Black Hart

To Kill A King

Chapter 26 - Restoration

As usual, Eloi was late.
The ride from then on, although worrying, had been eventless. They had taken the King, with an ever-increasing entourage, into the safety of Sheldomar Palace in the Keisling, and handed him over to the safekeeping of a band of Royal Guardsmen.
It was now late evening, and Aranon, plus some other priests, had seen to all the party's wounds. After being fed and watered they had retired for a few hours sleep, but were soon awakened by a page who told them that Lord Thoggin was due to arrive in town within the next few hours, and would be receiving them within the King's study. Jean-Paul had made certain they would all be ready before this, so that they might discuss all the events and be best prepared for the Lord High Mareschal.
Almost on cue, as Akhan rose to pour them all a glass of Port from a fine crystal decanter, Eloi entered. He glanced around at the books lining the walls of this study - he was beginning to despise books.
Eloi sat down as Akhan passed him a full-to-the-brim glass of deep red wine. He took a long, noisy slurp.
"So then," Mordekei said. "What do we need to discuss?"
The mage, as did all of them, looked weary.
Jean-Paul looked at the others before starting.
"Now that we have foiled Lominstrall's plot again and he and T'Lan are now dead, perhaps we should turn our attention to the other protagonist - Count Fimuth. What, say you all?"
Eloi dutifully nodded his agreement, although in his present state he would have agreed to a hot poker being stuffed up his arse.
"I'd imagine our friend Thoggin has the matter in hand," Tumbry mused as he swilled down his glass of wine. "He's quite terrier-like in mentality when it comes to matters like this, eh Aranon?"
Aranon was silent for a second, appearing deep in thought, then snapped his attention back to the conversation.
"Eh, what? Oh yes, right. By the way, has anyone seen Hamman? I take it he was alright?"
They all looked at each other and shrugged.
"Perhaps we should as Lord Thoggin when he arrives," Sholin suggested.
"And I suppose we should let this Berran know of the outcome too," Tumbry said. "And you never did get to tell us what your Drow friend let you know, Bermen."
Eloi quickly knocked back his third glass of wine, and the subsequent blurring of vision reminded him momentarily of when he was blind. He lost his concentration for a second, then again filled his empty glass.
Akhan was feeling restless. The last few hours had been exhausting but more annoying than the danger had been the frustration of being blind. Having his sight back now, he was keen not to sit around for the rest of the night telling Thoggin how'd they'd saved his precious King's bacon.
His eyes fell on the heavy glass stoppers of the decanters and, the deed following on the heels of the thought, he picked a couple of them up and began to see if could work his way up from juggling two to three...
Despite his concentration on the crystal projectiles whizzing through the air, he did catch the ranger's frown of disapproval at his antics.
"Bermen! So how did you despatch that worm Lominstrall then? Was it a head-lopping or a slow roasting over a bonfire..."
"It was neither!" Bermen snapped. Having shouted a little louder than he intended he felt uncomfortable and shifted around in his chair, crossing his arms defensively. "The bastard tried to trick me and I'd killed him before I knew it. Aside from those curious things he said, it was a fairly quick death. It was certainly more merciful than the treacherous bugger deserved.."
He stared moodily at the floor for a while, trying to ignore Akhan.
Eventually he said, "What worries me is all that business with the signs and magic at the windmill. Shabass T'Lan had plenty of time to kill the King but he didn't. He left him in the grip of some strange magic and I begin to fear that this was his real purpose all along. Slitting his throat would have been a simple matter when he found him wandering around. But no, he went to all the trouble of taking him to that windmill and performing whatever foul business that was."
His fears now out in the open, the ranger got up and went to get a refill.
Akhan stopped juggling and looked at the ranger.
"What sort of magic then? I heard only sketchy details while we were catching you up."
Leaning against the wall, Bermen considered, recalling the details of the scene.
"When I entered the room where the King was, there was a magic circle scribed on the floor. The King was staked within the circle by his hands and feet and was writhing in agony. He vomited and struggled and then collapsed and didn't move." Bermen paused. "Now, Aranon saved him from the poison he'd been given, but why go to all that trouble?"
He looked round at the others with a troubled face. Akhan sat now on the edge of the table.
"Aranon, Mordekei? Do you know what the Suel might have been up to?" Getting no immediate reply he snorted with amusement. "Probably a Scarlet Brotherhood dare. You know, Shabass loses a drinking game at the annual reunion and they say `Har, bet you wouldn't tie the King of Keoland down and make him eat, say...what, maybe a dog turd yeah..'"
"Fool!" Bermen exploded and kicked the table the thief was sitting on.
Akhan jumped nimbly back and his eyes narrowed, now wondering just how much he'd pissed the ranger off.
"This was the Brotherhood's game from the start, or so it seems to me. They had Count Fimuth in their pocket and they used Lominstrall. And what of all the dark mystery surrounding this Shabass T'Lan. What of those mummified hands we found. I shiver to look at the things! We have killed Lominstrall, we have killed Shabass T'Lan and I'm sure Thoggin will do the same for Fimuth when he catches up with him. But it seems to me we have succeeded without ever really knowing what those conspirators were really doing."
The passionate light faded from his eyes and Bermen returned slowly to his seat.
"Maybe I'm imagining things but I'd like some more solid reassurance. First thing tomorrow I'm going to see what I can find out about those vile hands..."
Sholin held a hand up to Bermen.
