Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Legendary Sidekick]

Is that a druid thing? Does she think mother attempted to teach me her spells?

Careful what you say aloud, Baldy.



I tell Keit, "I don't know if seaweed would reach a boat or not, but if the gnolls go under, their armor would weigh them down. Whether seaweed could possibly entangle them so they can't strip off their armor, that I don't know. I do know that trying to swim in full armor doesn't work. I sank like a stone the one time I tried.

"Of course, I was twenty feet from shore and holding my breath, intent on staying underwater while approaching lizard archers. If these dogs jump, they should be far from shore and in deep water. If seaweed slows them down or confuses them as the struggle in vain to remove their armor—which may not be possible to remove if the dogs were engulfed first…"

I shrug.

"I should have asked mother about these things. If I ever get back home, she and I have lots of catching up to do!"



My next letter will go straight to her. Maybe letters is all I can ever offer her at this point.

​Remember, it doesn't end in this world. I visit my mother often.

 

[SeverinR]

"Bressel, I'll need you to row the boat with Alin on it, and listen carefully to what I tell the gnolls about your position. It's important we make them feel safe. Of course, even if I tell you to stay 300 feet away, Heartseeker won't miss. I don't want Alin to use Heartseeker unless the gnolls grab me and I'm unable to free myself.

"If getting shot or doused with oil won't get the gnolls to let me go, Nissa will torch the boat with me on it. I hope it won't come down to that, but I promise that if the gnolls board and I start rowing, it's only a matter of time before they die. I don't think they can grab me faster then I can jump overboard, but… just know that no matter what you see Nissa do, she and I have discussed every scenario we could think of."

"What do the gnolls know about Burnbright? I hear some of our information was divulged to the gnolls.

Aliron will have the necklace, will they think she is there because of that?"

Bressel looks around, "seems like he should be back by now."

"We should establish a sign or signal that you can use to have Aliron hit the right target with his bow. Especially if you have more then one grabbing you. Maybe you should plan ahead of time, that when the arrow hits, you try to slam the gnoll hit with the arrow off the boat. The arrow might not kill it outright. The surprise of the arrow hitting might give you enough time to break free, and take the injured with you over the edge of the boat."

"Also, when the trap is sprung, the gnolls on land will react. They might charge into town and begin killing. To bad there aren't more hunters in town, rather then fishermen. Easier to kill with a bow then trying hook a gnoll with a fishing pole."

"Maybe gnolls aren't any better'n fish? Maybe use the nets to snag the gnolls?"
"Is there any defendable place near town? Maybe to ambush from?" Bressel asks looking around.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Not gnolls, but goblins. All 9 gnolls can fit on the boat if we have the number right. There are 23 goblins with 4 wargs by Alin's count, and yes, they'd stay on land… and watch. Leaderless, they could do just about anything. There's a slight chance of disarming them, but only if the gnolls board in the first place, and remain calm when they feel oil.

"I may accomplish nothing more than giving them a better reason to leave us alone. I'm not as confident as Cadell that we can talk our way out if a fight.

"As for a signal, once the enemy attempts to use force, Nissa will come out and Alin can fire. First priority is a gnoll with his paws on me. If I can get away, shoot the alpha or any gnoll too close to the trigger—on top of the mast. If Nissa says hold fire as oil pours, please do, but ready an arrow and fire anyway if the gnolls don't sit down immediately.

"The extremely slim chance of disarming the goblins depends on whether the gnolls really think we'll spare them. Perhaps I'll let one strip off his armor so they think he'll live to bring a message to Aslaug. That will be a lie if Nissa says that. We don't want a single gnoll to live.

"In any case, the militia should be ready to fight goblin archers."

 

[Keitsumah]

"I think i can use seaweed to catch and drag under any gnolls that go overboard to avoid the flames and oil." I say, then my eyes narrow determinedly. "Baldart, if you go under, do not doubt for a second that i won't try to bring you to the surface some way or another -maybe even while using the same weeds to drag the gnolls under. So if you are caught, don't struggle. The life energy that i supply into the plants also allows me to sense movement, so i know where my enemy, or ally, is. I may be able to get you out safely if i can tell which one is you, but its risky enough as it is."

