Chapter 3: The Enemy Within

[Darren]

Kalarian smiles at Torhak's talk of smiting. "I like you, dwarf." Turning to Goran, he continues. "Agreed. So, here is the plan. We stop in Windshire and pick up supplies. Quickly. We stay there no more than one day. Then we move on to Whisper Woods." Kalarian sets himself in a chair and selects some fruit to eat. "Ralsor, will you set course?"

[Jeremy]

Goran nods a bit, the bare minimum for politeness, listening to Kal's last words to him and to Ralsor.

Once again he seems to be weighing something in his mind. Perhaps the same thing as last time? No one but the ranger knows.


"Supplies...then the Woods. Suits me better than all these towns and cities...I only hope I can be of service."


The half-elf turns and walks off with a puff of enigmatic nonchalance.

And seeking tea.

[Jeff]

In the Galley

Ralsor smiles. "You're a good man, Torhak. A testament to your kinsman. Are all dwarves this loyal, or just your clan? Once we're done here, perhaps you and I should talk. You need...updating."

He looks after the departing Goran. "Misha, do we have any tea?"

She gives him a dark look and leaves the room, brushing past Goran in the corridor with an agitated intake of breath. She leaves behind a scent like lavender.

To Kal and Grafth, Ralsor says, "Windshire it is. We're already pointed there now and we should be there in a few hours. Perhaps we can be en route to the Whisper Woods by late tomorrow morning, if we can find the supplies we need. But before we get to Windshire, we need to decide what to do with Miss Fherina. She's going to be a problem, or an asset. I guess it depends on what she says."

In Sick Bay

"I can heal him more quickly, you know."

Streko turns his head to see the gnome lying awake. She seems to have noted her bonds. "But you'd need to untie me. I'm really not this kind of girl, Master d'Jorasco."

[Darren]

Kalarian takes another bite out of the apple he's holding. He gestures with it towards Ralsor. "You're right. I'm going to go have a chat with her." Kal pushes away from the table and rises quickly to his feet, heading down the hall with Tangat in tow.

When he reaches Streko's room, the first thing Kalarian notices is the now conscious Blademark. "Amal! It's good to see you up," he says, grasping the man's forearm. "Your brave service will be noted, I assure you. Your commander will hear of it, and it will not be forgotten by myself, either." He holds the man's gaze for a moment, letting him know he's serious. Then he moves on to other matters.

Kal sits on the bed where the gnome is bound. "Fine knots, Master Streko," he says in a light voice, fingering the ropes that hold her down. "Well, my dear, it appears that you are now seeing the other side of our hospitality. This is the kind we reserve for those who choose to lie to us." Kal's voice takes on a slight edge, but it's still light in tone, making it seem even more dangerous. He leans in slightly. "Our hospitality for those who betray us is very different, I assure you." Kal straightens back up. "So, why don't you start telling us the truth, hm? You can start with your real name, and what exactly it is you're doing here."

_____________
As usual, I don't know if Diplomacy or Intimidate apply here. I'll leave it up to your judgement.

Also, are we going to get experience for the fight we just had?

[Josh]

The shifter nods at Ralsor's words, "That sounds about as close to a plan as I think we're going to get." He leans back, full of food, "Once we set course for Whisper Woods, how long will that trip take? I'd like to stock up accordingly."

[Jeff]

In the Galley

Ralsor answers Grafth. "From Windshire to the edge of the Whisper Wood, probably a solid day, as long as I get my bearings right. But finding our precise location will require moving slower along the edge of the forest, so that'll add more time."

He gets up and heads to the sick bay, just in time to catch some of the conversation there:


In Sick Bay

Amal nods at Kal's words. "Thank you. But I do fear for our position within the house, my lord. We don't want to cause more friction between Houe Deneith and House Orien. And now Lyrandar?"

The gnome meets Kal's eyes as he talks. She looks around the room, her bonds, and Streko when he refers to their "hospitality." She even shifts as if trying to check her pockets. When Kal finishes, she seems to consider something. Then:

"My name is Fherina Heartsvale, and I work for the Korranberg Chronicle." Then she lowers her voice as if speaking to a child. "That's the continent-wide broadsheet that has offices in every major city and works with House Orien to distribute its issues, in case you...haven't heard of it?"

"But it's not Chronicle work that brought me to this ship last night, Kalarian. I'm not...quite sure what happend down there....but I was acting at the behest of a friend of mine back home. In Zilargo. He didn't tell me his reasons; he doesn't have to, I trust them. I was given that wand"—she glares for a moment at Streko—"for this specific purpose...'to free something very important from a prison of stone.' I didn't realize it would end up being a monster. I hope no one else was hurt."

