ADVENTURE LOG XXIII

SOMETHING IN THE WATER

The air still stank of smoke, but the fires had died out, as Byron, Calli, and Nightingale returned to the circus’ training grounds. A deep depression in the earth where the tunnels had collapsed remained, but strangely, it was already grown over. All around seemed as they’d last seen it, but that area specifically seemed as if a great deal of time had passed, and they began to get nervous that the mist might not have just moved them through planes, but also through time. The sun indicated it was late morning- earlier than when they’d left-, though they had not passed a full night since then, and they stood in uncomfortable silence considering the potential repercussions.

A sudden burst of snow swirled into existence nearby, thick snowflakes shed from the growing ball of white as it formed two humanoid shapes, one large and muscular, and one shorter and slim, until the snow vanished as if it had never existed, leaving Taylan and Travis standing in their place. The two looked like they’d been through hell, and Travis had Taylan’s arm around him to help keep him standing. They were covered in blood and dark ichor, their clothes were torn, and Taylan’s cape was smoldering. The two limped towards the other Flowers, who rushed in to close the distance. Byron recognized the post-rage exhaustion taking hold in Travis, and got there in time to keep the both of them from falling to the ground.

Calli immediately cleaned them off with prestidigitation, and then pulled out the curing wands to begin tending to the wounds. In contrast to the state of the new arrivals, the other three mostly just seemed fatigued. Byron and Nightingale only had a couple of minor wounds, and the only indication Calli had been through anything at all was her disheveled hair. In healing the party, one of their cure light wands was fully expended, and she had to start using the cure moderate.

Everyone spoke at once initially, and then in more ordered fashion they took turns explaining the extraordinary adventures they’d been on, and introduced Focker’s new familar Owlett to Taylan and Travis. Taylan showed off his new cape clasp, and the strange ability to become entirely forgettable it bestowed upon him. Nightingale asked if that’s why Taylan’s hair was now green, but that turned out to be a side effect of the chameleon ring he wore. As Travis and Taylan finished their tale, everyone was horrified to hear the depths of the dragon-queen’s madness, but the trio were relieved to hear they’d only lost a day of their own time, and pointed out to the duo the unusual landscape. They all then turned to warily inspecting the area. It had the look of a landslide that had happened months prior. They concluded the tunnels left by the ants and the strange worms must have collapsed, and the strange mist that took most of the party away had to have caused the localized time shift.

Finding no sign of remaining ants, or anything else, they trudged together back to the Varisian camp by the river, with Byron and Calli on the real horse they’d borrowed from the Varisian’s - Nightingale having had no more summons in him until he managed a long rest. They were welcomed warmly, and after hearing the tale of the mists, nodded in a knowing manner. Father and Little Mother explained some of their kin sometimes travel the mists, but they are strange and dangerous. Little Mother said her troupe would do their duty and travel to the abandoned village they’d returned in and ensure it was properly sealed. Sometimes places the mists had been remain thin, and people and creatures fall through unless their people can finish closing the rifts.

The Flowers were thanked for their assistance by Mother and Father’s groups, and both promised that word of their valor would be spread as they traveled, so that any Varisians they met going forward would treat them with kindness in turn. The Flowers were also given a necklace with a green crystal they would be able to give the Dusk Wardens for free passage through the Halflight Path up to Kaer Maga. Byron reluctantly returned the horse, and then the groups settled in for another relaxing night sharing stories, this time focusing on telling the tales of the people lost in the days preceding, so that their memories would live on.

Father had another bath drawn up for Calli, and Nightingale guarded her on the other side of the modesty screen, much to her dismay. She eventually gave up trying to get him to take a night off, and instead focused on the relaxing water, when she remembered their trip into the realm of madness and the peacefully fishing Trevor they’d found within. Before retiring to a painted caravan for the evening’s rest, she found Eska and made a quiet request. They disappeared off with a few of the other Varisians for a short period of time, and just as Nightingale was getting ready to hunt her down she reappeared with two fishing poles, and passed one to Travis. His eyes lit up like a child’s on their birthday, and he took a moment to find the words to thank her. The Flowers slept deep and without interruption, gratefully trusting their new friends to keep watch for them.

The morning was lovely, bright sun tempered by a playful breeze keeping it comfortable, as Father and Little Mother’s groups said their goodbyes. They heard pairings between the two agreeing to meet each other again in nine months to share if their unions had been fruitful, and the Flowers wished them all well. Little Mother’s troupe headed south, and Father’s crossed the river North with the Flowers, where they parted ways at a signpost that indicated a rudimentary track to Kaer Maga via Sirathu. The flowers took the trail, and were once more on their own.

————————————————————

They were settling in for another long day of travel, when Travis gets a strange familiar itch as if he’s being watched. He looked about and noticed Nightingale also subtly looking around for where the feeling was coming from. They gave a small nod to each other at the sky to their left, and Travis made a show of rubbing his nose to cover him warning the others that they were being scryed upon.

Taylan had been looking up and to the right, and openly pointed, “So, not that one, then?” Their hearts sank as they realized not just one, but two unknown entities were keeping tabs on them. After a minute or two the sensors separately blinked out.

Calli expressed relief that at the moment all the watchers saw was them on horses in the middle of grassy nowhere.

A few hours later the path had been carved out through a low hill, leaving ridges on either side high above their narrow track. At the turn, they heard the scraping of rocks, and all around them goblins appeared on the ridges surrounding.

