Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Steerpike]

Burnbright remains quiet as Baldhart talks, nodding at the appropriate times but clearly wanting to get upstairs to her room. "I...can we talk about it later? I just want to rest." She wraps Baldhart in a hug and says "Thank you for caring about me. I'll be OK." Then she heads upstairs to the bedroom.

Cadell and Liadan look out the window, catching site of Keitsumah, Batos, and the gathering townspeople. Masama is walking with Mauve.

As Mauve nears, she hears the townspeople arguing about the wolf. Some appears to take the white color of its fur as an evil omen. Others argue that it must have something to do with elves, which causes, at best, uncertain glances between Batos and Keitsumah.

"Ain't natural, a wolf followin' a person around like a common dog,' says one man.

"Might be normal fer elves," counters another.

"Elves ain't natural, neither," says a third, folding his arms.

When Baldhart emerges to address the crowd, there is more muttering and conversation.

"Where are Barki and Dufgal anyhow?" asks one grizzled old man.

A young lad of about ten says "I seen 'em go into the temple of Tyr!"

The old man says "Right, then. Let's go find 'em and we'll hear their side of this. If its true that the wolf be tamed and helped save 'em, then I reckon it can't be evil magic. Though it still ain't proper to having a creature in town, and it'll have to stay elsewhere."

Gisla is at the door, her arms folded across her chest, a bit of a funny position given that one of them terminates at the elbow. Her expression prevents any laughter, however. "What's this, now, Arnald? You've taken to telling me who I can and can't have in my inn?'

Arnald looks around at the others and swallows. "It weren't that, Gisla, I was just saying it ain't proper, that's all."

"It's not proper to go sticking you nose in where it doesn't belong, either."

Arnald frowns. "The well-bein' of the town's my concern." He looks at the lad who spoke up. "Run on over to the temple and get Barki and Dufgal. Then we'll see what's what."


((Short post - gotta run to a meeting!)).

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I frown as the men outside speak, and lean out the window to address them.

"Not natural, you say, that a wolf be tamed? And how do you imagine common dogs became so in the first place? They all began as wolves, after all, or near enough. Batos is every bit as tame as my horse. And on that note, I and my people are every bit as natural as yourselves, or dwarves, or halflings. We are all part of this world, and we must recognize each other as such."

((I hope that worked...))

 

[Steerpike]

((Before Gisla goes outside - sorry about the late entry))

Gisla raises her eyebrows at Cadell. "A dwarf-friend? I've never heard of an elf being named as such. You must have made quite an impression on this dwarf. You'll have a tale to tell the dwarves of the Drimmen-delve when you arrive. Did you receive a token from this dwarf?"

To Liadan she says "It has been many years since women took up the shield and spear here in the north. I traveled the southern lands in my youth, much of the time with a mercenary company out of Mittelstadt. We had occasional dealings with elves, and once spent almost a month near the edge of one of your forests. I picked up a few phrases of Elvish, that is all. I'm afraid my pronunciation leaves a lot to be desired."

Outside

Most of the villagers scowl as Cadell speaks, but his words cause yet more conversation amongst them. The young lad sets off at a run toward the temple of Tyr, and it appears the villagers will be content to wait and see what the two fishermen have to say.

 

[Ireth]

((Before Cadell's address to the men outside...))

Cadell

I nod, and pull Darin's medallion out from where it slipped under the neckline of my tunic. "He gave me this, and went so far as to bind my naming in what he called the First Tongue. I consider it among my highest honors." I only wish Queen Brígh had thought the same. "He said that if I showed this token to his folk in the Drimmen-delve, they would not refuse me entry to their halls."

The voices of the men draw my attention... ((see post #502))

Líadan

I nod and listen curiously as Gisla speaks. "I don't suppose you remember what forest it was? Cadell and I hail from Aelwyd Eirian. There is a small human settlement there, called Dunhold -- it sprang up within the past fifteen, sixteen years at most. Cadell and I, and a few other elves have grown to be friends with them, but sadly the queen is barely tolerant. At least the humans have the sense not to attack us." If only the same could be said for my kin.