"Calm yourself, Major. We are all tired and have been through much this past few days. Let us not fall out over the deeds of others. What you describe to me indeed sounds like a demonic ritual, and I have to ask if it might be connected with the summoning I have heard talk of before."
Aranon was nodding.
"I told you before, Major, at least I intended to tell you. The mummified hands are a holy symbol for the worshippers of Tharizdun, He Who Sleeps. I think perhaps Shabass T'Lan wanted more than to kill King Kimbertos, but would have his soul for his master too."
Tumbry was shaking his head in disdain as he tuned his lute.
"I know little of this dark god, but the more I hear the less I like."
"You should fear the dark one," Aranon continued. "Iuz, Nerull, Hextor - he makes them all look like amateurs when it comes to death and destruction. Legend tells how all the gods, even the evil ones, feared him so much they worked together to defeat him. Even then, they could not kill him, only banish him to an eternal sleep, and it is his Awakening that his worshippers seek. Not that I knew there were any worshippers, they have been hunted to extinction throughout our history."
"Near extinction!" Mordekei added.
Aranon nodded in realisation of Mordekei's subtle point.
Jean-Paul looked concerned "If you fear there may be others involved in this cult of T'Lan's as you mention Aranon, then perhaps the king is not yet safe. Should we be hunting down the remaining cultists? What about Fimuth? What news is there of him?"
Eloi smiled and sat back in his chair somewhat relaxed and pleased with himself.
"Well, as far as I am concerned the matters over. I got to get back, I have a barony to attend to now. If Thoggin is off my back then I am happy. Look guys, the king is alive, Lominstrall and T'Lan are both dead. If Fimuth has any sense then he is long gone."
He turned and winked at Akhan.
"Just hope he hasn't taken that pretty wife of his, eh my friend."
Tumbry was strumming out a few chords that seemed to soothe the uptight Bermen somewhat.
"What did you gain from the Drow woman before she went on her way, Major?" Mordekei asked. "You have not yet told us."
Bermen felt himself calming down and nodded as Aranon confirmed his fear. At least they understood the danger.
"The Drow woman revealed the plan of attack on the King using the Shadow Dragon, although we arrived too late to prevent that in the end as you know."
The ranger noticed Eloi, Akhan and Mordekei looking glum at the mention of this and carried on.
"She told me that Fimuth had removed the Demonomicon from Zarn Varnt and that the Count had been turned traitor as a result of his debts, which the Scarlet Brotherhood had acquired. More than this she mentioned that Drow society is changing now that Lolth has gone."
Looking thoughtful, Bermen stopped there and stared into the distance.
Akhan chewed his lip for a while.
"Aranon, what's happened to the Demonomicon now then? Has Zarn retrieved it? Did you find it on Lominstrall?"
Aranon shrugged.
"First I heard of it was when Bermen mentioned it just now!"
He looked over at Bermen with his best look of clerical disapproval. Bermen blushed, realising he had forgotten this crucial fact in updating the High Priest.
"And you would know the Demonomicon of Iggwilv if you saw it!" he added. "It was nowhere to be found on Lominstrall or Shabass T'Lan. I would imagine that Fimuth still has it, or it is hidden somewhere in Axewood."
"A fearsome thought," Tumbry said. "Perhaps we can try to find it later by magical means. If we had the chance to deprive Fimuth of that powerful artefact it would be worth the effort."
Mordekei nodded in agreement.
At that, the door opened, and Thoggin entered. He looked even worse than they, as though he had not slept at all the past few days. He sighed as he sat amongst them, taking a goblet and filling it with the dark red wine Eloi had been enjoying so. He sighed.
"My thanks to you all, and those of His Royal Majesty," he said, staring down into the goblet. "The King is not well, perhaps some after-effects of the poison, but he is being tended to and will see you as soon as he can to thank you personally."
He looked up at them, appearing sombre.
"Hamman is dead," he declared in a matter-of-fact manner.
There was a silent emptiness in the room.
"Lominstrall turned him to stone, and our mages reversed that, but he could not be revived. We will have his funeral tomorrow, I think."
There was even more silence as Thoggin looked back at his goblet.
"Fimuth has disappeared - his golden-domed ship left Gradsul two nights ago. Since he could not have been on it, I am assuming he is headed for the southern coast and there will rendezvous with it, then flee to Fimsular. My Mareschals will be doing their utmost to spoil his plans!"
Thoggin cleared his throat.
"Anyhow, what news have you for me then? Has anything came to light that I should know of, any pieces to our puzzle?"
Akhan made an indelicate noise.
"If you call Fimuth being a traitor under the control of the Scarlet Brotherhood, whose agent Shabass T'Lan appears to be a disciple of the dark God Tharizdun a piece of the puzzle then yes! Oh and the Major here has just graciously informed us that Fimuth also pinched the Demonomicon from Zarn Varnt and may still possess it. What else have we got? The fact that it appears the King was staked into a very unholy circle by T'Lan and may have wanted his soul for his master. It's all very exciting here Thoggin..."
His face creased into a sour look as even he was beginning to find his own sarcasm a bit wearing. He carried on more seriously.
"Apparently when we were at Torrisz Keep, the Redemption jokers showed up looking for Lominstrall. I don't know if anyone told you about that. Anyhow, he was all they wanted, although they promised to kill us if we got in their way again which was kind of them. Bermen also had a nice cosy chat with a Drow we ran into there too. Apparently she told him about the planned ambush and the Shadow Dragon. Have I left anything out people?" Akhan looked around quizzically. "Eloi? "
Bermen stared at the floor, grinding his teeth as the thief wittered on.
