Chapter 21: The Razor's Edge

[Ken]

"Thank you," says Belarin, smiling. "May I ask... what is your name? Or what do others call you?"

The warlock hears Sem's comment, but he knows the tongues spell doesn't help translate the written word.

[Darren]

Kal is moving close to Melethos, about to respond to him, when he sees Adjalarr wave for the tiefling. He turns his back to the beach, facing Melethos. "I don't relish the delay," he says. "We have a slight advantage right now, as they will likely need to negotiate with the galeb duhr on their own and seem content to make camp right now. That said, I wouldn't mind getting some assurances from Orvak, if you think it can be done. So yes, go." Kal turns to look, once again standing shoulder to shoulder with Melethos. "Do you want me to go with you?"

___________________
Sorry, y'all. I guess I missed Brian's post or something.

[Brian]

"This is for me alone," Melethos says. "I doubt they'd let you get close to Orvak." Then he grins. "But they don't know about our rings. I'll keep you updated."

Melethos returns Adjalarr's gesture, then makes his way down to the beach. He stops before the female tiefling.

"You have need of me?" he asks her.

[Jeff]

Ajdalarr is on the path down, not quite as far as the beach. But she moves forward to greet Melethos. A few other tieflings are looking on from a distance, and one bugbear has positioned himself only ten feet back. No weapons in hand, but glowering at him. Or maybe it's that bugbears always appear to be glowering.

"Con . . . Melethos," the woman says, then proceeds in Supernal. "I wanted to tell you what Khazamus has seen at the top of the Stair." She pauses and looks over his shoulder. "I see some movement. You are preparing to go up now? Is that in fact the way?"

[Darren]

Kal watches Melethos move down the beach, then turns back to the rest of his companions. "What news here? Are we free to go? Is Belarin going to join their tribe? Start wearing a suit made of rocks and singing in a very low voice?" Kal moves up next to Shorak and jerks his chin towards the beach. "Keep an eye on Melethos," he says quietly. "From a distance. Stay up here, but don't let him out of your sight. I don't like him being alone down there."

[Brian]

Jul 19, 2021 14:20:30 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Ajdalarr is on the path down, not quite as far as the beach. But she moves forward to greet Melethos. A few other tieflings are looking on from a distance, and one bugbear has positioned himself only ten feet back. No weapons in hand, but glowering at him. Or maybe it's that bugbears always appear to be glowering.

"Con . . . Melethos," the woman says, then proceeds in Supernal. "I wanted to tell you what Khazamus has seen at the top of the Stair." She pauses and looks over his shoulder. "I see some movement. You are preparing to go up now? Is that in fact the way?"

Melethos ignores the bugbear and focuses on Ajdalarr. "We're moving into that cave," he says, speaking in Supernal. "Whether it's the correct path or not, we haven't determined yet. I guess we'll find out eventually." He pauses. "The galeb duhr seem peaceful. Treat with them honestly and you should be fine."

He gestures to the griffon. "What did Khazamus find?"

[Jeff]

Ajdalarr nods her head at his advice concerning the galeb duhr. Then she gestures upward, toward the sky and the cliff. "There is a small ruin at the top, and some surrounding trees, so there are places for possible ambush. Beware, if you go before us alone. Khazamus glimpsed some figures moving about beneath the canopy, trying to stay out of sight. But his eyes, and his steed's, are sharp. They are two or more, one male, one female. They wore cowls, and the man has a shaven head. We think they are Riedrans. Orvak suspected the Cogship landed well ahead of us and sent some of its people up the Stairs, even before the dragonmarked did. This confirms it. Yet they should have left the stairs days ago now. This tells me they are still near, or have left some members behind to hinder us."

"Further upriver, some distance from the ruin, he spied a single tent located near a stony bridge that crosses a narrow point in the river. Not Riedran, Khazamus feels certain. He stayed well away from it. There must be something disquieting about it, to have made him wary. He does not like secrets."

[Brian]

Melethos takes in Ajdalarr's words. "We suspected something or someone dangerous up at the top. One of our scouts died flying over the area, obviously to keep it from reporting back." He turns to glance upward. "Riedrans. Unfriendly lot." He looks back at Ajdalarr. "Their cogship attacked us a few times. One of our allies captured a crew member. Calling him a fanatic would be an understatement. As for the tent, I have no idea who or what lives there. If we end up going that way, I guess we'll find out."

