29th Day of Snowmoot: Saintsday
A very gentle but
cold breeze was blowing as the group left Riverguard. Aerie was silent,
withdrawn. She rode automatically letting her horse follow the ones in front.
The group were worried how the death of her sister had affected her.
30th day of Snowmoot: Last Day
Zindra had to find shelter quick as she recognised the weather was about
to change for the worst. Towards evening the group were safely back in the cave
they had sheltered in on the journey to Riverguard as a blizzard raged outside.
Aramil tried speaking with Aerie, but she did not return his kind words. She
sat in silence.
1st day of Fellnight: Moonday
The water in their waterskins had frozen overnight. They would not have
survived long in the blizzard. The sky was clear, and few clouds could be seen
but it looked like the storm had blown itself out. The group set off, Zindra in
the lead as usual. Aramil tried to ride next to Aerie but again he was shunned
as Aerie rode next to Garet and they travelled side by side throughout that
day. That night Aerie seemed to be less tense and although she did not talk
could often be seen glancing towards Garet.
2nd day of Fellnight: Towerday
There was a light dusting of snow and a gentle breeze the sky was mostly
cloudy. Zindra thought another storm was coming. It was late afternoon when the
bedraggled, battle-weary group entered Bargewright. Chalaska Muruin was at the
gate, having been warned by one of her sentries that a group was heading
towards Bargewright. "Hey, where’s Hagnulf and that other Dwarf.....yeah,
Fargrim?" The group did not answer but rode up to the Bargewright Inn and
had their horses taken to the stables. Rooms were tight as a caravan had
arrived approximately 4 days ago, with more building materials to repair the
bridge. Aerie and Garet shared a room. Grog, Aramil and Bandur another. Zindra
just took Fabiens hand and told him not to worry she liked drink more
than...... She left the sentenced unfinished.
3rd day of Fellnight: Wineday
They awoke to a freezing day in Bargewright, a light breeze added to the
drop in temperature, there had been a heavy snowfall during the night and dark
storm clouds were gathering on the horizon. They were glad when they came down
for breakfast that there was a roaring fire going in the common room. Two
strangers were sat at a table, noticeable by their oddity a human, a warrior by
the look and equipment he carried and sat next to him a wood elf, heavily
cloaked, wooden shield, and wooden club at his feet. They did not speak but
were obviously watching the group.
Aerie was happier that they had seen her since the day her sister died.
No one mentioned the incident though. She told the group she had plans, winked
at Aramil, by now totally confused and headed off with Zindra.
In groups the others headed for the market to replenish consumables used
in the hard fight at Riverguard Keep and the hidden temple of the Water Cult
below.
That night Fabien entertained the customers, locals, and guests alike
with a Bards rendition of 'her' exploits.
Fabien's performance included a crossbow shootout
in between performing. A crowd gathered and Fabien launched into a part play
part musical tale of how the Scrumptious Creatures Adventuring (the) Globe
group did seek a sword in a cavernous ruin of a place.
Fabien: " it was
looking dark, they were scared but no fear continued for they ran into their
trusty, devilishly handsome, Sir Fabien, of course the knighthood was a secret
but all the ladies and families he’s saved call him such. And whilst his reuniting
with his companions seemed dire, Sir Fabien with his all-seeing eyes and hefty
spirit did pick up his crossbow and lead the way to find the hag (cough) erm
the evil spirit a great powerful vengeful spirit and her wizardous cult leader.
So, Fabien leading did pass the gong of Merry using up all his spirit not to gong
and did find the cult leader. (Special mention) to my lovely assistant Aerie,
who had, after learning the mastery of performance, did lead the wizard astray
with such believable tales- becoming the air goddess. But evil Wizardo did defy
her and so Fabien did wrathfully jump into the room and shoot the wizard
straight in his eyne and again to his other evil companions whilst the rest of
the troupes of Scrumptious Creatures Adventuring (the) Globe did hack and slash
and finish the lizards all bar one for; we are merciful- Now if you permit
ladies and gentlemen, rest your weary hearts and have no fear for I will re-enact
the crossbow shot which did win the day for our adventurers and make you all
party of this merry tale…."
Although it brought back sad memories Aerie knew
Fabien meant no harm or malice. Plus, Fabien had not mentioned that the Hag was
in fact her sister. Her heart warmed, Aerie did overhear during the
celebrations that night that although materials had arrived to repair the
bridge, the first such caravan being the one they had saved, but the stone
mason they had brought to guide the building had died in that very same attack.