"Pardon my ignorance," butted in Eloi. "Akhan said the Drow at Torrisz Keep told Bermen about the ambush and the shadow dragon? Why the fuck did you not tell us that Bermen, we might have been a bit prepared upon our return to the Axewood Road and Hamman may still have been alive today!"
"I think Bermen said," explained Aranon, "That the Drow told him about the Shadow Dragon when he left with her, after you had gone."
Jean-Paul stated, "I think I have had more run-ins with Redemption than anyone. Remember I bumped into them at Axewood when we were questioning Arganass' mage. The warned me off finding Lominstrall as they wished him dead. They seemed quite serious as they proved at Torrisz Keep. Did they intervene during the ambush of the king and where are they now?"
"Of Redemption there is no sign!" Thoggin said. "Unless they had some magical means of travel, which I would doubt given the time it took them to get there from Niole Dra, I would imagine they are somewhere close to Torrisz still. Who knows where they will head. Damned shame too - that Shebbedd O'Harle was a real soldier, a hero in the classic mould. Pains me to sign his death warrant!"
The distaste which Bermen felt for Shabass T'Lan's holy symbol prompted him to speak up.
"I recovered several items from the body of Shabass T'Lan."
With this he stood and walked over to the table where he spread the contents, avoiding touching the mummified hand.
"Aranon says that the hand is some holy symbol for the followers of Tharizdun. I have no idea what the rest of these may signify."
As the ranger laid the items out on the table, Akhan stared greedily at the potion. He stretched forward, planted his elbows on the table and gazed curiously into the depths of the bottle.
"Hmm, any opinions on what this might do?"
Everyone peered at the potion bottle.
"Unless you want me to check for magic, it may be some more of the poison that Shabass used on His Majesty!" Mordekei mused.
Aranon shook his head.
"Different colour I think, wasn't it Bermen. Anyway," Aranon said. Noticing the gleam of avariciousness that sparkled in his remaining eye, he added, "Akhan of the swift fingers, I think since Jean-Paul killed the bugger he should have first shout on any items we recovered, no? Perhaps we should gather together everything we filched so far and think about splitting it up fairly."
Akhan threw Aranon a disapproving look.
"OK, but I'm putting my name down for the potion. And if we're splitting stuff then maybe the rest of you could make do with a finger each, eh?" Akhan said, his humour returning with the morbid thought of attempting to chop up the mummified hand.
The ranger reached over and moved the potion out of the immediate reach of Akhan.
"That's all very well, Akhan," said Aranon. "Take the potion if you wish, but I would remind you that you have already taken what is probably magical armour from the find at Lominstrall's keep! Since no-one else has had their share yet, I take it you will be replacing the armour to take the potion. What we must do is lay out all the items we recovered and then share them fairly!"
Jean-Paul smiled at the others.
"I have little need for treasure, but would welcome the choice of any magical items that we may have accrued. Perhaps one of us should test the potion to establish its capabilities."
Eloi slavered at the thought of booty.
"I for one lost my only magical weapon, during our battle at Torrisz Keep. I would therefore appreciate the first choice in any magical weapons that we may have obtained. Apart from that more than my fair share in money would do."
Glowering at him from under his brows, Bermen said, "Lord Thoggin. I have one final piece of information which may mean nothing or could be most important. You shall have to judge as I cannot. Just as that snake Lominstrall was expiring at last, he said something exceeding strange. I will speak it now as closely as I can remember him saying it."
Bermen paused to compose himself, then continued.
"`The black heart can only be overcome by the master of the hunt. Blood for blood, he can be saved.' That was all."
Pacing now back and forth across the room, he began to think aloud.
"Whatever reason Lominstrall had for saying what he did, he cannot tell it now. That he said anything at all is significant though. He was dying and yet he struggled to impart this message. It must certainly be something which was most important to him therefore. A dying man does not tend to waste time in riddles."
Bermen paused in his pacing.
"Although I can imagine some who might indulge in doggerel out of ingrained contrariness.", he said in a hard voice whilst staring at the wall.
"It would not be a wild stab in the dark to assume that it has something to do with the conspiracy against the King. Now, I have thought closely about this matter since the Chamberlain spoke to me and my guess is that the one who can be saved must be our King. He is the one at whom this plot was aimed. However, what the rest of the message means I am less clear on."
"But why on Oerth would Lominstrall wish to warn you or the rest of us about anything?" Akhan quizzed. "The bastard did his damnedest to kill us all - why tell us anything?"
Sholin said, "Perhaps in death he regretted his choices, and wished to make amends. Still, as Bermen hints, perhaps we should be wary of anything he has told us and not take it to heart without testing! Could this blackheart be a person?"
Sholin's speculation on the possibility of `blackheart' being a person seemed to galvanise Bermen, who walked over to the monk.
"Yes! Perhaps this does refer to the guiding hand behind all this treachery. Does not it seem to you a very confusing muddle of enemies we face? There are the Scarlet Brotherhood, traitors from amongst our own nobility and Drow, all or some of whom may also be followers of a dark, almost unmentionable, God. In a fashion, it would almost be a relief to have one single enemy standing behind all."
Akhan looked around at the rest.
"Anyone heard anything even slightly similar to any of this drivel? Eloi, what about when you heard the summoning: was there any mention of black hearts and hunt masters?"