“Stop where you are! Stand and deliver!,” the tallest of the small green creatures squawked in broken common. “Give us your money and we’ll let you pass.”

Travis snarled, “Fuck off, or I’ll eat you!”

The goblin who had spoken hesitated, and turned to a cohort timidly, “Maybe we should just let these ones pass…” Some of the other goblins nodded, agreeing. The cohort and the one who spoke had a short argument that ended abruptly when the tallest was stabbed through the eye by the other, killing him in one.

The new leader brandished its bloodied weapon at the Flowers, “Stand and deliver! Give us all your gold!” Travis repeated his vicious threat, but this one held up an amulet it wore around its neck seemingly made of green glass, “I’m not afraid of you! We’re protected by dragon magic!”

“Dragon magic? Well we have a dragon with us.” Calli sneered.

“Helloooo,” Taylan waved jovially.

“What kind of dragon protects you? Where is it? Because ours is right here.” She gestured.

The goblins around the leader began bickering, debating over whether they were lying or not, so Taylan transformed his hands into his white dragon claws eliciting an impressed “oooooh” from the small bandits.

Byron raised two fingers, “Just fuck off, before I feed you to the dragon!” Some of the goblins took a few steps back.

“I’m very hungry.” Taylan offered, still sounding more friendly than fearsome.

One of the braver goblins expressed doubt, “He doesn’t look like a dragon.”

“Well you don’t look like breakfast, but if you carry on, you will.” Bryon stared daggers at it, and it stepped behind one of the others.

“If you’re a dragon, where’s your tail?.” the leader challenged.

“That’s very rude! You don’t know what he’s been through,” Calli acted scandalised at the question.

“I’m a goblin, I’m allowed to be rude!,” it taunted.

“Everyone’s allowed to be rude,” was her retort, “but you can choose not to be.”

“Is that a choice?” One of the tiny followers piped up, “Have we got a choice about being rude?”

Calli wrinkled her nose and stared down the leader. “Look, I’ll show you. You’re fucking short.”

“Calli,” Gale scolded.

A couple of the other goblins snickered, and one went, “Ooo, burn!”

The leader looked around flustered before defending himself, “Don’t be stupid, that applies to all of us, we’re all the same height!”

Nightingale shook his head and pointed at the leader, “No, that one’s definitely shorter.”

A slightly gangly goblin nearby piped up, “Told you so.”

While the goblins bickered, Travis nudged his horse to carry on, and the other Flowers followed. They got a bit further before the goblins noticed, and the leader again shouted, “Stand and deliver, your money AND your life!”

Travis showed them his middle finger, and the group slowed but didn’t stop. Goblins scampered along the ridge, keeping pace. They heard one of the small green figures lament, “She’s going to be so cross with us if they get away.”

“Who’s your dragon?” Calli asked of the worrying creature.

“Oh, a very fine lady!”

“Is she green?”

“Yeah! Do you know her?”

“Yes, we do know her, she’s expecting us, and if you interfere she won’t be happy about it.” She used her best stern voice.

Taylan, thinking quickly, chimed in, “I’m her son, look at my green hair!”

The goblins showed obvious confusion at this announcement. They fell back into bad attempts at whispers as they debated between themselves. “I thought we were meant to kill and eat them?” one asked, and another chimed in, “Yeah, and steal something!” “We’ll steal everything if they’re dead.” “But we were meant to rob a white dragon, not a green one.”

“White?!” Travis boomed, “He’s green! Why would you attack a green dragon?”

“We’re green and all.” one sneered.

“Well there you are, we’re all friends here. When the white dragon comes along, you can attack that one.” He gave a tusky grin as if the matter was settled.

The goblins bought it. “Oooh, he’s not here yet!”

“Go back to hiding and you’ll find he’ll reach you in about another hour. Job done.” The half-orc gave a gentle flick of his reigns, and his uninterested mount once more moved along, with the rest of the party close behind. The goblins thanked them, and the Flowers heard the sound of them bickering over who would be their new leader receding as they escaped the attempted ambush.

————————————————————

They traveled the rest of the day, and as the sun disappeared in the distance they found a trail marker letting them know they were only a couple of miles out from the village of Sirathu. Travis also noticed something more concerning: rapidly approaching shapes in the darkness. At his warning, Calli noticed the normal sounds of nature had gone completely silent, and between the two of them they warned the others that it seems like a number of wolves had surrounded them and were now moving in. Not natural wolves, however, they were moving as if they were following orders. The group assumed that after the failed deception and the failed outsourced ambush, the green dragon was setting her cross-bred wolves and their more mundane pack upon them.

They quickly went over their options, and chose to try and make a mad dash to the town. The beasts would get a few attacks in as they rush past, but it was a risk they were willing to take. Calli sang an arcane speed into the horses and the riders with a haste spell. The wolves lept into their light as they spurred on their mounts, jaws snapping near misses on all sides. Only Taylan was unfortunate enough to be caught, exclaiming his pain as his leg was enclosed in the vice-like muzzle of a beast. A rapidly spreading red stain spread up his white trousers where the razor-sharp teeth tore into his calf. With a violent shake of its head, the wolf unseated Taylan and he fell from the saddle, landing hard in the dirt track with a loud grunt.

The horses made sounds of panic as they began fleeing, but hearing Taylan’s cry out the Flowers turned with worried faces to see if they’d need to change their plan. From the ground Taylan began making gestures as if to dimension door himself back on to his horse, but wolf attached to his leg shook its shaggy head again and the spell fizzled as the triggering words became another scream.

