Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I am impressed with the place he has built, and I'm sure my expression shows that. His words impress me, too. What a wonderful family! And he wants to protect them, of course...

"I can't make guarantees about those monsters, but I believe both of those groups followed the warriors here. In the case of the gnolls, there was a symbol of Gefjon that a young girl wore--the girl Fiona was mistaken for--and we found out that a spell was cast on that holy symbol. Once we were rid of it, the gnolls admitted they could no longer locate the girl they were searching for, so they will not be back.

"As for the fish demons... they must have followed the people of Srilkind. They were rescued on small boats, and two of the survivors were wounded. Likely, the fish demons followed the scent of human blood. But now the shore here smells of their own corpses. I suspect that would deter another attack.

"I think your family is safe here, but if they want to come, I'm sure Grim's wife will appreciate some help in her kitchen. The Hooded Crow is still in one piece, so there should be a clean place to sleep. Maybe you can sleep on that decision. Perhaps you and the other builders would appreciate a breakfast at the Spear to see you off? I'll see that your wife and daughters are treated to breakfast as well, even if you decide they stay here."

Once our conversation is at an end, I politely excuse myself and head to the Maiden's Spear.



((I'll post Nissa in the alley during my 9:00 break. Students are on their way to my room now.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I lift off from Fiona's home with a prayer in my heart for Fiona's family. ...and Fiona shows promise. I pray that a valkyrie might watch over Fiona and perhaps speak to her in her dreams.

I fly high to make sure the town is safe. I suppose all is well on the outskirts, but the commotion building around the Spear catches my attention. I hover above, taking in what I can. Aldar is... wow! I don't know what he is, other than oblivious to Cadell's words. Batos is keeping the crowd at bay, but with the priest yelling "demon," a growling wolf will only keep the adrenaline up.

But he's a smart one, that wolf. He was buying time. When they see me land in front of the growling wolf, that will help. I'm not scary like Gisla and Baldhart. Brynhild chose me for my own gifts.

So... I need to come off as both adorable and fearless if I'm to calm the crowd. And my voice and words need to be calm as well.

I begin my descent placing my hands on my dress so it won't fly up. Batos is directly underneath me... I mount his back--but I won't straddle him. That's not ladylike. I sit sidesaddle and say to the crowd, "Good evening, gentlemen."

CHA/Prime:

Have a look, boys. My cuteness is irresistible. I smile and make eye-contact as my wings slowly fold. Do I have your attention yet? I give Batos a pat on the head, hoping he'll take it as a sign to calm down now. When I look at the priest, that's the time to speak again. If I just sit and smile, I'll look like a ditsy blonde.

I say to the men, "I was just talking to Olaf--the father of Rionach and Fiona. I had a wonderful visit with his family, and I left them with a prayer in my heart. Olaf's entire household impressed me. In the short time that I have observed them, Fiona stood up to the gnoll leader and did what was needed to get his army to leave peacefully. Rionach supported her little sister, which gave her the strength to act. Their mother invited me into their home for a meal. And as for the man of the house, he means to go to Srilkind tomorrow to help rebuild."

I know, I know... what's this got to do with Aldar?

"Olaf suggested I go to the Spear. There, I would meet other, good, strong men who are talented with their hands. He also moved me with his words: if one village falls... that sets us all back.

"He never even spoke of compensation. He is simply doing what is right and considering what matters most. I suppose I'm in a similar situation. I was hoping to talk about rebuilding Srilkind and now..." I gesture toward Aldar. I notice the book is the same one he was reading in the temple. Now I know why he was on the same page for so long. "...I must deal with this. One of the men who helped saved your village seems to have discovered a spell in a book from your own library. He failed to resist temptation and meddled with a power he should have known not to meddle with. We explained that human towns have different laws than elf towns, and we need to respect those laws for everyone's safety. I cannot excuse this.

"What I can do is ask everyone present to do as Olaf and his family do--to do what is right. Morally, I mean. Laws change from one nation to another, and even neighboring villages may have different rules of law. But morality knows no borders.

"If this old elf has done no harm or made no threats, the right thing to do is let Cadell escort him away... oh, and see to it that the book is returned with all of its pages intact before leaving. Cadell, I suggest you warn him that he is not to enter another human town. Public displays of magic could get him burned at the stake, and those with him found guilty by association and punished by death. To punish innocents, by the way, is morally wrong. It is also an evil act if the executioner is aware that he is killing an innocent person.

