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<blockquote data-quote="el-remmen" data-source="post: 54305" data-attributes="member: 11"><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Teflem, 13th of Ese – 564 H.E.</strong></span></p><p></p><p>They were awakened by the sound of steady rhythmic hammering outside. The goblins in the other cots were gone, and the cot that had held Tirhas was empty. Kazrack, Beorth, Ratchis, Chance, Jeremy and Jana walked out into the courtyard. </p><p></p><p>All sign of the goblins were gone, and Tirhas was sitting beneath a tree in one of the small gardens, studying from a large book. Escher stood shirtless, his tanned skin sweaty and gleaming in the bright sun of another elvish summer morning. He hammered sheets of scored and lacquered wood into place around the inner side of the fort wall, to decorate the sanctuary of his goddess. Escher’s back was marred by the countless serpentine scars of repeated whip-lashings, and seemingly branded into his right shoulder were the numbers “4-12”. Several more planks of the wood waited in pile on the ground, half covered by a tarp.</p><p></p><p>Rasty was stirring something in a pot over a fire next to the well in the center of the courtyard, and he looked up and smiled at he group. </p><p></p><p>“Good morning,” the little goblin said in his high raspy voice. </p><p></p><p>All but Kazrack returned the greeting. The dwarf only grunted, and seeing that all the goblins were gone, returned back into the temple proper to perform his morning prayers. </p><p></p><p>“Good morning,” said Escher, taking a nail from his mouth. “Would you like some breakfast? Rastfar isn’t half a bad cook, better than me anyway. I used to travel with an excellent cook, in my old adventuring group. I wish now that I have to cook for myself most of the time that I had paid more attention to what he did. I bet wherever he is now that he’s still making his crazy concoctions.” </p><p></p><p>For a moment Escher had a look of sad nostalgia on his face. He walked over to where Rastfar was serving stew into bowls and popping biscuits on top. The group passed the bowls among themselves, but Tirhas did not have any. Instead she unwrapped som light-colored bread from some leaves she kept in her satchel and munched on that. </p><p></p><p>“What’s that?” Jeremy asked her. </p><p></p><p>“It is called lembas. It is elven waybread,” she answered. (51)</p><p></p><p>“It doesn’t look like much to eat, no wonder you’re so skinny. You need to put some meat on your bones,” the Neergaardian said, perhaps thinking of the tall muscular women of his nation. </p><p>“It is all I need,” the elf woman said. ‘It is filling and among the more satisfying things to eat.” </p><p></p><p>“Can I try some?” </p><p></p><p>Tirhas rolled her eyes, and broke off a small piece and handed it to Jeremy. He ate it hungrily. </p><p>“Wow!” he said. ‘That stuff is great! Could do with a little jam though.” </p><p></p><p>As the group was having seconds (except Ratchis who was having thirds), Kazrack emerged from the temple. Rastfar ran over to him, “Ya want soma stew?” the little goblin asked him. </p><p></p><p>The dwarf bit back a snarl, “No…” he paused. “Thank you.” </p><p></p><p>Kazrack joined his companions who were sitting in a patch of grass. </p><p></p><p>Escher addressed them: “Well, I spoke with Tirhas early this morning while the rest of you slept, and she explained more in detail about her blink dog companion. She told me also of the difficulties of catching him. If it were easy, I would say to return him here for me to heal, but that might not be possible. I will meditate on the problem and hope to have an answer by mid-day.” </p><p></p><p>“What about the wolves?” asked Ratchis. </p><p></p><p>“The foaming mouth disease kills most animals quickly, making them more aggressive, but increasingly weak. It rarely lasts more than a fortnight. There were never so many wolves around here, so my guess is they were driven here from somewhere else and thus have been sick for some time. I remember seeing a sick one nearly ten days ago. They will not last much longer. I think it can be safe to assume that in a few days (if not sooner) the wolf problem will be no more.” </p><p>“What about the goblins?” asked Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>“What about them?” asked the Medicus. </p><p></p><p>“Where did they go? What will happen to them?” </p><p></p><p>“They will return to their tribe most likely, and continue whatever it is they do. Hopefully, their heart lightened by the healing power and love of Fallon – Remembering the kindness of my goddess when next they have a choice between kindness and cruelty.” </p><p></p><p>“But won’t they just go and raid and kill more people, after you’ve healed them?” Jeremy asked. </p><p>“I hope not, though it is a distinct responsibility – but as Ratchis I’m sure would agree, sometimes for freedom and goodness to prevail someone must be allowed to make the wrong choice,” said Escher thoughtfully. </p><p></p><p>“Feh!” said Kazrack, munching on cold iron rations.