Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Steerpike]

Burnbright takes the cloak. She looks questioningly at Baldhart, but she trusts Ankari and starts to head upstairs so the grown-ups can talk, albeit with a bit of a pout. "Don't go down in the secret hole without me!" she calls over her shoulder.

 

[Steerpike]

((By GM fiat, to push things forward, let's assume that everyone gathers downstairs to talk to Ankari. Burnbright is upstairs passing the time doing whatever she does. The group waits for Hiljikki to be awake and strong enough to join the conversation. With Burnbright gone, Mauve is free to discuss the knife with Baldhart and Ankari has the attention of the group for whatever he wishes to say)).

 

[Nihal]

After Burnbright is gone I hand over the knife to Baldhart. "It's magic."

The odious elf ranger looks vexed, I almost can't keep from smiling at this.

"...but I think I can talk a little more about this later?"

 

[Sparkie]

As we all gather in the cellar, minus Hiljikki and Burnbright, I can't help but notice how angry Ankari looks. Angrier than usual, anyway. Probably upset that no one was following his nonsensical orders. Piss on him, and...

NO! No, no, no, Rydh. Don't think like that. Just listen to what he has to say.

Aliron comes down the stairs, and I wonder: Where was he when we were out fighting the Warg Riders? I never saw him. Cowardice? Or was he guarding Burnbright?

Mauve, the newest member of our little group, arrives walking just a little taller. I wonder why?

Baldhart comes down looking worried, but that's not too unusual these days. SHe cares too much not to worry.

Sir Matthew comes into the cellar as well, looking tired from lack of sleep.

Darin, Nodrick, Cadell and I are already here in the room. Just as we all gather in one place, someone speaks up...

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((While walking with Mauve...))

"Thank you, Mauve! Normally I would ask you not to take a personal risk to help me with this matter, but... one could argue I take the same risk when I leave this knife in my presence. We both have valid personal reasons for these risks, so I will not question yours. Just... thank you.

"Oh, and if there is more to tell, I'd love to hear it. But you're right... maybe we have to wait until later."




((Since Rydh sees someone about to speak up, I won't make him a liar...))

"I don't know what needs to be said that Burnbright cannot hear, but I am interested to know.

"Just one thing I wish to say before we begin. There is not one person in this room who has not taken a personal risk of some kind. Some more than others, yes, but we do each other a disservice by making such comparisons. Instead, we need to organize ourselves so in the next battle, we take the same risk. We do not lose sight of each other in battle anymore. Twice we have allowed ourselves to become separated in battle, and twice Cadell fell and Rydh was hurt trying to save him.

"I do not fault anyone for the confusion due to a sudden and unspoken change of plans."

Bullsh-cough!

Nissa! Not now!

"I wish us to function as one in future battles, and that can never be if we use words of anger and distrust against each other, or if we insult or provoke potential allies.

"If Burnbright is not to be present because this is a conversation for adults, then I will only take seriously those who talk like adults. I said my piece."

 

[Ankari]

Everyone gathers. I grind my teeth to keep from shouting my frustration. As they settle, I consider what I want to say. These companions judge on how things are said and not what is said. Honey. I need to use honey.

"You stumble in the dark like children." I frown. No, those words won't be received well.

"Your bravery is commendable. Your sacrifices and your losses lamentable. But you grasp at straws in the wind. While you wallow in your own depression, there are greater things at stake here. Greater than your lives, and your pride. While you attempt at playing ancient wizard," I make a point to stare at Mauve, "You invite the same corruption you claim you seek to defeat."

Another pause. Too many new faces. Too many selfish concerns and possible divergence from our stated goals. Only if time were as abundant as fools. I know they have resisted my direction, as I know some of the blame can be laid at my feet. With that in mind, I continue. "To the dwarves, I apologize. My words sprung from ancient ignorance and suspicion. In the face of what I suspect is to come, we cannot crack along racial lines.

To the rest of you, those who would consider yourselves companions on this quest, I ask you to do the same and forget your selfish aims. Forget your race, forget your shadowed pasts, and forget who you were. We are now a weapon against an evil that is greater than you think. We are one, and we need to act like it."

