Ch. 26
Roads Less Traveled
"Alright everyone listen up," Rakiv commanded.
A lull settled over the activity of the outpost as all eyes turned towards the center of the camp. Dusk had long since settled over Elona and had slowly given way to a moonless night. The sky was lit only by twinkling stars that poked through the dark celestial vault, causing the humans below to create their own means of illumination. The fire pit at the center of camp had been kindled into a great bonfire that crackled, snapped and roared as it spewed flame and embers to the sky. Before this fire stood Rakiv Maelstrom, for once dressed down in a simple green tunic and light brown trousers. Her unshod feet paced over the hard packed sand as she strode to a large stump near the fire and hopped upon it to gain greater height. From her new vantage she surveyed the small crowd, a gathering of her officers and soldiers who had braced prisons, rivers, armies and demons to be here. The men and women of the guild sat on logs or leaned against rocks and trees as they looked up at their leader and eagerly awaited her debriefing.
"So a lot has happened in the last twenty-four hours," Rakiv began as she placed her hands on her hips, "But let me first begin by saying… it is so good to see you all here."
The sentiment was met with several chuckles and general statements of affirmation as the guild took a moment to congratulate themselves for all they had accomplished.
"We have faced hell and high water in just the last day, but we have pulled through and here we are, ready to move on," Rakiv smiled at her assembled officers, "So, for the first time in roughly thirty-six hours… as Guildmistress of Dormant Vengance, I call this officer's meeting to order."
"Here here!" Dunkoro called as he raised his water skin.
"Three cheers for the guildmistress!" Koss shouted.
"Arra! Arra! Arra!" the assembly called in answer.
"Hooray!" Suwash the Pirate shouted gleefully as well.
"Pipe down," Margrid reprimanded, thumping the young corsair over the head, "Yew ain' part of their crew now are ya?"
"It's quite alright Margrid," Rakiv laughed from her perch before extending a hand, "In fact, I'd also like to say that the guild extends her deepest thanks and gratitude to the allies who have helped her so far. So let's hear it for our corsair allies, the Red-Wing Pirates!"
The guild officers offered their applause and cheers to the pirates who grinned and bowed and waved as they basked in the adulation.
"If'n yer really grateful, how's about tossin' a little more coin our way?" Margrid responded with a chuckle.
General laughter rose from the group and Rakiv only chuckled as she waved off Margrid's comment. The guildmistress turned her attention to a collection of young woman wearing blue scarves, accompanied by a hunched over old woman leaning on a gnarled cane.
"And of course a round of applause for our djinni allies, without whom the Elon would be stagnant and still," Rakiv clapped lightly.
More hoots and cheers rose from the guild as Dehja stepped forward and took a graceful bow, whilst the djinni women behind her gave light curtsies. For her part, Yartu snorted lightly but waved a hand of acceptance in a show of rare good will.
"And last but most certainly not least…" Rakiv paused as she turned to peer through the crowd for a single elusive figure, "Ah, there you are. Can I get a cheer for the Order of Whispers? C'mon Disciple, you too Apprentice, take a bow."
The red cloaked man blinked lightly from where he leaned in the shadow of a hut, and then gave a small short chuckle. The huntress' eyes were sharp and from time to time even he could not escape her notice entirely. Striding out of the shadows the Disciple of Whispers clasped his hands and tipped his head as the guild cheered. For her part the Apprentice of Whispers rose from where she sat on a log and gave a small smile to those around her, nodding lightly before she sat down once more.
"Alright, that said we've got a lot of work to do gang," Rakiv said, "A lot has changed in just the last day and we've got intel that we need to act on, fast. So I'll start with the big update, then Kydar you can brief us on your ordeal with the Drought and then Disciple, would you be willing to tell us how we'll proceed tomorrow?"
The hodded man gave a nod of acceptance and Rakiv nodded in return as she once again returned her attention to the guild.
"Excellent," she said, "So here's how it is. Nerashi and the rest of our intel department have been noticing heavy troop concentrations at Jahai for over a month now. Thanks to the keen hearing of our corsair friends, we now know why that is. Varesh is turning her focus eastward, and is planning to launch a full scale invasion of Vabbi."
"Wait… really?" Anicara piped up in surprise.
"I thought most of her forces were in the gulf, fighting the Istani navy?" Melonni spoke up with mild confusion, "How on earth will she have the manpower for a full scale invasion of the Princes' provinces?"
"We don't know," Rakiv admitted, "But I suspect she means to use demons to do it. While we were in Gandara we had an encounter with a loose demon, and it sounds like Varesh has been summoning more of the things. And even with the Drought dead, don't forget that the Blasphemy and the Hunger are still under Varesh's command."
A grim silence settled over the crowd as many of the guildsmen glanced from one to another at this unsettling news.
"Well then I sincerely hope you have another means of slaying demons, guildmistress," the smooth silken voice of the Apprentice of Whispers spoke up.