</p><p></p><p>“Since the Oath and I cleared Tallow’s Deep, no goblins have bothered the town, and have remained the wilds above this hill behind us. We closed off the tunnel to a great goblin city in the Plutonic Realms (52) and so they have gotten no reinforcements.” </p><p></p><p>“So, you were part of the group that saved the mines of Tallow’s Post from the goblins?” asked Beorth. </p><p></p><p>“Aye, they were led by a huge goblin, nearly six feet tall, called Mog-Grishog. We defeated them, with the help of Rene, who was a friend of Rastfar’s, a dwarven priestess of Thor. When the group moved on, I remained behind and Rene established a temple of Thor in the town. Actually, I am surprised she is not with you to deal with the wolf problem.” </p><p></p><p>“They said she was away on some business,” said Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>“Well, probably for the best. She is eager to fight evil, but a little too eager in my opinion. To be honest, I do not like her very much,” said Escher. </p><p></p><p>“You know the people of Tallow’s Post think of you as an old hermit,” said Beorth. </p><p></p><p>“Really?” Escher pondered. “That is odd. I do return to the town every few months for supplies, but then again the people barely remember me as being a member of the Oath. People have infamously short memories, and what there is is often faulty – but I do what good I can, not to be remembered, but for its own sake. And with that, I will retire into the temple and pray to Fallon for guidance on the matter of the white wo. . .I mean, blink dog.” </p><p></p><p>------- </p><p></p><p>While Escher prayed undisturbed, Ratchis went down to the river where he prayed as well and removed his clothes to bathe. Jeremy, Beorth and Kazrack sparred, the dwarf trying out his a maneuver designed to trip people with his halberd and then attack them while they were down. He had not quite gotten the hang of it yet. (53)</p><p></p><p>Tirhas practiced her own strange dance-like fighting style with her short sword, performing elaborate moves – one hand pointed outward at all time, occasionally twiddling her fingers in precise repetitive movements. </p><p></p><p>Chance and Jana sat alternately chatting and napping beneath a tree. </p><p></p><p>In time, Ratchis returned from the river, carrying his shirt and gear over his shoulder. The others could now see that the tattoo on his neck twined and ran like an indigo snake up and down both arms, and it appeared as if smaller figures were worked into the scale design of the creature, but the details could not be ascertained. They could also see that his back in addition to having a strange inhuman ridge for a backbone, was also horribly burned with what appeared to be bits of what was once molten metal still wrapped in the warped flesh. </p><p></p><p>Jeremy gagged and looked away. Jana, Beorth and Kazrack also pried their vision from the horrid sight. Chance however could not bring himself to look away, agog with horror. “Put ya shirt on, mahn,” he said. “Thass disguhsin’!” </p><p></p><p>Ratchis sneered at him and then complied. </p><p></p><p>Finally, Escher emerged from the temple. </p><p></p><p>The group gathered together to listen to what he had to say. </p><p></p><p>“Upon reflection I have decided there is little I can do beside offer you this,” he said, holding aloft a glass vial full of clear liquid. “This is a potion that should heal any disease or malady that ails the dog. It was a Festival of Isis gift (54) from my former traveling companion. I have always saved it for an emergency, and I guess this qualifies. All you need to is subdue or trick him into drinking it somehow.” </p><p></p><p>“Would it work if we poured it into some food and tricked him into eating it?” asked Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>“That is doubtful,” said Escher. “I am sorry that I could not be more help.” </p><p></p><p>“It is a great help. Thank you,” said Tirhas, betraying her first hint of genuine emotion since the group had met up with her. “I guess we shall be forced to subdue Janx somehow…” </p><p></p><p>“Jana, you know about herbs and such perhaps you can find something that if Janx eats will put him to sleep,” Kazrack said to the young girl. </p><p></p><p>“Perhaps,” she replied. “But it is unlikely, I do not think what I need grows around here, but I can look while we search for the dog.” </p><p></p><p>“Well, let me just say now, that is this plan does not work and it comes down to having to kill the dog or letting it go,” Kazrack said, pausing. “I will kill it.” </p><p></p><p>Tirhas sighed and then with a sad, yet determined look said, “If it comes to that, I hope you will let me do it myself.” </p><p></p><p>The group grimly agreed. </p><p></p><p>They all set to back up their gear and head back southward to search for Janx. </p><p></p><p>“Thank you again for all your help,” said Beorth, emerging from the temple where he had entered to leave a donation for the sanctuary. </p><p></p><p>“You are all welcome back anytime, and tell any you meet in the wilderness who require aid or healing that they may seek this place out. And I do ask that if you ever hear news of or happen to meet my former companions, The Oath, please tell them that you have met me and I am well, and hope that they will find time out of their adventures sometime to visit me.” (55)</p><p></p><p>“We will,” said Ratchis. “Thank you, and my Nephthys keep you free.” </p><p></p><p>And with that