To many words. Too many chances for trust to erode. These are the choices that must be made in absence of my rangers back home.

"The temple of Gefjon. The supposed massacre that robbed these people of stability and sustanence, is not as it seems. I've read Aslaug's journal. She did not die in the massacre. Worse, she is the cause of it. You will deny this, not wanting to believe that someone so loved and good could be corrupted. Here is your proof."

I read the passages towards the end of the journal. The on where she notes that her dreams have become increasingly dark and troubled.

"Sounds familiar to anyone? This is clear signs of corruption. Of the maddened spirit of the taint that defiles and twists. Aslaug is not dead. She is an agent of the taint."

I wait, allowing the surprised murmurs to subside. There is so much more. So much that they need to understand. "What, do you ask, caused the corruption? Fear and sorrow. Asluag attempted to find a way to resurrect her fallen mother. The woman accused of being a witch and was burned." I read Aslaug's notes discussing the mastering the old magic so she can one day bring her mother back, and so she can protect Catli against a superstitious mob, should the need arise.

"And this is why I am angry. While you dwell on your past, the hurt that haunts your souls, you throw Burnbright to the lions. You force upon her knowledge that has corrupted her mother. She talks of visions where people are calling her name. You encourage her to discover the innate powers in her blood! You send her on a track similar to her mother!"

I lower my voice, conscious of the impassioned tone. "Stop. Let the girl grow into a woman free of the shadows that plague her bloodline. She has powers, and if she chooses to discover them none of you are qualified to mentor her. None of you."

I stuff the journal back in my backpack. "Now, we must discuss what we will do with her. You would think that from what I said, I would want her to return to her village. This is not the case. Aslaug is alive. She will seek out her daughter because her twisted mind will think those who she once served will kill her like they did her mother. I want to keep Burnbright close. What do the rest of you say? Afterwards, we can discuss Baldhart's concerns."

 

[Sparkie]

"Are you the one, then, to mentor Burnbright?" I ask Ankari calmly. "Because if you are, then you can make all of her decisions for her, as you try to do also with us. Who are you to withhold her own power from her? Who are you to make that decision?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I say to Rydh, "I beleive Ankari is looking for consensus. He can mentor her with the bow and I with the sword and you in spiritual matters."

To Ankari, I say--hopefully before he and Rydh get into it--"I agree that we are Burnbright's protectors. She stays with us."

 

[Sparkie]

I look to Baldhart. She mediates on a near continual basis. I shoot her a glare, but I nod as well. I say nothing more. If everyone wishes to bow to Ankari and make him their decision-maker then so be it. I, however, will do no such thing. Nor will I allow Burnbright to be denied powers that are rightfully part of her heritage.

 

[Ireth]

Though I know she means well, I cannot help but rankle slightly when Baldhart singles me out as the one who was harmed in our battles. True, I was among the most hurt, but calling attention to only two of our number by name will not do to keep a unity between us.

Ankari's first words to us raise my hackles, but I calm when he begins again, and listen in silence.

When Rydh and Baldhart voice their say, I nod. "I agree with Baldhart. We cannot let Burnbright stray into danger. But I must protest, Ankari, your assertion that we all are to blame for forcing her down that path. I have done no such thing, nor will I do so in the future. My duty is to protect, not to harm."

 

[Nihal]

I roll my eyes as the ranger points at me, but I allow him to continue. Yeah, yeah, I love you too.

The revelation about Aslaug corruption doesn't surprise me at all.

I knew it.

They never found her body, that's proof enough that someone may still be alive. Oh, I've seen this story before.

"Do you really think that keeping the child ignorant will protect her of anything?" I raise my chin. "It's true that I don't know the whole story to be talking like this, but from what I've seen in... two days?... I'm damn sure she'll figure out the truth."

"You have two choices now. Keep the truth from her and let the girl attempt to discover it by herself. She'll endanger herself, she'll hate you for hiding the whole story, she will never forgive. She will grow into something, like..." Like what? What does he loathe? Oh. "...like me." I complete with a sly smile.

