I don't really have any overwhelming questions to ask of right now... so feel free to skip ahead to the ritual/challenge, whatever it might be.Beranhond followed them into the camp, talking idly with them, but he was more interested in a place to sit and relax. The previous days had been a little tiring. The quick horse back ride, the killings, the forced march, poor sleep and the mornings questioning had stressed and tired him. Thus, when his escorts pointed out a solitary tree that would be provide some shade he quickly accepted and while his escort sat down around him Beranhond dosed off to take a short nap.
As he drifted into slumber he swore he could hear the call of the horns of Torm. Opening his eyes his saw that he was back in his room at the Citadel of Torm. Outside the crystal blue water of the sea of fallen stars glinted in the afternoon sunlight and the streets below were filled with troops beyond count.
"This cannot be!" Beranhond said jumping up and opening the door. Suddenly he was down amongst the crowd. He could not make out any of the people around them - their faces held no features or identities.
"What happened?" He asked one of the shapes
"The spring of Torm no longer flows! Those dark enemies who would end his civilizing ways must now be punished!" The voice seemed familiar and he reached over to touch the shape's shoulder.
Suddenly he was back in the sewer of Balder's Gate and Ceilith stood in front of him.
"I have to kill you Eth. You just don't understand."
"Understand what?"
"It." She thrust her sword into his chest. "I do still love you though."
"Well... this seems an odd time to tell me that." Beranhond said as he fell to the ground and clutched his chest. As he pulled his hands away he saw that they were not red, but instead sticky and yellow.
"Interesting. Why would I be bleeding honey?" He said feeling weaker and lightheaded. He started to topple backwards, but at the last moment he felt Narath's hands catch him and throw him upward. He burst out of the sewers and floated above the badlands. He no longer felt lightheaded or dizzy and Narath flew beside him.
"Narath? What is going on."
"Oh, you are just having an odd dream. Very odd. Do analyze it if you have time."
"Ok." He looked around, but as he looked at the ground he noticed it was getting closer.
"Hmmm. I suspected that I couldn't fly." As his face slammed into the ground everything turned to black.
He sat upright in the grass which caused Tigrisclawu to jump as well. Shaking his head he turned to his escort.
"Is it time?"
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
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Sifuhn shook his head, "No," just as Pelannin's owl arrived to contradict him. "Now," Pelannin said, with the hint of a smile on his lips. Sifuhn and Gabrielle stayed with Kailina and Janusa, saying goodbye and wishing Beranhond luck.
ReplyDeleteAs Beranhond and Pelannin made their way between a different set of hills, Beranhond noted that it was now almost midday. Pelannin led them to a deeper depression that was filled with water, forming an oval pond. The council stood on one side, and Pelannin led Beranhond to the side opposite them. They stood facing each other, the council spread along one long side of the oval, and Beranhond and Pelannin centered on the other long side, so that Beranhond stood only 10 feet from the council member directly across from him.
Pelannin began. "We will again be asking you questions here, but in a slightly different way. This pond has been created specifically for this purpose, and has been enchanted to show not only the truth of your statement, but the causes and effects of your actions. To show you what I mean, I will ask you a simple question. What is your name?"
Beranhond looked at the pond with curiosity. He himself had a spell that performed a similar results.
ReplyDelete"Ethelred Beranhond." He responded.
A form began rising from the water, becoming a single figure. As the figure coalesced and took shape, it became apparent this was Beranhond. Soon two other humanoid shapes formed as well, in the forms of Beranhond's parents. It was obvious to all in attendance they were his parents, though no words were spoken.
ReplyDeleteAnd then the figures did speak. "Ethelred Beranhond," they said, naming him, then the shapes dissolved. Other voices called, as well. "Beranhond." "Eth." "Beranhond." "Ethelred Beranhond." The voices called him all of the pet names and nicknames he had ever been called in a way that somehow made sense and was a soothing jumble of words coming from the water, like water lapping against stones in a brook. After the names were done being called, the Beranhond form dissolved as well, becoming part of the pond again.
"Now that you've seen how this will work, the real questions begin. Are you prepared?"
"As prepared as I can be for such an invasive practices." Beranhond said shrugging. "Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas." Beranhond quoting a common celestial refrain. "Let us start."
ReplyDelete(I am using latin in place of celestial - I just haven't really had a chance to actually use my bonus language).
"What is your affiliation with the priests of Lathander?" Pelannin asked.
ReplyDelete"I have both fought their priests and buried them, sought information from them, and sought help in finding you."