Nightingale had luckily been at the back of the group, and cast reach to cause his arms to grow unnervingly long. He grabbed Taylan’s arm with one of his spider-like limbs as he passed, and yanked his young friend off the ground. The wolf was not eager to lose its dinner, and resisted, teeth dragging down Taylan’s leg, shredding flesh as it attempted to hang on. Taylan kicked out with his other foot, dislodging the monster, and settled in behind Gale on his horse.

Calli’s voice sang a menacing song, inflicting a dirge of doom on all that attacked them, giving the horses a better chance at the bullrush past they were attempting. Wolves lashed out, but the horses ran through, and in one case, over the wolves. Travis saw a cloud of dark shadow exit the snout of the wolf as it was trampled under hoof that drifted back into the deepening night that surrounded them, but they didn’t have time to investigate.

The Flowers pushed their mounts hard, leaving the howls of pursuing wolves behind as they raced to Sirathu. Finally they saw a small hamlet ahead, and Byron began calling out warning that they were being pursued by many beasts. As they got closer they saw the many guards on watch were members of the Korvosan city guard, armed with lanterns and pikes. The guards lept into action, moving the barricade just in time for the horses to thunder past.

The Flowers pulled up on their reigns and dismounted as soon as the horses had slowed enough to allow it, then rushed back to the guards to ensure the barricade was returned and prepare for the coming attack. Travis warned the beasts seemed to have dark shadows within, as if possessed, and Nightingale explained they weren’t acting like normal wolves but seemed to be following the orders of someone, or something, else. One of the guards nodded, and said they’d been getting attacked for weeks. “We heard the howling, and were getting ready to deal with them. It isn’t always wolves, last time it was bears.” The Flowers could now see the guards, in addition to pikes, also sported bows and arrows on their back. These were the ranger guard of Korvosa, who roamed the countryside ensuring the safety of the people outside the large city.

Their Captain arrived, and hearing the report introduced himself as Captain Darksun. He thanked them for the confirmation that the creatures seemed to be acting with intelligence, and directed them to the inn, The Fountain, to see the local landlord Edward Costabrook for healing. He then began calling out orders to his men, and they demonstrated practiced experience and capability in how they began executing his plan of action.

Assured they would be called if needed, the Flowers left the barricade and began guiding their horses across the village as directed. In the central square a beautiful white ornate fountain stood ostentatious and incongruous with the rest of the simple and humble hamlet. Notable Korvosan coats of arms were sculpted in to it on all sides, Calli easily picked out the Jeggare crest as they passed by. In spite of its size, only a slow dribble of water issued forth.

The spell Nightingale had summoned the horses with helpfully ran out as they reached the inn, and they dematerialized. Stepping inside the inn clearly named for the landmark they’d passed, a tubby bald man spotted Taylan’s limp and bloodied trousers and called to an equally round woman his age, “Go and fetch Miss Emma, someone else has been attacked.” The woman had been wiping mugs behind the bar, but she dutifully set down her work and shuffled out the door. The man then addressed them directly, “Greetings to you all, don’t worry you’re perfectly safe here. The local holy lady will come to look at your wound, but while you wait can I offer you some stew? It’s humble fare, but it’s warm and filling!” He settled them at a round table and they all agreed that sounded lovely. “I’m Edward Costabrook, local landlord and something of a community leader here.”

Calli cautiously mentioned how remote the hamlet was, and inquired what the latest news from Korvosa was. Edward apologised, saying it had been some time since they’d heard anything at all, and the party relaxed a little hearing that. Calli brightened and introduced herself honestly, causing Travis’s stress to return, as he thought they’d remain in disguise for the whole journey. She let Edward know there was only grim tidings from the city, and that they were lucky to be so far removed.

Edward asked if they were familiar with Sir Jasper Plather, warning he’d certainly want to speak to them if they carried news. It was obvious Edward was not impressed by Plather, though he made a thin attempt to speak highly of the man. He was grateful when Miss Emma arrived and interrupted the conversation.

Miss Emma turned out to be a young girl, maybe 11 or 12, yawning and guided by a pair of anxious parents. They fretted over her, asking if she’d be needed long, as their daughter hadn’t been sleeping very well of late. The girl waved off their concern, proclaiming that Pharasma’s will must be done. The child carried herself with a regal air, polite and knowing, which made for a strange juxtaposition. She picked out Taylan as the injured, and held one dainty hand over his bloodied leg as she spoke, “May the Blessings of Pharasma be upon you and guard you as you heal. There you are.”

Everyone waited expectantly, and nothing happened. Seeing the certainty on Emma’s face, and the beaming pride of her parents, Taylan awkwardly proclaimed, “Oh yes, that was really helpful. Thank you.”

“Ever since Emma woke up next to the fountain she’s been able to bless all sorts of things!” her mother bragged. It seemed that the parents, Emma, the landlord, and his wife all absolutely believed that the child had powers. They asked when her powers manifested, and the mother said Emma really should get back to bed as she hadn’t been sleeping well of late, but Emma said she didn’t mind.

The story went that the girl had been going about her day when she found herself waking up by the fountain, which was producing water for the first time. The fountain had been the subject of some contention as when it was installed the hamlet had been promised fresh water, but it had never produced a drop before Emma’s nap.