"But I'm not about to debate your laws. On the contrary, I hope that those who travel with followers of my goddess will respect the laws of any town we enter whether they agree with the laws or not!"

To the priest, I add, "That said, please allow this senile old elf to be escorted to the wilderness. I believe he means no harm and has done no harm, and I am confident that his fellow elves can keep him from entering other human villages and causing panic. We banded together to fight monsters. Let's not ruin a triumph of good over evil because of this foolishness."

I'll explain my words to Aldar later... for now, I hope cooler heads prevail, and that this priest isn't as stubborn as Geralt. Best Ankari doesn't know of him if he mentions a stake, or we may have two murders.

 

[Keitsumah]

Batos's head whips around when he feels Nissa land on his back, but when he sees who it is merely looks at her in bafflement. His aggressive stance drops for the moment, and he keeps his head low so that the crowd can see Nissa clearly. But his eyes are watchful. If anyone makes a sudden move to get in the alley he will pounce and try to pin them.

I keep my hand clapped over my mouth to keep from laughing when I see Nissa on Batos's back. It actually looks neat, but the thought of what may be going through his head at the moment has me shaking with laughter.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I look up as Nissa flies down to land on Batos' back, and addresses the surrounding mortals. Her words make me smile, and I relax as I listen to what she has to say. Very charismatic, that girl. I'm glad she's thinking of everyone's well-being. But her assumptions are not quite correct -- Aldar is many centuries younger than me. I don't imagine he's much over a thousand, and I am nearly thrice that.

I wait for the mortals to respond, hoping I can get Aldar out of here peacefully. Why he hasn't spoken for himself yet, I have no idea. Who knows, maybe it's better if he stays silent.

 

[SeverinR]

Bressel:
Bressel walks along the cliff towards town. Watching for any danger from the sea, and enjoying the calming of the peacefulness of nature.

 

[Steerpike]

Baldhart

Grim and Astrid both look over the letter Baldhart presents to them when she finishes writing. The older woman smiles and pats Baldhart on the arm. "Thank you. If your father can spare the help it will be sorely needed."

Grim nods. "That's a good thing you're doing, 'especially for people you didn't even know all that long ago. It's much appreciated. And making sure that young girl's got a place to go if she needs it...well, it's not many people that would do it."

The large man furrows his brow for a long moment, still looking down at the letter, then says "I hope to see Srilkind rebuilt, but if you find that you need us, or that you need to send Burnbright, do not hesitate. We'll put the rebuilding aside and see to it that the girl is taken care of."

The two thank Baldhart again as she leaves. Baldhart makes her way to Gisla's room and finds the door unlocked. When she opens the door, she sees Gisla on her feet and dressed. The woman is sitting on the edge of her bed tying the laces of her boots.

The Commotion

Batos has the townsfolk at bay, none willing to risk the ire of the large wolf. When Nissa lands on the wolf's back and the beast presents a more docile aspect to the crowd, some of the villagers gape openly. There is muttering as well, as though the convergence of the scaled wizard, the wolf, and the small winged valkyrie is some dire omen.

But as Nissa speaks, some of the tension goes out of the crowd. Some continue to look uncomfortable, but others look abashed as Nissa mentions the heroics in saving Arendal, and Olaf's pledge to help rebuild Srilkind. The priest from the Temple of Tyr steps out ahead of the crowd, but still well out of Batos' reach, and addresses Nissa, his voice clear and carrying over the assembled crowd.

"Dark days have come to this village. Murder. Demons. With the Taint to the north, we've all lived in some measure of fear these many years. The old tales weigh heavily on our minds - the devastation wrought by those meddling in the dark arts. Tales from the Great War. Even now the most unnatural force in our daily lives is the Taint, which hides evil creatures and wears good men down. We have more cause than most to fight against the evils of spellcraft."

The priest sighs. "We've also had cause to mourn deaths in recent days, both of our own and of our brothers and sisters in Srilkind. But for Tyr's grace, the gnolls might have come here first, seeking to make an example of this village."

"I for one say there has been enough death these past days. I have no stomach for adding another, even one with the power to draw on magic. Take him, as you suggest. I will take the book and lock it away safely beneath the temple."