 

[SeverinR]

[[Aliron watches the crowd from the door as Bressel tries to lighten the mood in the bar, maybe draw a few in.]]

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I watch the lingering crowd for a while, hoping the fishermen won't turn them against me and the company, especially Keit and Batos. I still haven't seen Joffur since we got here; I scan the onlookers again, searching for him.

Still no sign of him. I turn to Líadan, lowering my voice and using elvish to be less easily overheard. <Help me look for Joffur. I still can't find him.>

Líadan

I nod and turn to search the crowd as well.

<I don't see him either,> I murmur to Cadell. <Maybe he isn't there at all.> But then, where could he be?

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I let Burnbright be, then come down to Gisla.

"No matter what happens… and no matter what you intend to do about it, I'm grateful for the way you treated me." I look at her arm. "It's a thankless life we often lead, following Brynhild's path. But it's all worth it in the end. And it's thankless often, not always. Thank you for welcoming me here… even if, as far as everyone else is concerned, we may have worn out our welcome."

I approach the man in kindness, regardless of how he's treating those with me. "Arnald, my name is Baldhart Eisenberg, and I was part of that rescue team as well. My friends and I have saved lives. I am glad you intend to hear from Barki and Dufgal, but be sure to ask the right questions.

"If you ask if Batos, the wolf, looks dangerous, they'll say yes. Instead, ask whether Batos sat on the boat or showed signs of hostility. If you want to know how I came to know Keitsumah and her wolf, I rescued them from a cage. They were captured by monsters who eat people, but I bent the bars and got them out, then killed the monster that would have eaten them. Even while trapped in the cage, that wolf remained in a protective stance in front of his master, Keitsumah. He did not lunge at me when I bent the bars to free them."


You said 'bent the bars' twice.

Yes. I want to make sure they know what I can do. I'm not speaking in a threatening manner, but they should know that my strength, if used against them, is scarier than magic or dogs.


"Of course, let the fishermen speak for themselves. But please hear our side as well. We saved their lives and asked for no reward. Was I naive to expect a 'thank you?' I try to assume the best from people I just met. Everyone was so good to me when I rode in…"

I sigh. "Sorry, Arnald. I know everyone's frightened and you're trying to be fair about this, but you really have no idea what we've been through in the past week. We fight against evil creatures, and all we want in a town like this is some peace… and supplies. We bring business and don't intend to bring trouble. The wolf will not stay in town, so I'm not sure what more we can do to make that right."

 

[Steerpike]

Gisla, Cadell & Liadan (Before)

Gisla looks at the medallion Cadell raises, her eyes widening. "This is an honor, indeed. With this in hand, Dain himself could not refuse you entry into the Drimmen-delve. It is rare for other than dwarves to carry one, and I have never heard of one in the hands of an elf!"

Shaking her head in disbelief, she turns to address Liadan's question. "Indeed, we were near Dunhold. Within a day or so. We expected trouble there, but it never materialized and eventually we returned to Mittelstadt." She gives a slight bow. "I am glad we did not meet on opposite ends of a sword!"

Outside

Arnald scowls, but takes a step back away from Baldhart. "I know my business. Don't need no southerner tellin' me what questions to ask and how to ask 'em."

The lad who ran off to find Barki and Dufgal comes running back up, out of breath. "They're comin'," he says. Behind him, the two fishermen from the boat. Their eyes pass over Keitsumah and Batos, locking onto Mauve and young Branwen at her side. Traveling with the fishermen is a short, barrel-chested man with blonde hair and an unruly beard. He bears a staff with the symbol of Tyr carved atop it.

Arnald grins, and walks toward the fishermen, saying "Now we'll learn the truth of things!"

The priest of Tyr raises a hand. "Peace, Arnald!" His accent is unmistakably southern. He is not a native of the northlands. "I've already discussed matters with Barki and Dufgal." He turns to the two fishermen. "Did either the elf or the wolf do you any harm?"

