Blades Story Thread

[Nippy]

"Aye! Drink long and well!"

Connavar took the wineskin and toasted to the victorious battle. The group returned the toast and drank some of the wine. It had been a furious but successful battle. One thing puzzeled Connavar however. How had the demons been able to follow them? Matti was a skilled watchman and was able to see a lot of things that Conn couldn't and Connavar's hearing had always been strong.

Connavar was reminded of a passage in the journal. He flicked too and pondered the meaning.

“We who are from the academy are sworn to each other.
We search and find, forever looking yet never finding,
The quest will never end, for it is ever binding.

“We who are hunted are rarely found.
Yet those who look are forever bound.

“We who are from the academy are sworn to each other.”

"What was that?" Asked Matti.

"Something I've never shown you. To be honest, I've never really thought about it, but now some of it makes sense. The finders, they have a geas to look forever. Thats a poweful spell, not only that, but what do you send to look for something if you can't see them? Remember that hound that kept trying to sniff and bite you? I've got an idea about what it was and what it meant."

"Just because I kicked out at it doesn't mean it wants to kill me!" Scoffed Matti.

"No," replied Connavar, "but remember it's eyes? They were like they were haunted, under control or something..."

"Oh stop it Conn! You are taking things too seriously! We've just had a glorious battle and destroyed the destroyers! The Morning Lord and Torm would be proud! Leave it, stop guessing about things and get drunk for once! You are too stuffy, here have some wine!"

Matti grinned and Conn relented, he was tired and he did need a small tipple to calm down.

A Cleric of Kord was already on his drunken way and was randomly challenging opponents for a wrestling match. Everyone was having a good time and relaxing.

Connavar walked over to Matti and Saien where they were both playing knucklebones for a small sum with a couple of the less rigid Clerics and Connavar tutted and frowned on them. He asked them to speak in private for a second and they followed him to the edge of the clearing. The noise of the gathering had quietened due to the distance and it was darker at the edge.

"Tomorrow we will leave for a nearby town. This town, Arderban, was apparently local to the old Academy. From stories I've heard the ruins are still standing and old members of the Blades are still around. I want to see if we meet anyone who can help us, and then we can go onto Niire if you want Saien. Maybe we can find answers there..." Conn smiled and asked if they wanted to do anything differently.

Unbeknownst to them however, a medium-sized black dog stood at the edge of the clearing, just outside of the fires range. He observed the group without blinking...

***

Just a quick note to those waiting to come in, we will meet you in Arderban soon, ok?

[average joe]

"Aye, Connavar." Saien replied. "Arderban sounds as good a destination as any. You've more knowledge on our situation with that journal of yours, so you seem the likely leader of this trio. And I suppose if fate wants me to go to Niire, the road will take me there sooner or later. Also Matti, I think it would do us all well to expect the unexpected in these times. I heard you scoffing Connavar's thoughts earlier. Those demons are after us, and I find it just as likely that they employ all sorts of foul spies, even the most innocent looking. We could all use a little care, especially in who we approach and what we say."

Matti snorted, "Well I don't plan on going in trumpets blaring...but that's no reason to jump at every shadow either."

"When demons emerge from shadows it is. Make no mistake, friend. We are hunted."

An eerie silence fell over the dark clearing. It seemed to have set in on the young trio just what they were facing. Saien doubted that either paladin had enough sense to fear what was ahead, but he had more than enough sense for the three of them.. He would be as cautious as was necessary.

"On that pleasant note, gentleman, I'll bid you both a good night and see you ready to depart after morning prayers at sunrise. We'll then be on our way to whatever destiny holds in store." Walking towards the camp, where activity was settling down for the shortened night, Saien turned back towards his two new friends. "Connavar, you might want to put a stopper on that wineskin and hide it from our friend. I wouldn't want Matti's head to be full of jelly tomorrow."

Saien returned to the camp and made himself comfortable in his bedroll.

[Rail]

The two paladins watched as Saien walked off from the campfire and wrapped himself in his bedroll. Soberly, Connavar stoppered the flask and returned it to Matti with a nod of thanks. "You know, Matti, he is right. There are forces at work here that we don't yet fully understand. It would do us well to be cautious."

