Vítday, 29 Chillbone 204
Thorn heads directly to the precariously constructed Njedelstrom
homestead and seeks out his mother. He enquires as to where Rod
has been, and she informs Thorn that Rod is sulking in his room
about something. Thorn's instructions to his younger brother were
very specific - he was to go home and help with the chores. He wonders
what how best to land Rod in it, and decides to tell his father,
Konig, who is currently on the beach unloading fish.
Firstly he wants to see his grandmother. His mother gives him Kvar's
evening meal and Thorn takes the tray to the most isolated portion
of the house. The Njedelstrom home is actually seven smaller houses
linked together by wooden passageways that let in the wind and are
impossible to heat. Thorn arrives at Kvar's front door, pull backs
the heavily embroidered curtain and enters his grandmother's boudoir.
Kvar is sitting in an old chair, a shawl around her knees, looking
out at the sky. She tells Thorn to put the dinner on the table,
and then gradually gets to her feet and shuffles over to eat it.
Thorn tells Kvar about Rod and the evil tree in the forest. "He
is a troubled boy," says the old woman, breaking her bread
and dipping it into her fish stew. However, Kvar has not heard of
the tree or can explain the fear that the companions felt in the
Whittenwood.
"I do not see as clearly as I once did. The future is veiled.
I blame your brother, Salmon." Kvar remains non-committal about
her reasons for hiding the wealth in the mine, and can't venture
an opinion on the woman they saw swimming in the quarry pool - other
than that she's probably dead of exposure by now. When Thorn produces
the two eyeballs he found in the graveyard, Kvar has had enough;
points out she is eating and sends him away with a flea in his ear.
Thorn hurries down to the beach where his father and many of his
brothers and cousins are unloading the day's catch from the ships.
He seeks out his father Konig, widely regarded as man who seldom
uses nouns, and tells him all about Rod. Konig listens carefully
and then decides that a good beating will cure Rod of these habits.
Of course, the previous seventeen beatings haven't made much difference,
but Konig is convinced that a bigger birch will make all make more
of impression. This is exactly what Thorn wanted to hear.
Time passes. The sky churns above Bear's Reach, the dark clouds
obliterating the moons, the stars and the light from the rings that
circle the world. Thorn retires to bed in the room he shares with
Salmon happy that Rod is getting the same treatment that he used
to receive. Illyan makes the long walk back to the Forester Lodge
for dinner with his mother. Kaylas returns to the Chiesa home, and
spends an hour going over the Korvast scrolls with Sigmund. Arax
is back in the Chandar home - a strange structure made from cast
off pieces of boats.
In the town gaol Krais Brewer lounges back on a fairly comfortable
bed. The thick blankets protect him from the autumn chill, and he
can see the sky above through a small hole in the roof. Beyond the
cell in the attached guard house, Nits is sleeping soundly. All
told it's been quite a good day. Of course, things are bound to
change.
An enormous crack of thunder shakes the foundations of many of
the houses in the town. Illyan is thrown bodily from his bed onto
the hard stone floor. Krais also tumbles out onto the wet earth.
Ears ringing, he staggers to his feet and looks out of the barred
window at the unearthly lights playing on the ground outside. Brilliant
bursts of red and green are hurrying about the ground, chasing shadows
about the town. Areas of the village and the woodland are thrown
into sharp and eerie relief, and then instantly covered over again
by the darkness.
Arax is awake now, as are Thorn and Kaylas. Each squinting through
their windows at the display in the town. A second rumble of thunder
shakes the town. Illyan opens the shutters and gazes out into the
illuminated forest, and then he glances above. Krais can see it
too, from his position lying on the damp earth and staring up through
the hole in the ceiling. The sky is boiling. Like some vast inverted
maelstrom the dark clouds and the colours are rotating in the sky
above the town.
The shutter is pulled from Illyan's hand and bangs noisily against
the outside wall. A great burst of wind has gusted through the Whittenwood
bending ancient trees. In the village the houses groan, unattended
items left in the open are picked up and carried away. Horse carts
are overturned. The colours move faster and faster, the wind howls.
Suddenly, there is an explosion in the ground less than ten feet
from Illyan's window. A bolt of blood red lightning has descended
from the heavens and created a crater a yard wide. A second bolt
falls; then a third. And then the thunder comes again and the house
trembles. The lightning is falling in Bear's Reach too. Krais sees
a bolt hit the top of the inn and ignite the thatch. Other electrical
bursts slam into houses. Kaylas can feel it strike the stone wall
of the Earth shrine and red energy washes over the house in a split
second.
Then the rain comes. One drop the size of man's fist lands heavily
on the ground explodes outward. Then another, and another and suddenly
the rhythm of the rain is beating against the ground, against the
walls and the roofs. Thunder again. Lightning. Rain. The storm descends
on Bear's Reach.
Krais is drenched in a matter of moments. The ground beneath his
feet turns to mud, and then to silage as the memory of the privy
that once stood on this location bubbles toward the surface. Krais
begins to think that relocating himself to a slightly less wet and
smelly place would be in his best interest. He calls for Nits.
In the Forester lodge, Illyan hears a terrible crash from the direction
of his mother's room that shakes the entire house. He rushes to
his bedroom door only to find it blown inward by the force of the
terrific wind. The half-elf staggers against the gale, as the wind
picks up his bed sheets (and his bed for that matter), thrusts them
through the small window and spits them out into the storm. The
wind increases in its intensity. The walls groan and then suddenly
the entire roof is lifted away. Illyan catches sight of it slamming
into the branches of the trees surrounding the lodge before it is
flung far away by the storm.
The rain thunders down into the roof-less bedroom, drenching Illyan
in a second. Battling against the wind, Illyan throws himself through
the door and into his mother's room. He sees that a great tree from
Danarvan's Forest has been uprooted by the storm and has crashed
down into the lodge. It has cut the room, and his mother's bed.
in two.
Miraculously, Illyan's mother, Lyssa, has not been injured. She
is quite naked, dancing to the rhythm of the rain. When she sees
her son she beckons him over and drags him into her wild dance.
Illyan can see her mother is having one of her turns - although
"turns" is probably a misnomer as this has very much become
her natural state. She sings, she sways, she draws Illyan's attention
to the voices in the rain and she does nothing to acknowledge the
weather, the destruction of the house or her lack of attire.
Red lightning strikes a branch above their heads, blasting it from
the tree so that it plummets into what is left of the bedroom. Illyan
twirls his mother out of harm's way and decides that enough is enough.
They cannot stay out here. They need to get to the shelter and the
safety of the village. Illyan rights a chest and draws out a sodden
dress and shawl and goes to put them on his mother.
The rain is like a wall of water now. With visibility down so low
it is difficult for him to even find Lyssa again. When he does,
his mother is complaining that they have lost the dog and that they
must find him. Of course, they have never owned a dog. Illyan wrestles
the clothes onto the passive Lyssa, takes his mother by the hand
leads her to the path. The track to town is perfectly plain during
the daylight, but in the dead of night, in a storm such of this,
where frozen ground has turned to mush it will be a long and dangerous
journey.