She looks genuinely frusted at that.

"How fortunate for you that my wand also saved your hides twice last night. I think we can help each other, because now I see you've got yourself in quite a tangle and you need someone like me who knows how to untangle things and put the right spin on an otherwise bad situation. Keep me tied up if you're really...afraid of me, Lord Kalarian"—she stifles a laugh—"but I really think I'd be more useful to you otherwise."

"I promise you that it's complete coincidence that you happen to the very people I tried to interview yesterday morning in the rail station. Although, I'm starting to disbelieve coincidences."

"What in Khyber happened to that ugly thing that hit me? Is it gone?"

Fherina seems to enjoy talking.



__________________________________

Kal's Diplomacy check = 11
Kal's and Streko's Sense Motive tells him that Fherina isn't lying.
The dice-roller wasn't working this morning, so I used the DM dice roller.

[Darren]

"Yes, it's dead," Kal says flatly. "And no, Fherina, I am not afraid of you. But you are a nuisance. Anyone who sees fit to keep secrets around here right now is trouble for us, and quite frankly, I'm tired of trouble. Understand?"

Kalarian stands, facing Amal. "Don't worry about our trouble with the other houses, Amal. That's for me to deal with, and I think our positions may not have been so damaged as you believe. House Deneith existed before I was born and it will continue long after I'm gone. Despite what anyone might believe, even *I* cannot be responsible for changing that." Kal gives a half-smile, almost a grimace of pain. Then he turns back to the gnome.

"So, what to do with you, then? You say you can be useful? Give me specifics. You haven't proven your worth, yet. Only that you are not trustworthy. So, madame chronicler, spin your story to me so that you come out ahead..."

[Joe]

"Perhaps, Kal, a show of faith on our part will help in underlining our position. After all, the gnome DID alert us to the illusions at the docking platform...and, for all intents and purposes, freed the dwarf from his nap. May I untie her, for goodwill's sake? I'm sure that, between you, me and Amal, as well as our Lyrander guess standing just outside the doorway, she will understand our grave concern regarding her issues with honesty."
_______________________________________________

I'm sure Streko both heard Ralso and saw him standing there. I'm so sure, in fact, that to contradict me now would be...devastating...

[Darren]

Kalarian stands stone-faced for a moment, his arms crossed, considering Streko's words. Finally he breaks his silence. "Saving one's own skin is not the same as being on our side. Still, if you wish to take charge of her, then loosen her bonds." He looks at the gnome as he says, "You are treading a very thin line with me."

[Jeff]

"Well said, Master Streko," Fherina says.

Ralsor shoulders into the room, looking between Streko and Kal as they speak to the gnome. For the moment, he is silent.

Fherina looks up at Kal. "Clearly I was meant to be there last night at that time, right? Meant to help you deal with those disguised 'forged, which in turn helped you recover your changeling friend here." She indicates Pel. "But the truth is, I was scared out of my wits last night. You've got nothing to fear from me, Kal, and everything to gain by letting me help you out some more. What am I going to do, jump off the airship?"

"There's two versions of me. There's the me that snoops around and doesn't explain herself to anyone. Then there's the me that's attacked by a creature that broke out of a box and that resulted in me being tied up in this bed. That's the me that tells the truth to her new companions."

She looks at Streko. "Please untie me. This is uncomfortable."

[Josh]

Grafth rises and heads to the deck of the airship. As he moves through the ship, he hears most of the conversation taking place in the sickbay, but pays it little mind.

On the deck, he heads to the ship's bow and looks out, thoughtfully. Speaking into the breeze, he mutters, "Windshire. Sounds nice."

[Jeff]

After a few moments, Matheu flaps his way up from the stairs and lands in an artful pose on the railing near Grafth. It may interest you to know that the other alphabetical crates down below contain an assortment of various other statues. I believe 'A' was some sort of plains cat. You know what 'B' and 'D' were. I investigated 'C' and found the odor disagreeable. What you've got in there is a cockatrice. I'd advise against opening the crate.

Grafth doesn't really know what a a cockatrice is, but he's heard the name. He thinks it might be that creature depicted in the House Sivis crest.

__________________________

As is suggested by Grafth's post, those not in the room where Streko, Kal, and Ralsor are speaking with the gnome, Fherina—and where Amal and Pel are resting—can still hear smatterings of their conversations. Both the galley and the sick bay room are open to the same hallway. So if they're paying attention, Goran and Torhak can still hear some of this.