"As for the Wargs... Batos has fought and killed one before. An outright Alpha challenge should trigger the beast in all four Wargs and keep the goblins from interfering. Then he would be able to try and take one of them out and control the other three long enough to do some damage to the goblin horde before they can attack the village. But that all depends on if we get back here fast enough..." I tick of several numbers on my hands, calculating the chances. In the end, it all depends on how the gnolls behave. And I do not like that one bit.

A sour look crosses my face instantly and i mutter to myself. "Cursed wolves -they all behave the same." Then i raise my voice:

"Humanoid or not, they are still wolves. I have lived with and among a wolf nearly my entire life. Baldart, what is a man's greatest weakness?" a slow, evil grin comes to my face, and when Batos senses my thoughts he turns his head sharply.

His muzzle curls and his hair rises into what has to be the most pissed-off look he has ever given me.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Does a druid have this much control over plants?

"Keit…"

I put my arm around her and lead her a little further away from Grim, not sure how this talk of magic will go over. Maybe he doesn't know it's what she's talking about, and maybe he won't care. Still, I try to make it sound like it's not about magic as I start.

"…don't worry about me so much. Not to brag but I'm a good swimmer, and I dressed down for that reason."

I kneel down, in part to pat Batos again. I tell Keit, "If they get on the boat, they'll burn or drown from the weight of their armor. If the gnolls are where we want them, Nissa will kill them. But you know who she won't kill? The goblins. They'll be on land.

"There are plenty of plants on land, right? How close do you need to be to them to… watch them trip over roots?"

 

[SeverinR]

"Not gnolls, but goblins. All 9 gnolls can fit on the boat if we have the number right. There are 23 goblins with 4 wargs by Alin's count, and yes, they'd stay on land… and watch. Leaderless, they could do just about anything. There's a slight chance of disarming them, but only if the gnolls board in the first place, and remain calm when they feel oil."

"Kind of an all your eggs in one basket scenario. We should plan in case they leave a gnoll or two behind. If we can kill all the gnolls, the goblins should be of low morale. Maybe hitting the heart of their goblin leader with a full distance arrow might just send them running.
So as soon as the boat is engulfed, I say we charge towards the goblins, full intimidation. Maybe get the boat moving just prior to the boat being lit. As if we are bringing the girl to them, but swing towards the land enemy as soon as the fire starts. I guess we would have to pick up Baldhart unless we have another boat we could drop for her.

"Baldhart might have to stay back while getting her armor on. But we just killed their toughest and charge towards superior number, they might frenzy. Then we must engage with no mercy. Anyone of them survives to tell the tale, it will bring a larger force down on us."
Bressel looks around, "Either they kill us all, or we kill all of them. Worgs can't talk, so make sure it has no rider if one flees."

"We must agree on no surrender, no quarter, because they won't offer it." Bressel slams the side of his axe against his breast plate to emphasis the point.

"My axe should take out at least five. Aliron can be firing as we approach, he should be able to kill five. The more we kill the less the militia will have to risk. I think the group should be able to kill a large part of the goblins before they can chose which direction to attack or flee."
"The militia need to be primed for the fight and to also show no mercy. Tell them if the battle goes bad their women and children would be cut down by the goblins, as the other towns people were. remind them these are the murderers and destroyers of the other town. The battle cry must be the other towns name."

"Do you think we should commit the militia to charge the goblins when the boat is lit? Or hold them back until we engage?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I say to Bressel, "I like you're thinking, just be careful about how you kill 'em. If there are 23 goblins with crossbows, no fighter can get close enough to that—and you won't want to with four wargs! If the goblins only use hand crossbows, you're in better shape, but even then, you're better off letting them come to you so arrows can soften them.

"If I get the boat out, forget about me getting to shore. I'll go to Gisla and Grim's boat. You'll need to maintain a distance of 300 feet so the gnolls feel safe, so use that to head east of the goblins. You can land the boat east of the goblins, and outrun them back to Arendal or set up an ambush nearby—whichever is winnable. Keit has a means of slowing them down, which can help you keep a distance. If you fight in the woods, lure the enemy toward plants. Then shoot when they can't move."