They were interrupted by a strident voice loudly complaining that he hadn’t been informed of new visitors, and the pompous owner followed soon after. The gentleman looked every bit a giddy, and Calli welcomed Sir Jasper by name, asking him to mind his manners and let Emma finish her story before interrupting. Jasper bristled, accusing the girl of having no magic at all, but Calli was insistent, so he held his tongue had his bodyguard bring him a chair. His muscle, Pickle, was a swarthy fellow covered in scars, with long lank hair, and gauntlets covered in spikes like the head of a mace. Pickle sized up the party, gaze lingering a bit on Byron - whose build and spiked gauntlets rivaled his own-, and the two recognized each other as a potential threat. Nightingale’s eyes shone briefly with arcane power, and he detected Pickle radiating illusion magic, similar to that from Travis and himself. What they were seeing was not all there was.

Costabrook brought Plather some stew, which Sir grumbled about, so Byron loudly ordered some of the fine stew and a drink for himself. He payed with a gold coin that Edward attempted to refuse, but the barbarian’s stern insistence won out.

Once everyone had settled, Emma- not bothered in the least by the interruption- continued. She said she had been woken by Captain Darksun, but had been having a wonderful dream of a beautiful woman who lived in a large spire. The description of the woman matched that of the goddess Pharasma, and it was by her blessing that the fountain now ran. This had occurred the year prior, and the water had been clear and constant ever since.

Edward explained when Kaer Maga had ceded the hamlet to Korvosa the fountain was built to bring water to the location as a promise of how it would thrive under the new rule, but the promise had not been kept. Some unpleasantness with the Chelaxian Empire when their patron diety died had distracted Korvosa, and they’d never returned to finish the job. The inhabitants were all (minus Jasper) very grateful to Emma and Pharasma for the water they now enjoyed.

Nightingale, eyes still detecting magic, stepped outside and took a closer look at the fountain. The water was being summoned by some sort of transmutation magic, and he found nothing malicious or untoward about the phenomenon.

Calli thanked Emma for her story, apologising for interrupting her rest, and offered to sing her a lullaby to help her get back into a sleepy demeanor. Emma looked a bit strangely at her, and said she would like that very much. The bard performed a variation on a sweet and simple tune her own mother had sung her when she was a child, and Emma sat in rapt attention until it had finished. Afterward, the small girl asked Calli if they could speak again on the morrow, and getting affirmation, announced to her parents she was ready for bed. The trio left, and Jasper wasted no time insulting the parents as sniveling peasants.

The Flowers fixed their attention on the rude man, learning he was the appointed representative from Korvosa and had been there for a few years, but had given up on trying to educate the locals on fine society. They shamed him for his lack of decorum, showed their Drake’s Marks as proof of their good standing, and broke the sad news of the King’s death and, from Travis, a quick-fire summary all the tragic things that have happened since. Chastised into a better respect for the safety his remote post has afforded him, Jasper asked Edward to bring out the good brandy, and even added a sincere ‘please’ to the request.

They learned from him that the animal attacks had started a couple of weeks before, and there was nothing they could pinpoint as to what may have caused it. He didn’t seem to have any useful information at all, calling all Shoanti savages, Kaer Maga a lawless place full of strange people, and telling stories of the kinds of monsters they’ll need to avoid up the Dusk Light Trail to get there. He was more concerned with asking after people he knew in Korvosa, like the Carowyns. He mentioned their fantastic parties, and The Flowers remembered the gruesome sights of dancing undead they first encountered at Carowyn Manor. They let him know about Lady Carowyn’s death, but that Ausio does well for himself. Nightingale quipped that the parties are still good, thinking about the chaotic joy of the Old Korvosan refugees now housed there, and Jasper was surprised to hear Gale had been to one. Nightingale explained he was Calli’s bodyguard, which confused Plather further. He had assumed Nightingale was Calli’s Lord Chamberlain, Taylan the whipping boy, and the two larger men her bodyguards.

“They’re all my bodyguards,” Calli cooed with a mischievous grin.

“And I’m the toughest one of all!” Taylan preened, “Isn’t that right, boys?”

Travis gave him a brief eyebrow before nodding and confirming, “Yes, boss!”

“They call him the White Claw,” Nightingale explained.

“And everyone knows he’s a Hero.” Travis jerked a thumb in the direction of the short half-elf with reverence.

Nightingale followed, “He’s a beast! You wouldn’t want to cross him!”

“Oh, oh, my apologies!” Sir Jasper began backpedaling.

Byron made a soothing gesture, “It’s all right, not needed. He’s currently tame.”

Jasper, having decided he respected the visitors, asked for their names, and received Calli, Bear, Serlord Taylan, Travis, and Fletcher March (Nightingale). Plather asked Costabrook to put them all up for the night and given provisions on his tab, and then bid them goodnight. Pickle, who had been quietly posturing at Byron the whole time, trying to look bigger and more intimidating, let out one final growl in Byron’s direction before he left. His shirt rippled with magic that revealed a bare torso covered in pronounced muscles, to which Byron just laughed, causing the goon to stomp out after his employer.

Something about the peacocking jogged a dusty old story in Nightingale’s mind. He recalled his parents talking of the day they met, his father’s friend going missing and being replaced by someone whose description matched Pickle’s with uncanny accuracy. In fact, Pickle was even the name of the man who was meant to have killed his mother, before Clara and Adam outfought and outsmarted them. Gale’s grip tightened on his mug, and he foresaw himself having a late night.