"The black heart," Aranon said, "I have never heard of, but it sounds foul and despicable. The Master of the Hunt, however, I have! It is a legend, a fable, of the Flan, I think. You know it any better, Tumbry?"
Tumbry smiled with a smugness that answered his question before he spoke.
"Basically, as Aranon says it is an old Flan legend. Whenever a great Evil stalks the land, the Master of the Hunt will bring his hounds to Oerth and hunt. Any who are caught in their path will run with them or be hunted. More than that I do not know, the Flan legends and songs are not my speciality!"
Bermen rubbed at his eyes then pulled his hands over his head to try and massage some sense out of all the confusion. He turned to Tumbry.
"The Master of the Hunt is a figure who will save the land from great Evil. Thus, for Lominstrall to have mentioned him as overcoming whatever or whoever `blackheart' is, he must have meant that it was the threat we face now. He can't have meant Shabass T'Lan as Jean-Paul was more than adequate at overcoming him!"
Bermen chuckled at the memory of the Brotherhood assassin being finished off by the paladin.
The dreamy look of appreciation gradually faded and he returned to the subject, his enthusiasm building.
"So, there is a greater enemy whom we must assume to have been behind all of the attempts upon the King's life. I suppose we must assume this `blackheart' is a person as I cannot think of any object which could plan all this..."
"I do not think," Tumbry added, "That it is told as a saviour, who would defeat great evil, but more as something that appears when evil 'stalks the land' as it were. And with all that has been happening in the past few years, I would guess if it were true then the Master has been doing a lot of hunting. Personally, I think it is just an old Flan faerie-tale to scare the children to their beds!"
"Perhaps you are somewhat biased," Aranon said, chuckling. "We Baklunes are not noted for our appreciation of the finer things Flanaess."
Tumbry nodded, a half-smile on his face.
Bermen stopped and looked mildly surprised.
"Wait. I have been assuming that Lominstrall said black heart as in this," he said placing his hand on his chest. "But what if he actually said 'hart' as in the animal. Would that make more sense to anyone?"
Akhan had turned away from the assembled treasures on the table and had been trying to look as if he was ignoring the potion. As the ranger had been talking he had looked more and more closely at the man.
Now, narrowing his remaining eye at him he said, "My, my Major. I think that's the most I've ever heard you speak in a single day. Been at the brandy have we?"
Akhan caught the murderous glint in the ranger's eye as he finished and hurried on before he was tempted to say anything more facetious. He slipped off the table and folded his arms.
"I can't argue with anything you say. It sounds fairly plausible but gets us no closer to finding this black Stag or Heart or whatever. That a threat still exists is plain, if Lominstrall spoke true. What we do about it is another matter. Thoggin?"
Akhan looked askance at the gnome.
"Are we boring you? Or are you about to go and arrest Mr Black Hart of Blood Street? Pity we killed everybody that was involved in the plot so far. Kind of leaves us with no-one to interrogate."
While Akhan babbled away at Thoggin, Bermen moved quietly over to sit with the 'relaxed'-looking Eloi. and asked the Baron, "Do you intend to set out for your Barony straight away Eloi? Myself, I hate to leave things half done but unless there is anything more for us to investigate then there is business of my own which presses on me. However, I feel the need of a drink after all these calamities - how 'bout a good drinking session after we're done here?"
Eloi laughed and clapped Bermen on the shoulders.
"There would be nothing I would like more than to get completely rat arsed in your company, my friend, and perhaps we can find a few well endowed women to keep us warm."
Akhan went and sat down on the table again. Looking at the floor he appeared embarrassed and became quiet again, then looked sharply round at the silent Thoggin.
"Hey, whatever happened to that mage you arrested for Arganass's death? The last Jean-Paul, Mord and I saw of her was being carted off to the clink." Akhan shuddered. "You released her yet?"
Thoggin appeared uncomfortable at Akhan's question.
"A tale of woe, I am afraid master Akhan. Within the week she was found dead within her cell - whether by her own hand or that of another we cannot tell, but I regret she is no longer with us to be compensated for her trials."
"And," he continued, "I know of no such person by the name of Blackheart - sounds like a pirate name to me. Perhaps I should have my sources in the south delve into that possibility. As for the Black Hart, Bermen - are you suggesting that we face a dread reindeer from the pits of Hell? Perhaps it will run amok eating the bark from all the trees in the Axewood till we have no furniture on which to sit, thus causing the end of civilisation as we know it!"
Thoggin stopped, apparently realising his tirade was a bit uncalled-for.
"Seriously though, I prefer the Blackheart idea. This trouble seems to have emanated from the south, and it is to there that my men will seek first. However, Major, if you should find out more on this Hart of yours, I will be grateful for your diligence!"
Bermen got the feeling that this was as much of an apology as he would be getting from the gnome!
Thoggin stood up.
"Well, I can but thank you gents and leave you to your own devices for the now, unless there are other matters you would have me attend? The King wishes to thank you himself once he is fully recovered, and I am sure that you have your own matters to discuss. Rest assured that the loose ends we have, like Fimuth, are being attended to!"
He walked over to the door, pausing as he reached it.
"Master Akhan - might I have a word with you in private?"
Akhan seemed mildly surprised as Thoggin opened the door, beckoning him outside. He walked over, somewhat apprehensive, and they both left.

