strong embrace. Firena is slightly embarrassed by the display of affection upon which the pair is generally loathe to display in public. Shasivin wipes his hand and greets Firena with a “Lieutenan’”, afterwards he looks toward Hanar and says “Ma’am.” Hanar rebukes hum with a gentle, “How many time do I have to tell you Shasivin, it’s simply Hanar.” Shasivan smiles broadly and responds, “Yes, ma’am.”

Firena thinks to herself that she hasn’t seen much of the Company as people, but reflects that Shasivan, Hanar, and Drathon have had a past. No douby, Cust as well. She then reflects that while she has been learning to lead and dealing with the Company as she did her clinic, Tar was more personal and yet aloof. She reflects that a leader, like a surgeon, needs to be remote…detached. However, she can’t forget that her patient is a person as well.

The rest of the day is spent assisting the woodsmen collecting wood and by 4:00, the quintet have filled his cart with split wood ready to be made into boards for the well. On the way back, Firena learns that the filling apparatus is almost done. Another week and they should have enough wood to finish the well. With the full Company assisting, Drathon beleives that it will be finished in closer to two days. Firena likes the plan and fills Drathon in to her plans. He also mentions that they have discovered another entrace to the caves not too far from the first one. It was disguised by a crystal that was on it’s side. He had wondered if it was done by the mayor, but his goal was not to explore further. Firena is ecstatic about this revelation and decides that they will indeed have the time to explore farther.

Over supper Firena, Vanith, Plynsen and Sulius have supper. Drathon and Hanar have the night off. Firena realizes now that she has none of her senior advisors with her. She’s with friends, however, and the night is thoroughly enjoyable. Sulius has sent word off to Radigast City to notify his superiors of the plan, but has not heard anything back yet. His plan is to send one or two Pangesae with the barrels to Radigast City. On the way, they will be seen and can assist those in the fields. Once they get to Radigast City, the Church will continue to ship them. Apparently, the Handler’s Guild has offered assistance with the caravans and he beleives that by the end of April they will be starting to fill barrels. Perhaps by the end of May the barrels will start to be recieved in Greyhawk. Sulius thanks Firena for the opportunity; he is sure that this will allow him to rise to the next level in his church, to become a Pan-Exegetae. Firena resonds that she is happy that Tar’s Company could be of assistance and that she is sure that the Lord Aphic, Mayor of Greyhawk and Baron of Stillwater also appreciates the offer.

Firena’s first move is to give Drathon and Firena off for two days, three if they need it, with dire warnings about the terrible repercussions they will be subject to if she sees any sign at all of them for that period. The others can enjoy a similar period of “standing down”, only without the dire warnings. If nothing untoward happens, they can head back northward at that point. She also makes a point of … well, not actually congratulating, since it hasn’t happened yet, but certainly offering her best wishes … for Suluis’s rise in fortunes. She offers the services of Tar’s Company in helping to build the filling station, once their rest period is over.

Again, without prelude, Aljenique starts in. She tells the pair that their counter is insufficient. Even though the Steward of the Field has recently been assigned, the Bakluni cannot trust their fate to a Gadje Mayor of a city known to kill for it’s competition. Aljenique states that the duration cannot be less than the remaining years of her children’s lives.

Firena pauses for a great length of time, doing her best to meet Aljenique’s gaze steadily, and apparently thinking deeply. Ultimately, she speaks again:

Chorihani-nak Aljelique, you make a fair request; a request that I am inclined to accept. ... Hmm. ... Yes. ... I am prepared to offer you Letters of Marque such as we discussed earlier for … [again, she thinks deeply] ... let’s say for a period of 50 years. ... However, there is a small catch. In the interest of fair and honest trading I feel it necessary to warn you that although I may legally obligate the Lord Mayor’s office for such a term, none can have complete confidence that ensuing Lord Mayors will honor the strictures of the Letters. I can only offer you assurance at whatever level you desire that the current Lord Mayor, Lord Mayor Aphic, Baron of Stillwater, is a very honest man who will honor the letter and intent of the contract.

Chorihani-nak Aljelique thinks for a long moment.

We shall have to think about your warning. Few treat the Bakluni with respect and favor. We can no more trust your word than many others who have made promises but failed them. We will send for you later in the day.

Firena:

Then go well, Chorihani-nak Aljenique. We will await your summons.

After she departs, Firena tells Nyra: Let’s get the others together. I don’t think we’ll be negotiating much longer. ... Then I’m going to find someplace to try to stay cool. The river should offer some respite from this oppressivle heat.

The Company spends the rest of the day on the plains, the sweltering heat is oppresive and the Company takes some down time in the river. Just before supper One of the Bakluni bodyguards shows up at the camp. He announces to Firena that the Chorihani-nak is still deciding and that the Protector of the Grove should be prepared in the morning. The Chorihani-nak will meet them at sunrise.

Firena thanks the bodyguard, and after he leaves, she tells the others that the change in tactic (i.e., announcing a meeting time) could be a sign that they are ready to accept the offer. In that eventuality, she tells Morven to begin preparing the Letters of Marque for Yalinari to sign. Firena asks Yalinari about actually signing the Letters, and he readily admits that he doesn’t know how to write, though he does have the ability to copy the written word fairly accurately. That being the case, FIrena tells Morven to prepare a suitably fancy “official signature” for him to copy so that we will be able to state categorically that he signed with his own hand. She also asks him about Bakluni traditions for closing a deal. He informs her that it is customary to exchange presents to seal the deal. The value of the presents should be commensurate with the value of the trade. A small trade might bring about an exchange of baubles or trinkets. A big deal like this should be sealed with a fairly substantial gift. Firena knows that the Bakluni love horses and asks whether one of their stallions would be of sufficient value. Yalinari smiles and nods, telling her that that particular gift will be very highly prized by the Bakluni.

Just before sunrise on 19 Erndalar, Firena and Nyra see Chorihani-nak Aljenique and her two unnamed bodyguards. Without waiting to be called Firena approaches them. Once more, without preamble, the Chorihani-nak starts.

I have talked to the elders. We are willing to accept the deal you have offered. Be warned, however, that what you ask is not a simple thing to give. Your Protector of the Grove must be prepared to spend many hours in preparation and learning. This will not be an easy or short process and she must be willing to dedicate herself fully. If she is not dedicated fully she will be dismissed and the failure will be on your part—the deal still enforced, but you without what you seek, and do not have. is that understood?

Nyra looks hesitant, but nods.

Firena:

Agreed, Chorihani-Nak Aljenique. I have great confidence in our Grove Protector. She will not fail us. I have but one small request. Should she be destined to fail in her endeavor, we have others who may succeed. Allow us one further attempt. Allow us … a Grove Protector-Nak, if you will.

Aljenique:

What you say is wise, but the Grove Protector-Nak must be present the entire time.

Firena:

Then it is done. Well, bargained, Chorihani-Nak. You do your people proud. And now I understand that it is a tradition of the Bakluni to seal bargians with gifts. Please accept this small token of our new temporary partnership.

She gestures back toward the camp and Vanith approaches with one of our horses. Aljenique looks very surprised, ut her expression quickly turns to a smile. She nods and reaches into her robe. She pulls out a small object that seems to be largely comprised of feathers. Firena recognizes it—Yalinari has one like it.

Aljenique:

Evil Spirits have touched you. Once touched, they begin to know you. What you hold will help them not know you. When cooking, you keep your hand from the fire. The Grove protector and her nak will purify themselves in the river appropriately and present themselves before me in two hours. Seeker of what you have not, The moon will complete a full phase before your protector’s are done.

Firena thanks Aljenique and returns to the camp, where she calls a full conclave. She reports the termination of the negotiations and the fact that Nyra and her “Nak” will have to remain here for a month. That is sufficient time for the others to return to Dosselford to check on Sulius’s progress there. For now, they have one major task, and that is to find Nyra’s Nak. Firena begins the conversation by nominating Morven.

Morven seems positively excited by the thought and none have any negative comments to say about the decision. Firena announces that it is settled and tells the Company the plans for the next month while Nyra and Morven train. The Company spends the remainder of the 19th encamped by the river. If everything is going according to plan, they will leave on the 20th to head back to Doselford. By Firena’s calculations, it should take them 10 days or so to get back to Dosselford, which gives them at most 8 days to spend there. Unless somethings is not quite right, they will stay a night or two and then head back with Drathon and Shasivin. She tells them that she wants to stop (on the way back north) at Crystal Springs to have another look around to see if there’s any sign of the missing Mayor. If their bodies can stand it, she’d like to spend a few days there looking around.

With that plan, the Company breaks their conference and heads…well nowhere. Nyra and Morven have a chat with Yalinari about how to purify themselves. He tells them that they are to bathe in the river, well upstream of anyone. They are to fully clean themselves and their clothes. They should present themselves to the Choriani-nak’s vargo as umblemished as they can. With that, they head off upstream.

At suppertime, the pair return. They tell Firena that this is the last time that they will be back at the camp. They, and the Choriani-nak (and her two bodyguards, no doubt) will be sequestered and will not be returning to their camp. Both mention that the Bakluni magic is foreign to them. There are some simialarities between the different styles. Nyra is uncomfortable with it, but she tells herself that it is for the good of the grove. Morven, for her part sees it as opening a brand new world. The Bakluni magic doesn’t need rituals and components. It does seem a little dangerous shaping the magic inside of yourself rather than allowing the supernatural world to do it for you, but this is yet another gorwing experience for her.

Firena is a little jealous of them and wonders if this is one of the problems of leadership—others do, while you need to seclude yourself for leadership. Thinking this way makes her think of her own dark, brooding Captain. He could be so aloof at times. She wonders if this was why. At times, he’s gentle and at times…well…not.

The next two days on the plain aren’t better than the one before it. The heat is sweltering and the Company is getting very restless on the plains. Firena is none to glad that on the morrow, they will be leaving. And so, on the 20th of Ernaladar, the Company mounts up yet again. With a look toward the Bakluni camp, the Company sets off again.

The woman thinks about the offer for a long time scrutinizes the pair. She then stands and tells them that she will think about it. She will give an answer by lunchtime. Firenas and Nyra take their leave and head back toward the camp. As they’re walking, Nyra points out that this could take a very long time. Firena agrees and states that she thinks they are trying to wear them down.

Lunchtime comes and goes and Aljenique is nowhere to be seen. Firena is quietly fuming; her patience wearing out. Finally, about three bells, Aljenique and her two bodyguards arrive at the camp. Once more, Nyra and Firena approach the old woman who, for her part, waits until they have stopped moving before speaking.

Aljenique:

What your steward has offered has limitations that can not be accepted. Free passage from named place to named place isn’t much freedom. Unlimited movement of the free clans of the Bakluni for the life of Greyhawk the City would do, however.

Firena excuses herself, telling Aljenique that she must consider the offer. She returns for another council with the others. She tells them of the latest offer. Certainly significantly less than the original, but too high to be workable. “For the life of Greyhawk”? Theoretically that could mean forever! She proposes that their next offer be more in line with unlimited movement of Aljenique’s clan to go where they will (limited, of course, by “gadje” legal systems) for the life of the current Lord Mayor. Certainly that would be a better offer than their first offer.

