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Post by DM Cyphus on Apr 10, 2006 15:32:18 GMT -5
Highbringer was called before Richard Goodwest.
"I am Master Jaden Highbringer of the Jasper Blades of Orlil. This Court has no jurisdiction over me, but I will respond to your questions," Highbringer began.
Goodwest laughed aloud, "Thank you for at least getting the introduction taken care of before the outburst. I believe you will find you are very mistaken, Master Highbringer. Now, let's begin with the questioning."
Highbringer was asked about, and reluctantly answered the questions pertaining to, his two encounters with the Drow. Both meetings occured at night outside the city limits of Antezra. Highbringer had been contacted with a note left for him at the Do Drop Inn. He'd gone to meet with the Drow and arranged for the second meeting mistakenly thinking his Elven friend could help him read the Drow and possibly get more money for the mercenary group. After arrangements were made, the Drow told them where they could pick up a shipment of gunpowder in South Lantan. Highbringer went about the preparations the Court had already been told about and that's where the story ended.
"Do you have any contentions with this testimony, Lord Drachen?"
"Yes, Lord Goodwest, I have one. The Drachens contend that the employ of this man was never heard of amongst our family. He has offered no word as to whether or not the Drachen name was even referenced, nor that he was aware of whom the targets belonged to. We contend that it is possible that Lord Lurrin Drachen uncovered a plot to destroy the Pretens warehouses, or worse put the plans into motion himself, and then blamed it on his family in order to raise his standing with his fiancee's family and associates. Clearly there is power to be found amongst the Kolendurs, particularly if the Drachens are..."
Goodwest cut the man off. "I believe I've heard enough of your contention, Lord Drachen," Goodwest turned to Highbringer, "Did you ever suspect, or come to realize, that you were working against the Pretens of Lethtar, for the Drachens of Lethtar, or perhaps both?"
"No, I did not," was Highbringer's swift response.
"Lord Drachen, do you have any further contentions?" Goodwest asked.
"No, Lord Goodwest, I do not."
"You are dismissed Master Jaden Highbringer of the Jasper Blades."
***
Richard Preten and Gunner Drachen had gone on for nearly an hour each about the wrongs done to their family and their many requests. It would not be until the next day, however, that Richard Goodwest would speak his mind on the subject. Many things were at stake, and wisely he'd taken the time to sleep on the issues brought before him.
Now they sat in Jonathan Preten's office, alone again and away from the Royal Court. Jonathan broke the silence that finally as they entered the room. "I may have more work for you, my friends. But it's going to take some time. You need to lay low for a tenday or so and let this blow over. Give the Drachens a chance to settle, no matter what their punishment is. Then we'll get some more work for you all and get you out of town for a short time. We'll need to see what this judgment is and how the Drachens respond...and how we respond for that matter," Jonathan laughed just a bit, "Whatever the case, it will be a good idea to stand down from any agressive action towards them for a time. I'd rather be on the defensive after this hearing and have the proper course of action followed rather than be the aggressor after trying to make the Drachens look to be the villains. It's all about how they view us, I'm afraid."
A guard interrupted them before anyone could respond, "Lord Preten, there is a man who refers to himself as the Eternal Flame of Lethtar here. He has been waiting for some time to speak with the Wandering Flame. I assumed he spoke of the Kossuthan, milord."
"Yes, of course. Escort him to my library, good man," as the guard left Jonathan turned to Serol, "You may have privacy there to speak. We will discuss some ways for you all to enjoy some relaxation time and stay safe from quiet retaliation while we wait for you. Then I demand you all enjoy your evening."
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Post by lawfather on Apr 10, 2006 15:41:15 GMT -5
The trial was a farce. Regardless of whom the court sided with it would go no further toward justice than the two lords who argue economic philosophy while the poor starve. That was the problem with nobility. They talked when they should act, made deals when they should fight, and saught reperations when they should seek to improve the plight of their people.
Still it was a formallity. The king was the king and he had an army, but even kings new better than to stick their noses too deeply in matters of church and faith, especially with the power that some of those faithful at at their command.
The guard's news was unexpected. As soon as he mentioned the eternal flame Serol was on his feet. He glanced over to Jonathan, who was already offering him the use of his library. "Thank you, Lord Preten." he said formally in front of the guard. Jonathan may be his friend, but in front of his people he was still a lord first.
"Show me to the library." he said perhaps a bit more commanding than his might have wished. His mind was already troubled by this most unusual occurance.
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Post by DM Cyphus on Apr 10, 2006 15:59:43 GMT -5
The library was close to where the Eternal Flame had been waiting. As the guard passed the Eternal Flame, he asked for them both to follow him yet again. He guided them to the nearby library and closed the doors so that they could have their privacy.
