Dragon's Egg - Act IV

[Ireth]

Liadan

I listen carefully to Baldhart, and translate her words into orcish as well as I can. A part of me laughs at the strangeness of the situation -- a few weeks ago I would never have imagined doing something like this. But if it helps the company now, I'll give it my best.

I keep my gaze on the orc as I wait for him to speak again. But after a moment I ask, <Do you have a name?>

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
"There is a large group approaching. I think I hear some familiar voices but I can not be sure." Aliron calls out to the camp.
"Prepare."

Bressel:
Steps in front of the group with his sword ready.

 

[Steerpike]

Baldhart, Liadan et al.

The orc continues to be baffled by Marius' words, looking questioningly, and fearfully, as Liadan whenever someone else tries to speak to him. Clearly the idea of being led off the road and into the woods doesn't bode well in the mind of the orc. His eyes dart across the ground and back to the road, but if there is any opportunity for escape it does not seem apparent to the orc.

((Liadan can speak to him, although in a limited fashion; no other rolls needed for that. She can roughly translate Baldhart's words; PMs coming for Zoran and Liadan)).

The orc looks slightly relieved when Liadan begins talking to him again, and the two exchange some dialogue in halting orc language. The orc looks warily at Baldhart as she speaks, and then again as Liadan is translating. Callan smirks at Baldhart when she asks if meeting the orc's leader would be suicidal. "I can't say I'd trust them not to put a knife in your back," she says. "But if there's a chance of getting their help, or at least getting them to leave Ballara alone, I'll take that risk with you."

As the discussion, such as it is, continues and the group heads toward camp, a large black man emerges from the forest, an axe secured to his back. From the way he moves out from the cover of a tree, it is clear he was watching the group for a moment before emerging. Tumi and Rannock both slow a step, hands on their weapons, and the orc tries to slow as well.

Callan cocks an eyebrow at Baldhart and Liadan. "One of yours?"

Masama, for of course it is he, hails the group. "I see Asra has guided you to new friends," he says, his eyes traveling over the newcomers. Then he looks at Baldhart and Liadan, saying "For now, you must come back to the camp. Burnbright is distraught." His eyes again go to the newcomers, and he pauses as though unsure of what is safe to say. "Her...mother contacted her a short while ago."

Camp

By the time Masama reaches the group, they are close enough that Aliron and Cadell have both been able to make out friendly voices, though Cadell also recognizes Liadan's distant voice engaged in halting orc speech. A rough orc voices answers her.

Burnbright still sits with Branwen, not paying much attention to what is going on around the camp. Branwen is content to have her hair played with while she plays with her little doll.

Bressel's ears can't yet make out the sounds of the approaching group, not being as keen as the ears of elves.

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

My eyes narrow as the orc speaks. For whatever reason he thinks we are working for Aslaug, not against her, and refuses to give his name to me. I hope he trusts me when I insist otherwise.

<We are enemies of Aslaug. We want to see her and her orcs defeated. If you do not serve Aslaug, we are on the same side.>

Masama reaches us, and I nod to Callan. "Yes, this is our friend Masama."

My eyes widen at Masama's words. "What? How is that possible?"

Cadell

I tense at the sound of people approaching, and my eyebrows rise when I recognize the voice of an orc speaking in its foul tongue. Stranger still, Liadan's voice answers in the same. Before I can make sense of it, Masama's deep voice reaches me, and Liadan answers.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

Lovely. Discovered by Aslaug already.

"Yes. Masama is a monk. My travels with him inspired me to follow Brynhild with the same devotion… which reminds me, Masama has sworn an oath to protect everyone at the camp. I'd rather avoid misunderstandings, so it's time I let all of you in on what Inquisitor Brecht, Father Adelbrant and Conal already know."



Nissa

I can take a hint. "Tumi, Rannock—and Callan and Marius, if you haven't already heard—when I said I serve Brynhild, I didn't tell you the whole story. My service to her began the day I was struck down by an orc." I tell Liadan she's welcome to translate my words, though she might want to tell the orc up front that I don't blame him all orcs for my death.

And since I just mentioned my death, I better speed this up. "Yes, you heard right. I died. It was nearly 800 years ago, since I earned my wings…" I loosen the straps to my backpack and say, "…which I keep under this cut-up backpack so as not to cause a panic. As you will see in a moment, I serve Brynhild as a valkyrie, and even in this mortal form, She let me keep the wings."

I let the backpack drop and fly up.

I say to Tumi and Rannock. "I appreciate your escort, gentlemen. Judging by Callan's and Baldhart's words, it's likely they will escort this orc to his leader and see if we can find a peaceful resolution—one that will keep Ballara safe from the raids, and hopefully Aslaug's orcs. Please tell Conal what the girls are up to. I'll fly back if there's an urgent matter—unless of course Baldhart gets herself killed, in which case I need to escort her straight to Brynhild, and it's likely you won't see me in my mortal form."