All agree that their return offer is priced too high, but then again that was intentional. It seems reasonable to all that their counter be unlimited freedom of movement for the life of the current Lord Mayor. Firena decides that she will wait until after supper to make the offer.

As is planned, they eat supper and relax for about half an hour. Then they proceed to the Bakluni camp to make their offer. As was the case for the last several times, they are met by the bodyguards and escorted to the Chorihani-nak’s vargo. Aljenique gets right to the point and asks what their decision was. Upon hearing their counter, she leans back, looks at them and sighs. She pauses for a short while and then says, “Interesting offer. We’ll get back to you tomorrow.” Firena nods and the pair leave, heading back to the camp chatting about nothing important.

After the castle is out of eyesight, they slow down to a more comfortable trot. As they do so, Firena bides her time by grilling Yalinari on all things Bakluni. During this time she also realizes that she is getting more comfortable in the saddle. Of course, she thinks that it will take several months for her backside to begin to feel human after all this riding.

The first two days go very well, but by the end of the third day, she notices that Yalinari’s mood is more and more forced. He still seems happy, but she’s known him long enough now to notice that he’s not himself. Heck, he even has turned down an opportunity to spend time in conversation with Nyra.

For her part, Nyra is happier than she has been in years. All this time in the sun and open ground has been very good for her soul. She still pangs about the grove, but is beginning to get accustomed to life without a grove. She never was the best druid in the grove.

The Company arrives in Crystalwatch around 3:00 PM on 15 Ernalder. Crystalwatch is a military outpost consisting of a small fort containing probably no more than 100 men.

The Company heads toward the outpost to gain entry. As they approach the Outpost they can see that the fort is not very large and is constructed on the far (Western) side of the Artonsomay River. The Compay can see that past the outpost, but on the Eastern side of the river and between the outpost and Nutherwood is a large collection of wagons and horses. The Wagons and horses are decorated Bakluni style and it looks like they have been encamped for a while. From the distance the Company is from the Outpost it is hard to tell the distance between the Outpost and the Bakluni caravan.
As the Company approaches the Ford in the River, a guard on the other side hails them and ask them their mission.

Firena:

Well met, my good man. I am Firena of Greyhawk, on dispatch from his honor, the Lord Aphic, Lord Mayor of Greyhawk. We have business with your neighbors [indicates the Bakluni encampment], but seek to first relax and make ourselves presentable. Do we have permission to enter your Outpost???

I’m sorry but the outpost has no public facilities. Please feel free to camp of the far side of the river. We cannot guarantee your safety on the the Western bank of the River.??

You would force the Lord Mayor’s Company to camp on your doorstep like common beggars, then? That saddens me, but we will remain without. Hanar, Nyra, have the troops set camp at a suitable distance from the outpost. Perhaps we will have a warmer reception from the Bakluni.??

Would that we had facilities for you and your Company. We have no rooms and only a small dining facility.??

Tell me, soldier, what is your Captain’s name???

Captain Herepen??

Thank you. We may have need of that name later.??

You’re most welcome??

So around 5:00, Firena, Hanar, Nyra, and Morven make for the Bakluni camp. The others (just Yalinari and Vanith) will stay behind for now. They go on foot, with no weapons or armor, and approach slowly, giving the Bakluni plenty of time to notice us coming. As the four women get closer, they are approached by several men. They are greeted in the common tongue and asked their purpose.

Firena:

We seek a trade. We have heard of a powerful woman by the name of Nadja Zingara. Do you know of her???

What would you have of her???

You know her then? Excellent. We have traveled from Greyhawk to see her. We have a business deal to discuss with her.??

What would you have of her???

Conversation, at first. ... Coffee if it’s offered. ... A blessing, if she’s willing.??

She’s unwilling. Go.??

Perhaps you should ask her. I would hate for her to miss out on a potentially profitable deal because a mere man stood in her way.??

And what would the deal be???

Are you her keeper then, that she cannot speak for herself? All right, keeper. Tell her I offer her something that I do not have in exchange for something she can give yet not lose. That is my offer. I will be at my camp if she wishes to discuss the matter further. Call to me, and I will come.??

And what should I call you???

Firena of Greyhawk. And you are???

Arval??

Arval. Well met. I will be in my camp should Nadja Zingara wish to further discuss my proposition.??

The Company indeed waits a long time and eventually beds down for the night.

In the morning of 16 Erndalar, Nyra is cooking eggs for breakfast when a worn looking woman probably in her mid to late 50’s approaches the camp. Behind her are four men…all big. All carrying weapons. None are out or threating. The woman calls out:

Firena of Greyhawk, you wish to discuss something???

Nadja Zingara. Well met. Forgive me. I did not intend to make you come to me. I specifically told Arval to call for me and I would go to you. Since you are here, you are welcome. Will you sit and have something with us???

Woman:

It is well with the world. However, the smart animal sends out others to decide whether the food is a lure or not.

Firena:

Wisdom beomes you, Chorihani Zingara. What can I do to put you at your ease???

You offer what you do not have. Of what good is the wheat to a corn farmer???

I offer what I do not have, but can get. I do not have it only because I do not yet know what it is. In exchange, I wish from you something you can give but not lose.??

And why would we give what we cannot lose for what you do not have???

Because I do not need it. I ask for another.??

You have left your meadow then and need the shepard to talk to the Chorihani.??

My meadow is weeks and weeks of travel behind me. I speak on behalf of the shepherd.??

To travel this far, not knowing if the pass is open is either foolishness or desparation. You must have much to offer.??

I hope it is not foolishness. I am capable of much. You need but tell me what I offer.??

Desperation makes for a poor bedfellow. One can not value what has not been discussed. What is it that the Chorihani can give, but not lose???

Knowledge. You have knowledge that I … that we lack. My sister Nyra cares for a Grove. Her Grove is dying. We seek the knowledge to make it well. ... I seek the Wuzho Petler.??

Chorihani? ... I have not communicated my end of the bargain. ... Aren’t you interested???

Nadja Zingara … please. Do not go. ... Our need is deep. ... Our offer is open.??

The Wuzho Petler can cure Marime, can it not? Even deep marime???

Chorihani Zingara, do you know a man named Yalinari who hails from the Dishine clan???

Chorihani? Speak to me. Ask what you will. My offer is this – anything you want. Name it. If it is humanly possible, I will make it happen. We six have captured 12 bandits with no loss of life. We have rescued hostages with similar success. I have met the Kemet and walked away. We have skills you would find useful. Make use of them, Nadja Zingara. Don’t throw this chance away.??

Firena:

Yes, we have met the Kemet. Surely you know their visages. A beautiful, sexy woman. A dark, leering man. Five in all. At sunset they appear. They cause mayhem and death. Death follows them. But they did not take me.??

Touched by the dead makes you rot from inside. The Chorihani may speak with you.??

One hisses:

When the Chorihani summons you. Not before.??

I will wait. [She then whispers, loudly enough for the bodyguards to hear, but certainly not loudly enough for Nadja Zingara to hear:] Go in peace, Chorihani. Go in peace.??

Shortly before supper, the woman and her two bodyguards approach camp again. One of the men calls, “Firena of Greyhawk, We would speak to you.” They wait patiently, while Firena stands up and approaches them. As she gets closer, the woman calls to her.

Woman:

Come. We shall talk in my wagon. As we talk of things disturbing forests and glades we shall need to talk to one guarding such as those.??

Firena whispers to Nyra: I’m not sure what they’ve got in mind. We’ll have to be careful we don’t commit to anything unwittingly.

Nyra:

And I wonder what we should not be doing???

I think whispering amongst ourselves is probably one of those things.??

As they get closer they can see the caravan village better. There seem to be about 15 wagons in a circle, about ten feet between wagons. Inside the circle of wagons are another 6. Three are parked close to each other near a central fire tended by some of the women, while the other three are parked to form what Firena would describe as a courtyard. Something smells very good on the fire. Looking closer, Firena can see a deer cooking. Others are tending pots containing other food. A stand of men is nearby working on cutting very long shavings off a long piece of wood. Boys are taking these shavings over to several women working on baskets.

They can’t see a lot more as the are led to a wagon that seems oddly out of place. Firena is puzzled by it and is trying to figure out why when Nyra asks, “I wonder why they moved it out from the center?” It’s then that Firena realizes what is wrong. The circled vardos “wagons” have been placed with exceptional precision, the spacing between each one looks nearly identical, with the fronts of the wagons facing the back oc the one in front of it. This one, however, is sideways. It’s front is facing outward, as if inviting strangers in … or, she realizes making certain that the Gadje , as Yalinari termed non-Bakluni, would not enter the circle of wagons. The woman walks up the stairs without hesitation. Firena and Nyra look at each other, but Firena decides that she has to go up. She shrugs snd climbs the stairs. Firena follows. The men don’t.

She is surprised by the interior. She recognized that the vardos were large, but the tent is more spacious than she thought. The vardo seems to be divided into two sections by a thick burgandy curtain. The section that they are in contains a small round table covered with a black cloth and deck of cards. On each side of the table is a bench seating three people. She is sitting on a free standing chair directly opposite Nyra and Firena. Two chairs are before them, nearly touching the bench seats. Two large window are blocked by thick red curtains and were shuttered on the outside. Candles in wall cresencts near the entry door illuminate the room.

It is hard for the pair to see much in the dark wagon. the woman gestures to the chairs and pulls another two candles from her skirts. She mumbles something in Bakluni and places them directly in front of each woman. “Blow dem.” she commands. Firena is a little surprised by the authority in her voice. It brooks no defiance and neither woman attempts it. Both immediately blow on the candles. When they do, green flame arises form the wicks and aromatic, spicy scent fills the wagon. The woman smiles at them and then shuffles the cards before her. She looks at the cards a long moment and then looks up at each of the women. She smiles at them, then she speaks:

Your soul, like a road recently travelled, but is new. Touched you are, deep they are not. You have a future, but traverse death you will. You will see them again. A new story I will tell you. ...

The vision collapses on herself and she realizes that she is nearing her camp. The woman and her guards are still with her, as is Nyra. The woman looks at Firena and says,

Remember, the story of the Likho. Also tell the steward of the field that the Bakluni require free and unfettered movement in a land that they can call their own. One ruled by the kris and none other over it.

Firena bows her head:

Do I have the honor of addressing the Chorihani Zingara???

Firena:

Was the vision, then, sent by her, or yourself???

Your vision is what you take with you. What has touched you is not deep. What you saw is your own.??

I am not adept at such things. It may take me many hours to decipher this vision, if indeed, I can decipher it at all. ... I assume the service you ask is your end of the trade I proposed earlier???

Yes. More than a service. A gift…of land….of a… a….nation as you call it.??

I will, of course, do my utmost to present this gift to the Bakluni. It will take time. Land is something highly prized by my people. They do not part with it willingly. I will do what I can. ... You requested the presense of the guardian of forests and glades. This is she. This is Nyra.??

Firena:

Excuse me … ah … m’lady. How am I to address you???

Chorihani-nak Aljenique??

Then … Chorihani-nak Aljenique … I apologize if I said that badly … I will return when I have a suitable parcel of land to offer in exchange for what I desire.??