The fishermen shake their heads in unison.

"Did any member of this party do you any harm?"

Barki shakes his head, but Dufgal says "We did get a few looks..."

The priest continues with his next question, running right over the top of Dufgal. "And did this group save you and others from the monsters that burned Srilkind to the ground?"

Dufgal's mouth clacks shut and he nods. Barki nods as well. The priest turns to address the crowd. "Elves are strange, and no mistake. But no more unnatural than dwarves, and we've seen them come through before. As for that wolf - it's just an animal. No more evil than a bear or a squirrel. It came here on a boat, and didn't harm a soul. That's about as tame a wolf as you're like to see."

Barki raises a hand toward Mauve. "It ain't the wolf. They've got a..."

"Barki!" The priest's voice rises. "What did we discuss not five minutes past?" The fisherman reddens and goes quiet.

The priest addresses the crowd again. "There's no cause to get all worked up over imaginary fears. We've got enough real ones to deal with here in the north. Tyr watches over us, and I am his eyes and ears in Arendal. I won't leave evil to walk among you. You've all known me many years. You've brought me your sick children, and even your animals. I ask you to trust me now. I do not believe this wolf will harm a hair on any one of you. Nor will these elves. Please, get on with your business. The day is nearing its end, and I know you've got work to do before dark."

The gathered villagers mutter and nod, then begin dispersing. Some move away more slowly than others, and Barki and Dufgal keep harsh glares fixed on Mauve and Branwen as they leave. The priest, meanwhile, is smiling and nodding encouragingly, reassuring people that all is well.

When the villagers have dispersed, the priest moves toward Mauve, stopping a few feet away, his eyes coming to rest on Branwen. He motions for any other party members who wish to speak to gather around him, then keeps his voice low so it doesn't carry through the village.

His visage is more stern as he speaks, his eyes hard like flint when they fall on Branwen. "My name is Geralt. The people of Arendal are my flock. I do not like deceiving them." He looks at Keitsumah and Batos. "I do not mean the elf and the wolf, for based on the story told by Barki and Dufgal, I believe they pose no harm. But that...." he gestures toward Branwen with the staff "...is another matter altogether. You have in your company an incarnation of evil. A demon, in the form of young girl, pleasing to the eye. Vulnerable and playing on our human instincts to protect the young. It is not a child. It is not a person. It is an evil creature that lacks nothing but size and years in becoming a danger to us all. Besides, where evil goes, evil follows, and so long as that thing walks with you an ill wind blows at your back. You can expect the worst."

Geralt jabs the end of his staff against the ground in front of him, and claps it with both hands, leaning on it. "Always we must be on guard against evil. It is no fault of yours that you have taken this thing in. It looks harmless. It may feign affection, or act in other ways to gain our sympathy. You are not the first to have taken evil willingly among you. But now I have lifted the wool from your eyes, no? Now you are no longer deceived. I can perform a purification by flame. If there is a soul in that thing, it will be freed as the fire consumes the physical form that it now manifests. Just as compassion stayed your hand when you found the creature, so compassion will commend its body and whatever spirit it has to the hereafter."

Looking at Mauve, he says "I can see you've grown fond of the thing. Believe me, this path is best."

The priest leans in closer, his voice still low. "But we must do it quietly. I'll not have this creature's presence become known. There's no reason to see this village descend into chaos!"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Father… monsters kill children. If we kill her, we're no different. We will keep her away from here, but… her father was just an innocent man seduced by magic. Are you telling me that when good and evil mate, evil wins the child every time? I believe the mother was evil because she was taught evil. We can teach her another way. If she proves otherwise as time passes, then we… do as we must.

"That said, I am thankful for what you've done. Did you know Father Harald, by any chance? I tried to rescue him as well, but… I was too late."