Baldhart

I tell the guardsmen, "I'll try not to give the orcs a reason to kill us." I say to Liadan, "We should probably leave our purses with Cadell."

There are lots of reasons to kill me in my purse. Thousands of 'em.

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I do my best to translate when Nissa speaks, and take her advice about what to add to her words. I also include what she says about finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Maybe now this orc will trust that we don't intend to kill him.

Baldhart speaks to me, and I nod in agreement. "I agree. But what if he wants to come with us? He might be able to help us gain rapport with the orcs. He is the charismatic type, after all."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"Good point. Maybe we should see if everyone wants to go. It may be wiser than splitting the group…" Turning to Masama, I add, "…especially considering the news you've given us."

If Aslaug can contact her daughter, she can contact her orcs as well.

I turn to the guards. "Tumi… you seem like a charismatic fellow yourself? Would you like to accompany us to the orc camp? I'm not worried about the orcs that we intend to meet. It's Aslaug's orcs that concern me. If we run into any of them… I don't think they'll fall as easy as this half-starved orc did."

Nissa bats her eye-lashes and says, "Please?" to Tumi.

Is that… working? Is he… attracted to her? If he touches one feather on my tiny valkyrie, I'll… uh…

Nah.

 

[AkamaruGames]

Marius

Marius stares at the little girl's wings and slowly approaches Nissa as he speaks, half to himself. "Hmm. An angel. This reminds me of that time ole One-Eye Jimmy ate the wrong type of mushroom and died. Well, he was just called Jimmy at the time anyway. Came back as some kind of spore zombie. He had big wing-like mushrooms that sprouted out of his back and one that grew out of his eye socket. He was fine for a while, just sort of stood around and groaned a lot. Then the church caught wind of him and sent some paladins to cut him down and burn the body. I wonder what someone eats to get big white wings like that? A swan maybe?"

Raising his voice and focusing his gaze on Nissa, now clearly speaking directly to her, he asks, "Hey, can I have a feather? I bet those are really good luck. I'll give you some of my hair in trade if you like. It's been on me since I was born, much longer than my 2 week coin, so it is pretty trustworthy. Never lied to me once."

He peeks into one of his pouches and says to his 2 week coin, "No offense."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I tell Marius, "You can pick one up after one falls off. I've only had this mortal form for a week. I don't think it would be a good idea to pluck a feather on purpose."



Baldhart

This guy is weird. Probably harmless, but if he tries to get grabby with Nissa, I'll get grabby.

 

[AkamaruGames]

Marius

Marius claps his hands and laughs with joy! He half sings, "Yes! Angel feather! Angel feather! I'm gonna get an angel feather! Since you promised, I am not leaving your side 'til a feather falls out!"

He squints about at everyone else and announces, "I have dibs, got that!?"

Satisfied with his declaration, Marius then assumes a guard stance, one hand on his blade in case of trouble. It seems Nissa has a loyal bodyguard for the time being, whether she actually wants one or not.

 

[Steerpike]

Liadan is able to make the orc understand what she's saying, and the creature seems to relax a little bit. Even so, Liadan can tell he's not completely convinced. His eyes still shift from member to member of the group, as though expecting a trick.

Callan nods a greeting to Masama when Liadan and Baldhart introduce him. "Asra, huh? Are you from Ket?"

Masama's eyebrows go up slightly and his smile widens. "You have heard of it by that name? It is not well known in the north."

"Knew a guy once who spent some time down there during the revolution. Wasn't a pretty time, the way he told it."

Masama's smile vanishes. "It was not. I was but a child, then. Tell me, on which side did your friend fight."

Callan gives him a quick smile. "Who said he fought? Or that he was my friend?"

Masama is still mulling this over when Nissa removes her backpack. The orc barks out a loud word when Nissa reveals herself, backing straight into Baldhart then turning and trying to twist free.

[1d20+1] = 10+1 = 11

With his bonds in place, it is a relatively weak effort, but he continues to struggle.

Rannock and Tumi are both gaping at Nissa, though Rannock has the presence of mind to help see to the orc. Tumi gawks a moment longer, muttering something about the old stories. "Can it be true? But...but this is great news for the north. We got one Valkyrie now, but before long I bet Brynhild'll send a whole army of 'em down to protect the north!" He looks to Nissa, then Baldhart and Callan for confirmation of this.

The group continues toward the camp, the orc once again subdued and seemingly resigned to his fate. As the conversation turns to the orc camp, and Nissa's request, Tumi blushes. "I'd be happy to go with you Miss...er...Valkyrie."

When Marius goes on about a feather from Nissa, Callan watches him blankly for a moment, then gives Baldhart a hard look.