Matti smiled broadly, usually a bad sign for a serious discussion. "Well, while I am nigh invulnerable," he said with a wink, but his expression changed sharply to grave intensity, "I am well aware of the danger that now besets us. I will be ready." He unstoppered the bottle and took a swig before returning it to his pack. Connavar suddenly realized that was the first and only swallow Matti had taken. The nimble young paladin looked up and a smile returned to his face. "Now you have me talking like a Helmite! 'I'll be more vigilant than an alley dog oer his scraps!'"

Matti's expression remained playful, but his voice hardened. "You do know there's something out there, don't you? Something evil."

Connavar furrowed his brow, resisting the urge to turn and look. "What?!? Where?"

"About a hundred paces off, just out of the firelight. I can feel it..., just on the edge of sensing, but beyond sight. Can't you?"

"No," Connavar stated after a long pause of concentration, "but your sense for such things is greater than mine. Is it another demon, do you think?"

Matti hesitated before answering. "No, it doesn't quite feel the same, but I can't seem to place it. I tried to have a look while I was up acting out one of my jokes earlier, but it backed off. It's small and quick, though I think it's just watching."

"Well, we'd best be on our guard, then." With a smile he added, "I have a feeling we'll be saying that a lot during the upcoming weeks." He again tried to detect any ill will, but there was nothing out there close enough. "We'd best get some rest while we can. I'll watch for a while. You sleep and I'll wake you when the need arises."

"Fair enough." Matti settled down near the fire and wrapped his blanket around him. He knew Connavar would stay alert and wake him in time for his turn at watch. But Matti had a hard time falling to sleep. The nights events were making many things fall into place with these Blades of the Banshee, and many of the admonitions of the Prelate and the clergy were coming clear. The resurrection of this forgotten organization was not in his blood, but he felt the burning nonetheless. It was fast becoming as important to him as it was to Connavar. Here was no easy task, but a mighty and great one should they succeed. And they would, by Lathander!

[Craig]

Originally posted by Nippy

Just a quick note to those waiting to come in, we will meet you in Arderban soon, ok?

So all this was PM planned?

[average joe]

Saien was walking through a forest, scrambling through the undergrowth. He wiped the sweat from his brow and realized he was in a panic. Strange...he rarely let himself get worked up in such a manner. The thought skittered across the surface of consciousness and was gone, Saien plunging deeper and faster through the darkness that surrounded him. A fear pushed at him, but a fear of what? Something followed. He knew that if he turned around to look it would overtake him. His heart raced, and his head pounded. Would he ever be able to stop running.

With that thought, Saien stumbled into a clearing. Brilliant sunlight filled his vision, and his fear and panic fled into the recesses of his mind. Before him stood a simple log cabin, plain and unadorned. Yet from that cabin a familiar warmth radiated, permeating Saien's soul with peace. The feeling was one he had not known for a long time, a feeling he had almost forgotten. That feeling was home.

"I'm home." Saien cried out with joy. He ran to the cabin, and on approaching threw himself to the ground. Oh, the peace he felt was indescribable. How could he have lived life without this joy for so long?

"Saien!" came a young voice from inside the home. On looking up, he saw a young girl emerge, a smile on her face.

"Serenla!" Saien cried out. His sister...he ran to her, tears streaming down his face. She threw herself into his arms and he hugged her tight. "I've missed you," he told her. Looking over her shoulder, he saw his mother and father, Claire and Elian, standing at the door of the house waving towards him. He carried his young sister over to them, and they embraced one another. "I've missed all of you."

"Have you remembered what I told you, Saien?" his father asked.

"I've tried father, though I had to find my way, and for a time I was lost, forgotten by everyone, including myself." Saien hung his head at that last. Shame welled up from within him, shame like he had never felt.

"Nay son, you've nothing to be ashamed of. Hold your head high. I see you now and thank the gods for the man you've become. But you must not forget, Saien. Never forget that while you hunt, you are hunted. Forget, and you will fail."

"I will remember, Father. But there is so much more you might still tell me. You left me with so little, and the holes are too much to fill."