((Holy crap! It's a corruption-free infallible spell, too, and with a good reach! Keit can cast, what, 4 of these?
"Entangle (L) - plants entangle everyone in 50 feet (plants must be present)"))

To Keit I ask, "Any chance the plants would entangle their weapons? Goblins will fall easily if they can't shoot. The wargs won't be so easy to kill though, but slowing them will help."

 

[Keitsumah]

((smug look -but my rollz isn't working! Ill need to make a new account cuz this is ridiculous))

I shut my mouth, quickly revising the previous plan, and Batos slumps to the floor in relief. I guess making myself smell like a female wolf in heat would only have made things worse anyways.

"I think it would entangle them to the point that they'd look like mummies if i am right. Either way, all would be distracted enough that we could do some serious damage even if their archers are able to fire and only tangled up at their ankles." I shrug, then shook Batos a look when he starts pounding his head repeatedly against Baldart's shoulder. He's still stuck on that previous idea i had.

"It was a good idea and may have helped- now stop with your male pride and deal with it! It's not like i would have let them near me anyways!" i snap at him. The wolf abruptly turns his head towards me and curls his lip, a gleam in his eyes that warns me to shut up. I cross my arms and glare at the wolf.

His ears flip back and i swear i could hear the word: Mine. resonate through my head.

 

[Ankari]

The wind breaks is teeth against the wall of trees, leaving a weak howl to ruffle my cloak. I am tired, in need of rest and meditation, but word of my exchange with Ghendra must reach Baldhart and the others. How simple we paint the world. All that is known and welcome take shape and color, bright and vibrant. All that is foreign is formless and cloaked in blacks and greys. Fear is a powerful force, one that can compel the weak to kill with little understanding, or follow a deity as fallible as the worshippers.

At the edge of the treeline, I spot the village and look for Baldhart at the docks.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron moves silently up to the docks trying to conceal himself, watching for any trouble.
If it appears safe, he will move up as closely as possible without being seen and then step into sight.

"I have acquired the item in question, is the boats ready?"

Bressel
Aliron is here shall we get into position? We can update him as we move."

 

[Nihal]

No boat. No one here.

I knew I should have stayed near the town, now I have no way to follow them back to the girls. I scratch my head and approach the ranger.

"So, they are gone. Judging what I have seen I assume your exchange went well with the gnolls."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

Cadell picked a real lousy time to become a pacifist. All this way for nothing.

I get up and snuff out a torch, then another… but before I can snuff out the third, Nissa appears!

"Nissa! Are we…?"

"You need rest, Baldy. You won't get much, but start rowing or you'll get none."

I do as she says.




Nissa

I fly over to the boat with Gisla and Grim. I'd prefer to talk to Gisla alone, and I'm sure she'd prefer I have clothing on.

First I say to Grim, "I think I owe you an explanation. My name is Nissa van Donk. You may not know it, but I distracted the gnolls while Baldy and Alin got you and the others out of the Crow. I know you are Grim, but I didn't catch your wife's name. Perhaps when it is safe, I can meet her as well. That way, when you want to speak of the time you saw a valkyrie, you'll have someone you can tell about me that won't think your mind is gone.

"I apologize for the way I am dressed—or not… my clothing is at the Maiden's Spear. I was hoping to deliver retribution to the gnolls tonight, but it appears that plan was successfully thwarted. Baldhart and I expected a no-show, but you understand, it is she who fails our Goddess if she does not try.

"Now we have only failed in our mission, but in Brynhild's eyes, I assure you we did right. Thank you for rowing, Grim. Please row back now while I speak to Gisla."

I sit close to Gisla. How does she feel about my nakedness? Uncomfortable? Can she see my body does not embarrass me? I enjoy my physical form… the feeling of air through my lungs. I must savor the moments I can appear and no one needs to die, no matter how much I'd prefer to see gnolls burn.

I say to Gisla, "I have a mission, too. My orders come directly from Brynhild Herself, Gisla. I am Baldhart's protector.

"Like Baldhart, I may fail my mission. I may fail because she needs to take a great risk to protect the children of Arendal, and that would be a worthy sacrifice. A good death. If she lays down her life for innocent children, I have not failed Brynhild.

