A Thing Called Change

See Also: Bardic Knowledge

Hafwyn sneaks up to the castle and watches the comings and goings of the people. A line of petitioners have arrived early for King Merridan is holding court today.

To discover the inner layout of the Grand Temple Lady Anne Mowbry, Quilate, and Keribrar speak with Verulo, a highly regarded Master Stonemason. He is having lunch at Jorut's Tavern in the market. He has done some work on the temple, but refuses to help them until they have helped him. They settle a dispute between himself and Mastersmith Lasso concerning some missing payment. Verulo says they should speak with Vitorii who he has done work with as well. Anne sighs knowing of whom he speaks and not looking forward to speaking with him again.

Thorne speaks with Seirian about those harmed by the King. She takes him to meet with several people, but it is Elora, an elven weaver, whose story is the most perfect. Her husband was imprisoned by the King on some random act and rumors say he was given to the pit. She knows Captain Savino, the captain of the king's guard, and believes that he would be willing to help her. It is also possible to speak with Litheria the king's seneschal. She often comes down to the poor and brings them food and coin.

There is no such thing as Death, though there be a thing called ChangeShe by H. Rider Haggard

Thorne comes to believe that many of the poor would rise up if they had a leader; although Seirian has her doubts. The people of this city fall back into bad habits after just a few minutes of sunshine. A dark humor has settled over the inhabitants of Fountainhead. Somehow the gangs always seem to know when something is happening in the market and quickly snuff it out. That will have to be dealt with before the people will rise up.

Without warning Seirian screams and falls over, a crossbow bolt buried deep in her side. Thorne drags her to cover and then pulls out the iron-headed bolt. After checking around to see if the assassin is still in the vicinity. Throne shoulders Seirian and takes her to the safety of the Watchers' House.

While Seirian recovers she tells Thorne of what she has been working against. She discovered that Queen Mirasandoral plans to bring her realm into this world. This land is so fraught with power from the Shadow Realms that such a thing is possible - very dangerous, but possible. It would mean the end of all mortal life in this area, but greatly increase her standing among the other Queens.

She knows there are many people that might be willing to stand up and reclaim this city from the constant avarice of the gangs, the destructive pride of the craftsmen, and the wrath of the king - but they lack of leader. She has spoken with them many times, but when she leaves they just return to that endless mind fog. She took Father Karl to a place she found that no spirit could enter. He returned with the Cup Everflowing. She hoped he could save the people, but while he is passionate he lacks focus and direction.

Thorne returns to Elora disguised as a beggar. He talks to her and sets her up as a direct connection between him and those Seirian has been speaking with until she recovers. Throne notices the same change in Elora while he is speaking to her, but when he leaves he notices she does not return to her mind fog. Something has changed within her, but he is unsure exactly what or why. He leaves for the Temple District to meet the others at the Grand Temple.

Verulo takes Quilate, Lady Anne, and Keribrar to the Pestilence Pustule and introduces them to Vitorii, whom they already met but they remain good-natured about his efforts. After speaking with Vitorii in his newly renovated about their options they go to the Grand Temple and petition for an audience. Vitorii gives them his personal recommendation so it is highly likely they will get to see the king today.

Hafwyn sees them entering the brothel, but decides not to meet up with them until they leave. The place does not frighten or deter her, but there is something happening in the public forum that she has not quite been able to determine. There is a pattern to the movement of certain people among the petitioners. Twice she caught a glimpse of a grey robe, but when she went to investigate they were gone.

The petitioner line is long, but it is still early in the day. By mid-afternoon they reach the front of the line and speak with Litheria. She warns them that the king is unlike to budge from his position, but they are willing to try.