Aerie produced a plan.
An oldish man sitting in a corner clapped loudly
and was very impressed with Fabiens performance. At the end he offered to buy
Fabien a drink, drunk so the old man appeared for as they shared a drink, his
arm around Fabiens shoulder, his slurred attempt at song somehow still waxed
lyrical and seemed more of a chanting rhythm than song. As the old man thanked
Fabien again and turned around to go Fabien felt all tingly, but tingly in a
good way.
4th day of Fellnight: Thunderday
The air was warmer, only a slight dusting of snow, the air was light,
the sky cloudy but the storm clouds were nowhere to be seen.
There was a little talk about what to do next, Cults, Dragon Sword and other things were put forward, more so the group would think about these things than a firm plan.
Aerie found Bandur head in hand and explained to him what she had
overheard. Bandur stood awhile in uffish thought then exclaimed in a loud voice
full of fervour,
Bandur: "Twas brillig,
and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe but brave stonemason
Bandur did neither, for he would build a bridge. Ply me with food aplenty and
lots of good ale to boot."
Aerie thought that Bandur was still a little intoxicated but said
nothing. Bandur, Aerie, with Zindra and Garet in tow followed Bandur.
The cold morning winds and rising sun saw Aerie,
accompanied by Bandur, Zindra and Garet cresting the hill that overlooked the
bridge. On seeing a Dwarven crew already present and trying to figure out what
they could do, Bandur led the way down; and within a few minutes, was
somehow leading the group.
The dwarven stone
mason had taken Aerie by surprise. She had come to know Bandur as a good
natured, quiet, loveable dwarf with something of a polishing fetish. Within
moments of offering her assistance in whatever way she could, however; Aerie
saw a slightly different side of her dwarvish friend. The confidence and
competence that he exhibited in battle, came out now despite (or in part
because of) his drunkenness, and in short order construction was under way
under his confident guidance.
Aerie had heard of
the dwarves and their ways with stone but had always wondered if it had been
exaggerated. She now saw, first-hand, that they were not; if anything, the
stories did them no justice. At first the Avariel had been sceptical, worried
that Bandur's intoxicated state would affect the project. The only thing the
drink impaired for her good-natured friend, however, was his sense of balance
occasionally.
Garet, the half elf
monk as dexterous and impressive as ever, was a massive help in setting up the
framework, Zindra and Aerie assisted him as the dwarves worked their magic and
set the stones against the frame.
The first half of
the day went smoothly, with no major complications; it was after lunch, and
after Zindra and Bandur cracked into the "ale and grub" Aerie had
promised, that things took a bit of an interesting turn. It started out well
enough, work was moving smoothly; Aerie was marvelling at the dwarven genius
being put on display before her, when Zindra got a little too animated in her
conversation with Bandur.
The Avariel was not
paying close enough attention to really know what they were talking about- she
was too distracted by what she was doing and the overwhelming display of
dwarvish craftsmanship; but she did hear the yelped "oh shit!".
Whipping her head around just in time to see Zindra falling haphazardly to the
side away from her (of course!) and down to the river below (Aerie was still
blown away they had made THAT much progress already), the Avariel lunged after
her friend without thinking. The invisibility fading from her wings as she
caught the ranger, the feathered limbs straining to keep them aloft, Aerie
prayed no one was watching. Looking up and around to see if she could still
land unnoticed, Aerie saw the idea was futile, as some bearded faces peered
down at the pair curiously.
"Well, that's
some interesting elf magic." One of them commented, the group watching
curiously as Aerie carried Zindra up, already cursing herself more than the
ranger. She had not expected keeping her race quiet to be so damn hard, seeing
an opportunity, however; the winged elf laughed awkwardly.
"It most
definitely is fancy elf magic that definitely isn't worth talking about. I'd
even be willing to continue to use my... elf magic... to help if we're agreed
it's not worth telling anyone about?" One of the older dwarves, with a
knowing glint in his eye, agreed loudly.
"Aye lads, you
heard her! Just some fancy elf magic, not worth mentioning to no one, hear? Now
back to work- this bridge won't build itself!"