they left Fallon’s Post to search for Janx, Escher and Rasty waving goodbye to them from the gate. </p><p></p><p>--------</p><p></p><p>“Anyone know whut tuh-day is?” Chance asked as they made their way southward again. Jana was giving a cursory look for the black berries she needed to try to make a sleeping concoction – but knew that the group would move too fast for an effective search. </p><p></p><p>“I think it is Teflem,” said Beorth. </p><p></p><p>“Ah mean the date,” said Chance. “Is it the thirteenth?” </p><p></p><p>“I think it is the fourteenth,” said Jana. </p><p></p><p>“No, the thirteenth,” confirmed Beorth. </p><p></p><p>“Today is the Day of Bes!” cried Chance with glee. “Me favorite holiday. Today I leave all in the hands of luck. And if I were you all, I’d do the same, or else BAD luck will get you.” </p><p></p><p>“We’ll see about that,” said Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>“I hope not,” said Jeremy. “Not that I need luck. Not with my great skill as a swordsman.” </p><p></p><p>“Heh,” said Jana. </p><p></p><p>--- </p><p></p><p>The group marched on in their usual order. Ratchis took the lead, followed by Beorth and Kazrack. Jeremy followed them, closely followed by Jana and Chance; Tirhas took up the rear. </p><p>The day continued the warming trend, and the grass was a last burst of brilliant green, in defiance of the threat of the dulled colors of the winter to come. The pines bowed slightly in the cool breeze, like old men tipping their hats, while deciduous trees shook in their newly bright-colored garb. </p><p></p><p>They had traveled for three or four hours when the attack came. </p><p>Wolves emerged from the brush. They appeared sluggish, and the white foam on their muzzles was flecked with blood; their skin hung loosely from their bodies, and large patches of fur were missing from their dull coats; their eyes were yellowed and sunken, but still they felt driven to attack. </p><p></p><p>The three wolves came at the party from two sides; one at Ratchis, one at Beorth and the last at Kazrack. In the distraction of the attack, the great albino dog appeared amid the group and bit Jeremy with great strength – though looking more bedraggled and a bit thinner, it was obvious he was doing a better job fighting off the disease’s effects. </p><p></p><p>Janx disappeared and reappeared behind Beorth, even as the paladin smashed the skull of his wolf opponent. The weakness of these poor beasts made over-coming them a matter of single hard blows, for Ratchis and Kazrack were able to finish theirs as well. Jeremy loaded his crossbow and fired a quarrel into the flank of the blink dog, it yelped and growled and disappeared as Tirhas cried out, “What are you doing?!? Subdue him! Subdue him!” </p><p></p><p>Janx appeared behind beside his old friend, and she turned to him. “Janx, its me. Don’t you remember me?” She held out her hand to the dog, who paused and cocked his head as if in a moment of confusion or debate, and then with a loud chomp bit down on her hand sending blood flying in all directions. She cried out and pulled away, but Ratchis had the chance to run over and tackle the dog, wrapping his thick arms around its neck and squeezing. After a moment’s choking noise, Janx disappeared again and the tall woodsman fell to the ground. The dog appeared beside Jana, biting her flank, Kazrack and Beorth began to run over, but the dog was already gone, and reappeared behind Beorth biting him. </p><p></p><p>Chaos then ensued. </p><p></p><p>Ratchis continued running at Janx and attempting to grab him and choke him into unconsciousness, but mostly just ran through the dog, only accomplishing the counter-productive task of throwing himself on the ground repeatedly. Chance, leaving his fate in the hands of Bes, mimicked the big man, and punched and kicked and grappled at the dog, having much the same result. </p><p>During this time, Jeremy, Beorth and Kazrack ran back and forth wherever Janx appeared and used the flat of their blades, or Beorth would strike for non-vital spots with the end of his quarterstaff. However, Janx’s ability to constantly phase in and out of exist and blink around, made the combat more comical then effective; well, comical if the bloody bite wounds he was dealing could be counted as funny. </p><p></p><p>Flexing her hands painfully, Tirhas spoke an arcane word, as Janx appeared near her in an attempt to bite Jeremy and the dog seemed dazed and unsure what to do. Jeremy and Kazrack were both able to get in good blows with the flat of their blades, and this time Ratchis grabbed hold of the dog extra tightly, twisting its neck slightly to constrict airflow, but gasping the dog disappeared yet again and appearing near Beorth bit the warrior again. </p><p></p><p>Tirhas cast her spell again, and again Janx was stunned, allowing another round of hits, including a green ray of energy from Jana’s finger – that few saw her accomplish. </p><p></p><p>Finally, Kazrack was able to grab hold of Janx and before the blink dog could disappear again, Ratchis kicked the beast with all his might, as Jeremy slapped it across the head with the flat of his short sword. The dog shuddered and passed out. </p><p></p><p>Kazrack gently let go of Janx and Tirhas ran over cradling her companion’s