************************

As Thoggin closed the door, he spoke to Akhan in a quieter voice.
"I wish to pry nowhere that does not concern me, master Akhan, so I'll be brief. The Countess is here in the castle, and has bid me to have you attend her tonight. She was in some danger, as the wife of a traitor, but I have sorted that problem - she is the cousin of Duke Grenowin of Ulek, and he would not be a good enemy for the Kingdom at the moment, or at any other moment. She will be returning to Tringlee for her safety in the morning. Jellat here will take you to her."
Looking round to where Thoggin gestured, Akhan saw a man, dressed as a servant standing in the corridor behind him.
Akhan's alarm at Thoggin's discovery of his relationship with the countess was momentary. What was the gnome employed for after all?
His chagrin was tempered by the thought that he had at least been discreet so far, although he was sure Thoggin would not hesitate to use it to his advantage if the chance arose. So, if Thoggin chose to be diplomatic then Akhan had no objections. So far anyway.
"Thank you, Master Thoggin," Akhan replied simply.
Motioning for Jellat to lead the way he took his leave.

************************

A minute later Thoggin opened the door again.
"Sorry to interrupt, but might I also speak with yourself, Baron Eloi?"
Eloi left with Thoggin, and the party half-expected Thoggin to again come in after a minute, calling the next person out. However the minute passed and they could hear the bass rumblings of Eloi's voice outside as they conversed.
Jean-Paul looked at the others with a wistful look on his face.
"It would appear that our task is over then for now. I would like to say that it has been a pleasure working with you all and I am sure that our paths will cross gain in the near future. I am saddened as indeed I am sure we all are by the death of Hamman, perhaps our last task before going our separate ways is to give him a proper and decent funeral."
Bermen began to drift off into a doze. Catching himself about to start drooling, he started talking again.
"I need something to do. Why don't I make an inventory of all the treasures we have collected by our efforts and attempt to make some sort of reckoning. I know Akhan and Eloi aren't here, but it might be best to start without them."
"As far as I can remember, the items on the table are all of the treasures I have gained since we divvied up the coins at Torrisz. Anyone else here got anything to add to the pile?" he asked the others."
"Did you not search Lominstrall before we left?" asked Tumbry.
Sheepishly, Bermen and Aranon shook their heads. Mordekei pitched in.
"Well Akhan got that magical suit of elfin chain, and we gave the Elixir of Life to Eloi to revive him. I cannot think of aught else we found."
"As for Hamman's burial," Bermen said. "We should discover what sort of interral would be suitable to one of his rank. If we petitioned the King on his behalf, I cannot think that he would refuse to do him the honour he deserves."
"Remember that he is a noble of the Sea Princes, who was here in secrecy after his defection," Aranon added. "Whatever we do, and we should run it past Thoggin first, will have to be pretty low-key. Any burial would draw unwelcome attention to the King, and perhaps to Hamman's resting place for the less wise of His Majesty's subjects. If you like I could hold a small memorial service on the morrow."
Bermen ruefully agreed to the necessity of a quiet burial.
"We should do him the most respect we can however. It would be fitting if the King were to award him some sort of posthumous honour. Perhaps we should sound Thoggin out on that too."

