14th Day of Flocktime, 565 CY
The Brass Dragon Inn, Furyondy
"Well," said Elrohir in what he hoped was a casual tone, "let's have another go at this, shall we?"
None of the other seven individuals seated around the large circular table in the common room so much as cracked a smile. Cygnus in particular seemed to assume the comment had been directed at him and glared at his party leader.
Not that he was completely wrong in that assumption. It had after all been Cygnus who had dropped the bombshell on them two nights previous. It had been less than an hour after the matter of Tojo's fate had been (temporarily) resolved when the Aardian wizard announced out of the blue that he was considering leaving the party for good.
This had not gone over well with several people, least of all Elrohir. While the ranger certainly could not fault Cygnus' concerns about his son, Elrohir had gotten a subtle feeling that Cygnus felt Elrohir should be feeling the same way about Barahir. He felt like Cygnus was making him out to be a bad father, or at least an indifferent one, in front of the group. Elrohir resented this, feeling that Alias could protect his son far better than the party could. Just because he wasn't breaking down in tears in front of everybody about it didn't mean he didn't care.
Aslan had diffused the situation by taking Cygnus to Welkwood the following day, and the pair had returned this morning. Thorin not being with them, it was clear that Cygnus had decided to stay with the party, at least for now. The mage had said little about the talk he had had with his son, only to say it was "illuminating."
The information the duo had brought back with them on the other hand, Elrohir would just as soon not have heard. The revelation about the Chams clothing was more bad news- the only type the party seemed to receive these days.
Quit whining, Elrohir, the ranger thought to himself, rubbing his eyes. We're all in this together. They're looking to you for leadership, not humor.
"Cygnus," Elrohir said to his friend sitting to his immediate right, "is there anything else you wanted to add?"
The magic-user stared at the ranger, couldn't find anything accusatory in the question, and responded, folding his hands in front of him on the table. "Only that I'm not convinced of the theory that a noble couple is the Emerald Serpent's target. I think it could be anyone, and I'm sure the loss of half of the clothes will not deter their plan."
Zantac, sitting on his fellow wizard's right, frowned. "You're thinking their target could be us?"
Six men turned to regard two women.
Talass indicated with a barely noticeable shrug that she felt this was of no concern to her. Caroline Bigfellow however, favored the table with a smile.
"If someone comes up and presents me with an anonymous gift of beautiful clothing, I promise not to strip naked and put it on without speaking to one of you first."
Her husband, seated between her and Elrohir, raised an eyebrow.
"I'd hope you'd always let me know before you plan on stripping naked, love."
Aslan, currently to Caroline's left, sighed disapprovingly, but wasn't able to completely hide the blush in his face. Argo, waiting for just such a reaction, was about to pounce when the paladin held up a warning hand.
"Don't. I'm not in the mood for it, Argo."
To everyone's surprise, and no one's more than Aslan, the big ranger dropped the topic immediately.
There was a short silence. Elrohir could feel the tension around the table, and he didn't like it.
"Zantac," he plowed on ahead. "Cygnus has indicated that despite his concerns, and they are valid ones," the ranger hastened to add, "he will be accompanying us back to the Pomarj. What is your view, and please speak your mind freely."
The Willip wizard shrugged. "I'm on board, Elrohir. I do need to mention something, however- I've only had the chance to talk with Cygnus about this, so far."
Seeing he had the table's attention, Zantac continued. "When I was at the guild researching the Pearls of Hamakahara, I met up with my friend Martan." The mage's mouth tightened. "You may recall Torlina had mentioned he had been looking to speak with me. Well, Martan is now firmly convinced that one of our members is in league with the Emerald Serpent. The guild is planning to capture Chic alive, on behalf of Baron Chartrain, and Martan fears the project may be sabotaged. He's also convinced that the Serpent remains dedicated to our annihilation, and that another attempt towards that end will be made. And no, he had no specific details."
"But he have suspicion as to who traitor is?"
Zantac turned to regard the samurai sitting to his right. "Yes, Tojo. He does."
"Aimee." Cygnus spoke the name matter-of-factly.
Zantac hesitated, seemingly uncomfortable with this theory, but nodded assent. "I'll try and stay on top of this as much as possible. I just wanted- everyone to know."
Elrohir gave a nod of acknowledgement. "Thank you, Zantac. Tojo- anything you wish to say?"
The samurai considered for a moment, and then shook his head without comment.
Elrohir continued around the table. "Dearest?"
His wife spoke slowly, her eyes downcast. "I'm going."
"What about your vision?"
Talass raised her eyes, zeroing in on the questioner. "Justice demands we see through this task to completion, Argo. And as for my vision, what is preordained to happen, will happen. Acceptance of what the gods decide is as much a pillar of your faith as of mine, isn't that right?"
Bigfellow met the cleric's eyes without flinching. "I've never claimed to be a pious person, my good lady."
Talass' reply was cold. "This might be a good time to start."
"Aslan." Elrohir rushed to fill the silence, perhaps a little too quickly. "Your thoughts?"
The paladin folded his arms across his chest and sighed. "I'm sure it's no surprise to anyone that I'm going back as well. There are a few logistical points I'd like to address, however." Aslan looked at Elrohir with a courteous expression that he hoped would convince his friend he wasn't stepping on his leadership toes. Lord, but he can be sensitive sometimes, he thought.