[Josh]

"I find that quite interesting. 'B' for boggle... 'D' for dwarf. I wonder if there's a shifter in the 'S' crate," he muses.

"I'm quite interested to know the purpose behind this shipment of 'statues'; that someone would collect such things for some sort of private amusement is... nauseating."

[Jeff]

Upper Deck

That seems unlikely, Matheu replies to Grafth. Considering there are only thirteen crates. I suspect this collection's second half—if you're using the Common Khorvairian alphabet—is to be found elsewhere.

Below

Misha soon emerges from her own quarters—the captain's quarters, evidently which she shares with Ralsor—and walks over to Goran. She holds out a steaming ceramic mug to him, inside of which is the darkest-colored tea he's ever seen. "Here, Reacher. It's shadow tea. Karrnathi." She manages to say this without any warmth, hands it to him, then walks away.

[Joe]

Streko turns to the gnome and reaches for her bindings. Speaking in gnome, he whispers to her: "Do not cross us Miss Heartsvale. We've seen friends murdered these past few days and have family missing. We are in search of answers and, should you wish to assist us, we will be most grateful and honored. Should you wish to betray us, there are those of us on baord who would see your head free of the rest of your pretty body. Now, please, answer any and all of Kalarian d'Deneith's questions. How you answer will determine your treatment on this ship."

He unties Fherina and returns the silk rope to his haversack. He then looks up to Kalarian and WINKS at him.

"Ask her anything you wish to know about her job, her goals, her self. Anything at all." He turns back to Fherina. "I'm sure she'll answer honestly. Won't you?"

Streko smiles and steps back a bit before mumbling the words to a new spell he had been working on...one he had prayed fervently to Olladra to grant him at some point...suddenly, after breakfast, it was there and his thanks to his Great Goddess were immediately communicated to her.

With one hand firmly grasping his holy symbol, the other making odd movements (like a fish gasping for air and then backing away) and a fervant, if not understandable prayer being recited...
______________________________________________
...Streko casts Zone of Truth.

[Jeremy]

- slurp slurp -

Yummy tea.

"One gets the feeling", muses Goran to himself, "-that were all the lettered crates united...something bad would happen."

Goran keeps sipping, and grinning. He really likes tea.

"Hm. I wonder if there's a connection between the crates...and the Book?"

[Darren]

Kalarian's attention is drawn when Streko begins speaking in a language he doesn't understand, and his focus sharpens when he hears his name amongst the foreign tongue. When Streko tells him to ask his questions, though, Kal takes the opportunity.

"Okay, then, chronicler. Tell us what you're REALLY doing here..."

[Jeff]

Fherina merely smiles politely at Streko's words. When he's finished untying her, she climbs to her feet and seems ready to bring the discussion outside the room.

When Streko calls to Olladra, a strange tension fills the air—it isn't menacing, merely restrictive. Everyone becomes aware that the spell compels them to tell the truth, should they choose to speak—though it is possible to resist.*

Fherina stops. "I...see. Guess I'll stay here, then."

She looks directly to Kal. "As I already said, I'm here because a friend of mine back home, in Zilargo, asked me to. I work for the Chronicle in Passage, but he asked me this favor and he supplied me with the wand I used. He told me I would find cargo aboard the Thunderhead, that I'd probably know it when I saw it, and that I should use the wand 'to free something very important from a prison of stone.'

"That's the Sovereign truth. I have no reason to lie about this, anyway. I'm found out, right? So....who's this dwarf you mention? Something else was freed? I didn't know how many of those boxes were affected by the wand."

Ralsor remains silent, lost in thought.

________________________________

* I will notify each of you separately (Kal and Streko) whether you resist this. There's no way to tell if the others in the room (Amal, Ralsor, or Fherina) resist or not.

[Darren]

Kal seems uncomfortable under the confines of Streko's spell, but he also knows he can use it to his advantage. "Did he instruct you on how to actually use the wand? Were you supposed to use it on each box individually? How do you know whether or not you freed what was important? And who is this friend of yours? Why would a chronicler take on a task like this?"

[Joe]

Streko nods encouragingly toward Fherina.

"My dear, this is your chance to not only quell any suspicions your actions have engendered, but to assist us in assisting you with what could be a very important story...one involving forces so powerful and so important that at least three powerful Houses have been dragged into this affair. And, unfortunately, your friend has thrust you deeply into this misadventure as well."

Streko leans in close, hoping his words have had the desired effect.

"What is your friend's name, what did he tell you and were you aware that your life was put in danger because of this information?"

Streko maintains eye contact with Fherina, attempting, via body language, to show her that he, too, is not immune to this particular spell.