"Don't you agree?"

I wonder if Gisla knows what I intend to ask of her…

 

[Ankari]

Mauve detaches herself from the night. The casualness of her tones suggests a smugness. I release my grip from an axe and remove my ripped cloak from my shoulders.
"It went. I will tell you about it in the company of the others. For now, I am tired and need rest." A thought strikes me. "Do you have a spell that can make us warm?"

 

[Nihal]

Woods

"Ankari, you are truly no fun." I sigh and drop my backpack, then slumping my shoulders to make a clearer point. "Do you enjoy denying me information or is it some kind of general vow you have taken?" I make a face and fake a deeper voice, "And you shall not give any kind of information to arcane users."

I unfasten the clasp of my cloak, sliding it off my shoulders. It's not really my cloak, it's something I've bought in this odious town. Given my talent to destroy what I wear, keeping spares is a wise move. Smirking, I throw it to the ranger. "If I knew such spell everything would be too easy. Keep your rags over it to feel warmer."

Finally, a moment I've been looking forward. Taking a bunch of clothes from the backpack I move behind a tree, taking off the dress and wearing one layer of clothes over another.

"I hope you know where find them." My hair falls around me, free from the braid and warming my neck. I lay next my backpack, using the dress as a blanket. "Because I do not."

 

[SomethingToPonder]

Aldar looked a bit annoyed. Did he not realize Cadell put my life in danger by giving the enemy information about my plan?

"That is a serious issue baldhart, However Im sure cadell must have some motive, I cannot see him just betraying his companions on purpose. Whatever happened we need to stick together now, It is in the past and nothing can change what has happened already, I for one agree with your plan, So you know Im on your side in that sense, but there wil be a time and a place to argue about things."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

Aldar calls to me from another boat.

"What's done is done, yes. But I trusted Cadell more than most, and find it ironic that he decried my use of deception against enemies when he was deceiving me. And he did betray me on purpose. He overheard me as you did, but instead of coming to me he snuck out on horseback! Children's lives are at stake, and he gambled with their lives by aiding the enemy. He gambled with my life, too, by informing the gnolls of a trap.

"They will have their guard up when they come. If they come, they likely intend to kill, and though I would like to ready a trap, there's a good chance the enemy will anticipate it thanks to Cadell's loose lips. His motive is peace. I can't accept this motive. The enemy's action indicate they have no interest in peace, no matter what their words may be.

"The gnolls deserve death. No death is slow or painful enough for what they did to innocent children. If Cadell can't agree on killing them, he should bed his woman and beat his drum and stay the hell out of our way. If the majority of the party wanted peace, I wouldn't have set the trap behind everyone's back.

"Sorry… his treachery I can forgive, but the trust is forever broken."

 

[Steerpike]

Late Night in Arendal

The boats holding the party members and the trap for the gnolls toss on the cold waves of the northern ocean. Grim huddles quietly inside, waiting for some indication that the trap will soon be sprung. That indication never comes, and as most of the group becomes increasingly cold, the salt spray soaking their clothes through, it becomes clear that the gnolls are not coming.

Gisla curses, scanning what little can be seen of the cliffs, looking for a sign. "I admit I did not fully like this plan. I suppose I still don't. But worse yet is all of the preparation, followed by this interminable waiting. It reminds me of my mercenary days."

When Nissa appears to Grim, he stumbles backward, nearly pitching into the sea before managing a secure grip on the side of the boat. He sputters a bit, casting his glance from one party member to the next, unsure how to react. He hears Nissa out, keeping his eyes averted from her form, then nods and says "It's nice to meet ya...er...Miss van Donk?"

Gisla has seen Nissa before, but appears no less moved, though she doesn't threaten to fall into the ocean. Her good hand goes absently to the symbol of Brynhild she wears around her neck. She tells Nissa: "I believe Brynhild judges us by our action, but also understands our intentions. A death in defense of innocents is a good one, Nissa van Donk. If Baldhart falls protecting Arendal, she will not have failed. You won't have failed either."