Nyra:

Umm … you think Baron Aphic is going to give them land to own???

If not he, then someone. This may get complicated.??

Perhaps we should bargain with a counter?

I intend to. We know what they want. We also know that they will be willing to accept less. The question is, how much less. I’ll give them a few hours, then we’ll return with a counter-offer. And so it will continue until we come to consensus. I sense that this will take a fair amount of time,??

Ahhh I understand now. ... I think .??

They took a day to make their first offer. I sense that to make a counter offer too soon would be premature. It’s their game. I want to play it by their rules.??

Yalinari:

Ssssseeeeeeemmmmsss aaaaaaaaan odd rrrrequest. Baaaaaaakluni ggggeneraly dddddd…..ddddon’t wwwwwwaaaant tttttttooo own llllland.??

I’d assume that they are often afoul of the law.??

What might they want? Something on the land? Hunting rights? Freedom from prosecution within certain boundaries? Unmolested passage between two points???

In Greyhawk they are. I’m not certain how closely the Baron will allign himself with them.??

The-the-the-their offffffffer hadddddd a nnnnote oooooooof aaaa llllllength oooooooof tttttttttiiiiiiime.??

They’re not hunter’s, they’re basketweavers and woodworkers.??

Free wood???

Yey they must hunt to survive. I would guess they may frequently fall afoul of poaching laws. Mayhap they will settle for a permanent area that various clans can use as a temporary campground where they can do what they like? Hunt where they will???

Nnnno, ththththey are unllllikely tttto bbbbe hhhhunters, or tttto bbbbe interested in hhhhunter’s rrrrights. Ffffree ppppassage is mmmmuch mmmmore llllikely.??

So, what Nyrondian Noble will give up some of his lands so that the Bakluni can own it???

None will, I would guess, but then, this is just their first offer. I still say they will accept less. The question is, what are they really after, and how do we go about getting it? ... My first inclination is that we are very near to the Bandit Kingdoms. I dare say that not many local lords would oppose ceding some of that land to the Bakluni. We’d have to have ownership of it, of course.??

So, what’s the political angle of the Mayor of Greyhawk owning border lands between Nyrond and the Bandit Kingdoms? Not certain we can go there.??

I don’t propose the Lord Mayor own the land. I propose WE own the land and give it to the Bakluni. [She pulls out a map] Now, this spit of land east of Stoink, ‘round which the River Artsonnay flows, perhaps we could free a litt of that land???

So what do we have to offer a lord for hs lands???

Perhaps I’m confused, but I thought the Bandits of the Bandit Kingdoms were only a loosely organized rabble, without Lords and the like. Is that not so???

Oh I see. We take over the lands … invade the Bandit Kingdoms as it were …. and then give it to the Bakluni??

Something like that. What? Too ambitious???

And …um…how do we … how do they hold it???

The fighting could be good!??

ffffiiiighting?? MMMMaaaayyybbeeee sssssomettttthing else?

The way I see it, we have to get them some land. We can’t promise to hold it for them as well. We’re only a small group, after all. They will have to look after it themselves. ... But I see your point. We’ll hold that as a back-up plan. Does anyone have an alternate plan???

You mentioned a counter-offer???

Something less???

Exactly. What is our counter-offer to be???

Freedom from prosecution? Agents of the baron???

I was thinking along those lines myself. The question would be, of course, how do we get it. If we ride up to the local Lord and ask for it, he’ll turn us down flat, and no one would pause to wonder why. Can we reasonably offer to make them Aphic’s agents? I don’t think our Letter of Marque gives us that sort of authority. What are our options???

Another ttttrade? Ssssomething ththththe BBBBakluni hhhhave ffffor llllimited ffffreedom of ppppassage???

Anyone vested could give them letters of Marque…say a Knight of Greyhawk???

Nice idea. That would offer them free passage, provided they don’t break any local laws. They already have that, of course, in a small way. The difference is that as things stand now, just about anyone can do just about anything they want to to them, with impunity. The Letter would deny the oppressors that right. The Bakluni would still be liable should they break any laws, but that might make a good first counter offer. Then we just need to sit back and wait for Nadja Zingara’s counter offer to ours. What say you???

More workable than going to war against the bandits!??

And just when I was looking forward to using my mace!??

I’m nnnnot exactly ccccomfortable wwwwith ssssigning lllletters of Mmmmarque. I’m BBBBakluni. Wwwwon’t it appear to bbbbe a cccconflict of interest???

Wwwwould thththey even bbbbe accepted bbbby ththththe llllocals.??

How would anyone know? Sir Yalinari Dishin?.??

Ddddishin? is ththththe nnnname of a BBBBakluni ccclan, actually.??

Oh.??

So, don’t Lords always give favors to those that they came from … what’s is called.??

It doesn’t really matter. I don’t think you’ll have to sign them. It’s just our first counter offer. I expect to go through several rounds of negotiating before we come to any agreement. And anyway, Morven, correct me if I’m wrong, but it doesn’t really matter what anyone thinks. A letter of Marque is legal and binding and all most adhere to its strictures, even if they don’t like it. Correct???

It’s called nepotism, but yes, you are right. It’s used widely, and though not necessarily free of taint, it is legal. Keep in mind, however, that anyone who outranks the signer of the Letter of Marque may feel free to ignore it at will, and unmolested.??

If we were to sign it on behalf of Lord Aphic… could we do that???

Not without his foreknowledge and approval.??

So what exactly are we giving them letters of marque for???

How exactly do you mean that???

Well, I thought Letters of Marque were given for a specific purpose. Like to search for someone or bring back a fugitive from across your borders.??

Yes, that’s true. We’d need to define a purpose or event.??

Hmmmm …??

Free passage from temporary campground to temporary campground???

It needs to be more specific. You need to assign a task the Bakluni would be completing for Lord Aphic.??

To document any and all Kemet or Likho sightings_to which Yalinari goes nearly apoplexic making gestures and spitting so fast as to nearly wind himself into the ground!??

I like that. Can we do that, Morven? Would it satisfy the requirements???

I could phrase it so that it did.??

Firena:

Then unless anyone has any last minute reservations, I will make that our counter offer.??

Yalinari looks ill, but says nothing.

Firena:

Then tonight we rest. Tomorrow I will send word for a meeting.??

Nyra:

I wouldn’t exactly call it a vision. I’d felt the effects of Diviner’s Weed (Firena recognizes the description now as Salvia divinorum; a psychotropic drug) before. It helps you get onto the Astral Plane.??

So what did you see???

Not a lot, I wasn’t there long…only a little. The woman is strong that imuch is certain.??

Yalinari, do you know of the Chorihani-nak Aljenique???

Nnnno, bbbbut I knnnnow hhhher ttttitle. Shshshshe is a Chchchchorihhhhani in ttttraining. Nnnnot as sssstrong as NNNNadja, whwhwhwho is nnnnearly llllegendary. Bbbbut sssstrong enough.??

Same way in the circle.??

It is likely that Nadja knows about the encounter and is letting Aljenique deal with it.??

Okay. My point is, what are we to make of these “visions”? Do they have any meaning for us beyond what we see under the influence of some drug, or can we use them to play our hand a little more effectively???

I’m nnnnot ssssure I ffffollow.??

Will the Bakluni put enough store in the “visions” that we can use them, or whatever we say was in them, to our advantage? ... You know, “My vision told me that the best solution would be to…” ... understand???

Unless we’re actively meditating, I wouldn’t do much with anything we saw. More likely it was a test for them to see us in the Astral.??

Well, just so we know what we say, Nyra, basically I saw you as a bird of prey, and the Chorihani-nak as a very powerful crone. I couldn’t see myself, so it must have been a first-person vision. Nyra, how did you see us? Did you see us???

You? Much like yourself in the real world, only stronger looking. You also had a black “taint” to yourself. I think that’s what she was refering to “Touched you are, deep they are not. You have a future, but traverse death you will. You will see them again.” I’m not quite sure what it is.??

I see. So in the Astral, you are a bird of prey, while I am just … well, me. Interesting. I’m not sure what that means, of course. I have no experience with Astral travel at all. Can anyone interpret that? ... Yalinari???

I’ve nnnno idea. I’m an entertainer, nnnnot a sssseer. I ddddo nnnnot hhhhave ththththat ggggift, nnnnor ddddo I hhhhave thththe pppproper ttttraining.??

Nyra???

When you are more skilled you will be able to project yourself and control your visage. Me? I’m a watcher, archer, and a fighter. A bird of prey strikes out of the sky as an arrow does. I’m also closer to the Spirit world.??

Interesting. Not necessarily useful, but interesting. However, it is nice to know how they see us now. ... So do we have anything else to discuss before we take our conter offer to the Chorihani-nak???

Yalinari shakes his head, then adds:

Bbbbut ththththe ssssooner wwwwe gggget thththis wrrrrapped up, ththththe hhhhappier I wwwwill bbbbe.??

I second that. ... So relax. Nyra, we’ll return to the Bakluni camp in the morning.??

Very good. Now let’s finish making that supper!??

Nyra:

I’m getting a little tired or sitting up next to you in a bed recovering from your wounds!

Firena:

How long?

Nyra:

Not long. You’ve been out for about ten hours. Most of that was in the hands of the Bandits. The healer here, Senner, is fairly good. Not as good as you, I don’t think. He tended you last night and prayed over your leg. It is far better than it was. Thankfully, they swung from the front and not from the behind. If they had, you might have been hamstrung. As it was, the bone stopped the blade. Granted the bones cracked, but Senner has take care of that.

Firena nods and places her hands on one knee and forces her concentration onto her legs. In her mind’s eye, she can see the muscles and tendons split into two. The pain throbs in her head as she burrows deeper. She gets to the bone and sees the narrow slit cut into it. Her eyebrows furrow as she inspects the bone. She can see the micro fractures. Nodding, she admits that Senner has indeed done a pretty good job. The cracks in the bone are all but healed. it looks like the cuts on both legs need to be taken care of…that and the healing of the skin as well. She inspects for infection and see that there is little. Interestingly, there is some. Didn’t Senner take care of that? Even the least skilled healer would have killed any infection first. Then she thinks to herself. She was triaged by Nyra most likely. The infection was mostly killed by her. There’s not much left. Nyra did a good job cleaning the wound. Like Senner, she decides that her body can kill the infection on it’s own. However, she wants to tend to the cut muscles and tendons. She wants to leave as soon as she can.

Nyra:

Senner says that he’ll have a look at it later today, after resting. He figures that, gods wiling, you’ll be able to walk this evening. A night’s rest will help significantly.We can leave tomorrow morning, if you’re up to it.

Firena:

What time is it?

Nyra:

Just after eight bells.

...
Before Firena goes to sleep (if she’s up to it), she will attempt a healing on herself, starting with taking care of the infection, then finishing up anything that needs doing to stop any residual bleeding, close the wound, finish working on the bone, etc. When she wakes up, if she is able, she will do likewise.

...
In the morning, Firena tells the first Company member she sees (Nyra or Morven most likely) that she needs to call a conclave, as soon as possible, in as private a place as possible.

...
Firena also asks Nyra to get her field kit. She’ll mix herself an anisthetic to take care of any residual pain.