Captain Darksun entered, joining them at their table, and asked if they’d been healed by Emma. He asked as if he knew the girl didn’t actually possess any quick curing spells, and when the group confirmed, he admitted he knew she didn’t have that sort of power, yet, but he had to admit people blessed by her did heal quicker and wounds healed more cleanly than those that did not. There was something odd about her, sometimes she had incredibly accurate predictions, and knew when she was going to meet people. She’d have dreams to warn her of their coming. When he first arrived he had been wearing a friend’s armor, and Emma had asked him why he wasn’t wearing his usual clothes. Fields blessed by her do tend to grow better. So while she didn’t possess any flashy instant magic, there was something about her.

Calli pointed out she was still a child, and with time would likely become a great cleric, and Darksun agreed. She asked when he’d last heard from Korvosa, and he admitted Sable Company used to stop on their rounds every week but it had been a few since they’d been seen. She then put a question to him, “In dire circumstances, would you consider the word of the Queen or the word of Cressida Kroft as more reliable?” This caught him offguard, but he stood firmly with Cressida, calling her a good woman. Taking this to mean he could be trusted, they gave him the same summary they’d given Jasper, warning him of how dire the situation in town had become. He was horrified to hear about Sable’s disbanding. He left them to turn in for the night, and Byron made clear that if anything happened they would all be available for assistance. The Captain looked uncertain at the three more unassuming members, and Flowers again took up their praise of Taylan as being a fearsome opponent.

“I hear even Byron the Bear is afraid of him,” Nightingale added. Byron’s eyes narrowed.

“I fought him once.” Taylan smiled at Darksun’s disbelief.

Byron’s low voice rumbled, “Don’t push it…” but the guys had taken hold of the gag and were running with it.

“THE Bear? Tattoos?” the Captain gestured to his right arm, clearly he recognized the name of the champion pit fighter.

Travis nodded with wide-eyed seriousness, “Yeah. Scared. Takes one look at him and he’s running and crying like a baby, it’s unbelievable!”

“They called him The Cub after that,” Taylan avoided Byron’s eyes as nearly everyone laughed.

“We’ve all seen it! Isn’t that right, BEAR?” Travis clapped Byron on the back with a tusky grin.

Darksun looked suspiciously from Flower to Flower.

“I lost money on that fight,” Nightingale chuckled unconvincingly.

“Riiiight…” Darksun stood as if to move on.

Byron stood as well, “Captain Darksun,” he put out a hand to shake, letting the sleeve of his travel shirt ride up his right arm revealing intricate floral designs inked into his skin. “Well done. Did you earn a few coin?”

“Ah,” the armored man quickly realized the situation, “Haven’t had the pleasure.”

“Well it’s a pleasure to meet you, now.” Byron then asked if there was a stable master who might have helped the Sable Company with their griffons when they stopped in, and Darksun explained the Sable took care of their own, but he was in luck, as their stable master was an ex-Sable guard named Berrick. He let Byron know where to find him on the morrow.

Captain Darksun wished them a good night, and took his leave. Byron turned and cuffed Taylan upside his head, as the Flowers burst into laughter again.

————————————————————

The Flowers are shown to their rooms and then left to their own devices. Byron acquired some straw and made sure the egg’s makeshift sling nest was properly padded out. Travis spent time using his alchemical skills to check the water of the fountain and ensure it was in fact clean, clear water. Calli shut herself in a room alone to update her notes on their adventure. Nightingale asked Taylan to accompany him on a night walk. Taylan used a wand to heal his leg, and they set out together, Nightingale filling him in as they go.

The two are stopped by a guard as they wander through the streets, and they ask for directions to Sir Jasper. They’re pointed to a home larger than others in the hamlet on the outskirts, and take a stroll by to scout it out. It’s solidly built to withstand attack, no obvious entry points that aren’t seriously barred and shuttered. They didn’t see any particular guards on patrol of just the home, though the previous guard did let them know Pickle stayed within and guarded the place at night. Without any way to progress without potentially causing an incident, they returned to the inn, and joined the others in a night’s rest.

In the wee hours of the morning Travis is woken by some unusual noises outside. Cautiously alert, he crept to his window and stood to one side before peering out. To his surprise, it seemed a large number of people were sleepwalking, all headed in the same direction out of the town gates. He quickly woke Nightingale, and then clambered out the window on to the roof to get a better view while Gale woke the rest of the party. The tiles are slick with morning dew, but his sturdy form kept it’s balance in the chill air. With his darkvision he noticed among those wandering off were Sir Jasper Plather, and all of the town’s guard that were meant to be on watch that night.

The Flowers dressed and gathered with haste. Travis took the lead and they were able to quickly catch up with the meandering runaways. Nightingale and Taylan worked out there must be some sort of charm or spell that activates at night. They decide not to immediately try to wake anyone, but see where they’re headed to hopefully put a stop to the source of the sorcery. They aren’t too far outside the town when they come across little Emma, sitting and rocking nervously on a large rock.

Her face brightened as the Flowers reached her, and she sighed, “Oh good, you’re here.” She described how it had been happening for a couple of weeks, but that she didn’t know where they go, as she hadn’t been brave enough to follow them any further than the rock. The sleepwalking started before the animals started attacking. She’d had a dream it would happen, not a good one, and actually woke up walking with her parents in the crowd, so she had started tying her parents to their bed, and staying on watch until everyone returned. This is why she hadn’t been sleeping much. She’d tried to have her parents bring her out this way in the daylight, and they agree, but once on the path turn around and take her elsewhere- completely unaware they were doing it. She had been praying to Pharasma for the courage to follow, but was given a vision of someone who would sing her a song that was very brave who would help. She smiled at Calli, who assured the young girl she was smart not to go alone, and that they would indeed investigate. Emma suggested they look at the sleepwalker’s faces. As they leave, they look like they’re having nightmares, and as they return, they’re at peace, as if someone was taking that out of them. Thankfully, no one has ever returned hurt.