Thankfully, there
were only 2 other times Aerie had to catch someone (Zindra again, then Bandur
when he slipped on a stone he polished, perhaps a bit too well), and overall
day one of construction went well- thanks to Bandur's leadership. The typically
quiet dwarf led the construction crew brilliantly and confidently (if not a bit
oddly at times: "It must be shiny!"), and as a result, they made
progress that Aerie could not even begin to explain- and she had witnessed it!
Fabien practiced her music keeping the workers at the bridge
entertained.
Aramil and Grog were hard at it, scribing new prayers and spells into
their respective books.
At the Bargewright Inn that night the group found out that in 3 days’
time there was to be a winter fayre in Bargewright. Competitions would be held
in archery, crossbow, running, riding, pole climbing, axe throwing, best
musician and drinking. Entry fees were 10gp per competition, prizes were 100gp
1st, 50gp 2nd and 25gp for 3rd place.
Fabien was asked to entertain the customers at the inn again that night.
At the end, Fabien was surprised when the old man from the night before stood
up and in a very drunken voice regaled the audience with a tale of his
own.
Old
Man: "I'll tell the tale of a wee laddie, of mixed parentage,
one was high born, t'other not. But they were 'appy. Now the lad, from his
parentage, could do little tricks, and as he grew he could do more and more.
His father wasn't around much but left him a wonderous stone, a vision stone,
before he left again never to return."
(You can all say ahhh now-it does help),
"So, where wuz I, oh yes, his mother tried to sway the young lad to
her way of thinking, but he wasn't having any. So, when he was old enough he
was packed off to the Tower Tall, dark, and grim. Twaz here that he learned his
craft, the art of Magik, taught to him by masters of Magik. He studied long and
hard and at last came the day when he would depart the Tower Tall, dark and
grim."
(Cough, cough, me throat is dry - anyone kindly - why thank you sir,
slurp, slurp gulp, gulp)
"Now then, ah yes, .....dark and grim. His mother passed away with
the lad at her side. Twas here that he had his first vision, a city arising out
of a lake, all fancy and towery white it woz, but that is another story long in
the tellin! So hiz mother passed and oft he did go to earn fame and fortune.
Now there cum a time when he held anotherz hand, the vision stone between, they
shared a vision not of his making nor his fatherz but a shared vision. You see
his mother in her youth was a user of Magik herse'n. But with child she chose
the motherin not the sorcerin. Twaz his mother’s milk that poured not only milk
but her power into the child. It waz this combination that had confuzed the lad
throughout hiz life'n sometime in hiz future would have to choose, the left or
the right, neither wrong neither right for such woz the gift of his mixed
parentage".
(now'n thatz me dun for tonight. Let the fair bard play a gay tune to
lighten the load).
It was a regular gig that paid Fabien well.
That night as the Inn cleared the bartender tipped Garet a wink and
nodded to the two strangers leaving the Inn. The human warrior and the other
carrying a wooden shield and club. Garet decided to watch the discreetly
himself.
5th day of Fellnight: Fireday
The day was freezing but clear.
Aramil and Grog were scribing all day.
Bandur and Aerie organised, chivvied, and chased and got the building of
the bridge going at a great pace. Zindra, in between helping at the bridge
showed Garet the rudiments of fighting with a longsword.
As Garet went back through the gate later that day for a well-earned
drink at the inn the gate guard called him over. He informed Garet that earlier
that day two strangers were asking if he knew a Garet Jax, if he did could they
let him know they were looking for him.
Fabien practiced her music keeping the workers at the bridge
entertained.
Again, Fabien entertained the customers in the inn. And again, the old
man stood up and told another tale
Old
Man: "Ahem, now I'll tell the tale of the Netharize, they had
powerful Magik. They had cities that risen up and floated in the air, you shake
your headz, wey itz true coz ah seen em. I did. 'n they had theze Magik circles
like, they stepped on them and they wuz transported to another such circle. Noo
theze circles were everywhere, temples, cities, and the such. But the lords and
priests got wise, they fund oot wot the Netharize wuz up to. Ye just cudn't hop
here and there, they got their own Magik folk to put glyphs and wards (that is
alarms to you lot) that warned when the circle was being used or somit or
somebody was cumin. That wuz undredz of years ago 'nd ower time they forgot how
to use them, but somewhere there haz to be a tome, or three, with how they
operated. Wey ah new a Magik folk who worked oot a way arund the circles, he
had lived for ages and ages, twaz him who told iz of them floating cities like,
he med a pendent that cud transport folk to anywhere they had been afore, or
hurd aboot, or read aboot or thowt they knew aboot or just plain guessed aboot
and it tuk 'im and his people there and here. He wuz a great Magik and he
fought the evil for th' culdn't fathom oot when they wud cum for 'em".
