Chapter 3: The Enemy Within

[Darren]

"Yes," Kal says, looking up. "Yes, you are right, Matheu." A second-wind seems to be coming over Kal, a renewed sense of purpose. He quickly ties Pel's hands, then moves outside of the room, motioning for Grafth and Matheu to follow and shutting the door behind them.

He paces towards the top deck, speaking to Matheu over his shoulder as he does so. "Matheu, do you think it might be possible to trap Malov outside of his own body?"

[Jeff]

Matheu indeed follows Kal and Grafth to the upper deck. He lights upon the forecastle. I do not know. But even if it is, I do not possess the spells necessary to bind him. Do you?

[Darren]

Kalarian gives Matheu a scolding look. "You know as well as I do that while I have power, my knowledge of the arcane is nowhere near yours. You are more intellegent than to ask questions like that." Kalarian moves to stand near the railing, looking out at the countryside as it passes below them. "It might be something worth looking into. I think we need to know more about that book, too. Were you able to study it as much as you could back in Phorem's tower? Would it help to look at it again?"

[Jeremy]

Goran looks at Torhak for a moment, registering appreciate surprise at his genuine offer to help in the half-elf's "business".

"Ah, nothing so sorcerous as all that, my friend, but dark enough. Dark enough."

He takes a breath, muttering something about tea. Then speaks again.

"As far as the Whisper Wood, I'd rather not speculate on that one. I hear little and understand even less. Of late I am so removed from understanding of all this that I contribute little in the way of strategy...only tactics of the moment can I help with."

Goran looks again with a conspiratorial smile.

"Though I suspect those "leading" us have no more comprehension of this matter than do I! For now, I guess I'm part of this crazy caravan...long as it lasts."

He sighs.

[Jeff]

Matheu says: I only examined the book secondhand in Phorem's Tower. I can take a closer look now, but I don't expect to find much that he did not. He is quite learned, for a human. Give me the book and privacy. It will take some time.

[Darren]

Kalarian nods at Matheu, and seeing Goran and Torhak standing on the other side of the deck, he walks over to them. Coming up behind Goran, he places a hand on the half-elf's shoulder, the other hand holding out the dagger given to them by Lady Korvine. "Here, my friend. Returned as promised. Take good care of it. Apparently its power will be of use if we find ourselves facing Malov directly." He looks Goran directly in the eyes. "Never doubt your worth here, either. Remember that it is you who carries the most precious cargo we have right now. Speaking of which," he looks towards Matheu, "I thought we might let our dragon have another look at it. Maybe he can learn something new? Matheu, ask Amal to stay with you while you do your work. I don't want anything to happen to you OR the book."

Kal turns to Torhak. "You must be terribly disoriented at this point. I apologize for that. You've been caught up in something that...well, the truth is we've all been caught up in it. At times I feel as disoriented as you must. When we make it through all of this alive," he pauses to make sure his emphasis has been taken, "I promise a round of drinks for everyone on me." He smiles as he leans on the railing near the dwarf and half-elf, again looking at the passing countryside.

[Jeff]

And so the dagger, Skyfang (as identified by Matheu) has been returned in its rune-carved sheath to Goran. Assuming Goran consents, Matheu retreats with the book (flying lower to the deck when carrying it, small as it is) somewhere belowdecks.

Ralsor spends the next few hours moving between the wheelhouse (whenever he needs to make sure the ship is on course) and various parts of the ship, seemingly showing the ship's latest crew member (and sometime "prisoner"), Lever, the way around. It's difficult to gauge a warforged's emotions, but from his animated movements you suspect Lever to be quite happy to learn something new. At one point he remarks aloud, "I wonder if they will bother to pursue me," to which he then adds, "Probably not."

Ralsor also shows Kal and Lever—and anyone else who is interested*—how to work the ballistae located on the sides of the ship. He explains that the ballista at the bow of the ship is damaged and also "special," suggesting that he might have further discussions about it with Lever to repair it.

The later afternoon gives way to dusk, and soon after to the evening. Flying through the night when the rainclouds conceal the stars and moons is a bit unsettling. At times it feels like the Thunderhead is gliding through a great, endless void.

_________________________________

* Say so if your character was interested and joined Ralsor, Kal, and Lever on their ballista-operating session.

A ballista is essentially a Huge heavy crossbow fixed in place. Its size makes it hard for most creatures to aim it. Thus, a Medium-sized person (humans, half-elves, shifters, et.c) takes a -4 penalty on attack rolls when using a ballista, and a Small person (halflings, gnomes, etc.) takes a -6 penalty. It takes a person two full-round actions to reload the ballista after firing.