He pauses for a moment, then draws a breath. "You mentioned a meeting with Orvak. Does that offer still stand?"

[Jeff]

Ajdalarr gives Melethos an astute look. "I did—" she starts, then stops herself. Lets the sharpness go. "You declined to meet with him twice, quite firmly. I cannot imagine him declining even now, but the lateness of the acceptance is going to give us pause."

[Brian]

"I understand your wariness," Melethos says. "An unexpected turn of events would do that. But I assure you, I have no nefarious purpose. Since we are going to be closely allied in this dangerous land, I felt it prudent, even wise, to meet your Orvak. The better we know one another, the better the trust between us." He shrugs. "If I have missed my opportunity, I understand. There will be no hard feelings."

He pauses and waits for an answer from Ajdalarr.

[Jeff]

"Come with me," she says without much further thought, and she switches now to Common. "Stay close."

Melethos can see she's going to lead him into the thick of their makeshift camp. He will be out of sight of his companions if he follows her.

[Brian]

Melethos starts to follow Ajdalarr, then pauses at the bugbear, glaring at the creature.

"Am I bothering you?" he asks it, then thinks to Kal: Going into the camp to meet Orvak. Rierdans at the top of the cliff. More danger further on. I'll stay in touch.

[Jeff]

Melethos

Melethos follows. The tieflings have not pitched a thorough camp. He can see they're waiting and checking their supplies more than anything else. Those on sentry duty are either watching the cliff walls, the glidewings and beasts toward the waterfall, the beach, or his own party from afar. Only a single tent has been erected in the middle, up against the cliff wall: a large lean-to that uses a palm tree and the rock wall itself for support. It wouldn't protect anyone from several weather, but would be a comfortable enough shelter in any rain.

Two bronze-armored hobgoblins stand guard in front of it, but Adjalarr's approach has them step aside. Their yellow eyes follow Melethos, but they do not grunt or bristle like the bugbears; theirs is a military demeanor. "Wait," she tells Melethos, then goes inside herself. There is surely only room for two or three people to move around inside the half-tent.

Lots of eyes on him now, but he feels a very strange and almost forgotten sense of community here. He's not been in the presence of this many tieflings in years. Not a single human around him. The tieflings outnumber the goblinoids—rather, the dar. He doesn't speak Goblin, but he knows a few words. Dar is a collective term for the hobgoblin, bugbear, and goblin races. Although he knows no one in this group, there is something familiar and almost comfortable here. He sees the weapons, the armor, the good care these people take for their equipment, that makes him feel like he could talk with them at length about combat and avoid the uncomfortable discussions of race and politics. It's soldiery. Although they would really be out of place among these nonhumans, Melethos thinks Kal and Thul could find something to respect here, too.

His thoughts are drifting, with flickers of nostalgia and danger warring with him. He reminds himself these are all strangers, and there are too many variables.

"All right, let him in," he hears Ajdalarr call out, and he can see the path open to enter the tent.

[Brian]

Melethos snaps out of his reverie at the sound of Ajdalarr’s voice.

With a polite nod to the dar sentries, he steps into the tent.

[Jeff]

Melethos

Within the dark space of the tent, Melethos sees an elder tiefling sitting in a chair. He never knew too many that reached old age in Demon Wastes. At first he looks tired and frail, wrapped in a cloak, but when he looks up and sees Melethos, his eyes brighten and an energy seems to go into him and now he seems not so old—just older than everyone else. He rises to his feet without assistance, and is Melethos's own height. His horns are large, sweeping and following the curve of his head before twisting almost sideways before spiraling sideways some. His dark grey hair is a long and his eyes the color of gentle flames, and his features are hale. Melethos is reminded of both Starg and Larest in their maturity. Still, this one's dark red skin is cragged and weathered. There is a faint smile on his lips. He wears no armor that Melethos can see, nor any weapon, but he suspects this man was a warrior once.

"Melethos," the elder tiefling says as his dips his head down in the same gesture of respect that Ajdalarr has done. "I am glad to meet you. I am Orvak." He holds his left hand out. Melethos sees his right arm is in a sling.

