Session Twenty-Nine - September 10, 2005

[Matt]

Agrazhar 17, 730 TR

The party decided to head to Coranan. Bevan needed to report to Sir Aurum, Baris wanted to pick up his armor, and Ewen needed to see to the rent of an apartment he keeps there. Imarë wanted to pick up a strongbox (lockbox!) for her new necklace. Ewen mentioned that he would need to run some errands in town before they left. He went and met the beggar, Arnys, to inform him that the party would be out of town for a few days. “In addition, your skills of looking out for Morgathians could be useful here.”

On his way back home, Ewen stopped by Rahel’s home to return the horses she had lent the party. He asked if he could borrow one of the horses for an extended time. This was not a problem, and the bard rode off on what he imagined was the best horse.

Around 9 o’clock in the morning, the party gathered at Palliser house. They quickly set off, and by evening had arrived at the town of Menekod. The way was made easier by the fact that they took the old imperial road which was paved. Sir Baris recalled having been to this town at some time during his youth, and that the castle a short ways to the south was once held by the Order of the Checkered Shield, but when it was captured during the wars, it was retained as a royal castle. Baris was glad of that; he did not think too highly of the Order at the moment. The party rode in on the Golotha road, which became Heroth road, to the inn of “The Speckled Band,” Harveth of Arven, proprietor. His specialty was his own cider brewed from locally grown apples.

On the morrow the party set off on the dusty trail, and arrived at Heroth at dusk. They went to the home of Bevan’s father, and after some difficulty, the party was able to enter the house, the hedge growing by the door allowing admittance only with Bevan. They were hungry, however, and headed to the “Crossroads inn,” Julas of Zaros, proprietor.

“I’ve been here before,” Ewen remarked.

“When was that?” Bevan asked.

“When he had you marked for death!” Imarë said, laughing a little.

“Looking after the Pallisers, were you?” Bevan asked.

“I knew I shouldn’t have brought it up,” Ewen said. The party laughed a little uncomfortably. They turned their attention to their meals.

Later, back at the house, Ewen suggested they open the liquor cabinet. This idea was soon dropped however. It was locked, and using Baris’s key was out of the question.

In the morning, the party set off to Coranan. They arrived late in the day, passing Theron’s new place, one of the villas outside Kuseme. The party went on, passed over the Kobar bridge, ostling their horses on the Kuseme side, and proceeded on foot to the Tabard & Hearth.

Azura 18, 730 TR

In the morning, Ewen went and paid his rent. He thought to himself that the “Festival of Delights,” a Halean festival, was the next month. He mentioned this to Baris, and laughed, saying that “You’ll need to build up your stamina for this one, buddy!” The knight laughed as well.

Baris made a trek over to the armorer Gragor of Rodel, off of Kotros Square, and paid the second half for his suit of plate. The armorer remarked that “The last suit I made like this was for an Earl.” Sir Baris laughed happily, quite pleased with himself.

Imarë went into town in search of a small box to keep her jewelry safe. The elf so loved her “baubles.” She bought a large case with a rather nice internal lock which came with two keys.

Bevan needed to make her report to Sir Aurum, and so she sent word to the palace. Four legionnaires of the II Legion, wearing the badge of the White Rose, arrived at the inn. “We are here to escort you, my lady.” The lady and her retainer, Dascomb, were escorted to the castle, and were led straight to Sir Aurum’s chambers.

“There you are, I am pleased to see you well. I have received word of your ordeal. Allow me to say how sorry I am to have put you in so much danger. I have the report of Sir Ellis Hawkwood, however I would still like your version of events.” At this point, he read Bevan.

Afterwards, Sir Aurum rose, and uncharacteristically began pacing the chamber. “It disturbs me, that I sent you to Morgathian activity, we like to know about these things. And while you did in fact discover some of these signs, it is disturbing that you uncovered treason in a church the King considered to be a prop of the throne. Some things might need to be reconsidered. Or it might be an isolated event. I will have others look into this. However, that does not mean that Barald Palgren should be left to his affairs. You may not be aware, but he has been transferred from Selvos.”

“I understood that would be so.”