6th day of Fellnight Swordsday
The day was warmer, than yesterday.
Aramil and Grog took a break as Aramil had decided to enter the crossbow
competition, Grog offered Aramil the use of his crossbow and offered to show
the young wizard how to load and fire the easily operated light crossbow.
Days 2 and 3 of the
bridge building were a little different but went similarly. In between helping
Bandur and Aerie with building, Zindra taught Garet the rudimentary basics of
fighting with a longsword, a weapon he had trained with but never to the extent
he had with a short sword or dagger. The Avariel herself did her best to keep
her wings out of sight while she focused on doing what she could to help in
construction, but there were few instances where aerial intervention was
necessary (who would have guessed polished stone would be so slippery in the
winter, over a river?). To say she ached at the end of each day, would be an
understatement, which was why she was looking forward to the Fayre.
Fabien practiced her
music keeping the workers at the bridge entertained.
Fabien sang more
songs, told more tales of derring do and kept the inn customers entertained that
night.
Again talk turned to other things. Garet could see that Aramil was at odds with a few things, so they talked some more. It came out he was concerned about the second Dragon Sword and his father. But as they talked deeper into the night he found out what Aramil was at odds with. Garet let out a hearty laugh and slapped his friend on the back.
Aramil: "I'm confused Garet, what have the birds and the bees got to do with boys and girls?"
Garet then leaned over to Aerie who nodded her head. She took Aramil by the hand and led him away. They left the inn and took a long walk around the village. Well a slow walk for the village wasn't that big. A short while later Aerie and a now blushing, very red faced young Aramil came back into the inn and sat down. All Aramil could say was 'Oh...Oh.....really. Interesting.' He blushed continually especially when Aerie or Garet looked his way.
Zindra: "You should've let me and Fabien have a looong chat with the lad".
Aerie: "You'd scar the poor lad for life, anyway it's done".
Garet sat alone at the table,
Aerie had just gone up to their room. Grog, Bandur and Aramil had just left too. Garet noticed the warrior whom he had
been watching was approaching the table.
Warrior: "May
your blades stay sheathed unless absolutely needed to protect the free"
Without looking up
Garet replied:
"May the free be
protected from tyranny........I hear you're looking for me. I am Jax......Garet
Jax".
Warrior: "My
name is Arlon Steelheart and let me introduce you to my friend Karion Velorna,
a Wood Elf Druid. We are both Harpers". He did so as the 2nd stranger with
the club and wooden shield approached the table.
Anor
Steelheart
Karion Velorna
Garet asked who sent
them and why. Arlon told him that they had been sent from Mirabar to assist
searching for the missing delegation. Arlon told Garet they had been sent by
Zespara Alather, another Harper in Mirabar. And yes, Arlon used the term Garet
said loosely, they were Bright Blades. They also confirmed their route here
from Mirabar through Longsaddle, confirming the pies in the Gilded Horseshoe
were still the stuff of legend. The down to Triboar and Red Larch, strange folk
there Arnor told him. They had arrived with the last stone caravan about 6 days
ago. They had no knowledge of Elemental Cults other than a rumour or two in Red
Larch, but they did not have time to seek out a known Harper contact there to
confirm. Finding the delegation and getting them to Waterdeep for the meeting
of the Lords Alliance council meeting was of the utmost urgency.
Garet needed time to
think and inform the others. There was little more to do and as Aerie had come
back down to see what was keeping him she decided not to broach the subject of
the strangers until Garet was ready to tell her.
As the inn was closing and Aerie, with Garet, headed upstairs she turned
and again winked at Aramil.
He was now totally bemused and confused. As he lay on his bed he could
feel a lump under his covers. Pulling them back he found a piece of wood, 1ft
long and 2inches square. Around it was wrapped a ribbon of blue cloth with a
feather attached. Perplexed and thoroughly confused, Aramil took off the ribbon
of blue and put the feather safely to one side.