"Your service to this village will not be forgotten. I do not know for certain what to make of each of you - elves in the northland for the first time in centuries, strange wolves traveling with them, and a winged girl who claims to be a servant of Brynhild. Well, and maybe you are. In the old days, the Valkyrie did indeed descend from on high to shepherd to souls of the valorous to Valhalla. Strange times are upon us, and perhaps those days are returned."

The priest waggles a finger at Nissa, "But beware as you travel. You are unlikely to find others in as understanding a mood as I. The circumstances here are singular, you understand. And the Inquisition has agents in the north. Believe me when I tell you, young winged miss, that not amount of smiles or clever speeches will still their hand. For what you've done for Arendal, I beg you to heed me. Do not truck with magic, for the sake of your own souls. And certainly do not do so openly, for the sake of your skins."

With that, the priest holds out a hand, clearly waiting for the book to be handed over. Aldar, somewhat abashed, steps forward past Batos, eyeing the crowd as he does. The villagers make no move toward him, and he hands the book over to the priest, who nods, tucks the tome under an arm, and walks back toward the temple. The villagers disperse then, giving Batos a wide berth as they do.

 

[Steerpike]

Outside of Town

Where Ankari and Liadan talk, little transpires. The day is pleasant, and they are too far removed from Arendal to hear the commotion in its streets. They do, after a moment, hear tromping through the trees near the cliff edge, the heavy sounds moving in the direction of Arendal. A moment later, Bressel emerges from the woods, spotting the pair of elves at the same moment they see him.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I see Gisla is getting ready to go out. "Good to see you're feeling well enough to go out," I say. But it is odd she's preparing to leave while Burnbright is here. "Um... something's happening, I take it?"

I move closer to the bathroom. Pointing to the door, I ask, "Should I be worried about her?"

((I'm assuming Baldy can tell if Burnbright's in the bath without knocking, asking, barging in on her, etc., so I'm picturing Baldy standing close to the door but leaving the door as is. She trusts Gisla enough that she won't freak out or blame her, but she'll be very worried if she doesn't know where Burnbright is.))


Nissa

I reply to Father, "Believe me when I say I am grateful for your handling of this. I am what I appear to be, but it is as you say, a valkyrie is a servant to Brynhild. It is not my place to fly around and tell people what to do. In fact, I didn't intend to fly in town at all... fish demons invading a cave full of children forced me to take action."

I dismount Batos, in case he means to help escort Aldar from town. I saw some of the men were moved when I mentioned Olaf. Do I still have their attention? Of course, I am a spectacle. Even without wings, I'm half a halfling. I mustn't waste this gift.

"I suppose I wasn't forced to save the children," I say. "To stand up against a force evil is a choice. And that's why I came here... to ask for some strong, talented men to make a choice as Olaf did. A man named Grim, owner of the Hooded Crow, means to rebuild his village. I wish to tell him that Olaf will help, and I will tell Aga as well, so Olaf can enjoy a hearty breakfast before he leaves.

"Will any of you join him? Do you know of any men who are able, and potentially willing, to help?"

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I sigh as Aldar hands the book over to the priest, and urge him toward the woods. I have no more harsh words for him, at least for now. But a response to my prior ones would be heartening. He seems not himself, and not just because of the scales.

 

[SeverinR]

Bressel
"Good day to you." Bressel lifts his right hand in greeting,"What news have you?"
He walks up to the pair.
"Aliron is feeling we need to move on and I tend to agree with him. The town is a dangerous place and the enemy will find new forces to send after us. We need to have some leagues between us and them before they find our trail."

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

"Good day," I reply to Bressel. "I agree, moving on is a good idea. Have you any knowledge of what is happening in town? We should let the rest of the company know of our plans."

 

[Steerpike]

Baldhart

Gisla looks up when Baldhart enters. "Oh, everything is fine. I decided it was time to get out of this bed." She pats the mattress with her hand. "I thought I'd go out and see what damage was done to the village, how the people are faring, and so on. Once you'd returned, of course." She raises her voice. "I think Burnbright is still enjoying her soak."

Burnbright's muffled voice comes through the door: "There should be a new rule that shield maiden's get hot baths every morning!"

Nissa

The villagers stand back as Cadell leads Aldar away. Many of them are still gaping at the scales covering the elf's skin. The priest nods at Nissa as she talks about her intentions, then makes his way back to the temple.