Nyra raises her eyebrows and responds: Um Senner advised that you’re to stay in bed for the day …

Firena: Which healer do you trust more? Me, or Senner?

Nyra grunts, gets up and walks to the other side of the room. She comes back with Firena’s pack and hands her her field kit.

Firena: Thank you. This won’t take long._With which, she begins to mix a few ingredients in their proper proportions.

Nyra: I gather you’ll want to have a private room near the infirmary?

Firena: Yes. Oh, and bring a quill and some parchment. And one of Lord Aphic’s pigeons.

Nyra nods: Conclave of the entire Company, or just Morven, Hanar, and myself.

Firena: Everyone, briefly. I’ll want the three of you to hang around afterward.

Nyra nods and leaves the infirmary

As soon as the pain killer takes effect, Firena gets up and looks about for a private room. The infirmay of Castle Starkwall is set within the wall near the main entrance. Several windows overlook the courtyard letting in a gentle breeze and allowing for better lighting. The room has three doors coming out of it: one on each sidewall, one leading, theoretically to the front of the wall. It has room for twenty beds, three of which are currently occupied. One of those occupants was Firena. Firena looks for Senner, but he’s not in the infirmary. Looking right and left, she heads out slowly toward the right door. She doesn’t want to open her wounds again.

Finding herself in a hallway, She opens several doors finding one full of medical supplies and another an office…most likely Senner’s office. On the walls are several diagrams of human anatomy and lying on the desk is a codex of poisons. The bandits must not always fight fairly. Apparently, even this far in the wild, the beauracrats have pushed, as she sees many forms similiar to the ones she had to fill out. Requisitions for medical supplies, counts of cases treated, etc. Next to Senner’s office (and connected to it) is a waiting room, consisting of two chairs and a small sofa. Not the best place for Company conclave. Besides it’s attached to Senner’s office.

Across the hall is a lounge of sorts overlooing the front wall of the castle. There are two couches in here, several lounge chairs and two bench seats by the windows. This will do. She looks around and spies a bar at the far side. Looking in it, she finds grog, ale, both dark and light (she smiles and then frowns as she thinks that Tar would most likely grab at a chance to have some dark ale) and some cheap wines. Obviously, this is not the Knight’s lounge. Having picked a spot for the conclave, Firena returns to the infirmary to await the others’ arrival.

After about twenty infuriatingly long minutes, Morven heads into the infirmary and after exchanging pleasantries, tells Firena that the paper and pigeons are in a lounge not too far from here. The rest of the Company is there as well. Apparently, they are in the same lounge that Firena scoped out.

Firena gets up carefully and heads toward the room. She looks around the room and counts heads. All are present. Yalinari doesn’t look wide awake … he must have been woken up recently. Everyone is present so she starts speaking immediately.

I’d like to start by thanking you all. I have no doubt that your quick thinking and positive actions saved both Nyra and me from death … or worse. What’s more, you captured a dozen enemies without any further loss to yourself. The people who own this castle are obviously less than enthused by Yalinari’s presence here, but they can’t overlook the fact that he led you in accomplishing a tremendous feat – one which will only grow in the telling. It’s my guess that they won’t openly tell us so in so many words, but you’ve earned their respect. That’s important. Tar’s company has definitely gotten off to a stunning start. You have my congratulations as well as my thanks.

Be that as it may, we can’t stay here. The hostility is open and obvious, and we have a job to do. As soon as I declare myself able to stand the rigors of the road once more, we’ll be parting ways with the residents of Starkwall castle. Before we go, I plan to send an update to Lord Aphic. Does anyone have any particular message to send back?

All glance around, thinking, ut none can think of anything special to mention (other than the success of getting the Temple of Demeter to haul the water.

Firena:

In that case, consider yourselves free for the day. Stay alert. I don’t think we’re in any real danger – after all, the more quickly we are all healthy, the more quickly we are out of here, which is what they want. But it doesn’t hurt to be careful. I’ll stay here today, or at most, move to the courtyard. Nothing too strenuous. I’ll plan on using the time to compose my report, which I’ll likely send off around noon. If you have anything you want added, just drop by. I’m sure Lord Aphic will be well pleased with our progress and actions so far.

She pauses for a few seconds, to see if there are any comments. There are none, so she dismisses the others and asks Morven, Nyra, and Hanar to stay behind for a few seconds.

When the others clear the room, Firena, true to form, launches immediately into speech:

I noticed something last night that I never thought I’d witness. Did anyone else notice it?

They all look blank.

Firena:

Our Equerry? Taking charge? Leading a raid? Successfully? Is there somehow more to that vacant expression than meets the eye? Nyra, you’ve probably spoken to him more than any of us. Anything going on in that seemingly empty head of his that would indicate he would be capable of such a thing?

Nyra shakes her head:

I hadn’t thought of it. Certainly, the man is ruled by emotions, not common sense. I’ve never seen him take on responsability like he did. On the other hand, I don’t think you give him enough credit. He was very instrumental in the campaign direction of Lord Aphic. He has a good ideas, just can’t focus well enough to direct them in one place.

Firena:

Of course, it probably helps that there are few … ah … distractions for him here. We might do well to keep him isolated in the future. But you are correct, Nyra. He was invaluable during the campaign. But true leadership? I’m stunned. Happily so. Perhaps I shall think more kindly of our Equerry in the future. ... [After a pause, she continues.] So, it’s my guess that I will be able to travel tomorrow, which leaves us the remainder of the day to fill. I’ll rely on you to be mindful of our charges. Again, I don’t expect trouble, but vigilance will ensure it doesn’t find us.

All nod in agreement and then Morven speaks up:

Umm … Firena. Speaking of our charges, Vanith, it seems has a more than adequate ability to influence people. Between her gender and likability, she has been able to get a lot of toungues wagging. It seems that we’re in good luck. The Bakluni we’re looking for are near Crystalwatch, about 110 miles from here. If you can ride we can probably push it and make it in four days.

Nyra:

Nuther wood. Near the Phostwood.

If we follow the river, we’ll be following The Bandit Kingdom’s border. That means bandit attacks. There are few fordable places, but boats can go anywhere.

Aren’t there patrols watching for that?

Fat lot of good they did for us!

Aye, there’s a patrol. But, we’ll have to be on our guard.

Firena:

Excellent. ... We will be very on our guard. I’m getting quite tired of being carried into new locations. I’m supposed to be leading this Company, not burdening it. I have no intention of continuing to be carted about like the cookware.

There are smiles about, but none offer more. Firena thinks to herself that there are lots of thoughts of things to say, but all hold their toungues. She smiles inwardly. The command of the burn center is translating nicely to command of the Company. She again, thinks of Tar’s reasons for leaving. She beleives that after this trip, her quite Captain will be quite able to watch and assess without being the one to command. For some reason this doesn’t quite give her a good feeling. Taking a slow look around:, she continues:

Thank you all. Without your aid, I most certainly would not be here. I will make that clear to Sir Yalinari as well when I get the opportunity. ... Now, if there’s nothing else, we should end this little soirée.

Nyra:

Shall Hanar escort you back to your bed?

Firena:

No, I believe I’ll head to the courtyard and complete my report in the sun. I’ll find someone to help me back to the infirmary if I need it. Thank you for the offer.

Nyra:

Well, we’re still under the two person rule, so Hanar had better go with you.

Firena meets Nyra’s unflinching gaze for a few beats, then:

Damn it, you’re right. Hanar, if you would be kind enough to accompany me?

Nyra smiles broadly and Hanar accepts. The leadership of the Company (minus the Equerry) leave the room. Firena and Hanar toward the courtyard, whilst Morven and Nyra head out for a ride before lunch.

Firena and Hanar settle in the courtyard, where Firena pens a message to Lord Aphic. She holds a lengthy internal debate on how much to include and what to emphasise – what we did well, what we did poorly, how we were received, etc., and in the end decides on no more than one page of simple facts with a heavy emphasis on accolades to deserving Company members. Finally, she ties the note to one of our pigeon??s legs and lets it go.

Sir Knight, The Lord has heard your request. He begs your forgiveness. He says that he is an extremely busy man and the efforts of your troop have only increased his workload. He apologizes that he does not have the time to share a brandy with you in the rooftop gardens as you might be expecting. If you still wish to join him in conversation, he begs your indulgance and join us in our border patrol.

Yalinari smiles broadly and puts his beanbags away. He then executes a cartwheel and then flips backward into the saddle of his horse. With an overly large smile he salutes the seargant, says “Shall we ride?”, and then pushes his horse forward.

The seargant has obviously not ben warned about Yalinari’s proclivities and looks stunned for a second until Yalinari asks him if he is coming. The seargant, a little embarrassed, urges his horse forward and they head outside the Castle. Shortly after them, other cavalrymen start assembling. They form up into five groups of six; each one comprising one seargant and five horsemen. One group is outfitted with shortbows, one with swords, and the other four with lances. With that the Cavalry Captain and his two Lieutantants come riding out. They circle the formation and ask “Seargant Kjaryk, are all accounted for and prepared to ride?”

The seargant with Yalinari bows and replies that they are ready. With that the Cavalry Captain wheels his horse and rides back into the castle. A few seconds later, trumpets sound and The Baron flanked by Sir Morghatur and Sir Nat ride out. Without a word, the Baron rides out toward the East. The Captain and his lieutanants follow. Seargant Kjaryk barks the order to move out and the cavalry complies. The archers ride out and form directly behind the Baronial entourage. The swordsman ride out behind the archers. One group of lancers rides out quicker than most and takes point. The other three ride behind the swordsman.

Yalinari watches them with a practised horseman’s eye. All are excellent riders, probably better than him. He doubts, though, that any can do a handstand on horseback! The Sergeant. Kjaryk trots his horse forward ensuring that all are in position and then rides harder to make his report to the Cavalry Captain. Yalinari keeps up with him and then heads up into the Baron’s direct entourage.

A little thrown off his game (as was no doubt the intention), Yalinari thinks about his approach as he rides up. Apparently, knowing what is about to transpire, Sir Morghatur and Sir Nat, fall back a few paces allowing Sir Yalinari the room to approach the Baron. He bows and offers him a good morning. The Baron grunts a reply and tells Yalinari that he and his troop have greatly embarrassed his men and they are none too pleased. Now, he, the Baron, needs to ensure that all are doing their duty correctly.

Yalinari:

My apologies, your Lordship, for any embarrassment we have caused you or your troops. Such was most definitely not our intention; we were concentrating solely on rescuing our captured comrades, nothing further. We brought the captives to you, as I felt that an interrogation would yield you more positive results than our simply killing them outright. If I erred in this judgement, for that too, I am sorry.

I am aware, of course, that our presence is not welcome here. I fully understand that we are an unnecessary distraction to a working castle, yet you have opened your doors, your larders, and your infirmary to us. For this I personally thank you. I will report your generosity to the Lord Mayor, and I have every confidence that he, too, will wish to thank you. It is our intention to depart this evening if my healer is up to it, at first light otherwise. We will not further inhibit your activities or distract your soldiers.

