Chapter 3: The Enemy Within

[Darren]

"It may not be so coincidental as you think. Yes, the fact that WE ended up with the book is probably dumb luck, but consider that Andronivus may be involved in a larger plot to protect the book from the Echelon. Perhaps the wheels were set in motion to get the book and the shard to where they needed to go, and we simply got caught up in it." Again, Kal turns to Ralsor, but also takes in Fherina with his question. "Have either of you ever heard of a man named Gurend?"

[Jeff]

Ralsor shakes his head.

Fherina seems to consider it for a moment. "I don't know. I...might have? If I could get back to my office in Passage, I could look the name up.

To Kal's question, Ralsor answers, "I haven't actually seen him since before the end of the war. But I've received a few letters from him since then. The last one came from Sharn. He was staying there at the time, but he does move around from time to time."

"As for that Siberys shard itself...back when I spent more time around him, his always kept it on him. He'd lend it. It's special because it has many uses. See, a Siberys shard works with an heir's dragonmark to produce en effect the mark can't do by itself. The Siberys shards in my helm up there"—he points up at the wheelhouse—"channels the Mark of Storm, for example, allowing me to communicate with the elemental that powers this ship."

"Siberys shards also enable the House Sivis speaking stones to work," Fherina adds. "They use the gnomes' Mark of Scribing to allow long-distance communication. And the lightning rail conductors in House Orien use it order the elemental that powers the rail to move."

"And so on," Ralsor says. "But this particular shard is somehow attuned for use with various devices. In fact...there's even a place in my wheel up there that this particular shard will fit. It might take me a while to study it, but it's possible I could learn more about the shard if I install it there for a while." The half-elf seems vaguely nervous about the possibility.

[Darren]

Kalarian looks around at the assembled group. He reaches his hand out towards Grafth. "May I hold the shard a moment?" He trembles ever so slightly.

[Josh]

Grafth considers it. "In all honesty, I'd rather wait until we have heard what Pel has to say before we begin any sorts of potentially catastrophic experiments. I'd hate to think we went to all the trouble of that subterfuge and the subsequent rescue to merely explode mid-air."

He looks to the captain, "On the other hand, it seems unlikely to me that Andronivus would entrust the shard to me and request that I seek you out in order to cause you harm."

The shifter reaches into his pack, rummaging for a few moments, then stands. Handing the shard to Kalarian, he requests, "If you're planning to do anything ridiculous, I'd appreciate it if you stood back a few yards."

To Streko, he suggests that Olladra's blessing would be quite appropriate at the moment...

[mike]

admin said:

To Kal's question, Ralsor answers, "I haven't actually seen him since before the end of the war.

Torhak's eyes widen at this. "So the unending war has indeed ended," he mutters to himself softly.

"By Khyber's Teeth, I truly know nothing."

[Darren]

Kalarian holds the shard gingerly, sensing the power that can be gained from it. He turns it in his hands, studying its surface, seeming to lose himself in its crystal depths. Almost breathlessly, Kalarian looks sideways at Streko and asks, "When will Pel awaken?"

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Jeff, does anything happen when Kal is holding the shard? Does he sense anything? How would one activate it? Would it by by using his dragonmark, or does it have to be specifically inserted into a device, etc?

[Jeff]

Kal holds the ovular, palm-sized stone. Golden veins catch the light and almost seem to glow.

As a dragonmarked heir and sorcerer, Kal feels the deeper power of the dragonshard innately, but he knows it's latent. In themselves, dragonshards seldom can produce any effect. It can serve as a focus or catalyst for a magic device specifically designed to hardness its power.

[Joe]

Olladra's blessing would be quite appropriate at the moment...

"Consider it done, my friend." He closes his eyes, grasps his holy symbol and asks Olladra fro her blessings, for safety and for knowledge.

"When will Pel awaken?"

"I cannot answer that any more accurately than 'soon.' She is healing quickly, but I fear that my knowledge of Changeling physiology is limited...I can only offer general care to her. I hope she awakens by the time we arrive at our first destination."
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Or does Streko have greater knowledge concerning Pel's status?

[Darren]

Kalarian takes several deep breaths as Streko finishes speaking, his eyes still focused deeply into the Siberys shard. Finally, still looking down, he thrusts his hand with the shard in it towards Grafth, compelling the shifter to take it. Once free of the burden, Kalarian stands up and shakes his head a little as though clearing away the cobwebs. "I should very much like to see what happens when that shard is put in place on this ship, but I agree with Grafth. We should wait until Pel awakens." Kalarian starts to move towards the sleeping quarters. "Since there is nothing else to do but wait, I believe I'll go practice a bit. I'll be at the back of the ship, if anyone needs me."