"Or you tell her. By doing this you won't allow her enemies to take advantage of her ignorance. Because, my good lord, that's what will happen if you leave her as she is right now. The world don't forgive the weak, it crushes them. Do you really think she won't manifest her powers again? They won't allow anyone with the slightest magical inclination to walk away without a scratch."

I raise a finger before he can argue. "I am not saying to instruct her about magic. However, she must know the truth."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

My attempt to make peace with Ankari does not sit well with those I am closest to. Have I betrayed them?

No.

When I become a Valkyrie, will I have all the answers?

No.

It's hard for you to watch us silly mortals bicker and fret over little things, isn't it?

No. It is hard to watch, and you are silly, but the things you bicker and fret over aren't little.

I needed that. I wish everyone had a little Valkyrie to slap them around.

Valkyries don't slap.

I know, I just meant...

Slap? Really? That sounds like something a guy would say.


"Mauve is right. We are all experts in different areas, and while we are equipped to protect Burnbright from attackers, we cannot protect her through a lie.

"Her own mother will call to her to betray us. She must understand Aslaug is no longer the beloved priestess she once was. Corruption has changed her to an entirely different person, and she is behind the monsters that attack us. Burnbright must know this before her mother has time to get to her."

 

[Ireth]

I glance at Mauve when she speaks up. She does have a valid point about Burnbright, though it remains to be seen whether the others, especially Ankari, will see the truth in her words.

"Mauve speaks the truth. Ignorance is a dangerous thing when used as leverage against an innocent, and I would not have Burnbright suffer such if she did not need to."

 

[Ravana]

((By GM fiat, to push things forward, let's assume that everyone gathers downstairs to talk to Ankari. Burnbright is upstairs passing the time doing whatever she does. The group waits for Hiljikki to be awake and strong enough to join the conversation.))

((Technically, that should be several hours. Courtesy of the above GM fiat, I'll go ahead and assume she comes around enough to participate, since I doubt the rest of the party wishes to wait that long.…))

...I enter a room upstairs and see Hiljikki. "Um... are you alright?"

((I'm not sure what I see Hiljikki doing, but if she's not passed out, she's probably doing something odd enough that Baldy's question still works.))

((Well, no, it shouldn't, but as mentioned.…))

"And this is why I am angry. While you dwell on your past, the hurt that haunts your souls, you throw Burnbright to the lions. You force upon her knowledge that has corrupted her mother. She talks of visions where people are calling her name. You encourage her to discover the innate powers in her blood! You send her on a track similar to her mother!"

I lower my voice, conscious of the impassioned tone. "Stop. Let the girl grow into a woman free of the shadows that plague her bloodline. She has powers, and if she chooses to discover them none of you are qualified to mentor her. None of you."

This finally gets a response from Hiljikki.

"You are qualified to make such a judgment? Tell me, then: what form of magic are you trained to use?"

Hiljikki allows that to sink in.

"I will tell you this. If, as you say, her bloodline bears innate powers, the greater hazard is that she discovers them on her own—without a mentor.

"She might be able to deny them. Might. I consider that unlikely. But insisting that she train with a sword will not prevent those powers from reaching out to her. They will whisper to her, haunt her dreams, tempt her to make use of them… eventually demand that she use them, when some circumstance of desperation compels it.

"Have you ever seen what happens when someone without training tries to cast a spell? Have you ever made the attempt yourself? If you wish to, I can teach you one… a simple one, which anyone can learn to cast.

"Then I will stand well back, as you try it… and if you are fortunate, I will be able to heal your body afterward.

"I will be able to do nothing for your mind, however."

Hiiljikki's eyes are now flashing a brilliant green.

"I am qualified to 'mentor' Burnbright in the fundamentals of my tradition. Nothing more than those, to be sure: but that much, at least. I can guide anyone on a journeying—whether they possess talent or not. I am not 'encouraging' her to discover her powers. I sought to discern whether or not she had the talent, and to discern its nature if so. If she had none, she would simply have spent a couple hours being bored… probably fallen asleep. Most do.

