Long Way Home

Chapter 7 - Maps and Clues

A short time later, they crossed the final bridge leading to their destination. Jen looked around, noting that the area between the Government and Temple Districts boasted wide, clean streets and gracious homes; a sharp contrast with the narrow, squalid and rather dangerous alleys between most districts such as the one they'd just left behind. Here a large number of private guards patrolled the streets and areas in front of the larger homes. Jen breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that at least here she didn't need to worry about being ambushed.

She followed as Haer'Dalis turned at the first intersection passing several houses before heading down a narrow path leading to a small cottage tucked behind one of the larger homes, making their way to the door and knocked. At first they heard nothing, but just as Jen began to wonder if anyone was home, they heard the sound of footsteps coming towards them and a minute later the door was opened by a boyish looking and extremely short man whose head barely reached above her waist. He looked at them curiously, taking in their slightly disheveled and blood-stained clothing, his eyes lingering for a moment on the bandage around Jen's arm before he turned to Haer'Dalis.

"So you're back. What do you want now?" he asked irritably, clearly recognizing the tiefling.

"We're here to see your Master as you well know," Haer'Dalis replied.

The halfling looked at him for a long moment, clearly debating whether or not to deny his master's availability. Finally he said, "Wait here," and shut the door. They could hear his footsteps receding into the interior of the house.

Jen looked at Haer'Dalis, her expression questioning. He shook his head, giving her a slight smile. "He'll be back." After a few minutes the halfling did return, waving them into the house somewhat grudgingly. They could hear him muttering to himself about the inconvenience of visitors as they followed him down the hall and into a large room lined with bookshelves and small tables. A small fire burned on the hearth.

The space was dominated by a large book and paper-strewn table. The man seated behind it looked up as they entered. As he rose to greet them, Jen saw that he was quite tall and in fact towered over both Haer'Dalis and herself. His long dark robe, embroidered with symbols and stars served to accentuate his height and the robe's high collar points, extending to his cheekbones, elongated his narrow face giving him a rather horsey look.

"I am Cambrel. Muggsy here tells me you're interested in my services. How may I help you?" He peered nearsightedly at them as he spoke and then caught sight of Jen's bandage. "Forgive me," he added quickly in a horrified tone, "but is that blood on your arm, my dear?"

"Yes, I'm afraid it is. We were attacked on the way here."

"These streets become more lawless each day. I wonder that the guards don't do more to keep honest citizens safe! There certainly are enough of them about with nothing to do but harass honest citizens!" he said tartly. "Still, you're alive – that means something. Please come in! May I offer you some tea?"

She glanced at Haer'Dalis who shrugged indifferently before turning back to Cambrel, "Yes, I'd like that."

"Please, sit down." he said, motioning towards two chairs on the opposite side of the table. He waved at the halfing who was still standing in the room's doorway, gesturing to the fire and then an adjacent table holding a tea service. Muggsy made a kind of harrumphing noise but went over and picked up a copper teakettle from its place on the hearth, setting about the business of making tea.

As they seated themselves, Cambrel continued, "So, you're looking to travel, are you? And to another plane, if Muggsy has informed me correctly. What makes you think I can help?"

"I heard from …a source…that you are a cartographer and a collector of unusual maps. Maps, of the planes, I might add, which are said to contain the locations of many paths, portals and conduits. Perhaps your maps might provide the location of a portal that would be of use to us?"

"Your 'source' tells you true. I do have many maps but as far as finding a way to – well, wherever it is that you wish to go - we shall see." said Cambrel quietly.

"I'm hoping you can help me get home," said Jen.

"And home is…where exactly?" asked Cambrel.

"I'm from Earth - I don't know whether that means anything to you or not."

"Hmmm…Earth. Hrrrrmm – no, I'm afraid it is not familiar, at least not by that name. Perhaps if you tell me a little of your world and you came here – to Faerun that is, I might be able to find it.

Jen spent the next several minutes talking about Earth and its solar system. He asked how people traveled between worlds and seemed shocked to learn that while travel around the world was common, travel between worlds was not. "And what about magic?" he asked.

"Magic doesn't exist on Earth. Unless one considers science to be magic." She took the cup of tea Muggsy handed her, taking a mouthful before carefully setting it on the small and less cluttered table to her left and going on to talk about Earth's communications and travel technologies. Cambrel listened thoughtfully, sipping tea and making a few notes. Finally Jen explained how she'd found the gem and accidentally stepped through the portal into Faerun, pulling the gem out at his request and watching as he examined it carefully. After a few moments, she saw the gem's familiar golden threads pulse under his fingers before he smiled and handed it back to her.

"Interesting," he said. "It seems to be a genuine portal gem."

"Aye, the stone is interesting. However, we're not here that you might vouch for its authenticity, but to learn whether you can show us where we might use it," Haer'Dalis replied with a touch of asperity.