Kalarian goes below just long enough to grab his oversized halfling weapon, then returns to the deck and moves to the back of the ship where he strips off his long coat and flowing shirt and drops into a battle stance as he practices his forms. If it weren't deadly, Kal might appear to be dancing with the weapon.

[Jeremy]

No need to get on me about time-management, you know how I am.

It would be easy to imagine that we've been at this all night, etc., and through quite a bit of combat and whatever else. The time of day has little to do with it.

I remember EATING, I don't remember it being called breakfast.

[Jeff]

Streko is correct; with her body healing under his spell and rest, Pel should awaken soon, but he suspects more may be at work. It's difficult to say until her wounds are fully healed.

Ralsor watches Kal walk away. He looks to the rest of the group. "We'll be at Windshire soon, then. The town is too small to have its own docking tower, and you can't actually land an airship"—he points toward the binding struts that stick out in four different places—"in most places without damaging the bottom strut, so I'll need to find a place outside of town and just lower it close to the ground. We'll use rope to get you to the ground."

"I'll stay with the ship. In case we need a quick getaway, I should be ready for that. The Blademark should stay here"—he indicates Amal—"but the rest of you should go into the town and find supplies. Can you find enough food to last us all a few days, in case our journey north takes longer than expected? Streko, perhaps you can find healing supplies? Goran, did I already find you some arrows? I know I have a handful, but you'll definitely be able to buy more in Windshire. Torhak, you'll probably want to see the ground again, right?"

"Fherina...you should stay here."

The gnome's face darkens a bit.

Ralsor turns on his heels and looks up at Matheu. "Noble dragon, would you be available to go between us, should we have need to relay a message? I know it is far beneath you, but you can do what none of us can: fly fast and quietly from point to point."

Matheu cranes his neck down from his perch on the forecastle. I will consider this.

Ralsor turns back, a smile on his face. Then he meets Grafth's eye. "Grafth, a favor to ask you..."

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For ease of gameplay, I think it's best that all of the PCs go into town (or else it'll be a slower time for those who stay behind) when you get to Windshire.

[Josh]

At the notion of landing, Grafth seems to brighten a bit. "Let us not forget that we'll need an artificer for Mist... I imagine we'd have to have them make a house call... or ship call, as it were."

He meet's Ralsor's eye, and walks forward "Tell me what you have in mind."

[Jeff]

Ralsor pulls Grafth to the side, speaking quietly enough to keep their conversation private but not so much that he's trying to be secretive.

"You beat me to it, Grafth," he says. "Yes, I need an artificer. Not just for a warforged fix-up, but for this ship in general. I seem to go through artificers like cheap ale. I want to fix this ship up a little bit—but more importantly, should we sustain any damage on our expedition, we'll need one."

"I know this isn't your specialty, but I know I can trust you." Ralsor pauses for a moment. "More importantly, Aldronivus trusted you...yeah, even without really knowing you. His desperation in giving you that shard means I know things are important. In any case, can you find me an artificer in Windshire? There probably won't be many, but I need one...at least for a little while, until I find better."

"I'm staying aboard, so I need someone to do the searching. You don't need to negotiate with whoever you find. Just try and get their interest enough to come to the ship—then I'll take over." Ralsor holds out a small purple and multifaceted gemstone. He winks. "Use this to get his attention. A good artificer will know its value. It's probably best not to explain our mission, but they should be willing to be 'on the road' for a while."

"Will you do it?"

[Josh]

Grafth nods once, accepting the gem. "I can take care of that; it would be my pleasure. And if there is a time when you would like to experiment with the dragonshard, let me know." Grafth remains on the deck, enjoying the fresh forest air.

[Joe]

Streko, perhaps you can find healing supplies?

"Certainly. I wonder if Jorasco has a house here in Windshire."

"Fherina...you should stay here."

The gnome's face darkens a bit.

Streko saddles over to Fherina. "Perhaps...and I am speaking only metaphorically, mind you...the boxes in the hold that have NOT been transformed out of their stone nature could be investigated. Of course, I would avoid the cockatrice at all costs, lest death to come all too quickly, but I, for one, would greatly like to know what else is being transported...or who else. And if you remain on board the ship, you can also keep an eye on Pel while I am away. Assure her, should she awaken before I return, that all is well and we are gathering supplies."