As Nissa talks about the rebuilding of Srilkind, most of the villagers listen attentively. A few have shuffled off, and some are looking questioningly at each other. A few mutterings break out, mostly worry about leaving families unprotected in Arendal, or the work of their daily lives or the need to rebuild the stairway to the docks.

A man recognized as Arendal's blacksmith grunts. "There's a lot to be done, and no mistake. But whats to say we can't do both? Those what can rebuild the docks, stay here and do that first. Won't done none of us no good if we don't get ships back here again quick. Srilkind's probably got more use for a man to work metal right now than we do here, so I'm for Srilkind. If Olaf's coming, well he can handle some o' the wood work and I reckon we can get another one or two of ye to do the same. We'll leave enough of those able and willing to defend Arendal if the fish demons or them gnolls come back here. We still got the caves, if we need 'em, and I reckon those of you who want yer families close can bring 'em along to Srilkind. Won't take nothing to make some temporary homes for us to work out of."

The blacksmith looks at members of the crowd, then holds up a hand. "Who's willing to help rebuild in Srilkind?" There is only a brief pause, then a couple of hands raise, then a couple more. There is more discussion and back and forth between members of the crowd, and soon there are a total of six with their hands up.

The blacksmith turns back to Nissa and says "You said something 'bout Aga making breakfast?" His face erupts in a grin.

The Woods

Now Bressel, Liadan, and Ankari are all near the wood's edge on the outskirts of Arendal. It is not long before they spy Cadell approaching as well. He is leading Aldar, who appears to be somewhat dazed or befuddled, and who's skin is dark, scale-like bumps.

Aliron

It isn't long before Masama finishes getting everything together. He does the work in silence, Branwen tagging along behind him and helpfully handing him something from time to time. Then Masama makes his way out of the cave, clambering over the heavy rocks of the cliff with Branwen clinging to his back, arms around his neck and legs wrapped around his waist. The harpy giggles as they climb, and when they reach the top, Masama pries her loose and sets her on the ground, rubbing at his neck and saying "By Asra, girl, did you mean to strangle me?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

The blacksmith works the crowd in the way that I can't. I watch the men discuss, and… Olaf plus six now. Finally the smith asks about breakfast.

"Yes." I hold up my purse. "Breakfast is on me… or rather, it's on Brynhild's only nun, but she won't object. I might suggest you come to eat at the same time, so Aga can have everything ready. Can I have your names? And… if any of you will have wives and children with you, I should know that as well."

Once I know how many men, women, and children I need to feed, I head to the Spear. I fly in, rather than suddenly pop up from behind that big counter of hers. "Hi, Aga… remember me?" After placing the order with purse in hand, I ask, "Is Grim around?"


Baldhart

I say to Gisla, "Just don't forget to eat something. I think Aga almost has dinner ready. But if you're heading out right away, I can stay with Burnbright and we can put on the woad paint. I feel naked without it." …even though I'm wearing my most modest outfit.

"Oh! I almost forgot… I have a letter to send to the Iron Mountain. I don't know if the last one was destroyed in all the fighting, but it doesn't matter. If only one letter makes it home, I prefer it be this one."

I hand over the parchment with the name Rainhard Eisenberg on it. "That's my dad," I tell Gisla. "If you end up reading it, I don't mind."

When Burnbright shouts her rule, I agree. "Indoor baths are best," I tell her, remember the fish demons and the six-legger. They thought I was food, but in the end, it was me who dined on the six-legger.

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I look up curiously as Cadell approaches, leading Aldar... or at least I think it's Aldar. His skin is dark and scaly, like some sort of monster. What has he been doing? Cadell certainly seems displeased with him.

"Cadell? What's going on?" I call to him.

Cadell

I cannot keep the frustration from my voice as I reply. "This fool has been dabbling in dark magic, from the look of things. He found a spellbook in the temple of Tyr. Now he's frightened half the village, almost had them raising the militia. Thank goodness Keit and Batos held the crowds at bay, and Nissa arrived to talk them down. Aldar hasn't seemed to hear anything I've said to him. We need to get out of town before anything else happens."

 

[Ankari]

I nod to Bressel. "Good day. I agree. I'm waiting on Della to find Baldhart and get kitted for the trek north. Nowing Baldhart and the pixie, they're talking of clothing and baths, completely ignorant of the time slipping by. Since I can't go into town, I'm forced to wait here until Della's return."

