"I've never liked temples much." Neeshka remarked as they entered the temple of Tyr. "My skin always starts to itch if I stay in one too long. It's the same if a paladin gets too close." She made a face.
"Guess it's your heritage making its presence known, huh?" Marcus said as he gave her a reassuring hug.
"Yeah guess so. All I know is that it's annoying." Neeshka said "Let's try and not be here too long please."
"All right, Neesh. This is Khelgar's show anyway so we shouldn't be here too long with any luck." Marcus said as the dwarf made his way ahead of them and Elanee to where the Prior stood near the alter.
Prior Hlam, monk of Tyr didn't so much as bat an eyelid as the strange group entered the temple. There was a human, a tiefling, a dwarf and a wood elf. Hlam noted with interest that the human and tiefling clearly had a great deal of affection for one another despite their racial differences, for they had an arm round one another's waist. Or possibly because of them. One never knew when it came to matters if the heart. However it was the dwarf that Hlam focused his attention on for he had made his way past the others and was walking purposefully up to the monk.
"Welcome, I am Prior Hlam. You seek an audience?" Hlam asked
"By the Nine Hells do I. Name's Khelgar Ironfist, I'm looking to sign up." The dwarf said eagerly.
"You wish to join the disciples of Tyr?" Hlam asked with curiosity as he raised an eyebrow.
"If that's what you call those skinny twigs who threw me out the window of the Dragon's Talon, then yes." Khelgar said with a grunt.
"It is odd that any of the Even-Handed would seek out battle. Like most of our faith, they usually only respond when provoked, and rarely violently." The monk replied a little surprised.
"Eh... well, I may have stirred things up a bit, just a little. But that fight taught me some things and I want to learn more." Khelgar said after some hesitation.
"About our faith?" Hlam asked.
"No, no, no." Khelgar said holding up his hands. "Fighting's the only religion for me. I want to learn to fight like them, and learn how they were able to beat me so easily."
"If you were defeated, such a defeat must have been just. Tyr teaches us this. Your loss was meant to reveal a truth." Hlam said.
"Truth?" the dwarf asked with some skepticism. "The truth is they beat me like a half clan whelp, and I want to know how they did it!"
"If you seek to learn from your loss, then you must discover why you were so easily defeated." The monk said.
"That's why I'm here. To learn." Khelgar said getting frustrated.
"But we cannot help you." Hlam replied slightly confused.
"There must be some way that barrel house can learn." Neeshka spoke up. Why she did she wasn't sure. "I mean from what I can remember the monks of Helm had a number of tests or trials or whatever you want to call them… Not that I ever really paid that much attention to that sort of thing."
Hlam looked thoughtfully at Neeshka for a few moments then nodded. "Very well. Tyr puts all who come to him for help on trial; he judges who is worthy, and who is not." He said turning back to Khelgar.
Khelgar frowned "All right, sounds fair to me, Tyr wants bears fighting for him, not mewling little cubs. So what is this trial? Burning coals? Drinking contest? What?" he asked.
"The path of Tyr is that of the Maimed, the Even-Handed, and the Just. So are the trials." Hlam said calmly. "The Trial of the Maimed requires that the petitioner face those he has wounded usually those of his bloodline, or clan."
"Hmph. Never turned a blade against my clan, I haven't. If I knew where some of them were, you could even ask them." The dwarf said defensively.
"Only when one understands how their actions may hurt another, inadvertently or not, can he truly understand himself." Hlam replied. "The Trial of the Even-Handed requires that the petitioner learn to see all around him in an equal light, without the trappings of prejudice." The monk said.
"Well, there was a time when I was quick to judge others based on what little I'd heard." Khelgar said looking embarrassed. "But... travelling with the goat girl and the tree-worshipping elf has taught me some of them are all right." Then the dwarf smiled "So who knows? Maybe they're all worth a closer look, instead of lumping them all together and passing judgment on them."
"Gee thanks Khelgar. You know how to make a girl feel wanted." Neeshka said making a face.
"Just as well then I want you around isn't it, Neesh?" Marcus said with a sly grin.
The tiefling giggled at the implication.
"Khelgar is still rough round the edges, Neeshka but he is learning. That is the main thing." Elanee replied with an amused smile.