Beside Orvak Ajdalarr stands, smiling, clearly pleased to see the two meet. A goblin, the only one Melethos has seen in this camp, stands on hand like a squire or page. He wears a leather skullcap, his eyes are intelligent and they scrutinize Melethos up and down, mouth totally neutral.

"What can I do for you?" Orvak asks. He has an accent that tugs at the edge of Melethos's memory, as if influenced by ancient tongues in Fah'lrrg.

[Brian]

Jul 19, 2021 17:08:00 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Melethos

Within the dark space of the tent, Melethos sees an elder tiefling sitting in a chair. He never knew too many that reached old age in Demon Wastes. At first he looks tired and frail, wrapped in a cloak, but when he looks up and sees Melethos, his eyes brighten and an energy seems to go into him and now he seems not so old—just older than everyone else. He rises to his feet without assistance, and is Melethos's own height. His horns are large, sweeping and following the curve of his head before twisting almost sideways before spiraling sideways some. His dark grey hair is a long and his eyes the color of gentle flames, and his features are hale. Melethos is reminded of both Starg and Larest in their maturity. Still, this one's dark red skin is cragged and weathered. There is a faint smile on his lips. He wears no armor that Melethos can see, nor any weapon, but he suspects this man was a warrior once.

"Melethos," the elder tiefling says as his dips his head down in the same gesture of respect that Ajdalarr has done. "I am glad to meet you. I am Orvak." He holds his left hand out. Melethos sees his right arm is in a sling.

Beside Orvak Ajdalarr stands, smiling, clearly pleased to see the two meet. A goblin, the only one Melethos has seen in this camp, stands on hand like a squire or page. He wears a leather skullcap, his eyes are intelligent and they scrutinize Melethos up and down, mouth totally neutral.

"What can I do for you?" Orvak asks. He has an accent that tugs at the edge of Melethos's memory, as if influenced by ancient tongues in Fah'lrrg.

The tent is shaded but not even close to dark. He sees Orvak clearly. The man was probably the oldest tiefling Melethos had ever encountered, yet, despite his age, he possessed a vitality that makes Melethos think the man has been alive for longer than he appeared, and will live on longer than one would expect. The contradiction puts Melethos slightly on guard.

Dipping his head in a gesture of respect, he takes the man's hand and says, "I apologize for my rudeness, my lord Orvak, for twice I have refused your invitation. I am a cautious man and not very social. But now it seems we will be in close quarters, amid dangers known and unknown, and I felt we could benefit from a meeting. Ajdalarr has surely told you of our truce. I want you to know we intend to honor it, and be of aid if possible. I have not—" Here Melethos's throat tightens, and his voice creaks like old leather armor. But the warrior pulls himself together and continues. "I have not encountered so many of my kind in one place since I departed Fah'lrrg. While I cannot personally secure their safety, I would like to affirm my commitment not to harm them unless we are attacked first.

"And I have another reason. Or rather, I have your reason. You wished to meet with me. I wish to fulfill your request. True, it's on my own terms, but it is a fulfillment nonetheless."

Then Melethos bows slightly, an almost imperceptible bending at his waist. "What can I do for you, my lord?"

[Dave B.]

When Belarin is finished and before the galeb duhr move away, Shorak rises and pulls the purple gem out and offers it to the closest galeb duhr. "Would you accept this small token as a thank you for taking the time to hear our story and allowing us passage?" he says in his native tongue. If they accept the gift, Shorak will bow to each of them and step away. If they do not, Shorak will just shrug and stow it away among his many pockets.

Shorak nods to Kal when asked to keep an eye on Melethos. "Of course." Shorak moves to watch after Melethos. He loses sight of him fairly shortly, but he keeps watch, marking where Melethos went and scanning the different groups setting up their camp.

[Jeff]

Melethos

Orvak listens to all that Melethos says in quiet contemplation. Then, when he is silent, the elder says, "At the outset of this journey, I was seeking men and women that could be trusted. Those without allegiances or chains that bound them. Each of my friends here, who have come all this way, has made a difficult choice to sunder their lives from those who would control them. Many—indeed, most—began their lives in Fah'lrrg itself, as I deem you have. They have walked the blasted plains and the deadly sands . . . and survived. The malisons of our homeland have not defined us, as they do too many of our kind."