"Why's that?" Rakiv questioned as she squninted out at the mocha skinned woman.
"I'm afraid I've somewhat exhausted my demon breaking abilities," the Apprentice said with a small, sad smile, "I would go into it, but it would require a long explaination that I'm sure would distract from the purpose of this meeting. That and I can feel the Disciple staring daggers at me, so I shall simply say that I will no longer be able to aid you in the same capacity against another one of these great demons."
"Great…" Rakiv sighed, "Kydar make a note would you? We need to get in touch with the Master of Whispers and see what else he's got, before we have to fight another one of these things."
"Got it," the scribe answered as he scribbled in his notebook.
"Alright, so that's where things stand," Rakiv said, "As far as I can see, our mission to Vabbi has changed a little. We were going there to ask for help. Now we need to get there in time to warn them about the invasion. They're no use to us if they're overrun by Varesh before they can pull their armies together."
Several nods of agreement were given around the circle and Rakiv surveyed the faces of her men. Already she could see a sort of weariness settling into their eyes. It seemed as though every time they were to gain some asset or achieve an upperhand, something got in the way that forced them to fight for their advantage. But beneath the weariness she could also see a deep seated determination as the men and women began to focus on the task before them. With a wave of her hand Rakiv gestured to the guild's resident scribe and hopped down from her stump.
"Now I'll hand it over to Kydar," Rakiv said, "As you all know, his team fought and killed one of these demons and I think the rest of us could benefit from hearing how that was done. So, Kydar?"
The scribe gave a nod as he flipped through his notebook and made his way to the middle of the fire circle. He paused at the stump and contemplated stepping up on it, before deciding he was tall enough as it was and turned away from the makeshift pedastle to face the group.
"Can everyone hear me okay?" he called, "Alright so… first thing to know about these demons. They are strong. Really, really strong. When we were making our approach to the Waterworks, the Drought was able to affect us from miles away. I don't know how many of you have heard, but… that thing managed to stop the river. Not freeze it, not dam it, stop it. The water just ceased to flow. We couldn't even drink while we were heading into the Waterworks because all water in the area was too unmoving to be drinkable."
Someone gave a low whistle and some murmurs passed through the crowd as they contemplated the kind of power necessary to stop the flow of a river that coursed through half the continent.
"Second thing, these guys can get in your head," Kydar said, "When we were heading for the Drought, it did some kind of… psychic attack on us. It hurt, a lot, and I've been trained to block out stuff like that. It spoke directly into our minds and tried to force us to go back. I can't say what the other demons can do, but I think it's safe to assume that since we're fighting the servants of a mad god, expect to have to deal with a little madness along the way."
"How do we fight something that can take over our minds?" Koss spoke up curiously.
"Well it didn't take over our minds," the scribe clarified, "But it sure as hell stopped us in our tracks. Admittedly, that kind of thing will be hard to fight. Best I can tell you is to push through with sheer willpower. Right now I'm going through all the literature I have on me, trying to develop some kind of mesmeric countermeasure that I can use to help you guys. No luck so far but, I'm gonna keep trying."
"Mmm… well so long as I can still hit it with my sword and watch it bleed, I think we can take it," Koss replied with a slow nod.
"That's… another thing," Kydar spoke up, "These things… they're all but unstoppable. We found that with well coordinated strikes we could hurt it but… well, everything we did just seemed to make it mad. It wasn't until the Apprentice did her… light beam thing, that the Drought was weak enough for us to really break it. Even then it didn't go down right away, and did this self-destruct kind of thing. So remember, even if we do manage to bring one of these things down, it will probably use its last breath to try and take us with it."
"Excuse me," Alendra spoke up as she raised a hand, "Can someone explain what exactly the Apprentice did to help you kill the Drought? Is it something we can sort of copy, or figure out on our own or…?"
"Uhm…" Kydar began, "Well it has something to do with something called the Lightbringer Chapter but… beyond that I don't really…"
"All will be explained," the voice of the Disciple broke in, "Soon."
"Well in that case," Kydar responded to the hooded man, "You wanna come up here and explain how we get to Vabbi from here? We kept up our end of the bargin. Demon's dead. What do we do next?"
"Never fear, First Officer," the Disciple said as he made his way forward through the crowd, "The Order is true to its word. You did indeed slay the demon, now we will see to it that you make it through to Vabbi."
Kydar gave a nod and stepped away from the bonfire as the Disciple strode up to the tree stump. The red hooded man surveyed the guild and its allies for a moment before finally drawing back his hood and unclasping his face mask. A few eyebrows raised as they finally beheld the Disciple's face, and were surprised to find that he was a rather handsome young man. His dark features were accented by the small scar that marked his right cheek, and the single ornate earring that hung from his right earlobe. Thick dark curls adorned his head and slate grey eyes stared out from behind long dark lashes.