ReplyDeleteOnce more, the figure of Beranhond rose from the water, liquid and seeming constantly shifting and changing. On one side of the fluid recreation was the sight of graves, and the sound of a prayer. On the other side was a priest being struck down and lying unconscious. In front of the mannequin was the man Beranhond had met in Waterdeep, and though no real conversation occurred, those watching understood that Beranhond was friendly with this person, and that they were exchanging information and support. Finally, opposite the gardener appeared the paladins who had accompanied Beranhond to the Goldenfields. The feeling coming from this image was that of a thin attachment, and the sudden end of that attachment as they were killed.
ReplyDeleteThe water became smooth once more, and Pelannin asked, "What do you consider your relationship with us?"
"Well, to be honest, as our first interaction was born of conflict I was unsure of your intentions and your goals. However, as you had not sought to either harm me or my companions during the fighting I tried to keep an open mind and befriend you as much as able. Further, you have provided much information, and you do seem to be generally searching for good. However, my relationship toward you is as cautious as your approach to me."
ReplyDeleteFrom somewhere in Beranhond's mind he hear's Darvin say, "Oh hurry up and get on with it..."
ReplyDeleteThis time, the imagery that appeared in the shifting water was less clear. The last time, the impression had generally no feelings of either great love or hate for the paladins of Lathander, only caution and mild interest. Here, there was a lot of trepidation and unease. The water was calm on the surface, but the silt and sand below the surface churned. Several small waves formed, but before they had a chance to splash, they were absorbed back into the water.
ReplyDeleteAs the water calmed once more, Pelannin spoke again, "We are only allowed three questions in this ritual, and by custom we must use the first with a simple example question. So your part in this affair is finished. The council will discuss your fate, now that they know your part. Unlike during your first interrogation, where you were asked to leave, you may stay and witness the proceedings now. Or, if you would prefer, we can send someone to bring you back when a decision has been reached. It is your decision."
Beranhond watched the water closely and suspiciously at the water.
ReplyDelete"I suspect it would be better if I was not present; however my curiosity compels me to attend."
Does that mean that you are staying?
ReplyDeleteNa'am
ReplyDeleteYes.
"As you desire," Pelannin said, then turned to the druids assembled on the other side of the pond. "Discussion may commence."
ReplyDeleteImmediately, an male elf with fiery hair began speaking. "As I said, I think this entire thing is completely unnecessary! He obviously was being honest the first time around, and all we've learned is that he is apparently called 'Eth' by some of those closest to him. Can we get on with it and just let him go on his way now?"
A dwarf towards the middle of the group replied, "I for one am still uneasy about letting a former cleric of Torm just wander free after all the trouble their kind has given us, and if this is what it took for us to find out he was telling the truth, so be it. I am willing to allow him to go on his way."
The elf spoke again, "Are there any of you that still have doubts or concerns?"
There were shakes of the head and a muttering, until a halfling woman spoke up. "One last thing! I want to request that if we are going to let him go, we move the camp immediately. I know we were planning on relocating in the next several days anyway, but I want to make sure there is no chance of us being attacked if he decides we've been poor hosts and he would gain more by selling us out to his friends. If that is agreed to, I will vote to release him."
The elf asked, "Done. Is that agreed?"
There was general nodding. The elf turned and nodded to Pelannin.
Pelannin turned to Beranhond. "Beranhond, it has been seen that you are not a traitor to our people, and you may go your way as you wish."
Beranhond nodded "I wish you all the best and I do thank you for the conversation and information."
ReplyDeletePelannin asked Beranhond, "What do you intend to do now? You've gotten out of this tight spot, it seems, but there is still much danger in the world. In these times, caution can take you quite far."
ReplyDelete(I think I am going to have them ride hard up to Silverymoon - I am not too far behind Darvin and Talathel in game time and that could help me get caught up with them in Silverymoon).
ReplyDeleteI have no problem with that. Are you saying that out of character, then?
ReplyDelete(Yes)
ReplyDelete"I will certainly remain cautious - there is still plenty of information to be found in this world. But right now I believe it is time to that we join up with my companions up North. I have a feeling that they will be needing my assistance soon."
"Good luck. I don't know if anyone has told you, but your horses were brought along by several others, and are picketed near where you slept last night. If you would like, I can show you to their location." Pelannin said.
ReplyDelete"Thank you - that would be wonderful."
ReplyDeletePelannin led Beranhond, Kailina, and Janusa to their horses. After wishing him well, and getting general directions for the road to Red Larch, the three road out and headed out of the camp and kept a close watch on the horizon.
You are 10 miles from Red Larch, and you have all of the horses from your group, including those ridden by your companions before their end. Refer to previous posts about the speed of travel to figure out how long it will take you to get to Red Larch or Yartar.
ReplyDelete