Dragon's Egg - Act III

[SeverinR]

Bressel leans against the wall, listening.
"I don't think Baldhart should leave at this time. She has sworn to stand with Gilsa and speak for Mauve. If she disappears we will have another mark against us in the towns eyes."

"Aliron has fled with the elfbird, he will not be able to return. He is an elf of dark nature, and disappeared at the same time as the ranger. I would also recommend not mentioning the child. Masama is with them, sworn to protect the child."

"Aliron also took my pack, so I will be traveling lightly until we meet up."

"So we could let the town be massacred, we could give the girl to the gnolls, or we could walk into the the devils stronghold to see if she is alright to have Burnbright? and if she isn't...we walk out with the child and the gnolls will just let us?"

"I don't see anyway to get out of this without someone being killed or in danger of being enslaved."He looks at Burnbright.

"Someone that would kill so many to get their daughter, when she could have walked in and asked Burnbright to join her, is probably not a good person."

"I see this as, we leave, the town is massacred. We stay and fight off the gnolls then the town will probably turn on us for bringing the killing to them. We give Burnbrght over and go home failing to prevent or end the taint. We go and meet mommy Taint, and give her to the evil, or we fight to kill her, we die. Or we kill her and leave the land to be overrun by the unknown evil.
Is this our options?"
"Oh, yes, and if we go to the gnolls, we abandon Mauve to whatever punishment the town decides?"

"If the ranger didn't murder, we could have ambushed the gnolls and fled, keep tormenting them all the way to town. But we don't have the silent moving archers we ad before."

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I look at Bressel and shake my head. "We will not meet with the gnolls immediately, hence why I asked for time to come to a decision. We have far too many things to deal with here first."

I fall silent, thinking on the options Bressel has made plain. How can we finish this with a minimum of bloodshed while still fulfilling every oath we've sworn?

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Exactly why I want to talk to Gisla. If Arendal has the will to fight, we have a chance. I don't want the town massacred as a result of our fleeing. I'd rather be killed for truthfully telling them we will not hand Burnbright over."

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I sigh and bow my head. If only there was a way to reason with the gnolls, to keep Burnbright safe and avoid the slaughter of another village... They only serve Aslaug for the slim chance of getting their land back. But if Aslaug is slain nonetheless, and the humans here are willing to see their side of things as I was, might they not learn to coexist in peace? If we can prove that they are not dumb animals to be hunted for sport or for hides... But that would not be an easy task. I know nothing of who has authority here, whether a king or a council of lords. And how can we find out about that if we all die trying to save Burnbright?

I raise my head and speak again. "The gnolls are only our foes by necessity, not by nature. They fought against orcs in times past, and only harmed Men when they were threatened first. If we can convince them to turn against their master Aslaug, and bring her down for the hope of winning their freedom for themselves, maybe we can turn the tides of this fight. One gnoll was willing to listen to me here; if he is a leader, perhaps he can sway others to the cause."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

This trouble Ankari brought us is clouding my judgment! That, and Burnbright's wish to save her mother…

"Bressel has the right of it. Forgive me, Burnbright, for saying the choice is yours. It cannot be, because the hope you cling to about your mother may lead you into a trap." To all, I go on, "I actually believe what the gnolls said is true, but there's one thing we're not being told: how would Burnbright break the hold a demon has on her mother? Demons don't go away because of happy family reunions. No… sacrificial maidens are more a demon's taste.

"Whether the gnolls will care about that… I don't know.

"My sworn duty to Gisla means keeping Arendal safe. The best way to do that is speak to Gisla, and not make a decision that goes against her wishes."

I rise, but hold up a moment for others to speak…

 

[Ireth]

Líadan

I love Cadell dearly, and his optimism is admirable... but sometimes I think his ambitions are a little too lofty to be realistic.

"Cadell, it isn't that simple. These cannot be the only gnolls in the north, or under Aslaug's hand; even if you convince these to come to our side, there may yet be others who would see it as betrayal. That would cause horrific infighting, and make nothing better. We should think long and hard about this before doing anything."

Cadell

"How long do you think we have to spare?" I ask, turning to her. "Ankari is loose in the wild, and who knows what havoc he might achieve on his own, if he isn't killed by men or beasts! Mauve is a prisoner, and might not be for much longer, if she is foolish enough to try to escape -- which I think she truly is. She doesn't trust any of us, she has made that clear. Gisla and a pair of guards may not be enough to hold her back from whatever ends she means to achieve. Aliron and Keit are each another story. Our company could scarcely be any more divided. Those of us who remain together must stand as one, and think as one, if we are to accomplish anything. There is no room for disagreement."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Then let us find out whether Arendal is willing and able to fight. Maybe under the circumstances, Gisla will drop her accusation. That takes care of Mauve. As for Ankari, I hope he's out there putting arrows into gnolls and goblins as we speak. I won't feel so bad about not killing him then.