"Hello mister Disciple…" Alendra muttered to Anicara, who gave a little giggle but nodded in agreement.
"To reach Vabbi," the Disciple began, "You will travel through the roots of the Bahnakor mountains, into depths that very few dare to tread. There is but a single safe path that runs through the cavern deeps, and only a handful of smugglers and Whispers know the way. Be warned that deviating from this path for any reason may well lead to your doom. In addition to the dark things that lurk in the underground caves, the Elon itself courses through the mountain's roots, flowing through passages and tunnels both above and below you. It is all too easy to misstep and find yourself swept away into the darkness and make no mistake, here the Elon keeps what it takes."
All eyes were no focused forward in rapt attention as the Disciple explained their next move to the assembled guildsmen.
"In the morning you are all to assemble at the northeastern end of the camp," the Disciple continued, "Where you will find the entrance to Bahdok Caverns. Once inside you will meet our agents who will guide you through the caves and out onto the other side of the mountains. The path leads to an exit near the temple estate known as the Wehhan Terraces. Once there you will be in Vabbi, and beyond the reach of the Kournan army. From the Terraces I advise you make your way west, across the Elon and seek out the Chantry of Secrets."
"Huh, so the Chantry really does exist eh?" Kydar commented.
"If the Order exists," Disciple reasoned, "Then so must our headquarters. Much like our own existence, we have done much to hide the location of the Chantry of Secrets and only a Whisper will be able to find it. Our agents will guide you to the Chantry and there you may request an audience with the Master. He will be able to aid you in your bid to appeal to the Merchant Princes."
The group was silent as they took in his words and ran over the instructions the Disciple had given them. For once it seemed that the path before them would be easy, at least for a time. As the Disciple stepped away from the fire, Rakiv rose to her feet and hopped back on her stump.
"Alright, so we have our plan of action," the guildmistress called out, "Now comes the part we have to decide right here and now. We can't all go to Vabbi. The resistance has to keep running here in Kourna, and the resistance needs the guild. I can't take my entire command staff into Vabbi and leave the guild crippled without leadership. So some of us are going, and some of us are staying here. So first things first, we need to decide who's going to be acting guild leader while I'm gone. Any volunteers?"
"What about Kormir?" Nerashi suggested, "She commanded the whole Sunspear Order on Istan. She'd be perfect to lead the guild."
Several murmurs of agreement were had all around and Rakiv was forced to raise her hands before the group tried to vote the former Spearmarshal into office.
"Kormir isn't in any condition…" the ranger began.
"Well she doesn't have to fight or anything," Koss put in.
"We jus' needin' someone who can make da decisions, cha?" Lonai asked, "Da Spearmarshal don' need to be on de frontlines to be doin' dat."
"Thank you, everyone," Kormir suddenly spoke up, silencing the group as she stepped into the firelight, "Truly. Your respect and confidence mean the world to me. But my days as a commander are over. I pledge to serve this guild in any way that I can, but I will not lead it. I ask that you select another to command in your Guildmistress' stead."
Curious glances were traded all around but none dared argue with Kormir's gentle dismissal. No other opinions rose from the guild an so the former Spearmarshal gave a sigh and pointed out into the crowd.
"How about Dunkoro?" Kormir asked.
Several people blinked and Koss looked up in confusion as he found that the former Spearmarshal was pointing at him.
"Uhm begging your pardon Spear... er, Kormir," the warrior chuckled lightly, "Dunkoro's over there."
"Over where?" Kormir asked as she tilted her head.
With a small sigh Rakiv hopped down from her stump and maneuvered the former Spearmarshal until her finger was directed towards the middle aged general.
"Ah, thank you," Kormir smiled, "Yes, what of Dunkoro? He has led many a mission and operation for me and has always been among my most reliable commanding officers. From what I understand, you have also been an instrumental administrator for the guild, is that not correct general?"
"Well… yes," Dunkoro replied slowly, "But ma'am, I believed that I would go to Vabbi with the guildmistress. She will need someone who can speak with authority on the tactics and strength of our guild, will she not?"
"Then send Alendra with her," Kormir answered, "She was a tactician in my command. Have you served Rakiv in the same capacity Alendra?"
"From time to time… yes," the girl replied as she fidgeted nervously, "But I don't know if I can negotiate with princes…"
"You'll do fine, I'm certain," Kormir smiled and then gave a small shrug, "I merely suggest it because it seems that Dunkoro would be the man most capable of commanding the guild whilst Rakiv is away. But the decision is not mine. Please, deliberate as you wish."
"No I think it's a good idea," Rakiv broke in as she rubbed her chin, "Dunk you've got a lot more experience than anyone here, me included. You know this guild inside and out, from our day to day functions to our most top secret ops. I can't think of anyone here better for the job."