Krais his having his own dangerous journey. The combination of
rain and silage that he is standing on is sucking him downwards
with the strength of quicksand. He calls for Nits again, but the
half-orc must be in the grip of a narcoleptic stupor. Krais reaches
inside his jacket and produces a set of well used lock-picks. He
sets to work on the cell door as he sinks lower and lower.
The rest of the town are now turning out of their houses. The Chandar
residence is listing badly to starboard and Arax found himself pinned
against the far wall by the wait of all his possessions. He struggles
out to find his grandfather and his uncle directing many of the
other members of the family. Tiles and thatch are being blown from
the roofs. Fires started by the red lightning are not going out,
even beneath the deluge. Lightning illuminates the old mill. Arax
throws a coat around his shoulders and goes to see how his mentor,
Trevane, is holding up.
Several walls of the Njedelstrom residence have caved in, trapping
Kvar in her isolated quarters. Inside numerous burly Njedelstroms
are clumping backwards and forwards in large fishing boots. Thorn
gleefully puts on his fishing gear and heads out into the storm,
as more lightning rains about the village.
Sigmund Chiesa, high priest of Earth, orders his wife, daughter-in-law
and granddaughter to stay put and ventures out into the storm with
his son Skellan and grandsons Kaylas and Joachim. Sigmund is a highly
respected figure in the village and soon the chaos and frenzied
runnings of his fellow villages are brought under control. The provost,
Vitor Grushko, an equally imposing man with a good head on his shoulders
joins Sigmund in directing the rescue efforts in an attempt to bring
some order to the storm. Kaylas is happy to stand beside his grandfathers.
Tarn Brewer, the disreputable innkeeper is dancing from foot to
foot and pointing up at the fire kindling in his thatching . Someone
has to go and put it up. "Krais! Krais! Where is that boy?"
Tarn demands. Tarn's eldest son, Barvin, tells his father that he
hasn't seen Krais. For his trouble he gets handed a rope and told
to get on the roof and put the fire out. The slow-witted Barvin
agrees and slowly climbs up toward the storm.
Things are getting a little desperate for Krais. He unlocks the
cell at last and pushes the door open. Unfortunately, by this time
only his arms and shoulders are above the ground. He hangs on to
the bottom of the door and continues to call for Nits. This time
his cries are answered, but not by the half-orc. The powerful hand
of Vitor Grushko takes Krais's wrist, and slowly pulls the youth
out of the sucking mire. Krais loses a boot in the process, but
on the whole it could have been much worse.
"Are you all right?" asks the ageing provost. Krais nods,
he can barely hear Vitor over the dim of the wind and the rain.
"Your father was yelling for you," Vitor says cheerily
as he and Krais head out into the rain. Instantly Krais is washed
clean by the water that boils around him. Krais heads to the inn
that he can see is still burning against the black sky.
Arax battles through the storm to the old mill. The sturdiest structure
in the village, Trevane's home is standing up well to the storm.
There are no lights burning inside and, when Arax hammers on the
door, he receives no reply. If Trevane is home he isn't coming out.
Arax returns to his home and allows himself to be directed by his
grandfather Shul, as the Chandars shore up their home.
Tarn rounds on Krais the moment he sees him and sends him up the
rope after his brother. The wind takes Krais as he climbs the rope
blowing him high into the lightning-filled air and then bringing
him crashing down again. Eventually Krais is able to squirm his
way onto the roof and then nimbly tip-toe across the thatch to where
Barvin is vainly trying to put out the flames.
Barvin is shocked to see Krais and the heavily built and largely
neckless man demands his brother's help. The fire is peculiar. Although
it spits and splutters under the torrential rain, it refuses to
go out. Barvin's attempts to extinguish it have only served to spread
it. Krais realises that only way forward is to cut free the thatch
and throw it (and the fire) to the ground. Krais begins to cut and
Barvin takes the strain. The thatch comes loose and Barvin flings
it groundward. He also flings himself.
Krais darts forward grabbing the ankles of the overbalanced Barvin.
The weight of his brother carries Krais down the roof toward the
edge. Krais spreads his legs, slowing his descent until he finally
stops with Barvin's head and shoulders over the edge of the roof.
A flash of lightning highlights the twenty-five foot drop to the
hop garden below. Barvin screams like baby.
Meanwhile, Thorn arrives at the Fisher family home. He is upset
not to be able to present himself directly to Rasputin Fisher. It
is the water cleric, Curran, who takes Thorn in and thanks him greatly
for his help. Thorn heads down to the beach and helps chain down
the fishing boats. Tremendous waves are crashing all around them.
There is a jagged burst of electricity at the centre of town and
a great tree explodes in flames before crashing onto the Craftwright
home. Kaylas and Sigmund lead the charge, to render help although
the torrential rain makes the jobs incredibly difficult. The elderly
and frail, Esher Walker, rallies his own family to help. Konig Njedelstrom
sends wave after wave of strong mariners onward. A number of Craftwrights
scurry free of the house, but it soon becomes apparent that some
are trapped within.
Barvin and Krais enter the inn through the hole they have made
in the roof. The bedroom within (their sister Mab's) is slowly filling
up with water. Barvin, although undoubtedly grateful for Krais's
help gently reminds him not to mention it to anyone and then storms
off. Krais takes the opportunity to look in on his bed-ridden mother.
Salia is conscious and murmurs about there being a storm in the
vicinity, and then she lapses into a fitful sleep.
Illyan and his mother finally reach the village. They are both
covered head to food in mud. Illyan sees what has happened to the
Craftwright home and fears for the safety of Emmaelia and his infant
son, Dael. However, his mother is a pressing concern. He attracts
the attention of Kaylas and gets his friend to take Lyssa to Kaylas's
mother, Leyanna to look after. Leyanna and her mother-in-law Carlotta
take in Lyssa who is now stroking a small stone she claims to be
a dog. There are some cruel rumours about the insane Lyssa Forester
and her fey-touched son, but Leyanna does not hesitate before taking
them in.
In the debris that used to be half the Craftwright home, Lorik
Craftwright is pinned beneath a heavy tree. Kaylas and Illyan race
to the scene and help to dig him out. However, Lorik won't have
Illyan anywhere near him and loudly pronounces him to be a "half-breed
freak". Illyan hops over the debris and goes looking for Emmaelia.
He finds the girl sitting cross-legged under the kitchen table
with the two-season old toddler, Dael. She seems unhurt and generally
unconcerned by the state of the house around her. The roof creaks
slightly and Illyan joins Emmaelia under the table. "All right,
Ears?" she asks handing Dael to Illyan. The infant does seem
distressed by the storm and clings to his father.