“That was inevitable, but he has been transferred as far away as they could – but not far enough away. The word is that he has been sent to Chendy Abby, which is located in the far south of the Kingdom, near Avertu Keep. I do not know if he has yet arrived. I doubt it, actually. The Serolan there at Chendy, is something of a holdover – a distant relative of Andasin IV’s father, who was at that time the Earl of Sarkum. She is one of those people we have been meaning to get around to. Ordinarily I would not ask you to get involved in ... wetwork, as we call it. But I think you have a personal score to settle. I can tell you for certain you have made an enemy. We can kill two birds with one stone. Naturally, I have nothing to do with this. This mission does not, and never will, exist. Serolan Iblis Milaka and Barald Palgren, must die.” He paused. “It doesn’t really matter to me how much collateral damage is done, but please keep it to a minimum.” He smiled. “I believe your companion Ewen has some talent with this, and you have a good strong arm in the knight you travel with. I would suggest you give some time to allow the Serolan to arrive there.” Sir Aurum took a breath. “Chendy Abbey is only a day or two north of Avertu. That would make a good base of operations for you, I suspect.”

Sir Aurum turned to other matters. “Of course, I would not like you to lose sight of your other task, which you appear to have not made any progress on at all. Sir Peten Valgari.”

Bevan mentioned the fact that Ewen had hired the beggar, in part to advance that task.

“Well, not any significant progress,” Sir Aurum stated. The two chatted about inconsequential matters for a time and then Bevan took her leave.

Ewen decided to go over to the temple of Halea, and speak with the priestess Xandia.

The party gathered at the inn in the early afternoon, for lunch. At first, Baris could not stop talking about his armor. Imarë entrusted one of the keys to her strongbox to Bevan. Bevan brought everyone up to speed about her conversation with Sir Aurum. Sir Baris stopped talking about his armor, and laughed a laugh of glee.

The party began discussing how to go about the assassination of two Laranian Serolans. Baris suggested setting up a base of operations in Avertu, and getting to know the lay of the land. When Ewen suggested that the Serolan might have an agent in town, looking out for the party, Baris suggested going there as soon as possible, to get ahead of any such agent. Dascomb pointed out that it was likely an agent was already in place, and that further, considering the isolated location of the Abbey, waiting until winter could be a better strategy. It could be harder for the Laranians to get reinforcements, and in any case they would not be expecting an attack in winter.

Baris asked the party if they would be willing to take the northern route back to Golotha. It would take longer, but it would allow him to visit his uncle Baris. He wanted to gain the services of a squire, and wished to ask his uncle if he knew of any likely young lads. The party was agreeable to this.

However, Baris suddenly thought that he did not want to expose a young lad to some of the more darker parts of adult life. Dascomb suggested that instead of visiting uncle Baris, the knight send a letter asking after a squire. Baris decided to go off and practice in his shiny new armor. Ewen stayed behind at the inn, singing.

Bevan and Imarë went off to the villa of Sir Theron Palliser. On the way over, Imarë suggested that “We might want to ask after the artifacts that were sent.”

“That’s a good idea,” Bevan replied.

The villa was close to the river, but was on the far side of the road from it. There was a small stone jetty on the bank of the river. The home was surrounded by a wall, the large double gates were closed. Beside these gates was a rope, for the bell. Bevan pulled the doorbell, and after a time the gate opened. A hale old man opened the door. “Yes, state your business please.”

“I am Bevan Palliser, I am here to see my father.”

“Ah, yes, the master’s daughter. A pleasure to meet you. I am Petrys.” The man led the pair through the gate. Inside the walls of the villa was a beautiful garden, obviously improved by the arts of Sir Theron. “Your father is not in residence at the moment, he is at the university I believe. But he is expected home soon. Can I offer you some refreshment?”

Petrys and another servant brought trays of fruit, fresh baked bread and other good food. After an hour or so, the bell rang. Petrys answered the gate, and there was Sir Theron with Trilime. After a brief reunion, Theron said, “Come, join me in the hall.” Wine was brought. The hall was on the wider, right hand side of the villa, and was open to the second floor.

Bevan became reacquainted with her daughter. “You have no shields, mummy, just like grandpapa!”