"You will find what you seek in time, Saien. You are the light, though you do not yet--"

Saien was on his back, deafened to everything. Fiery ash drifted through the air. Blood ran from his nose, but it did not concern him. Where the cabin had stood now a hill of black towered. Fire burst from the ground. The entire clearing held a darkness and sense of evil and despair. Atop the hill loomed a great beast, blacker than any he had ever seen.

"Fool! Do you think you can stop me. I will have your heart for my feast, and the hearts of all those you call 'friend'!! You shall never find peace so long as GHAT'KHAN is on the hunt. You're family is dead, and soon you shall be too!"

Saien looked to the ground beside him, and there lay the bodies of his family. Lifeless corpses. Saien cried out to the blood red sky above him...

And awoke with a spasm. It took him a moment to realize he was lying in the same camp he had retired at the night before. All around him were the sleeping forms of his friends. He exhaled deeply.

The sky held a faint twinge of approaching daylight. Saien woke the cleric beside him. He then went back to his bedroll and began gathering his gear.

Soon after the sky held a bright glow of the sun, creeping forth from its slumber. Its warmth comforted Saien. He knew why so many devoted their lives to Pelor. He too appreciated the deity's watchfulness.

Kneeling, Saien prayed to his own god, Fharlanghn, asking for strength for the journey before him, focus of his senses, and clarity of his wisdom. He would need all. A voice within him whispered as much, but he was not afraid. He would find strength from the road, even if it was not the home he hoped to have someday. It was home, nonetheless.

[Rail]

I believe it was, Craig. Yes. If you have more questions, please PM Nippy or myself and we can talk about it.

[Nippy]

OOC: @ Craig, yes, this was planned...

***

Connavar sat in the pale moonlight again, time passed slowly, as it always had on watch duty, but his silent thoughts kept him occupied. He had met a new friend. One perhaps not of the same faith as himself, but a thread none the less. Saien was a sure fighter and could handle himself with Clerical duties. A sure boon in times to come. The sound of occasional snorts and snores broke the silence and Conn looked at Matti. He had a good mind to cover his nose to stop him snoring but resisted, realising that he would find a way to pay him back double-fold.

He smiled and remembered some of the exploits that Matti had been up to. Barging into tavern rooms late at night, shouting for Connavar to move out of the way while he evades angry parents of comely lasses or bartenders demaning payment of the tab. He smiled again and realised that he had never had so much fun. Matti was his friend, he had been ever since they left the Academy together. While he was a little carefree he always considered his duties as a Paladin and most importantly, he cared for others. On many occasions he gave money to the poor that had found his way into his hands somehow. While Connavar frowned on theft and discouraged Matti from doing it, he realised that Matti only took from people of evil nature and people who didn't need the money.

They really were a strange pairing. A Tormite and one of the Morning Lord's flock mixing effectively. They were quite dangerous in combat, a mixture of styles and different strengths dumbfounded enemies and made battle easier for both of them.

Some called the Paladin life foolhardy. A dangerous pursuit to serve a pointless God but those people hadn't felt the call. Torm had called him in his own way. He lost his parents, but gained a family. He was welcome in the family of Torm, and the Academy bore new allies and friends. He wondered if any of the members of the academy had family from the Blades of the Banshee...

Then he remembered his time in the academy, then he remembered Kera. Kera Lindry. She was the most glorious creature alive and was training to be a Cleric in the service of Lathander. Matti had introduced them, and then he left them on their own. Their relationship flourished and secret meetings left them in need of meeting again. Jarral frowned upon their relationship, but he let it continue. Love was an unstoppable course and it seemed these two were destined to run it's full course.

When Connavar was given his task he felt heartbroken. He would be away from his love and their last night together was torture. She promised she would wait for him as long as he took, but he wasn't even sure he would come back! How could he guarantee that he would return to declare his love for her?

A kindly priest of Lathander had produced the solution. A lock of her brown hair and Connavar's were twisted together and a spell put on it. Two of these were produced and as long as the other person lived, so would the binding.

He looked at the locks of hair he kept in a small bottle and smiled. He remembered her radiant smile and and hazel eyes peering into his soul. She always knew when he was angry and she would sooth his ills with silent whispers. She was the one he longed for and he would be damned if he did not return for her in the future.