head in her lap, and pet his head. They could see the shine of a tear on her usually emotionless face. </p><p></p><p>She then pulled out the vial that Escher had given the group and gently opening the blink dog’s mouth she poured the clear liquid down its throat, messaging its neck to allow it to go down. </p><p>The others stood silently and watched. Kazrack gripped his halberd nervously, wary of Janx waking up and not having been cured. </p><p></p><p>After what seemed like an eternity, Janx began to stir. The blink dog opened his mouth and closed it again, and then struggled as if to get up, but settled back down with a shudder. Tirhas stroked her companions fur some more and brought her mouth down to his ear making indecipherable sounds. Janx made faint howling-type noises, and then Tirhas stood, lying Janx’s head gently on the ground. </p><p></p><p>“He will be okay,” the elf-maiden said. “I have spoken to him and he seems himself again. However, he is weak and will need time to recover.” </p><p></p><p>“Well, as long as the rest of the wolves die off soon, which from the look of those others looks like it will happen, this whole situation should be taken care of,” said Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>“Yes, it does seem so,” said Tirhas, and then paused. “I want to thank you for helping me and Janx. I would not have been able to help him without you. I do not have much in the way of a way to repay you, but…” </p><p></p><p>“Do not thank us,” said Kazrack brusquely. “We did what we were going to have to do one way or another. We able to accomplish it without killing the dog, but we would have done it the other way if we had to.” </p><p></p><p>Tirhas’ face hardened again, her subtle smile of gratitude shifting back into those long high cheeks, her eyes becoming steady and cold again. </p><p></p><p>“I will be staying here with Janx until he is well enough to move,” the elf said. </p><p></p><p>“I guess we will be going back to town to tell them that the wolf-menace is no longer a problem and to bring the wainwright back to the wagons,” said Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>“Are you sure you don’t want to come back to town with us where it is safer?” asked Jeremy. </p><p></p><p>“I do not think I would be very welcome there, and I cannot move Janx,” Tirhas said. </p><p></p><p>“I can only imagine how the townspeople would react if the ‘white wolf’ came strolling into town,” said Jana. </p><p></p><p>“Perhaps we will meet again,” said Tirhas, returning to her usual clipped tone. “Though your lives are short it may happen.” </p><p>The group began to walk back towards Tallow’s Post, leaving Tirhas stroking Janx’s fur, her golden hair shining in the dying light of the sun. </p><p></p><p>“Uh, guh-bye!” called Chance, looking back to the elf and waving. </p><p>“Maybe we should have stayed the night with her to make sure she remained safe,” said Beorth. </p><p></p><p>“She will be fine,” said Kazrack. </p><p></p><p>“Well, in the future when someone wants to thank us and maybe give us a gift, just accept it okay?” said Jeremy to Kazrack with a tone of annoyance. “We cannot afford to be giving up whatever we can get.” </p><p></p><p>Kazrack harrumphed. </p><p></p><p>“Ratchis, what will you be doing now?” asked Beorth asked their guide. </p><p></p><p>“I was hoping to return with you to this caravan you spoke of,” he said in his raspy voice. “I had heard of it before and need a way to get to Gothanius myself.” </p><p></p><p>“You’ll hafta sign a contract,” said Chance. </p><p></p><p>“That’s fine,” Ratchis replied. </p><p></p><p>“Well, it’ll be good ta haf `im `round,” Chance said to Jana. “Finally, they’ll be someone bigger than Devon.”</p><p> </p><p>“Who is Devon?” Ratchis asked. </p><p></p><p>“You’ll see,” Kazrack replied. </p><p></p><p>Beorth, Chance, Jana, Jeremy, Kazrack and Ratchis walked down out of the wood toward the plateau where Tallow’s Post was located. </p><p></p><p>It was already dusk by the time they arrived at the Silver Vein Inn. Sergeant Fnord happened to be there, and they explained how the wolf menace was taken care of, and how the “old hermit” was really Escher of the Oath. </p><p></p><p>“Oh, I knew he had stayed around, but I never made the connection, that is good to know,” Fnord said. “And what of the white wolf?” </p><p></p><p>“He won’t be bothering anyone ever again,” said Jana. </p><p>No one mentioned Tirhas or Janx to the constable. </p><p>Nicholas, the inn-keep, offered the party a free hot meal, but said he would have to charge for rooms. </p><p></p><p>“I will sleep in the common room, if you don’t mind,” said Ratchis.</p><p> </p><p>“Um, if ya wont we could, um… sharr a rume, I men et would be cheper that way… Uh, I men, it would be okay, I wouldn’t try nuthin’,” Chance said to Jana. </p><p></p><p>Jana smiled. “Thanks for the offer, but I was thinking I would get my own room,” she said. </p><p></p><p>“I’ll share a room with you,” Jeremy said to Chance. </p><p></p><p>“Yeah, okay,” said the Wallbrookian.</p><p> </p><p>Kazrack and Beorth shared another room, and they all (except Ratchis) got to sleep in beds for the first time in weeks. </p><p></p><p>In the morning, they led Warren the Wainwright down towards the Mountain Door road, with his tools and two wagon wheels strapped to his mule. The workman carried a third wheel on his back.