Before I go to prepare for our departure, I would beg your indulgence just once more, then I will leave you to carry out your duty. If such is available, it would be a great benefit to the Lord Mayor’s endeavors in these parts if you could provide us with a map of the area. Beyond that, we request nothing further.

Baron Cauggan:

There’s no good reason for your comrades to be so ill-prepared in these areas. Maybe they have learned their lesson. Ah well.

No, you did the right thing bringing them back here. I’m sure they’ve not much information. Simply a raiding party. Such is our lot on the border. They send raiding parties and we stop them when we can. They should not have gotten across the border so close to the Castle. My men will pay for that oversight. That has no need to go into your report, no? (He looks at Yalinari, who nods in agreement. The baron then nods in assent and looks ovr his shoulder.)

Captain Showatar, please assist the Knight from Greyhawk in finding what he and his troop need to continue on with their mission for the Lord Mayor.

(The captain answers in the affirmative and the Baron turns to face Yalinari)Now, if you’ll excuse me we need to make some rounds.

Yalinari bows low, thanks the Baron again, and offers one last time to entertain the Baron and/or any of his knights or off-duty castle personnel as may be willing to attend. To his surprise, the Baron agrees and again tells Captain Showatar to assist Yalinari with the details. The Captain, as any good officer will do, sends Sergeant. Kjaryk to do his bidding. Yalinari bows low again and thanks the Baron. The Baron, however, has already moved his attention onto other things. Yalinari and Sergeant. Kjaryk wheel their horses and head back to Starkwall.

The only place to sleep or re-supply would be in the Castle itself. It looks like the company has two choices: camp out or try for a stay at the castle on Sir Yalinari’s ticket. Firena considers the two options – a comfortable night vs. putting up with Yalinari afterward – and chooses to camp out. Only another 3.5 days until Midmeadow.

Unfortunantly, Yalinari, in his usual, annoyingy cheerful mentions that he can get them roons in the castle. Morven agrees, she was thinking the same thing. Vanith and Hanar seem to like the idea. Nyra very obviously doesn’t.

The Company takes the time to clean themselves up a bit and heads for the castle. Yalinari will get to do the speaking and should to stay as close to the truth as possible. He’s a knight of Greyhawk, so he’ll have to say we’re working for the Lord Mayor. He doesn’t have to say much beyond that. If he has to, he can say they’re looking to interview one or more senior Bakluni, with an intention of gaining insights into their vetrinary skills. The Lord Mayor is well known to be an animal lover, and would like to know more about their ways with the animals. Yalinari, as a very new knight and a Bakluni was ideally suited for the role.

The Company takes some time to clean up and Yalinari puts on his best, along with his knight ring. He advises Hanar and Shasivin to put on their Protector of Greyhawk rings, just in case. They comply.

The Castle is not much too look at. It is obviously functional and not much more than a central keep. As the Company approach they are hailed and asked their business. Several archers are visible on the curtain wall.

Yalinari doesn’t bother with the spell, just relies on his storytelling and fast talk skills to overcome his stutter. He may well need the entertainment skill later.
Yalinari:

Hhhhail, ssssoldiery of Sssstarkwwwwall. I am Ssssir Yyyyalinari Ddddishine, a Knnnnight of Ggggreyhhhhawk. I wwwwould sssspeak wwwwith ththththe llllord of ththththis ccccastle.

Exxxecellent. Wwwwill yyyyou kkkkindly shshshshow mmmmy hhhhandler [indicates Vanith] whwhwhere shshshshe ccccan ttttake our animals?

um … you’re planning on staying?

Yyyyes. ... Whwhwhwhy? Is ththththat a pppproblem?

Nnnot for mmmmme tttooo say. Mmmost see nnnno reason.

Nnnnow whwhwhwhy wwwwould ththththat bbbbe? Llllack of hhhhospitality? I ggggenerally ffffind enterttttainment is whwhwhwhere yyyyou mmmmake it.

And what entertainment would you make?

Ddddo yyyyou hhhhave a ppppreference, mmmmy Llllord?

I fffflatter mmmmyself ththththat I am a ssssomewhat sssskilled entertainer, in addition tttto bbbbeing a knnnnight. Artistry, sssstorytelling, jjjjuggling, acrobatics, hhhhorsebbbback ddddisplays. Whwhwhwhat is yyyyour ppppleasure?

Bakluni?

Oooonce, mmmmy Llllord, bbbbut nnnnow ssssolely bbbby ancestry.

Once Bakluni…always Bbakluni … We have no need of your type here.

Thththen wwwwe hhhhave nnnno ddddesire tttto llllighten yyyyour hhhhall wwwwith unssssaught rrrrevelry. Llllive wwwwel, mmmmy Llllord. Llllive wwwwell.

Now wait just a minute. Sir Cauggan, what offense can we possibly have given to drive you to greet a Knight of Greyhawk so disfavorably? Whatever it is, I am certain we can resolve it to your satisfaction.

Sir Nat. And we have no need of vagabonds and liars at our doorstep.

Sir Nat, then. You speak out of ignorance. I doubt not that some Bakluni are as you describe. I’ve also met more than enough Oeridian and Aerdish liars and vagabonds that I could equally well paint all in this region with that same brush, were I disposed to do so. But I am not, for I prefer to accept a man for what he is, not for what his relatives might be. We go, Sir Nat, but be advised, the Lord Mayor will hear of this insult.

Are you all right?

Yyyyou mmmmust undersssstand – I’ve llllived wwwith thththat all mmmmy llllife. I llllearned, yyyyou ccccan’t chchchchange ththththeir mmmminds. Yyyyou jjjjust hhhhave ttttto accept ththththat ththththere wwwwill always bbbbe ignorance, and llllearn tttto llllive wwwwith ththththat.

Firena:

I don’t buy that for a moment, Yalinari. Even after a lifetime of living with the jibes, it has to hurt. In fact, I know it does. You can pretend it doesn’t, but it won’t go away.

I ddddo sssstand up ffffor mmmmyself. Bbbby pppproving ththththem wrrrrong whwhwhwhen I ccccan. Bbbby ttttrying tttto pppprove ththththat I am bbbbetter ththththan ththththey ggggive mmmme ccccredit ffffor. Bbbbut whwhwhwhen mmmmost of ththththe mmmmembers of ththththe “ccccivilized ssssocieties” ttttreat yyyyou, wwwwith impunity, as a ssssecond cccclass ccccitizen ffffor yyyour entire llllife, yyyyou ddddo sssstart tttto wwwwonder if mmmmaybe ththththere isn’t ssssomething to whwhwhwhat ththththey say.

You have a right now … a right … to demand a room … and decency. You are a knight.

Bbbbesides, whwhwhwhat wwwwould yyyyou hhhhave mmmme ddddo, ddddear Nnnnyra? Ppppull mmmmy ssssword and chchchcharge at hhhhim in hhhhhis own hhhhome? Assuming I wwwwasn’t kkkkilled outrrrright, ththththere’s nnnno ququququicker wwway ffffor a Bbbbakluni tttto ffffind hhhhimself at ththththe end of a rope. Llllegally. ... Ah, whwhwhwhat yyyyou ssssay is ttttrue, mmmmy ddddiminutive bbbbeauty. ... And mmmmaybe ththththe ttttime wwwwill ccccome tttto sssstrike ssssuch a bbbblow ffffor Bbbbakluni everywhere. Bbbbut ccccould I ddddrag yyyyou into ththththat? [Here he looks directly at Nyra] Yyyyou almost kkkkilled mmmme wwwwith evil llllooks jjjjust ffffor ppppushing yyyyou into a ddddance!

Firena:

Yalinari, I can’t force you. But if you want to push this – take him to task on this, we are behind you. We will stand with you. As I’m sure you are aware, there are aspects of your behavior that I cannot abide, but I would not have you dismissed for faults that are not yours.

Finally, he apparently makes up his mind, spurs his horse once again, and rides full tilt back toward the castle, whispering his prayer as he goes. If the gates are still open, he enters. If not he pulls up outside them. Either way, he stands in his stirrups and says in his loudest oratory voice:

Sir Nat, I am Sir Yalinari, Order of the Ram, Knight of the City of Greyhawk, in the direct employ of the Lord Aphic, Baron of Stillwater, and Lord Mayor of Greyhawk. I have and hereby do invoke the right to lodging in this castle. To deny me this right is tantamount to a direct insult to his honor the Lord Mayor and a dereliction of your duties as a Baronet. As the gods are my witness, you will not deny me in this.

Welcome to Castle Starkwell. I am the Baron Cauggen. You must forgive my impetuous young Knight. Sir Nat does not understand what Greyhawk is to the world. My men will conduct you to your rooms.

Forgiven, your Lordship, completely. As evidence thereof, I will reinstate my offer of entertainment for the night, and will even profer a personal invitation to Sir Nat, just to show there are no hard feelings.

Mmmmoral hhhhigh gggground, yyyyou knnnnow.

I think not. Though my man may have been rude, we are a working castle; here protecting Nyrond from invaders. All are on duty and we do not need the distraction of travelling gypsies distracting us. You have asked for lodging you shall have it. We will provision you as is your right. Sergeant. Guern, please show these people to their rooms and accord them the honor and priviledge that their rank deserves.

Yalinari [quietly, to whomever of our party is within earshot]:

Fffffriendly ssssort. I wwwwonder if wwwwe hhhhave tttto ffffeed our ssssupper tttto ththththe hhhhorses ffffirst tttto ttttest ffffor ppppoison!

Ccccertainly, Ssssergeant. As yyyyou wwwwill!

Firena [half under her breath]:

Not the sort of hospitality I was hoping for.

Shall I?

It’s a dry bed, though.

The stars would be safer!

Yes. Take Edmund with you.

Yalinari:

I ddddon’t ddddisagree, mmmmy ddddear. I wwwwonder whwhwhwhich wwwwill tttturn out tttto bbbbe mmmmore ccccomfortable.

Firena:

Tell me, Sergeant, are the owners of this castle always so warm and welcoming?

‘At’s nawt fer me ta say, m’lady.

There’s no m’lady here. [Indicates Yalinari] He’s the knight. I’m just a healer. [Continues] Call me Firena. [Continues again] So tell me about life at Castle Starkwell.

All roight. Firena. These here’s yer rooms. Cookie serves meat at foive bells, ‘o th’ loikes of ye kin eat ‘en ye wishes.

Well, naught much happen’ mostlies, anywoiy. Watch da walls, every noi an’ then we hun’ a raidin’ party or two.

Sounds like easy duty. Beats riding across country for days on end. My butt feels like scrambled eggs.

Noght real easy loikes. Da ‘obgolins’ fight real tough loike ya know. Da bandit’s aren’t as bad.

Firena:

Hobgoblins? That doesn’t sound easy. Do they attack the castle, or do they only bother you in the woods?

He seems a likable sort. Much more like Drathon and Hanar. Basically, there are outriders who watch the borders as do lookouts on the walls. If they find someone they go after them. She’s able to get the impression fairly quickly that this man has benn and will always be a seargent. he knows his place and who not to piss off … and who not to talk to. It’s probably why he was selected for this task.