“Have you been learning a lot?” Bevan asked.

“Yes, they have been teaching me everything!”

“You like your tutors?”

“Yes, I have just the one. He is very tall.”

Mother and daughter talked for awhile. Theron explained that one of the reasons for the founding of the university was specifically for the teaching of Deryni children, and then spoke of the house. “This was a senator’s villa at one time, standing empty for years, but it suited my needs. I did not care for the other homes in Coranan,” Theron explained. “Your friend Ardeth has been to see me.”

“Yes, I heard he was in Coranan.”

“He has taken up lodgings with his sister. He is currently casting a multi-day spell, I believe, and so will be unavailable.”

“I was in Heroth last night, I stayed in the house with my friends,” Bevan informed her father.

“I trust the house is well?”

“Yes. I liked your security.”

“I expected you would wander by from time to time.”

“I hear you’re reviewing some artifacts that had come from Selvos?”

“Yes, I heard you had an adventure there. You are well?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t know about your line of work,” he sighed.

Sir Theron took a breath and collected his thoughts. “Most of the artifacts fall outside of my expertise, they are mostly Morgathian, and I have turned them over to someone more knowledgeable. It is likely we will keep them, but never fully understand them.” More irrelevant chitchat takes place.

“Well, great seeing you father,” Bevan said with little emotion.

“Yes, come by any time,” Sir Theron said just as flatly. Clearly not the greatest relationship.

Baris spent the evening writing a letter to his uncle. The innkeeper agreed to see it delivered. Ewen slept in his ‘rathole.’ The rest of the party slept at the inn. The innkeeper was still grateful that the party had saved a good friend of his, and so only charged them for his excellent food.

Azura 19, 730 TR

On the morrow, the party began the journey back to Golotha. Before leaving Coranan, Bevan purchased a horse for Dascomb, so that Baris would have an extra horse to carry his armor.

The journey was uneventful. The party arrived mid-day on Azura 21, and spent the rest of the day resting from their journey.

Azura 22-30, 730 TR

Ewen kept up contact with Arnys, and looked after his business interests. The royalties for his songs had dried up a bit, however, as those who wanted to buy them had mostly done so. He also spent quite a bit of time with Alana of Koros, a Desilea in the Halean temple. She was the mistress of the luxuriant page, the curator of the wealth of the temple. Alana invited the bard to the “Festival of Delights.” Ewen also spent time plying his trade, singing in various establishments around the city.

Bevan looked after her property interests. The renovations of the two buildings owned by Bevan were complete. Slakka’s place, which the party began referring to as ‘the little house,’ was being rented by a nice journeyman and his family. Jeremiz’s house had been turned into tenements, and were being managed by Parqu’s people. The party referred to this place as ‘the tenements.’

Most of the income for the two properties flowed into Palliser house. Each tenement was rented for 60d, with Parqu taking 10%, and so 54d from each of the three units went to Palliser house. The rent for the little house was 180d, so that minus 10% went to Palliser house. Imarë, Ewen, Bevan, and Baris all paid 30d a month to the Palliser house accounts to make up the difference. Since the party did not want Parqu to know about Arnys, a little circular bookkeeping took place. Once a month Ewen would meet with Arnys to give him the 60d with which to pay Parqu. Of course, Parqu took 10%, and the rest of the money flowed back to the Palliser house accounts.

Sir Baris spent his time hunting with Blors, training with the fighting men of Caer Chakta, and training with his new armor in the woods to the east of Golotha. He got to know Hirk, and found him to be a good soldier and a good man to drink an ale or ten with. He was a rather strong man, and many years ago he had served in the legions. This was back “during the wars.” Baris also began to notice something strange about the relationship between Piers Gavella and Blors. It seemed to the knight that the undersheriff admired Blors a little bit too much. Clearly, hero worship. He did not think Blors was aware of this.

Imarë spent a lot of time in the forest communing with nature. She spent quite a bit of time meditating with the elven jeweler Avarin Cusith.

During all these days the party spent time training together, improving their skills.

Halane 1-2, 730 TR

It was the first day of the “Banquet of Delights.” The early days of the festival consisted in ‘morality’ plays, followed by a few days of feasting, and the final few days consisted of the more physical ceremonies of the Halean religion.