Cambrel's expression changed from scholarly interest to mild irritation. "I will try as I have said. I have helped travelers before. But that was a long time ago. But, if there is a path to your world, I believe I can locate it, although, I must admit from what you've told me, it may be of no use. It almost sounds as if yours is a closed world. If that's so then there's no way back to it." His mouth tightened into a thin line as he looked over to see Haer'Dalis curiously examining the papers on the table in front of him. Reaching over, Cambrel gathered up the documents, creating a slightly messy pile which he placed on an adjoining shelf before gently twitching the last paper –a map – out of Haer'Dalis' hands.

"I must ask that you not to touch anything," he said to Haer'Dalis. "Such maps and documents as I own are old and fragile. Too much handling causes them to disintegrate."

Jen glanced over to see something disappearing into Haer'Dalis's sleeve and kicked him under the table, shaking her head warningly. He smiled back at her blandly then glanced towards their host. Irritated she thought, What does he think he's accomplishing by poking through the man's private papers? Then again, if they are truly so old and valuable, why are they scattered so carelessly across the table? Wouldn't they be affected by air, dust and fire? Not to mention the dangers of spilled tea?

The room fell silent as Haer'Dalis and Cambrel continued to eye each other but said nothing. This isn't getting us anywhere! Jen thought. Aloud she said,"Can you help me get home or not? And what did you mean by a closed world?" She picked up her cup, breathing in the delicious odor of mint before taking a sip as she looked at Cambrel over the cup's rim.

He looked back at her and sighed. "I don't know if I can put this briefly, but I'll try."

"Take your time," Jen said with a smile. "I've been on the receiving end of a lot of lengthy explanations lately."

Cambrel cleared his throat and began. "You have an understanding of the planes?" She nodded. "Well," he continued, "the simplest explanation is that what binds them together is magic. Without magic, there is no means of planar travel. Indeed, I have heard that on some worlds, people have stopped believing in magic and instead put their faith in strange machines and mechanical objects. Now, they cannot travel beyond the limits of their machines. Perhaps your world is one of those."

"Yes, we believe in science and technology," Jen replied. "But what does this have to do with my going home?"

"Tech…tech–naw–low-gee?"

"The machines."

"Then it has everything to do with your return," he said. "Because magic generally doesn't work on such a prime*. So travelers say that such worlds are 'closed' from the rest of the planes."

"But," said Jen, "could there be places on Earth where magic still exists? Places that act as launch sites for planar travel? I mean, how could I have gotten here otherwise?" She paused, turning to Haer'Dalis, "But perhaps it does explain why I couldn't get back. When I found the portal gem, I was out in the middle of nowhere. No people, no machines – just the wilderness. But do you remember when we tried to go through the portal from Faerun? The whole area was covered with people and equipment!"

"Aye, my Kestrel. There were many strange devices. And it is possible they blocked you from returning although I do not believe that is what caused the earthquake. I suspect it is more that that the portal shifted from age and disuse." He smiled, his eyes becoming somewhat unfocused, "Twas glorious though, was it not? Chaos and entropy in action!"

She gave him a puzzled look. "Chaos and entropy? What has that got to do with anything?" She turned to Cambrel. "So what do you think? Would the presence of machines have prevented the magic from working?"

"Yes, they could have. And magic cannot exist without belief in it. You said that the portal was in the wilds?"

"Yes, it was in a wilderness preserve."

He pondered a moment and then said slowly, "Given what I know, it is likely that very few portals may remain on your world. If they do exist, they would be in the wilds in areas once used by your ancients for magical rites and rituals."

"Ah," said Haer 'Dalis. "Then let's be off to your maps and perchance we shall find what we seek!" He stood up, moving to lean casually over the back of Jen's chair his nonchalant manner at odds with the tension emanating from him. Again she was strongly reminded of like a large cat waiting to spring.

Cambrel stared back and shook his head saying sharply, "I'll share the knowledge, but not the source." He attempted a smile. "The maps were very difficult to obtain and I don't share them readily. Directions are what I'll provide to you, if you'll allow me to research this matter further based upon the information you've provided. Please − come back in a couple of days and I'll tell you what I've found."

"A couple of days? But…!" Jen spluttered. Haer 'Dalis put a hand on her shoulder, saying quietly, "And at what price?"

The scholar shrugged. "I'm sorry. Did I not mention the cost?"

"No, but perhaps it is small, given that we are not to see your maps?"

Cambrel smiled, "The cost is truly insignificant given what you will gain. For the anchor points of a mature conduit never change and you can travel freely between the two ends at will. For that knowledge I ask a mere 1500 gold. Each. Surely a small price to pay given the lady's desire to see her own world once again?"

"A small price indeed − or a small fortune, depending upon whether you have it."

"Most pay the price freely and willingly," said Cambrel.

"Aye," said Haer'Dalis, "a berk'll* pay willingly enough if he believes that what he's getting is more valuable than the coin he's asked to pay for it. And it's easy enough to convince him to pay, particularly if he's got a need to travel!"

Cambrel shrugged, still looking at Haer'Dalis, "The information is real enough and I must protect my investment. As I said earlier, the maps are quite old and fragile. If you've no wish to travel, then our business is done."