"But neither does this peerage." Orvak gestures to the camp at large, studying Melethos. "As you can see, we have no uniform. No flag. We sometimes have common purposes, but no commander. Volunteers on a fool's road, maybe." Here he smiles mildly. "Perhaps you can understand this? Ajdalarr made mention of you in Stormreach, then again after meeting you near the village of Last Chance. It is not often that we see refugees of Fah'lrrg in the company of dragonmarked heirs; and when we do, we see they are conscripted. Yoked not for who they are but what they are. From what Ajda told me, though, you seemed a free agent who made his own choices, too. That is always intriguing.

"We needed to grow stronger if we were to dare this expedition. But we are not mercenaries, nor an organized house. We are merely found family. And so I wanted to meet you then, as I have everyone here. But you, friend Melethos, are here on the same road, already in the company of your own family. If you have come this far with them, then I know you must be devoted to them. I would not interfere in that."

[Brian]

"You're correct," Melethos says after Orvak finishes. "I am not conscripted and will not be parted from my friends. We have traveled far together, endured many dangers. They have saved my life as often as I have saved theirs. Dragonmarked or not, they are good people." He gestures back toward the camp. "You take these people to win the Eye. Many will likely die. But to what purpose? What does the Eye of Azalar mean to you and your followers?"

[Jeff]

Ajdalarr closes her mouth tight and looks annoyed.

Orvak frowns for the first time. "Is that why you wished to meet me at last? To discern motive? The details of our errand—the secrets and vulnerabilities of my friends—are not something I would discuss with anyone outside their circle, I'm afraid. Just as I would not pry you for the intent, directions, and combat strategies of your expedition, Melethos. You may not believe it, looking at them"—he gestures at the camp—"but most here are battle weary. From birth, the world has given us so very many enemies; we do not seek more, and we know there are already factions who will consider us hostile without even seeking parley. Surely you have encountered some yourself."

Orvak sits down again, a soft moan escaping his lips at the movement. "I do not need to be reminded of the dangers of this road."

[Darren]

Kal turns to look down at the beach, and is surprised when he sees no glimpse of Melethos. "What's happened? Describe your location and I'll bring Adamant to you." Kal turns anxiously to Shorak. "Where did he go?"

[Jeff]

Jul 19, 2021 12:16:10 GMT -4 Ken said:

"Thank you," says Belarin, smiling. "May I ask... what is your name? Or what do others call you?"

The warlock hears Sem's comment, but he knows the tongues spell doesn't help translate the written word.

The galeb duhr lifts a stony brow and makes a vaguely smiling shape in its mouth. "Names are an affection of your kind. When I have been asked this before, I have given the the name Grekk. Will that be acceptable?"

Sem leads Starg a few paces into the cave, looking warily at the bones. Histra follows, more interested in the ground than the passages within. She stoops and lifts a skull. "Belarin, ask them what happened to these people." She holds up the skull and points to an obvious rent and crack in the bone. Violent death, at least, is clear. Not all bones here are intact.

Starg says, with his voice now echoing inside the cave, "The words are Orcish, yes. Made by chalk. It reads: Kal, go this way. H. There is an arrow pointing to this first, left-most passage. Southward. But I can see two others further in."

Jul 19, 2021 21:06:35 GMT -4 Dave B. said:

When Belarin is finished and before the galeb duhr move away, Shorak rises and pulls the purple gem out and offers it to the closest galeb duhr. "Would you accept this small token as a thank you for taking the time to hear our story and allowing us passage?" he says in his native tongue. If they accept the gift, Shorak will bow to each of them and step away.

Grekk is the closest of the two galeb duhr at the cave mouth. It holds out one big arm-limb, and the purple gem simply rolls out of Shorak's hand and clicks against the rocky "skin" of the creature, as if it had become magnetized and drawn to it. "Thank you. It is very tiny, but it is very beautiful. A night-sapphire, the giants would have called this one."

[Ken]

"Thank you... Grekk," says Belarin.

He hears Starg's comment and says to Starg, Sem, Shorak, and Histra, "Huh. Huru. Kal must possess some degree of charm after all!"

Turning back to the galeb duhr, he asks, "May I ask, why so many bones of humanoids? What happened to them?"