On the second day of the festival the party received an invitation to dinner from Rahel. Bevan fretted over whether or not she should wear the red or the blue. Imarë decided to wear her green dress. When Imarë told her this, Bevan decided she would wear her red dress, since this would go well with Imarë’s green. The ‘baubles’ were taken out of the vault. Imarë wore her beautiful Emerald necklace, which went well with her dress, and Bevan her diamond ring. The men simply cleaned and put on their best clothes. Baris strapped on his sword, looking every inch the knight.

When the appointed time arrived, the party headed over to Rahel’s house, and entered through the gate on Nemiran street. The party was escorted to the front door, the guard knocked and they entered the house proper. The party was led to a large kitchen area, up a staircase and into a large great hall, which appeared to be forty feet by forty feet. Dascomb was led off, although he was not happy about that.

There were four great columns and arches which divided the hall in two. On the side closest to the party were two tables, which appeared to be currently unused. On the far side was a great table. Tapestries lined the walls. One tapestry was near the staircase, depicting a clear hunting scene with mounted nobles and beaters. On the far wall was a tapestry depicting the city of Golotha. On the far side, there was an enormous fireplace that was presently roaring. There were two statues of kings flanking the fireplace. A third statue, that of an idealized knight, was at the far end of the room from the head chair of the big table.

The great table was set with various delicacies; the first course. Only the chair closest to the fireplace and four other seats were set, though there was space for fourteen chairs in total. The wealth at these seats alone was substantial. There were silver plates and utensils, and glass or possibly crystal goblets.

Harth of Hurlis entered, he and the party took their seats. Baris and Bevan sat at the two seats flanking the head of the table. Ewen sat next to Bevan, and Imarë sat next to Baris. Rahel was not present at the moment.

“You appear to be fully recovered. You all looked like you had lost several stone,” said Harth.

“You are quite correct,” said Imarë.

“We did suffer under the Laranians,” said Ewen.

A couple of serving maids appeared, pouring wine into the glass goblets. Imarë was surprised at the quality of the glass, she was almost certain it was of Sindarin origin.

Selik of Radburn entered the room, and sat down next to Imarë, greeting her happily. A woman, the one who had been sitting with Selik at the Bridgetower, arrived as well. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance at long last. My name is Velga.” The party introduced themselves.

At this point Harth stood up, turned and bowed. Rahel entered the room in her trademark black dress, cut low around the neck to reveal an enormous diamond necklace. She wore several rings, and a gold bracelet. The party stood up as well.

“Thank you all for coming.”

“It is our great pleasure,” said Imarë.

Rahel raised her glass. “A toast to you all, I am pleased to see you have recovered fully.” She sat, and then everyone else sat.

“It has been too long,” the lady said. “What have you been doing with your time?”

“We made a journey to Coranan, where I met with my father,” Bevan replied.

“Yes, your father. He has business interests with my family, I believe. I am curious about him, what type of man is your father? Independent, it seems to me.”

“Quite.”

“A clear thinker. Do you follow in his footsteps?” Rahel asked.

“My father and I do not always see eye to eye. I am not sure I always follow in his footsteps.”

“It is important to follow our own path.”

“I feel I have been doing that.”

“My family would have preferred I followed their path, yet I found it not to my liking.” She paused. “The Aerths have been in Golotha for a very long time. We are not concerned with fleeting things. That is why I have asked you here this evening. I do not believe you are concerned with fleeting things.”

“No, we are not.”

“Wonderful dress. As is yours, mistress Imarë.” She lifted her glass. “You may recognize the craftsmanship.” The elf nodded. “Imported from Elfshaven. They are not often used; they are this evening in your honor.”

Rahel noticed Ewen was enjoying his wine. “Would you like some Aquavit, master harper?”

“The wine is so delightful, I am forced to refuse.”

The rest of the evening went by pleasantly enough, although there was an undercurrent to the conversation that the party could not figure out. They were on edge, and unable to completely get into the moment. Several courses, consisting of fish, fowl, and meat (beef, in this case), were served. At one point Rahel said that “I hope you will join me the day after next. I believe there will be a parade. You will find it most interesting.”