"I realize that this is unexpected, Wandering Flame. But these matters are time sensitive. So I am afraid I must dismiss pleasantries and greetings and ask of your hearing in the Royal Court at a later time," the Eternal Flame of Lethtar explained, "I have sent word to Boetrah to the Eternal Flame of Lantan for his guidance, but I am afraid we will not receive word in time. And also it is your decision, I should think, as the Wandering Flame,
"You have been summoned...in a fashion. Word arrived today that a creature we thought to merely be a myth has requested your presence, and yours specifically," the Eternal Flame handed Serol a piece of parchment, "Read it."
The note was written in Common.
And so it has come to pass that the Wandering Flame has wandered into existence in my lifetime. I had doubted for years that this would occur, and now my faith is once again renewed in nature's prophets. As they have promised, it has happened.
I humbly request an audience with the Wandering Flame of Lantan and any he considers friend or companion. Large numbers will not be welcome, and I have only the patience for the Kossuthan I request, no others.
Send the Wandering Flame quickly on his way to Sundrah. He will await further word there at the my favorite tavern, The Black Dragon. If he arrives as I have requested, I will help him find his true path and the paths of those he travels with.
Send him swiftly, for he will soon be followed. Though this note has passed from my hands to that of a Brazier and only to those who would deliver this message as I have requested, there are others who have known of our meeting for years. They will strike near Featherale, but they will fail. He is to travel at night and sleep by day. If he does this, they will fail to catch him unprepared. His foe has more to fear from the sun that it might seem.
I wait, but not patiently.
-Karma
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Post by lawfather on Apr 10, 2006 16:06:17 GMT -5
Serol read the message then reread it. It didn't make any more sense than it did the first time. He had no idea who this person was, or who might be after him, but any message that is hand delivered by an Eternal Flame could not simply be ignored.
"Eternal Flame, though I fear no journey, the Firelord is always at my side, I must ask: Who is this person? I've never heard the name, yet something about it speeks to me in a most unusal way."
That was not the question he wanted to ask most, but it was perhaps the one the Eternal Flame might be able to answer based upon his introduction to presenting him the message.
What he really wanted to know, is how one might know of this meeting for years. This was most unsettling and he had heard nothing about any of this in his daily comune with the Firelord.
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Post by DM Cyphus on Apr 10, 2006 16:14:23 GMT -5
"I would not have believed it if one of your Burning Braziers had not witnessed it himself. Karma is touched by the servants of the Flamelord himself. He is a Fire Elf. None have been seen for centuries, and none were thought to any longer exist. It was divined to an Eternal Flame several hundred years ago that the Fire Elves would only reappear in the world when grave dangers faced our lands and the Kossuthan church was to face another great trial. We had heard rumors of this Karma before, in truth many Braziers have investigated his existence without even knowing. And now his existence is verified with the eyes of Brazier, and he has requested your presence...but we...our church is so small...what trials we face I cannot imagine at this time. But this warrants our attention nonetheless. True or not, we must know for certain. I would like to seek the Eternal Flame of Lantan and his wisdom in this matter, but that is beyond us if you wish to meet this one in time. The decision is yours, Wandering Flame."
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Post by lawfather on Apr 10, 2006 16:18:59 GMT -5
"If the faithful of Kossuth face a great challange, I will strive to be among his champions. If this prophecy has any truth to it, the choice that is mine was made when it was. My duty is to Kossuth, his faithful and my superiors within his vision. Should this elf be in a possition to aid us in what ever trial will soon face us, I will meet with him without delay."
He rolled the parchment tightly and tucked it beneath his belt. "I will make preperations to leave at sunset. May the blessings of the Firelord, forever grace the hearth of your home, Eternal Flame."
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Post by DM Cyphus on Apr 10, 2006 16:28:28 GMT -5
"Take great care, Serol," the Eternal Flame spoke informally, "Forces are at work here that we know very little of, and we lack the guidance of even our wisest leader in this time. The Burning Brazier who delivered this claims that the Fire Elf inquired as to your traveling companions. He claimed to once know how many you would bring, but that now it was cloudy in his vision. Will you take those you have traveled with?"
(((Gonna run home...I'm tired of sitting at work. lol I'll post again soon. Time to get into the main storyline...guess you're gonna bail on the decision, eh? lol)))
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Post by lawfather on Apr 10, 2006 16:39:43 GMT -5
Serol said honestly, "I do not command these men, Eternal Flame. I will inform Jonathan Preten of my departure and the contents of the message, specificly the part about my companions fate revealed as well. But the decision to join must be of their own."
"None of them are, as of yet, followers of Kossuth. I do not know why the Fire Elf would seek to speak with them. But there are a great many things I do not know about this message, why should I let one trouble me when others do not?"
Serol inclined his head to the Eternal Flame's request. "I will make all haste to Sundrah traveling as he described. But I will check with the faithful there. If you hear from the Eternal Flame of Lantan, a message sent there may reach my ear in time."
With that Serol made his goodbyes and walked down the hall back into the room he had left only a short time ago. He knocked upon the door and entered when admited.
He nodded to all, but said "My companions, I have received a most currious form of summons. So it would seem, have all of you, though I think you've a greater chance to turn it down than I."