"If you wish me to lead the guild in your stead, guildmistress," Dunkoro answered graciously, "Then I will not refuse. I had hoped to journey with you into Vabbi, but if I can better serve our cause here, then so be it."
"Well let's put it to a vote," Rakiv said, "All in favor of Dunkoro as acting guildmaster, raise your hands."
The vote was unanimous, and every guildsman and woman raised their hands over their heads.
"Well then as Guildmistress of Dormant Vengeance, I hereby declare General Dunkoro to be Acting Guildmaster in my absence," Rakiv said with a small smile, "Congratulations general."
"Thank you guildmistress," Dunkoro said as he rose to his feet, saluted and then bowed, "I will serve faithfully and with all the wisdom that I have to offer."
"Glad to hear it," Rakiv nodded, "But now the question remains, how many of you are coming with me to Vabbi? I'm capping our party at ten people. We need enough people to show the Princes that we're not just some ragtag group of rebels, but a strong enough force to bring seasoned representatives into their courts. But we still need to be compact enough that we can move through Vabbi quickly, and make it there in time to warn the Princes about the invasion. Now, before everyone volunteers, allow me to remind some of you that you are far too injured to make this journey, and you would better serve the guild if you stayed here, recuperated and rejoined the fight here in Kourna. And yes, I'm looking at you Zaishen."
General laughter rose from the group as head sturned to the three adepts who sat near each other, all of them rather heavily bandaged. Sousuke raised one arm that had been wrapped in a cast and shook his bandaged limb in protest.
"I can still fight guildmistress!" the young elementalist cried, "I don't need my fingers free to cast my spells! Well… not all of them anyway."
"I too protest guildmistress," Jin replied, "The Zaishen are as much a part of this fight as the Sunspears and the Guild. At least one of us must go with you to represent our order before the Merchant Princes."
"How about this, I'll consider it and see how you look in the morning," Rakiv answered, "In the mean time, what about the rest of you?"
"I'm going," Kydar spoke up immediately, "I've got the records of our exploits. Plus I'm a Vabbian native, so you'll probably need me up there."
"Me too," Tahlkora put in, "I'm also Vabbian, and it'll be good to have those of us who know the area and how to get around."
"Alright, my two Vabbians get to go," Rakiv acknowledged, "Who else? Alendra you're in right? I'll need my tactician when we talk to the princes."
"Uhm… well… sure," the paragon smiled a little bit nervously, before she took a breath and gave a firm nod, "I mean, yes guildmistress. I'll go with you."
"Good," the ranger nodded, "Who else?"
"I sure as hell am goin' wiv ya," Margrid called out as she stepped away from her crew, "Them Princes have got my Diadem and I plan to be getting' that back one way or another."
"Margrid… you do know it's not actually your Diadem, right?" Rakiv queried as she peered at the corsair, "I can't bring you along if you're gonna cause trouble."
"Look, we're headin' up ta give 'em a warnin' afore Varesh crashes down on'em," Margrid answered, "Don't worry red, I ain' gonna start nothin'. I just plan to be there when the Princes get to feelin' grateful that we saved 'em from bein' conquered."
"Uh huh…" Rakiv replied skeptically.
"Plus me n' me ship are yer seapower!" Margrid quickly added, "Wiv us, yer a land and naval power. An' surely yer gonna want yer Commandant present when ya talk to the Princes yeah?" the corsair woman grinned.
"Hah!" Kydar laughed and then gave a mock gasp, "Oh whoops, did I laugh out loud?"
The pirate chucked a pebble at the scribe who ducked the projectile and thumbed his nose at the pirate woman. Rakiv only sighed and ran a hand through her hair before giving a slow nod.
"Very well," Rakiv said, "Just promise to keep your fingers out of purses and your nose out of vaults… unless I say you can do otherwise."
"Cross me 'eart guildmistress," Margrid answered with a nod as she folded her arms and returned to her spot against a tree.
"Alright well that makes five of us," Rakiv nodded, "Five more?"
"I'll go!" a few more voices suddenly spoke up in unison.
"Whoa, one at a time," Rakiv chuckled, "I heard like three people there."
"I'll go," Melonni said as she rose to her feet, "After having seen the Elon suffer so much, I would like the chance to travel with you to its source, in the Mirror of Lyss. I can also be useful to you in a diplomatic sense, as I am well known and documented by the Kournan Tribunal. I can attest to the many evils Varesh has wrought in the last few years and lend weight to your tale."
"Alright, you're in Mel," Rakiv agreed, "Next?"
"That's me," Koss spoke up, "I'm goin' with you."
"I'm going to need a good reason commander," Rakiv answered as she folded her arms over her chest, "Why bring you?"
"Cause you'll need a good sword at your side guildmistress!" Koss answered, "No offense to Mel here, but so far it seems to me that your party's lacking a good scrapper, and that's me."
"I need a better reason, commander," Rakiv sighed as she drummed her fingers against her bicep.