They commended Emma on her vigilance, and assure her she had been very brave indeed. Sending her back to keep watch over her parents, they continued trailing the sleepwalking villagers. Taylan activated his new cloak that made him seem like he was meant to be in whatever group he chose, and acted like one of the shuffling sleepers. The rest of the Flowers followed from further back, keeping careful eyes in all directions.

After about a mile they crested a hill and saw a cave in a rocky outcropping that the crowd were slowly funneling into. Taylan hung back and waited for the others to catch up, then cast invisibility sphere so they could all spy inside together. Trevor took the lead, with others holding him and each other, so that his dark vision could keep them from running into anything they shouldn’t. Nightingale cast light on a coin and tucked it into a pocket, just in case. It was cramped and laborious movement, but they succeeded.

The cave opened into a huge damp cavern, even those who couldn’t see heard subtle lapping of a large pool of water curved around the back half of it. One by one the villagers approached the water, kneeled, and vomited dark shadows into the pool. Travis recognized it as what he’d seen escaping the wolf that had been trampled in their escape. On the far side of the cavern were furred creatures who took turns drinking at the pool until after a black flash of fire in their eyes, when they would move back to make room for another. He could tell that after the dark shadows entered them their movement seemed less natural, more puppeted. It took many of the villagers to fill even one of the creatures, so that once the crowd of about thirty had turned and left there were only three of the animals being controlled. Just as Emma had described, the people seemed at peace as they left, and the Flowers clung to the side of the passage to avoid any bumping into them as they went.

Before The Flowers could decide how to proceed, a voice spoke to them from the darkness. “Wouldn’t it be better if we all had a bit of light?” Travis was surprised to see Pickle walk forward from behind the creatures, as he hadn’t seen him at all before he spoke as he’d have expected to. Pickle was looking directly at the invisible group in the darkness as if he could see every one.

Calli conjured her dancing lights, and Nightingale flicked his shining coin towards the voice, and the rest of the Flowers took in the sight. The light sources made it clear that the creatures behind the bodyguard were a dire wolf and two normal wolves, all standing eerily still and alert waiting for commands.

“Do you like what I’ve set up here,” Pickle idly pet the head of the dire wolf, “A slightly flawed Wish spell.”

“Wish for what? What do you want?” Taylan challenged.

“Me? I don’t want anything. I’m happy to be the one that brings about the fulfillment of the wish.”

“Well whose is it?” Taylan prompted.

“Jasper’s.” Pickle grinned, enjoying making them work for each answer.

“And what does HE want?” Taylan huffed as the Flowers slowly moved further into the cavern to gain a better position.

Pickle opened his mouth, and in a perfect mimicry of Sir Jasper’s voice, “I wish this ridiculous little hamlet would realize there are more important things to worry about than having a working fountain and clean water!” In his own voice he continued, “I think the villagers have that now, don’t you?”

He was clearly no ordinary bodyguard. Nightingale asked, “Who are you?”

“I’ve got many names. Pickle is just the one I choose to use at the moment.” His body shifted to that of a young woman and with a delicately female voice continued, “On occasions I’ve been Doris.” He changed to a plucky young man, “Frederick.” He returned to the form they’d first met. “I quite like being Pickle.”

“Did you ever take part in the games run by the Academy?” Nightingale showed no emotion as he asked the seemingly incongruous, and Calli looked at him curiously.

Pickle’s smug expression faltered, he was used to being the one in control of a situation, and he wondered what these victims knew. “Yeah, I was. Fought some duels. Are you a duelist?”

Nightingale ignored the question and pressed on. “Ever killed anyone?”

“Many.”

“Ever killed anyone named Martin?”

“Who can tell amidst so many?”

“Big guy, liked an axe. You took his place for a duel against a woman.”

Pickle’s face relaxed, “Oh yeah, why, you related?”

“No, not me, an associate. You did kill him, then?”

“Yeah, me or an associate. Back to the matter at hand, what are we going to do now?”

Without another word, Nightingale drew his weapons. The Flowers sprung into action.

Calli sent Rune towards the wolves, and the tiny lyrakien few a loop over the dire wolf’s head, sending sparkling stardust into it’s face. It snorted, and then looked a bit confused. Calli tried to cast at Pickle, but her magic couldn’t get through his own. Adding up everything she knew about the entity, she suspected he was some form of demon. She moved further into the cavern, trying to put some distance between the group.

Nightingale closed the distance with a charged rapier, but Pickle deflected the blow with one of his gauntlets. Taylan also tried to cast a spell at their foe, but it fizzled out as Calli’s had. He moved after her to the right side of the cave.

Byron ran in and pounced on to Pickle, and though he rained his usually lethal blows, only one managed to pierce, and not even very deeply. Pickle looked at him in surprise and gave a shocked, “Ow!”

Travis harnessed his rage, and focusing his weapon into good alignment, rushed forward to join Byron and Nightingale in melee. He, too, struggled to connect. Focker and his familiar Owlet flew up towards the ceiling and waited for instruction from Byron.

The dire wolf, in its confusion, turned and sunk teeth into the neck of the smaller wolf to the side, who yelped in surprise. The wolf bit back in defense, and the third wolf came to its aid, nipping at the dire wolf’s flank.