Grog asked him what it was. Aramil shrugged and turned sharply for Grog
to look. The flick of Aramils wrist when he turned around was enough for the
device to activate in his hand. With a whirr and a click the block of wood
transformed into a light crossbow of intricate mechanical design. Not only
that, but good job also it was pointed at the floor, in the blink of an eye 5
bolts thudded into the floor. Bending down Aramil saw 3 small boxes on the
floor. Each was a box containing 5 bolts and a hole at one end, and spring-operated
mechanism. Bandur laughed, not another one of those gnomish, folding,
mechanical, repeating light crossbows! Bandur pointed out a sighting mechanism
on the side and a button which detached the small, now empty magazine. Bandur
pointed out that the full boxes were replacement magazines. It took Aramil,
Bandur and Grog some hours to work out how to replace and empty magazine with a
full one, how to fill an empty magazine with bolts and that depending on the
pressure on the trigger, whether 1 or 5 bolts were released.
7th day of Fellnight: Saintsday
The day of the fayre and Aramils birthday. The Old Man approached Aramil
and told him "If you still seek the answer then look for me on the eve of
your next birthday". Aramil walked down to the river where the fayre was being held. A temporary wooden platform had been extended across the last gap to be repaired in the bridge. This allowed the residents of Womford access to the fayre. Aramil watched a steady stream of people cross, one in particular caught his eye. She was young, had brown hair and with one look in his direction and a smile, had captivated him.
Aramil had lost sight of her in the crowd. So he went over to the tents erected so people could place bets on who they thought would win. There were a number of competitions:
Archery: best of 5 arrows
Crossbow: Best of 5 bolts at different targets
Axe Throwing: Height and a flair for the catch earned points
Pole Climbing: How fast could you climb to the top and ring the bell
Drinking: Over 5 rounds, each round increasing the amount to drink
Sprint: A mad dash through and over obstacles and a greased pig to boot
Mounted: On horse around the village over fences.
Bets were made, the group bet wisely. Then the horn blast signifying competitors to the first event, archery. Aerie, Garet, Zindra and Karion were up against, Hendrik Smaal, Fyrgd Gundersdottr, Felbagan, Kenenon, Jubal Kane and Kyle Ruger.
Results:
1st Zindra 50 points 2nd Garet 48 points 3rd Aerie 47 points
Second event, crossbow. Anor, Aramil, Bandur, Grog and Fabien were up against, Chalask Muirin, Nalag, Heirod Lagg, Dagor Lin. and Emmence Pyle.
Results:
1st Grog 23 points 2nd Chalask Muirin 18 points 3rd Aramil 17 points
Third event, axe throwing. Bandur, Garet, Zindra, were up against, Olissander Yand, Bragriade, Jubal Kane, Dagor Lin, Dyonowne, Emmence Pyle and Kyle Ruger.
Results:
1st Garet 198 points 2nd Zindra 166 points 3rd Bandur 150 points
Fourth event, pole climbing. Aerie, Anor, Bandur, Garet, Grog, Karion and Zindra were up against, Jubal Kane, Kyle Ruger, and Bragriade.
Results:
1st Zindra 24 points 2nd Aerie 23 points 3rd Grog 22 points
Fifth event, drinking. Aerie, Anor, Bandur, Fabien and Zindra were up against, Billy the Trough, Finbar, Nalag, Dyonowne, Emmence Pyle.
Results:
1st Hagnar the Smith 55 points 2nd Anor 52 points 3rd Zindra 50 points
Sixth event, sprint. Anor, Bandur, t and were up against, Hendrik Smaal, Fyrgd Gundersdottr, Kenenon, Dyonowne, Chalask Muirin and Kyle Ruger.
Results:
1st Grog 125 points 2nd Garet 117 points 3rd Anor 99 points
Seventh event, mounted. Aerie, Garet and Zindra were up against, Hendrik Smaal, Fyrgd Gundersdottr, Jubal Kane, Kenenon, Dyonowne, Chalask Muirin and Kyle Ruger.
Results:
1st Aerie 124 points 2nd Zindra 114 points 3rd Garet 84 points
Prizes:
1st Place 100gp
2nd Place 50gp
3rd Place 25gp
Young Aramil caught up with the lass from Womford. Shy though she appeared, both Aramil and Susan (for that was her name), got on really well. At the end of the day Susan asked Aramil if he was going to the party in Womford when the bridge was finished, Aramil didn't know what to say but watched Susan cross the bridge into Womford. His thoughts were in a turmoil as Aeries words of advice came back to him. He dreamed dreams he had never dreamed before that night.
8th day of Fellnight: Moonday
Another warmer but cold day.
