Asherons Call: November Teaser (Part Three) is Up!

On Bended Knee, Part Three
posted on 05-Nov-2004
"...nothing. We've been able to enhance some qualities, but the slayer aspect is not within our magical abilities." Ciandra bowed her head resignedly, "I am sorry, Elysa."

Elysa smiled genuinely and spoke. "Ciandra, why are you sorry? You've discovered much. We're just missing this one piece, and we know that there is someone that can help us with that aspect." She paused and looked around the table. All the members of the council were present as well as a few additions, most notably Jenavere and Hendac. "There is nothing to be sorry for. The Arcanum has done very well and other weapons will still hurt these creatures."

Antius bowed his head. He had been hoping that this would not come to pass. But as more Burun crossed into Dereth from their world, the unrest amongst the other creatures increased. The Renegades, having lost the majority of their allies, seized the opportunity to stage quick and successful raids along the borders of Isparian lands. Many outposts had come under siege, but brave souls rallied to their defense and drove off the insurgents at every turn. At least some of the populace still recognizes threats, he thought.

In the previous cycle of the moons, a particularly violent Guruk had gathered troops to smash their way through a sealed door in the depths of one of the Falatacot temples. There, a small organized group of Isparians defeated the Guruk only to finish the Guruk's work for him. It was unclear why Isparian turned against Isparian, but the meager force that tried to protect the door was overwhelmed and another threat entered the world: Reeshan.

Jenavere and Hendac had examined the creature from afar, trying to avoid its notice. They failed. They described the appearance of the creature as a bloated mass of flesh that bore some resemblance to other Burun that they had faced. Then they described their deaths, deaths more intense than any they had experienced: they were debilitated, all of their equipment was destroyed and their bodies reformed outside Holtburg.

Elysa unrolled a map and pointed to a ridge outside of Uziz. "This is the last location where our guards have seen Nuhmudira. We know that she built a small hovel here and has been living in exile since. However, our best scouts have been unable to find that domicile. We believe that she has discovered a way to veil her home..." There was a low murmur in the room. "Antius has already agreed to take an offer to the people on my behalf. He will take up position in Arwic for a few days and implore the people for assistance in finding Nuhmudira." Antius felt his heart skip a beat. "I'll offer what I can in recompense. Ciandra?"

"Yes?" Ciandra replied.

"In addition to supplying scrolls to the scriveners can you teach the spells that enhance salvaging efforts?" Elysa asked.

"Of course..."

"Good, can you instruct a few of my guards to do the same?"

"I am certain that I can do this, why?"

Elysa smiled, "I think that it will be a fitting reward."

"Hogwash!" Celdiseth said sharply. "No, not the gifting of these spells. I could care less about what you give people. I just can't believe you're turning to that monster for help! It's bad enough that she's likely not even human any longer." Celdiseth spat on the floor, an old custom to ward off evil, "But there's not a one of us here that doesn't think she tried to kill you, Elysa. Turning to her is -"

"Weak?" Elysa snapped as she stood up. "Let me tell you of weakness, old man. Weakness is doing nothing. It is allowing these incursions to continue. It is watching your people turn against one another and standing idly by. Weakness is sequestering yourself in a remote area of the world and shunning those that would seek your council!" Her eyes burned with a deep passion and her words were laced with anger and bitterness. Antius wondered how much of this was aimed at herself and how much was directed toward Asheron, wherever he was. Celdiseth was taken aback; the old man sat stunned as she continued. "What would you have me do? Watch as our homes are torn apart by ravaging hordes because I bear a grudge without benefit of proof? Would you have me let our people suffer because of my wounded pride?" She paused and looked around the table. Her gaze fell on Antius and he looked her in the eyes; they shared a brief moment, then she continued. "I still live. I did not die to an assassin's blade. I will not see our people trampled beneath the feet of raging hordes. If by showing Nuhmudira compassion and forgiving something that may or may not have even happened, I can save lives and lessen the suffering of the people who revere me as Queen, so be it. I will see that happen before I let pride stand in the way of wisdom."

The room was silent. Celdiseth calmly stood and walked toward the door. "Is it pride that keeps you from seeing that not all the people revere you as Queen?" He opened the door and left.

Elysa broke the silence. "This is the course of action that I am resolved to; see it done." She rose and made her way from the chamber. A sullen mood hung in the chamber and none spoke. In turn, each stood and left the table until Antius was left alone.