Chapter 27: A warm toasty feeling

As the ship is pulling in I can already see that militia troops bearing the colors of Zits are coming towards the docks. We know that they are going to search for magical equipment, and anything that may pertain to the old gods. And of course asking why we are coming into town. While we all have good reasons for coming into town, we know that some of us are not going to be as welcomed as others. In fact, looking at the faces of the militia waiting for us, I don't know if a welcoming is going to be on the list of activities.
Marda has already donned a old military coat of hers, and while slightly wrinkled, it does indeed have the proper patches of Zits on the shoulder. From her time in Dawn's Reach no doubt. Melfina has tucked her knives deeper into her gauntlets, and dirties up her armor, making it bland and forgettable. She has taken off her new blood cloak, and has tucked it away with the rest of our items. My blanket and clockwork amulet are sitting rolled up under my dirty laundry at the bottom of my pack. Both Sora and Spike are hidden on the pack horse in a small empty cask. While a pet turtle isn't unheard of, one doesn't usually carry it in a holster on the shoulder. That would have been too memorable, and Sora would have been a dead giveaway.
Rorin, or should I say Wiccan Ivoryhammer, as he has told us to call him, is blending in with the surroundings. Looking at him, the eyes seemingly glide off him, as if he simply isn't interesting enough to pay attention to. Something tells me he has done this type of things before. I on the other hand have no way of hiding, and it would be suspicious if I tried to be someone else. Like Aurane I am a long time citizen, and fairly easily recognizable. Putting my battle battle axe on the baldric on my back, I adjust the handle to the usual spot, easily reachable behind my right hip. I adjust the short sleeves of my own military coat on my shoulders, and throw my cloak over the whole things, mostly covering the black head of the axe.
Guiding Mittens down the ramp from the ship, I am given a short once over before the militia members move on. The sergeant leading the small squad stops and talks to Aurane. A Half Elf, he seems to not really want to mess with anyone coming into town, just doing his job, and not wanting to do anything that he would have to write a report for. Aurane simply tells the sergeant that he was out enjoying some time in the country, to get away from the incredibly busy work life he has. The simple lie either worked great, or it was a matter that the militia guards didn't care, and since nothing was found, we were told to take our mounts to the temple of Kusco for 3 days of quarantine, after which we can get them back.
Being back on dry land, and having other moorbounders to be with, Mittens seemed to be happier with this set of circumstances. No rocking boats, or getting wet from seawater or rain and he could even go out and curl up in the sun if he wanted to. Leaving him there in the care of the temple, we had already noticed a crowd drawing in from all parts of the city. Now, as we were out among them, I could almost sense a voice on the wind, drawing people in. Before we even started moving, a sensation came over me. A warm shiver ran down my spine, and settled in the bowels of my stomach. The feeling you get when you know the night is going to end vomiting into a hole.
With nauseous fascination, we follow the crowds moving in the streets to the temple to Lady Constance, and the warm feeling is pushed up into my chest, replaced by a ball of ice. The stage that Aurane built for the harvest festival is occupied. Anticipation, anxiety and dread hung in the air, leaving residue on every surface. I can see Max, his massive size overbearing in this crowd. As we try to get closer, clusters and rings of militia are prowling in the mob. We manage to get close to Max, and Leona is there as well, both of them in a lighter armor. She won't make eye contact with me. Something is very wrong. The ball of ice and the nauseous heat are fighting each other, causing an oppressive storm of dread in my gut.
Following Max's eyes, I can see the Marquis, absolutely surrounded by warrior monks from the Sanctum. A small figure I can only guess is Garnet stands in the middle next to the Marquis. The words in the air, a clear resonance of chaos and anarchy, can be clearly heard over the crowd. A I look for the source of the music, figures come to stand on the stage. Dove Grayson, leader of city Militia stands off to the side, resplendent leather armor under a brick red tabard stands off to one side. His shield on his back and short sword on his hip, he wears a somber expression. The rest of the figures we in varying colors, and I come to realize they are the High Clergy of the town, each one the leader of their temples, with High Priestess Temperance in the front, and General Priestess Stoneskin flanks immediately behind here. Ale Stoneskin, General of the local Zits forces here in Cherwood, wears no armor, nor carries any weapon on this occasion. An ornate pair of gauntlets cover her forearms, serving to enhance rather than detract from the uniform she wears. A single thick block sits in the middle of the stage, about two feet high with a hooded figure standing next to it, festooned with icons for Morbus Sempra. Death. As I try in vain to see whose execution this is, Max maneuvered himself behind me, and clutching my shoulder whispers into my ear.