[Jeff]

Fherina looks between Kal and Streko and her happy-go-lucky tone starts to fade. Streko can sense that she's starting to sour, starting to slip from being a potentially willing cooperator to an unwilling participant.

"I see you're ignoring all that I've done so far, and that my assistance is not appreciated. I'd rather liked the idea of putting my skills to use for your tragic tale and adventures, but I can see I'm more likely to become a hostage."

She narrows her eyes as she faces Kal. "Did he instruct me on how to use the wand? No, I am a practitioner of certain arcane arts. I know how to use it. Was I supposed to use it on each box? No. I didn't realize there'd be many boxes. He simply told me to direct the wand at the first few I see. How do I know what I freed was important? I didn't. I trusted my friend. It's what you do when you trust someone. Something I don't think your baseless arrogance, d'Deneith, would ever allow you to do. Who is my friend? I'm not telling you. He has nothing to do with anything except that cargo, and I don't even know the reasons why. There.

"Why would a chronicler take on a task like this?" she repeats. "Because I'm more than a chronicler; I'm also a good friend, for those who give me respect enough to call me one. And if there's a story in it, that's good for me. He knows me."

Ralsor joins in. "Listen, all of you." He looks to Kal when he says this. "I am the captain of this ship, so there won't be any more talk of prisoners without my consent. At the same time, we only touch down if I say so. And you"—he looks pointedly at Fherina—"I'm not yet comfortable touching down at Windshire until I know what you're going to do or not do."

"I can stay aboard the ship, if you want," Fherina says. I'm not going to rat you all out to the authorities, you know. I could have done that back at the Lyrandar tower, if I wanted to."

"Hey," she says suddenly, "Who is this dwarf you're talking about? Is that what I freed? Why isn't he in here? I'd like to leave, but clearly you expect me to stand here under Olladra's scrutiny." She glares at Streko resentfully.

[Josh]

Grafth, who would be content to enjoy the morning weather as they glide over The Duskwood, starts to walk toward the stairs.

"I suppose it's not the best time for relaxing. I'm neither used to nor comfortable with this amount of complexity in my life." Looking toward Matheu, he says, "I suppose I should ask Ralsor where these 'statues' were headed... I imagine their owner will be looking for them. Another person on our heels..."

The shifter heads down the stairs... hearing the gathering at the fore-ward end of the hall, he avoids what seems to him an unnecessary confrontation and takes the back stairs down to the cargo bay.

"Cockatrice..." he says, passing the 'C' crate. "I can't think of a circumstance in which that would sound pleasant."

Coming from no particular direction, a slight breeze breaks the stillness in the room.

______________________

Grafth has shifted! He will surveil the area in greater detail than before, listening for more movement in and around the crates, and inspecting things for any unusual scents.

[Joe]

"Hey," she says suddenly, "Who is this dwarf you're talking about? Is that what I freed? Why isn't he in here? I'd like to leave, but clearly you expect me to stand here under Olladra's scrutiny." She glares at Streko resentfully.

"Fherina, we are ALL under Olladra's scrutiny, including me, and if you would listen to US, you would also know how much danger you've walked into. Our intent, regardless of the bluster of my friend here, is to gather as much information as possible so the next time something happens, one of us doesn't meet the Sovereign Host face to face, as it were. I did not single you out, specifically, but again, good friends have died, been kidnapped and family has gone missing. We have been attacked repeatedly and mercilessly over the past three days and, quite unknowingly, your actions created another violent confrontation. You could have died. Is this favor for your friend so important that you are willing to risk your life?"

He sits down on the bed she had previously been lying in. "Please understand, we do indeed...all of us...appreciate the help you provided back at the platform. Your actions helped to SAVE my life and the lives of my friends. For that, I am most grateful. However, there are 13 crates down there...at least one was deadly and possibly more. This dwarf you asked about was, indeed, one of those statues you brought back to life. I'm sure he will be extremely grateful to you as well. I beg of you, dear woman, don't be angry, just try to see things from our perspective. What is happening here affects all of Khorvaire, not just our little piece of it. We would be honored to have you with us...but we must have all the information we can get if we are going to survive this. Do you understand?"