Firena offers to swap tales and what news they have with whomever is off duty and is not forbidden to speak with them. She doesn’t want to interrupt the guards on duty, and won’t volunteer “entertainment”, as the Lord of the castle has specifically forbidden that, but even a change of conversation topics might be welcome to soldiers stationed in an outpost castle. She can also offer a game of Tonk if any are willing. They also have some of their own stock of wine, though their food stores leave a little to be desired, being travel fayre.

He tells her that most off-duty soldiers go to the Wasted Wyvern tavern. There will be more than enough tonk games there. Any within the castle are either on-duty or on-call. Yalinari’s ears perk up at the mention of the tavern:

Wwwwe nnnnotice ththththat in ttttown. Wwwwill yyyyou bbbbe sssstopping ththththere ttttonight? I mmmmay hhhhave tttto mmmmake an appearance.

All except for Nyra, who asks if she can walk around the village instead of hanging in the castle. Firena says that Nyra can certainly walk around the village, but she still doesn’t want her to go alone. If anyone would rather go with her than either stay here or go to the tavern, they are welcome to. In any case, Firena will willingly go with Nyra. She doesn’t really fancy a night in the tavern. Yalinari’s definitely going to the tavern. Morven, Vanith, and Hanar will join Yalinari.

As Firena heads out with the others she thinks about her latest espisodes. More accurately, she thinks about the lack of visions recently. Hmm. Strange. Maybe the Kemet have limited range! Or maybe Wolsig ran away. Whichever, she’ll obviously be paying attention in the future for any repetition. ... She doesn’t feel any different after the ceremony. Nothing to show that maybe Wolsig is gone. No different after the ceremony than before it. At some point she’ll have to try to make contact again. Hopefully he’s gone….

She then shakes off her reverie and the pair walk through town. As they walk through what passes for a town and chatting intermittently, Firena mentions to Nyra:

Gods help me, but I actually felt sorry for Yalinari this afternoon.

You, really?

Odd isn’t it? I hate just about everything about him, most of what he does. Yes, I recognize he has a talent, and if I’m correct, it is a talent beyond this world. But something he said touched me. Deeply. He’s obviously hurting in a way that I can identify with.

Since he was little, he has been ostracized because of his race. In a similar way, I have always been ostracized by my looks. It’s one small similarity in a world of differences, but it’s a similarity that runs very deeply. To my very core, and, I suspect, to his.

Hmmm … I think you may be seeing beyond your world of pain into others. That’s a good sign. I’ve had many talks with him about his beleifs and attitudes. You know the Bakluni are matriarchal? I cannot beleive his mother raised him thusly.

Not all behaviors are taught by parents – nor are all behaviors accepted by them. There are some things in every person that their parents do not approve of, yet cannot change, no matter how they may try. I do not know if Yalinari’s parents ever tried to change his behavior. I suspect they probably did – what mother wouldn’t?

That’s my point. I’m sure his mother didn’t approve. I’m sure he talked to him about it … that kind of behaviour despite a mother’s intentions only draw from some deep-seated wound. I suspect a stuttering Balkuni would be great fun to poke at. Besides, I get the feeling that there is at least one woman in his early childhood he wishes he still had. Someone he’s punishing through his treatment of other women ….

Firena:

What you say makes sense. Especially so in a matriarchal society. What does that tell us?

That he’s as screwed up as all of us!

We are an … unusual … bunch, aren’t we. Perhaps that’s why, despite our differences, we get along so well. ... Are you familiar with this area at all? You are from near this area are you not?

Yes, my … grove is near here.

Somewhere about 10 at night Drathon approaches Yalinari and pulls him aside.

...
Drathon:

Firena and Nyra are still missing. Been three hours. It’s not like them.

Thththey wwwere ssssupposed tttto ccccome ttttonight?

Don’t know. Figured they’d check in. I’ll take Hanar. Be back soon.

Kkkkeep yyyyour eeeeyes open. I knnnnew I ddddidn’t llllike ththththe ffffeel of ththththis pppplace.

Drathon eyes him and walks off. He gather Hanar and the pair leave the tavern. Yalinari thinks of them leaving for a romantic walk at night, but then shakes off the thought.

Yalinari takes stock of whom from the Company is in the tavern and who may have stayed back at the Castle—a rare moment of responsability from him. Maybe this knighthood thing is good for him? Yalinari, Vanith, Plynsen, Morven, and Edmund are all there, none stayed behind.

“Not a lot of leadership left in the pub!” thinks Yalinari. he attempts to maintain a calm front and continue what he’s doing. Basically, he’s a bit worried though. Even though Nyra and Firena have spent a lot of time together lately (meetings in the woods and such), it’s never been this long before. ... He spend some time examining his fellow revelers. Does anyone seem to be inexplicably out of breath or sweaty or nervous or anything like that?

There are more than a few that have had too much to drink. Yalinari can’t remember if anyone came to the tavern while they were there. He thinks not, but can’t be sure

Yalinari then changes tack a bit. He transitions into a story of underhandedness and intrigue where the villain attacks unsuspecting victims. He also looks for an obvious reaction to the story. However, nothing obvious occurs. At lest no one jumps up shouting, “That’s it. I can’t stand it anymore. yes, that’s right, I did it!” Yalinari doesn’t see anyone who seems guilty, in which case, he just hangs on ‘til Hanar and Drathon comes back. After about twenty minutes after departing, Drathon and Hanar come back. They head straight to Yalinari

Drathon:

Didn’t go back to the Castle.

Ththththey wwwwere ggggoing tttto wwwwalk around ttttown – whwhwhwhat ththththere is of it. Wwwwe’d bbbbetter hhhhave a llllook.

Hanar can gather the Company.

Thththen llllet’s ggggo.

Drathon looks toward Hanar, who in turn signals to Shasivan and then heads toward Vanith and Plynsen. In a matter of five minutes are all gathered around Yalinari outside the tavern.

Yalinari:

It sssseems NNNNyra and FFFFirena hhhhave ccccome up mmmmissing. Hhhhas anyone sssseen ththththem ssssince wwwwe pppparted at ththththe ccccastle?

Yalinari:

In ththththat ccccase, wwwwe nnnneed tttto mmmmake a ssssearch. Wwwwe ssssplit up – nnnno lllless ththththan ththththree in a ggggroup. Ththththere’s nnnnot mmmmuch tttto ththththis “ttttown”, sssso it shshshshouldn’t ttttake llllong. Llllook ffffor ssssigns of a sssstruggle. Bbbblood on ththththe gggground, bbbbroken items, arrowhhhheads, anything llllike ththththat. Wwwwe’ll mmmmeet bbbback hhhhere in hhhhalf an hhhhour at mmmmost. [He looks at Drathon] Any advice?

Stick to roads and paths. Won’t wander off the paths.

Look for isolated spots where they could have been ambushed.

Yyyyes. Ggggood. I thththink Ddddrathon shshshshould llllead one ggggroup; Hhhhanar ththththe other.

Yalinari nods, and the groups split. Yalinari lets Drathon take the lead, but does his best to look for any signs of anything odd.

Drathon, Yalinari, and Plynsen head off in the night. It’s nearly a full moon, so it is fairly bright. After about fifteen minutes of searching, Drathon suggests that they head back to see if the other group found anything.

When they get back, they don’t see the other group. After waiting a short amount of time, they can hear the sound of a group moving quickly.

There appears to be four people.

That should be good…

Shortly, the other group appears and Morven excited blurts out:

I think we’ve found something!

Hanar:

From the looks of it, there was a scuffle. A lot of footprints. Someone went down and was dragged off the path.

Ttttake us ththththere.

Yalinari:

Llllet’s ssssee whwhwhat ggggot ddddragged ffffirst.

Yalinari wonders what Firena and Nyra were doing there?

The thing was dragged into the woods, coming out of the woods was a bunch of things. Also, a bunch of things were on the road.

So the assumption is they came out of the woods, ran about the road for a bit (fighting?), then dragged something back the same way they came?

It sounds plausible to him.

Yalinari checks out who has weapons and who doesn’t.

Hanar, Drathon, and Shasivin always carry theirs. Edmund has his dagger, but no sword or bow.

Vanith and Plynsen have their daggers, but they don’t really count

Yalinari has his daggers, but nothing else. Yalinari, judging that we are suitably well armed, calls for us to follow the dragging trail without delay.

Edmund wouldn’t bring his bow to a game of tonk

The Company wants to be cautious to avoid an ambush, but move quickly enough so that they don’t lose the trail. Medium fast.

Drathon in the lead, Hanar, too, if the path is wide enough. They are most experienced at spotting ambushes. Shasivin in the rear as a rearguard.

Vanith and Plynsen are middle, behind Yalinari and in front of Edmund.

The Company heads out as described and the Company heads out fairly quickly. The path the crowd took is off the road and stays the far side of the hill. This close to the hill, watchers in the Castle would not see them. As the hill recedes, the path heads straight West. At this point the Company can see some distance. Edmund calls for a halt quietly. As the Company huddles up, he mentions that he can probably see farther than most…his eyesight is exceptionally sharp. It was why he was recommended for the Lord Mayor’s retinue. Drathon agrees and he and Edmund take the lead. Hanar takes Edmund’s place. After ten minutes of walking, Edmund calls for another stop.

He waves for people to get down and looks behind him. He then crawls back to Yalinari. Drathon and Hanar poke their heads in.

Edmund:

There’s an encampment just out of bowshot, maybe 400 yards. at least one guard. No tents. No fire.

Anyone visible?

At least one guard.

Yalinari offers the following plan, but looks to Drathon for advice. The Company approaches from the north, counting on the sound of the river to mask any sounds they might make. They move slowly, looking for any sign of the missing people. They don’t want to attack them until they’re fairly certain either Nyra or Firena or both are there, and unless they know they can do so without endangering them. The Company takes the time to try and flank the Group from the North. Yalinari is the only member of the Stealth crew here at the moment. It will be up to him!

Yalinari will have one of his throwing daggers in each hand. If the alarm is raised, he’ll be ready to use them immediately.

The Company moves as slowly as they are capable. Stop often. Take their time. Yalinari takes some time to assess Morven and Edmund. They joined after the formation of the stealth and action teams. Neither have any skill. Morven is light enough so as to not be too bad at it. Edmund is strong and bulky, but not very graceful. Seems that upper body strength is good for archers, but they don’t need to be too quick of feet

Yalinari:

Mmmmorven, ccccan yyyyou ddddo ththththat sssspell of yyyyours qqqquietly and unobttttrusively? It occurs tttto mmmme ththththat if wwwwe ccccould “cccconfiscate” ssssomething of Nnnnyra’s or Ffffirena’s, wwwwe’d bbbbe ppppretty ssssure ththththey wwwwere in ththththere.

No. It has to be contraband. Something that someone is not supposed to have. Their weapons will be contraband if they have Nyra and Firena, otherwise ….. well, nothing would happen.

Whwhwhwhat if ththththey’ve ttttaken ssssomething ffffrom our ppppeople?

Of course, if they stole something of theirs … I’d still have to be closer.

