At the Morninglord's temple
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A little later, when everyone hopefully is gathered once more, Ashena looks her notes over, speaking:
"I've tasked lady Val with learning more about Fendon's sword, with the hopes of then being able to choose the right strategy to destroy it and himself. She will be busy with this for now, but had the following suggestions for us to mull over in the meanwhile:
In terms of tracking Fendon down, Val recommends the spell Locate Object. A priest able to access third circle blessings could cast it, and if they have trained to do so, extend the duration, giving us time to follow the directions such a spell gives to find Fendon and his resting place.
If the item is warded against such things, then she suggests we may have better luck with a Find the Path spell, or even Scrying. Maria was able to scry Fendon before, after all.
A third option would negate the need to even follow him. If one was to destroy him, and then have a mage able to cast seventh circle spells on hand, they could cast Forcecage on him. It would last long enough that he would be permanently destroyed before the spell ended, and therefore all that would need to be done would be to defend the Forcecage until that time expires. To be clear, Forcecage would trap the mist for at least 26 hours, which should be long enough to see him destroyed (if he is anything like a vampire. He seems to be some Vampire/Lich hybrid in terms of powers and weaknesses, Val thinks).
The third is currently Val's preferred option, as it is tactically more sound and safer, but she is not yet sure how viable it is.
First of all, is there anyone able to cast such a spell amongst us? Secondly, could he escape or resist such a trap (we have been told he is quite able when it comes to resisting magic)? And thirdly, will trapping the mist thusly truly destroy Fendon? I am hoping her current research will give insight into the latter part, and thought that Maria may have thoughts on the first couple of suggestions."
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Ashena shakes her head to Dwin, replying:
"I am fairly certain the mercenaries are not related to Norwick's current troubles, as none of our allies have had a hand in hiring them, nor do they show the slightest interest in local problems.
I and several others rode out to meet with their leader, a Captain Novsky, hoping to learn more. While he recieved us with at least a moderate sense of politeness, t'was soon apparant that he is under orders not to reveal his true employer, nor the details of their contract. From the conversation, I deduced that these men are payed handsomely to not ask, nor answer, questions.
They are here for a specific task - 'destroying a great evil' as Novsky offhandedly put it - but I got the distinct impression that they know only as much as their employer decided they need to. They are paid to follow orders, and not to think overmuch about the why - and also, they are expressedly forbidden to involve any locals."
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Dwin clears his throat and speaks
I am heading to the mercenary camps north of the Realm, as an emissary of sorts. Does anyone here know what business they have, or who they are working with? Are they related, in any way, to these issues?
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"I see the way forwards in the following stages: find the Shroud, and with the help of this and other relics, and the strength of our allied faithfuls, perform the ritual of Hallowing. Likely Fendon will oppose the ritual, so strength of arms is needed to safe-guard the priests during their work.
Then, having at least temporarily made Norwick itself safe from the undead, we continue on deal with Fendon himself. Squire Allestor's idea has clear merit, and lady Val has further suggestions that I will present once Maria has returned, as her magical expertise will be helpful in discussing the feasability of the ideas presented. I have also asked lady Val to seek further knowledge of Fendon's sword, so that we can better choose our strategy to destroy it."
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Sirion steps out into the day light and walks to the inn, where a horse waits for him.
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Celia has been standing quietly in the background, hands clasped before her, observing what appears to be some sort of debating contest.
Her only purpose is to give mademoiselle Ashena Teroldys, her unbending support, in what ever decision is made. Human, elf, or dwarf it doesnt matter as she quietly whispers mostly to herself:
"Lichblade or not. Ze good land az ve know it iz our mutual rezponsibility to keep safe from vat ever evil iz. I 'ave lozt many brothers and sisters to a similar fate, it make no differenze to me. I'd zay ve engage.. and vait no longer
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_Sirion listen and nods. "Thank you."
"I will not wish you luck. I give you only this simple promise. Those who fall into undeath will find the experience brief."_
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Fer farks sake, lad!
Whaa ye din't sy sum like dat afores? Ah kin call fer such blessins''. Der's two thins, dough. First, iffin ah r'members, tis juss fer me an mebee three four folks mur.
'nd, ah doan thin' dem crystals kin hold it.