 

[Steerpike]

Father Geralt turns to Baldhart. "Your mistake is in viewing her a child. She is not a child - or not in any sense that we think of our own children. She is the young form of a demon, true, but not a child. Not a young girl. You are from the south, though I can't quite place your accent. Tell me, where you are from does evil always present a foul face? Does it come with horns and fangs? With scales?" He shakes his head. "It is said that Aeron himself was pleasing to the eye. If you let this thing live, you will only have to kill it when it comes into its power. There is no mercy in that. Or else it will escape you and create more of its kind."

"I met Father Harald only a few times. A good man. Kindly. Perhaps too kind for the north lands. I am sorry to hear that he fell. I can only hope he died bravely, in the end, protecting those he loved. As I do here in Arendal. And as a result of which I deem that the demon must burn."

 

[Nihal]

I can almost smell my own fear when the crowd gathers around us. Raising my chin, I keep a firm grasp of Branwen and watch them in silence. Why did I stay for the wolf girl? Why it had to be her? I couldn't care less about what would happen to her!

My breathing gets easier as the priest talks. Baldhart said someone would help Branwen, maybe this man is willing to help as well. I allow myself to feel a little hope. Maybe we wouldn't need to hide in the forest, and—

His eyes say everything. Each word he says makes me more nauseated, enraged. Raising my chin higher, I clench my teeth and do my best to not allow my emotions overflow and become obvious.



It looks harmless... It may feign affection, or act in other ways to gain our sympathy. Yes, YOU. It's you, your bastard, savage, I know you are no human! A git, a brute, a vicious beast who pretends to be human, all of you!

I want to scream at his face. I want to set him on fire, to see if he likes it. I breathe heavily, taking a good time to calm down enough to be able to speak again.

"No one shall lay a finger on her. I will take her away from here. When I return she will not be with me. But do not dare to try to 'purify' her, I am warning you.

"We want no trouble here. We will rest here and you be safer from the evil than you could be without us. We will buy supplies and it will also help your town to prosper while it will help us to fight the Taint's origin.

"But if you dare to try to stop me I will become a bigger trouble than you could ever imagine. I have walked on a city full of monsters and got out alive, I have fought beasts bigger than many houses there, I have yanked her mother out of the air and finished another of her kind. I have faced the true evil," I am facing it again, now, "and here I am.

"You have no right over her. Go ahead and try. You will regret it."

 

[Steerpike]

Masama steps up protectively alongside Mauve and Branwen, eyes fixed on the priest. Father Geralt looks at him, then at Mauve, eyes wide "You would defy a priest of Tyr? I am the authority here!"

Gisla steps up and places her lone hand on Geralt's shoulder. "Not the full authority. The Elder Council..."

Father Geralt shrugs away from her touch. "The Elder Council? You wish to bring the Elder Council into this, Gisla? It was all I could do to keep Barki and Dufgal from forming a mob to take this abomination by force. They're keeping quiet, trusting me to take care of it, and you'd bring in the full council? Think, woman!"

The priest shakes his head. "Besides, the Council defers to me on religious matters, and this you well know. No, the creature will come to me with to the temple, where it will be bound until the purification ritual can begin."

He looks back at Mauve. "And think on this too - if that creature does have a soul, then the purification will guide its soul to Tyr himself, where it will be at rest. That will not be possible once it has grown into its full power. Will you condemn whatever soul may exist in that thing to ultimate destruction simply to preserve the outer shell it now dwells in?"

Branwen fidgets nervously, not understanding the words but understanding the tension.

 

[Nihal]

"Yes. If that is what you think, then yes.

"Tell me, priest, where were you while the darkness spread through the land? I do not remember seeing you fight it by our side. Is that how you thank us? Is that how you fight, burning children and old women?"

'Never again'. The words I have heard my whole childhood. I stroke Branwen's hair in a soft motion, but when I talk again my voice is cold. "I told you I am taking her out this place and I will."

I hold his gaze without flinching away.

Dare. I have so many hidden tricks you could never imagine! Shall I immolate you or summon a visitor? Mayhaps throw the stone knife in a dark alley, so demons will crawl out of the sea at night and kill your people. Maybe I will leave the knife here anyway. It will be lovely.