Connavar rose from his reverie and noticed that it was near sunrise. His thoughts had carried on for hours and it neared sunrise. It was nearly time for morning prayer.

He packed away his things and kicked Matti in the leg.

"Wake up you lazy oaf! It's time for prayer!"

Matti snorted and slowly, the camp began it's activities.

"Why didn't you wake me for my watch? You'll be tired today and I'm not carrying your fat backside!"

Conn smiled again and spoke quietly.

"I have my memories Matti. It's my memories that keep me walking..."

Matti looked at him with eyebrows raised but quickly clicked onto what he was talking about. He grinned and nudged him with his elbow, Connavar feigned mock pain and gave him a knock back.

The sun rose and Matti kneeled down, beginning his prayers. Connavar followed suit and after about five minutes, their prayers were complete.

Connavar's spells were refreshed and suprisingly he wasn't that tired. It wasn't that long a march to Arderban and with a Cleric of Farhlangh with them, they wouldn't take too long on the road.

Their packs were assembled and the three men stood together, Saien, Matti and Connavar all looked on as the other Clerics finished packing their gear.

Hastin came over and began to speak to Saien...

***

OOC: AJ, time for some final farewells. Soon we begin the roadtrip and we will be in Arderban in a few hours. And so the story rolls on...

[average joe]

Standing with his two companions, Saien looked around the camp. In moments he would walk away from these men, but he had traveled with them for months. Each was like a father or a brother to him in a certain way. He cared for them, and he had not cared for any in a long time. But Saien also knew duty, even if he didn't always desire to live by it. He had a duty to the innocent, just as these men did, but it now took him away from them.

Hastin walked up to the trio. "Well, lad, it seems time has brought us to farewells. I must say you'll be sorely missed around here, but what you do now is your destiny. I hope that you see as much."

"Aye. I see it. Though destiny isn't always easy."

"Nay lad. It is rarely easy. And your task will certainly not be. But you have strength of mind and heart, and both will see you through your task. Hopefully someday you can come back to us once this is all finished. We'll always keep a place open for you."

Saien embraced Hastin as he would a father. In many ways, Hastin was like a father to him. It was Hastin who had never given up on Saien, even when Saien deserved to be left to his own self. He would never forget that. The thought of someday returning was a thought that warmed his heart, but he did not entertain notions that it would ever be. This was all too likely the last he would ever see of Hastin and the rest.

"Keep the faith, and you will find a way through whatever stands in your path, Saien."

Moving from Hastin, Saien made his goodbyes and farewells to the other clerics, laughing with some, praying with others. When he was finished, he approached Connavar and Matti.

Matti remarked, "Don't worry, Hastin. I'll watch Saien's back and be sure that he stays out of trouble." At this both Connavar and Hastin roared in laughter. Matti and Saien both just wore mischevious grins.

"No doubt me coming along with the two of you means I'll have to save your skins the entire time," Saien said. "Well, let's get moving then, while I still think you're worth saving."

Wrapped in his green traveling cloak, Saien hefted his pack onto his back, and took his quarterstaff in one hand, ready for what the road held in the days ahead.

[Nippy]

"Why have I got the feeling I'm the odd one out on this trip?" Conavar smiled and bid farewell to the group of Clerics. They had aided him in his quest and for that he prayed to Torm for them.

"Come then, we go. The road is long and is asking to be walked. Fare thee well gentlemen, you have been an honour to talk to!" Conn smiled again and waved at the group of Clerics. He began a light stepped march and Matti and Saien appeared eitherside of him.

Saien walked with his hefty quaterstaff and Matti fingered the hilt of his rapier. Idling the time away.

The march was not disturbed for a long time and after two hours the group stopped to set up a breakfast camp. It was about 10 O'clock in the morning and hunger pangs started setting in.

Connavar set out some breakfast rations and prepared some fresh water.

Breakfast was an idle affair with nothing much said. It was more of a queit contemplation. They silently packed up camp and set off on the road again...