A small chuckle started in Pickle’s chest and grew, and grew, as he seemingly stopped concentrating and his magic illusion fell away. Where he once stood was now an enormous Glabrezu demon. It stood 18 feet tall, with multiple horns, a back covered in spikes, two sets of arms- one muscular mortal pair ending in clawed fingers, and a spikier set ending in massive razor-sharp pincers, and giant raptor-clawed feet. He flexed his four arms, and unleashed savage retaliation upon the three nearest. He struck each in turn- taking chunks out of Byron and Travis with claw and pincer, and managing to lean down and bite into Nightingale’s lunging arm.

Rune fluttered up to the ceiling out of harm’s way after failing to daze one of the smaller wolves, and Calli began playing to inspire courage, hoping it would assist in everyone landing their blows. She maneuvered further into the cave, slightly closer, hoping something so big might be easier to touch than hit at range. Having gotten a better look at his demon form, she warns the others that it’s resistant to- but not immune- to fire.

In spite of the song, Nightingale made more doomed attacks, even slicing his own leg as one of the thrusts rebounded off the demon’s scaled hide.

Taylan wove a dispel magic over the demon, but other than Pickle blinking in confusion and sending a glare towards the half-elf, there was no indication of what effect it may have had.

Byron planted his feet and using his natural bone claws raked them down Pickle’s ribs, leaving trails of blood. More satisfied with these attacks than his last and accrediting it to Calli’s assistance, his eyes found hers, and he gave her a quick wink before returning his focus to the fight at hand.

Travis swung his axe, and Calli had a premonition that caused her to call out to him, “Twist it to the right- now!” The gallant inspiration worked, and his weapon buried itself into one of the giant pincers.

Focker, having seen all the damage the front line took, dropped down to Nightingale and cured some of his wounds.

Pickle smirked, and wiped some of the dripping ichor from one of his injuries with apparent pleasure. “It’s been a while since I’ve had any decent exercise!” He again made punishing attacks against the trio, leaving them all bleedng in new places.

The wolves’ natural instincts took over as Pickle was busy concentrating on the fight, and they continued squabbling between themselves. The dire wolf thrashed its head, snapping the neck of the smaller one it had first attacked and dropping the lifeless body to the ground. It then backed up in time to miss an attack from the other, who instead ran head-first into the cavern wall stunning itself in the effort.

Rune followed Focker’s lead and fluttered down to return a small amount of Travis’ health, while Calli pulled out their cure serious wand and creeping forward behind a boulder, touched it to Travis to further boost him. Pickle caught her movement and managed to snap at her arm as she did, leaving large lacerations deep into her forearm, but she managed to succeed in spite of the attack.

Nightingale continued to slash and stab, finally getting through the demon’s tough shell, but at the cost of notching his blade. He exclaimed in wordless frustration.

Taylan tried further dispelling, but this time failed to penetrate the unholy spell resistance.

The human barbarian got another of his claws into Pickle, who was starting to show signs of the damage he’d been taking, but the demon still seemed to be enjoying every moment.

The half-orc barbarian also continued chopping into the demon, the edges of the wounds he caused sizzling as the good burned into the evil.

Focker healed Nightingale again, just before the demon got another full round of attacks. Do to the extra burning from Travis’ axe, he changed who he was hitting with what, and grabbed Travis with both pincers and violently rended them out, causing Travis to groan in pain. Pickle hit Byron with both his claws, and again bit into Nightingale.

The wolves continued harrying each other, both doing significant damage to the other.

Seeing how badly the party was faring, and how close to collapsing Travis seemed, Calli made a decision to let him get one more round of attacks in before removing him from the danger zone, so she delayed her action.

Nightingale struck true, but his magic hit the same resistance the other casters had faced. His second attack nearly missed, but Calli again called out a direction just in time to drive it home.

Taylan fired another spell off that passed by Pickle without touching the demon, and the group began to worry.

Byron missed his next attacks, and Travis only made one of his, the ground under them slick now with their blood making it more difficult to maneuver. Knowing Travis wouldn’t be able to take further damage, Calli leaned forward from her spot behind the boulder next to him and firmly pushed him forward, as if towards the demon. Travis’ eyes went wide, but as he took the step he suddenly found himself landing where the cave opened into the cavern, safely out of reach. She’d cast jesters jaunt to remove him entirely from immediate danger.

Focker continued healing Nightingale, while Rune focused on the demon and summoned a blast of sparkling starlight from Elysium. He wasn’t expecting the starlight blast that flashed in front of his eyes, and his head jerked back at the glittering pain.

Pickle snapped Rune and Calli with his pincers, leaving Rune near death and Calli further injured, clawed Byron two more times, and continued chewing on Nightingale.

Gale, angry that he’d been so ineffective, attempted to make himself invisible, but struggled to execute the correct motions with the injuries he’d sustained.

Taylan, still untouched, continued flinging arcana that failed to land.

Byron repositioned and was able to make two more jabs, leaving deep punctures from his claw that oozed dark ichor.

Travis retrieved one of his cure serious potions, and downed the bottle in one.

Ducking back behind the boulder, Calli cast haste on the party, and Focker swapped targets to come heal her some. Rune made a full retreat, making sure she was out of demon range.

Pickle looked around at the carnage he’d been causing, pleased with himself, gave Byron the same treatment he’d given Travis. He grasped him between his pincers and ripped apart, leaving him looking dangerously low. He landed one of his claws and another bite on Nightingale, who joined Travis and Byron in appearing very near death.