As the door closed, Thoggin smiled at Eloi.
"You have worked well, Baron, in the King's service. You are all that I hoped for and more!"
Somehow, the compliment failed to impress Eloi.
"I sense hostility from you, Baron. I do not seek your friendship, but feel somehow that I do not deserve you enmity - were it not for me, you would be dangling from the end of a Keoish rope by now. Instead you are a Keoish noble, a hero of repute and a servant trusted by the King himself."
"I just wanted to say, that I do not require your services of the moment. You have a Barony to attend to, so go there and sort your personal matters. I will contact you when next you are needed!"
"Thank you for your kind words." replied Eloi "You are right, I have little friendship for you Thoggin, but you have my respect. My present role is not through my own choice, but yes, it is better than dangling from the end of rope."
Eloi did not savour these words, but felt it better to patronise Thoggin with his respect.
He looked quizzically at the Gnome.
"I am sure that I will not have a quiet life, being under your cosh. Still I am sure that I will have an interesting and eventful life under your patronage."
"If there is little more for us to do here for know, then yes I would like to return to my Barony to make my acquaintance with the area. I have never had a proper home before."
Again, Eloi did not show his true feelings, as far as he was aware the Barony was a run down, indebted outpost at the furthest borders of Keoland. He had as much desire to go there as he did to spend another day in the presence of Thoggin.

************************

Jellat led him through the corridors, and out across the courtyard of Sheldomar Keep, to the north-west tower, which Akhan had thought, the few times he had seen it so far, looked more like a prison.
Indeed, when he entered, his thoughts were confirmed from the number of guards about the place. A puzzled and worried look crept across his visage.
"It is quite safe," Jellat said, noticing his worried look. The servant spoke with as thick a northern Keoish accent as Akhan had ever heard.
"It is the safest place for my mistress," he explained. "The King's bitterest political enemies, had he any, are housed here, and it is quite comfortable."
He led Akhan over to a set of spiral stairs, and they ascended two flights before he led him past another four guardsmen to a door. Jellat knocked firmly on it and, after being bid to enter, opened it for Akhan, ushering him through.
Akhan stepped through cautiously, unable to shake that feeling he would be found out for a thief and a rogue and imprisoned here. A smile beamed from his face, however , as the door closed behind him.
There, in a white and silver gown of finest Baklunish silk, sat Hanali, her long brown and golden hair being brushed by one of her handmaidens. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, and waved the handmaiden away.
As the door closed again, she walked gracefully over to him, and they kissed, not passionately as before, but comforting, as though reassuring each other they had survived intact. After holding each other for what seemed like ages, they moved over to the couch where Hanali had been
sitting.
"I must leave tomorrow, for Tringlee, where my cousin, Duke Grenowin may protect me from my husband, and any others who resent a traitor's wife."
Akhan nodded in acknowledgement.
"There I can live in peace with my children, and although I will never see the Axewood again it will be a better life that I lead there. At least, if..."
She trailed off.
"At least if, what?" asked Akhan, unable to think what she would need, although he already understood that she was going to ask him to accomplish whatever deed was necessary.
"My children are not yours, and I am the wife of the greatest traitor the Sheldomar has known since Karlas of Dreadwood. I have no money, and only the power of my family to protect me. Could you live with that, bold Akhan? Would you come with me to Tringlee tomorrow, and be with me there?"
Akhan was lost for words - and that shocked him almost as much as Hanali's proposal.
To cover his bewilderment, he smiled at Hanali and said, "As for being the wife of a traitor, I'm not too popular in certain circles myself."
But his quip was half-hearted and he sat back in the seat, frowning.
"Hanali, I'm a vagabond. I cannot change my nature however much I would wish it otherwise. Yes, I wish to be with you in Tringlee. I care nothing for what the world thinks of you - and
money can always be acquired," this said with a wry grin.
"But I would not go with you under any sort of pretence. I have never stayed in any one place for very long. And my talents are not generally appreciated by the law-abiding people of society. You are the most beautiful creature I have ever met but you must know that however much I adore you I could never promise to stay with you forever."
Akhan looked imploringly at her, "However, I don't think I could ever stay away from you for very long at all either. Hanali, I wish to come with you if you would still have me..."
Hanali smiled, the smile that made Akhan wish he were and full-blooded elf and would live to watch it for those centuries she remained while he rested in the grave. She took off his hat, running her fingers tenderly through his hair.
"So be it, Akhan, so be it! I think I would have no more success at tying you down than I would the wild Zephyr in the sky, and I have even less desire to do so. We shall be together as and when it suits, and apart also when the mood takes us."
She laid his hat on the seat and stood up.
"Now the sooner you return and bid your friends goodbye, the sooner you will be back. We leave at dawn tomorrow."