'nd aye, elf der must leav' now. As ee said, ee doan need ter know.
crosses arms over chest and waits for Sirion to go
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Ashena clasps her hands neatly - perhaps to avoid a schoolmistressish fingerwagging at certain parts of the crowd, perhaps not - and gives Allestor a brief, warm smile. She turns to Sirion next, solemn and sincere as ever:
"Your words have been heard, and will be heeded on their own merit - thank you Sirion. Unless you have something to add at this point, I believe it is time you left so that concrete plans can be discussed without the seed of doubt remaining in anyone's heart. I would then like Maria, Beourn and Imril to be asked back here, and if anyone can find Belia, I believe her imput would be valuable also."
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listening patiently, Allestor clears his throat at the next pause
In regards to pursuing the mist, I have a thought on that.. There is a spell of wind walking, that should allow one to travel as mist, along with four or five others for about half a day. I'm not capable of it myself, but perhaps some of the more experienced priests or druids among us are. If it could be stored in spell crystals as well for when it's needed, it could be possible to move a sizable force in that manner.
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Grunts
Kara Dumonte was a friend… a good friend, until the darkness took her. After that she weren't Kara any longer, but somethin' else.
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_"Maria might be able to learn something…both Fendon and his blade are the stuff of legend. The collective memory of the races permeates the very ether of the cosmos. If she does not have the spell, I will enscribe it upon a scroll."
"My most vocal and respected critic, the paladin and songstress Val, would also be a good person to speak to, particularly if Fendon's past is tied to Kara DuMonte." He speaks the name with no hesitation, though others in the room may gasp and make signs against evil._
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Mebee tis un uv dose days….Vanderkaus shrugs and nudges Dwin back
Er mebee tis juss as sumun said, emotional business...Ah would be emotional in 'is shoes... ah means, ah wus loike 'ims first time a atended un uv dese meetins, back in da day...
Iffin sumun culd go fetch 'ims, t'wuld be nice. Leasts 'ee made da oder un spill da beans.
Ah wus unce foitin dis Fark Fendons in 'is place, ah doan like da idea uv doin dat agains, but iffin dass da path we choose, yas aw kin count on me axe.... Noun wull say ah'm un coward, fer farks sake.
Dough, split 'nd conquer seems like un nice ahdea ter me. Mebee we could draw sum uv his forces out 'nd a selected few kin make da final strike... Du hells do h know...
Is der anyway ter know where id dis specail place uv Fendon's?
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Dwin stares at the ornery elf, with a deadpan expression.
I dinnae know what you are talking about, lad. Seems to me that there is a very high level of emotion and paranoia in this room, which, under the circumstances makes sense.
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Imril waits till Sirion finishes, his look unchanging toward him. Once it seems he is done speaking, Imril casts a frown toward the dwarves
Is something funny Master Dwin? You seem to be full of mirth this day. I would have thought this situation and discussion of a much more dire nature than to allow for quiet jests and inside jokes at some others expense.
Since you seem fairly confident, perhaps it best if I leave, since I seem to be little more than a distraction to your planning at present…..
He looks toward Ashena and in a sincere tone says
I take my leave, Lady, my offer of help still stands. You may reach me in Peltarch at the Mermaid, should any plan be devised for which I may be of service.
With this he whispers again to the silver haired elf, turns on his heels and briskly walks for the temple doors, neither looking at nor acknowledging the dwarves as he passes.
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_"He's insane, and powerful. What magic is in his employ I have never seen, for he has never needed any save that blade alone. I have also never seen anyone able to challenge him, though many have tried. The junior Rath Ashald comes to mind. His command of the dead is obvious, though how he creates and maintains them is a mystery likely tied to the sword itself. He would not be above sending the corpse of a child to kill his father, but he will offer you one final chance to bow down and accept "true life" under Lord Norwick. By which he means kills to you and raise you into undeath."
"You have four options. You may do nothing. You may leave. You may push. And you may pull."
"Entering his domain and challenging him directly is obvious. He will expect it. Many will die. Victory is possible but unlikely."