Aramil and Grog were scribing all day.
The day after the Fayre fun, Aerie and Bandur
gathered up their crew once more, and continued their progress on the bridge;
the Avariel continuing to supply "grub and ale" as promised. Over the
next few days, Aerie laid witness to (and assisted in) the marvel of dwarf
stonework. The best way she could describe the way the stout children of the
stone worked, was magic. She could not, no matter how closely she watched, make
heads or tails of just how they worked the stone the way they did. Zindra
continued to work with Garet on his longsword skills in between helping the
dwarves and winged elf, while Fabian occasionally cheered the group up/on with
his music.
Again, Fabien entertained the customers in the inn. The old man stood up
and began to tell a tale.
Old
Man: "Of course, in those days the heroes of old used old
magic. Great magic rings, were created by the mages of Nethar. Stepping on one
and knowing the right incantation transported the person or thing to the
destination circle. Now a bright young mage decided to dabble with this magic
and came up after many trials and tribulations an alternative. He created a gem
imbued with a memory stone and the power of the magic circle. he had made a
device that could transport 10 heroes and their mounts, and all their equipment
carried to a destination that the wearer knew of, had read about, had been told
of or better still, had been to. By just thinking of this transported the
wearer and those around him to that destination.
The young mage over the years modified this gem by attaching an
adamantine chain to it. The adamantine chain was linked to 9 tokens. These 9
tokens allowed the bearer to be transported to the location of the wearer of
the gem. The heroes could now split up or if one were badly wounded leave them
to heal knowing that they could re-join the band of heroes by just activating
the token. Over time, these tokens were made permanent by the young mage and
not just usable only once. As the band travelled and returned to the young
mage, they asked if the tokens and the gem could be linked to a magic circle by
a simple process. The young mage took some time, but produced a simple
solution. By placing the gem or token at the centre of a circle, they were
linked to that circle until the process was repeated on another. The young mage
added further precautions so the evil could not use them.
Over the years the band members changed many times until at last, there
were no heroes left, to assume the challenges of defending the world. There
again the heroes were that successful that there were no need for heroes
anymore."
Again, like other nights once he had finished his tale he got up and
walked into the throng, he appeared to just disappear, but no-one noticed or
cared.
9th day of Fellnight: Towerday
Another cold day.
Aramil and Grog were scribing all day.
Bandur and Aerie organised, chivvied, and chased and got the building of
the bridge going at a great pace. Zindra, in between helping at the bridge
showed Garet the rudiments of fighting with a longsword.
Fabien practiced her music keeping the workers at the bridge
entertained.
Again, Fabien entertained the customers in the inn.
10th day of Fellnight: Wineday
A warmer day.
Aramil and Grog were scribing all day.
After 6 days of
building, and only a few "minor" mishaps, the bridge that would
connect Womford to Bargewright Inn stood proudly, the sun shining brilliantly
on the beautifully polished stones. Iron grooves spaced for wagons ran across
the bridge on either side to allow for traffic, the arches supporting the span
bridge were both tall and spaced well enough to comfortably allow boats to pass
beneath. It was, Aerie mused to herself, a Dwarven marvel; one she felt honoured
to have helped them with. It was Bandur, however, by which she was really
impressed.
While Zindra and
Garet had been a massive help (and Fabian when he came out to play music and
keep the group company), Bandur had been instrumental in this effort. The
dwarven stone mason had earned a whole new level of respect from Aerie, of both
his alcohol tolerance, and his skill in his trade (which oddly enough had
seemed to benefit from the drink, though she wonders if that was all in her
head) and as a leader. He had (with very little prompting) taken lead of the
crew, and because his knowledge, skill and guidance, two communities were once
more connected.
After completing
the bridge, the crew returned to Bargewright Inn to celebrate; Aerie buying not
just the one keg she had promised for the day, but two to celebrate. True to
their words, not a peep about Aeries’ "fancy elf magic" was said, as
the dwarves grateful for her occasional "aerial save" from polished,
slippery stones and a cold, wet landing. As night fell, Aerie slipped away from
the party, informing Garet that she would return shortly. Stepping into the
night, Aerie took a sneaky trip to Womford. She was sure Tom would want to know
about the bridges' completion, and she was curious to see what had happened
with the town’s corrupt innkeeper and his cronies.