"Alright alright uh… oh!" Koss brightened and smiled broadly, "My dad is your money man! I'll go with you as a representative of your funding! I'm a Dejarin, I'm pretty sure dad's done business with the Princes before. I'll show the princes that the Dejarins believe in you enough to fund you."
Rakiv arched an eyebrow at the warrior, who only nodded and winked at her with his good eye. From where he sat, Kydar chuckled and shrugged.
"He makes a good point," the scribe commented, "The Princes will respect proof that you're a good investment."
"Fine, Koss you're in too," Rakiv agreed, "Who was my other person?"
"Me," Anicara said softly, before she cleared her throat and spoke up, "I'll go."
"Convince me," Rakiv replied.
The blue eyed young woman paused as she contemplated her reason. For a moment she was silent as she glanced down at Alendra, who only stared back attentively. She then lifted her gaze and turned to Kydar, who only gave her a small reassuring smile and a supportive nod. Finally the hydromancer turned her attention back to Rakiv and rose to her feet.
"Because I want to help?" Anicara said slowly, searching for some way to convince the guildmistress she would be an asset in this particular venture, "Because I uhm… uh…"
"Cause I need an extra pair of hands to keep notes," Kydar suddenly put in, "If I'm going to be guiding you around all over the place Raki, I'm not gonna be able to keep good track of everything that's going on. Ani can help me with writing up the story as we go. I'd hate to miss something because I was multitasking you know."
Rakiv stared at both elementalists skeptically and twisted her mouth. Finally she gave a small sigh and nodded.
"Fine, but only because we're still short two people anyway," Rakiv agreed, "But I expect to have a look at these reports you'll be writing for him Ani."
"Yes guildmistress," Anicara nodded and saluted quickly.
"Alright, now is there anyone else who wants to go?" Rakiv asked, and then sighed and shook her head as several hands raised, "Anyone besides the Zaishen, I already told you guys I'd think about it."
Several hands lowered and a few chuckles rolled through the crowd. As Ani took her seat again she turned to Kydar and offered him a smile.
"Thank you…" she whispered.
"Heh, we'll see how thankful you are when I have you making copies of all my reports," he smirked at her, "You're about to see what it really means to be a scribe's apprentice Ani. Hope you don't get writer's cramp."
The girl balked a little as her mentor chuckled and she began to instinctively wiggle her fingers. She could write well enough but the twinkle in her mentor's eye made her wonder what she'd gotten herself into.
"If it please you, guildmistress," the Apprentice of Whispers spoke up, "I should like to accompany you through the caves."
"Yeah… I don't know about that…" Rakiv hesitated.
"I need to return to the Chantry," the Apprentice answered, "With the Drought dead I think my service to you may have expired and the Master will become suspicious if I do not return to him. He and I have a few trust issues you see. I can, of course, make the trip alone if I must. But it is always better to travel in the company of friends, is it not?"
There was absolute silence as no one answered the woman's question. Koss coughed a little awkwardly as crickets chirped in the night.
"Well at the very least," the Apprentice sighed, "I too know the secret paths of the Whispers. Surely what I know will be useful along the way to the Chantry. Your First Officer certainly availed himself of my knowledge."
Rakiv turned her gaze to Kydar who shook his head and mouthed a firm no. The Apprentice frowned lightly and turned to look at Kydar as well, who immediately changed his expression and offered her a thumbs-up with an obviously fake smile. Alendra snickered lightly and Melonni stifled a bit of laughter with a cough as the guildmistress shook her head and sighed once more.
"Let's talk after this meeting is over Apprentice," Rakiv replied, "Kydar's worked with you but I haven't. So see me when we're done here."
"Of course guildmistress," the Apprentice answered as she tipped her head respectfully.
"Alright, now unless I have any other volunteers…" Rakiv began before giving a groan, "For the last time, besides the Zaishen!" she cried out in exasperation as the three adepts raised their hands again.
The group laughed as the adepts lowered their arms for the third time that night, all save for Sousuke whose sling became tangled and prevented him from fully lowering his arm. Jin moved to help him as Rakiv gave the adepts a reproachful glare before continuing.
"Anyway, the rest of you are to fall in under Acting Guildmaster Dunkoro's command," Rakiv said, "I know a lot has changed in the last few weeks, but I have every confidence that you guys can keep this guild running. Do for Dunkoro as you did for me, and keep fighting this fight. We'll be back, soon, and with a whole lot of reinforcements."
"We will not fail you, guildmistress," Rojis called out.
"We will hold the line, guildmistress," Nerashi answered, "For as long as we have to, we will hold the line."
"Good," Rakiv replied with nod as she unfolded her arms and placed her hands on her hips, "Then we will see you soon, hopefully in no more than a month…"
The ranger paused as she stared out at her assembled guildsmen and their allies, all of whom were staring at her with an almost expectant look on their faces. Rakiv tapped her bare foot for a moment before she hopped down off her stump and cleared her throat as she strode towards her subordinates and comrades. She spared a quick glance towards her sister, and though there was no way Kormir could have known that Rakiv had looked upon her, the former Spearmarshal smiled and gave a small nod.