“Go to Aurane's shop. Do not help”. Confusion and anger flashed through me, followed quickly by panic. The armor they are wearing isn't the normal armor we made for them. It's for quicker movement, but can't take hard hits. I find that my hand have moved to the handle of my weapon. I glance at the others, and Melfina is reading a small note. I can't read it, but I notice the grace of Leona's handwriting. The feel of Hot rage begins to overtake the storm inside. I move to stand next to Aurane, but before I get to him, the crowd silences, and the source of the song appears. Vladimir Goforth, The sheriff of Cherwood, pulls prisoners chained together onto the stage. Some I recognize, locals who I have seen performing harmless little tricks, an alchemist, even a local noble woman. Then, at the very end of the line is Danarei Milos.
Shock Lances through me, replacing the rage, welding me into stillness. As the hooded figure takes her, and guides her to the chopping block, I try to grab Max, or Aurane, but I can't move my arms. She is forced to kneel, and I try push my self to do anything, but I can only look on. No one is moving to do anything, This can't happen. The executioners axe goes up. No. Please, someone do Something. Terror and rage root me to the spot. I can see the executioner's arms raise up just a little more as they tense to bring the axe swiftly down. As the axe comes down, chaos descends upon us.
Smoke explodes from under the stage. As the smoke bombs go off, pandemonium erupts in the crowd, and my body wills itself to grab onto Aurane. Clamping onto his bicep I tell him we have been told not to help, and to go to his shop. Now I have to hope he will lead me to the shop, and let me hold onto him for the duration. I know if I let go I would rush to my probable doom. I feel the heat of cowardice and shame bloom on my face. I should never have left the city. I could have helped, or done something, I left my best friend and my apprentice back there, with hundreds of militia swarming around the area. They don't know how much stronger I am now, what I can do. I Could Have Helped! I'm not sure how hard I held onto his arm, but if he complained about it, I never heard anything. Mental anguish plagues me as the crowd surges away from the stage, carrying us with it. Militia members try to fight against the flow of the crowd, and I shoulder check as many as I can, trying to knock them down in any vain attempt to help.
I don't remember the trip getting back to Aurane's workshop. I just know that suddenly we were standing out side his front door, and I was burning inside. The heat of shame and anger had started to build at some point, and now the toasted feeling was growing. Closer and closer to burning me from the inside, I need to control it. Every time I try to pull myself away, trying to find my place of calm, I see my shop, with Max and Leona with me, and the heat rebounds. I left them, and they could now be gone forever. Smoke was trailing from the corners of my mouth when we entered his shop, and found his assistant Kel not there. Oh gods above, what if she is out there too? Max told me that we needed to be here. I could have at least stayed in the area, or caused another distraction. Instead I ran away.
I look up as the door opens, and Rorin, Marda and Melfina come in. Once in, the door is closed and barred. The noises of chaos outside are dulled, but still linger outside.
“Aurane, Don't let me outside”, I can hear myself say. Visions of myself carving through masses of militia started swirling around in my mind. Fighting my way to a beleaguered Max, saving Dani, keeping Leona safe. I sit behind the assistants desk with my head in my hands allowing the anger to fuel these visions, hoping that some of them may come true. As the time passes I notice the adrenaline wearing off. First my hands, then eventually my whole body is shaking from the strain. I can still feel the blood pounding in my head. The noises from outside have moved away, or died down, and only solitary shouts now rang out.
A small sound came from under my feet. Attention was caught from most of the group instantly. Getting up from the stool Kel would normally sit on, a trap door in the floor starts to open, to reveal Kel, dirty and panting hard. A figure, held up with help from Kel Gaunt and limp is brought into the light. Danarei Milos looks up at us, a weak smile on her lips. More people are behind her as we help them up. Garfield comes up out of the hole, and my heart stops as I see Leona, lightly wounded coming out next.