************************

Aranon nodded and smiled.
"Very well then. A funeral tomorrow, or a memorial if we cannot do so. Then, I think I will be returning to Oakhart to enjoy my retirement, and focus more on my daughter and my new temple I had planned to build."
"I will accompany you," Tumbry said. "Its back home to Fax and a bit of quiet living for me. I guess that'll be difficult enough with Turrosh Mak on the doorstep, I imagine that old fool Sheyr Bn'Griz will want us to be involved in ridding the lands of his menace."
"If you would not be insulted," Sholin said, "I would beg your leave tonight. I am sorry for the loss of your friend Hamman, but I did not know him and have much work to be getting on with. Shabass T'Lan was not alone in his treacheries."
"I suppose I had better return to home to see what that fool Zakanieth has been getting up to in my absence," mused Mordekei. "So long as my home remains in one piece, that is!"
"I wonder what is keeping Akhan?" Aranon thought aloud.
Mordekei shrugged.
"What of the rest of you?" Tumbry asked. "Any plans, major? Sir Pascal?"
Bermen frowned, looking genuinely tired.
"I really have no idea Tumbry. I feel I should report back to my unit. But I am unsure where they are and I feel the need for some rest after recent events."
He answered Tumbry knowing that he was lying. He felt nothing but a burning desire to see his son. Somehow he would manage it. The 'how' didn't matter and Bermen hardly bothered to think about it at the moment as he was so focussed on his goal.
"I need a couple of days rest before I do anything though. I can't think of what sort of approach to take at the moment but I can sleep on it."
"But to get back to the present: Mordekei, could you detect and identify any magic items for us? I'm sure we could work your fee for services into the splitting up of the proceeds... What say the rest of you?"
Waiting for Mord's reply he felt his desire for a good drink rising. He hoped Eloi would return soon. The Baron would be sure to be on for a session tonight and that would ensure that he couldn't be plagued with any disturbing dreams or restlessness.
As they talked, the door opened and Eloi strode in. He seemed a bit too serious for the usual Eloi, but not overly so.
Eloi came over and looked at the loot on the table.
"I have decided to return to my barony. Now that I have the title I suppose that I should really see what it is like? Hopefully it will have a full wine cellar and plenty of buxom serving wenches. As for the booty, I'll be happy to take any magic weapons that we have accrued to replace my magical dagger which I lost at Torrisz Keep, and a little bit of financial aid as well. I would be happy for any of you fellows to return with me to Ammar and who knows our paths may
cross again for I do not think we have heard the last of Black Hart."
Jean-Paul smiled.
"I should return to my fellows, the Knights of the Shield and assist them in their cause. I assume that we still pursue the Horde in their rout from Keoland and my skills will be required there."
"The baton of Sholin's is the only weapon we have, Baron," Aranon said. "I for one would have no objections to you claiming it. I am amply armed and armoured, and indeed intend to have little need for such things in my retirement. I will choose last, take what you all would. Perhaps, if it is clerical in nature I would take the scroll, but with such a minor amount of treasure I am happy to forego any magic."
"I too have no need for any weapons," Mordekei added. "And I will also choose the magic scroll, if it is of use to me rather than Aranon. I feel perhaps that Jean-Paul, who did kill Shabass, should have first pick of that treasure though!"
"I will be happy with a share of the money," Sholin said. "I have sufficient magic, and will be donating my excessive share to my faith."
"Perhaps the Major should also be favoured, as he finished Lominstrall!" said Tumbry.
Aranon shook his head.
"We all took part in those kills. I flamed Lominstrall, and from what I hear you also struck Shabass, Tumbry. No, I think we should proceed in terms of need - Akhan obviously needed the armour, so he has that. Eloi needs a weapon, so he should take the jo stick, if indeed it proves to be magical. Mordekei and I can divide the scroll and the sling and bullets, depending on what the scroll is, although I would imagine it would be neither, given that Shabass was not a cleric or a wizard."
"So that leaves the potion, the bandanna and the coloured chalks," Mordekei surmised. "Although I would think they were merely fine chalks for summoning purposes and not magical. To be split, I suppose, between you Major, Tumbry, and yourself JP!"
Tumbry looked to Jean-Paul.
"Go ahead, JP. Your choice!"