Illyan tells Emmaelia about his adventures. She seems genuinely
concerned about his mother, but otherwise distracted, and probably
not by the storm. Illyan enjoys the few minutes he has manages to
steal with Emmaelia, but knows that his abilities as a healer are
needed by the rest of the town.
The storm continues at this impossible intensity for more than
an hour and shows no sign of abating. Then Kaylas sees a figure
running down the track from the farm. It is the young Taran Farmer
who calls out, in a voice almost lost by the storm: "Everyone
come quickly! The river's rising! It's going to flood the food stores.
Please come!"
As one the villagers of Bear's Reach down tools and rally to the
call. All of them understand the seriousness of this situation.
The River Running is a couple of miles to the west of the town,
beyond the Wyrwood. It occupies the bottom of a sharp valley that
separates the Wyrwood from the more ancient Whittenwood. If the
river is in danger of flooding then it must have (remarkably) filled
that valley. The flood waters will sweep down hill through the Whittenwood,
through the farmland and the grain stores, through the village and
into the sea. It must be stopped or diverted.
They hurry up the hill. Kaylas catches up with Sigmund and asks
him if he can dig a trench to divert the water. Sigmund huffs that
although Terranor could do such a thing, the power is not within
him. Kaylas, Krais, Illyan, Arax and Thorn are together now. The
friends united in their defence of the town.
Outside the barns where the winter food stores are kept the Farmer
family are working quickly. Led by Callum and Sancho Farmer a wall
of sand bags are being piled up around the barn. The rest of the
village spring to help and make swift progress. Within minutes the
wall is almost five feet in height. Surely that is enough. But is
it?
If it was light enough to see, a large area of scrub ground would
be visible beyond the barn, and beyond that the dark Wyrwood. As
the village works as one to build a wall that will keep the water
out, Krais and Illyan can hear something out in the darkness. It
is the sound of water moving. At first it is barely audible but
after a few moments it becomes loud enough to eclipse the sound
of the rain.
In the brief glimpses afforded by the lightning the villagers can
see a wall of water barrelling out of the Wyrwood and cresting more
than twenty feet from the ground (four times the height of the sandbag
wall). The flood is powerful, the detritus from the forests, bracken
and even young trees have been carried away by it and are now bearing
down on the villagers. A wave such as this will wash away the barn
and the stores. It will do untold damage to the village and cost
many lives.
Kaylas summons an earth element to protect himself from the onslaught
that is about to come. The rest of the group and the village as
a whole can do nothing except look at the wall of water, in full
realisation that even if they survive it the winter will probably
kill them.
Suddenly, the temperature drops by about forty degrees. The great
wave hurtling toward the villages slows as it freezes. Water turns
to ice and slush; its destructive force completely halted only yards
away from the wall and the villagers. For a moment there is silence,
as if the wind and the rain have paused to fully appreciate this
event.
Lightning flashes. There is a figure walking up the hill from the
town, his arms raised above his head. His black cloak is slick with
rain, his hair is matted where he has thrown his hood back to reveal
his piercing blue eyes. Trevane.
In the ten seasons he has lived in Bear's Reach no-one has seen
Trevane perform even a cantrip. Not even Arax has seen any evidence
of real magic from the man. Callum Farmer rushes over to Trevane,
but his words of thanks are curtly dismissed by the wizard who waves
his hand to silence the man. Trevane has plans to converse with
only one other, and he beckons him over.
"Arax," he says sharply, as though irritated to be having
this conversation. "Come to me tomorrow. Dawn. Bring your….
friends. And Arax, do not be late. I will not wait for you."
Arax stands for a moment, taking time for his mentor's words to
sink in. Then he appraises his friends of the situation. No-one
says no to Trevane. They agree to meet outside Krais's bedroom window
just after dawn (as they all assume he will be late).
The disaster averted, the clearing up begins. Although it is the
early hours of the morning, the village is still running on adrenaline
and they begin to clear away the ice. Kaylas throws himself into
the task as a responsible Shepherd with the welfare of the village
at heart. The others slink off at the first opportunity.
Illyan wants to collect his mother from the Chiesa house and take
her to the Dyer place where she can be looked after by her friends
Caitlyn and Dominic. Krais goes with him, anxious to see if the
Dyers (and particularly Kaleena) made it through all right. Arax
and Thorn go with them. Leyanna Chiesa (Kaylas's mother) is still
up and insists on making them warm drinks before they embark upon
the two mile walk to the Dyer home. Illyan's mother, Lyssa, is quite
docile now and easily steered by her son. The group begin their
journey.
The Dyer place has not been too badly damaged by the storm. A few
tiles are missing, and objects in the courtyard that weren't nailed
down have blown away but on the whole the building has fared better
than the rest of the town. In the first rays of dawn, the party
can see a mass of ice glinting just a few hundred yards behind it.
Were it not for Trevane it would have been washed away by the flood.
As soon as they enter Kaleena Dyer flings herself at Krais. She
allows herself to hang around his neck. She is on the verge of tears
with worry that something had happened to him. Krais looks at his
friends with mild surprise and pats her gently on the shoulder.
Illyan, Thorn and Arax exchange glances. They can't understand it.
Kaleena is by far and a way the most attractive girl in town. She
has suitors lining up around the house to marry her, and yet she
waits and waits for Krais. It is just bizarre. When Kaleena invites
Krais to rest at the Dyer place and he refuses, saying that he needs
to get back home Illyan simply despairs.
Caitlyn and Dominic are happy to take in Lyssa and to offer Illyan
somewhere to stay until the Forester Lodge can be rebuilt. He is
very grateful. The exhaustion of the night's work catching up with
them Krais, Thorn and Arax return to the town. Dawn is no more than
an hour away.
Terday, 30 Chillbone 204
An hour later Arax, Kaylas, Illyan and Thorn arrive outside the
inn. They have not slept. Only Krais crawled back to bed. As a result
he is not there to meet them (as they predicted). In fact, Krais
is so deep in his sleep that none of the calls from his friends,
or stones of increasing size that are thrown at this window, even
remotely stir him. Fortunately, there are some things that cannot
be ignored.
The door to Krais's room bangs open, and his younger sister Mab
bounces in with the energy of a startled wolfpack. She throws the
blankets off, and Krais is extremely rudely awakened. "Your
friends are waiting for you outside," Mab smiles, as Krais
tries to cover up his nakedness. She takes a cloak from the chair
in the corner of the room and throws it over her shoulders. "And
I should get that seen to if I were you," she winks as she
heads downstairs to see the others.
Mab Brewer, it should be explained, is one of the few unattached
women in Bear's Reach. At seventeen years of age she is extremely
popular (especially with Krais's friends), but she is also rather
strange. She is mercurial bordering on schizophrenic. No-one is
quite sure what to make of Mab, and it is generally perceived that
she is a girl of loose morals.