Damage is 3d8 (critical threat on a 19 or 20), and the range increments are 120 ft.

If there is anything else your character wishes to do before the night passes, say it now. I am assuming that Mist and various members of the party take turns guarding Pel's room. Mist alone can guard during the evening, as neither she nor Lever require any sleep at all.

For those in doubt, it is now night (see my avatar for reference—refresh if you need to).

[Josh]

Grafth will have attended the ballista seminar He has nothing else to do until morning.

[Jeremy]

Being interested in all things bow-and-arrow related, Goran will attend the ballista "training". And yes he consents to lending Matheu the book (and accepts the dagger back).

---

Jeff, does the Ballista Class count towards my final grade?

[Joe]

Streko opens his eyes to night. "It seems my mood follows me close. At least the demons don't tempt me with my eyes open." He quickly recalls the whispered conversation with Pel/Malov. "Khyber-Be-Damned...not even my waking hours are free from them..." He stands up and stretches, sore and still somewhat miserable. He looks around the bow of the ship, surprised that he was allowed to sleep through the afternoon hours when a terrible thought strikes out.

Where is everyone?

"HELLO!" he calls out, wondering if he is still dreaming, the sole survivor on a floating ghostship or simply small and forgotten.

His voice seems to feed the darkness around him, absorbed and swallowed by the misty clouds they are floating through.

"Anyone?"
________________________________________________

Has any of the non-lethal damage been removed through Sterko's impromptu nap?

[Jeff]

Everbright lanterns hang from a few places around the deck, though the spaces are as dark as any alley. Mist, her cloaked and black metal body making her difficult to see, emerges from one such spot.

"The captain is at the helm, Master Streko, and the others are about. You are not alone. You may wish to speak with your friends, Grafth or Lord Kalarian, concerning the changeling and the spirit that sometimes possesses her. They spoke of you."

Matheu suddenly bursts up from the stairwell and takes wing beyond the ship. He seems like a cat that's been cooped up for too long. He disappears entirely from sight for a few minutes, but eventually returns and lights upon the railing. Are you not well, Streko?

_______________________

Jeremy: Why not?

Joe: Thanks for remind me—yes, absolutely. All nonlethal damage has faded away.

[Joe]

"Mist, it is good to see you in excellent shape. I am glad you are aboard. Thank you. I am not myself, although I am more myself than Pel, it would seem. I...apologize...for my outbursts and distractions of late. I promise, I shall seek out my companions in a few moments. I need to gather myself."

"My good Dragon. Your concern is appreciated. To answer your question...no, I don't believe I am. Malov wishes to use me in his nefarious ends and threatens the well-being of my sister, whom I have been searching for most of my entire life now. Olladra guides me in all things, but I must admit, I now see how those who worship her might despise her just the same. When good befalls us, we feel blessed and kind and give thanks to the Goddess of Fortune. When ill rears its head, we curse her and malign her and beg her to alter the moods of the heavens. When she does not, we blame ourselves or others."

Streko goes to the edge of the ship and stands next to Matheu. He peers out into the darkness. "I stand for good. I fight for law and order amidst the chaos that is the world. I've searched, fought, killed and healed for nations and a great House and through it all, I've asked for nothing in return. I've praised Olladra as the most glorious of the Sovereign Host and I shall continue to do so. But, dear dragon, I find myself tired. Overwhelmed. Not a little fearful. My companions struggle with their own burdens, but I see now that the evil we have encountered is focusing now on me and I am truly at a crossroads. Is the life of a sister I can barely recall from my youth and have met briefly but once in the past score of years worth the evil that is being brought to the fore? How can I possibly allow such evil to go unchecked and yet, risk the life of someone for whom I have been obsessed with finding for so long?"

Tears stream down his cheeks and he shakes his head as if denying the world around him. "No, I am not well, Matheu, and I don't think I will ever be well again. I do have a place here, however, and I shall do my best to fulfill my role in this party of ours. I just pray to Olladra that the cost of such service isn't my soul...or the life of the sister I love."

He stares off into the darkness and imagines seeing himself floating out in the void, tethered by the barest thread reaching taught and still...still being tugged away.

[Jeff]

Matheu listens to Streko without interruption. When the halfling lapses into silence again, the pseudodragon speaks. Streko is fairly certain the telepathic words are not transmitted to anyone else.

In my homeland culture, Olladra is known by different names, but she is the same goddess. She is depicted as dragon the color of the night itself, with shining scales. She is the keeper of voids, the filler of empty spaces. She occupies that which others cannot. She prefers to bring weal to her favorites and woe to her enemies, but she does not decide every turn or event. But there is a balance in her dogma that gives her followers a sense of peace, a pendulum that cannot be stopped. Some call it the Rule of Returns. Ancient texts that claim to quote the Sovereign of Fortune herself promise that all things change, and return again.