The group rows back to Arendal, Grim silent as he pulls at the oars. The appearance of Nissa, the presence of Batos, the emotional build up to a confrontation with the gnolls that never happened...all of it seems to bear down on him. He says to Aldar "I'll have that thrice-damned drink when we get back to the Spear. I'll have two of 'em, in fact, and pray to whoever listens that I don't have another night like this one!"

Mauve and Ankari spot the group as they row back to town, able to see the docks from their vantage point. When the boats near the docks, Grim and Gisla move swiftly to lash the boats in place, allowing everyone to safely exit the vessels.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I reply to Gisla, "Then know that I will send her on a watch when she gets back. No matter what news she brings you, know that she was under my order.

"I won't be vague. It's possible Ankari has information from the gnolls—if they didn't kill him. If she sees him or he sees her, I will have her find out what he knows and relay that information to you. I don't want this to be a problem. Understand that he may know something that can help us. I do not condone his murderous action, and Ankari must face the consequences. But that must wait… there are children to protect.

"I also must protect Baldhart, so I hope you will permit the smith to get back to his shop. She and Bressel are the strongest fighters in her party. Best they don't fight dressed like…" I point to Baldhart, who wears little more than I do. "…that."

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

The sun bathes me in its warmth as I hurry through the woods of my homeland, my heart aching to see Líadan again. I know she'll be waiting under the cherry trees, where we always go to be alone. I duck under the blossom-laden boughs, smiling as pink and white petals fall onto my hair. There she is, kneeling at the far side of the glen; she rises when she sees me and starts forward.

As I move to close the gap between us, the earth heaves under our feet. A rift appears in the middle of the glen, gaping ever wider like a great yawning mouth. I teeter on the edge, lose my balance and fall — but I twist in midair, managing to grip the near lip of the chasm. Craning my neck to look over my shoulder, I see Líadan on the other side of the rift, too far to help me.

Something latches onto my ankle, threatening to drag me down into the void below. I stare down in horror at the corpse of Fachtna. His fleshless hand is wrapped around my ankle, and his eyes stare blankly out of his putrid green face. I choke and turn away, looking up as a shadow falls over me.

"Majesty!" I cry. "Help me!"

Queen Brígh tilts her head, and slowly reaches for my hand. I clutch urgently at hers, looking into her eyes. Before I can begin to thank her, her face twists in rage, and she throws me backward into the abyss.

I jerk awake with a gasp, my heart racing. For a moment I lie frozen, staring at the ceiling; then I turn to the side and curl up. Líadan is still asleep; I lie still, listening to her soft breathing at my side, and struggle to sort through my myriad thoughts. Even the blissful hours spent in my lover's arms could not dispel the stormclouds from my mind.

Baldhart and Ankari both called me weak. Maybe they're right. Maybe I am... but I don't want to be. I need to be strong. I must live up to the name I gave myself. Einion, the Anvil, firm and unyielding. How can I protect Catli if I am anything else? How did it come to this?

Even an anvil can be melted down or broken, says a voice in the back of my mind. Nothing stays as it is forever.

I look down at the stump of my left arm, and my lip curls. Wonderful. So now I'm not just weak, I'm useless. Well, Baldhart said as much. I'm an obstacle she doesn't want to trip over.

Revulsion churns in the pit of my stomach. I clench my fist, then roll over and ram it into my pillow with all the strength and anger I can muster.

((Oops, that should be a straight d20. I think the -2 penalty still applies for Cadell using his off-hand. Oh well, at least it's not a really important action.))

The action rouses Líadan; she sits up and pushes her hair back from her face, looking at me in confusion. "What are you doing?"

I sigh. "Venting my frustrations on a target that can neither feel pain nor reciprocate it. I suppose it's all I'm good for now, weak as I am."

I raise my fist to hit the pillow again, but Líadan gently grips my wrist. Her eyes are full of pity and compassion. She cups my chin with her other hand.

"Listen to me, dear heart. There is no shame in being weak; it happens to us all at one time or another. That is why we need others around us, to support each other and share our strengths. And you still have those. Strength is not found only in one's ability to draw a bow or use a sword. You have great strength of heart and mind, both of which are just as important as strength of body."

I snort, but do not pull away from her. "Tell that to Ankari and Baldhart. They think my heart is my weakness."