She bounds out and asks where everyone is going so early in the
morning. The group look at one another guiltily. Trevane said not
to tell anyone, but when she smiles and bats her eyes there is no
refusing Mab. Especially not if you're Thorn Njedelstrom. As soon
as Mab hears that they are all off to see the wizard she is desperate
to go with them! She has always wanted to see the inside of the
Old Mill. Arax, who likes Mab but knows the only reasons she wants
to see the inside of the Old Mill is to pilfer as much as possible.
Arax is just telling Mab that he doesn't think Trevane will approve
of her presence when Krais bundles out of the inn. They can all
hear Tarn yelling at his son to get back and carry on with his chores.
Krais happily tells him that he can't keep the wizard waiting. Jennete
Brewer (Krais's sister-in-law) spots Mab and orders her back inside.
The girl sulks provocatively as the companions head off to keep
their appointment.
Trevane lives in the Old Mill, which stands on a rise about half
a mile from the coast looking down on the village. The Old Mill
is aptly named, because it is the oldest structure in Bear's Reach.
Its walls are made of thick stone, and have been weathered by scores
of winters. Once, long ago, it was a fully functioning windmill
until the sails were ripped to shreds during a particularly violent
storm. As the Millers already had a perfectly adequate water mill,
there was never any great need to repair the Old Mill, and it was
left to quietly drift into a state of disrepair. Krais and Kaylas
remember playing in it as children - squirming in through the boards
hammered over the door. Ten seasons ago, when Trevane arrived in
the town he took the old mill as his own and he has dwelt there
since. In all that time the only villager to have seen the inside
of it is Arax - and Arax has spent most of his time painting the
front door.
The front door is large and wooden and painted a dark shade of
green. Arax can attest to more than seventy coats. At the centre,
just below a twisted iron knocker is a complicated pattern of runes.
Arax approaches and knocks. The door opens seemingly of its own
accord and the group enter the round room at the bottom of the Old
Mill.
All the working of the mill have been cleared away. Opposite the
door is a raging fire (and the warmth is welcome). Some strange
viscous liquid is dripping down the chimney, and when it lands in
the fire it sizzles and pops with a burst of green flame. Surrounding
the fire are several exceedingly comfortable chairs. Under the room's
only window (a small casement) is an area that Trevane evidently
uses as his kitchen. There are provisions in boxes piled up against
the wall.
In the centre of the room is a large, circular table. It is here
that Trevane stands, folding items of clothing and placing them
into a large bag. Laid out on the table are the necessary accoutrements
for a journey through the wilderness. It is evident that Trevane
is planning to go somewhere, and that he is not planning for return
for several days at the least.
At first Arax and the others believe that Trevane wants them to
accompany him on this journey, but he soon puts this misconception
in its place. He needs Arax to look after the place while he is
away. There are chores to be done, doors to paint and he wants Arax
to feed Habbakuk.
"Habbakuk?" Arax asks, rather puzzled. Trevane gestures
to what the group apprehended to be a pile of dirty laundry in front
of the fire. On closer inspection they can see it is a wolf, but
a wolf that appears unnaturally close to death. The creature is
so emaciated that all its bones are visible beneath its balding
coat. It only has two teeth, and they both seem rotten. It opens
one rheumy eye, regards the party with mild indifference and then
goes back to sleep.
Trevane indicates the stairs leading to a trap door to the first
floor. "Do not attempt to venture elsewhere in the tower. The
results would be unpleasant. You are all Arax's responsibility.
Although I have opened my home to the five of you, I have not extended
the invitation to your friends or any members of your family,"
his eyes narrow on Krais, "is that clear?"
Krais says that it is, but wonders (respectfully, of course) why
Trevane has asked them all to come here, when he could just have
summoned Arax. The wizard reaches into his pocket and produces an
envelope. It is made of a heavy parchment and sealed with wax.
"If I have not returned by the last day of Autumn you are
to open this letter and act upon its contents. You will not open
the letter before that time. The consequences of this would also
be unpleasant." Trevane places the envelope on the mantelpiece
above the fire, picks up his bag and moves toward the door.
"That storm last night wasn't natural," Kaylas states
as Trevane takes his first step toward the door. "Wasn't natural?"
the wizard snaps as he turns around, "of course it wasn't natural,
boy."
"Do you know what caused it?" Kaylas presses.
"No," confesses Trevane in such a manner that Kaylas
feels foolish for asking the question. "I have my suspicions
but without verifiable facts they are not worth mentioning. However,
I do intend to find out. Now," Trevane turns his attention
to Arax, "I will return. In the meantime keep this place clean
and tidy and do as I have asked." He weighs a large iron key
heavily in his hand before giving it to Arax, "And be careful.
Do nothing to draw attention to yourself. Farewell."
Trevane leaves, and Arax closes the door behind him. The five of
them are alone in the Old Mill. Trevane has left them his house
(or at least one floor of it). Thorn is utterly amazed by this.
Arax scans the shelves to see if Trevane has left anything magical
downstairs. Rather unsurprisingly he has not. There is a small selection
of books, but they do not appear particularly comprehensive, nor
enchanted in nature.
Kaylas looks at Habbakuk with some concern, and casts a small incantation
to see how close to death the creature is. The spell seems surprised
that Habbakuk is still moving around as it is. Arax too is worried
that Trevane will return and his pet will be dead.
Krais, however, is not worried. He sees this as the perfect place
to get away from his father and his chores. He flops down in one
of the chairs in front of the fire and prepares himself for a considerable
nap. The rest of the group have chores to perform - even if Arax's
takes him no further than painting the front door. Kaylas heads
off to help his grandfather in rebuilding the village and Thorn
heads to help in the repair of his family home.
Illyan heads off to the Dyer place to see his mother. She is little
changed from the previous evening, and hasn't realised that her
family home has been destroyed, or that where she currently is.
She recognises Illyan, and begins to say something about his hitherto
unmentioned father, before she stops herself and goes to staring
out of the window. Illyan is used to this treatment, but it is upsetting
all the same. He is disturbed from his reverie by the arrival of
Emmaelia and his son, Dael.
She has walked the mile from the centre of town, specifically to
see him. Lorik is still laid up with his injuries from last night,
and was not in a position to stop her. However, she seems a little
depressed. Illyan tells her what happened at the wizard's home she
isn't very interested. She has come with very specific and disturbing
news. She tells Illyan that her father plans to petition the villager
council on Sunday to have Dael legally declared his son.
This shocks Illyan. The fact that Dael is his son is an open secret
in the village (although Lorik vehemently denies it). "What
do you think about this?" Illyan asks, but Emmaelia just shrugs.
She seems relatively indifferent to the whole affair, which is in
itself rather worrying. "I suppose we could make a counter
proposal to the council," she says with very little enthusiasm.
"We meaning me?" asks Illyan, and the girl nods.