Once Rannock is sure the orc is in hand, and before the group gets too far from the road, the guard agrees to bring news of what has happened to Conal. After Nissa's revelation, he walks on the other side of the group and seems happy to go back to Ballara, leaving orcs and winged halflings to other people to deal with.

((Aliron is going to spot the group from his hiding place well before they come in sight of camp)).

When the group reaches camp they find Burnbright sitting down with Branwen curled against her. Burnbright looks tired, her face streaked and dirty. She offers a weak smile to the group when they come back, but that's about it.

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I do my best to make the orc understand that we don't intend to hurt him (well, hurt him more, at least), especially when he balks in fear at Nissa and her wings. Has he seen her kind before, or is he simply startled by something he doesn't understand?

Cadell

I stay where I am as the others arrive, some members of our company and others I don't recognize. I eye the orc prisoner warily. Liadan is close to it, but she catches my eye and smiles as if to reassure me.

"What is this about?" I ask. "Is it one of hers?" I hope my tone is enough to convey the meaning of "Aslaug's". "And since when do you speak orcish?"

Liadan

I shake my head. "No. This one is her enemy. We hope to seek out its people and rally them to join our cause, or so I understand." I frown at him. "I picked up some when the Lady made war on Aelwyd Eirian, remember? I'm just glad I was able to understand this one. His language isn't quite the same as the orcs in the south."

Cadell

I nod slowly, my skin crawling at the mention of the Lady. "I see." I look at the others I don't know, wondering if they will introduce themselves.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I keep the orc secure and my tone calm as I ask him to relax. When I see Callan's look, I turn to Marius. "I trust you will guard Nissa well, but if you're going to come to the orc camp, your coin-flipping and loudly claiming of valkyrie feathers could get us all killed. If you wish to earn the feather by being her bodyguard, that is fine with me. Remember that bodyguards are watchful and not very noisy."


Nissa

I tell Tumi, "Hopefully, you won't see the others in life. If Brynhild sends more than just me, it means the gods don't think people can survive without intervention. In such a time, there would be more dead than survivors."

* * *​

Baldhart

When we get to camp, I tell Callan and Tumi, "This is Branwen. I killed her mother—her siren song didn't charm me as it did others among us, but even knowing that Branwen will grow bigger than me, I couldn't leave her to starve and a mercy killing would make me a hypocrite. I grew up as a Freya follower. We don't harm the young or the pregnant. To knowingly leave the young motherless is to give the young a slow death. I follow Brynhild and no other, but many of Freya's ways apply to Brynhild's path. She favors those who fight just battles, and a child-killer cannot justify such an action."

I turn to the orc. "Does this help you understand? Regardless of faith, not one among us wants to see children suffer. Human, elf, harpy, orc… all children are innocent." I go to my bag as I talk, and take out some of the salted meat. I tear off a small piece for myself and eat if in front of the orc. By eating it first, he can see it's not poison. "You said you were hungry. If you like the taste, I can give you some more. I need you to be strong when we bring you to your leader, and don't try to escape again. It will be difficult for me to untie the ropes if you run away."

I see Burnbright is in rough shape. "Come to me child. What Masama told me is proof enough for me that you don't need to camp out of town anymore. It seems you mother can find you no matter where you hide, so hiding is useless."

I tell all, "I was half right about the orcs, but it's not the raiders who work for Aslaug. They are on the run from her orcs. She's turning orc against orc. I think we can work out an alliance, so I plan to bring this orc back to his camp. If it works, we solve Ballara's problem and we have a much better chance against Aslaug's orcs."

 

[AkamaruGames]

Marius

Marius gives a salute and says, "I can be quiet. Very quiet. The only sounds you will hear from me are the screams of anyone who lays a hand on my charge as I sever their hands from their arms." He then mimes a locking motion over his mouth, apparently indicating that he has entered his silent mode. He seems very serious about his newly self-assigned post, which is strange considering how little he seems to care about anything else other than his coins. His focus is such that he cannot think to introduce himself to any of those whom he has yet to introduce himself to, nor would he wish to break his silence and risk her life to an orc attack, despite not actually being near the orc camp yet.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron
After warning the camp of the large group coming he remains quiet and in hiding, bow ready. Relaxing a little when he sees Baldhart and Nissa are leading the way. A lot of new faces, a lot of potential threats.
When they arrive at camp, Aliron keeps his eye on anyone that looks at Branwen too long.