He pulled the message from behind his belt and read it aloud including the part about his being able to take what companions he chose.
"I realize none of you are followers of the Firelord, so I shall not pretend to command your interest in this task. However the message does speak of things revealed to those I would choose to bring. I believe this to be a meeting long foretold. Thus it was by fate and will of the Firelord that we should meet. I think none of this an accident. Those that choose to come with me, I believe will have been expected. Those that do not, I understand your inability to drop everything for something that does not specificly pertain to you."
He turned to Jonathan and said, "Your pardon, Lord Preten, but I fear I have little choice in this summons. I will be leaving at sundown."
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Post by delkar on Apr 10, 2006 16:57:11 GMT -5
"I consider you a friend Serol and I wouldn't feel right having you leave alone. I for one am interested in what this person has to say to you and me...since I am appearantly being expected..." Jack said "Not to mention things have gotten a bit hairy here for my tastes..."
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Post by DM Cyphus on Apr 10, 2006 17:45:50 GMT -5
"The choice is yours, Master Priest, but to walk out on a Royal Hearing when your presence is requested there as well is most undesirable. I have no idea whom this Karma individual is, but if he is of importance to the Kossuthans, so be it. You must make up your mind in that matter. You all must," Jonathan sighed, "Your absence will be noticed, however."
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Post by The Ascendant on Apr 10, 2006 19:26:21 GMT -5
Arik laughed, "Let them notice. Serol, we have but briefly met and I hope we will endeavor to strengthen our friendship in brotherhood shortly, but I believe Lords Ironstar, Drachen, and I must wait to hear this out. We will leave though moments after the trial is finished. If you, Jack, and Jervis will wait for us at or near Featherale, we will ride all of tomorrow to catch up then travel with you by night as you have been asked to do so by this Fire Elf." Arik paused.
"Sometimes I have nightmarish dreams where I see our fair land covered in fire and dark banners raised over charred keeps; the legions of hell unleashed on our people. All that stands between the designs of evil men are those who would be true, righteous, and noble. I believe that the gods have convened to direct us to come together on behalf of the people of Lantan, and I will aid you in this.
We are Knights of this Realm, servants to the people of Lantan, and if something threatens our people, we will do everything in our individual power to stop it. You have made your stand at our side and we will do at yours and the Firelords. Understand that I must leave my brothers, the Wolves here to help in case the Drachens retaliate. Enough sober talk; it has been awhile since we feasted though and I know Lord Ironstar is an impatient man when it comes to his liquor so let us rejoice and tomorrow we will join you and whoever else would leave tonight on this quest."
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Post by DM Cyphus on Apr 10, 2006 19:41:48 GMT -5
"That would be appropriate," Jonathan interjected, "the absence of three is explainable. The absence of all six, less so. Though I would have to say that Master Jack is a wise candidate to have wait here as well. The Royal Court, it would seem, has taken a special interest in him. Their blow was weakened when you did not deny that you had been at the warehouse, but still the plotting looks poor for us. It is no matter; it was necessary at the time. I would suggest Lord Ironstar go with Mage Dench and the Master Priest. Our Kossuthan friend can be accounted for, he serves his faith first and foremost. The Mage will likely not be missed, as it seems that Lord Goodwest was most impressed by him. And Lord Ironstar is not held to the Court as others might be. They will not object if those three must leave. But you, Arik, you and Lurrin most certainly shall stay. And until it seems the attention has been focused away from Master Jack, it would be most wise for him to remain here as well."
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Post by delkar on Apr 10, 2006 19:48:13 GMT -5
"I don't like it...but if you believe it is nessacary I will stay. I believe jervis and thorgar will be able to take care of serol without problem."
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Post by DM Cyphus on Apr 10, 2006 20:23:35 GMT -5
"Will you be able to push your mounts on for that extra day, Arik?" Jonathan asked, "That journey will be tiresome for them...and you...though you will likely have luck catching up to them with Mage Dench's pony slowing them slightly..."
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Post by The Ascendant on Apr 11, 2006 2:48:50 GMT -5
"Aye. The mounts will make it...we will go much easier on them the day after since the two smaller men's mounts wont be able to travel as fast. I think it wise to send them with Serol too. Lurrin and I can satisfy the demands of our nobility, and Jack can do what is asked. I find it laughable that their entire proof came down to their own guards admitting to being failures. Such is the way of the wayward perhaps. This Court is mere show for what will transpire later. I doubt Lord Goodwest will do anything other than exhibit the same spineless pandering that defined his predecessors. It is of no matter now. We have bought your family enough time to properly defend your possessions and if the Drachens should strike, they know I will bring the war right to them and the Court simultaneously. The unfolding events which surround this Calling bother me deeply though. The Gentle Lady speaks to me softly through the Shroud, but the Firelord has presence here and events several hundred years in the making have always troubled the minds of men; we are not capable of planning that far ahead it seems. Either way, I believe we have made a decision. Shall we move on it?"
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