“What is the parade for?” Bevan asked.

“I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise.” Rahel smiled. “You must come early; I will be serving refreshments.”

“What time should we arrive?” Bevan asked.

“No later than ten. Early, I know, but you might not be able to get through after that.”

Bevan and Rahel spoke of Rahel’s family, and about the aid that her uncles had given the lady Palliser in developing her properties. “My uncles are always instrumental in developing sources of wealth.”

“I met your cousin Elessa,” Ewen interjected.

Rahel spoke of her family for a short time, describing her dislike of the various professions they tried to place her in. “I am content to invest in various interests, including properties around the city. Like you have begun doing, Bevan.”

The conversation of family turned to fathers. “Fathers can be difficult, can they not?”

“Yes,” said Bevan.

“And yet, you love your father, I sense.”

“Yes, as I imagine you do yours.”

“Yes ... though they are difficult at times, as I said. They have faults. Though a man like your father ... he does not have many of those I suspect.”

The conversation drifted.

“Tell me, master harper,” Rahel said. “The last time we gathered, you had an interesting new song. Will you be singing a song for us this evening?”

“I would be honored to do so.”

“Something more uplifting.”

The harper played and sang beautifully.

Bevan spoke to Velga. “I have been living in Golotha for many years now; the village life was not for me. I grew up in the village of Lorut.”

“Golotha is not exactly quiet,” Bevan said.

“No, it is not. Golotha may not be the greatest city in Harn, but it does have its challenges.” She smiled. “You have been quite successful since you arrived in Golotha, why when we first met you were staying at the Bridgetower, and now you’re the mistress of a fine house.”

The rest of the evening passed uneventfully, though pleasantly.

Halane 3, 730 TR

Ewen went to speak to Arnys, the beggar, at his tenement. “How are you?” he asked.

“A pleasant evening to you master, I am well. It has been some time since I ate so well, I must be careful, lest I not be lean enough for your purposes.”

“You need to strike a balance of some sort.”

“Master has been very kind to me, and I hope he continues to be kind to me. I have news for you,” the beggar said. “As you know, I have set up my bowl in Arren square. It seems that everyone comes there from time to time. There was another beggar there, who seemed to think it was his territory. I hope you don’t mind, but I moved him to the canal.”

“You have done well.”

The beggar paused. “Master, I believe that your red headed man put a penny in my bowl.”

The harper was silent for a moment. “Tell me everything Arnys.”

“He came out of one of the shops off Arren Square. I do not know what his purpose or business was there. When I asked him for alms, he granted them to me. I said to him ‘The blessings of the goddess be upon you.’ He leered, and he said ‘I don’t care for any bitch goddess.’ He was a handsome man, master. The shop he came out of was that of the locksmith. This was but two days ago.”

“Tell me how he was dressed, Arnys.”

“This was the strange thing master. He was almost dressed as if he were trying to hide it, for he wore a gray threadbare cloak, but underneath it I could see clothes of fine make - a fine doublet and hose, good boots, and well-kempt hair. He had, almost, if I may say, the bearing of a knight. I asked him his name and of course he told me ‘Dogs should be silent.’ I do not know if this is the man you seek master.”

“It could be, I would have to see him myself,” Ewen stated.

“Oh, one more thing master. He was a younger man, somewhere in his late twenties.”

“In what direction did he go?”

The beggar considered this for a moment. “He went off south, towards Laen street. I have not seen him since, master.”

“You have done well Arnys.” He paused, in thought. “You are not to do anything to endanger yourself.”

“Thank you master. I have recently purchased a small cask of ale, would you do me the honor of drinking with me?”

“It would be my pleasure.”

The two men shared a drink, and Ewen gave the beggar his rent money and stipend for the month.

Ewen returned to Palliser house and informed the party of what he had learned. For a while the party discussed possible ways to capitalize on this information. They discarded the ideas of talking to the locksmith, or engaging the services of some of Golotha’s underworld (which precluded most of the city). It was suggested that one member of the party, though probably not Ewen, hang around Arren square and look for the red haired man. When they saw him, they would follow him to his home and return to Palliser house with this information.

