Chapter 13: A Ghostly Glow

[Jeff]

When Kal pushes Belarin, Tangat snarls a little, like an extension of the dragonmarked heir's mood. But when Kal turns away again, the dog lowers his head and whines, his tail swishing, and he looks back up at the warlock with puppy dog eyes.

After the brief arguments abate, Melethos spurs the group on again. Every moment that passes brings Jonas Wylkes, the Harbor Lord of Stormreach, and his reinforcements closer to his promised "return."

Shorak is the first to round the bend, approaching in the same way he and Kal did only hours before when sneaking up on the guards they had posted there. The memory is not lost on Kal, though it seems long ago. Tremys. That was her name, the sentry, one of two, that the party had tricked, then fought. Tremys did not survive. Kal remembers her name because he has remembered many names. He once kept the lists during the Last War. Of recruits, of Blademarks on active duty...of the fallen. Though back then, it was easy enough to dismiss any death as the war's fault.

With these thoughts in mind, Shorak is the first to see, before the rest of you as you follow, that there are four Stormreach Guards arrayed before the Lighthouse door. All four of them lie fallen, battered, but all of them breathing still. Out cold. Nearby, Llash-Tava is lifting a paw up to her face; she licks it in a catlike manner, as if ridding her fur of some lint, or blood.

She looks north, for the moment where you can't see until you move out to the path that winds along the island's western shore.

"Two more remain, on the dock," she says to your party without looking up. Her gaze is fixed northward. "One human, one orc-blood human. They will notice us soon. Sleep or charm?" she seems to muse aloud. "I see no raft, just two small boats."

Be sure to hit refresh on this one. I updated an older URL for this map.

[Darren]

"Sleep," Kal says to Llash-Tava. "And then we take one with us. We may need a hostage. We'll take their boats. The sahuagin were supposed to be here. Perhaps they have decided to go back on our agreement. No matter. We'll take the boats." Kal looks pointedly at Belarin and adds, "Thank you, Llash-Tava."

[Jeff]

Aven turns around and walks over to Belarin. He eyes the downed guards first, then speaks quietly for a warforged so that only Belarin can hear. (He waits until Melethos is not very close.)

"I will assist Adamant. I owe him much. Together we will both return to you." He points a thick metal finger towards the water. "We do not need to breathe. Water can slow us, but it will not stop us."

[Ken]

Belarin scratches Tangat's head as he walks past the wolfhound. "Adamant's a big boy who's endured a lot," he says unapologetically. "He couldn't fulfill his promises in Cyre. He's earned the right to fulfill this one... on HIS terms."

After they see the sphinx and Kal makes his pointed comment, he raises an eyebrow. "Oh yes, very helpful."

At Aven's comment, Belarin simply nods once and taps the warforged's arm.

[Brian]

"Yes," Melethos says to the sphinx. "Thank you. Now, since we have agreed to leave Adamant to his own devices--" he throws a final, level look at Belarin "--we can proceed to the boats. If everyone will follow me."

Melethos leads them northward toward the docks.

[Dave B.]

"Melethos, wait." Shorak hisses. "We're going the wrong way. The raft we came on is back to the northeast. We didn't land on this side of the island. The Sahaugin will be waiting for us there."

Shorak then turns toward Kal with eyebrows raised, "If you really need a hostage, take one of these guards here." He points to the unconscious guards by the lighthouse door.

Sorry guys. I lost track of things the last couple of days. Otherwise, I would have stopped us sooner. I guess you really do need Shorak's scouting skills.

[Jeff]

Llash-Tava bounds out of sight, toward the dock (where boats normally arrive on this island), paying no heed to anything else at the moment.

Aven looks between Melethos and Shorak, who is trying to redirect the group. He nods at Belarin and says aloud, "Keep going. I will ensure Adamant returns to you. Do not wait for us."

[Darren]

"Any hostage will do," Kal says, "and if we take their boats, they won't be able to follow. And Llash-Tava has already gone to deal with the guards. Im sure the sahuagin will find us no matter which exit we take. Let's keep going to the boats."

[Joe]

"Are we all of one mind on this? We need to be together in all things if we are to survive. I would prefer never to take another trip into the ocean's depths again, thank you very much. The sphinx has offered aid and I believe she in sincere in helping us. We need to follow her now, in my opinion." Those last words are almost mumbled, but not quite softly enough to be unheard.
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Streko follows Kal and Tangat, of course.

[Ken]

"The boats are our way out of here, Good Streko," says Belarin. "That's one thing we can all agree on." As they walk, Belarin keeps his dagger ready, and he also mutters an incantation to let his eyes again perceive arcane auras.

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Belarin uses his Eldritch Sight invocation to cast detect magic.

[Dave B.]

Shorak moves along with the rest. "We can take the boats, but the Sahuagin may not take kindly to a change in plans." He shrugs. "Let's hope they don't react in a hostile manner."