Aeries trip over
the river was uneventful and she decided, as the bridge was finished, she would
walk over. The people of Womford had seen her working on the bridge and gladly
welcomed her ahead of the official opening and party scheduled for the
following day.
It took Aerie a
little time to get to Tom’s house, but even as she was about to knock the door
opened and Tom's wide Miriam gave her a big hug and bade her welcome. Tom was
sitting at the table as his wife ushered Aerie in. Tom was overjoyed at seeing
the Elf again and with tears in his eyes told her what had happened on their
return. Tom and his two assistants had fled the town the same night that the
group assaulted Riverguard keep. The large barge had docked and the Water
Genassi had took Tom and the 2 assistants with him. The barge had gone by
morning, down river.
Aerie stayed awhile
longer then headed back to the Bargewright Inn.
11th day of Fellnight: Thunderday
Breakfast was a hearty one as the people of Bargewright and the group
headed for the bridge. At the same time, the people of Womford headed for the
bridge from their side of the river. The village elder of Womford, Ebyr
Gwallbanadd and the head of Bargewright, Saden Arydyr, met in the middle and
shook hands. Bandur standing slightly forward of the others and alongside the
small army of helpers watched as the two leaders shook hands. Bandur stood
astonished, as his name was called out, he was beckoned to approach the two
leaders.
"In honour of your work we would like to name this new bridge
Vongrom Bridge".
The gathered crowd started shouting and clapping as the throng lifted
Bandur on their shoulders and carried him over the bridge and into Womford for
the party.
THE FINISHED BRIDGE
At the party that night the old man once more told a story.
Old
Man: "Not ten years passed and four gifts for prophets dark -
evil power in hand they wield - to bring forth primordial princes from time
long past - The Elder Elemental Eye the deceiver, trickster, dark swirling mass
of chaotic black sought to rule - Mystra brought forth her champions bold led
by High Lord Lorimer Fandin - long time they sought and long time they
fought in a temple of
Ghaundaur - for in the mountains south of Easting they sought out the
last of Clan Sabrak and laid the foe low - four gifts freely offered and freely
given back - last dark portal closed the Eye denied awhile - for the dark
always finds a way -he who stands waits patiently in the rear - for balance must
be kept - the duty of the free - for if he who waits does arrive then from the
depths she will arrive - for they will challenge for the right to utter
destruction and conquest anew - the world as we now it forever seen a mirror of
their own design and whim - So always beware the gifts of the dark not of
this plane for therein lies the answers to this worlds bane"
(Aramil: his mind racing, so many questions unanswered, so many new questions to answer, Aramil needed to discuss this with the others, mindful he was still new to the group he had to approach them carefully, seek guidance, but he so wanted to head for the temple of Ghaundaur, for certain he felt there would lay more answers.)
A touch on his arm brought him back to reality, it was Susan. They spent the their time in each others company all through the party.
As the old man had finished he walked towards Garet. The old man brushed passed Garet as he passed him placed his hand on Garets shoulder to steady his drunken sway. A second or two then Garet felt something around his neck hanging down to mid chest level, on looking he found an oddly shaped gem pendent around his neck. He felt there was something else, for there now was small grey bag attached to his belt, where there wasn't before. On looking inside he found 9 small replicas of the pendent but in the form of a token. Astounded he looked up but the Old Man was gone again.
(Aramil: glanced across at Garet who also seemed surprised, not at the same information, he held something in his hands, what had the old man given him? For it was that the old man had only just that moment passed Garet by. Aramil wanted to go after the man to ask him so many questions. As he thought to get up and follow the man stood directly in front of him was Susan. Aramil felt embarrassed uncertain of his feelings, what should he do, he had liked the lovely smile she had often given him over the last few days, he thought he liked her, but he so wanted to catch up with the man, he had so many questions he wanted to ask him…a year seemed so long to wait for answers ‘if he still had the questions’….His decision was made for him.)
The party continued long into the night. At some point young Aramil was taken by the arm and guided to a barn by the pretty young farmers daughter with shiny brown hair called Susan, and....Aramil now taking notice of more than just.......well more than he did before his chat with Aerie.. He had been watching Susan all night, strangely drawn to her in a way he had never thought of before.