</p><p></p><p>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes</strong></p><p></p><p>(51) The secret of making this bread is known only to the elven people – but it is filling and nutritious, and a delightfully sweet and flaky</p><p></p><p>(52) The Plutonic Realms are the great tunnels and chambers beneath the mountains and islands of Aquerra where dwarves and mysterious other denizens dwell.</p><p> </p><p>(53) Kazrack’s player hopes to have him gain the Improved Trip feat at third level.</p><p></p><p>(54) The Festival of Isis is a celebration of the New Year and of the Goddess of Motherhood and Magic – gifts are often exchanged between friends and family members.</p><p></p><p>(55) Unbeknownst to Escher, the entirety of the Oath (as he knew it) was killed in an ill-fated mission to the Hellish Seas.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="el-remmen, post: 54305, member: 11"] [size=3][b]Teflem, 13th of Ese – 564 H.E.[/b][/size] They were awakened by the sound of steady rhythmic hammering outside. The goblins in the other cots were gone, and the cot that had held Tirhas was empty. Kazrack, Beorth, Ratchis, Chance, Jeremy and Jana walked out into the courtyard. All sign of the goblins were gone, and Tirhas was sitting beneath a tree in one of the small gardens, studying from a large book. Escher stood shirtless, his tanned skin sweaty and gleaming in the bright sun of another elvish summer morning. He hammered sheets of scored and lacquered wood into place around the inner side of the fort wall, to decorate the sanctuary of his goddess. Escher’s back was marred by the countless serpentine scars of repeated whip-lashings, and seemingly branded into his right shoulder were the numbers “4-12”. Several more planks of the wood waited in pile on the ground, half covered by a tarp. Rasty was stirring something in a pot over a fire next to the well in the center of the courtyard, and he looked up and smiled at he group. “Good morning,” the little goblin said in his high raspy voice. All but Kazrack returned the greeting. The dwarf only grunted, and seeing that all the goblins were gone, returned back into the temple proper to perform his morning prayers. “Good morning,” said Escher, taking a nail from his mouth. “Would you like some breakfast? Rastfar isn’t half a bad cook, better than me anyway. I used to travel with an excellent cook, in my old adventuring group. I wish now that I have to cook for myself most of the time that I had paid more attention to what he did. I bet wherever he is now that he’s still making his crazy concoctions.” For a moment Escher had a look of sad nostalgia on his face. He walked over to where Rastfar was serving stew into bowls and popping biscuits on top. The group passed the bowls among themselves, but Tirhas did not have any. Instead she unwrapped som light-colored bread from some leaves she kept in her satchel and munched on that. “What’s that?” Jeremy asked her. “It is called lembas. It is elven waybread,” she answered. (51) “It doesn’t look like much to eat, no wonder you’re so skinny. You need to put some meat on your bones,” the Neergaardian said, perhaps thinking of the tall muscular women of his nation. “It is all I need,” the elf woman said. ‘It is filling and among the more satisfying things to eat.” “Can I try some?” Tirhas rolled her eyes, and broke off a small piece and handed it to Jeremy. He ate it hungrily. “Wow!” he said. ‘That stuff is great! Could do with a little jam though.” As the group was having seconds (except Ratchis who was having thirds), Kazrack emerged from the temple. Rastfar ran over to him, “Ya want soma stew?” the little goblin asked him. The dwarf bit back a snarl, “No…” he paused. “Thank you.” Kazrack joined his companions who were sitting in a patch of grass. Escher addressed them: “Well, I spoke with Tirhas early this morning while the rest of you slept, and she explained more in detail about her blink dog companion. She told me also of the difficulties of catching him. If it were easy, I would say to return him here for me to heal, but that might not be possible. I will meditate on the problem and hope to have an answer by mid-day.” “What about the wolves?” asked Ratchis. “The foaming mouth disease kills most animals quickly, making them more aggressive, but increasingly weak. It rarely lasts more than a fortnight. There were never so many wolves around here, so my guess is they were driven here from somewhere else and thus have been sick for some time. I remember seeing a sick one nearly ten days ago. They will not last much longer. I think it can be safe to assume that in a few days (if not sooner) the wolf problem will be no more.” “What about the goblins?” asked Kazrack. “What about them?” asked the Medicus. “Where did they go? What will happen to them?” “They will return to their tribe most likely, and continue whatever it is they do. Hopefully, their heart lightened by the healing power and love of Fallon – Remembering the kindness of my goddess when next they have a choice between kindness and cruelty.” “But won’t they just go and raid and kill more people, after you’ve healed them?” Jeremy asked. “I hope not, though it is a distinct