Haer'Dalis leaned forward again and stared up into Cambrel's face. "That is just as well, my hound. I bear little liking for the thought of stepping through a portal or a conduit to find myself in the Abyss3." He raised an eyebrow. "Nor would I wish that fate upon Jen."

"Yes…" replied Cambrel slowly. "I understand. Then, for the lady's sake, I will show you the maps, but the price will considerably higher. Shall we say 5000 gold? Each."

Jen bounced to her feet. "5000 gold! Haery! I don't even have 1500, so where would I…." Her voice trailed off as disappointed tears rose to her eyes. Jen had little money to call her own for although Nanny had given her the odd coin or two, she primarily provided room and board. Jen had known, in the back of her mind, there would be a cost and had already considered how best to find a second job so she would have actually money to save. Still, she'd hoped − and allowed herself to believe - that the final amount would be one she could find a way to pay.

"I'm willing to pay 6000 gold, for both – but only if you can show that your maps are true ones." Haer'Dalis's pleasant smile twisted slightly, becoming more of a scowl as he fingered his swords. "I trust you understand me, good sir." He stared menacingly at Cambrel and for a brief moment Jen could have sworn his eyes and tattoo-like markings altered, their color shifting and becoming brighter and more intense, almost glowing. She shivered slightly hearing Nanny's words once again. I've heard it said that tieflings have a little bit of nastiness in their family tree. A bit of demon blood as it were.

The moment passed as Cambrel said in a calm voice, "I understand you quite well. Make it 7000 gold and you shall see them. You need have no fear that my maps are false. Come back in a few days and I should have something to show you then."

Haer'Dalis nodded agreement, his face retaining its forbidding expression until they were outside.

With the door safely closed behind them, Jen turned to Haer'Dalis. "What was all that about! What do you know about this man?" She eyed him apprehensively, still wondering if she'd fanaticized him changing or if it had been all in her head; the imaginings of an overwrought mind, but he seemed calm and perfectly normal or at least what passed for normal in this rather strange world she found herself in. Then, as she remembered the full gist of the conversation, anxiety changed to anger. And just how do you think I'm going to come up with that kind of money!" she asked furiously. "

"I am not without the wherewithal to pay," he replied.

"What has that got to do with anything? How am I supposed to pay?"

He smiled at her benevolently, "I am willing to part with the gold – for both of us." He shook his head as she started to object, "No, do not say you cannot take anything from me. You have no choice if you want to return home and I . . . well. . .'tis an adventure and for such, I don't mind the cost."

"I'll think about it," she replied stiffly. She was uncomfortable with the notion of being in debt to anyone, particularly since the odds of repayment seemed slim.

"Now, in answer to your first question, this Sparrow met yon cartographer on what passes for my home world." He stopped, closing his eyes for a moment, apparently lost in memory. "Ah Sigil*. What I would not give to see its twisted spires and razorvine walls again." He blinked, "Keldorn was the one who told me that Cambrel was here. Although much time has passed I recognized the name and the person although I doubt he remembers me. He is one and I was but one of many who had need of his services. At the time, there were many eager to obtain his services for the only way out of Sigil is through a portal. He was reputed to have spent a lifetime traveling the planes, collecting maps on the routes and paths between the planes. And we had need, my friend and I, to use a road less traveled in leaving Sigil albeit temporarily."

He looked rueful and ran a hand through his hair. "It takes a certain skill and experience to read maps of the planes – and to know if they are true ones. Cambrel would not show us his maps, which did not matter o'er much at the time since neither my colleague nor I possessed the necessary skill to read them. We took the chance that we would not be cheated and were directed to a conduit that should have lead to a world such as this one. Instead we ended up in Limbo*. But that is a tale for another time. Suffice it to say I survived but barely. It was a harsh lesson and one I'll not soon forget."

"That's terrible!" said Jen, shocked. "What happened to your friend?"

"He too survived and eventually made his way to the Prime Material Plane, living here until it was safe to return to Sigil."

"So why take me to Cambrel if you don't trust him?" she asked.

"Because he does possess maps...and I do not believe he will find it so easy to cheat this Sparrow again."

"I see." She was thoughtful for a moment, wondering whether she could trust either of them. I have a lot to think about. Still, there didn't seem to be many options and she suspected that this was probably her best chance to find a way home. "And speaking of maps and directions, do you think we could find a more well traveled and possibly less dangerous route back to Nanny Bea's?"

"All things are possible," he replied.

"Then lead on."


*Endnotes:

1 Prime Material Plane of Existence

2 Berk = fool; Voila's Dictionary of Planar Cant; .

3 The Abyss is one of the Outer Planes of several planes of existence (Planescape D&D Campaign). The Outer Planes are generally home to celestials, demons and devils. .org/wiki/Outer_Plane

4 Sigil – City of Doors (Portals) located in the Outlands. Part of the Planescape D&D Campaign setting. .org/wiki/Planescape

5 Limbo is one of the Outer Planes and is described as a place of pure chaos where even the landscape can shift suddenly, folding in upon itself.