After a few more hours they crested a rise in a hill and were greeted with the site of a smallish town. Connavar smiled and a renewed pace hit them.

They walked through the gates of the town and were instantly in the market, cries of storekeeps ringing in their ears...

***

OOC: Ok other writers, feel free to introduce yourselves at various moments. We will walk around town, trying to gather some information...

[Tamerlane]

Originally posted by Nippy
They walked through the gates of the town and were instantly in the market, cries of storekeeps ringing in their ears...

However one voice was raised obove the others, a voice which caused excitement and panic amongst the marketers. The sounds which emitted from the somewhat disgruntled store keeper, alerted our protagonists, that dangers can also be found in the friendliest of places.

What followed next was a series of rapid events, too fast for the normal eye to discern. However through out the great realms there are creatures that can see and comprehend more than you or me. A young sparrow which perched upon the grime stained city gates witnessed the events in its entireity. If one could communicate with our winged cousins.

They would of told of the commotion which began when a young musicians anecdotes managed to offend every person within sight of the controverisal tales. However our protagonists would never know of what his troubles were, being more occupied with what was about to happen next.

For if first impressions do last, then what they saw certainly left an impression. Witnessing the hidden gymnastic talents of the young character. Our heroes, saw this colorful character jumping over carts, dodging bargain seeking marketers and sliding under great mounts.

All the whilst being chased by an assortment of characters out for vengence. However those in times of desperation are often willing to place more faith within their abilites. And in one quick and fluid movement, proceeded climb and then leap from store top to store top. Outstriding even the most nimbleness of his pursuers.

Having shaken off his pursuers and somewhat entertaining our protagonists along the way. The character in question then proceeded to calmly blend himself into the bustling market crowd, blissfully unaware of the mud patch that lay before him. Within a few moments, this person managed to slip and slide his way before our heroes feet. With a total disregard for his mud-stained clothes. He looked up and offered a brazen smile.

"I see we haven't met before, I'm Tamerlane."

As Connavar somewhat relunctantly helped him to his feet, he thought to himself. "Why do the Gods always test me?"

[Nippy]

Connavar grasped the acrobats hands and frowned as the mud splattered on his plate and was left on his gauntlet. He wiped the mud off on a nearby patch of grass and turned to the newcomer.

"Tamerlane is it? This little... display... What was it about? Why were you running? Excuse my manners! I apologise, my name is Connavar, this is Saien and he is Matti."

Tamerlane shook everyones hands and invited them to a nearby tavern with a warm hearth and good ale...

[Nippy]

Just a quick note to everyone Arderban is spelt wrong. It's meant to be Aberdan the town in Argyle. Sorry!

[wolven86]

A loud clatter at the top of the tavern stairs grabs everyones attention, as an elf is literally flung down the stairsby two large men. A voice calls down after him,

"Next time you want information you better be prepared to pay for it!"

The elf slides to a stop by Connovars feet.

"Ow, you wouldn't help a fellow up and by him a drink would you because as you just heard I myself have no money."

Connovar helps him up and says

"Of course i will buy you a drink if you would but tell me where you got that particular piece of jewelry that holds your cloak together"

"What are you talking about its just a brooch i don't see that its any business of yours, why do you want to know? whats so important about it? I know you are one the ones who are hunting me aren't you stay back, I'm wont hesistate to strike you down"

"Just calm down nobody is going to hurt you, please just sit down and relax dont be so touchy, I merely enquired how you came about the possesion of a brooch containing within it the sigil of the Blades"

"You're not here to kill me, there are things after me strange black things with glowing red eyes that jump out of the dark into their own darkness, they try to stick daggers in your back when your not looking, how do i know your not one of them, or maybe your one of the others I hate maybe i can no longer be sure it has been so long so long........"

"Anyway enough of that I will enquire into it later, I am Bel Haladrin and since i shall be drinking with you i had better know exactly who you are, before I tell you anyhting of what I know"

[average joe]

Saien followed in the wake of his companions and Tamerlane as they moved through the crowd towards the nearest tavern, from which a chorus of cheers flowed. A tavern was always a sure way to lighten Saien's mood, as a warm fire, a nice mug of ale, and a pleasantly rounded serving wench were all common place.