Halane 4 - Savor 6, 730 TR

“They say the legion marches today,” said the majordomo Ogel. “It will be quite a spectacle.”

“Where are they marching from or to?” Imarë asked.

“From the castle!”

The party headed off to Rahel’s place. They came across a line of troopers from the VIII Legion. “You may not pass here, this is the route!”

“We have been invited to Rahel of Aerth’s house,” said Bevan.

“Very well, you may pass.”

The party traveled the short distance to Rahel’s home. The guard there stated “Ah, you are expected, please, enter.”

Just inside the gate, in the courtyard, was a table stocked with refreshments. Presently, Rahel and Harth came out. Rahel was dressed in her leathers, Harth was in armor and a sword, as if he were going to war. Rahel went over to the table, picked up a goblet, poured a flask. “This is a great day. Today, the legion marches.”

“Are they leaving?” Imarë asked.

“They are coming,” Rahel corrected.

“What is the news from the north, then?” Bevan asked.

“I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise. The rumors might not be true, anyway.” She smiled. “Please, eat, drink!”

Trumpets sounded in the distance. Rahel, Harth and the party went out to the street to watch. After a period of time, the trumpets blared again, and the party began to hear a marshal drumbeat. A troop of horse rounded the corner, and went by. They were legionnaires, wearing the badge of the White Boar, and they carried the banner of the I Legion. After a time, a clanking could be heard. These men too were of the I Legion: the heavy foot. The sound of more horses could be heard. A troop of knights passed by, followed by another company of heavy foot. This group stopped just past the gate.

Around the corner, riding a white charger, came the King of Tharda wearing his crown, holding his scepter, with his sword strapped to his side. He wore armor and the arms on his surcoat were very fine with silver roses and horses. Behind him was a cart, and in that cart was an older man in irons. The King reined up at the gate. He turned, and performed a courtier’s bow while still horsed, apparently to Rahel. The lady dropped very low, bowing to the King. The party bowed very low as well. The King raised his scepter and said “I thank you!” and rode on.

The wagon went by, and on the wagon was a sign that said “Alegar one time king of Orbaal.” The party cheered. Another company of heavy foot passed, followed by many more troops including archers and another company of knights.

After a time, Rahel went back inside the gate, followed by the party. She turned, her eyes were gleaming. “I wasn’t sure if the rumors were true or not. He did it, he captured their king. He cannot possibly lose now. It is just a matter of time.”

Baris said “Perhaps he will threaten the king’s execution to force our enemies to surrender.”

“No. He will keep Alegar alive in order to keep them from rallying around a new king.”

“It will split the kingdom,” Imarë said.

“You speak the truth,” Rahel said. There will be those who still support the king, those who rally around a potential heir. The enemy kingdom will be split into two, three, four or more pieces.” Her cheeks were flushed; she seemed almost transported.

“Golotha rebelled against the King but two summers ago, and now he parades a captured king through the city. His message is clear.”

Ewen and ‘Karl’ attended the rest of the festivities. Karl kept a watch on the locksmith in Arren square, but he did not see the red-haired man. Ewen was curious that both sightings were close to state occasions. Does he have legion connections?

Reports of the battle swept the city. The I Legion performed brilliantly. Sir Tovar mentioned that he had heard a large portion of the I Legion remained in Orbaal.

Savor 7, 730 TR

In the morning there was a knock on the door of Palliser house. At the door was a journeyman of the house of Arven of Aerth. “I am here to see Bevan Palliser.” Bevan came downstairs and met the young man. “I have good news, my lady. Your ship has come in.”

The party went down to the docks with the journeyman. “There it is my lady!” Bevan and Imarë were surprised, for the ship the man pointed to was a greater ship than the one they had sent out. It was a dak, not the nivik that had been sent out. “That is not the ship we sent out,” said Bevan. “And yet, my lady, that is the ship that has come in.” Apparently Dwilith, the pilot and Bevan’s cousin, had traded up. On the stern was the name “Selata II.”

Dwilith came off the plank and said “Hail cousin! What do you think of my rowing boat?”