The morning wears into afternoon. Krais awakes to find Habbakuk
on top of him, leeching heat like some sort of body-vampire. He
picks up the wolf (it is extremely light) and puts it in another
chair before returning to his nap. Arax, Thorn and Kaylas continue
to work on their chores. Illyan is left alone to contemplate what
to do about Lorik's plans. Then he hears something remarkable -
something that hasn't been hear in Bear's Reach for as long as he
has been alive (and probably much longer): it is the thunder of
horses' hooves.
Illyan scrambles out of the building and off to the road. Moving
at a trot down the road is a phalanx of horses. There are thirty
soldiers on horseback, wearing chain armour and carrying swords.
On the chest they sport the following legend: two crossed long swords
on a dark blue background, beneath a dark bird (possibly a crow)
in flight. Unsurprisingly, Illyan does not recognise the livery.
At the head of the group are three individuals: another soldier,
a rather sick looking young man and an extremely elegantly dressed
individual who sees Illyan, but allows his gaze to drift over him
as it might a pile of manure. Not knowing the exact significance
of this event, but knowing that it is extremely significant Illyan
runs off toward town. He runs fast and hard and manages to arrive
five paces ahead of the soldiers.
The town square is full of villagers working hard on the repair
of their houses. They hear the approaching horses and they pause
in their work. A sense of great astonishment descends on the town.
Thorn, Kaylas and Arax are among those who down their tools as the
elegant leader of the group slowly walks his horse into the centre
of the town. The soldiers form a ring around him.
Illyan stumbles into the town square; words of warning die on his
lips as he finds he has arrived too late to give anyone notice of
the horsemen. The leader of the group regards him slowly, and then
turns his attention to the rest of the villagers. He is obviously
enjoying the astonishment on the faces that surround him. He smiles
and unrolls a hitherto unnoticed scroll he was carrying in his hand.
He proclaims:
"Here ye, people of Bear's Reach. It is on this day, Terday
the thirtieth of Coldsorrow in the 204th year of the Lunar Era,
that I, Tanith Swift, Baron of the Norandon Court do come to you
with news of great import."
"A new king sits on the Alabaster Throne. Galahyde DeMonton,
once duke of Dismallion, has been elevated to the kingship by joint
authority of the House of Peers and the highest priests of the sixteen
true churches." The baron displays the Royal Seal by way of
proof, although no-one in the town actually recognises it.
"King Galahyde seeks to make himself known to all the peoples
of his vast land. He wishes you to know that he loves you, and that
he will protect you from the predations that we all face in these
dangerous days."
"Our king has commanded a great census of the population of
Norandor. It is his special wish to know of the extent of his lands
and the people within them. Starting tomorrow morning, all residents
of this town and its environs will be called upon to visit the tavern
yonder, and give a record of their names and occupations. That is
all."
Without any further explanation, the baron rolls up the scroll
and walks toward the inn. He is swiftly accompanied by his men and
his followers. Tarn Brewer appears as if from nowhere to greet the
baron at his door. Tarn is obsequiousness itself, and so oily the
baron is in danger of slipping on him. But the baron does not talk
to Tarn directly. He speaks to his captain, and the captain relays
the baron's wishes.
"Does this town still have a chronicler?" the captain
asks curtly. Tarn replies that it does, of course it does! He calls
for Krais to race across the town and fetch Havelock Weaver, the
town chronicler for the baron. Of course, Krais is nowhere within
earshot and after an embarrassing few minutes of calling for him,
Tarn is forced to send Grint in his stead.
Those outside watch the gangly Grint Brewer run out across the
muddy ground to Havelock Weaver's house, and return in a matter
of minutes with the chronicler. There is much muttering in the street
outside. "Census be damned!" seems to be the wide opinion.
Whatever is going on here, it can only cost the people of Bear's
Reach money. Thorn's mind turns to the Njedelstrom wealth hidden
in the old mine. Kvar knew this was going to happen!
Krais is woken by a knock on the door. "Who is it?" he
calls without opening his eyes." A familiar voice can be heard
from outside the door, "It's me, Mab! Let me in!" Krais
gets up and walks over to the door. Then he remembers the stern
warning of Trevane. "Is Arax out there?" he asks. Mab
yells, "No, it's just me!" Krais shrugs and lets her in.
Mab is bouncingly excited to be inside the Old Mill. She races
around the room, taking books off shelves, flicking through them
and leaving them on the floor. She opens one of the barrels under
the window, takes out a carrot and starts to munch on it. "Gosh,
I never thought I'd be in here," she mutters, spewing little
bits of carrot over the floor. "Oh, I have a message for you
from Dad."
Krais feels his heart sink slightly, but tells her to go on. "He
was really mad that he couldn't find you, so I told him where you
were. He said to bring him back something nice." Krais is aghast,
"Nice? Take something from Trevane?" Mab nods, tossing
the half-eaten carrot to the floor. "He's a wizard," she
says, "he must have nice stuff." - "He's a wizard!"
exclaims Krais, you don't steal from a wizard!" - "Why
not?" - "Because he's a wizard!"
But Mab isn't listening. She has plucked the envelope from the
top of the mantelpiece and is shaking it in a disparaging manner.
"What's in here?" she asks, as she starts to open it.
"No!" yells Krais and snatches it off her. He smoothes
out the creases and places it back on the mantle. When he turns
around he sees his sister on her back at the top of the stairs attacking
the lock to the door to the first floor with her lockpicks.
"Mab!" Krais exclaims pulling her away, "it's dangerous!"
Mab gives him a quizzical expression and jumps to her feet. "Aren't
you curious as to what he keeps up there?" Krais says that
he isn't and she shouldn't be either if she wants to keep her eyebrows
and all her limbs. Mab pouts and flounces toward the door.
"Oh Dad wanted you to come back," she says as an after
thought. "The inn's packed out by this baron and his soldiers
who arrived about an hour ago." Krais yells after her, but
Mab is already running down the hill back into the town. He doesn't
think he has ever seen his sister walk anywhere. From the door to
the Old Mill, Krais can see the inn and the stables behind it. They
are currently full to bursting with horse upon horse. He should
investigate this. But then, it is rather chilly outside. Krais returns
to his comfortable chair and the fire.
Arax has noticed Mab running from the mill and heads up there to
investigate what's been going on. Inside he disturbs Krais who immediately
feels guilty for letting his sister into the mill. "Was Mab
in here?" Arax demand. "Mab? No. Haven't seen her!"
Krais replies a little too quickly. Arax lets his gaze fall on the
slightly crumpled envelope that is now further along the mantelpiece,
at the partially chewed carrot trodden into the carpet and the books
pulled from the shelves. "Well, gotta go!" says Krais,
and runs off down the hill to the inn.
The in is packed to the rafters. Tarn, Jennete, Barvin and Mab
are all in the taproom working the tables and the bar. This is not
just due to all the newcomers - more than half the village have
also bundled in to see what is going on. When Krais pokes his head
around the door he receives a swift clip across the ear by Tarn
and pressured into serving ale. Tarn gives strict instructions that
the good beer is to be kept under the counter and not served the
soldiers.
