The Spirits of Yesteryear

See Also: Bardic Knowledge

Hafwyn, Keribrar, Lady Anne Mowbry, and Thorne get back safely to the Veridian Vault with Quilate. His injuries have been poorly tended, but he still lives. Anne tends to his wounds while Keribrar tells him what has transpired the last days. Tending Quilate uses up the last of their supplies so Anne and Hafwyn go to the market to purchase more. Quilate, Keribrar, and Thorne go to the Temple District to visit Thaogut.

While in the market Anne begins asking around about who is in charge and how things are done. The only answers she can find is that multiple people claim to be in charge, but generally their authority extends only as long as they are nearby. There are the gangs of Waterdeep who are always after protection money. Each of them claim some territory in the market, but not enough control to hold it more than a few days. Janos holds sway in Crofterton through gangs of craftsmen. Finally King Merridan holds sway in the Temple District, but not anything beyond it.

Asking so many questions has drawn unwanted attention. Hafwyn notices that they have been shadowed for the past few stalls. In fact they must have reached a point because the thugs are surrounding them. It is too late to flee, so it will have to be settled with fists. They notice the large man from the Sword and Bones who was with Gabor. Anne tries to appeal to the man, but fails to get him to understand.

The beating is swift and not fatal. This was a message from someone to stay out of their business. Their only lead is Gabor's man.

Thorne, Quilate, and Keribrar travel through Crofterton with the distinct feeling of not being welcomed. They spend no coin only hoping to pass through without a fight. They do reach the Temple District without difficulty, but those they passed would be unlikely to welcome them back. Keribrar and Quilate drew the worst stares. Given that nearly everyone they saw was human it was not surprising they stared at the least human-looking of their group.

Before they can find Thaogut the come across a preacher one a stool calling out the name of his god to save the people. He has a message of hope for some, but retribution for others. He rails against the elves for killing the people of this land and clouding the thoughts of the righteous. Her sermon is filled with references that the land and water has been poisoned against the free men. He brings forth a holy cup to offer blessed water for the faithful. The people line up to drink from the cup, which is suddenly filled with water. When they leave it is clear they are more aware of themselves and their surroundings, no longer wandering in a haze.

Quilte gets in line to sample some of the drink. When he gets to the front of the line Father Karl, the name of the priest, offers the blessings of Techiuan. No matter how many drank from the cup it never seems to empty. When Quilate reaches the front of the line he offers to trade the priest's cup for a fine telescope. When the priest turns down the offer, Quilate wants this cup so much he steals it from the good Father and flies up in the air. The priest is maddened that someone would steal a holy artifact and calls for the guards to stop him from stealing it. Quilate is disappointed the cup empties once out of the priest's hands so he flies down and returns it.

Three guardsmen in tabards tackle Quilate and pin him to the ground. Keribrar tries to intervene on his behalf, but is recognized as one of those elves Father Karl was just speaking against. Father Karl, praying to Techiuan, his cup overflowing approaches Quilate and tries to banish the darkness from him. Not wanting to be “cured” Quilate rolls and twists nearly twists free of his captors. Keribrar draws in his magic and using the wood of the stool Father Karl was standing on plugs up the cup. Seeing such evil magic one of the guards rushes Keribrar and throws him to the ground.

Father Karl finally touches Quilate and recoils in horror. He exclaims that the jundari works for The Outsider and will cloud the minds of the faithful. Fearing a riotous mob Thorne moves towards the guard and drives fear before him. One of the guards flees and the other are shaken enough to loosen their grip. Father Karl knocks off the wooden plug and raises his cup above himself - baptizing himself in the waters. Quilate squirms free and joins the priest in the waters. Quilate has a vision of a man on horseback approaching with a spear in his hand and sickle across his lap.

Keribrar feels the connection will Quilate weaken has the jundari levers the cup away from the priest. Father Karl falls back and drops to his knees crying as Quilate blasphemies the holy artifact. A mob gathers and as their anger overrides their fear. Thorne sees that they will tear his companions apart should they attack. Keribrar calls forth his magic as strong as he can and shatters the cup. Father Karl drops into a fetal position and the remaining guards flee.

Immediately after the cup is broken dark storm clouds rush over the city. Lightning flashing in sky and the temperature drops to a cold chill. Anne looks up and sees a face in the clouds - the same face that is shown on Thorn's cameo. The face is surrounded by blackness as it descends from the sky and flows into the crevice along the southern edge of the city. The waters slow flowing.

The angry mob begins to rush Quilate and Keribrar when Throne casts an illusion as a guard. He pretends to strike Quilate only to show that his sword bursts into flames and melts. This further enrages the mob to kill the evil warlocks and they begin to rush them when large hailstones drop from the sky. The hail breaks up the crowd and drives everyone to seek cover. Quilate drags Father Karl under their shelter as the priest is unresponsive.

Anne rushes out several times during the storm trying to rescue people that could not find shelter. She needs Hafwyn's help to carry in those already struck unconscious.