The crush of emotional weight shifted off me, and as she comes up, I break down, grab her in an embrace, and start weeping on her shoulder. I can feel the large familiar hand of Max squeeze my shoulder, and I know he is there too. The last boulder of guilt tumbles away. Thank you, to whoever is listening, old gods and new, thank you for keeping them alive. Hearing a strained groan from her, I lift up off Leona's shoulder realizing I may be causing her pain. With a quick thought, I can feel the heat leave me, healing her. Before I can turn to help any others Melfina and Aurane is already helping them. Melfina was still praying over Dani, but Aurane has healed everyone else, and was starting to get food and water together for everyone. Dani herself still looked mistreated, as she had be imprisoned for some time, and I can feel that anger rising again.
Max turns to address us, and I find some solace in that calm deep voice of his. “We had been planning this for some time now, and couldn't risk you not knowing the plan. Kel has mapped the sewers extensively while you were gone. We planned to use the passages you found with the connecting ziggurats. Bridgette came to me and offered the help of the undertow, but since she is also under scrutiny, it has been hard. Leona has been questioned several times, but so far there is no evidence of, uh, celestial influence. They still come by every once in a while to pester us at the shop.”
I keep listening, doing my absolute best to calm down while listening to Max. He has helped me through hard times, and right now he needs me functioning. Rorin estate has been locked down, where no one can get in or out, except Garfield. Rorin's betrothed should be fine, as she is part of another court, and it would cause problems between cities should she have been harassed while leaving. When the bard's guild was disbanded, the Sanctum spoke out about it, along with the Temples of Lady Constance and Daja. The Sanctum was obviously going to come under scrutiny for anything they were going to do, despite being their own governing body.
The temples in favor of removing them were of Terrance, and Zits. Some of the council members were mentioned once again, with Lavender Thatcher heading the project to close down the guild. I wonder if the crimson dragons were able to get in with some of the councils aid, or if we could have prevented this. Going out to the Raven's Wood and only partially dealing with that blight doesn't seem like the better alternative now that we are back in town, and that reminds me of something else.
“Uh, Max? Bud. Would we be able to get to the shop?” I awkwardly ask.
“We should wait for nightfall. It will be easier then,” Max replies.
“Oh. Well, I may have forgotten to mention, what with everything going on, that we may just be having a visitor coming in-”
“She's not back in town is she??!” He demands. A mix of worry and dread fills his face and I quickly respond.
“No. Not Her. No, It's justyourdad.” I quickly try to glaze over who it is.
“I'm sorry. Who?” He looks like he wants to eat the front counter of the shop.
“Yeah, uh your father is coming into town. We may have messaged him two weeks ago, and asked him to talk, he wanted to meet, and at that time we had no idea that the city was like this. Then when we heard I was just worried about everyone, and there was the Kraken, and pirates, and I forgot to tell you-”
He cut of my rambling with a single question. “ You invited an Arch Fey to the city?”
“He more just told me to meet him here.” I reply, rather embarrassed that I got so flustered.
Max is taking this just fantastically. For me to spring this on him, at this time, I would have expected more bloodshed. Instead, he goes back to telling us more information, seemingly pretending that our conversation never happened. Just about all the Bards in the city got out the night of the first attack, before we even left the city. But the Witch hunters guild lead by the mysterious character Vandran has been out in full force. Looking for anyone with arcane power that could threaten others, they have also been taking in those accused by witnesses of arcane craft. Great. So a neighbor has an argument with someone, and boom. Acusation of being a Caster. Most of those arrests are being done by the militia, and only Dani and the alchemist were arrested by the Witch hunters.
All of those brought to the stage today were to be killed. But in the same confusion that freed Dani, they seemed to have gotten away as well. That was the plan anyway, and apparently there was help from someone higher in the city. Much higher than I would have expected. Vladimir Goforth. He has been toeing the line, as it is rather common knowledge that he is a lycanthrope. Leading the people up to the stage was supposed to be a test for him.