"You may instead draw him out. Divide his forces. Many will still die, but you have the benefit of choosing your battleground. If his blade returns to a place upon his death automatically, you may be able to guess it is somewhere within his base. He's confident enough that the thought of putting it elsewhere may not even have occurred, but do not rule it out. Like wise, you cannot yet assume he cannot control where it goes. You need information if you are to succeed. I suggest you gather it. There are…ways within the crypts that lead to parts unexplored. I have seen evidence of some. They cannot be traversed on foot, but for those whom high sheer walls and crawlspaces filled with a great many things wishing your death, access may be possible."
"As for concrete plans...I will not waste anyone's time. If I give you one, you will argue over it and discount it when I am gone. I know this and know that many good plans will be lost in the process. So I leave you to decide that on your own. I do not need to know."_
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- at least one member of the Dwarven coalition smirks and nudges one of his kin as the "long-ears" and "wigglers" go at it with each other.*
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Imril pushes himself from his leaning stance to stand upright, the look of surprise on his face melting to one of indifference, as he again folds his arms across his chest and speaks, there is a slight tinge of disdain in his voice though he tries hard to conceal it.
A most wise assessment Lady Ashena, I agree with you….
Come now Sirion, if you have anything else useful to say, let's have out with it and be done. Spare us your riddles and double talk for a moment, speak your piece and then, if it be the desire of those here, depart, least this whole coalition be sundered by your very presence. Speak plainly or waste not our time further.
He then crosses to stand near the other silver haired elf, whispering to him as he waits again with arms crossed.
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The young knight in question listens quietly, a look of slight frustration on her fair face before she speaks up once more, in a stern but calm tone:
"I will repeat myself - we are here to fight the undead threat against Norwick, not to throw accusation or judgement against one another. Please leave your grudges and your anger outside of this hallowed place.
I fully understand why people here have no trust for Sirion, but I must remind you all that his guilt - or indeed innocence - was not, and still cannot be proven or disproven. The temple wards allow no evil to enter, nor have I detected such from Sirion myself. However, that is not the same as saying he has committed no ill deeds.
If it was indeed Sirion who approached Fendon, as per the discarded plan hatched by the Norwick Remnant, tis a reprehensible and vile act, for it was performed after Therean had passed on a warning from his godess of the evil it would bring, and the many innocents who would perish. The ~purpose~ of the plan, however, was to create trouble for the bugbears and aid in liberating Norwick - not to doom all of Norwick itself.
T'was the undead who brought pain, death and suffering to the people of Norwick. Tis the undead who assail us still, and tis the undead that we shall fight now. I myself have ne'er encountered Fendon, and what information I have gleaned comes from Belia, Davos and the Order's own records. So, I would hear Sirion out, 'ere he departs, and decide the value of his words for myself, as suggested.
Then, we shall call the others back and continue planning. Another of the Order's squires has come up with a promising idea that I will share with the rest as soon as the details are made clearer."
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_"Now that's an interesting question, with even more interesting answers."
"And I did meet Fendon. That meeting, and others, is precisely why I was picked to entreat him, and that is precisely why you now hold me is such suspicion. Have you never met an enemy you did not kill?"
"If you do not believe me, it is not necessary. The young Knight's order had members present at several of the encounters. They'd remember the days quite well. How do you think I've come to know his temper and power so well? I brought paladins with me."
"If I wished to misdirect you, I would not be what you see now. I should play the part of the penitent, as yon Chancellor put it 'seeking atonement for a crime I did not commit,' asking you to trust me once more. I would seek first to earn that trust through trial and tribulation, then to lead you directly into a trap so that my dark lord might slay what little hope remains."
"If that's honestly my plan, I'm very bad at it."
"I am repaying my debts. Aramuil was a teacher of mine, for a time. As was Spellweaver. He is gone, and Spellweaver is errant. I act in their stead. Furthermore, I fought for this town when it fell to the bugbears, as did many here. I failed to prevent its fall. And I failed to succeed in its retaking. Ostromogs treaty and retreat took that from me. You think I wish to atone for something? That is it."
"I recognize that you cannot trust me. I do not expect you to. This is why I will not ask to join your fight. You cannot hope for victory while suspecting treachery from your neighbor, and I cannot protect those who do not trust me. I do, however expect you to use your minds. Hear my words and decide their value for yourselves. Ask what I have to gain by misleading you. Ask how I might do so. I give you nothing you cannot handle."
"And, when asked properly, I will depart."_