Elrohir appeared to take the hint. "By all means, Aslan," the ranger said graciously.
"First of all, I'm going to contact Sir Dorbin in Willip before we leave. Update him on all that's been going on and have him keep a close eye on the inn again. I'm sure at least some of his party won't mind taking over for us again. Also, based on my reconnaissance back at the stockade, there's a few items I'd like us to stock up on before we head out. These will be best procured for us at Chendl."
Cygnus frowned. "Aslan, we're flat broke again."
The paladin nodded. "I know, Cygnus. I plan to barter my private services to King Belvor for what we need. This includes any... healing we might need after the fact, since the Royal Court will no longer pay for it."
"Let me make sure of something," Zantac said with a tight smile. "You say healing, but since you can heal us all given time, what you really mean is getting us raised, don't you?"
Before Aslan could reply, Elrohir cut in. "Private services? You mean as a psionic mercenary?"
Aslan smiled a genuine smile. "As one paladin to another, I'm sure his Royal Majesty will not command me to do anything objectionable. And yes, you're correct Zantac," he added, turning the same smile on the mage. "Just trying to put a better face on it is all, but you're right- I should have been more direct."
"This might mean we'll be without you for a while after we get back, Aslan." Talass did not look happy at the prospect.
"All the more reason to have Sir Dorbin as close as possible," Aslan responded.
Argo snorted at that. "You could make the same deal with Melinjaro here in Willip, or even Lancoastes if you're desperate."
"I have another reason for basing this trip out of Chendl." The paladin's voice abruptly turned hard as his smile vanished. "A private one."
Even Elrohir didn't think to interrupt the unexpected silence that ensued. Eventually, Caroline, who was next in line, took it upon herself to speak.
"I can't go," the young woman whispered, staring down at the table. "I'm sorry, but I've lost my nerve. I don't know what it is, but I know I'd fold when you needed me the most. I know you all think I'm a coward, but..." Caroline's voice trailed off as her eyes filled with tears.
"You're not part of a mercenary company, love," her husband said, as she leaned into his arms. "You're part of a family."
There followed a respectful period in which Caroline was allowed to compose herself, and assorted expressions of understanding were tossed her way.
"Well," Elrohir finished, "that just leaves you, Argo. Any nuggets you'd care to share?"
Argo Bigfellow Junior hesitated a moment, and then nodded, slowly stood up and soberly eyed every single person sitting around the table, ending up on his wife.
"I'm not going."
Six pairs of eyes flashed instantly to Caroline, but her shocked expression was all-too genuine.
"What?" Elrohir was first with the word.
"I'm worried about Caroline, and so I'm staying with her. I didn't tell her because I didn't want anyone thinking she had talked me into this." The big ranger's auburn eyes swept back over to Aslan.
"Argo," Caroline croaked, "you don't have to-"
"Of course I don't have to," her husband interrupted. "I want to. That's all the difference in the world, and it's been the very cornerstone of this family since the beginning. The first person who tells me I have to do something gets to see my back as I walk off into the sunset."
Caroline was starting to look absolutely terrified. Despite Argo's last statement, it looked as if most of the table was turning against him.
I was right, she thought. I'm no big loss if I don't go, but Argo...
"Is this because of Caroline's dreams, Argo?" Talass asked, making no effort to keep the ice out of her voice. "You seem selective in the omens you listen to."
Bigfellow's return smile was equally cold; a rarity for him. "Been speaking with the horses lately, my good lady? They're having the same type of dreams. You should know by now I don't believe in coincidences."
"We would have died last time without you, Argo," Elrohir had stood up and leaned forward, placing both hands on the table.
Argo mirrored the gesture, glaring back at his party leader. "If you're not expecting it to be any easier this time around Elrohir, then I strongly suggest that you don't go."
"Let him go, Elrohir." Aslan waved a dismissing hand. The ranger stared at him in disbelief, but the paladin merely shrugged. "If his heart's not in, he'd be useless to us. He let us know quite clearly outside the stockade last time what his priorities are."
After a moment, Elrohir nodded, but was clearly trying to rein in his anger. Caroline, who had not been present at that scene, looked confused, but the others looked back and forth between Aslan and Argo. The latter switched his piercing gaze over to the former.
"What part of family don't you understand, Aslan?" the big ranger hissed. Then his expression suddenly brightened into one of mock understanding. "Oh, that's right. The part that involves being a part of one."
Aslan's eyes narrowed. When he spoke again after a silence that was entirely too long not to cause any damage, his voice was controlled and modulated.
"This is a pre-mission briefing, Argo."
It took a moment, but the light quickly dawned in Bigfellow's eyes.
"Of course. Forgive me. Forgive us."
He spun around to his wife. "Get up, Caroline. It's late. We're turning in."
Looking as if she truly wanted to drop dead right then and there, Caroline slowly rose to her feet, not meeting anyone's gaze, and allowed her husband to take her by the arm and lead her out of the Brass Dragon.
The others watched them leave. Elrohir turned back to Aslan.
"I'm not going to mince words, Aslan. We're at a tremendous disadvantage without Argo's sword arm, and you know it!"
The paladin's face resumed a calm demeanor as he turned back to face his party leader. "I won't deny that for a minute, Elrohir. However, allow me to elaborate on my plan for resolving that situation."
"Another happy meeting," groaned Zantac, rising to his feet. "Is the kitchen still open?"