Despite their wary nature, the town is excited by the baron's arrival.
No-one from the outside world has visited Bear's Reach in three
generations. Outsiders mean news of what has been happening beyond
the borders of the town, and the townsfolk have an unrivalled appetite
for news. The soldiers and their corporal, a personable man in his
fifties, called Cole are happy to indulge the crowd and soon stories
about a the death of the old king, and a great war with the undead
of the Haunted Woods are all about the bar. Thorn takes the opportunity
to spread even wilder and more licentious rumours about Norandor,
passing them off as fact.
The baron sits at a table of his own, aloof from the proceedings.
He doesn't talk to any of the villagers, but demands a fine wine
through his aide, Captain Malkor. Tarn hasn't got anything approaching
a fine wine, and sends Krais over to the baron's table with best
dandelion wine the bar has to offer. The baron declares that it
tastes like swill which (although rather rude) is not entirely inaccurate.
Along with the baron and the captain is another figure. A waif
of a boy who is on the cusp of manhood. He is dressed in the robes
of the Scriveners of Doom and goes by the name of Janus Thomsett.
He seems completely out of his element in a tavern, and looks frightened
by every small thing. He is doing his best to engage in conversation
with Havelock Weaver, and the two do have some common ground.
A well-known local figure approaches the baron. The weight of years
bows the head of Esher Walker. The patriarch of the Walker family,
Esher is currently the head man of the village. It is in this position
that he speaks to Baron Swift. He introduces himself and his title.
The baron is less than amused.
"By what authority?" the baron asks. "A village
council must be presided over by a squire. A squire must be directly
appointed by your liege-lord. Your liege-lord is Duke Lovax of Jeston.
He has made no such appointment. Your council has no legitimate
authority. You may go. That is all."
Those (like Kaylas) that hear the interchange between the two find
their hackles rising against the baron. They also fear for the purpose
of the baron's visit. Esher is a kindly man who never has a mean-spirited
word to say about anyone. Such ill-concealed and undeserved resentment
from Baron Swift has shaken him. The old man leaves the bar dispiritedly.
Illyan follows him.
Outside, Illyan catches up with Esher just as the old man is about
to reach his home. Esher greets Illyan warmly - he is one of the
few people in the whole village who would ever do so. Illyan asks
Esher of Lorik's proposal to be declared father of Dael, and what
he should do about it. Esher says that it will be put to the vote,
although he doubts Lorik will have a very easy time of it. Esher
is very sympathetic (and so is Ras the blacksmith). If he were Emmaelia's
father, then he would have no qualms about agreeing to a marriage
to Illyan. But Lorik is the father, and the decision is his (in
accordance to Norandon law). The council is unlikely to consent
to Illyan and Emmaelia marrying without Lorik's blessing.
Back in the bar, Krais has made the acquaintance of a soldier called
Luther. Luther offers his sword for Krais to look at. It is a fine
blade, and better than the weapon that Krais himself has tucked
away upstairs. He wants to see what it feels like, but he can't
really swing it about behind the bar for fear of taking his father's
head off. Krais tells Luther that he has had some training with
the sword. Corporal Cole overhears this, and asks Krais if he wants
to come outside and show the soldiers what he has learned. Krais
is very eager to do just that.
Krais, Cole and Luther head outside the inn into the town square.
Cole hands Krais his sword and asks him to spar with Luther. Cole's
sword is a masterful weapon. Krais takes the stance that Vitor taught
him and squares up against Luther. He performs extremely well, completely
out-fencing Luther.
Luther doesn't take this personally. He is surprised, but pleased
that Krais shows so much skill. Cole asks Krais if he has ever considered
military work. But Krais's little display has not gone unnoticed.
Captain Malkor is standing on the steps of the inn from where he
has observed it all. Kaylas and Thorn are also present (they followed
the captain).
"Who taught you to that technique, boy?" Malkor asks
sharply. "I was taught by the provost sir, Vitor Grushko,"
replies Krais. "He taught you that?" exclaims the captain,
as though the form has substantially more significance than Krais
realises. Kaylas's heart sinks. He doesn't want his grandfather
to get into any trouble with the baron and his men.
By the end of the day the village's opinion of the baron and the
captain have fallen markedly. Cole and soldiers are pleasant enough,
but they are a well disciplined force and will obviously do anything
the captain says.
Illyan returns to the Dyer house where he finds the family in a
deep discussion. Benjamin Dyer is holding court. They are discussing
the matter of taxes. Benjamin says that there hasn't been a tax
collector in Bear's Reach in almost forty years, and one only came
then because a new king (Yaddagon XI) had risen to the throne. It
does not bode well. Bear's Reach hasn't paid its taxes in 149 seasons.
That's a hell of bill.
He then noticed Illyan and takes exception to the half-elf being
in his house. He wants to thrown him out, but Dominic Dyer defends
Illyan and takes the youngster away to his own private rooms.
Zephday, 31 Chillbone 204
As dawn breaks, the majority of the families of Bear's Reach are
assembled in a long line outside the inn. Some at the back of the
queue drift away when it becomes clear that it will take two days,
not one, for the baron to see everyone. The Goodie family are first
through the door when it opens and the rest of the village wait
with baited breath to see what will happen next.
The longer the Goodies remain inside the inn with the baron and
his men, the more uncomfortable the crowd becomes. After almost
an hour the door opens and Noah Goodie leads his family out into
light Chillbone drizzle. He is ashen faced as though he has received
the worst possible news.
"It's all true," he says. "Taxes! One hundred and
forty-nine seasons of back taxes. He said I'd earned a shilling
a day for the last fifty-one thousand days! He said….. They've
worked it out at 800 crowns for unmarried men and 1400 crowns for
the marrieds."
"That's outrageous!" yells Krais, "Who can pay that?"
Noah looks even more pained at this. "If you can't pay….
you…." He shakes his head and staggers away - a broken
man.
Krais looks at his father, who doesn't seem too concerned by this
turn of events. He looks for the rest of his friends in the crowd,
but can only see Arax. He is entering the inn alone. He has not
been summoned to the baron in respect to his role in the Chandar
family, but because of his relationship with Trevane.
When Arax enters the inn he sees the baron, captain and scrivener
sitting behind a table on the raised dais that normally acts as
a stage for performers. They are flanked by guards and there are
others in the room.
"Name for the record," snaps the baron. Arax gives his
name. "According to our records you are the apprentice of the
wizard Trevane is that correct?" - "Yes." - "And
Trevane himself is not currently present in the village, is that
correct?" - "Yes." - "He left yesterday morning
only hours before we arrived?" - "Yes." - "Very
convenient wouldn't you say?" Arax is silent. "Do you
know the current whereabouts of Trevane?" Arax says that he
does not.
The baron scrutinises Arax as trying to detect any duplicity in
his tone. "Very well," he says at length. "Trevane
has taught you magic?" - "Yes." - "And can you
before magic?" - "A few cantrips?" - "Show me
your left arm."