Hlam nodded satisfied. "Very well. Seeing the world with such eyes meets the Trial of the Even-Handed, we are pleased. You are already on the path." He said "The last trial you must face is the Trial of Justice. To fight is not enough. To fight for a cause that is where strength lies. When you fight for a higher purpose, something beyond the self, you will find that you gain strength through your actions and become impossible to defeat." The monk explained "When you have faced the remaining trials, then seek me out, Khelgar of the Clan Ironfist." Hlam was about to turn away when he stopped and faced Marcus "Please go and speak with Reverend Judge Oleff Uskar, he may have a job for one with your unique skills. You may find him in his office." The monk said as he indicated a door to the left of the alter.
"Ah... yes... I am Reverend Judge Oleff Uskar. How can I help you?" Oleff asked though he was distracted slightly.
"Are you all right, sir?" Marcus asked "Prior Hlam asked me to come and speak with you as he said you may have a job of some sort for me?"
Oleff nodded "Yes... just a little distracted is all. I sent one of our priests on the monthly rounds of the Tomb of the Betrayers here in Neverwinter. The priests of Tyr safeguard the tombs, in the interests of justice. But he has not yet returned. It is very troubling." He explained. "We are only permitted by our vows to enter the tombs at dawn once a month, and not leave until dusk the next day... yet the priest I sent has not returned." He said.
"Well we certainly can try and find him for you, make sure he's safe." Marcus said.
"Hmmm. You are not bound by our vows, but... there has been mention of disturbances in the tombs, I cannot guarantee your safety." Oleff said thoughtfully. "If I allow you access to the tombs, I must have your promise that you will not disturb the crypts." He said, looking at Neeshka as he spoke.
"Oh, sure, nothing to worry about. We'll swear to whoever you want, those crypts are in safe hands." Neeshka replied eagerly.
Marcus looked sideways at the tiefling. He wasn't so naive as to believe her. They'd travelled together long enough that he had a good idea as to when she was lying. "We swear not to disturb the crypts." He said to Oleff.
"I'm not responsible for your promises, harbour boy." Neeshka muttered unhappily.
Marcus turned Neeshka to look at him. "When it comes time for you to be laid to rest, Neesh, I wouldn't want anyone robbing your crypt. Please understand, sweetheart." He said squeezing her hand.
Neeshka's eyes went wide. "You'd build me a crypt?" She asked surprised she also sounded pleased by the idea. The harbourman just nodded with a slight smile on his face. "Wow. I'm touched. That's a really sweet thing to do for me after I'm a corpse." Neeshka said embarrassed.
"I, for one just hope it's something I don't have to worry about for many years yet Neesh, my dear." Marcus said caressing her cheek. "As I'm kind of getting attached to you living, you know."
"I wonder why that might be." Khelgar remarked dryly with a grin.
Oleff couldn't help but smile at the banter. "Very well I shall allow you access to the tombs. I'll send a priest of Tyr to unlock it for you but make haste." Oleff said. "And be careful the Tomb of the Betrayers has always had tales told about it, many believe it haunted. Please return here when you have found our priest; it will set my mind at ease to know he is safe."
"Can you tell us about the Tomb of the Betrayers?" Marcus asked
"It is where those who have turned on Neverwinter are buried. Whether during the War with Luskan, or for other crimes. We originally kept the place sealed to protect it from those that would defile the crypts... and for other reasons. But those same seals have often tempted robbers and thieves. Once past the seals, there is a locking mechanism in the dungeon upon entering, the priest seals the door behind him." Oleff explained.
"Don't forget we need to go and see Ophala about that pig Leldon, harbour boy." Neeshka said as they left the temple of Tyr.
"I haven't forgotten Neesh, don't worry your horns about that." Marcus said as they walked toward the Tomb of the Betrayers. "I'd have thought you'd want into the tomb as soon as you could." He said grinning.
Neeshka rolled her eyes "Yeah and what's the good in getting in there if you won't let me liberate a souvenir or two?" she asked still a little miffed. "You have me wrapped round your little pinkie Cole." She said though she wasn't bitter about it.