[Darren]

Kalarian turns angry. "Arrogance? How dare you? Have you any idea what we've been through in the past few days? I suspect you might, given your penchant for sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong, but I'd bet a sovereign you don't even know half of it. So there we are, madam, enjoying our breakfast, when suddenly we are, once again, under attack. Don't speak to me of trust and friendship until you can even begin to think you've earned it. You came aboard my Lyrander friend's ship under false pretenses and proceeded to ransack his cargo. And you wish to call my moral compass into question?" Kalarian's anger grows as he speaks, and he is nearly shouting by the end. His hands ball up into fists. He turns to Streko and Ralsor. "I will deal with her no more right now. If I do, you might find her blood spilled all over the deck of your ship, Ralsor, and I would not wish to see Misha's pretty hands dirtied with cleaning that up. I'm going to the cargo hold to see what other damage she might have caused. Do what you want with her." Disgusted, Kalarian exits.

[Jeff]

Fherina, we are ALL under Olladra's scrutiny..

"If that's true, why don't you start telling me the truth? Tell me what all this danger you're talking about is that I've landed myself in. What was that thing last night, on the dragonhawk? Why are you being attacked? See? I can ask you

We would be honored to have you with us...but we must have all the information we can get if we are going to survive this. Do you understand?

"Yes, I understand," Fherina says coolly. "And I'll tell you everything I can, what I can. But I can't—"

As Kal rants, she looks away. When he finishes, she sits back down on the bad and says to Streko in Gnomish, quite calmly, "Does he get some sick pleasure yelling at gnome girls?"

[Joe]

Streko looks up at Fherina. "Well...now you've gone and done it." He shakes his head.

"Six-be-damned...we need some calm, not more turmoil."

"Does he get some sick pleasure yelling at gnome girls?"

"Sometimes I think he gets pleasure at yelling at everyone in general."

He takes in a deep breath.

"Please, Fherina, please help us. The information we have learned so far is incomplete and what is missing is getting us hurt. Anything you can tell us would be of great help in soothing our frayed nerves. As for Kalarian...he can be brash and stubborn at times, but there is no one more I would wish to stand beside in the heat of close combat than he and his heart is good. He will fight and die for his friends, which is why this situation has been so difficult...others are dying and disappearing, Fherina...and he feels some sense of guilt, as if he could have saved them. Trust is delicate, to be sure, but trust us...and I assure you, as Olladra is my witness, we will, to a man, stand at your side."

Streko looks up at Ralsor. "Sir, would you be so kind as to round everyone up. I think it best that we consolidate our efforts and exhange our information as a group, so that we won't be going from person to person trying to catch up. As for the dwarf, how long has he been encased and how much has he to learn of our journey? Thank you, good sir."

Looking back to Fherina, he takes her hand into his. "Let us meet as a group, away from the spell I have cast and exchange information. That way, you will learn what has been occuring from everyone...and we can all ask each other questions that will hopefully shed light on this situation. Are we agreed?"

[Jeff]

"Sir, would you be so kind as to round everyone up?

"Aye, Captain," Ralsor replies with mock annoyance and a salute to Streko. "What's a cabin boy for?" He heads out of the room.

and we can all ask each other questions that will hopefully shed light on this situation. Are we agreed?"

Fherina nods at Streko, but says nothing. She glares at Kal as she pulls her hands away from Streko and walks out of the room.

Amal frowns, then meets Kal's eye. "If it's all right with you, my lord, I'd like to come. I can walk. I'd like to hear what follows."

Ralsor roams the ship, seeking to gather everyone and bring them to the top deck for a "crew meeting."

________________________________

Post for Grafth coming soon. I'll wait to hear from Jeremy and Mike before moving on, though. Will Torhak and Goran join Ralsor on the upper deck? This is where he is hoping to convene.

[mike]

Torhak continues to sit at his table a little while longer, oblivious to the rest of the passengers and crew aboard the ship. Absently, he unsheaths his axe, and begins to sharpen the blade against his whetstone.

"Old friend," he murmurs to his weapon, "you are the only thing that I know for sure anymore. Aye ... the only thing. For I do not know if I even know myself in this world anymore."

With great care, he wipes the axe blade clean when he is done sharpening the weapon, using a mug filled with water and a cloth napkin to polish its steel surface. It gleams brightly. Torhak stares curiously for a moment at his reflection, which is visible but distorted along the side of the axe blade. Shrugging his shoulders, he slings it back in his usual resting place across his back.

He begins to trudge towards the upper decks of the ship. "Might as well get a good look at the world again," he grumbles. "At this rate, I shall be surprised if the grass still remains green."

[Darren]

Point of clarification: Kal's not in that room, anymore. He left at the end of his tirade to go to the cargo hold. He should be with Grafth.

[Jeremy]

Goran nods at Ralsor's request to move to the "meeting".

"Sure..." he says, "let's talk some more. That ought to help things. The gods know we haven't done enough talking."

Goran wonders if his grandmother could see him now, how disappointed would she be...