The Past is Never Dead

See Also: Bardic Knowledge

Lady Anne Mowbry, Keribrar, and Quilate planned to meet the others at the Veridian Vault former location in the Blackhouse District. As the near the territory claimed by the Rover Gang there is a line of white-hot ash. The ash is moving as is creatures the size of a man's forearm are hidden beneath. The heat given off by the ash is hot enough that it is uncomfortable to get close.

A small black stone creature no bigger three apples high rises from the rubble and rolls over towards them. The Warden's voice speaks, “Who passes this land.” They make introductions and within a few minutes Warden arrives with one of his hounds and allows them to pass.

Thorne and Hafwyn are having breakfast at the Watchers' House when Seirian and Father Karl arrive. After some polite conversation it is clear that both Seirian and Father Karl still cannot remember much but fragments of their time in the ruins. They unconsciously finish each other sentences, which can be a bit disturbing.

Father Karl has to leave as he is planning a march today. The faithful have made crosses to hang those who fatten themselves off the labor of the people. They will march from Locust Watch to the Temple District to demand the king act. He has spoken often before the king about the plight of the people, but this time they march in numbers. Hafwyn and Thorne learn the king has not been out of the Bone Temple in years.

Father Karl leaves and the others go to the Veridian Vault.

“History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man.” Percy Bysshe Shelley

When everyone arrives at the vault they go to visit Gorrick and get their promised guide in exchange for ten sets of clothes. Outside the tavern the kids are using they find three men manacled and working on building a stone foundation. The kids have captured the men and are making them work for their freedom. Those who refuse to work are fed to the Grimshaw. Throne and Anne both try and convince the kids of a different path, but they seem set on this course of action. They must be prepared to defend their territory against the other gangs.

They go down the passages beneath the tavern to Gorrick's great hall. The decorations have improved and Gorrick is dressed in more finery. He even looks more physically fit, which he attributes to the Grimshaw. Before the negotiations can begin he summons his new seneschal, which he seems eager to show off. All great leaders have a chief steward and so he bargained for one. One of the Lord of Shadowdark's vampires enters the room with a brightly colored staff. This is a disturbing turn of events.

The negotiations begin with the seneschal pointing inconsistencies out occasionally, but otherwise content to listen. They negotiate ten sets of clothes for a guide to the ruins, a lamp, and enough lamp oil for a full day. Gorrick says he will only take them as far as “The Tower” as that is the last safe area before the ruins. It is agreed upon by both sides. Gorrick calls in a much older boy named Rog. He is a surly teenager not afraid to throw defiance into Gorrick's teeth, but agrees to lead them as long as Gorrick continues their bargain.

Quilate and Keribrar speak to the lad while he is collecting his gear. His sister fell during a robbery and broke her back - she cannot walk. Gorrick agreed to help her in exchange for Rog's services. He has killed and stolen for Gorrick these past months. His sister is improving under the care of the Grimshaw, but progression is slow. Keribrar tells him to go to the bottom of the city and speak with Father Karl. He is a great healer and may be able to help.

The last thing he pulls from the storage is a small leather box sealed with string. He says this box contains stones that will keep the Mistress of Darkness from stealing people in the night. He tells them tales of kids simply disappearing when they stay the night in “The Tower,” especially those injured by the bodies. He will speak no more of it, but allows Quilate to examine the box as long as he does not open it.

Lady Anne speaks with the weapon-master teaching some young kids knife work. She is impressed with the efforts of the hard traveled goblin. He would fit in training the militia back home. The morale of the kids is high as victories have brought them wealth and respect (or at least fear).

The gear gathered everyone lines up behind Rog as he leads them into the deeper tunnels.