"Alright, listen up," Rakiv said as she stepped over a log and began to pace amongst her guildsmen, "Before us all lies a long road. We've fought hard here and we've done good work, but we're going to have to step up our game. We've said it before, we can't do this alone. The Sunspears were not enough, the Guild will not be enough either. And though we have made friends and found allies in the most unlikely places, we go now because it's time to call in the cavalry. Varesh has to be stopped, and we are the ones to stop her. We've led this charge, but it's time we got the rest of Elona up off their asses and into this fight."
The ranger stopped as she stood before a tall sequoia tree that swayed back and forth in the cool night breezes. Its branches rustled softly and amongst its boughs Rakiv spied a perfect perch from whence to deliver her charge to the guild. With a quick hop the huntress sprang to the lowest branch and hauled herself up single-handed, before quickly bounding into the higher boughs. Her hand caught a sturdy limb and her feet found a hold against a wide branch from which she stared down at her guild. All eyes turned upwards as the huntress' hair billowed in the wind behind her, the long crimson strands flicking and fluttering like the bonfire below.
"We have fought this war for months now," Rakiv shouted from her perch, "We have struggled and sweat and bleed and sacrificed. We have dwelt beneath burning sands and conquered mighty fortresses in our bid to return peace and freedom to this land. Yesterday we stormed the greatest of all Varesh fortresses and claimed victory where once we only knew defeat! Yesterday we stood before a mighty demon and struck him down! Yesterday we proved, beyond shadow of doubt, that we are not mere brigands or terorrists or freedom fighters. We are a force to be reckoned with, an army to be feared! We are the strong right hand of justice, wielding the swift sharp sword of vengeance! And we will not stop, we will not give up until all men and women in Elona may once more breathe free!"
Below here there was a rustle of cloth and a clatter of armor as men and women rose to their feet, staring up at the guildmistress as she swayed in the wind. A great timber in the bonfire snapped and broke, sending up a chuff of glowing embers that spiraled into the wind and spun dramatically around the firey haired ranger. Rakiv's violet eyes fairly glowed in the firelight as she curled her fingers into a fist and raised her arm high.
"And so now we go to the east!" Rakiv called, "To the far flung halls of the Princes of Vabbi! We go to take a stand against tyranny and mysticism, against cruelty and heresy! We go to secure the freedom of our people, and to unite this continent against the evil that seeks to consume it! To those of you we leave behind, I bid you stand strong! Watch over these people, save them from the horrors that beset them, make safe these lands. And whilst you fight, look to the east my friends. For when the night seems blackest we will return on the wings of the dawn, bringing with us the might of a continent united! Know that our thoughts are with you, as we know that yours are with us. And no matter where you are or what you face… always remember!"
Rakiv knew she had no need to finish her closing statement, as the guild raised their fists to the moonless sky in cheerful exuberance. As the shout went up Rakiv couldn't help but smile, as the cries of her comrades lifted to the heavens.
"You never… fight… alone!" the guild shouted as they erupted into powerful and defiant cheers that rang out into the night.
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The wee hours of the morning found Rakiv standing ready at the eastern end of the camp, near a crudely constructed iron gate that barred the yawning mouth of the Bahdok Caverns. A grizzled old smuggler stood guard near the gate, holding a heavily notched scimitar in his hand and staring through the bars of the gate. Rakiv couldn't help but feel a touch unsettled by the man's focus. It were as though the smuggler were expecting something to spring from the dark cave depths at any moment, the very depths into which Rakiv and her crew were about to delve. With a sigh the ranger turned her attention away from the guard and down to her companion who lay dozing at her feet. Butter had been strangely quiet over the last day, generally keeping to himself when he could. The ranger had made some attempt to discover the source of her partner's mood, but the crocodile had offered only small snorts in reply. A small chuckle came from Rakiv's lips as she knelt down to brush a hand over the reptile's spines, causing Butter to open one eye and stare curiously up at his mistress. Neither ranger nor animal spoke, but Butter finally responded with a thump of his tail as he closed his eye and returned to his doze. The ranger gave a small smile and then shook her head as she rose to her feet.
For the umpteenth time that morning she checked her gear again, ensuring that everything was in its place. Her quiver was full, her bow strung and well greased, and the newest addition to her arsenal was in its place. The archeress had replaced her second quiver with her newly acquired charrslayer scythe, the beastly looking weapon she had retrieved from Varesh's vault. The weapon would have been highly unwieldy to carry had Rakiv not discovered that the bladed head could be folded so that it lay parallel to the haft. In its folded state the weapon fit snugly into a back-mounted leather holster, an item that had also been stolen from the vault. In terms of practicality, the ranger was unsure that carrying the scythe was a good decision. But her sentimental attachment to it bid her to bring it. Besides, she had reasoned, she was being forced into melee fights more and more often and it never hurt to have a second weapon to rely on. The guildmistress' thoughts were suddenly broken however, when a soft crunch of sand pricked her ears and her attention was drawn to an approaching figure.