I keep looking around at the others, feeling that if I don't keep tabs on them they will vanish. Leona still won't look me in the eyes, and I can see that she is rubbing her arms while we talk of Vlad. I now see that she has burns on her arms, like those of when she was cuffed with silver. They had been trying to find out her secret. The heat begins to rise again. A faint wisp of smoke curls out of my mouth as I take a deep breath trying to calm down. Melfina suggests killing all those responsible for this coup attempt, and right now I'm all for it, but Aurane points out that it would be more harmful to the city if we did that than a non violent way. Before she can retort, Melfina get a funny look on her face.
“We will try to get there as soon as possible” she says into the air. Well. That was odd, the only thing I can guess is that she was just the recipient of a magical message from someone. Immediately my suspicions are confirmed when she tells us the Marquis has contacted her, and wants to see her as soon as possible. Some messages are too long to send magically I guess. Maybe it is only one sentence. All I know is that you can respond to some of them.
We start moving around again, making sure Dani is comfortable, getting the ladies ready to leave, and waiting for darkness to fall. Once I know I won't be needed anymore, I pick up my pack, and ask Aurane if I can borrow his upstairs. With a positive answer, I tell Leona that I need to talk to her. Leading her up to the living quarters, I sit her down at the dining table, and look at her.
In a near whisper I ask, “Are you ok?”
Looking rather uncomfortable, she replies,” I've been better.”
“I want to move you out of the city. I found a grove of Lycanthropes outside a small town a few days outside of the city. I don't want to send you away, but I'm not sure I want to live in a city like this anymore.” I feel guilty for even suggesting it, but my first instinct is too keep her safe. “Max's dad is going to be at the shop, and we are going to go get him and tools and come back here for the night.”
“Who is he?” she asks almost timidly. Trying not to make her nervous, I try to prepare her for what is coming without scaring her.
“He is very powerful. Treat him with respect, and call him Sir.” I guess I didn't do so well easing into that explanation. “look, I just wanted to make sure that you are ok. I don't care if the secret is out, as long as you are ok.”
“Hmm.” she ponders. “Am I staying here?”
“Yes. I need you to stay here and protect Kel. She's no fighter like you”
“I dunno,” she jokes,” she has a mean right hook.”
“She must have learned that from Aurane. I'm not sure if I have ever seen that hammer for anything but work. He must be a brawler” I joke. I'm not sure if it helps much.
We head back downstairs, and find that the Melfina and Marda have left, Kel guiding them for a short time through the tunnels. As we wait for darkness to fall, I try to think of what to do. I need to get the tools and finished products to a safe place, and find a way to keep Leona safe. Smallville would be a good place for her, what with they other Lycans there. She could even help support them if it comes to that. But where can I keep things safe, and still have access to them. And Once this is all over, do I bring her back? Is it wrong to even try to send her in the first place? I don't want to send her off, that seems just wrong. She did complete her part of the plan well enough to not get caught, not that I have any idea what even happened at that stage. Well, first thing is to get things safe. Then I can ask her, see what she wants to do. Too much has changed since I left.
I tell her she can come with us if she wants. She is going to come as is everyone else here. I tell Aurane that once we get to the shop, stay inside unless fighting starts. I don't want people to see him there, as he is still not on any watch lists. Rorin and Garfield are to hide in the shadows, stay across the street from the shop, and engage if we do. The idea is to have Max, Leona and I be the anvil, and Rorin and Garfield be the hammer. I guess with that analogy, Aurane would be the tongs, grabbing anyone trying to leave. I also told them I would do the talking if it was needed.
As we step outside, my hopes of keeping Aurane's association of us less obvious was nearly instantaneously destroyed. Town guards were everywhere. In pairs or patrols, it seemed like they were every forty feet. If we did get into a fight it would not end well. I was still infuriated that these bastards we trusted with our safety were causing more trouble than they were stopping. As we walked down the middle of the street, none of them approached us. I'm not sure why, but this just seemed to make me angrier. I wanted these cowards to pick a fight with me. They can pick on everyone else in the city, why not me? I wouldn't mind giving out some of this burning heat that has been built up. Those crimson dragons don't know how hot a dragon's fire can really be. The short walk comes to a halt as we round the corner, and come within view of the shop. Flickers of light come out of the windows of the shop. Some one must be in there now. If those bastards were rooting around in MY shop looking for something, even if the one and only Vandran shows up, someone is going to feel my anger. This is too perfect. I march right up to my door, an open it.
