Dragon's Egg - Act I

[SeverinR]

With nothing of interest to share I move back to the Crow staying in the shadows just in case there is thieves or cut throats around...other then me I mean, or elf haters.
I will seek out the bartender for a room.

The smell of burnt hair and flesh, I wonder is it mine?

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I graciously thank Grim for his forgiveness, which came a bit too easily. I suppose he is as close to a father as Burnbright has. I know how my father would have reacted if he saw me holding an older man in that way. Never mind when I was 12, even at 23 if a man who smelled so strongly of booze touched my thighs, Father would toss him off of multiple sides of the Iron Mountain!

...

I see Rydh's attempt to console Nodrick may not have gone well.

"Rydh, I saw it for myself. Poor little Nodrick was trying to carry Burnbright up the stairs. I regret that I rushed to their aid and left you in danger as a result - a mistake I won't make twice, I assure you - but..." I see Grim is still scolding Burnbright for playing nurse with Nodrick. "...I fear that Burnbright would have looked like those poor men with their intestines out if not for Nodrick.

"What I don't understand is his wound. He looked fine when I saw him in the cellar. I suspect he hurt himself accidentally, but when I mentioned it, he became angry. Well... perhaps my reaction to his comfort in a little girl's lap set him off."

 

[Ireth]

As the minor conflict surrounding Nod dies down, I take the opportunity to assess the state of my clothing. Though Rydh did well healing my wounds and fatigue, my armor and tunic could stand to be replaced -- they are both torn and scorched at the edges. I sigh and shake my head. I have extra clothing, but I must remind myself to purchase new armor next time we pass by a shop. I hope I still have enough gold to afford it.

I know I should sleep, but after Rydh's spell I am not remotely tired. I still have the book of poetry from the ship; perhaps that will help me relax, or at least while away the time.

 

[Steerpike]

Father Harald's features darken as the group talks, and he raises a hand at Ankari's questions. "This is not the place." He turns to Grim. "May we use your office, Grim? I have much to discuss with these outsiders, it appears. You should join us"

Grim nods and leads the group and Father Harald through the back of the tavern in into the kitchen, where Grim's wife is scrubbing a bloody shirt in the sink. He puts a hand on her shoulder as you all pass, then leads you into a small, comfortable office. Grim gives Father Harald the old wood and leather chair behind the desk. There are a couple of other chairs in the room, but Grim remains standing.

Father Harald takes a long moment to look at the group, looking each member of the party in the eye as though making a judgment. He finally grunts, then speaks. "I'll tell you some of the history of our village, most of which Grim already knows, but some of which he does not."

Grim raises an eyebrow but says nothing.

Father Harald continues. "I am not quick to trust, but you've done me and the village a service this night." He looks to Matthew. "I confess, too, that having a Knight of my order among us lends me strength and gives me reason to believe you are here to help."

"The story begins with my sister. Yes, Grim I can see by the look on your face that you know well what I am going to say."

Grim just shakes his head and mutters something about a bad business.

"My sister Rala was not a priestess of any temple. She was a simple woman, widowed and raising her only child, my niece Aslaug. Rala had gifts, though. The men and women of the village would come to her for herbs and for guidance. Some said she caught glimpses of the future and could warn folk away from paths that would lead to harm. Such things were known among our people of old, but with the Great War and the ruination of magic, those gifts fell away from our people. And so it was for many centuries until Rala."

"I won't belabor the point with details, but suffice it to say there was some of our ancestral power at work in Rala. She knew it, and I believed it as well. I suppose I'd known it since the time we were children. Rala's power with herbs and with the sight brought her in line with our old ways, and she began to learn all she could from the sparse records of our past. She took two apprentices into her care and began to revive the old ways, observing the ancient holidays, the old rituals, and so on."

"Although Rala never harmed a soul so far as I can tell, the mood of the village slowly turned against her. Perhaps she knew too many personal secrets from her late night sessions advising the folk of Srilkind. Perhaps, too, people became genuinely fearful of her explorations into the secrets of the old magic."

"One night, while I was away in the north, trying to reestablish contact with the dwarves who were our friends before and during the Great War, Rala and her apprentices were seized. This was before your time here, Grim, but you've heard the story. The three women were taken to the bluffs west of here, and as the sun crept over the edge of the sea they were burned alive as witches."

Father Harald grows silent, his eyes taking on a far away look. After a moment, he composes himself. "Aslaug was eight years old. She knew nothing of the burning, and those in the village told her that her mother and apprentices were set upon by goblins while performing one of their late night rituals. When I returned I was horrified, but I kept up the lie out of love for Aslaug. I simply could not tell her the truth."