SUSAN
Many of the Bargewright inhabitants slept where they fell during the party in and around the town hall and houses of Womford locals. Others walked wearily and unsteadily back over the bridge and the short distance to Bargewright.Aramil spent a sleepless night in the arms of the farmer’s daughter. He
must have fallen asleep sometime during the night, the farmers daughters’ arms
still wrapped around him. His eyes were instantly wide open as the loud booming
noise rippled over the river and shook the buildings of Womford. Sleepy
inhabitants of Womford and those from Bargewright who stayed in Womford the
night before, staggered from their houses and lodgings. Looking over the river
they could see a darkening pall, of smoke, climbing skyward from Bargewright.
Aramil hurried through the streets of Womford, guided by Susan. She led him to a door. Before she could open it, the door opened.
Dad: "So, what time do you call this? Your 3 brothers are out looking for you. Who's this and why have you kept my daughter out all night".
The father looked down at his daughters arm, then to Aramils arm and saw the bracelet his daughter had given to him as a gift.
Dad: "If you mother were still alive, get in the house".
Susan: "But Dad,,,,I,,,,I love him"
Susan, tears in her eyes obeyed her father. The door slammed in Aramils face.
There was a steady stream of people back over the bridge. The smoke
plume was rising higher as the mass stood at the bottom of the slope looking up
to the high, flat plateau where Bargewright once stood. Slowly people made
their way up the slopes and stood on the rim of the crater where once
Bargewright had been. Only the stable and a lone barn were left standing as
they were at the bottom of the slope, some field walls were also left standing
below the slope.
Bargewright
Garet and the others in the group were astounded. There was nothing
left. Luckily, all their important items were with them as they were always
prepared for the unexpected. The surviving residents of Bargewright were not so
lucky. Zindra left to check the stables and came back and told the others that
the horses were ok.
Garet mentioned to the others that he had spoken with Tom last night if there were any boats that would take them up river, with their mounts, to Riverguard Keep. Tom had told him that a barge was due from Yartar sometime in the next 3 days.
The old man was walking towards the group, he was shaking his head and talking to himself.
Old Man: "Ah. There you all are. Ready to be heroes? Things have become more serious. This (he points to the large hole) means things have become deadly serious. They have mastered how to harness the elemental power of their evil 'Gods', their so called Princes of Elemental Evil. I warn you that you are at a crossroads. Defeat the 4, throw back those damn God Gifts and stop the Darkness that lies behind the Princes, for that is the real enemy. What it is, you don't have to worry about for it is a Darkness that will bring utter destruction, to everything. The only thing to stop it then, will be She who is coming. You know who that is without me having to mention that name. That said, she is coming, have no doubt about that. When and where I don't know. All I do know is that it concerns that damn cult of hers, dragons and a place so secret even I can't find it. But know this, there is powerful magic behind them, for they seek to control her, command her to do their bidding, fools. They know not what they are trying to release, whilst these four fools don't realise if they free their Princes then they also let loose utter destruction that comes after them unbidden. You have most, not all of the tools (yet), to complete the tasks before you. I leave it to yourselves to determine in what order you do this. I will attempt to gather more intelligence about the other. I have left a magic board at Axeholm. This board is like your book you write in Garet. At times I will leave messages for you at Axeholm on the board and other messages from 'helpers'. Now I must go".
The old man that stood before them had gone, gone as if blown away by a hidden breeze.
12th day of Fellnight: Fireday
Aramil was up early, he had not seen Susan since yesterday, nor her brothers. He wandered outside as he did so he spotted Aerie walk into the stable attached to the Inn in Womford they were all staying at. He followed. As he entered he could see Aerie was praying, probably to Aerdrie Faenya he thought.
Aerie: "Great Winged Mother, Lady of the Skies and Winds, I come before you in trepidation and concern. Evil is running rampant, and there are far more dangers lurking in the shadows than I think the Avariel ever thought there would be... I failed to save my sister, and I fear I will not be strong enough to protect my allies against the darkness that lurks just ahead. I wish to purify these lands from this darkness with your winds, and keep those who seek to protect the innocent, within the fight. Please, Mother, allow me to be your hand on this mortal plane, that we can ensure the freedom of all from the tyranny of the elements, and dragons."
He was about to turn and leave Aerie to her prayers when he stood transfixed as a beam of silvery light appeared from nowhere and bathed Aerie in a heavenly light. Aerie seemed serene, divine, happy, uncaring of what was around her all in that time she was bathed in that silver, radiant, heavenly light. Aramil quietly stepped outside when he felt he wasn't rooted to the spot anymore. He didn't say anything to anyone, it was his secret to keep.