"I do not think her talent flows the same path as mine… though I have yet to determine this for certain. That there is something there I now consider beyond doubt.

She shakes her head. "The greater danger is that she be given no guidance in dealing with that talent. This guidance may be in how to reject their call… but guidance there must be, and it must come from someone who is familiar with its use. You cannot teach her how to not use magic… no more than you can how to use it properly. All you can do is bludgeon her with fear of what she feels, what she senses.

"You are correct: I am not qualified to raise her up to be mighty… certainly not to raise her up to be the power you say her mother was… or is. You are correct that no one here is.

"But if you believe your own words, then keeping her with us is the worst thing that could be done for her. If the power is reaching out to her, she requires a true mentor… in which case, our priority should be to seek one out. Not to keep fleeing before the storm."

She casts her gaze around the room. "I do not hear anyone proposing to follow this course."

Returning to Ankari, she continues: "Failing that, she must learn what she can from those around her. I will not 'force' her into directions she does not wish to pursue. I may—I should—be able to help her learn to deal with what she cannot avoid.

"As far as I can tell, you cannot. Nor would.

"And making her fear what she is will not aid her. It will only drive her insane.

"Do that, and you will see the result you fear so greatly. That much, I am qualified to judge."

 

[Phietadix]

The fool! We were told to keep Burnbrights identity a secret and then Ankari shouts it out for the world to hear. Then he says we are foolish! If he wants us to listen to him and respect his judgement perhaps he should use sense once and a while.
"If you really wish for Burnbright to stay safe from her mother than she should travel with us. To be protected, to learn to defend herself." While I hate to admit it Mauve is right as well. "I believe the time has come to tell Burnbright who she really is. If you don't know what has happened in the past the past is doomed to repeat itself. We must instruct her so what happened to her mother doesn't happen again."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Agreed.

"I also think we need to have faith in each other's skills regarding Burnbright. Mauve, Hiljikki and Rydh are qualified to teach her things that I can never understand. When I tore off the necklace, I did so out of fear for Burnbright's safety. But I'm glad Rydh returned it to her. How else would we know about the voice?"

I give Rydh an apologetic look. Here I was trying to be the peacemaker, and all I did is stifle him.

"No good would have come out of questioning his judgment of something I don't understand at all. That would make me no different from the sailors who shunned him because he healed my wound."

 

[Ravana]

I stuff the journal back in my backpack.

"You might also consider sharing that with those more capable of evaluating its contents, rather than hiding it away and deciding which passages to reveal to the rest of us. Your understanding, or lack thereof, may cause you to overlook items which may be useful… even critical.

"Or your reticence may cause you to withhold such information, even if you do realize its import."

 

[Ravana]

((Out-of-sequence P.S.: I edited in some additional text in the post describing the journeying. It has no material effect on anything; it's just some nifty stuff I thought of today that I wish I'd thought of earlier. [We're all writers: happens to us all the time, eh? ] There's no reason to link back to the post, since it doesn't affect anything; anyone who wants to look at it again, it's #570.))

 

[Nihal]

Of course I am right.

"I know nothing about heavenly powers. Well, I deduced her power was something from the gods, now I am not so sure."

"I..." I avert my eyes, thinking. "She's right." I indicate Hiljikki with my head. "If it's possible to find someone to better instruct her we should seek such person. Yet, I've lived my whole life in the middle of nowhere and as far as I know mages are not so easy to find, not after the War of the Dragons."

"I can't really teach magic to the girl, not if she uses a different kind of magic. All I can do is to repeat the words of wisdom I've heard my whole life and show her how to study properly, how to keep the corruption at bay. It won't fully protect her from the corruption, but if she's careful enough," - unlike me - "she'll live a long and fruitful life."


"Oh, and I don't think the girl should return to where she used to live. If we find ourselves without any other option, my best bet would be the dwarves. I know it sounds crazy, but from what I understood they're less prone to... build pretty fires."

 

[Steerpike]

Darin frowns. "I understand none of this. Who is this Aslaug, and what evidence is there that she is behind the Taint? Her mere absence? Was she so powerful? What happened to her own mother? Would Aslaug harm her own child?"