A challenging yawp died instantly in my throat. I straighten my back, and find myself staring at the back wall of the shop, standing stark still. “Good evening Sir!”
“And where is my other son?” The silky, slightly accented voice of Charles Korbin asks of me.
“ He should be in soon Sir!”
A Max comes in behind me, I can Feel his presence shrink being in the same room as his father. In all my anger, and frustration, I had once again forgotten that he was coming to town. On the other hand, I was now way too busy to be mad anymore.
Charles Korbin sat at our table, glass in hand of what looked to be some of our stronger alcohol. The stuff we could use to forget troubles, or etch steel. Sitting in an unbuttoned brown vest, much like mine, with a white tunic underneath, sleeves rolled up and neck partially untied, A simple belt kept the tunic from being untidy, and brown trousers down to knee high, supple leather boots. A long calf length coat and full brimmed hat lay on separate pegs behind him on the wall. He sat in a casual way, almost like a village elder watching over a town festival. White hair, loosely shaggy, is slicked backed with a slight widow's peak. He still had the same olive complexion from the last time I had seen him, and his slim, wiry build. He showed very few wrinkles, most of them laugh lines, around his eyes. The only weapon visible on him was a simple dagger on the belt. He needed no other weapons.
“Why are they trying to kill people on a stage?” he asks in that simple voice. As if asking when the next shipment of metal stock was to come in.
“I apologize Sir, I didn't realize that martial law was in effect, and there were quite a few distractions since then, and I forgot to have my associate message you back.” I know he will be furious at my pathetic excuses, but before he can say anything more Aurane and Leona come in.
“Oh this must be your apprentice that I have heard so much about! Charmed my dear! And this is-?” gesturing for Aurane.
“Aurane Velaryon, sir,”offers Aurane.
“It was our associate Melfina that contacted you Sir.” I try to steer the conversation away, hoping to get about the business we are supposed to be taking care of. With no way to talk with Rorin, I don't want him to have to wait too long. “She and another friend are dealing with another matter at the moment, and they currently have-your-old-bag-and-journals not to mention an old carpet Sir.” I tried to get it out quickly and nonchalantly. “We actually came here to collect up all the tools and goods to move them to a safe place-”
“No.” It wasn't so much an interruption as a finality. He got up and started rummaging through the cupboards “I have made stew, and we will eat before working. No one will bother us. Come. Help set the table.” With a quick flick oh his hand all the lamps were lit, even the forge had a comforting glow coming from the hearth. Not that it had any coal in it. There was nothing I could do about it, so I went over, and we quickly sat down to eat.
Thick beef chunks swam in barley and broth, carrots and potatoes were cut up and mixed with herbs to make some of the best food I had ever smelled, and I was reminded that I hadn't eaten anything all day but a small crust of bread with the others after their rescue. Taking a spoonful into my mouth, the meat just melted apart, and I could tell it had been cooked perfectly. Which normally took hours. That was a rather worrisome thought. When was the last time Max had been home?
When he was happy that we all had stew, he proceeded with asking, ”So what is this about my Journals and an old carpet?”
I tried to begin, “ah yes well we found-”
“I was asking young Aurane here son. Eat your food.” My snout clicked shut audibly, and if possible my back went even straighter, causing some difficulties whilst eating soup.
With a quick glance at me, Aurane started to explain everything that happened in the raven's wood, with finding the plague going on there and fighting our way in, to the great area that we fought in, with all the undead creatures. Ending with us finding his old journals and the contents of the haversack. It really does sound like some silly story told to kids.
Our prestigious guest takes note of the Stone. “Oh, so you found some of the items in the bag huh?” he asks.
Aurane replies in the affirmative, ”Yeah, you mean like that stone that tingles? What would that be used for anyway?”
A wicked grin spreads on the Elven face. “That stone can be used for a variety of things. If you use it with just the right person at a party, it can really get things going. In fact I-”
Without moving my head, I shared a panicked look with Max. “Please Sir!” I cried, “We would like to know of the crystal you found in the shadowfell.” There were some people I did not want to know the uses of a tingling stone from, and most of them were in this room.