Dare.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I stand between Father and the black man, gently tapping on his chest and giving him a nod of approval. I see Branwen is nervous and I stroke her hair to calm her. Yes. She IS a child! Look at her—this is LOVE, you ignorant ass—

"—Holy Father. Please. Give me a chance to meet with Gisla in private before we take this any further. To kill this creature means breaking an oath to Brynhild—suffice to say, I do not harm children nor allow it. Gisla is an elder of my faith, and there is… another elder that I consult daily to make sure all of my sacrifices and vows are appropriate.

"Branwen's a child, and even if you're right, she won't seduce anyone in the next twenty-four hours. I don't even ask for a full day… just to meet with Gisla after dinner, as we had already planned, for our own religious purposes. Then Gisla can have a better understanding of my vow, and…"

And nothing. I won't agree to kill her.

"You know something, Father? Evil isn't always so apparent. You judge this girl by her form, yet the destruction of Srilkind was not caused entirely by monsters. There were people involved as well, and one may have been from your 'flock.' He was from this town, I know for a fact, and he sent letters to temple Tyr as a means of keeping tabs on Srilkind. If I'm wrong about that, then tell me why not send the runner to your temple of Tyr? This is where the girl he supposedly loved lives.

"Anyway Father, I mean no disrespect. I take responsibility to tell Burnbright of Father Harald's death, and I need to talk to the girl from here about her dead boyfriend who's responsible for several innocent deaths. I have my fill of guilt and death and I'd appreciate you not being in a rush to add to it."

I turn to Gisla.

"Trust me… the meeting. Bath, food, then we meet by a fire."

 

[Steerpike]

Masama's voice is a rumble. "The child is holy to my people. Asra has led me here, and I will allow no harm to come to her."

Geralt grunts. "I've heard of people such as you, who have dealings with evil spirits, or so the legends say. It is said that the darkness of your skin mirrors a darker life force within. Your people's thoughts on this creature are of no concern to me."

Father Geralt looks at Baldhart, then looks around at the village, looking for those who might overhear. There are a few curious glances from villagers, but the people of Arendal seem to understand that their priest wants privacy and none come within earshot.

Addressing Baldhart, the priest says: "The preparations for the ritual will take at least three hours. I grant you that time, and no more. We all know humans are capable of both good and evil, and if someone from this village has fallen in with evil, then I regret it. However, that does not change the nature of this thing you've brought into our midst. I respect your goddess, but you are young. With age comes experience and wisdom. My way is the best, and though you may not know it now, you will come to realize it in time."

He looks around at the group. "Unless there is more to be said, I will go to make preparations now. I will prepare a draught for the creature, so it will feel no pain. When the time comes, I expect you will have seen to the less agreeable members of your group." He looks pointedly at Masama and Mauve, then glances around to see if there is anything else to be said.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Two and a half hours, Gisla." I head for the bath.

 

[Nihal]

"Baldhart! What the f— is wrong with you!?" I do my best to not shout at her.

 

[Steerpike]

Geralt smirks, then strides away, heading for the temple of Tyr. Gisla lets out a breath she was holding and says "OK, let's get inside, all of you. We'll get Branwen off the street for now, at least. Before someone else takes a closer look."

She holds the door to The Maiden's Spear open and waits for the party to go inside.

 

[Nihal]

I narrow my eyes and do as I was said, but only to the out of the street. I whisper to Baldhart, "Your fault! I left me alone without warning, help or nothing! Your frigging fault!"

I glance at Gisla and whisper to her, "I will take her away from this damned place."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Don't blame me, Mauve… trust me! I'm doing what I can to fix this!"

I shout to the priest. "And Father, let's be clear that I do not agree to burning anybody nor have I agreed to breaking an oath to my Goddess! What I want from you is… if Gisla has anything to add from a religious perspective, you involve the Elder Council as she suggested!

"Prepare your evil death trap, but do not harm Branwen until you've heard from a REAL religious authority!"

I come back in and ask Gisla, "Where can we talk now? You, Mauve, me…" I point to Branwen. "…her?"