responsibility – but as Ratchis I’m sure would agree, sometimes for freedom and goodness to prevail someone must be allowed to make the wrong choice,” said Escher thoughtfully. “Feh!” said Kazrack, munching on cold iron rations. “Since the Oath and I cleared Tallow’s Deep, no goblins have bothered the town, and have remained the wilds above this hill behind us. We closed off the tunnel to a great goblin city in the Plutonic Realms (52) and so they have gotten no reinforcements.” “So, you were part of the group that saved the mines of Tallow’s Post from the goblins?” asked Beorth. “Aye, they were led by a huge goblin, nearly six feet tall, called Mog-Grishog. We defeated them, with the help of Rene, who was a friend of Rastfar’s, a dwarven priestess of Thor. When the group moved on, I remained behind and Rene established a temple of Thor in the town. Actually, I am surprised she is not with you to deal with the wolf problem.” “They said she was away on some business,” said Kazrack. “Well, probably for the best. She is eager to fight evil, but a little too eager in my opinion. To be honest, I do not like her very much,” said Escher. “You know the people of Tallow’s Post think of you as an old hermit,” said Beorth. “Really?” Escher pondered. “That is odd. I do return to the town every few months for supplies, but then again the people barely remember me as being a member of the Oath. People have infamously short memories, and what there is is often faulty – but I do what good I can, not to be remembered, but for its own sake. And with that, I will retire into the temple and pray to Fallon for guidance on the matter of the white wo. . .I mean, blink dog.” ------- While Escher prayed undisturbed, Ratchis went down to the river where he prayed as well and removed his clothes to bathe. Jeremy, Beorth and Kazrack sparred, the dwarf trying out his a maneuver designed to trip people with his halberd and then attack them while they were down. He had not quite gotten the hang of it yet. (53) Tirhas practiced her own strange dance-like fighting style with her short sword, performing elaborate moves – one hand pointed outward at all time, occasionally twiddling her fingers in precise repetitive movements. Chance and Jana sat alternately chatting and napping beneath a tree. In time, Ratchis returned from the river, carrying his shirt and gear over his shoulder. The others could now see that the tattoo on his neck twined and ran like an indigo snake up and down both arms, and it appeared as if smaller figures were worked into the scale design of the creature, but the details could not be ascertained. They could also see that his back in addition to having a strange inhuman ridge for a backbone, was also horribly burned with what appeared to be bits of what was once molten metal still wrapped in the warped flesh. Jeremy gagged and looked away. Jana, Beorth and Kazrack also pried their vision from the horrid sight. Chance however could not bring himself to look away, agog with horror. “Put ya shirt on, mahn,” he said. “Thass disguhsin’!” Ratchis sneered at him and then complied. Finally, Escher emerged from the temple. The group gathered together to listen to what he had to say. “Upon reflection I have decided there is little I can do beside offer you this,” he said, holding aloft a glass vial full of clear liquid. “This is a potion that should heal any disease or malady that ails the dog. It was a Festival of Isis gift (54) from my former traveling companion. I have always saved it for an emergency, and I guess this qualifies. All you need to is subdue or trick him into drinking it somehow.” “Would it work if we poured it into some food and tricked him into eating it?” asked Kazrack. “That is doubtful,” said Escher. “I am sorry that I could not be more help.” “It is a great help. Thank you,” said Tirhas, betraying her first hint of genuine emotion since the group had met up with her. “I guess we shall be forced to subdue Janx somehow…” “Jana, you know about herbs and such perhaps you can find something that if Janx eats will put him to sleep,” Kazrack said to the young girl. “Perhaps,” she replied. “But it is unlikely, I do not think what I need grows around here, but I can look while we search for the dog.” “Well, let me just say now, that is this plan does not work and it comes down to having to kill the dog or letting it go,” Kazrack said, pausing. “I will kill it.” Tirhas sighed and then with a sad, yet determined look said, “If it comes to that, I hope you will let me do it myself.” The group grimly agreed. They all set to back up their gear and head back southward to search for Janx. “Thank you again for all your help,” said Beorth, emerging from the temple where he had entered to leave a donation for the sanctuary. “You are all welcome back anytime, and tell any you meet in the wilderness who require aid or healing that they may seek this place out. And I do ask that if you ever hear news of or happen to meet my former companions, The Oath, please tell them that you have met me and I am well, and hope that they will find time out of their adventures sometime to visit me.” (55) “We will,” said Ratchis. “Thank you, and my Nephthys keep you free.” And with that they left Fallon’s Post to search for Janx, Escher