A little puzzled Arax raises his sleeve and presents his bear forearm
to the baron. Swift shakes his head. "You are an unregistered
wizard," the baron declares and, at seeing Arax's incredulity,
he adds, "all wizards must be registered with the church of
the Arcanum Incognita. They make sure you are… properly trained,
and they apply the Zetoile mark to your arm. Trevane had no business
in teaching you anything."
The baron clears his throat. "As an single man of marriageable
age you are charged eight hundred crowns in back taxes. This may
be met from your own pocket, or from the coffers of your family.
Far more serious is your status in the eyes of the Church. You will
accompany us back to Uris where you will be presented to the Arcanum
Incognita and they will decide what to do with you. Ignorance of
the law is not an excuse, but they will judge you fairly. In the
meantime you are confined to your home. Guards….. conduct Arax
Chandar to his home and see that he remains there. That is all."
Arax is led away by the soldiers Tam and Weston. He passes Krais
and the rest of the Brewer family. Mab and Krais look on concernedly,
but Barvin bundles them both forward. Tarn is already in his taproom
standing before the baron. He bows low in manner he hopes to be
charming but is, in actual fact, rather creepy.
"You received a copy of my doings, my lord," oozes Tarn,
obsequiously. The baron looks up with half a smile of his face.
"Yes, I have had my man looked over the accounts you gave me
last night and it sees you have made a very small profit for an
inn of this size, even in a backwater such as this."
"Well, business has been slow…," Tarn begins, but
the baron cuts him off. "Indeed. In the interest of the truth
I had my men conduct a small investigation of your cellar…"
"My cellar?" mutters a terrified Tarn. "Yes,"
says the baron, "and do you know what we found in a small cavity
beneath a loose flagstone? Why it is chest containing no less than
twenty-seven thousand crowns worth of gold and gems. Based on that
amount of money a surcharge of 7000 crowns is appropriate. However,
as you tried to deceive me and hid your wealth, I am well within
my rights to take all of it. That is all."
In hindsight, it is probably a good thing that Tarn's words catch
in his throat. The innkeeper is positively foaming at the mouth,
and has to be carried away by Barvin and Krais. Krais points out
the injustice of the situation to the baron, but is threatened with
having his head cut off so he does not persist.
In the kitchen, strong spirits are used to bring Tarn around, but
it is several minutes before he can speak. When he can he utters
nothing but a string of curses and obscenities for full on five
minutes. "The bastard!" he exclaims, "I'll gut him
like a fish! Get me the special knives!" Fortunately, his family
manage to restrain him.
Next up it is the Grushko family. Kaylas, is in the queue behind
with the Chiesas and can see what happens. He notices that Captain
Malkor gives Vitor an appraising look as the pair approach. Vitor's
wife, Yelanna, is hunched over her stick. An unlit pipe clamped
between her teeth.
"You are Vitor Grushko?" asks the baron slowly - he is
evidently getting bored already. "I am, Baron Swift,"
replies Vitor amiably. "You are immigrants to this place, are
you not? You arrived here forty seasons ago with a man named Galen
Thorn. Why did you come?"
"Retirement, sir." - "Retirement? You, at the time,
were eighteen seasons of age and your wife was twenty-four seasons.
Would that we all could retire so young. And do you know of the
current whereabouts of Galen Thorn?" - "I do not, sir.
My guess is that he is long dead." - "Yes… that does
seem to be the general opinion."
"If I may be so bold," says Vitor, "Are you perhaps
a member of the long line of Swifts that govern the barony of Colmire?"
- "Why yes I am," says the baron, rather pleased, "Why
do you ask?" - "Oh, shear curiosity, sir. In my youth
my travels took me through Colmire. It is a lovely place."
The captain coughs slightly and the baron continues.
"Due to the illegal status of the village council, the office
of provost is being removed. You are to disband your militia forthwith
and hand your weapons into Corporal Cole. Law enforcement will be
the duty of the soldiers under Captain Malkor. The captain himself
will remain in the village after my departure, in the capacity of
squire until a permanent appointment can be made."
"As a married man you are charged fourteen hundred crowns,
with a surcharge of twelve hundred crowns for your industry."
Before the baron can dismiss Vitor, the ex-provost says. "With
all due respect that doesn't seem very fair. After all my family
has only been resident in the town forty seasons, a fraction of
the time your tax is calculated over."
The baron regards Vitor coldly and then smiles. "Very well,
I am not an unreasonable man. Thomsett, deduct six hundred crowns
from the Grushko debt and add to the amount payable by Tarn Brewer.
You are dismissed. That is all." From the kitchens a terrible
scream of anguish can be heard escaping Tarn.
"That is all." A phrase that is burned into the mind
of each and every villager over the next few hours. As a single
man, Kaylas is charged 800 crowns. He then departs to find his friends.
Kaylas, Illyan, Thorn and Krais discuss their current predicament.
Krais is incredibly angry that this is happening. News has reached
them of what will happen to those villagers who cannot pay: they
will be forced into a life of indentured servitude until the debt
is met. It would take a labourer almost six continuous seasons of
labour to make that much money - assuming he didn't use any of it
to feed or clothe himself. A good proportion of the village will
be returning to Uris with the baron when he leaves.
And there is no hiding your wealth. Soldiers have been sent to
search homes and out-buildings throughout the village. There is
a strange dichotomy between the baron and his men. Swift and the
captain seem genuinely mean-spirited, but the soldiers are just
following orders. Corporal Cole has order those soldiers not involved
in searching the houses to help repair the storm damage to the village.
And then there is Arax. What can be done about him? Can they rescue
him? The group also urges Illyan to ask the baron if he will acknowledge
Dael as his son. The baron might have the authority to do it, and
it would completely gazump any attempt made by Lorik Craftwright.
Illyan is not so sure he wants to ask the baron for a favour.
Kaylas points out that it is in their power to save the town. The
wealth of the Njedelstroms hidden in the Von Turnsgate iron mine
could pay off all the debts. The snow isn't heavy or thick enough
at the moment to stop them returning to the mine. Thorn is not so
sure. He says that he will go and talk to Kvar about it. Kaylas
says that he will talk to Havelock Weaver. Bear's Reach has been
untouched by Uris for so long that there might be something in the
chronicle proving that the village is no longer under the jurisdiction
of the King. It is worth a try.
The door to Havelock's home is locked when Kaylas arrives. It seems
that Havelock has been offered a 2% reduction in his tax bill for
the help he provided in creating a current list of all the inhabitants
of the town. However, he eventually opens the door to Kaylas who
is (after all) a well respected cleric. However, after a hour or
so of going through old scrolls all they succeed in proving is that
the baron is quite right: by law they do owe this money.