Everyone turns to face the town. By the confusion on their face, I know I won't like the object of their attention. Turning, I see Cadell leading Alder. Scaled skin and the blank look is all I need to confirm my suspicions.

Cadell's explaination only confirms my instincts. "Why is it this group attracts the fringe of society? Where is my mad Mauve? At least I knew to expect her dagger between my ribs.

We need to wrap up. Cadell, can you take your lovely, level-headed princess back to town and coral the divas and fantatics?"

 

[Steerpike]

In Arendal

The men who volunteer to rebuild Srilkind give their names to Nissa. Only a few of them have wives or children, or at least that are present. By the time the names are tallied, Nissa has orders for breakfast for ten. One of the children she recognizes as Liam, the young boy who was with Fiona and Rionach when Ghendra approached them.

The blacksmith looks around at those willing to help, then spreads his arms wide and says "We got this here valkyrie buyin' us breakfast in the morning, but what say we head on over to the Spear now and grab some dinner? I'm sure Gisla'd be glad of the business, and we can talk about what comes first when we get to Srilkind."

When Nissa gets to the Spear she finds only a small crowd, either eating or waiting to be served. Aga is nowhere to be seen at first, though Nissa recognizes Dalla standing by the bar. Aga, on the other hand...

...passes Gisla on the way up the stairs. Gisla took Baldhart's letter when offered, saying "there should be a ship by within a few days. They won't know the stairs to the docks are destroyed, and I imagine they'll put in at the docks for at least a little while. We'll want to do some trade with them, so I'll work with some of the men on a good way to do that. I'll give them your letter too, and get it on its way." She pats the letter as she puts it in her pocket. "I won't peek."

A few moments later, Burnbright emerges wrapped in a thick towel, steam rising from her head and shoulders. "I never thought a bath would feel that good," she says. "I guess it's time to get ready, though, isn't it?"

Before Baldhart can reply, there is a quick knock and Aga sticks her head in the door. "Baldhart, there's a young lady here to see you. It's Dalla, the daughter of one of the old seamstresses we have here in town. She says she was sent here to see you. Did you order something from her or her Ma?"

When Aga gets back downstairs, her eyes widen at the group following Nissa in. She picks up her pace, and when the group heading for Srilkind orders drinks and dinner she looks at the crowd again and says "I'll have it up as fast as possible."

The girl looks a overwhelmed at the additional crowd, but Gisla comes out of the back, an apron thrown over her head and hanging down to cover her front. "Don't worry Aga, I'm feeling a lot better. Let's get these people fed."

Aga looks greatly relieved, gives Gisla a quick hug, and then sets to work. When Aga is asked about Grim, she shouts back over her shoulder "In his room!"

 

[Steerpike]

((For those outside Arendal, I'll let the players continue to RP as they decide what action to take next)).

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I tell Burnbright to kindly dry off and change. I need to see Dalla. "I told you about Tommen, right dear? He is the only man I killed... and Dalla loved him. I need to face her, and... well... I guess you're going to witness this."

When I go downstairs I just want to give little Nissa a hug. She must have brought Dalla to me. Frail little thing... still in her teens? And she's puffy-eyed. She knows. Knows something. She doesn't hate me. Not yet.

"Dalla, I am Baldhart Eisenberg, a servant of Brynhild. If you would follow me upstairs where we can talk privately, I have something that belongs to you."

I don't want this discussion to be made publicly. It will be hard enough in front of Burnbright...



Nissa

I thank Aga, letting her know, "That's 10 for those outside, plus 4 for Olaf and his family. I'll pay for the breakfast that sees them off to Srilkind."

I fly up to Grim's room and knock on the door. I give Baldy and Dalla each a pat on the shoulder as I pass by, but I say nothing. The two of them will have plenty to say to each other.

 

[Steerpike]

Baldhart

Dalla looks up at the much larger Baldhart as she approaches. The girl is slight, and it does indeed look as though she's been crying. When Baldhart invites her upstairs, she looks surprised. "Were you expecting me? I was told by...er...well, I didn't get his name..." She then proceeds to describe Ankari to a tee. "He said you'd help me. You see, Tommen was my...we were to be betrothed, and to live in the south after we married. But he's gone now. I'm told you know what happened to him. I want to come with you...with your whole group I mean. I want to repay Aslaug for what she did!"