Marcus chuckled at that "Do I just?" he asked "I'll have to remember that in future." Then he grinned "Think of the bragging rights Neesh, you'll be the only thief that we know of who's got past the seals and what's more with Tyr's priest's knowledge. That's got to worth something wouldn't you say?" he asked.
Neeshka grinned "When you put it like that harbour boy it does sound pretty cool. Screw Leldon let's do this already."
The harbourman just laughed as he gave her a hug.
"They're not going to get any better now are they?" Khelgar asked.
Elanee shook her head "No I'm afraid not Khelgar. Welcome to domestic bliss Marcus and Neeshka style." She said laughing at the image.
"Ha! Next thing you'll be telling me is they'll be married with children. I don't think Neverwinter is ready for that." The dwarf said with a hearty belly laugh of his own.
Marcus raised an eyebrow at his two laughing companions "Care to share, you two?" he asked.
"It was nothing of any consequence Marcus." Elanee said regaining her composure.
"Yeah right." The harbourman replied not convinced "So why don't I fully believe you?" He asked "Never mind, come on we have a missing cleric to find." Marcus said as he opened the heavy steel door to the Tomb of the Betrayers.
"Sir Nevalle?" Captain Brelaina asked looked up in surprise to see one of the Nine in her Watch Post "What brings you here?"
The knight smiled slightly "Lord Nasher wished me to extend his thanks to the Watch in regards to the Docks situation." He said as he pulled out the sealed orders "And to for me to deliver these orders to you." Nevalle said as he handed the captain the documents.
"I see." Brelaina said as she took the orders "Do you know what this is about?" she asked.
Nevalle shook his head "No, Lord Nasher only asked me to deliver them to you. He never made any indication as to their content." He said "Good day Captain, Marshal." The knight said as he turned and left the watch post.
"Trouble, Captain?" Cormick asked after Nevalle had left.
"Who knows, Cormick?" Brelaina said as she opened the orders and started to read "Let's see what the old man wants from the watch this time." Cormick raised his eyebrows at Brelaina's use of the words 'old man' to describe Lord Nasher. "The man has to have taken leave of his senses surely?" Brelaina asked as she finished reading her new orders.
"What's wrong Captain?" Cormick asked, concerned.
"See for yourself and tell me what you think." Brelaina said as she passed the papers over to her counterpart.
Cormick quickly read through the orders and let out a long low whistle. "Well that certainly explains why Kari was so interested in them the other day."
"What do you mean, Cormick?" Brelaina asked
"When Marcus signed on yesterday not long afterwards I got a visit from former spymaster Kari Byron." He said "Though going by this I'd say she's semi-retired." Cormick said waving the orders about. "Both her and Gend couldn't leave anything alone if they tried. It's not in their natures."
"You'd know more about those two than I would. You worked with them during the war after all." Brelaina said slightly envious of the Graycloak Marshal.
"Heh, true I suppose though Kari wasn't spymaster then, Gend was. She was just the one woman in the city that could get the job done." The Marshal looked thoughtful, "I'm surprised both Kari and Aarin stayed after the war, with what happened to Lady Aribeth and all despite both their efforts. Nasher was still bull headed over the disgraced paladin." Carmick said regretfully. "Might be why they stayed, to try and keep Nasher from making such a mistake again. Be that as it may it's pretty obvious what Kari has in mind for Neeshka and it looks as though Lord Nasher has his eye on Marcus for some reason." Cormick concluded.
"Neeshka?" Brelaina asked surprised "Surly that be more qualified people than a common street thief for spymaster and a tiefling at that?"
Cormick laughed "That's where you'd be wrong Captain. What do you think both Aarin and Kari were before they became Nasher's spymasters? The pair of them are rogues through and through." He explained. "I recall a conversation I had with Kari not long after she became pregnant. She asked me in her roundabout way if I knew of any good thieves. The only person that came to mind that would be of interest was Neeshka. The Watch has never managed to prove anything against her even after all these years, I think we have Ophala to thank for that but again nothing can be proved." The marshal said as he raised a finger making a point "She's extremely good at getting into places she shouldn't and most importantly she's never killed anyone intentionally only ever defending herself. She's no assassin Captain, which is more than can be said for many of the thieves with her skill." Then Cormick grinned "And my harbourman compatriot seems to have some sway over her, which I'm not sure is good or bad."