Matheu looks at Streko, snaking his tiny dragon head to face him squarely. So the cycle can apply to you, to one who believes in her. If you suffer, then so one day will your enemy. If your sister suffers, so till will her captor. Some postulates of Olladra also believe the return is twofold. If you are unhappy, Streko, then your enemy will one day be twice as unhappy. And if your enemy kills you...then he, too, will die. And his fortunes in this world will fall into ruin.

Believe, then, heir of Jorasco, that your every setback is remembered by your goddess. But the Rule of Returns will not benefit you if do not help it come to pass. It is not a principle intended for the ignorant.

But if you give up, you have cause to despair.

Matheu launches from the rail and flies off into the darkness without another word.

[Joe]

...if you give up, you have cause to despair.

Matheu's words sting, as they hit home with the force of a crossbow bolt.

"Usually, I am the one dispensing advice to those suffering from despair and self-pity. Now that I find myself on the receiving end, I realize how much I dislike it."

He puffs out his chest, renewed energy focused by anger at Malov and the wise words of an heir to the legacy of the great dragons of Argonessen.

"The Rule of Returns indeed. Thank you, Matheu, for helping a lost man find his way once more. You truly are a wise being."

He turns back to Mist. "Your kindness is appreciated, Mist, but now, I believe a friend of mine is in need of assistance. Continue with your work, good warforged!"

Streko turns and goes in search of Kalarian d'Deneith...a plan beginning to form in his mind.

[Darren]

Kalarian moves to the top deck just in time to see Matheu alight from the railing. "Where did he go? Matheu!" he calls out, "I need to speak with you."

"Damn," he mutters under his breath.

Kalarian moves to Streko and places a hand on the halfling's shoulder. "We must have a difficult conversation, now. Malov wishes to speak with you, and I think we should go see what he wants." Kalarian gently leads Streko down to the sickbay.

[Joe]

"Yes," Streko mutters, not looking into the human's eyes. "I suppose I must get it over with sooner or later."

He allows Kalrian to escort him toward sickbay.

[Jeff]

Matheu is beyond Kal's sight, flying off in the darkness. Kal leads Streko down to the sickbay room again. Grafth, perhaps, stands at the door (Mist will not do so indefinitely)?

When they enter, Pel sits up against the headboard, still bound. She watches the human and halfling with red-rimmed eyes. "I am hungry," says with a hoarse voice. "And I need to use the privy."

[Darren]

"We will get you something to eat in just a moment, Pel, and allow you to take care of your other needs, as well. For the moment, I have brought Streko here to speak with Malov, and I am certain that he will be gracing us with his presence at any moment. Please be strong, Pel. Hopefully this will all be over soon."

[Jeff]

Even as you wait, Matheu flies into the room. The moment he lights upon one of the headboards, he chants a spell that sounds like a mixture of arcane words and the Draconic language, then fades from view. Pel glances over to where the pseudodragon had been a moment agao.

The inflection is slow enough for Kal and Streko to follow easily. Matheu has cast a spell of invisibility. I would like to test the limits of Malov's ability to search Pel's memories,[/color] he explains to them.

[Darren]

Kalarian nods silently at Matheu. He opens the door briefly to speak with whoever is in the hall. "Can someone please ask Misha or Ralsor if a tray of food can be brought here for Pel?" Closing the door, he again sits across from Pel. "We seem to keep being interrupted by Malov whenever we try to talk about your experience on the Lyrander platform. Can you remember anything else?"

[Joe]

Streko stays near the door, battling the urge to flee to the farthest edge of the ship. His skin feels frozen, his head full of the densest wool and his feet leaden. He stares at them, uanble to lift his head and look at his friend...his enemy.

Streko waits.

[Jeff]

Sickbay

You didn't bring Skyfang with you this time, did you? Matheu projects to Kal. It's strange being spoken to telepathically by someone you he even see.

It takes only a couple of minutes...Pel hanging her head, waiting. Then she lifts her eyes up, wider, and looks around the room as if for the first time. A look of puzzlement comes over her eyes and she looks in the general direction of where Matheu has perched, invisibly.

Malov seems to have access to Pel's recent memories, Matheu says to Kal and Streko. I do not yet know if he has full access to her knowledge. That would be more difficult for him, but he does already seem to know much about you.

At last, her eyes settle on Streko, and a sinister smile forms on Pel's lips. "Thank you for coming, Streko. But I would like to speak with you in private. Kal, do leave the room. And take your pet dragon with you."