[Jeff]

"Oh, I'll be keeping an eye on our chronicler friend here," Ralsor says to Streko right in front of Fherina. "She's a font of information and she's been very cooperative in this last discussion. I'm certain she'll want to continue that trend. Our task while you're in town is to find out more about my mysterious cargo. I haven't had a reason to look so close until now."

Ralsor, Misha, and Fherina each go about their business for the next quarter hour. Matheu continues to watch from his perch above.

Amal walks over to where Kal is practicing his sharash. "If I might ask, my lord...what do you intend to do with me? I'm involved now, I know that. But I wasn't truly authorized to have left Passage at all. Of course, things are a bit more complicated now. But I do have friends and family in Passage. I'd at least like to try and send word back at some point."

If there's anything else you'd like to do before the ship approaches Windshire, say so now.

[Darren]

Kalarian stops the whirling of his weapon, leaning on it like a staff of office, sweat dripping from his body. "Well," he begins, breathing out heavily, "you are definitely involved now, there is no question of that. And your service is both appreciated and desired. That said, if you wish to stay behind at Windshire and find transport back to Passage, I will not stop you. I intend to send word back to Lady Korvine as soon as possible, and I will be glad to send along a message for your family, as well." Kalarian chuckles. "Life as a soldier, eh?"

Kal moves a bit closer to Amal and lowers his voice. "When we arrive at Windshire, I'd like you to stay here and keep an eye on that gnome. But most importantly, guard Pel with your very life. She risked everything to get us whatever information she managed to get, and I don't want that sacrifice to be for nothing." Kalarian makes sure the Blademark understands before he goes on. "If you want to write out a message to be delivered, I will be sure to carry it for you."

[Jeff]

Amal considers Kal's words. "On the one hand, I do have family and friends in Passage. I can't just leave them wondering what happened to me, nor my superiors. But at the same time, if I return then I will be questioned, possibly arrested. Perhaps in allowing this, I can try to be another voice for innocence—a firsthand witness—in discussion with the authorities."

"But this whole matter of Malov and the book...do you want that being talked about?"

In a few moments, Ralsor calls the wheelhouse: "Windshire in sight!" After you feel the airship turn slightly to the northeast and drop lower to the forest canopy, he comes down to the main deck. "I'm going to try and find a good place to keep the ship out of sight—close enough to town to get there on foot but far enough not to be seen by any town guards. Though, I can't rule out the possibility that patrols won't find me. Whatever. I'll deal with that if it comes."

"So....we need food for a few days. There's ten of us total, if you count your changeling friend. I've already got a barrel of fresh water and I'm sure we can find more another day."

Ralsor looks to Goran. "There are sure to be fletchers in town, so get yourself as many arrows as you think you'll need."

He looks to Kal. "Windshire's no city, so there won't be any big dragonmarked enclaves, but there may be an office or two...and there may be a Sivis message station. Please be careful who you talk to, and especially avoid any Orien, Deneith, or Lyrandar agents. It's quite possible, if there are any offices for these houses, that they'll have been notified of our Passage incident. Fortunately, the Orien caravan route doesn't run through Windshire—though it does across the river in the Eldeen town of Redleaf. Shouldn't be a problem. There's usually bad blood between Reachers and Aundairians so they don't cross over too often."

He glances briefly at Goran. "Aundairian patriots still want to claim the Reaches as their own. And Reachers just want to be left alone.Sometimes they get along, sometimes they don't."

Ralsor looks to Kal. "Kal, don't flaunt your connections; I'd even hide away that pretty ring of yours, and keep your dragonmark concealed. Keep your hoods on, if you can."

[Josh]

Grafth heads to his quarters to make sure he's leaving nothing of import behind, and then rejoins those on the deck to help prepare for their impending landfall.

[Joe]

After leaving instructions with both Ralsor and Fherina regarding Pel, Streko prepares to head out in search of more healing supplies and other things (such as tanglefoot bags and whatnot). Of course, there is always more food to get and, perhaps, he might be able to get some good wine as well.

[Darren]

Lacing up his shirt and then sliding on his long coat, Kalarian looks at Ralsor with an exasperated, but friendly, smile. "I know how to handle those people, d'Lyrander. This isn't my first expedition, you know..."

Going to Amal's side, Kalarian places a hand on the man's shoulder. "You are a soldier, Amal, and a damn good one. But I would not wish for you to get caught up in the world of House politics. If you can bear it, I would rather you stay here. Send word to your family that you are on an assignment. Do not send any specifics about where you are or where you are going, nor who you are with. I will carry that message and see it delivered to Passage." Kal gathers his belongings and heads towards the railing to wait for the ship to land and for Amal to bring him the note he wishes sent.