“Oh yes, I came across that crystal in the shadow realm. It is a corrosion stone. I found it after falling prey to a shadow dragon.” He skips over fighting off a dragon of any kind like it was just waking up for worship day. “It gave off an odd spore like effect, and I would guess that if it were to get a host, the whole thing would evolve, and become more powerful.”
“Well you seem to be correct in that case.” My voice starts getting a bit higher. “In fact, we seem to have killed someone who was keeping your bag, and the blight caused by the crystal didn't go away, then when we tried to do some research on said body, it got teleported back here, and now the crystal and the boday-are-at-the-sanctum-where-the-others-are-trying-to-go.” The whole thing came out a a rush of words. I suddenly wanted to get this all done as fast as possible, and go home. But I was home. Oh Boy.
“Are you saying that the crystal is now here? In this city full of people?” The fine elven eyebrows went up as he spoke, and he didn't sound too terribly pleased. Not wanting this Man to get angry, I quickly explain.
“Uh, yes Sir. You see, while examining it, there was a magical teleportation to avoid dangerous magics from escaping, and the body with the shard still in it was teleported directly to a place inside the sanctum that is supposed to keep it safe. I'm not really sure how it happened, but it is still in the body of an elvish woman. When we fought her she was trying to take over the forest with undead, mostly woodland creatures, and a Rakshasa.”
Looking to our guest, his features had turned to contemplation. “That sounds like it was Tarathiel Heiwenys. She was looking to change pollination patterns with bees, and forest reclamation projects. The Rakshasa is a bit worrisome, you didn't destroy it did you?”
Aurane and I look at each other, a bit of concern on his face. Aurane replies, “One of the ladies that went to the Sanctum did actually kill the Rakshasa. Is that a problem?”
Leaning back from the table, our Elder explains, “Well, Rakshasas can't really die on this plane. They will go back to their home plane and regenerate over time. You must be careful, as they are known to come back for those who have wronged it. And they can can change their shape to look like other things.”
Wanting to get things moving I try to change the topic. “Melfina has not said anything the Rakshasa after it apparently died, But time is somewhat important here Sir, can we start packing now?” With an affirmative nod, we all get up from the table. I gather the dishes up before anyone else can and start giving orders. Leona and Max are to get their proper armor on, then start packing. Leona is to get the personal items, then start in on the tools. She knows what tools we like the most, and what can be remade if need be. Max is to get all of his best weapons together, and bundle them for storage and easy carry. I ask Aurane if he could carry one of the anvils. With one at just over 120 pounds, we can still work. Most of the other tools, like the grinding wheels and quenching oils will be a bit harder to replace, but really just be an inconvenience. After I quickly do the dishes, I move on to what Armor projects we still have, and what is worth taking.
I hate this. I don't want to leave anything behind, but I don't have the guarantee that our shop won't be ransacked while we aren't here. It doesn't really seem safe for us to stay here anymore, and I Don't want anything to happen to Max or Leona. I'm not actually sure what I want to do. If we stay here at the shop, anyone wishing us ill will is going to know exactly where we are. If we leave, we can't take everything with us, and Once again I will be leaving my work, My Life, to those who may use it for wicked purposes.
My frustration and anger rises as the time passes. I am also aware that we have been in here for some time, and not only did we leave Rorin and Garfield out there, but also every single militia guard we passed could have spread the word. We could leave the shop and a whole patrol could be out there. At this point, I almost want that. These damn bastards are driving me out of my own home. A place that has kept me safe all this time. A place where I can find solace. A place I can beat the rage and terror out of my system. And I don't know if it will be safe st any point after we leave. I don't know if I will be.
The slow burning rage that had been tamped down over and over again today is replaced by something else in my head. A cooled hardness in my mind. I want to have people waiting for us out side. They should know the power I posses. This group calling themselves the crimson dragons know nothing of the Fires of dragons. The heat of the Legend. Why Myths should never be meddled with. In my current state I can't read Max's expression. As we shoulder the last of the packs, I get a voice in my head.