At the sprawling Njedelstrom home, Thorn takes Kvar her dinner
and asks her about the wealth hidden in the mine. Obviously the
reasons for hiding it are now apparent. "The future is fogged,"
Kvar says, dipping some bread into a fish stew. "It would be
suspicious if all this wealth suddenly turned up. I have a plan,
Thorn. You will have to trust me." And Thorn does.
Caladay, 32 Chillbone 204
The second day of mortification for Bear's Reach begins with the
presentation of the Njedelstroms to Baron Swift. Thorn's pronoun-challenged
father, Konig, doesn't seem to completely grasp the seriousness
of the situation. For many seasons he has been used to doing only
what Kvar has told him to do, and Kvar is not present - being the
only villager who has successfully refused the baron's summons.
Twoshoes Njedelstrom (or "First Son" as Konig refers to
him) stands next to his father. Twoshoes apprehends the situation
completely.
Baron Swift seems a little surprised at the accounts the Njedelstroms
have returned. They are the largest and most successful family in
the village, and yet they do not seem to have any material wealth
to show for it. Thorn knows full well that the material wealth is
hidden in the Von Turnsgate iron mine, but he is curious to see
how his father and brother handle this situation.
Konig replies that he is "rich in fish" - a statement
that doesn't impress the baron, especially when Konig cannot seem
to get to grips with Swift's title and insists on calling him "well
dressed, sneering man" instead. Twoshoes is quick to point
out the barter system that is run in the village and says that it
is not very unusual that the family have no ready cash to speak
of. Baron Swift eventually accepts this and charges the family nothing
more than the individual rate. Thorn picks up a bill for 800 crowns,
just like Kaylas.
While this is taking place, Kaylas visits Vitor at his small farm
holding. He finds his grandfather chopping wood. Kaylas considers
his grandfather a well-travelled man of the world who understands
things many people in the village do not. He wants his opinion on
the baron. Vitor says that he has met people like Swift before.
Kaylas asks if Vitor can afford to pay. Vitor says that he can,
although he will have to pay in kind. There are a few trinkets from
his career as an adventurer knocking around the house.
Back at the tavern, Swift has moved onto the Foresters. He calls
out for Tobias Forester (Illyan's uncle) but there is no response.
Tobias has not been present in the village for many months. He is
a powerful druid and has forsaken village life for the wilderness.
This means nothing to Swift and he puts a warrant out for Tobias's
arrest.
Illyan is called forward as part of the Forester family. Much to
Illyan's surprise, the baron doesn't raise one comment about his
lineage. Perhaps where he comes from, half-elves are not so uncommon.
This is another strange dichotomy of the baron and his mission.
On the one hand what he is doing to the people of the village is
quite evil, but on the other hand he seems more tolerant than most
of the villagers. Illyan chances interrupting and telling him about
Dael and the situation with Lorik. The baron doesn't give a true
reply. He barely breaks his stride to make sure Illyan is charged
1400 crowns instead of 800 as has a dependent.
As a follower of the ancient Healer sects (taught by his deceased
mentor, Rellick) Illyan has forsworn all material possessions. He
asks the baron what will happen if he cannot pay. The baron mentions
something about indentured servitude and then hurries him on. "That
is all!"
In the accounts of the village, the Njedlestroms gain is (as always)
the Fisher family's loss. Already balancing an enormous chip on
his shoulder about the relative success of the family's fishing
endeavours Rasputin Njedelstrom cannot believe the decision reached
by the baron. The Fishers are landed with an enormous and unjustified
tax bill that will completely bankrupt the entire family and see
everyone from Rasputin down cast into slavery. The ancient and rheumatoid
Rasputin has to be carried out, overcome by a twitching fit. Later
he is heard to loudly blame the Njedelstroms for his misfortune.
Krais spends the day looking for money. He searches the entire
inn (including all his father's cunning hiding places) and eventually
finds 143 crowns. By this time dusk is approaching, but he goes
out in search of Illyan. He finds the half-elf sitting in the town
square watching the sunset. He tries to give the money to the healer,
but Illyan says that his beliefs preclude it.
Meanwhile, back in his room at home Arax is contemplating his next
move. The two guards standing outside his door show no particular
inclination to go anywhere. All the spells in his spellbook seem
largely unequal to the task of escaping. Then there is a small commotion
outside and his grandfather (and head of the family), Shul enters
the room.
Without preamble, Shul launches into a vitriolic attack against
Trevane and how Arax showed particularly poor judgement in getting
involved with a wizard, and how he has brought shame and disrepute
down on an otherwise respectable family and how Arax's mother is
suffering for it. Arax has heard this speech on many occasions,
but not with quite so much venom (or phlegm). Then he draws a knife.
Shul whispers to his grandson that despite his reckless adventuring,
Shul doesn't want to see Arax shipped off to Uris. So he has a plan
that involves a sandwich and a knife to chip away the paint around
the window. He winks. Arax takes the knife and begins to gouge out
the paint around the window. It is not a tricky job, but the noise
alerts the guards from the hall.
Tam and Weston burst into the room. Shul clutches his chest melodramatically,
"Oh dear. I am having a heart attack," he says the most
unconvincing tone imaginable. He then topples forward conveniently
tripping up both of the guards. Arax has wrenched the window open
and half-way through it when he feels strong hands close around
his ankles. Arax concentrates and casts a Grease spell to ease his
exit. The spell fails, but he manages to wiggle free anyway. He
drops ten feet to the ground, casts Expeditious Retreat and rockets
off across the village.
At the Grushko farm, Kaylas has once more gone to seek out Vitor.
But the provost isn't present. He finds his grandmother, Yelanna
sitting on the front stoop smoking her pipe. She says that Vitor
is not present this evening. He has gone down to the tavern. "You
should stay away from there this evening, Kaylas," she says.
She a statement immediately encourages Kaylas to do just the reverse.
He is suspicious that Vitor is up to something, and none of Yelanna's
entreaties stop him from turning around and heading back toward
the town.
The discussion of Krais and Illyan is abruptly broken as a magically
accelerated Arax rockets past them, and heads up the hill toward
the Old Mill. Illyan pauses for a moment and then (realising that
Arax is on the run) he follows him as fast as he can. Krais sees
the two guards arrive moments later and pursue Illyan. Arax rushes
into the Old Mill and slams the door in Illyan's face. Illyan hammers
on it and Arax lets him in just in time. He locks the door trapping
them in the Old Mill and the guards outside.
Anyone from Bear's Reach would realise that the lock on the door
of the Old Mill is an insurmountable obstacle. Krais knows that
none of the Brewer family have ever chanced their lock-picks in
that door. It is well known that Trevane has put some dark enchantment
upon it. But Tam and Weston do not know this. Tam decides to barge
the door down. He backs up a few paces and runs at the door.
His shoulder strikes the door and he bounces off. The wood ripples
with a gold fire that coalesces into the head of a burning serpent.
This creature strikes out at Tam, enveloping him in a globe of golden
energy. Krais watches with a mixture of mirth and disbelief as the
globe begins to float off the ground.
Death and Taxes
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