He hoped this tavern would provide as much, but he was a bit skeptical about the scene that would play out with their present company. More than likely, this stranger would get them thrown out of the tavern, if first impressions were anything by which to judge character. Searching the crowd, Saien had been the one to point out the stranger's flight through the streets. They had watched this man, amazed by his acrobatic feats. Saien considered himself quick and quite agile, but he knew he could never move as he had seen Tamerlane moments before. Of course he had always been a bit of a smooth talker, so he doubted he would ever find himself on the wrong side of a mob of citizens. And his eyes and ears often kept him out of the more dramatic encounters. Perhaps he could gather some information in the tavern, but he had to be careful of the questions he asked.

Asking any questions suddenly seemed a bad idea as an elf landed in the mud at his feet. He had been flung from the entrance of the tavern by two rough looking gents, and it seemed for asking around, no less! A rough town this was. He had already witnessed a mob of people chasing one commoner through the streets, and he now stood before another. He would be careful where he stepped in this town, one reason being that its citizens seemed all too disposed towards violence, and another being that people kept on landing in the mud at his feet! He doubted the inn would provide the atmosphere he hoped for. More to Matti's liking, no doubt. That rascal was crazy! All he had talked about on the road were the glories of the battle from the night before. Saien shook his head in astonishment. The way the currents were flowing, fast and full of danger, he wasn't for sure he'd survive through the week.

His eyes immediately went to the Elf's brooch, used as a clasp on his cloak. It had the same design as Connavar's amulet. He was surprised when Connavar said as much out loud, actually making reference to the blades. Slips of the tongues would happen, but Conn had best be wary. Leaning close to Connavar, Saien whispered, "Be careful of this one. He seems a bit on edge, and there's no telling which way he might go. Speak softly if you plan on questioning his brooch, for there is no telling who might overhear." Saien hoped that Connavar understood his caution.

Looking to Bel, Saien enquired, "Are you sure the tavern is the best place for us to speak, seeing as you have just come from there?" He didn't want to chase Bel away, but he wasn't ready to jump into the kettle along side him either. Saien looked around to all his companions.

[Tamerlane]

Whilst this little display involving the elf was going on, Tamerlane thought to himself. Surely now, would be the best time to slink off into the background.

However at the critical moment, Matti realised what was about to transpire, and inquired to the youngster. "Do you know of this Bel...this Bel Haladrin?" Tamerlane, shook his head.

Sure he knew plenty of people, but the fact remained that even many more knew of him. He rarely stayed very long in the company of other people. However this it seemed, was not the best of times to starrt looking into his past as to why.

The fact remained, that an elf, a rarity in Aberdan asked an intrusive question and being whole heartedly aware of the words, " I won't hesitate to strike you down". Tamerlane felt somewhat compelled to answer the strangers question straight away. He shot off with the usual rhetoric, "I my friend, am Tamerlane Khan, from the lineage of the Great Khans. Who rule in the Eastern lands beyond the realm of Argyle." This would usually go on for a lenghty period, but then Tamerlane realised something.

His mud-stained clothes sort of disreputed his argument entirely. Somewhat self-conscious of his position. He quickly sought to turn the elf's attention over to his new found friends, of course he didn't mean friends. As for who would a trust a trio who were not only armed and kitted for war. But who were also complete strangers until just a few moments ago.

Still he placed a bit of faith into his new companions, and being aware that the mob mentality may return to the marketers yet again. He quickly sought that they enter the tavern, however not before introducing his new associates. "These travellers are new to our fair town. Why not let us show them a bit of the famous Aberdan hospitality." Hoping an enlightened mood would relieve the somewhat tense and awkward situation.

However he did have his hesitations towards entering the tavern, known locally as the Blue Lotus. He knew of some old acquantices who used to frequent the old place. However they never actually had gotten around to telling him why they chose to avoid it. Drawing in a deep breath, he thought to himself. " I guess now I'll find out..."

[Craig]

So definatly can't join in, please!!!

[Rail]

Craig, please take these questions to PMs, not spamming up the story.

@All- been absolutely swamped at work and will hopefully get an update out from Matti's view later today. Much later!