"Guildmistress?" a silken smooth voice spoke, "I believe we need to talk."
Rakiv half turned her head to glance at the boots of the Apprentice of Whispers, who had very nearly managed to sneak up on the ranger. The huntress did not rise and gave only a small nod of agreement.
"Didn't see you after the meeting last night," Rakiv answered.
"Apologies guildmistress," the Apprentice responded, "But I did not want to dampen the revelries of yesterday evening. What exactly did you want to discuss?"
Rakiv rose to her feet and turned to face the woman. The necromancer was a good deal taller than the ranger, but the guildmistress was entirely unphased by the height difference. The Apprentice found herself staring into a pair of hardened violet eyes that studied her with disapproving scrutiny. Rakiv set her jaw and clicked her tongue for a moment before she leaned back in her stance and crossed her arms over her chest.
"I'll be blunt," Rakiv said, "I've heard some reports that you aren't meshing well with my team. And that's a pity, cause I trust my team and I'm inclined to trust their opinions as well."
"Guildmistress I assure you…" the Apprentice began.
"Let me finish," Rakiv said firmly, "Now I've worked with Whispers before. And I know enough about them to know that your kind are always hiding some sort of deadly secret. Now I don't know exactly who or what you are, but if you understand nothing else, then understand this."
The ranger stepped up to the woman, her brow furrowing as she stared hard at the taller female. The Apprentice arched a thin brow over pale eyes as she returned the guildmistress' unblinking stare.
"Mess with my people, and I will not hesitate to put you down," she said, "Your Master is screwing with us enough already, and I do not need you to be an extra headache. We will take you as far as the Chantry, but remember that you are under my command the entire way. You will do as I tell you, walk when I tell you, strike where I tell you… hell, you will breathe when I tell you. Do I make myself clear?"
"Of course, guildmistress," the Apprentice answered easily, "And I will say that it is fortunate then, for us both, that I've no need to breathe. But I do have one question, guildmistress."
"Spit it out," Rakiv demanded.
"I must admit, I find your little guild rather interesting," she said, "And though I can see you've no high opinion of me, I rather wonder if you would to greatly opposed to allowing me to keep your company after we've reached the Chantry."
"And why the hell would you… no, let me rephrase," Rakiv shook her head, "Why the hell would I want to let you do that?"
"Because, to be perfectly honest guildmistress," the Apprentice chuckled lightly, "I rather despise this Order of Whispers. On the whole I find them to be spineless shadowlings who would rather hide behind those who are truly strong rather than do anything themselves. Your guild, however, is another matter entirely. I cannot say whether or not I would be allowed to join you, but I should like to know if you would reject my candidacy were it available to you."
"You didn't answer my question," Rakiv snapped.
"Ah, you are correct," the Apprentice smiled a little apologetically, "You would want me because I know everything that the Whispers know, and much more besides. Believe it or not my knowledge vastly exceeds that of the Master of Whispers, though he would be loathe to admit it. Unfortunately, present circumstances prevent me from demonstrating the full extent of my knowledge, but I will say that there are at least two of those in your company who would find my knowledge personally illuminating."
Rakiv chewed her lip thoughtfully as she took a slow step back to consider the Apprentice's offer. Seeing that the guildmistress was unconvinced, the Apprentice quickly went on.
"I understand that your information network is down, yes?" the tall woman asked, "Well I cannot be your eyes and ears, but I certainly know a thing or two about ancient powers and forces. I know all about the demons that Varesh seeks to summon, I know the kinds of powers she is likely to wield and even a few means by which to counter act them. I know a great deal of that which is forbidden and secret, and I am all but certain that you will need my knowledge in the very near future."
"Alright, alright," Rakiv sighed and waved a hand, "Look I'm not promising anything. I'm not even saying I want you along. So how about we get to the Chantry and see how I feel then. You prove you can be a team player and an asset to us, and I might have reason to… reevaluate you."
"Your wisdom is inarguable guildmistress," the necromancer responded with a light curtsey, "I shall go and wait for the rest of the party to arrive that we may depart. At the moment however, I think you have another appointment."
Rakiv blinked and turned her head towards the sound of approaching sandals. The hooded figure of Adept Anorah Basilisk approached, standing tall and making resolute strides across the hardpacked sand. She came to a stop and paused to glance at the Apprentice, who gave a bow to both of the other woman and then quickly backed away. Once the necromancer was out of earshot, Anorah returned her attention to Rakiv and clapped a fist to her chest in salute.