"More worrisome, I saw in Aslaug some of the same power that her mother had borne. As she came of age, I was practically beside myself in fear for her life. I taught her what I could of the ways of Tyr, but it seemed her powers were more in tune with other aspects of the world. She could make a flower grow in the dead of winter, merely by speaking to it. I took the priestess of the temple of Gefjon, who was old and frail at that time, into my confidence and the two of us guided Aslaug. When the old priestess died, Aslaug was made priestess of Gefjon in her place, and at a remarkably young age."

"As the years passed, Aslaug's power seemed to radiate outward from her, and from the temple. Those were years of unprecedented bounty here in Srilkind, and though I suspect most believed Aslaug to have inherited some of her mother's powers, they were content to leave her be. Aslaug did nothing to draw the ire of the townsfolk, or to spark their suspicions. She merely stayed in her temple, tended to the sick or the weak, tended her plants."

"Then the raid came. I was here in Srilkind, as I usually am. Two of Aslaug's acolytes, Finn and Koli, were with me in my home, taking a meal and exchanging news as we often did. When news of the raid and the destruction of the temple came, we were overcome with grief."

"And now a part of the tale you do not know, Grim. Some years before the raid, Aslaug too had a daughter. How she was able to keep her pregnancy a secret, I do not know. Nor do I know the father of her child. Aslaug came to me one night with the babe wrapped in blankets. Catli, she named her, and Aslaug was frightened. She knew her own mother wielded magical powers, as Aslaug herself wielded them. Would these powers pass to her daughter as well? Neither of us knew, but Aslaug was convinced that any child of hers would be watched carefully, and that any mishap of the sort children normally find themselves in would take on a sinister cast if the daughter of Aslaug and granddaughter of Rala were involved. I took Catli from Aslaug and brought her to a pair of sisters far from here. They kept her for her first years of life, but as the girl grew older I knew it was not for her to be shut in with a couple of old women. She needed society, and education too. All the more so should she prove to share the powers of her mother."

"And so, a few years ago, I returned to Srilkind baring a five year old orphan girl, whom I claimed to have found in the aftermath of a goblin raid on a village near the northern taint. Yes, Grim, I see by your face that you were not expecting this. Indeed, Catli came to live in Srilkind, at my temple and here at the Crow, and amongst the other houses of the village. She was quick of wit, and of tongue, even at a young age, and always full of life. She came to be called Burnbright, though to be honest I can't recall who gave her that name."

'I had intended to take her into the temple to live, though I was nervous about taking a young girl, of no apparent relation, into a temple of men. Also, I was worried some might make the connection, and realize she was the child of Aslaug. But when I saw how the villagers took to her, how she was cared for, I decided to leave matters alone. She was an orphan, with no home and no family, and that was that. She was welcome to the temple if she needed food, water, or shelter, and I, among others, saw her clothed. But so far as any have known all these years, she has been a child of the streets, or more accurately, a child of Srilkind itself."

"As for the attack on the temple tonight, I know of no reason why any would seek to prevent you from talking to me. The raid on Gefjon's temple and the death of Aslaug are many years behind us. The burning of Rala and her apprentices even more years distant. You must believe me when I tell you we are a quiet village, and apart from those two sad chapters of our history there is nothing of note that has happened here since the Great War."

Father Harald takes a mug off of Grim's table, peers into it, then takes a swallow. "There. The story is told. Ask your questions if you have them. I will be of what help I can."

 

[Phietadix]

I'm shocked, the last part of his tale was very unexpected.
"If Burnbright has her mother's power could she end the curse on this Land?" I ask, "And if so, how?

 

[Steerpike]

Father Harald spreads his hands. "I'm not certain how Aslaug did what she did. I sometimes wonder if even Aslaug knew, at first, though I'm sure she did in her later years. She did not share the results of her research with me. As for Burnbright, I've seen nothing in her years here that are an indication of any magical powers. Still, long ago when such things were more common it was often noted that such powers did not manifest until the child passed into adulthood. If Burnbright is to have powers of her own, I feel the next year or so will be critical to her. But what those powers might be and how she could use them to remove the curse on these lands, I do not know. Even before Aslaug came into her powers, there was no curse, no northern taint. I fear something greater is at work here. I have tried many times to speak with the dwarves about it, but they remain shut in their mountain, friends to no one."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Burnbright is a spectacular child. I would say the same even if I didn't think she had any magic power or any power at all. I do not wish to see her suffer, even if she has the power to end this curse, at her age she is likely to die trying.

"What can we do? Can we end the curse without Burnbright - Catli - without putting her in danger?