[Rail]

First Saien and now this..., Bel Haladrin. Matti frowned, something he rarely did in the midst of a bustling tavern. Much was happening here quickly. Too quickly, for the young human's liking. Many prophesies seemed to be pulling together right before his eyes, and for that he thanked Lathander for the opportunity to witness and participate.

But, there were many things nagging at the back of his mind. He had not felt the lingering evil he had sensed throughout the night since they broke camp. He figured the evil wouldn't continue harassing the traveling priests, but he couldn't help but wonder. Nor could he shake the sneaking suspicion they were still being watched.

Upon entering the tavern, The Blue Lotus, he noticed many things. There seemed only three exits to the place. One at the back probably went to the kitchen and to the proprietors residence. The door they had just passed through led to the street, and it seemed to be guarded from the inside by a stern looking man wearing the same insignia as the guards who had harassed them as they entered the town. The man glanced toward the armed group with open suspicion, and his eyes lingered on the newcomers as they worked their way toward one of the open tables. Matti gave him a smile and a nod, and the guard quickly looked away, back toward the bar.

The third exit was the large, many-paned window overlooking the street, but Matti hoped nobody had to use that one. The glass looked so lovely. And intact.

A quick check of the area revealed many surprises to the happy-go-lucky follower of Lathander. The dour guard at the door read of evil intent, as did another man in similar dress talking in quiet tones to a apparently frightened barkeeper. Matti frowned again. Another group of four patrons toward the back also showed evil nature, though they were quietly keeping to their own business, as evil should.

Still no sign of the mysterious evil he'd sensed the night before.

Matti didn't quite know what to make of the newcomers to their suddenly expanding group. Saien was certainly a worthy addition, a man of the cloth and of a quick wit, it would seem. Tamerlane..., well, Matti would have to keep his eye on, as he had yet to explain to them why he was being chased, though the young paladin knew first hand that these things were often the result of a simple misunderstanding.

And then there was the mysterious Bel Haladrin, and elf here in a village on the outskirts of Aberdan. And carrying the insignia of the blades! Here were many questions and surely interesting answers to follow. But only after food and drink, thought Matti with a smile as the scent of fresh baked rolls came to his senses. Answers were always better over a meal!

"So, Tamerlane," Matti began with a sly wink as he took a chair. "Kahn, is it? Any relation to the Jonses or the Tucks? I've hear of them from the east, but no Khans." Matti smiled and winked at a fair looking barmaid bearing drinks. She headed right over to their table.

[wolven86]

"Hmmmm Aberdan hospitality, are you blind Tamerlane, you fool, did you not just see what happened to me this place is as hospitable as the seventh level of hell, I wish I had never come here, but no matter, I come and go as I please and no one will shut me out from anywhere. As to the rest of you I would still ask a little more of why you are here in this forsaken little town and what that has got to do with me and my brooch! I will have answers!"

"As I said before I am Connavar and this is my trusted friend Matti we are both Paladins..." Connavar was speaking

"A fruitless cause offering little benefit for the sacrifices asked of you, your god will not help you if it is needed, truly needed they will turn their backs on you when you least expect it normally when you most desire their aid" Bel interupted "but this is of no matter what of these two others."

"This is Saien a cleric and Tamerlane a bard..." again Connavar was interrupted

"Clerics you think you can control the forces of nature and that nothing is beyond your power but some are and when there is nothing you can do you simply pray to the gods for deliverance. The gods do not care for us we are mere shadows and dust to them a blink of the eye. Now what of my brooch"

[Rail]

"Well," Matti said, smiling slyly and clapping Bel on the back as he finished. "You're more fun than a barrel full of gibberlings at a midsummer feast in Hozz."

Bell looked somewhere between amused and offended, but Matti continued loudly.

"Quit beatin' around the bush! Tell us what you really think. Don't be so shy, friend." Matti, still smiling, glanced worredly at the arguement brewing between the bartender and the guard, but he continued the conversation nonetheless. "We're interested in knowing where you got such a piece of jewelry. Let's just say that such a coincidence intrigues us greatly." He returned his attention to Bel with a friendly and respectful gaze.