[Brian]

"The Sahuaguin will find us," Melethos says, following Kal toward the boats. "Of that I am sure. Our most pressing concern is getting off this island before that Coin Lord returns." He looks over his shoulder at Aven. "Stay out of sight, and return with Adamant as soon as you can. We will be at the Inn."

Melethos catches up with Kal. "By the way, my lord Kalarian, since you foolishly gave your name to Lord Wylkes, he now possesses the means by which he can find us. We will have to disappear. And you might want to consider how you will inform Captain Greigur of this. He will not be happy if Lord Wylkes confronts him and you have not yet reported what happened."

[Darren]

"He can't confront me openly," Kal says. "This is the way of the world for the powerful. I know things that would harm him if they were public, so he can't risk publicly attacking me. He may send agents to do the job for him, but that is no more danger than we already faced. Greigur already knew of our plans. He will be able to provide cover for us on this." Kal places a hand on Melethos' arm. "Don't worry, my friend. It was inevitable. I am very memorable." Kal grins. "We will be fine."

[Jeff]

Aven marches away back east and quickly out of sight.

Rounding the corner and heading up the path of flattened stones, the rest of you see the dock come into view. This is where watercraft normally come to shore on this island. You see there are two sizeable row boats already docked here. The rain, though still light, picks up again.

You see Llash-Tava standing on the boards of the small dock, confronting the two Stormreach Guards who have swords out and look ready to fight or flee. You don't hear the exchange, but a moment laters, you see the sphinx swat one of the two guards to the ground. He tumbles to the floorboards, unconscious. The other, a tall and muscular woman, seems stupefied.

As you approach, Llash-Tava sits and turns to look back at you.

"This one wisely chooses to cooperate," she says, her face inscrutable. "Do not be hostile, and she will remain so."

The Stormreach Guard is a half-orc woman, with the familiar small upward-thrust tusks protruding from her lips. She looks battle-scarred and generally unfriendly, but just stares up at Llash-Tava with what might be wonder.

There is a flicker of suspicion on the sphinx's lovely face. "Why must you take a hostage?" she whispers loudly.

[Ken]

Belarin walks forward with the rest and says simply, "It's part of an arrangement that ... I made with the sahuagin to ensure our safe passage here."

[Brian]

Melethos frowns at Belarin. "An arrangement? I do not remember any arrangement, or mention of a hostage until just moments ago."

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I scoured the old posts relating to the sahuagin bargain and I don't think Big Red actually heard about the sacrifice arrangement.

[Darren]

"Don't worry. It is for our protection. Just take one of them. Preferably one that can't speak."

[Brian]

Melethos gives an "if you say so" shrug and approaches the dock. He points to the one guard left standing. "If you would be so kind as to get into the boat," he instructs her. "Be careful. I would not want you to fall into the water. Oh, and please do not say anything else instructed to do so."

[Jeff]

The half-orc woman stares at Melethos when he speaks, but he sees no real expression change. She looks back up at the sphinx. Belarin, who knows a thing or two about magical charm, understands that the charmed are not necessarily receptive to the influence of the charmer's allies. Moreover, it seems likely this is charm, not domination. The guard should not have her will overridden, merely pushed gently aside in favor of what the charmer wishes.

"You should all remain here," the guard says gruffly, even suspiciously. She then points to the Lighthouse behind you. "When Lord Jonas Wylkes returns, he will sort this out. It is probably a misunderstanding." She looks down at her unconscious companion.

"We have seen and spoken with your lord," Llash-Tava says to the half-orc and speaking no lie. "It is is best if we tarry no longer. Please, come with us."

The half-orc looks puzzled but nods. "All right. Perhaps he will meet us at the docks then."

The sphinx nods. The rain has begun to soak into her fur, but quite unlike a house cat she seems unbothered by the elements.

And in that moment, three eye-catching shapes appear on your edge of vision: sahuagin, emerging from the water and climbing halfway up to the dock level. Their scales are blue-green, but the distinct yellow- and bright blue-fins mark them as members of the Blue Fin clan, the friendlier ones you have dealt with before and spoke on your behalf at Shargon's Talon before the high priestess.

"Come, softskins," one of them croaks, indicating the boats docked here. "Who will be given to Seryssa? She demands it still."

In that moment, the clouds overhead seem to gather stronger together, and less sunlight spills down upon the world. Everything is a bit darker. The rain continues.

[Jeff]

Llash-Tava lowers her head and speaks quiet enough that you must strain to hear her, but it is likely the sahuagin cannot. "If you wish to avoid this, I will pull the boats myself. You do not need to treat with these or surrender a...hostage. It is for blood sacrifice, I trust." There is veiled judgment in her eyes. "I have offered you protection until we are free from this island. Accept it?"

The half-orc woman seems oblivious, though the words are clearly spoken around her.

[Ken]

Belarin steps forward to address the sphinx. "We appreciate this, Llash-Tava," he whispers, "so of course we would... oh wait, you said we'd have your protection until we were 'free from this island.' You mean, of course, 'until we're back in Stormreach,' yes?" His tone is congenial.