"And the dwarves. Do you know of any we could speak to? I hear great stories of dwarven smiths. Forgive my ignorance of the north, but I would be surprised if there are none who have set up an armory. Perhaps we could open a conversation if we came as customers."

I wonder how many of the men recall that I am completely broke!

"Just a thought," I add.



A bit defensive there! If you need better armor, talk to the guys later.

Which guys? The people of the north should supply us if they want our help!

Sure. They place their bets on a handful of strangers, risking starvation in the hope that THIS party ISN'T the one marching to its doom.

That was a bit harsh, Nissa. But you're right.

You knew the risk when you came here, didn't you, Baldy? Please tell me I didn't trick you into getting in over your head.

You guide me well, Nissa. I am here to save the world or die trying.

 

[Steerpike]

Father Harald nods at Baldhart's comments. "It is true, Catli is too young. I've seen no sign of power in her, and even if I had I would not send her into this at her age." He grins, though sadly. "Though as I suppose you've seen there's not much to be gained by telling that child what to do and not do."

"Truth be told, Finn and Koli know more of Aslaug and the workings of the temple of Gefjon than I. But it sounds like they perished in the fire. Someone mentioned bodies? There were no others in the temple apart from myself and those two men, so I fear it must be them. I wish they had been able to escape the flames. Or perhaps those creatures had a hand in their demise."

"As for the dwarves, I expect you'll find many smiths among them. If you can gain entrance into their halls, that is. They rarely leave and none apart from their kin are admitted. I do not know what help they would offer, even if you manage to get in to see them."

"I do not understand the evil that is afoot. Perhaps the taint will begin spreading south and this is just a precursor to what is to come." At that comment, Grim mutters a few more choice words, his face drawn in distaste.

"It all started with Aslaug's death," Grim says. "And the comin' of the taint a few years after. They come after Gejon's temple then and Tyr's temple now. What this has got to do with you or Burnbright, I don't know. Might be that it's nothin' to do with you at all. But somethin' is comin'. I can feel it. We been sittin' here too long in the shadow of the north, goin' about our lives and pretending like it was nothin' to do with us so long as we stayed out. I reckon we're not going to have that option much longer."

Father Harald nods. "You may be right, my friend. But I fear we're flailing in darkness ourselves, and I have no answers."

 

[Sparkie]

They need to know, so I speak.

"I have one answer, perhaps. As Baldhart and I passed through the cellar of the temple we saw the bodies of two men. They had not perished in the fire. Their bodies had been torn and messages had been written above them on the wall in their blood. These two men had been murdered. The fire creatures may have done it, though I doubt that. If these two men were well-liked in Srilkind, then who would kill them?

"I have suspicions, but I'll keep my thoughts on the matter to myself."

I look around at my companions and say "At any rate, we must decide our next move, come up with some plan of action. We could investigate Gefjon's temple, but I don't know what good that will do. Anyone else have an idea of how to proceed?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"'Traitors.'

"That was written in blood.

"Father, you knew these men. Who would consider them to be traitors? Surely those monsters we fought didn't write that message. They couldn't have been very intelligent, and they're claw attacks were so limp-wristed and uncoordinated, I'm not sure they were capable of producing written communication even if they possessed the ability to comprehend it.

"There must be a person you have in mind. The move against your temple likely has little to do with Tyr and much to do with Burnbright. What you have revealed about her is not news to the murderer. Who knew that Aslaug was her mother? Besides Finn and Koli, rest their souls."

 

[Steerpike]

Father Harald's face goes ashen as he listens to Rydh and Baldhart.

"Traitors? That makes no sense. Both men were kind, diligent in their work, strong in their faith. I've never heard even the slightest hint of either one giving offense to another. They've lived with me in the Temple since the day of the raid on Gefjon's temple to the north, and both men were well-liked. Grim?"

Grim nods. "It's true. I can't think of no reason why any around here would want to harm those two. Quiet men, both of 'em, but always around to lend a hand when needed."

Father Harald says "It is true they knew about Catli. Apart from them, I am the only other who knows. And now, all of you. I've never breathed a word to another soul, and I can't believe Finn or Koli would have spoken of it."

"It seems there is a mystery at work. Someone targeted those men, and left a cryptic message over their bodies. Nothing I've known in their time with me can explain it, but perhaps there is something to be learned of their time with my niece? The temple of Gefjon has been abandoned these many years. There is something of a superstition about the place, given the raid and the deaths there. Only a handful of us have been back there since Aslaug's death, and only very rarely."