Bressel
Relaxes a little when he sees the group with familiar faces. He moves closer to the girls, in case someone of the group tries to attack.
"Greetings, to all. Be welcomed in our camp. But know that anyone that tries to harm any member of our group, no matter what race or type of humanoid, will face my sword and a well placed arrow shot before they even regret making the move.
Come sit by the fire and warm yourself. I am Bressel, the unseen archer is Aliron. He will probably join us later when he is sure no one is a threat." Bressel remains standing next to Branwen, and glances towards the area that Aliron went.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

I suggest Liadan not to translate Bressel's words exactly. His welcoming tone should sufficiently demonstrate he intends no harm—at least not without good reason.

I tell Bressel and Cadell (and Alin, wherever he is), "This is Callan the huntress, Tumi the town guard, and Marius… Nissa's new bodyguard, I guess."

I go on to say—after asking Liadan to choose carefully how she translates my following words—that "The orc learned the hard way that Zoran doesn't mess around when it comes to protecting Ballara. Fortunately, Zoran is more merciful than I would've been, at least before learning that this orc is not on Aslaug's side, and attacked the fisherman with intent to steal but not to kill. Well, come to think of it, I'd have killed him for that. It's best that I arrived when the battle was over.

"Anyway—and Liadan, here's the part you can safely translate verbatim—there are about 300 orcs like this one. That includes elderly and children, maybe 100 are able to fight… and at that, they're half starved. Still, they'll need to get organized in order to survive. Better they get organized against Aslaug than joining her to prevent the slaughter of their children. Aslaug's orcs are hunting and killing the orcs not loyal to her, so I think they would prefer to have allies instead of extra enemies. We and the people of Ballara are also better off this way.

"The people of Ballara already agreed we won't need to worry about a situation like we had in Arendal. The local priest and head guardsman both know about Nissa's wings. They know we're the good guys, and as long as our actions and words don't give them second thoughts, we won't have any trouble. Still… the fewer who see Branwen, the better."

I turn to Callan, "As you said, keeping secrets isn't good for an alliance. But I think you can appreciate that Branwen is kept secret out of necessity. Burnbright as well. She is Aslaug's daughter." I let that sink in, then add, "We didn't kidnap her. We're protecting her. If Aslaug came to her as a loving mother instead of sending murderous hordes to take her by force, I wouldn't be so suspicious about the intent behind her attempt at a reunion." I ask Burnbright, "What did she say to you when she appeared here?"

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I nod at Baldhart's suggestions, and think hard about how to translate Baldhart's first words. The talk of mercy is definitely a good thing to include. Probably best not to say that Baldhart would have killed the orc, though.

I translate the rest as exactly as I can, keeping my eyes on the orc's face. I'm still not sure whether he trusts me, or any of us for that matter.

Cadell

I listen curiously as Liadan translates Baldhart's words for the orc. For someone who only "picked up" the language recently, she's doing very well.

"Are you sure these orcs can be trusted?" I ask, looking at Baldhart. "Or that they will trust us?"

Liadan finishes translating for the orc and turns to me. "I was hoping you would be able to help with that. You do have a good measure of charisma, between your knighthood and your bardhood. Perhaps you can curry their favor along with Nissa and Tumi."

I blink at her, and soon have to bite back a grin of mingled amusement and bitterness. Queen Brigh's words from before my exile resound in my head, as do mine. Back then I'd told her I would never ally with orcs, and now look at us. Liadan speaks for one, and Baldhart intends to parley with another few hundred. What strange times these are!

Still... Baldhart has a point. Better to have more allies on our side than as many enemies against us, on top of those who work for Aslaug. Sobering, I nod slowly. "How do we intend to rally these orcs?"

"I'm hoping we can convince this one to bring us to his camp."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

To answer how to rally the orcs…

"We simply speak the truth. The truth is that the war between Aslaug and the dark elves is claiming innocent lives. If the war continues to escalate, those who wish to have a peaceful life lose no matter which side wins the war."

I turn the orc and say, "I assume your people are not warmongers because you did not with Aslaug when other orcs did. We fought alongside kobolds because their chief was imprisoned by dark elves for refusing to attack human children. I believe all intelligent beings are capable of both good and evil. There are good orcs and evil orcs, good humans and evil humans. Do you believe that the humans, elves and little winged girls are good people? We will fight to save Ballara and we will fight to save your children from Aslaug. That is what I want to tell your leader. Will you let me speak to him so I can tell him that?"

 

[Philster401]

Zoran decided it was about time to mention a bit of information, "If I might add to that, I'd like to say that I did sense a bit of evil in this orc, not much but enough. Even one who is evil can wish to be good yet, they rarely get second chance to change their ways. No one is without hope if they are willing to do anything to change their ways. Life is full of second chances if you are lucky or willing to look."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

"Perhaps because you caught him in the act of stealing? You did say 'a bit'… not as much as the dark elves, then. Right?"

As much as I hate to, I quietly ask Zoran, "Can you give Branwen the test? It won't change my vow to teach her right from wrong. I just need to know what would happen if Father Adelbrant were to test her."