and Rasty waving goodbye to them from the gate. -------- “Anyone know whut tuh-day is?” Chance asked as they made their way southward again. Jana was giving a cursory look for the black berries she needed to try to make a sleeping concoction – but knew that the group would move too fast for an effective search. “I think it is Teflem,” said Beorth. “Ah mean the date,” said Chance. “Is it the thirteenth?” “I think it is the fourteenth,” said Jana. “No, the thirteenth,” confirmed Beorth. “Today is the Day of Bes!” cried Chance with glee. “Me favorite holiday. Today I leave all in the hands of luck. And if I were you all, I’d do the same, or else BAD luck will get you.” “We’ll see about that,” said Kazrack. “I hope not,” said Jeremy. “Not that I need luck. Not with my great skill as a swordsman.” “Heh,” said Jana. --- The group marched on in their usual order. Ratchis took the lead, followed by Beorth and Kazrack. Jeremy followed them, closely followed by Jana and Chance; Tirhas took up the rear. The day continued the warming trend, and the grass was a last burst of brilliant green, in defiance of the threat of the dulled colors of the winter to come. The pines bowed slightly in the cool breeze, like old men tipping their hats, while deciduous trees shook in their newly bright-colored garb. They had traveled for three or four hours when the attack came. Wolves emerged from the brush. They appeared sluggish, and the white foam on their muzzles was flecked with blood; their skin hung loosely from their bodies, and large patches of fur were missing from their dull coats; their eyes were yellowed and sunken, but still they felt driven to attack. The three wolves came at the party from two sides; one at Ratchis, one at Beorth and the last at Kazrack. In the distraction of the attack, the great albino dog appeared amid the group and bit Jeremy with great strength – though looking more bedraggled and a bit thinner, it was obvious he was doing a better job fighting off the disease’s effects. Janx disappeared and reappeared behind Beorth, even as the paladin smashed the skull of his wolf opponent. The weakness of these poor beasts made over-coming them a matter of single hard blows, for Ratchis and Kazrack were able to finish theirs as well. Jeremy loaded his crossbow and fired a quarrel into the flank of the blink dog, it yelped and growled and disappeared as Tirhas cried out, “What are you doing?!? Subdue him! Subdue him!” Janx appeared behind beside his old friend, and she turned to him. “Janx, its me. Don’t you remember me?” She held out her hand to the dog, who paused and cocked his head as if in a moment of confusion or debate, and then with a loud chomp bit down on her hand sending blood flying in all directions. She cried out and pulled away, but Ratchis had the chance to run over and tackle the dog, wrapping his thick arms around its neck and squeezing. After a moment’s choking noise, Janx disappeared again and the tall woodsman fell to the ground. The dog appeared beside Jana, biting her flank, Kazrack and Beorth began to run over, but the dog was already gone, and reappeared behind Beorth biting him. Chaos then ensued. Ratchis continued running at Janx and attempting to grab him and choke him into unconsciousness, but mostly just ran through the dog, only accomplishing the counter-productive task of throwing himself on the ground repeatedly. Chance, leaving his fate in the hands of Bes, mimicked the big man, and punched and kicked and grappled at the dog, having much the same result. During this time, Jeremy, Beorth and Kazrack ran back and forth wherever Janx appeared and used the flat of their blades, or Beorth would strike for non-vital spots with the end of his quarterstaff. However, Janx’s ability to constantly phase in and out of exist and blink around, made the combat more comical then effective; well, comical if the bloody bite wounds he was dealing could be counted as funny. Flexing her hands painfully, Tirhas spoke an arcane word, as Janx appeared near her in an attempt to bite Jeremy and the dog seemed dazed and unsure what to do. Jeremy and Kazrack were both able to get in good blows with the flat of their blades, and this time Ratchis grabbed hold of the dog extra tightly, twisting its neck slightly to constrict airflow, but gasping the dog disappeared yet again and appearing near Beorth bit the warrior again. Tirhas cast her spell again, and again Janx was stunned, allowing another round of hits, including a green ray of energy from Jana’s finger – that few saw her accomplish. Finally, Kazrack was able to grab hold of Janx and before the blink dog could disappear again, Ratchis kicked the beast with all his might, as Jeremy slapped it across the head with the flat of his short sword. The dog shuddered and passed out. Kazrack gently let go of Janx and Tirhas ran over cradling her companion’s head in her lap, and pet his head. They could see the shine of a tear on her usually emotionless face. She then pulled out the vial that Escher had given the group and gently opening the blink dog’s mouth she poured the clear liquid down its throat, messaging its neck to allow it to go down. The others stood silently and watched. Kazrack gripped his halberd nervously, wary of Janx waking up and not having