Chapter 26
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King Liam went to Mysterra, in search of this missing piece of the Gorgostone. He had seen charlatans try to sell fake pieces before, and executed them for it. Perhaps this was some faction trying to gain legitimacy with a fake stone, Liam had considered this option before. This was quite possibly another such deception, but he couldn't take the chance. Certainly the Harpers, and various faction in Mysterra, would be looking. This journey required going deep into Warsong territory, where residents of Darokin were not particularly welcome. Liam's advisor, Asterius, accompanied him on this journey. Asterius had recently been on a "Spiritual journey." Liam did not understand all of the theological aspects of the Church of Darokin. But part of this involved food walks, going to the poorest of the Warsong tribes and giving them food and medicine. Part of the church's mission was to provide aid to those who needed it most. Still, Liam wondered if Asterius was making alliances with these tribes, building credibility in the hopes that the Warsong tribes might ally with him against their traditional enemies, the Goff tribes. Liam was always wary of help from Asterius, but for better or worse he needed his help right now in dealing with the Warsong tribes. It was not long before they found a young woman, who claimed she knew of a woman who possessed a piece of the Gorgostone. This woman was Selencia.
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Selencia: There is a village nearby, it suffered a terrible plague. Three days ago a young woman came here, and all the children were cured. But the Warsong people's are cowardly and superstitious, they accused her of witchcraft, of allying with Gorgos himself. Now, they are preparing to burn her at the stake. Only the High King himself, and the wrath he is known for, can save the witch and protector of the stone.
Liam: Take us to the village.
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Selencia brought Liam and his party, including Asterius, to the village. They had indeed tied a young woman, Tifre, to the stake. The judge was telling the crowd how he had questioned Tifre, and determined she was guilty. In reality, the new magistrate had come to power recently, after the death of his predecessor. Some suspected him of murdering the former magistrate, but there was no proof. This judge hoped that this "Witch" would accuse the magistrate of murder, and he could take over. But Tifre did not understand what the judge asked for, and so he condemned her to death. It seemed that Liam and his party arrived just in time. Tifre was just as surprised as the villagers, but when she saw Selencia here, she hoped she had brought these people here.
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Liam: Release this woman.
Judge: With all due respect my king, she has been convicted of witchcraft, of allying with Gorgos himself.
Liam: I am well aware of what Gorgos is capable of. Ten years ago, there was a slave rebellion, these rebels also worshiped Gorgos. They massacred not only their masters, but their own people who had adopted Darokian ways. But I do not believe this woman is guilty of witchcraft.
Asterius: Certainly we understand the neccessity of taking harsh measures to prevent Gorgos from ever returning. But, rooting out heresy is the duty of the Church of Darokin. Certainly you have needed to handle things for yourself at times, but we should be working together. We will take responsibility for her, and we will give your people food and medicine as a reward.
Magistrate: We thank you, and we trust your judgement in trying this witch.
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The magistrate knew he could not turn down this gift of food, and he was dubious of the judge's decision. Tifre was released. Once they all left the village Liam questioned her.
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Liam: Do you truley have a piece of the Gorgostone?
Tifre: Not anymore. When we fled I gave it to Selencia here. She escaped the mob and I didn't.
Liam: Than, you have the Gorgostone?
Selencia: Not exactly. I heard rumors that the high king was around, and I knew I needed your help to save her.
Liam: So this was all a deception to manipulate me into saving your friend?
Selencia: I had the stones, I just hid them. I'm not foolish enough to have them on me when I negotiated with the high king.
Liam: "Them?" Are you saying you have more than one? I promise to reward you, greatly, for such a treasure.
Tifre: One of those stones was mine. And I'm hesitant to trust anyone else with it.
Selencia: I on the other hand have no such reservations, for the right price ofcourse.
Liam: Ofcourse. Retrieve your stone, and we can negotiate.
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Selencia began leading Tifre to where she hid the stones. Liam and his party didn't follow, but the women feared that someone was covertly following them.
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Tifre: You came back for me.
Selencia: Ofcourse I did.
Tifre: You didn't have to.
Selencia: You didn't have to spare my life the first time we met.
Tifre: I'm glad I did.
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Tifre and Selencia then shared their first kiss. They might have different opinions about what to do with the Gorgostone, but they had fallen in love.