Guides Along the Path

See Also: Bardic Knowledge

Again a small number of Reavers form ranks and attack the east wall. As on schedule the large multi-limbed demon comes out of the forest and whips a larger force of small demons to attack the north wall. When a number of Reavers split to attack the weakened River Gate the wealthy of Glory Ridge come to its aid. After hours the attack is turned away, but the loses are more severe. What is worse is that during the fight some of the Karashites looted the manor house of Lord and Lady Liese.

Oswald, who has spent the last several days at the bottom of a cask, rouses himself. It seemed like such an easy task, but in reality finding Countess Beatrice Hapsteng has proven difficult. Her manor is nothing more than a smoking hole and wherever she is nobody is talking about it.

Belenus comes out of the donjob, new blades in his hands. He speaks with Yswa about what happened inside. The man is grateful, but senses that his time on this world is dwindling - the sin must be paid in blood. He tells him to seek out the decedents of Horenski The Winter Witch. Her people live in the mountains to the north. The Daughters of Ice and Wind may be gone, but some might still follow the old ways.

Yswa's people had been enslaved by the Ruenlak People for many generations. In desperation they took the living stones of the mountain and brought then to the Zaber River. Yswa sought to force the elemental of the mountain to free them from captivity. Of course he would do this by holding the elemental captive; no evil deed bears good fruit. Horenski, the greatest among them, bound the elemental so that it may never again touch the stone. She claimed the entire mountain for herself.

Belenus is concerned the village will be in danger when the elemental leaves. Yswa assures him that they will leave if by some miracle that should come to pass. If Belenus wants to free the ancient thing then he should seek out Dobry as the Mladovians know much about the spirit paths in this valley.

Oswald goes to request and audience with the Lord Marshall. He works to speak alone as one of the Queen's Guard is always with him. There have already been several attempts on his life. He manages to convince the guard to at least wait outside the room. Once alone he tells the Baron what teh Daughter of Karash told him the Baron cautions him to never speak of this. Most of the nobles and knights in these halls and along the ridge owe their loyalty to her.

Oswald explains that with this fleet the people of this city can escape. She has promised to raise a fleet the likes of which the world has never seen. The Baron agrees not to speak of this conversion, but he cannot overtly help him. Lady Hapsteng has far too many allies, even inside his own staff. He can provide Oswald with a dozen guard uniforms so that his people can inquire discretely.

A few short hours later Oswald meets with the representatives of the Lords of Water to discuss plans for finding Lady Hapsteng. Ingram and Karol, a helper for Gerro both agree. They will go to Irlo the ropemaker and get the uniforms. In exchange Oswald agrees to let them pick what ships they want of this fleet.