been cured. After what seemed like an eternity, Janx began to stir. The blink dog opened his mouth and closed it again, and then struggled as if to get up, but settled back down with a shudder. Tirhas stroked her companions fur some more and brought her mouth down to his ear making indecipherable sounds. Janx made faint howling-type noises, and then Tirhas stood, lying Janx’s head gently on the ground. “He will be okay,” the elf-maiden said. “I have spoken to him and he seems himself again. However, he is weak and will need time to recover.” “Well, as long as the rest of the wolves die off soon, which from the look of those others looks like it will happen, this whole situation should be taken care of,” said Kazrack. “Yes, it does seem so,” said Tirhas, and then paused. “I want to thank you for helping me and Janx. I would not have been able to help him without you. I do not have much in the way of a way to repay you, but…” “Do not thank us,” said Kazrack brusquely. “We did what we were going to have to do one way or another. We able to accomplish it without killing the dog, but we would have done it the other way if we had to.” Tirhas’ face hardened again, her subtle smile of gratitude shifting back into those long high cheeks, her eyes becoming steady and cold again. “I will be staying here with Janx until he is well enough to move,” the elf said. “I guess we will be going back to town to tell them that the wolf-menace is no longer a problem and to bring the wainwright back to the wagons,” said Kazrack. “Are you sure you don’t want to come back to town with us where it is safer?” asked Jeremy. “I do not think I would be very welcome there, and I cannot move Janx,” Tirhas said. “I can only imagine how the townspeople would react if the ‘white wolf’ came strolling into town,” said Jana. “Perhaps we will meet again,” said Tirhas, returning to her usual clipped tone. “Though your lives are short it may happen.” The group began to walk back towards Tallow’s Post, leaving Tirhas stroking Janx’s fur, her golden hair shining in the dying light of the sun. “Uh, guh-bye!” called Chance, looking back to the elf and waving. “Maybe we should have stayed the night with her to make sure she remained safe,” said Beorth. “She will be fine,” said Kazrack. “Well, in the future when someone wants to thank us and maybe give us a gift, just accept it okay?” said Jeremy to Kazrack with a tone of annoyance. “We cannot afford to be giving up whatever we can get.” Kazrack harrumphed. “Ratchis, what will you be doing now?” asked Beorth asked their guide. “I was hoping to return with you to this caravan you spoke of,” he said in his raspy voice. “I had heard of it before and need a way to get to Gothanius myself.” “You’ll hafta sign a contract,” said Chance. “That’s fine,” Ratchis replied. “Well, it’ll be good ta haf `im `round,” Chance said to Jana. “Finally, they’ll be someone bigger than Devon.” “Who is Devon?” Ratchis asked. “You’ll see,” Kazrack replied. Beorth, Chance, Jana, Jeremy, Kazrack and Ratchis walked down out of the wood toward the plateau where Tallow’s Post was located. It was already dusk by the time they arrived at the Silver Vein Inn. Sergeant Fnord happened to be there, and they explained how the wolf menace was taken care of, and how the “old hermit” was really Escher of the Oath. “Oh, I knew he had stayed around, but I never made the connection, that is good to know,” Fnord said. “And what of the white wolf?” “He won’t be bothering anyone ever again,” said Jana. No one mentioned Tirhas or Janx to the constable. Nicholas, the inn-keep, offered the party a free hot meal, but said he would have to charge for rooms. “I will sleep in the common room, if you don’t mind,” said Ratchis. “Um, if ya wont we could, um… sharr a rume, I men et would be cheper that way… Uh, I men, it would be okay, I wouldn’t try nuthin’,” Chance said to Jana. Jana smiled. “Thanks for the offer, but I was thinking I would get my own room,” she said. “I’ll share a room with you,” Jeremy said to Chance. “Yeah, okay,” said the Wallbrookian. Kazrack and Beorth shared another room, and they all (except Ratchis) got to sleep in beds for the first time in weeks. In the morning, they led Warren the Wainwright down towards the Mountain Door road, with his tools and two wagon wheels strapped to his mule. The workman carried a third wheel on his back. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Notes[/b] (51) The secret of making this bread is known only to the elven people – but it is filling and nutritious, and a delightfully sweet and flaky (52) The Plutonic Realms are the great tunnels and chambers beneath the mountains and islands of Aquerra where dwarves and mysterious other denizens dwell. (53) Kazrack’s player hopes to have him gain the Improved Trip feat at third level. (54) The Festival of Isis is a celebration of the New Year and of the Goddess of Motherhood and Magic – gifts are often exchanged between friends and family members. (55) Unbeknownst to Escher, the entirety of the Oath (as he knew it) was killed in an ill-fated mission to the Hellish Seas. [/QUOTE]
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"Out of the Frying Pan" - Book I: Gathering Wood (reprise)
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