Father Harald takes a deep breath and rises. "You are outsiders here, with no cause for allegiance to me or to Srilkind. Yet I sense there is something just about you all, and you've already played a part in this. I don't know your business in the north, but if you can set it aside long enough to help us find answers, I would be grateful. We are not rich folk here, but I believe I have coin in the coffers of Tyr to pay you for your efforts."

"I ask only one thing - do not speak of Catli's birth to any others, including Catli herself. She is Burnbright, and Burnbright she should remain. I have always intended to tell her the truth of her mother and grandmother when she was fully grown. If word gets out now, I fear how that the townsfolk might look on her differently. Too, I fear what she might do in seeking answers about herself. She is a headstrong lass, full of ideas of adventure and conquest. Were she to know she might be heir to a magical tradition passed down from her grandmother to her mother, she might seeks out such things that are best left hidden."

 

[Phietadix]

"Keep any money you would have given to me, your need it more than I do to rebuild the temple." I say, "also, I intend to teach Burnbright how to use a sword, I believe she'll need to protect herself well in the days to come."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Actually, Sir Matthew, Burnbright was planning to train with me in the morning, though that was something we had discussed before all this happened… but do join us if Burnbright still has the desire to train."

I turn to Father.

"About your generous offer, Father, I spent every coin I had so I would be well armed and well provisioned. I'm afraid that on my mountain, there isn't much a girl can do for money. Well… not one who intends to keep her father proud.

"I am willing to help you because I believe it is right. If you are willing to pay us, the money will be used for supplies."

I show Father and Grim the large gash in my leather armor.

"Cadell now wields the knife of the monster that did this to me—before I hit him back much harder. But as you can imagine, I'm hard to miss in battle. The first thing I intend to do as soon as I have the funds is upgrade my armor. I agree with Sir Matthew's principle, but on the other hand, we cannot help you if we are dead.

"Anything you're willing to invest in us will increase our chances of success."

 

[Ankari]

I swallow a string of harsh words. My companions blather about coinage, or the refusal of it, when the pieces of this puzzle are laid upon the table ready to be put together. It isn't their fault; they are followers of falsehood and are thus blind. This matter calls for delicacy. Too bad I'm the one that must address it.

"I'm going to apologize beforehand for what I must say. Please understand that I only intend the best for this pile of wood that has earned the name 'town.'" There, that should make what I must say easier to accept. I measure my audience's response. The flat stares confirm their calm demeanor.

"What is the saying of the gods? 'Gods are jealous beings with the power to destroy.' Gefjon was once a popular goddess around these parts. Rala and Aslaug help cement her influence with their inherit powers. Powers that is not attributed to Gefjon herself." I forestall the expected protests with upraised hands. "Father Harald admits as much when he claims their powers are derived from the magics of old. First Rala is slain for being a witch. Then Aslaug is slain in a mysterious fashion. Catli, the descendant of Aslaug and Rala, has their powers. She will be the key to shaking off this curse that saturates the land."

I'm talking too much but it helps to think aloud. A moment of disappointment deflates my enthusiasm. I shake it off and trudge along my line of thought.

"After Aslaug dies a new priestess is chosen. This priestess doesn't display the same powers as Aslaug, or even Rala. She discovers the truth behind Aslaug's powers and hears of a child born of her bloodline. She fears, rightfully, that the child will inherit the same powers and the people will call for the failed priestess to step down or, worse, kill her. Afterall, that doesn't seem to be a problem here."

Frowns and scowls accompany the sounds of mumbled words and frustrated sighs. I hope this is received in the intention it is given.

"I don't have answers, but I do have suspects. I propose we do the following. We need to keep Burnbright close. This village isn't safe for her, no matter how strenuously you agrue the contrary. I would task Baldhart and Matthew with her protection. Second, I would send our new sneaky friends, Aliron and Gnatteeth, to follow and investigate the new priestess. I don't like the coincidence of Asluag's former acolytes dying. The whole 'traitor' thing is pretty obvious meant to address some betrayal towards Gefjon. We need to go back to the temple of Gefjon. I know it's not safe for Burnbright, but either is this gathering of hovels. We take her there and investigate. I want someone to visit to two women you had Catli live with. I want to know if anyone unusual visited her and what they did while there. I would ask Burnbright herself, but I don't think she could recall who visited her as a babe."

I level my attention on Father Harald. "What would followers of Gefjon be doing in a temple of Tyr? Why weren't those acolytes serving the new priestess?"

 

[Sparkie]

Know, also, that you may have to sheathe your blades. Some things are best left unsaid.

Armaments - Codex 2:84

*****​

Ankari.