"What do you mean by that?" Brelaina asked
Cormick gave a shrug. "Marcus is attracted to Neeshka and her to him." he said.
"You can't be serious Cormick she's a tiefling for Tempus's sake." Brelaina said shocked at the thought.
"Watch them when they come to report later today Captain and tell me what you see." Cormick replied with a smile as he handed her Nasher's orders back.
"I wasn't expecting this many undead." Marcus said as the last of a group of Ghouls died. "I've lost count as to how many skeletons, zombies, ghouls, ghasts and the odd shadow we've had to hack our way past. What in the Nine Hells has got them all stirred up?" he asked.
"I do not know." Elanee replied "But I fear that was the last of my spells. I pray we can find a safe place to rest so I may centre myself."
Marcus nodded in understanding "Your spells have been a boon Elanee. I'm glad you're here." The wood elf bowed slightly in acknowledgement.
"With any luck that missing priest is 'round here somewhere." Khelgar grunted.
"Think I've found where he's holed up." Neeshka said as she crouched by a door "This has been locked from the inside." She said as she rubbed her face "And… ugh a crude but effective holy water trap has been set on it. No doubt to keep our undead friends at bay."
Marcus placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder "Can you recover the holy water Neesh?" he asked "We need all the help we can get."
The tiefling nodded "Yeah should be easy enough… agh that's if my skin would stop itching, hells, hells, hells." Neeshka said rubbing her face again.
"You could always tell me what to do, you know, and I can disarm the trap." The harbourman suggested. Marcus didn't like seeing Neeshka suffer like this, not for something she had no control over.
Neeshka looked up, a slight gleam in her eyes. "I don't know. Sure your fingers are nimble enough harbour boy?" she asked.
Both Elanee and Khelgar groaned and Marcus just grinned. "You do double entendres pretty well." He said. "Yes I have very nimble fingers if you must know. Deaghun taught me to make my own longbow and arrows and believe me you need nimble fingers for that." That gave the harbourman an idea that he tucked away for later. It had been a while since he'd crafted a bow but the more he thought about it the more he knew that Neeshka would appreciate her own hand crafted and customised shortbow.
"Alright then Cole, get down here and let's do this." Neeshka said in a commanding tone.
Onan, cleric of Tyr had heard the sounds of battle draw closer to the room he had barricaded himself in. Now he could hear muffled voices outside the door. It was clear to him that it couldn't be undead; then worryingly, Onan heard the lock disengage and the door swung open. To the cleric's surprise the oddest group of people quickly entered. The last of which, a dwarf swiftly shut and secured it again. Onan's eyes then took in the next member of the group a wood elf druid going by her appearance as she sat herself on the floor. But it was the last two members that Onan studied closely. The human man seemed to be the leader and then there was the tiefling woman who never seemed to stray far from his side.
Where they crypt robbers? Onan didn't think so. He'd soon find out. "Who are you? Don't step any closer... I don't want to hurt anyone." Onan said.
"It's alright sir. Oleff asked us to find you. I'm Marcus, this is Neeshka, over there is Elanee, and by the door is Khelgar." The harbourman said introducing everyone. "And you must be the missing cleric of Tyr."
"That I am. Tyr bless you for your actions." Onan said with relief. "However, I'm afraid Oleff has sent you to die here by my side. He could not have known of what has transpired down here... none of us did." He said defeated.
"What do you mean?" Marcus asked slightly alarmed.
"The priests of Tyr patrol these halls to make sure the seals on the tombs are secure. It is our duty to see that these betrayers rest, and rest quietly. But something has disturbed the spirits that rest here and now they have risen. It was always our fear it would happen. Worse still, the mechanism that seals the entrance has been seized by them. I fear there is no way to reach it..." Onan said with a shake of his head "I have tried, but they have driven me back. But perhaps you can succeed where I have failed. I was unprepared for what I found down here however you are not." Then the cleric's voice took on a warning tone. "Be wary of the one that leads them for he is, considered by many to be one of the greatest traitors imprisoned in this cursed tomb. I do not know how he returned from death, but return he has." He said. "The others gravitate towards him like moths to a flame, and they hunger for the living. He and his fellow undead can be found through the door in the main hall. Be ready for battle when you face them."