Calli began to consider that maybe a full retreat would be their only way out of this situation, when Nightingale used his own rage to hold up his rapiers and plunge them both into the monster’s chest at the same time. A black and red lightning-like effect crept from the torso into the magus, as he cast vampiric touch to steal some of the demon’s health. Pickle began disintegrating into dust outward from the wound Gale caused, but before it reached his face he gave the party a toothy grin and promised, “I’ll see you again.”

They all stood completely still for a moment, processing the ordeal they’d somehow survived.

Byron, having never been so injured before, scooped Calli up into a tight hug. “Thank you.”

“We get closer to death each time,” she warned.

They all heard a whimper, and saw one wolf remained living, but with the demon’s death it regained control of its senses, and it tucked its tail to flee from the cave.

Travis watched as the unnatural dark shadows released from the spring, leaving only crystal clear water behind.

Byron used the last of his rage to knit one of his wounds together, before Calli gathered the others to one place and began the long process of healing. She used all the charges in their cure light wands, and had to start on the cure moderate she carried.

Once everyone was basically recovered, and Calli had prestidigitated away the blood stains and mended their clothing, they trudged back to the hamlet. The guards on watch were still asleep at their post, where the Flowers let them be and returned to their own beds, lamenting that other than one small girl, the town would never know how famed heroes The Flowers of Korvosa nearly died saving them all.

————————————————————

They slept late the next morning, and when they came downstairs a bright-eyed Costabrook reported that he slept very well, and felt quite refreshed. In fact, he said it seemed most of the village had a good night sleep.

As they ate their late breakfast, Sir Jasper came looking for Pickle. Byron and Nightingale mentioned he looked dodgy, and that he was better off without him.

The Flowers exited the inn and passed young Emma sitting on the edge of the fountain, waiting for them. “I had quite a nice dream last night. Pharasma came to me and told me many things about heroes. A great deal of evil was put to bed after a mighty battle. I think you all deserve a blessing.”

“After that, I don’t think any of us would say no,” Nightingale laughed. She took his hands, had him kneel, and kissed his forhead. The others saw the spiraling comet that is Pharasma’s symbol glowing white where she’d kissed before it sunk into his skin. One by one, she did the same for each of them. The next time they needed it, they’d each have one use of a cure serious spell. The Flowers cheered, and thanked her earnestly for her gift.

Byron stopped in to speak with Berrick the stable master, who gave him tips on how to care for them, and the kinds of things they eat. Byron made notes for himself, and then returned to the others who were waiting on the horses Nightingale had summoned. He gave his favorite, Gypsy, an apple, and then swung himself up on her back.

Only Emma was there to see them off, and she waved until they were out of sight.

The 6th of Desnus passed pleasantly, the road from Sirathu to Kaer Maga was straight and well-worn. It wasn’t until later in the day that Calli and Travis both began feeling the eerie sensation of being watched. They felt two spots of magical scrying, one that seemed to burn like acid, and the other that felt decidedly demonic. They warned the party, and all agreed the acid must be the green dragon, but there was some discussion over whether the other was the blue- or perhaps one of her minions. The sensors popped out of existence after a handful of minutes, and they continued on their way, unable to do anything about it.

Eventually they spot what seems like clouds in the distance, but as they approach it grows in size until they realize it’s the vast wall of the plateau. The towering sheer cliff was at least 1000 feet tall, dizzying to contemplate. Irregular holes dotted the side all the way up. They crossed the final river and reached a small way-station with merchants, caravans, and travelers all mingling and doing business, either coming or going. Throughout the camp are people wearing brown leather uniforms, reinforced hats, a matching symbol painted on their gear, and all wearing green amulets looking like the one the Flowers had been given by Little Mother. These were the Duskwardens.

The Flowers handed over their amulet and were added to a small group for the journey. Their assigned guide sized each of them up, and singling out Byron, Nightingale, and Travis, warned there may come a point where their skills would be required on the Halflight Path. “Stay ready.” Addressing the group at large, he warned that on the trail there was to be absolutely no sound at all. No whispers, nothing. He passed out small charms similar to the green amulets and explained if anyone became separated from the party, they could activate it and he would come find them- but under no circumstances stray from the path.

Taylan asked why silence was so important, and the Duskwarden explained there were things in the dark they didn’t want to attract.

Calli raised a hand and when she had his attention mentioned that she was a bard, so if there was a fight she could help, but it would require sound. They guide deadpanned, “If we’re in a fight, something’s gone wrong, and the things in the dark are there already. In that case, you can talk.”

He continued explaining that the path would lead them occasionally over areas that wound through the outside of the wall in the open air, but it was crucial everyone stayed silent, even there. The warden checked over each member in turn, padding with cloth or cork anything that might be noisy that couldn’t be removed. Calli stowed away her more jangley jewelry. After all the precaution, and yet another warning about sound, Calli asked how long it would take to reach the top, and gave a visible sigh of relief when their guide confirmed if all went well it would only take an hour.

Their guide introduced himself as Duskwarden Pallance, and introduced them to the others they’d be travelling with. Smiling Jack Freeman, his daughters Hazel and Peridot, and their merchant cart. Calli passed out bits of paper and writing utensils to everyone, just in case, after taking a moment to ensure everyone in the party was suitably literate.

All possible precautions taken, there was nothing left but to follow the Duskwarden up a ramp, past an entrance that had been completely blocked off, and into the soundless darkness of the Halflight Path.