"Then prove them wrong. Fight the gnolls, and all your enemies, with all the valor you have."

"I've already sworn to fight the gnolls if they attack. That won't prove anything but that I can keep my word. It doesn't change what I said to the gnolls themselves. And breaking that word will only make things worse." I turn away, wincing at the awkward position it lands me in.

Líadan sighs. "Cadell... look at me."

Reluctantly, I do.

She takes my hand in her free one, meeting my eyes again. "What I think you need is some time to yourself, away from the company. Not a long time; just enough to pull yourself together and work through all that has happened to you. You have suffered enough for a lifetime in the past day alone. Wounds grow infected if you do not take the time to treat them; it is no different for the heart as for the body. I know you want to be an anvil, but even they can break under too much stress."

My breath leaves me in a huff. "I figured that out for myself, thank you--"

"Then you should know that it isn't the best path for you. Think of the trees. The oak stands tall and steadfast, yet it breaks under too strong a gale. The willow, on the other hand, bends with the wind while still keeping its roots deep and firm. You are trying too hard to be an oak. Try being a willow instead."

I sigh. "I can think of a few others who would benefit more from that advice. And you're forgetting one important thing. I can't afford to leave the company, not when we teeter on the edge of battle. If I walk out now, Baldhart will think I've betrayed the company completely. They may not take me back if I leave now and return later, and then my oath to protect Catli is in vain."

Líadan's expression doesn't change from her ever-present calm. "If you feel that way, then talk this over with Baldhart before you do anything. She knows what you've suffered, and if she truly cares for you, she will understand."

"Well, that's the problem... I don't think she does care about me anymore."

A hint of a smile pulls at Líadan's mouth. "Then why are you bothered at all? Do what you feel is right. You cannot serve the company as well as you should if you continue to neglect your own needs."

"If I tell her that, she will say that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one."

"Then tell her that a body cannot function if its parts are in disarray. If even a finger is hurt, the whole body is affected--or so it should be. And you, Cadell, are worth far more than a finger in this company."

My eyes narrow as I look again at the stump of my left arm. "Some wounds merit amputation of the afflicted part, not healing. Baldhart would say I am one of those. In her eyes I am an infection, fit only to be cut out so the rest of the body does not wither." Just as Fachtna thought. My stomach churns again.

I lie back with a groan and shut my eyes. "I can't speak to her tonight. Baldhart is still angry at me; she'll just snap and tell me to leave without thinking first. Nor can I wait until the morning, because the gnolls might come before then, and Baldhart may be killed, or sacrifice herself for Arendal. If I stay here when the gnolls are at the docks, I break my word to fight against them. But I can't fight at all if I haven't slept properly. Dammit! What does she expect me to do?"

Líadan's lips brush my cheek. "Sleep, beloved. I will go to Baldhart in your stead. If anything happens at the docks, I will wake you as soon as I am able."

I open my eyes and shake my head. "Baldhart will only brand me a coward if I do not speak to her myself. She will think you're making excuses for me. That will not help her think better of either of us."

Líadan's mouth tightens, and she sits up, then pulls on her dress and boots as she speaks. "You are the only person whose opinion of me I value, aside from Oercus. I will take this task on myself, for your sake. If Baldhart hates me, then let her hate me alone. I am no true part of the company in any case. Your oath is not mine. I came through the Gaita for you, and no other."

She strides toward the door before I can protest, fastening her cloak about her shoulders as she goes.


Líadan

I hurry down to the docks, hoping Baldhart will be there, and my coming is not in vain.

((What's up with that? D=))

((That's a little better. :/))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((I'm assuming that there's no need to retroactively continue the Nissa-Gisla conversation. I wanted to see Gisla's reaction before Nissa said the important part, and judging by her reaction, I doubt she'll protest Nissa's words…))


Baldhart

As I get out of the boat, I see Liadan is there. It also occurs to me that Nissa had a conversation with Gisla…

So what can I do but speak only when spoken to?

Well… say something.

"Hi."

I wish Liadan was holding a torch so you could see me face-palm.



((I'm finally a thousandth poster! Yaaaaaaaaaay!))