"Oh… and thanks, Bressel. I was thinking aloud, but what you said echoes what I've said several times in the past. Anyone who'd kill for her own daughter has an evil agenda." To Burnbright I add, "But don't fear for your mother's soul. I do believe the demon who controls her is using her love for you to lure you into the trap. It's your mother's body, but it seems there is another soul inside her. I can relate to that. The difference with Nissa is, she lets me act of my own free will."

((Not sure if Aga came up with us, but in any case…))

I say to Aga, "Can I see Gisla on her guard duty? If not her, perhaps an elder? Who would that be, and… can someone lead or direct me there?"

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I say nothing as Baldhart speaks again, my headache returning. I shut my eyes against the pain and my own thoughts. Why did I volunteer for first watch? Is it too late to change the standing order? All I want to do right now is sleep.

Líadan

Cadell seems to exude weariness. I lay my hand on his shoulder, looking over at Baldhart. "I think we should all sleep on this if we can afford to. We'll be able to think better with rested minds. Perhaps we'll have time to come to a decision before Mauve's trial."

 

[SeverinR]

"We could ask that the one demanding Burnbright come to collect her, herself. I doubt she would, but maybe it would gain some time? Tell them our past encounters, we do not believe the girl will be treated properly.
How about: Why should a girl of honor be sent with lapdogs?"
Bressel offers.

"If we fight, we would do better with Aliron on our side, even if only in the shadows, he is pretty sure of himself with that bow. But then again, Mauve, Baldhart and Aliron did seem to have a connection and serves a different type of honor." He warns.

"I'll swing my axe to defend the group. I will not swing it against Aliron, but I will swing it against the murderer. If the group decides to protect the town, I will fight for the town. I was ready to chop the dogs before, I am ready to do it again."
[do barbarians know snares? Maybe a few snares and traps would slow down the dogs?]

"Also, if the town knows the options, would they not throw the girl to the wolves to save their arses, rather then fight?"

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I sigh and look up at Bressel. "I told the gnoll of my doubts that Aslaug would treat Burnbright well, but that did not dissuade him; hence my idea to escort her ourselves. Mauve and Aliron are wildcards now -- I do not know where Aliron went, but I can assume he will stay as far from Arendal as possible until we rejoin him. He was protective of Branwen, and I think he would do all in his power to keep her safe without endangering himself."

Everyone seems so eager to fight the gnolls. Is there no hope for peace? It will only come by our power, I know that. But I don't dare side with the gnolls against my own companions. I will not be another Ankari.

You sided with humans against many of your own people in Aelwyd Eirian.

That was different! I shunned their customs, not their company. I was still loyal to the queen!

And look where that got you. You were exiled for fraternizing with dwarves, and now you seek alliance with gnolls. Where will it stop?

I can't take much more of this. I clench my fist, the nails digging into my palm. My head pounds all the harder. I move to the window and throw it open, hoping fresh air might help. I stand leaning on the sill, staring out into the darkness, in case there is anything to see.

 

[SeverinR]

Brussel seeks out Baldhart, if she hasn't went to find Gilsa yet.
will do this later if she did.
Making sure there is no one around to overhear.

"Baldhart, I need to get my stuff from Aliron before the battle or travel. I think he needs to know about the Gnolls and Ankari's troubles also. Where did he go? I figured he told you or Mauve, and Mauve would be a little tough to talk too right now."

 

[Ireth]

Líadan

I move softly to Cadell's side, laying a hand on his shoulder again. He is tense, all but trembling. "...Cadell?"

He doesn't respond, staring single-mindedly into the night. I massage his shoulder gently, biting my lip. Little wonder he is so tense... he has had almost no time to truly work through everything that has happened since his brief return to Aelwyd Eirian, and the goings-on here have only added to that. I don't even know when was the last time he had a real sleep. If only there was more I could do for him. All the healing magic in the world can't assuage his grief.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I reply to the demand for consensus. "Sorry… Bressel reminded me of my oath. It's not just about how I must deal with Ankari. I need to defend Arendal. The sooner I know how authorities will respond, the sooner I know whether my oath will lead to certain death.

"If the fight can't be won, get Burnbright out. I'll stay and fight to the death if that's the best I can do. No choice. I don't want to live if it means breaking an oath to Brynhild. Trade my wings for a few extra years? No way."

I tell Bressel, "You must have not seen Aliron in some time. Figure the quickest way from here to the woods, or any place it's difficult to be seen. Expect he's ready to be followed, so he'll find you before you get too far." I shrug. "Worth a try, right? Sorry. I didn't see him leave."