“Druss,” Melfina's voice comes in clear, like she is right next to me. “You are under scrutiny, and there are people looking for you. It is more dangerous than we thought.”
I can feel a slightly manic grin come to my face, and I hear myself respond. “Prefect” A small part of me wants to stay here, bar the doors, and just sit here with those I care about. But the part in control isn't interested in that. Looking to make sure everyone is ready, I head for the door and let everyone know, “We are going to the temple of Daja. We can store everything there, and even ship it out if we need to get out of the city. Everything should be safe there. Let me do all the talking if we are stopped.”
There are people waiting for us, but only two. We were able to leave the shop, lock it behind us, and get a couple houses down the block before we saw them. I set a purposeful pace with Max and Leona flanking me, Aurane and Mr Korbin behind them, and Rorin and Garfield hopefully following us in the shadows. Then the two Militia men, who were standing under the porch of a nearby store front, come out to meet us in the street. A sergeant and his partner come up and ask us what we are doing. I explain that we are heading to the temple of Daja, and I hold out my hand as if wanting to shake his hand. With a glance, I can see that he has no intention of taking my hand, thus keeping his sword arm free. Damn. Not one of these new guys. I try to scan and look for the dragon tattoo's they all show off so proudly, but I see none on him. Either he hides it, or he is putting up with the new militia members.
Telling us that he will escort us to the Temple, the two militia take up flanking positions, one to either side. As we start off, there is a clatter from the alley, metal grating on stone. Taking note of the noise, they decide to stay with us rather than go investigate something that was probably just a stray knocking something over. As we walk, I start talking to the sergeant, but more of a rambling conversation. I'm not sure why, but I start talking to him about my time in the army, but not any of the good times. I start talking about the massacred villages that I have seen, the horrific battles, and nightmarish hunts. Searching for monsters and creatures that could kill with a look. Bounties for people who had no qualms about sacrificing innocents for twisted purposes. I'm not sure what effect these are having on anyone around, let alone the guards. I'm not telling anyone at this point, just letting it come out. All of those stories are the reason I make armor now. Not weapons. To protect people from the world. And all of that is coming crashing down.
I stop talking when we get to the temple gate. It is shut at this late hour, but easily opened as the temple guards know who we are. I go to shake hands with the sergeant, but again, he doesn't take my hand. Probably a good thing. I had envisioned locking my hand to his, and slowly beating him to a pulp. That thought alone left a rancid feeling in my mind. Part of me recoiled from it, and something in me held onto it nurturing it.
We got inside the gates of the temple, and asked after one of the priests who could help us with storage. While we wait, Rorin drops in from over the wall of the courtyard. I apologize to him for not filling him in on everything, and again tell everyone that we are going to store things here. It should be safe in the temple, and any crafter here would want to protect the goods produced.
A priest eventually meets with us in the courtyard, and I apologize that we are here so late. Explaining what I intend, we are given a small nook to use for storage, and bidding us a good night, the priest takes us back the courtyard. We all decide that Aurane should leave without us, so if anyone is watching he won't be seen with us anymore. Rorin can walk out the front door, as he is a known worshiper of Daja, and it would make things easier for him instead of more sneaking. We see Aurane out, and make sure he isn't stopped by anyone. The two militia that took us here tail him out, but in a way that shows they are just looking out for him. While we wait for ten minutes, giving him a clear start, I can feel the anger building up again. Being made to hide, and be secretive. My family had to risk it's life to save a friend. This should never have been something even Considered, not to mention allowed. I looked to Max. His great long mace, staff as long as he was tall, with a massive metal head on the end. It could break through a stone wall, let alone any man. And Leona. Her shield carried on her back was a massive disc, large enough to cover her entire body. Metal rimmed wood, it could deflect most weapons, but the small notches around the metal were the special part. They could support her spear, and she could defend herself and strike out with her spear at the same time. I know she can use the spear like a quarter staff too, as I had seen Garfield teaching her.