Slight or not, by the end Dalla has some fire in her voice. She follows Baldhart upstairs to discuss privately.

Nissa

Grim opens the door. Astrid is in the room behind him, done with her packing and sitting on the edge of the bed looking out the window. When Grim sees who is at the door, his eyebrows shoot up. Astrid turns to see who it is, then rises, a hand at her throat. Oh, my..." she says.

Grim fumbles for a moment, truly dwarfing the small valkyrie. He seems a bit uncomfortable, despite having met her. Then says "I'm sorry, come right in. I don't reckon the demons killed me after all and you're here to take me ta Valhalla?" He grumbles out a laugh and Astrid shakes her head, but she too has a slight smile on her face.

Astrid doesn't seem to know quite what to make of Nissa.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I take Dalla to my room. Um... looks like Mauve's not in here? Huh. Now who's going to eat her food? And... oh balls. It's probably ready and I forgot to ask Aga.

What Dalla says to me is interesting. I hand over the letters from Tommen and let her do as she will. If she reads one, this will take some time. I'll send Burnbright for dinner if it comes to that. When she's ready to listen, I tell Dalla:

"Aslaug commands an army of monsters."

I don't tell her Burnbright's the target. She isn't part of our group, and... I'm not sure that's in her best interest. What the hell was Ankari thinking? Well... Dalla is attractive, and manless thanks to me. Maybe Ankari...? Nah.

"Tommen was part of that army, Dalla. It pains me to tell you this because I know you loved him. But you need to know the truth before you commit to anything.

"First, know the truth of what battle is like. Did you see the fish demons? I killed seven with my fists and one with my sword last night, but Gisla was almost killed when she was overwhelmed by three at once. Yet the fish demons are not the strongest that we killed. I was once held in the jaws of a beast that could have swallowed me with only a little more effort than what it took for it to spit me out. A lizard-woman used magic to hold me still, and by the time I could move again many of us were hurt." I point to Burnbright. "She witnessed the battle, and even followed me into the fray. But there was a knight of Tyr with us who cowered behind a table. In fact, there were a few men broken men whose souls were darkened by the horrors of battle. Some deserted us, and one died because of a woman with the body of a snake. At first, I thought she was Tommen's lover.

"But I was proven wrong. She did not care about Tommen at all." I pause for a moment. "I know this is hard for you to accept, but you deserve the truth, Dalla. I need to tell you Tommen's part in this.

"Many lizards tried to ambush us. They tried to burn us in a trap of fire and oil. We used the trap against them, however, after a lizard came to me with a letter telling of the attack on Srilkind. Tommen knew of this. He may be the one who placed the letter in the lizard's hand for all I know. I know he knew that innocents there were being slughtered by monsters. And before I met him, he proved he had no qualms about shooting a person. Me.

"From hundreds of feet away, I saw a spark of light. I held a lizard in my arms, intent on using the creature as a shield. The arrow was enchanted. It went around the lizard and buried itself in my chest. I found out later the bow is called Heartseeker. It seeks the heart that the archer wants to pierce with an arrow. Tommen didn't know me, but he tried to kill me as a warning to the others. When I faced him, I was civil. I told him that I survived his attack. He winked at me. He was quite casual about it. I decided to strike a conversation with him, but the snake woman--Celexa--shut him up. Finally, we heard enough. Celexa, a bunch of lizard men, and Tommen... the odds were against us, and sure enough, Tommen was loyal to the monsters.

"He shot me for the second time. I hit back. It was the first time I used my sword against a person. I didn't like it. When Celexa instantly healed Tommen's wounds, I was sure they were lovers. Wrong, it turns out. But at the moment, I thought Tommen would give us a way out. I hit him again, and even as he dug his knife into me and called me a brawny bitch, I simply held him with my sword at his throat. I told Celexa Tommen would be unharmed if she would call off her lizards and let us go. It didn't work out as I had hoped."

She knows what I'm about to say next, but I need to say the words. Brynhild help me, I need to say them calmly.

"I was rushed, Dalla. And you can blame Aslaug for Tommen's fate, blame him for working for evil women, and if you truly want to join us we'd keep you safe. But if you're looking for Tommen's killer, she is right here in front of you. It's me, Dalla."