He's angry, he's letting his frustration affect his better judgement, and he needs to be stopped. It's not about whether he's right or wrong. He may, in fact, be right. I was considering many of the same possibilities, but I see no need to make insinuations. It's about his discretion, or lack therof.

Drained as I am, I walk in between him and Father Harald. I face Ankari and say "That's enough."

I pause to make sure he understands, then I continue.

"We agree on one thing, at least. We must investigate the temple of Gefjon, and soon. Your proposition, however, has only so much merit.

"You think you're the only one with understanding here? The only one who can reason? You go too far, Ankari. You'll keep both your anger and your tongue in check, or..."

I grip the handle of my sword with my off-hand.

"...I shall have to keep you in check."

 

[Ireth]

All thoughts of poetry flee my mind as I listen intently, without speaking, to the words of Father Harald and the others. Rydh's confrontation of Ankari draws my attention, and I stand and speak to the former. "And who will keep you in check, Rydh? I do not wish for anyone to be a link in a chain of violence and bitterness. We all must work together as one, or anything we attempt will fail." I turn my glare to Ankari as well, to ensure he understands and accepts this.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I can't believe my ears, Nissa. Finally, we are about to receive payment for our efforts, and now Father and Grim see disagreement among the men.

Then be the agreeable one, Baldy.

I smile as beautifully as I can.

"You know something, Father...? These men and I met on the ship here, and have banded together in two strange battles. I know I can count on Ankari's arrow, Rydh's prayer, and Cadell's unfaltering courage.

"But we lack a true leader among us.

"You offered to fund our efforts just now. We're involved in this thing with or without your help, Father. But if you're paying us, then you should have some say in our next move.

"Of course, I am no mercenary. I will only do what I believe is right. I trust you Father, and I will accept your payment and any advice or direction that comes with it. We are strangers in this land, Father. And..." I look back at the others, who hopefully can put their arguments aside - at least here in this room - "...we need your guidance as much as the financial assistance that you offered."

--and are still offering, I hope.

 

[Phietadix]

I look at Ankari.
"You don't seem to think very highly of this town, simply becauce of it's size and condition. I have fought with, and against, visted and ruled towns and cities great and small. Apperence isn't everything."
And to the Whole party I say:
"But on the matter at hand. Baldhart is right in saying we need a leader, I would be honored to serve under father Herald."

 

[SeverinR]

"Dwarves? Traitors? Whats he difference."
stepping from the shadows near the doorway.
"I am not above taking handouts, not like I have honor. I dislike seeing a house of worship destroyed, and if it is profitable to boot, I will contribute to the effort. If we by chance need to skewer a dwarf or two, all the better. Just know, I won't be talkin nice to any of them dirty... ah runts, since there be a lady present."
Staying near the door, looking for a chair, I continue;
"Good to see everyone made it out a da building."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

The thief! He is here? When did he...? Huh. Good of him to hold his tongue for a lady.

"I do not question your honor, Aliron. If we must have words with the dwarves, I will do the talking. You may pass messages to the dwarves through me. I hope if we meet them, we do not need to fight. I have killed four monsters. Two on the boat, two in the temple. I gravely wounded the last demon that you and Cadell finished. I hope the damned beast that killed the boy Eskel never recovers.

"The six monsters I struck with my sword are the only creatures I have ever fought with the intent to kill. I remember all seven strikes that tore through flesh. I remember them vividly. I pray I never have such a memory of doing this to a person. A naive wish, I know. A person brought those fiery demons."

I quit my blathering and look at Father Harald.

"Back to business.

"Burnbright's secret is safe with me. With all of us. Where is the safest place for her to be? I fear that taking a child along would be no different than putting my own sword through her.

"Gefjon's temple, if that is where we need to go for answers, we will go there. Two things that must happen first. We rest. We shop." To the party, I say, "I need armor. Metal, not leather, if the rest of you agree with the purchase. Archers need arrows, I suppose. Cadell, you keep the knife. No more stabbing with arrows. If anyone recovered my grappling hook from the temple, keep it. I climb better without one.

"If Father intends to fund us, we put the money to good use. Whatever we can do to keep each other alive is the priority. Those who cannot fight should not come with us. The battle we won at the temple is not over. The person responsible will bring another fight to us."

I look at Matthew, who was not with the elves as they desperately struggled. But I say, "When I rushed to Burnbright's aid, Rydh was alone with a creature I did not finish. We risk losing each other when we protect the innocent. It is right to protect innocents. It is wrong to knowlingly bring them into a battle."

I look at Ankari.

"Please, Ankari. I cannot be a babysitter and charge through enemies both at once."