I could feel the fight I wanted. We gave Aurane enough time, and I wanted a whole patrol to be out there waiting for us. Another reason I had been so blatant coming here was to try and get those crimson dragon bastards to pick a fight with us. I wanted, no, needed that fight. I turned to the rest of the group and told them. “If we fight, end it quick. If they have dragon tattoos, finish them off. If they are regular guard, incapacitate, but do not kill.” I just wanted to teach those murdering bullies a lesson. Not anyone else. As we opened the gate, a quiet thought finally fought it's way through. Is this wrong? There should be another way besides fighting. But with my hand already behind me, reaching for my axe, I walked through the gate. Once again on this night, I walked through a door expecting one thing, and found something completely different on the other side of the door.
No patrols of guards waited for us on the other side, nor were there even any militia in sight. There were two armored figures standing there in the middle of the street, but neither were holding weapons. I didn't recognize the small figure standing slightly behind and to the side, but I certainly knew the one standing in the middle of the street. I knew the armor he carried, and the arsenal he wore. Max and I had made all of it.
Sheriff Goforth stood there in full plate armor, with his arms crossed. The armor had been designed by Max and I to expand if Vlad ever decided to transform into his alternate form, but so far I have never seen the special allowances used. We had actually designed Leona's armor after Vlad's, not that she has used that feature either. Goforth had his massive great sword on his back, along with his equally heavy Tower shield. The shield was an absolute bastion of defense. It was hard for me to carry, but he handled it like it was paper. The standard long sword of the sheriff's station was at his hip, the one thing he wore that came with his office.
The torrent of emotions that had been coursing through me all clashed together at once into anger, then fear and shame. Relief flooded into me. And defeat. I stood there in a maelstrom of incoherent thought feeling almost drunk as all that pent up energy was just torn away from me, and I nearly deflated on the spot. I knew the man in front of us well, and with no weapons drawn, he didn't anticipate a fight. Something to be glad of. I had fought him a few times in the training yard. He knew how to end fights.
Goforth opened his mouth and called out to us. “Good evening Druss. Max. How are you tonight?”
Seeing that I am unable to say anything for a time, Max greeted him back like they hadn't seen each other for a few days. It was obvious that Vlad wanted to us just be calm. I could see in the way that he and Max talked he just wanted to guide us where we were going. His job was the military face to the public, and he was just trying to do that now. Noticing his companion, a gnomish woman, I ask about her. Introducing my self, she tells me her name is Deputy Shandrah Tallow. With hair color of dirty straw, and slightly tanned skin, covered in freckles she stands about mid thigh of Vlad. A breast plate upon her chest, and a belt festooned with pouches over that, it gives the impression that she is deceptively stout. A gnomish short sword on her left hip, what would be a long knife for me, is balanced by a strange device on her right hip.
Resting inside a leather sheath, it looks like a strange enclosed crossbow. Six tubes sit on a grip, and a trigger underneath the whole thing. But she carries not extra arrows, nor is there any bow string. On asking to examine it, she pulls it out, and I can see that the tubes are in fact open at one end, but again there is no evidence of arrows. She explains that she was with the tinkers guild before being recruited by the sheriff. Twirling the strange weapon, she puts it back into the sheath in a very practiced motion. I ask her if she knows Holden Cockswell, and after talking of the guild for a short time, the conversation dies down.
Asking us where we are going, Vlad tells us he will take Rorin Home afterwards. I tell him that we are going to the temple of Pudge, and he doesn't ask why. Which is good, because I don't really have a good reason. That is simply the closest entry to the underground catacombs, which would allow us to get back to Aurane's. He may have been able to deduce that himself, or simply just wanted us to allow him to come with us, but it didn't matter. As long as we are peaceful about the whole thing. I think he wanted to make sure death wasn't the main event of the night.
As Vlad drops us off at the temple to Pudge, we part ways, and Rorin is guided back to his home. I know that if Rorin gets in trouble he can just vanish into the night, and no one will find him if he so desired. Waiting a few minutes, I take the group to the entrance of the underground ziggurat, and we make our way back through the tunnels. Not sure how the Ladies journey went, I only know that they were safe a couple hours ago, when Melfina sent me the message. Not sure how they will react with Mr Korbin, I prepare myself for that. Sleeping at Aurane's won't be a problem. I still have the blanket. I briefly wonder what would happen if Max set it up. What we would see in there. Only one way to find out I guess.