************************

Akhan made his way back through the courtyard and eventually to the room where he had left the others. He noticed that his clothes were rather the worse for wear and he determined to go and buy some soon.
Re-entering the room he saw the others dishing out the platinum pieces and his smirk returned. Laughingly he said, "Now doesn't this look like a good time for a game of cards!"
However, he showed no sign of producing a pack of cards and proceeded to parcel up his share of the loot.
With a rueful look at Aranon he continued, "I suppose you're going to be all moral and insist I pay for the potion if I want it eh? Ah well, probably only get myself into trouble with it again."
Hefting the bag of coins Akhan drew up a chair next to the subdued-looking Eloi.
"I don't know if the rest of you have decided where you're going now this seems to be over for the moment," he said, looking round at them all. "But I have plans that will take me to Tringlee now and I'll be leaving at dawn tomorrow. So I guess I should say goodbye to you all."
He held his hand out to Bermen.
"Now don't get all emotional on me," he grinned, causing the Major to crack a smile, before a more serious look appeared.
Akhan paused and then said, "I might be going now but I appreciated being part of this company. I'm not fond of boredom and we certainly found plenty of entertainment along the way to saving the King's ass."
The half-elf looked a bit bemused.
"Basically I'm trying to say good luck and watch out for yourselves. And if you need me you can probably reach me at Tringlee. Or get a message to me through the Duke of Ulek. I shall be staying with the Countess Celanil."
But before anyone could comment on this he had whipped out a dagger and planted the point deep into the arm of the chair in which Eloi was sitting.
"Just in case anyone wants to make any remarks - don't. The Countess had no part in Fimuth's treachery and I'll quite happily slit the throat of anyone who cares to dispute it. I'd be surprised if there wasn't at least one secret each of us would like to keep to themselves so lets' just keep it that way."
Subsiding back into his chair, Akhan turned to Eloi, "Thanks for the loan, Baron. Wouldn't want you misplacing such a sharp knife and accidentally sitting on it."
"If you must leave at dawn, Akhan," Aranon said, "Then we should hold a memorial for Hamman before then. Shall we all meet here at first light then?"
They all agreed.
"Perhaps," he continued, "Tumbry and I might join you on the road to Tringlee. I have not been to Celene in many years, and it would be as reasonable way to return to Oakhart as any. What say you?"
"You still have not chosen your items, Major, Tumbry," Mordekei said.
Bermen scratched his head while he perused the items left on the table.
"Well, if I have to choose then I suppose I'll have the potion. Mordekei, would it be within your powers to identify the contents? If so, I'd be willing to pay a reasonable fee for your services." He looked quizzically at the fusty mage.
As the ranger sorted out his deal with Mordekai, Akhan responded to Aranon's proposal.
"By all means Aranon, I'd appreciate your company."
Bermen continued to scratch at his head, trying to figure out if he should just say "To Hell with it" and taste the potion.  He picked the bottle up and stared into the depths of the liquid, shaking it once or twice.  Then, realising that everyone was looking at him he put it back on the table.
Akhan had a rather eager look on his face. 
"Hey, what about a sweepstake on the potion's powers?  We can all throw in a gold piece and Bermen here can do the taste test..."
The ranger frowned disgustedly
"Go ahead Mord. Identify it for me will you.  I'm sure your charges are reasonable."
"I suppose," Mordekei said with an Akhan-like grin, "That I could be persuaded to lower the average quality of my clientele just this once."
The dismay on Bermen's face was evident. Obviously Mordekei [OOC: For the seventeen-millionth time, its spelled with an 'e', not an 'a'!] had been around that half-Olven scallywag for too long!
"I'll get the potion back to you tomorrow afternoon, Major," he said, taking hte potion from him as Tumbry took the headscarf from the table.
"I for one," said Aranon, "Am glad to be heading to my bed tonight."
He got up from his seat.
"I will bid you all night, and arrange for someone to rouse you in the morning."
As he walked through the door, he paused, turning back to Eloi whose mouth was already open, half-way to emitting a witty repartee.
"And I did say, rouse, Baron Eloi - not a-rouse!"
The others chuckled as Eloi was left, gab agape, pondering at the humiliation of being outwittted by Aranon on the humour front. It was good, however, that the dark cloud of serious business that had hung over most of their heads for the preceding weeks, now seemed to be lifted.
As the door closed, Akhan yawned. It was a long, slow feline yawn that stretched every muscle in his face and neck, to the point where he thought his jaw was about to cramp. It was, of course, immdeiately succeeded by a similar contortion from most of the others in the room.
One by one they bid their goodnights and left, until only Bermen and Eloi remained to pursue their drinking.

************************

Previous Chapter

Return to Black Hart page

Return to Greyhawk Matters

Next Chapter