 

[Ireth]

Líadan

I look up at Baldhart when she speaks. "Maybe we can avoid fighting entirely... as Cadell said, perhaps we can speak to the gnolls and dissuade them from attacking Arendal at all. You and he could go to them together. Would that change your oath, if Arendal is not in danger?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"It wouldn't change the oath. Just make it less likely to end my life. But think on how to dissuade them. These beasts killed women and children, and I imagine the pleas for mercy and cries of agony from the defenseless didn't stop them. When I think of what they've done, I'm not sure I want to dissuade them. I want to kill them or die trying.

"That said, if Burnbright was to leave now, I could truthfully tell them later that our party fled when one of our own murdered the local priest. Do the gnolls know that's what the commotion was about? They do know the common tongue. They may have seen Burnbright, but they wouldn't know if she fled before or after one of them got to you. Why burn Arendal if the target is getting away? She could leave by boat, so they woul—oh!

"Bressel! Alin did mention heading west by the waterfront, then meeting later on the road. He must have stuck to his original plan—that's where you can find him.

"Cadell, Liadan, let me get to Gisla or an elder now. No matter what message is given to the dogs, Arendal needs to be ready. I do a disservice by delaying my warning."

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I finally look over at Baldhart again, pondering her words about the gnolls. She does have a point... the one who parleyed with me said he almost regretted the slaughter, not that he truly had. And yet something in me resonates with their sorrowful history. They were forced out of the lands they called theirs, confined to the hills and caves, for no greater crime than self-defense. So was I banished from my home. Perhaps a bit of commiseration might pique their sympathy, if they understand that we are not so different.

I nod when she repeats her desire to find an elder. "Yes, go do that. I should prepare for my watch." I still want to rest, but the company needs me. I make sure I am armed, then move toward the door, beckoning for Aldar to follow.

Líadan

I sigh. "Is there anything else to discuss here? I should sleep while I have the chance before my own watch."

 

[SeverinR]

"Baldhart, If I leave town would I be thought of being criminal?"
Bressel asks.
"I don't want anymore of our group to be suspect, and definately not me."
"Also, is there any message for Aliron, plans, what he should do?"

{if Baldhart thinks it would be alright, Bressel will walk out to the ocean and start west. Axe in hand.}

 

[Steerpike]

Burnbright sits on the bed, her knife gripped in one fist, head down as the group talks. As options are presented, she looks up and interjects. "I can't let anyone else die for me. Not any of you, or this village. All of you can fight. You're good at it. That's your way of keeping people alive. I can't do that...yet. But I can keep people alive by going with these things. Isn't that what Brynhild would want me to do? Don't valkyries sacrifice themselves to save others? Would Veborg run away and hide, knowing a bunch of innocent people were going to be killed because of it?"

She shakes her head. "I-I don't know what to do. I'm scared. I want to be a valkyrie, but I don't want to die now. I just don't know what else to do. There are kids here! What's going to happen to them when the monsters that burned Srilkind coming riding in here on those wargs?"

Eyes glistening, she looks at each member of the group in turn.

 

[Ireth]

Líadan

I sit down next to Burnbright, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. I cup her chin in my other hand, looking into her eyes. Poor child... she does not deserve this.

"I know little of the ways of Brynhild, but I understand that we all must make sacrifices from time to time in order to serve our gods. Giving yourself over to the gnolls is a noble deed, but it should not be done simply to earn your place as a valkyrie -- as you say, there are many who would be spared a painful death if you went with the gnolls. That is a selfless thing to do.

"As for Aslaug herself..." Here I pause, wondering if my words are mere conjecture, or if there is some truth hidden in them. "I think perhaps we may be able to save her. If she is capable of love, and yet also commands evil forces, then clearly something evil is controlling her, whether from within or without. We may -- may -- be able to kill what- or whoever that is and save your mother. Perhaps it is not she who is corrupted, but something that has her under its power.

"To the point... I think that we should abide by Cadell's suggestion, and at least ask the gnolls if they will allow us to escort you to Aslaug for that purpose, and each of us should be prepared to act on their decision, whether it be yes or no."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I take Burnbright's hand.

"I believe you would serve Brynhild well because of your intention. However, what your mother intends to do to you may mean you will belong to the demon instead of her. She may have a plan to stop the demon or she may be acting on the demon's behalf without knowing it. All I'm certain of is that once you're in the enemy's hands, I have failed. The gnolls have killed innocents, including children of Srilkind. That's an evil and unforgivable act which makes them the enemy.

"Surrender is not an option."

As I head out, I tell Bressel, "As long as we're not witnesses or suspects, we're free to go in and out of town. In fact, take Burnbright with you. Burnbright, stay with Masama until we know of our decision. I need you out of reach in case Arendal turns on us and forces you to be handed over. They seem to be good people who will not, but I won't bet your freedom on it."

I mutter, "Mauve taught me not to be so trusting, though perhaps not in the way she had intended."

* * *

Seeing that Gisla is not available, I'll meet one of the elders. Is it the old man that spoke so kindly to Mauve that I'm to see…?