[Jeff]

"I know how to handle those people, d'Lyrander. This isn't my first expedition, you know..."

Ralsor smirks. "Not worried about those people, d'Deneith. Worried about you liking your own name a little too much." The half-elf's tone is friendly.

Amal goes belowdecks to write a letter to give to Kal.

Ralsor returns to the wheelhouse and steers the ship lower and slows it so he can navigate above the treetops more carefully.

[Jeremy]

Goran tightens his belt, checks his coins, and stows his gear.

"Ready when everyone else is. May I suggest that we all stay together, or at least, keep each other in sight?"

"I can scout ahead of the group, if you like, but we should definitely stay within each others' sight lines."

[Darren]

Kalarian half grunts, half chuckles, remembering their mis-adventures of the last few days. "A good suggestion, Goran. My only real task in town is to get Amal's and my messages delivered. I intend to send word to Lady Korvine. I still believe her to be a valuable ally to us. If anyone has any objections," Kalarian turns and leans agains the railing, "well, if anyone has any objections, I suppose I don't really care." He smiles to show that he is friendly, but also serious. "Other than that, I'll help out any way I can in gathering supplies and in being our eyes and ears. A bit of subtle rumour gathering probably can't hurt, and I don't know about you, but I could use an hour or two in the local pub."

[Jeff]

At last...

Even as Ralsor brings the ship into a clearing of the lightly wooded area south of Windshire, Amal returns to Kal with a folded up letter. "Please have this relayed by speaking stone to my sister, Ulrana Davar. The Sivis station in Passage already knows her name and address, so they can pass it along. I don't...have sufficient funds on me to pay for this right now." Amal looks embarrassed. "Can I reimburse you later, my lord?"

Ralsor lowers the ship (which cannot actually land) near the ground and leads everyone to the cargo deck once again. Within the large storage room, he begans to open the wide hatch in the floor and pulls out a long rope. The rope is bound at ten foot intervals with wood planks for ease of climbing.

Kal can see that it'll be difficult, but not impossible, to get Tangat down there. He may need assistance.

The hatch is opened, and twenty feet below is the ground.

"Enjoy!" Ralsor says.

[Josh]

"Thank you, captain. We shall return shortly."

Grafth pulls his fingerless gloves tight as he grasps the first "rung" of the rope ladder and moves himself down with ease. At the bottom, he will be ready to assist those following.

[Darren]

Taking the note from Amal, Kalarian places his hand on the man's shoulder and lowers his head close to the embarrassed Blademark's head. "I wouldn't dream of taking your money." Clapping the man on the shoulder again, he turns back to the rope ladder.

Kal looks down at this canine friend with a smile and a shrug. "Don't be such a baby, Tangat. Let's go!" As he begins to climb down, he looks to Ralsor and Amal. "Care to lower his canine-highness down to me?" He smiles at his cowering friend.

[mike]

"Thank you, good captain, for your hospitality ... unexpected as it might have been," says Torhak. "When next we meet, I intend to properly compensate you for your kindness."

The dwarf clambers downward as best he can, following his new companions, hoping to find the answers that he seeks by journeying with them.

[Jeff]

Amal volunteers to help Kal, though it's obvious his body is still stiff from the lightning bolt that laid him low. "I'll go down and come up."

The Blademark grasps the rope, his foot on one board, and reaches his other arm around Tangat. Kal, in doing the same, is able to secure the dog, who wriggles uncomfortably. Progress down the rope this way is slow but steady.

There is a stirring in the 'C' crate within this storage chamber and another guttural squawk. Ralsor inches closer to it. "Cockatrice..." he mutters. "Thing's going to be hungry, isn't it?"

Ralsor walks over to where Kal and Amal are still descending. "Maybe, umm...pick up some sort of bird feed, too, all right?" he says to Goran and Streko.

Feeling a bit ungainly, Torhak makes it to the ground as well. It feels....good to have real earth beneath his feet. Looking up, the airship is impressive, but it just looks so frail to him. It's almost like a giant livewood sculpture floating there on its elemental ring. Torhak had heard about the building of airships in his day (980 YK), but had never heard of any actually working. Eighteen years have obviously been innovative.

[Darren]

Kal yells up to Ralsor, "Thinking of taking on a cockatrice as a pet, are you? Well, better cut it an air-hole then!" Kal laughs as he reaches the ground and places Tangat down in front of him.