Rrrright. In ththththat ccccase, yyyyou’re wwwwith me. Sssstay llllow. Pppput one ffffoot ddddown ccccompletely bbbbefore llllifting ththththe other. Ddddon’t pppput any wwwweight on ththththe ffffirst until yyyyou’re ppppositive ththththere’s nnnnothing bbbbeneath it tttto rrrroll or ssssnap. Abbbbove all, mmmmove sssslowly. Ssssudden mmmmoves are rrrridiculously easy tttto spot.

Morven bends down and reaches her hand out to the guard and then stops and looks at Yalinari.
Morven:

He will know something’s up when his weapons fly away. If I don’t get them all they’ll be alerted.

Morven:

Ok, let’s get a little closer. You may have to carry me out.

Yyyyou’re vvvvery ssssmall. I’ll ccccarry yyyyou mmmmyself.

Smuggler’s bane
Sword in a Cane,
All matter illegal,
Fly and begone!

Yalinari waves for the others to come forward, then puts on his best orator’s voice and yells:

Surrender now, you brigands! You are surrounded and unarmed. No one who surrenders immediately will be hurt!

Yalinari:

Everyone, on the ground! Arms out. No sudden moves. Believe me when I tell you that your lives depend on following these orders to the letter.

The bandits follow orders and get to the ground. When the Company gets closer they can see Nyra and Firena staked to the ground. They both appea unmolested. Nyra is definitely awake. Firena however is not.

Drathon and Hanar move around, ensuring that the bandits are obeying. Shasivin will go with them for intimidation. Yalinari will approach Nyra and Firena and free them, checking to see if they are hurt. If he has nothing else to do, Edmund is to watch over Morven for now. Yalinari will make good his promise to carry her as soon as it is savfe.

Drathon, Hanar, and Shasivin, when they’re sure there will be no resistance, will begin tying up the bandits. When they’re done, the animal handlers can help out.

Yalinari gets closer and sees a very deep gash is both of Firena’s legs. She’s had a lot of blood loss and is not looking too good. Nyra is unharmed.

Yalinari frees Nyra:

My dear, you’re our next best healer. Can you help Firena?

She’s had a lot of blood loss. I think she’ll be fine. We need to get her to a real healer quickly. I’m sure that the castle will have one with experience with injuries like this. Damn Bandits! Shouldn’t have left the lot alive!

WWWhhhhh-wwwwhhhhh-wwwwwhhhh. What hhhhhhaaappend?

They surprised us. First thing I saw was a flash of steel, low. Instinctively I jumped. It was a pike, the blade barely missed me. When I came down, I reached for my mace. I glanced over at Firena and saw her lying on the ground, both legs sliced deeply. When I looked around, there they were. Twelve of them. Now, I’m one for a good fight and I wanted to kill them deeply. I was even thinking of going down fighting. They’re bandits, for gods sake. They deserve to die. I would have taken three or even four of them. Twelve and at least two with pikes were unbeatable odds. I’m just glad that you found us.

YYYYYYou c-c-c-c-c-c-c-an ppppppay me lllllllaaater!

Very funny.

Yalinari chuckles and instructs Drathon to march them to Castle Starkwall. When the Company returns to the Castle, they are greeted by the duty guard and a squad of archers standing at the parapets. They are challenged for their purpose and Sir Yalinari announces that they have captured a squad of Bandits from Iuz and have returned to hand them over to the authorities. There is a gasp of surprise and the duty officer quickly has the doors opened. Another squadron of soldiers, armed and armored quickly gathers around the Company and their captives. Quickly and efficiently they take the captive and march them, none too politely off toward a barred entryway that the Company has not seen before. Beyond the gate, the Company can see a trapdoor set into the ground…obviously the dungeon entrance.

The officer in charge, Lt. Goan asks the Company to follow him to a more comfortable palce to talk. Yalinari agrees, but informs him, that one of his Company needs to be seen by a healer as soon as possible. The Lt. looks past him and sees Firena lying upon the makeshift gurney. He blanches noticably and calls for a Seargant Tarken to take her to the infirmary and calls for Ennard to roust the healer and tell him that he has an important patient to tend. Ennard immediately turns and runs to the right, disappearing into a doorway set into the right curtain wall. Seargant Tarken guides Plynsen and Vanith to the same door. Morven seems torn. She wants to follow Firena, but also wants to hear Yalinari’s conversation for the journals. She is emmensely releived when Nyra states that she will accompany Firena, since she was the last to tend to her wounds.

Yalinari nods his assent (as if it was needed) and now, Lt. Goan ushers Yalinari, Morven, Shasivisan, Drathon, and Hanar into a ready room near the main gate. He asks Yalinari how his party came upon a full squad of bandits and how they were able to overcome them with only one wounded.

Yalinari initially mentions that he is used to larger crowds, and would so love to tell the whole tale to the Baron himself, but he is willing to sacrifice temporary glory for lasting fame, then takes a second to compose himself into “oratory mode,” then launches into the spine-tingling tale of how Tar’s Company risked life and limb to rescue two of its number who had been unscrupulously ambushed, injured, and kidnapped. Obviously, there is much more; the details are essentially accurate, though dramatically told.

As Yalinari is explaining, a man of obvious wealth and standing walks into the room. Dressed in a deep crimson red silk blouse and black riding pants of an expensive fabric, he stands well over six foot. He holds himself with an air of authority and power, that when combined with his looks and dress would cause most women to stir. As it is, he wouldn’t be Hanar’s type and Morven has seen his kind before. She chuckles to herself that if this man and Yalinari were loosed on the same tavern on the same night, the wine girls would be running all night, none knowing which was the better catch. She suspects that this man has the edge because of a family background.

The effect on the Lieutantant is immediate. He jumps to his feet and salutes quickly, “Sir Morghatur, I was just debriefing the Knight’s party for what has happened.”

The man, who apparently is Sir Morghatur turns from the man and scrutinizes the Company. His eyes roave over all the Company and spends a significant amount of time on Morven. Finally, his eyes rest back onto Yalinari. Apparently assessing him and the Company. His cheek twitches and then he speaks.

Sir Yalinari, I welcome your acquantaince. I am Sir Rowan Morghatur, Guardian Knight of the Protectorate of Nyrond and heir to the Woodverge Border Orchards

Yalinari bows dramatically: Well met, Sir Morghatur! I am Sir Yalinari Dishine, Order of the Ram, 4th Class, Knight of Greyhawk, in the employ of the Lord Aphic, Baron of Stillwater and Lord Mayor of Greyhawk. If you would hear our tale from the beginning, I would so dearly love to begin again. I am at your service!

Sir Moghatur:

Then, by all means, please begin Sir Yalinari.

Yalinari does so in the same style that he did before. When finished Sir Morghatur looks at Lt. Goan.
Sir Morghatur:

I thank you, on behalf of the Baron, for your correction of the oversight of our watchers. I will ensure that our Guard is reminded of their jobs to ensure that such an incident does not happen again. My only consolation is that this happened to a group so well prepared for such an encounter than one of the caravans that pass this way.

Yalinari, tryies not to look too disappointed at the blatant lack of appreciation for his storytelling ability. He thanks Sir Morghatur and mentions that his travel plans obviously do not now include moving anywhere tomorrow morning. Perhaps late in the day or the following morning, but certainly not until Firena is sufficiently healed. He requests an audience with the Baron at his liesure tomorrow. He also asks Sir Morghatur what diversions are available for Knights who are not on duty.

Sir Morghatur:

I am indeed sorry for your delay. We have little in the way of entertainment. As you are aware, we are a working installation, not a common village. Those off-duty, be they knights or commoners find themselves at the Pike as you yourself were so recently. As for meeting with the Baron, I will inform him of your request when he breaks his fast.

As the follow the stream further, they climb a new hill and stop in silence. Over the next hill, there appears to me something shining brght blue. They can’t see the source of the glow, it’s sort of like a sunrise before you see the sun. They ask they’re guide about it and he tells them that this is the corruption of the Demons of the hills. None pay much attention to his warning, however, as they head down the hill and up the next they have an odd, apprehensive feeling. They reach the bottom and pause before heading up. Firena tells everyone to be extra careful – and asks Nyra to ask Prespiteriach to check for enemies.

The Company is alert and Nyra pulls out an arrow and whispers something. She points the arrow at one side of the hill and sweeps it around. When she’s done, she shakers her head. Firena chides herself for being superstitious again, but as the Company heads up the hill. the feeling seems to intensify. Finally, they crest the hill and raise hands to cover eyes. The valley before them is covered with crystals, some seemingly as high as 10 feet tall, each one a brilliant blue. Sunlight bounces around from crystal to crystal causing the blue glow. The stream cuts through the crystals and disappears underneath one. Apparently it goes underground.

Firena asks the guide about the caves and where the cave entrance might be. He tells them that he doesn’t know. This is as far as he’s gone. He won’t enter the valley. It’s where the demons live…

The Company heads down into the Crystalline valley. Walking carefully so as not to injure anyone, they something crawl over crystals to get another good foothold. As they get closer to where the stream disappears, Firena realizes that she is sweating more than she whould be.

Firena asks everyone how they are feeling. Anyone feel sick? Light-headed? Anything out of the ordinary? She also looks around to see if the others are sweating as much as she is. She notices that all are sweating. Sulius complains about being very, very tired. It’s been a long day. Nyra mentions that she has been getting warmer. Vanith wonders if there is volcanic activity nearby.

Firena:

I feel it, too. Tired. Sweaty. There is something about this area that is making us feel that way. Something wrong. I can’t put my finger on it. ... If anyone has any feelings that they are having difficulty going on, I want to know about it immediately. I don’t yet understand what is causing these feelings, and I don’t want to underestimate their possible effects.

All agree to tell her and the Company moves on. Finally they get to where the spring ends..or at least goes underground. It seems to spring up at the base of a particularly large crystal, about 4 feet in diamater and at least twelve feet tall. All can see the faint steam coming from the water. That water is hot!

Firena: Apparently, Doselford’s mayor used to come up here to visit a cave or something. It must be around here somewhere. We should have a look for it. ... I can see two other problems – first, the stream is way too small to allow you [she looks at Sulius] to fill a barrel. We’d have to construct some sort of pool or filling mechanism. The other is that I can’t bathe in that water. It’s not only not deep enough, but it’s also far too hot.

Sulius looks concerned and nods his head in agreement. Drathon order the group to fan out looking for cave entrances. After about five minutes Plynsen calls out, I think I’ve found one! The Company heads over the Plynsen who has found a recess under a fallen over crystal. The Company will have to crawl under it, but it definitely looks like there is an opening behind it. On her way over, Firena decides to test the water. Firena puts her hand close to it, without touching it, to see if she can feel how hot it is. It doesn’t seem like she will lose flesh putting her hand into it, so she inserts a finger of her left hand to test the temperature. She finds that the water is hot! However, it is not scalding. Firena tells Sulius, who appears much happier.

Firena lights a torch and holds it to the hole. Two things she’s looking for – 1) anything that looks like it might want to eat us, and 2) the flame being pulled into the hole. If so, there’s an air flow. She is happy to find that there is nothing just waiting to eat them and that there is a draft going into the cave. There is air flow.