Elsewhere

Fherina, the gnome, approaches Goran and Torhak, wherever they move to the upper deck. "Can I ask you a question?" she says. "If you could simply bring this ship down near the ground, climb down that rope, and walk away from all of this—would you? What stake do you have in any of this?"

Neither the half-elf nor the dwarf can quite tell if she's genuinely interested in their opinion or trying to decide something for herself.

[mike]

"You assume that I have a choice in the matter," Torhak says to Fherina. "I do not. Eighteen years of my life have been locked away in stone. I believe that is due to fate, and not just chance. Fate chose to free me aboard this ship. For good or for ill, my fate is intertwined with yours - and with the others aboard this ship."

"Do I wish to walk away? Aye. A part of me does. I would like nothing better than to head back to the Mror Holds."

"But the answers I seek - how I came to be here, and why - will not be found at the Holds. They will be found in the Whisper Woods, I think. At the very least, I believe a path leading to those answers will be found there."

"If I wish my life to truly begin anew, I must follow my fate."

[Josh]

"Can someone please ask Misha or Ralsor if a tray of food can be brought here for Pel?"

Grafth, who had been guarding Pel's door, decides that with both Kal and Streko in the room, it will be safe enough. He heads to the kitchen to procure some water and a small sampling of what fruits and bread are available. He checks on the meat he prepared and salted earlier. "We won't have the time to cure this properly," he mutters, "but it will do for this journey." Biting off a piece for himself, he adds a small slice to his selection and heads back to the room.

[Darren]

"Go to Khyber, Malov," Kalarian says, folding his arms and remaining seated.

[Jeff]

Sickbay

Grafth returns with scraps from the galley just in time to hear...

"Go to Khyber, Malov," Kalarian says, folding his arms and remaining seated.

Pel almost laughs. "Well, that wouldn't help you to solve much, would it?" She looks up when Grafth enters. "Thank you, but I'm not hungry, Grafth. You can go."

She looks back to Streko. "You do believe me, don't you, d'Jorasco? That your sister Varnaleen..."

Pel's changeling features soften and reshape as Streko and Kal watch, forming a different face altogether. "....is here with me, and that I have learned her face all too well?"

She is tanned, bright-eyed, and pretty, with only a few lines of age. Streko recognizes Varna's face, though it is, of course, larger than normal on the body of the human-sized changeling. To his horror, Pel has even managed a good imitation of his sister's voice.

Then her face blurs again, until they find themselves looking at Pel's own comely, if weary and quite pale face. "Streko, tell your friends to leave the room, so they cannot hear our private discussion. If I am not satisfied that they are far enough away, I will abandon Pel's body only long enough to watch Varnaleen begin to hurt. A shame I cannot bring her screams here for you to enjoy."

[Jeff]

Upper Deck

"You assume that I have a choice in the matter,"

"No, no," Fherina says, holding up her hands defensively. "I was merely asking a hypothetical question. I think your answer is a noble one, master dwarf."

Torhak could have sworn that the gnome was mouthing some of his words, memorizing them. But she seems genuinely impressed.

She looks up to the ranger. "And you, Goran? What is your part in all of this? You seem to want a simpler life, a clear enemy to feather....or tea to drink." She grins. "Is there no intrigue, no deception, in the Eldeen Reaches? I would think the mere presence of the Twilight Demesne would add layers of complexity to the life of a ranger. But what do I know?"

[Darren]

"Malov," Kal says, his tone somewhat condescending, "if you intended to kill Streko's sister, you would have done it long ago. Why don't you just say what you inteded to say and stop wasting everyone's time?"

___________
Does Kal recognize the face that Malov used as that of the halfling girl from the rail crash?

[Josh]

Grafth pays no attention to "Pel". He places the food and water on the nearby table and exits the room again, walking to the next nearest door on the same side of the hallway. Taking care to make as little noise as possible, he enters that room (if possible) and finds the wall between the sickbay and the room in which he stands. Closing his eyes in concentration, he tries to hear the voices just beyond the wall.

Should I do a Listen check?

[Jeremy]

Goran gazes keenly at Fherina, and after listening to Torhak's response, speaks quietly.

"Each of us who have been involved in this "business", whatever it is, has had many chances to walk away from it. A couple have, but whatever my feelings might be about my companion's choices...or about my own usefulness in it, I will not walk out now. These people are indeed my companions, and I cannot leave them in the lurch. I will not. Not for anything.

The half elf looks at Torhak, nods, and back at Fherina. He speaks with quiet conviction.

"Loyalty...is...everything."