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Belarin is doing his best Columbo impersonation. "Oh, just one more thing...."

[Jeff]

"Yes," the sphinx answers, eyeing Belarin carefully. "When you are safely away from here—literally, this island—I will go my separate way. I will find and free Argushem, then leave this city and return to the lands that we guard. Before I do, I will give you all that I can offer: information." She looks down at the spellbound guard, and over at the sahuagin. "When there are no other ears to hear."

The sahuagin are transfixed by the appearance of Llash-Tava—who cuts a striking figure still, and whose presence has not lost its otherworldly quality. They look to each other and speak quietly in their own language, no doubt regarding developments.

---

Ken: If you wish to make an Insight check for Belarin because he has been pointedly suspicious of her intentions, go ahead and do so with disadvantage. Sphinxes specifically have an ability called Inscrutable for just this reason. They are hard to gauge.

Look at Belarin playing an inquisitive. If he continues down this path, he will have to be issued a khaki trench coat.

[Ken]

A whopping 7 and 6 on Belarin's Wisdom (Insight) check. Oof.

[Jeff]

Llash-Tava is inscrutable.

[Dave B.]

Shorak looks at the sphinx, then at Belarin, back to the spinx, over to Kal. "A blood sacrifice?" he whispers. "When did we agree to that?"

[Ken]

"When Kal parlayed with Seryssa," Belarin whispers. He looks at Kalarian with some sympathy -- this is not an easy decision. "Kal," he continues softly, "I know you don't care a rat's ass about my opinion right now, but if we break the deal with Seryssa -- without safe passage all the way across -- we'll have an uncomfortably close look at the Sovereign of Whelm and Wave. I suggest we ask the sahuagin to retreat briefly while we conclude our arrangement with Llash-Tava here and now."

[Brian]

"Wait,' Melethos says, raising a hand. His gold eyes shine with intensity. "Are you saying this is not really a hostage issue, but a sacrifice? You mean to offer up the life of someone who was merely doing her job, after all we did to try and not kill guards? What kind of honor comes from that?" The rain drips off Melethos's grim face. Moments later, he shakes his head, an almost imperceptible move. "I cannot allow it. We need to find another way."

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Sorry, guys. Adamant isn't the only LG character in the group. If we hadn't taken outright measures to not killi the guards earlier in the fight, Big Red might have seen this differently. But not now.

[Jeff]

Llash-Tava stares west, through the haze of rain towards the docks. She lowers her head and speaks quietly, quiet enough only for those debating can hear her. "You do not have time for discussions now, only for decisions. I can and will protect you now, if you accept it. But if the Storm Lords come forth in greater strength, I may not be successful."

[Darren]

Jul 18, 2017 5:22:48 GMT -4 Brian said:

"Wait,' Melethos says, raising a hand. His gold eyes shine with intensity. "Are you saying this is not really a hostage issue, but a sacrifice? You mean to offer up the life of someone who was merely doing her job, after all we did to try and not kill guards? What kind of honor comes from that?" The rain drips off Melethos's grim face. Moments later, he shakes his head, an almost imperceptible move. "I cannot allow it. We need to find another way."

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Sorry, guys. Adamant isn't the only LG character in the group. If we hadn't taken outright measures to not killi the guards earlier in the fight, Big Red might have seen this differently. But not now.

"It's too late. You already did allow it." Kal looks angrily around at the entire group, including Llash-Tava. "I did what was necessary," he says. "I did what had to be done to get us here. To save you," he says, pointing at Llash-Tava. "You owe your freedom to us and the bargain I made to get us here, to the sacrifices we made to get us here." Kal raises a hand to his head in disbelief. "By all the gods, we went to Dollurh for you! One of our friends did not make it back from there! Don't you dare presume to judge us," he growls at her. Now he whirls back on Melethos, "So yes, we will be honoring our arrangement with the sahuagin, and I will provide them with one of these guards, unless you care to offer yourself up instead. Llash-Tava, do as you must. We cannot stop you. But remember that you owe us a debt for what we have done and hopefully your sense of right and wrong would see that debt paid."

[Jeff]

The sphinx's eyes blaze in sudden anger as she looms over Kal, and a palpable if invisible energy suffuses the air. Her wings open up as if readying for flight. But she does not move a step.

"You came at Argushem's request, not mine. I am grateful, but you are merely countering the evil of your kind—it was humans who captured me, humans who tore us from our posts. Ascribe your vows and sins to the viler ones in your midst, not to me." You don't think she means anyone in this party, but the Coin Lords and their allies.

She closes her mouth, calming herself, and though seconds pass, none dare to interrupt her. "For what you've done on our behalf, I will help you still...when we have left this cursed rock." Her tail flicks violently. "Here in this city, I do not preside over you and I do not judge. Do what you will, but be quick."

The half-orc woman has watched the exchange without comment, looking more puzzled than concerned.