The flame does bend toward the opening, she also can see that the opening is not all that big, they’ll each have to crawl in. she cannot see how far it goes. Since Morven is the smallest, she goes into the hole. The rest of the Company crawls behind her through the pipeline and enters into a larger cave. They can stand up in this one. Looking around they find another exit. They need to crawl through that one as well. They are all slicked with sweat as they get through the small opening. Fortunantly, they will not need the torch for much longer. This cave is a lozenge shaped one, only about 5 feet in hieght (Firena thinks it lucky that Tar is not here. However, near the middle of the cave is an opening, through which can bee seen a faint blue glow. As the Company heads over to the hole, they can see it is about four feet in diameter and opens in the ceiling of another larger cavern. It looks to be a “chimney” as there seems to be about twenty feet of rock between the two caverns.

Firena asks who is the strongest climber and Nyra volunteers. At that point, Yalinari also speaks up:

Rrrremind mmmme… Whwhwhy are wwwwe ggggoing ddddown thththe sssspooky hhhhole again?

Looking for a lost Mayor, remember?

More importantly, trying to save a Grove and her Spirit.

Ah, yyyyes. A rrrrescue. It’s ccccomendable, it ttttruly is. ... Ccccan’t wwwwe jjjjust ttttry ccccalling ffffor hhhhim? If hhhhe’s nnnot ddddead or unconsssscious, hhhhe mmmmight answer.

Great point, Nyra. But you do have a point. If he’s injured, he could answer. Of course, if he’s a prisoner, we’d alert his captors. I think I prefer the silent approach.

I ssssuppose it’s ttttoo mmmmuch tttto ask ththththat it’s attached tttto a ttttrapddddoor?

Give it a tug and see.

Solid. I suspect it’s for anchoring a rope to. If the Lord mayor came here a lot it makes sense.

“I’ll go.”

It wwwwould bbbbe mmmmy ppppleasure tttto accompany yyyou, mmmm’lady.

Jjjjust ssssay ththththe wwwword and wwwwe’ll hhhhave yyyyou bbbback up bbbbefore yyyyou ccccan ssssay Llllililira!

Yalinari returns Nyra’s frown with his winningest smile, then turns to gawk at the cavern.
Nyra:

Hold, the rope!

I hhhhear and obey, mmmm’lady.

Firena deems that this is as close to the headwaters as they’ll get. She asks Sulius if this is a good place to perform the ritual. Sulius agrees and goes to get his backpack. Clio asks Firena to prepare and she starts to disrobe. Most turn away, Yalinari does not. Surprised he gawks and though Firena expected him turn away once he sees her scarring, he does not. Or more appropriately, he cannot. Yalinari continue to stare and becomes more inflamed for her than he ever expected. He can barely contain himself from making a move on her. Sulius turns around and asks Clio to like the torches. He then pushes Yalinari back from the water.

When he comes back he asks Firena to drink a potion and when finished to submerse herself in the water. Clio will go in with her. When Firena looks at her, she has also disrobing feeding Yalinari’s hunger. Firena wants to ask what is in the potion and then thinks better of it. She drinks the potion and hands back the glass. It faintly tases of beer, but is laced strongly with mint. Sulius leans back, arms outstreched and starts to pray in a foreign tongue. Clio walks Firena into the water. The heat is extreme and Firena finds that she can barely stand the pain. Realizing that the pain is simply a factor of her heat-sensitive skin, she follows Clio into the water. Both fully enter the water and submerge themselves. Shortly after submerging themselves, Firena hears a gong. Sulius walks into the water and reaches for Clio and Clio takes his hand. He leads her out of the water and then asks Firena to stand. Firena does and notices that Sulius is glowing a faint white. The white light coming from his body lights up the blue crystals around them, more than simply reflection. They seem to be reacting to the God’s presence. In any case, Sulius loks at Firena and says, “Firena, daughter of Demeter, leader of the quest to save the Grove, cleansed of iniquity, what have you to offer Demeter, Earth Mother?”

Firena:

I, Firena of Greyhawk, a healer, offer Demeter, Earth Mother three things. Firstly, the healing of one of her children – the Grove Spirit Talvinorea, who is dying. Secondly, the continued participation in this sacred enterprise of two of her flock – the Exegetae Suluis and the Panageis Inoe. Thirdly, I offer a steady income to her Doselford Temple, which will last as long as the healing process. This I offer Demeter, Earth Mother.

Sulius nods and looks up toward the sky

Earth Mother, will you accept this gift freely given from one of your own?

With that the light surrounding Sulius draws toward Firena and bathes both of them in white light. The light bounces from them to the crystals causing them to glow brighter bathing everything in blue light. Yalinari watches fascinated, at once both repulsed and enraptured by every inch of Firena illuminated in bright light. Though he can see the scars he can also se her feminine flesh and it incites him. It is all he can do to hold himself back. He knows that she is not standing there naked bathed in light for him … or is she. Perhaps theirs more to her sharp toungue and critical words than he first realized. She’s tempting him.

For Firena’s part images flash through her mind of the Kemet, of the fear, and their faces burn into her mind forever. Then they’re gone. Just gone. In their place she can see Sulius reaching out to her and holding her hand.

The light has died down, Sulius has taken Firena’s hand and is now leading her from the water. Clio steps out of the water and puts a robe on Firena’s shoulders. She hugs the robe thankfully. Though the water was very hot, she has forgotten that caves are not. Even with a thermal stream in it, the air in the cave is much cooler than the water. She shivers in the blanket, looks for her clothes and re-dresses.

She’s standing in the cave and it seems that this part of the journey is over.

Firena [to Sulius]:

It seems to me that Demeter has accepted our bargain. Do you have any reason to doubt that this is so?

Nay, it would seem that the Goddess has accepted your offer.

Excellent. We’ll need to discuss the specifics of the transfer, but that can wait until we have more time on our hands. For now, I’d like to have a look around. See if there’s anything to be found of your missing mayor. We won’t spend too long, though. We have other business to attend to as well. [To the crowd in general:] Everyone, move in pairs. Look around. I want to know if you find anything that may indicate the mayor has been here. [To Yalinari:] And you can wipe that ridiculous smile off your face. Don’t even think about it.

Ttttooo llllate. I’m already ththththinking about it.

Well, stop, or I’ll be forced to spike your evening beverage with something that will ensure you do.

I always ttttold TTTTar yyyyou wwwwere pppprickly.

On the way there, Drathon tells Firena that he hasn’t thought up any way to approach the Bakluni other than the obvious “make them an offer” approach. After Firena talks to Drathon about this, she mentions that she’d like him to stay back with Sulius. He can pick one other to stay with him. She’d like someone to watch over him, and there’s no one she trusts with that mission more than Drathon. Besides, the Bakluni are a gynocentric race, and they may make a better impression the more females that are with us. Drathon doesn’t much like babysitting the temple folks, but he consents. Firena agrees with Drathon: It will probably be dreadfully dull, but Sulius is our strongest asset in Doselford, and they can’t afford to let anything happen to him.

Drathon shrugs and suggests Plynsen stay with him … that’ll leave only Yalinari as the lone male. Firena likes the idea. If he has the opportunity, he can also chat with the ferryman about transporting the barrels each month. See how low he will go to transport them to Trigol. The Company will have to arrange an overland shipment from there to High Mardreth.

Morven suggests that it might be cheaper for the Temple to transport the goods … their “staff” is by and large free. Firena agrees; she hadn’t thought of that. She has always assumed that most Temple staff stayed in and around their Temple without going on long journeys. She thought Sulius’s journey to the Springs was a one-off, not likely to be repeated. If they are willing to transport it themsselves, that will save a lot of arranging and haggling. All they have to do is purchase passage to get where they are going. Excellent idea, Morven! Morven counters that it they offer the Temple a flat fee, it will be up the Temple to figure out how to do it cheapest. That’s what Firena was thinking. At this point it’s up to them.

After supper, but before bed, Firena talks with Sulius about shipping the barrels; the fact that they must be filled as close to the source as possible, the number, the reimbursement, the fact that he has to arrange for transport, etc.

The Rothbury forest is a large deciduous forest of oak, pine, conifer, and walnut. Nyra is familiar with this type of wood and explains that though the woods will be deep, there should be plenty of dry, flat ground to sleep on. Visibility should be good until they reach the hills. Undergrowth, though, can be thick at times. Nyra informs Firena that the forest stretches for about 25 miles North. After that it will be another 10 miles to the Crystal Hills. She expects that it will take three days to get to the foothills of the Springs. Her maps indicate that the fartherst that the Franz River stretches is about 10 miles from the foothills. She expects that this will take another day, maybe two depending on how bad the terrain is.

She also mentions that horses will be of no value in the hills and probably not much help in the forest either. She reccomends at most bring one along to carry the packs. Two mules may be a better option as well.

With that the Company, with Exegeate Siluis and Pangesi Clio head off. True to her advice, the forest quickly turns thick. Firena has never really been in a forest this deep and large before and it is a bit disconcerting. They travel for the better part of the morning before she sees her first view of sun. Far from dark, it is odd to Firena. The sounds of the forest around her are disquieting. She has always thought of forests as quiet and lonely. This one seems alive. Though she sees no animals other than birds, she knows that they are out there and it is a bit disconcerting.

Around lunch, the Company stops for lunch in a clearing and Firena is glad for the sun. The stop is none too long, however, and soon they are travelling again. Firena find herself disoriented without being able to track the passage of the sun. The only real tip she has that the day is getting late is that the shadows are getting longer. Before too long Nyra calls for a rest and she confers with Firena and Drathon. She explains that, though there will still be light in the forest dusk comes quickly and if they don’t set camp soon, it will be too dark to do so. She wants to take Hanar to find a good spot to camp of the game trail that they have been following. Firena nods her ascent and the pair go off to find a good spot. In short order, Nyra and Hanar return explaining that there is a nice flat area to set camp. They won’t see the stars, but there is protection of sorts by some fallen trees. She explains to Firena that they need to be careful of wolves and bears. The horses should keep both off, but just like they had been doing, they need to set up a watch. Drathon agrees and they set up a watch cycle as they have done before.

The Company awakes to the pre-morning chill, but is none the worse for it. After eating an excellent meal that Nyra has prepared, they start up again. Like the day before they spend the day in the forest. By the end of the day, Firena is very tired. She has never walked this far in her life nor has she walked such poor routes before. She almost longingly wishes for the pain in her thighs form horseback. Glancing around she realizes that Sulius, Clio, Edumnd, and Morven are in the same shape. Vanith and Plynsen are tired, but seem better adapted. Hanar, Drathon, and Nyra don’t seem ill at ease at all. It seems that the pace Nyra has been setting isn’t near their maximum, but may be at the other’s maximum. Inwardly she logs this as a fact to remember. They will be very tired when they reach the Springs.

Again, they post guards for the night and awake without incident. The Company is a bit slower starting up this morning. None seem ready to walk another day in the Forest. Fortunantly, they’re spirits rise when Nyra tells them that they will be out of the forest by lunch. Sure enough, by lunchtime the forest starts thinning and shortly after breaking from lunch they leave the forest behind. Before them is plain. Right in the middle of the plain, like rounded huts lie the Crystal Hills. With clear daylight and the feeling of the wind again, the Company makes better time in the afternoon. Still they get, but halfway there by the end of the 05^th.