[Jeff]

Grekk says, "These are the remains of many individuals who remained in this place for too long. This path . . ." The galeb duhr indicates the trodden ground that follows the base of the cliff, from the south where it continues on, all the way up toward the waterfall. ". . . is what I believe you would call a 'game trail' for a rapid ground-shaker. A tall-walker. They have been given many names. But you see, we seldom name things, and prefer to let their appearance and their sound serve as their name."

Hearing this, Shorak has a hunch the galeb duhr means swordtooth titan. He's heard "ground-shaker" before among various nonhumans around Stormreach call them that. And though there are heavier beasts than they, few others run and create tremors in the earth the way they do.

Sem turns around where he stands. He meets Shorak's eye. "You thinking what I am thinking?" he says quietly to the halfdrow.

Grekk goes on."The animal comes and goes, but when we are threatened, or someone tries to climb the Stairs by great force, we sound the alarm and it comes quite swiftly. It lairs not far from here."

[Dave W.]

Adamant moves next to Streko. "Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike us being separated like this? I have no significant idea how Belarin is doing in the cave nor how Melethos is doing on the beach. It makes my chestplate itch." He scratches just below his arm pit.

"I need to get one of those mind-speaking rings... we should get several pairs really... "

[Brian]

Jul 20, 2021 8:16:42 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Ajdalarr closes her mouth tight and looks annoyed.

Orvak frowns for the first time. "Is that why you wished to meet me at last? To discern motive? The details of our errand—the secrets and vulnerabilities of my friends—are not something I would discuss with anyone outside their circle, I'm afraid. Just as I would not pry you for the intent, directions, and combat strategies of your expedition, Melethos. You may not believe it, looking at them"—he gestures at the camp—"but most here are battle weary. From birth, the world has given us so very many enemies; we do not seek more, and we know there are already factions who will consider us hostile without even seeking parley. Surely you have encountered some yourself."

Orvak sits down again, a soft moan escaping his lips at the movement. "I do not need to be reminded of the dangers of this road."

Melethos notices Ajdalarr's annoyance and Orvak's frown, then sighs and shakes his head.

"No, my lord. I don't want to know your secrets or vulnerabilities. To ask would be discourteous beyond measure. Please forget I asked." He pauses. "During my time in Fah'lrrg, tieflings were beholden to the barbarian tribes. Forced to fight, scout. Die. I hope your efforts freed at least some of my brethren."

Jul 20, 2021 9:34:54 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal turns to look down at the beach, and is surprised when he sees no glimpse of Melethos. "What's happened? Describe your location and I'll bring Adamant to you." Kal turns anxiously to Shorak. "Where did he go?"

Melethos keeps his expression neutral as he answers Kal.

I'm fine. Don't send Adamant. Make plans for dealing with the Reirdan. I should be done shortly.

[Jeff]

Melethos

"I will not ask you or your friends about the Eye of Azalar. And I do not resign myself to fight anyone, unless it is to defend ourselves. Some will still need convincing . . ." Orvak looks through the tent wall as if he it were invisible and he was staring at some particular member of his company. ". . . but those who listen to my counsel will not. Is there anything I can help you wit at this time? I understand there are some elementals standing guard before the Stairs? Do they require anything of you? Are they friendly?"

[Darren]

Kal hears Starg's voice from the cave and smiles. "Magnificent, Huru," he says, smiling at the thought of the half-orc woman. "Huru left directions for us inside the cave. Finish up and get back here so we can move while we still have the advantage." Kal moves up to Adamant, somehow sensing the construct's apprehension. "We'll move soon, Adamant. It's important for us to get the lay of the battlefield before charging in." He slaps Adamant's armor plated shoulder. "Soon enough."

[Ken]

"That's a useful guardian," says Belarin, truly impressed. "Again, thank you for your patience and openness. We'll be on way in a few minutes."

He bows his head respectfully and walks back to the opening. "Kal!" he says. "We have permission to move through their area." He looks down at the large gathering on the shore. "It doesn't extend to them. They need to put forward their own charismatic representative. Heh."

[Dave W.]

Jul 20, 2021 12:02:40 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal moves up to Adamant, somehow sensing the construct's apprehension. "We'll move soon, Adamant. It's important for us to get the lay of the battlefield before charging in." He slaps Adamant's armor plated shoulder. "Soon enough."

"It's fine Kal. I just get itchy when we get spread out."