"If it's not one thing lad it's something else." Khelgar remarked from his place by the door "Sounds as though there are more undead that need a lesson from my axe."
"You don't say Khelgar." Marcus said dryly as he looked towards the wood elf. "Are you ready Elanee?" he asked.
The druid shook her head. "No I'll need at least eight hours to prepare all my spells and rest."
Marcus mentally kicked himself, after all he'd spent years around Tarmas and Amie. "Sorry Elanee, I should have known you'd need time to prepare, I'm more used to arcane casters having to take the time to prepare their spells. It's easy to forget that it applies to druids and clerics as well."
"You mean we've got stay here for eight hours?" Neeshka complained.
"Hey, you've got me for company, Neesh." Marcus said. "So it could be worse."
"It could be better, too we could be, oh I don't know, alone?" the tiefling said with a cheeky grin.
"That's enough you two." Khelgar said. "You're going to give me nightmares." The dwarf complained "You two can take the first watch, that'll keep you out of mischief."
"Don't be so sure barrel house." Neeshka retorted.
Marcus rolled his eyes. "Alright Khelgar, we'll take first watch you go get some sleep."
"I'm not sure I will, not with those two praying and mumbling like they are." The dwarf said waving to where Elanee and Onan were.
"Still can't believe we're actually in The Tomb of the Betrayers." Neeshka said a little in awe as she and Marcus kept watch near the door. "It's really hard to break into. Every thief in the city has been eager to crack this tomb. Here I am and you won't let me swipe anything." She said pouting.
Marcus had to suppress a grin. "Neeshka, behave would you." He said rebuking her gently but firmly. "We've been over this. Some things aren't meant to be swiped. Let the dead rest, Neesh."
The tiefling nodded looking thoughtful. "Did you really mean what you said earlier in Oleff's office?" she asked.
"I did, Neesh. When it comes time for you to rest, I'll make sure you're buried properly." Marcus said pulling her into a hug. "But I pray to Torm that won't be for many years yet. I want to grow old with you, sweetheart."
Neeshka smiled. "Now there's something I could get used to. But what do you expect from me, harbour boy. I'm a thief and a damned good one at that." She said. "I'm also not afraid to admit it."
"Neesh, there's a difference between being proud of what you are and getting us all in trouble." Marcus said with a smile as he kissed her.
"Hmm, that's something I'm definitely getting used to. I guess I can live without swiping anything from here." Neeshka murmured. "We've got the rest of those undead to deal with." She made a face. "I'll be glad to be back on the streets of Neverwinter instead of being in an undead filled tomb."
Elanee awoke the next morning, or at least she thought it was morning as it was hard to tell as they were in a tomb. She looked towards the door and smiled when she saw Neeshka snuggled against Marcus, both sound asleep.
"It's almost a shame to wake them." Khelgar remarked as he came to stand next to the druid.
"But wake them we must, Khelgar as my spells have been restored." Elanee said as she stood up. "I fear we will need them all too soon, however."
"Well I don't know about you, lass but I want to have a little fun with them." Khelgar said as he walked over to Neeshka and woke her up.
Marcus' eyes opened as he felt a weight shift and move.
"What?" the harbourman asked looking a little puzzled as he saw Khelgar and Elanee smiling even the Tyrrain priest looked bemused as for Neeshka, she looked bashful and unsure.
"Well lad, if you can't remember what you two got up to last night we're not going to remind you." Khelgar said laughing at the expression on Marcus' face.
"Last thing I remember was having Neeshka on my lap..." the harbourman said as he stood up.
"Khelgar, enough now, you've had your fun." Elanee admonished lightly. "Yes Neeshka was comfortably sleeping in your lap. Both of you looked so peaceful that it was almost a shame to wake you."
"But we have the remaining undead to deal with." Khelgar said.
The harbourman nodded even as a silly grin appeared on his face. "Well, up for a little more undead slaying Neesh?" Marcus asked.
"Like I have a choice." Neeshka said sourly "But I'm not letting you go out there without me watching your back." She too had a smile as Marcus was the first man in many years she'd felt safe enough with to fall asleep in his arms.
"Come on then let's see if we can finish this." Marcus said as he led his friends out to deal with the remaining undead.