"Ahai, guildmistress," the dervish spoke in her usual rich, deep tones.
"At ease Anorah," Rakiv replied, "What can I do for you?"
"Guildmistress you promised to consider bringing a Zaishen with you to the courts of the merchant princes," Anorah spoke plainly, "I am therefore requesting to join your party."
"Anorah… didn't you try to kill yourself yesterday?" Rakiv asked with an arched eyebrow, "I'm going to be straight with you. I don't think your any shape, either physically or mentally, to make this kind of trip."
"Permission to speak freely, guildmistress?" Anorah requested stiffly.
"You've always had it Anorah," Rakiv said as she unfolded her arms, "Let's talk."
"Rakiv…" the dervish said as she looked down at the ranger, "I have mentioned before… that I am a sinner."
"Aren't we all?" Rakiv chuckled.
"Some more than others," Anorah said, "And I am among those some. I… would explain it to you… but it is a complicated tale and I am still attempting to prepare it for the telling. I have done… terrible things in my life, and I live now in an attempt to atone for my past sins. But some sins mark us forever, they scar our very being and no matter how hard we try they will always be a part of us. The only thing we can do against such inner demons is fight it, control it, and choose to be something else. I hope you would agree guildmistress."
Rakiv nodded slowly as she stared up at the other woman. The ranger knew the feeling far more intimately than the dervish was likely to know, and it was a sentiment she absolutely empathized with.
"I do, Anorah," the huntress replied.
"Then allow me to say that only two days ago I committed a sin," Anorah said, "One that I have vowed again and again never to repeat. For those of us sworn to Balthazar, the act of letting our own blood is recompense to the War God. Sacrifice that we might find some measure of forgiveness. In my horror over my actions… I allowed myself to be overcome and acted rashly. However I know that to take my own life would not serve my god's purpose, and that only by continuing to fight righteously can I ever hope to achieve absolution."
Rakiv did not respond though her jaw tightened as she listened. It did not sit well with her that the gods could demand such pain as payment for transgressions. But the ranger knew all too well the sort of retribution the gods leveled against those who sinned against them. As the dervish contined Rakiv refocused on the Zaishen as she stared carefully at Anorah's deep golden eyes as she attempted to judge her state of mind.
"I ask that you let me go with you guildmistress," Anorah said, "I lost control, but I will do all that is in my power not to let it happen again. I choose to fight for this cause, and I choose not to become the evil within me. I beg you, let me fight with you and represent the Zaishen in the courts of Vabbi."
Rakiv was silent for a moment longer as she considered the dervish's words, before giving a small chuckle and a shake of her head.
"You know, that's the most words I've ever heard you speak at once," the ranger chuckled.
"I am not a woman of many words, guildmistress," Anorah admitted, "Were I to use them frivolously, I would be unable to properly express myself when I need to."
"So I see," Rakiv chuckled lightly before she gave a slow nod, "Look… I understand what you're saying, I really do. But what about your wound?"
Without hesitation Anorah pushed back her hood, flung her long chocolate locks over one shoulder and bared her neck to Rakiv. What had been a large, bleeding gash only the day before was now only a small dark mark on her bronze skin.
"I heal quickly guildmistress," the dervish answered, "It is a blessing… derived from a curse."
"You and me both…" Rakiv muttered as she inspected the mark, "Mmm… very well. But only because neither Jin or Sousuke can take your place and I'm short a man anyway."
"Thank you guildmistress," Anorah said as she bowed low before the ranger, "I will not fail you."
"You haven't so far," Rakiv chuckled and shrugged, "No reason to start now right?"
"Indeed," Anorah replied, "Now I must go and retrieve my things. Again, thank you… Rakiv."
"Back here in a half-hour Adept," Rakiv ordered lightly, "We're moving out as soon as the sun peeks over those mountains."
"Yes, guildmistress!" Anorah saluted quickly before she turned and strode away.
Rakiv watched the woman go as she chewed her lip thoughtfully. She had always known there was something not quite right about the dervish, but the Zaishen adept had generally kept the nature of her oddity to herself. Still, the ranger knew well what it was like to struggle with inner forces that threatened to consume her will. The beast within her had been all but silent these last couple of days, a welcome reprieve from her usual struggle with her own nature. The ranger's reverie was broken as the sound of light chatting pricked her ears and she turned to see Kydar striding towards her with a very chatty Kormir on his arm. The blind paragon held a couple of small books in one hand while Kydar offered her another from his pack.
"I suppose I'll have to find someone with a good pair of eyes then," the woman was saying as they strode up to the crude cavern gates.
"Well yes, at first," Kydar agreed, "But that's the point of these books. By the time you get through to the second one you should be able to read them on your own."
"I didn't know you carried magic literature with you Kydar," Rakiv spoked up as the pair came to a stop.
"Oh nothing of the sort," Kydar chuckled, "Magic books are generally much, much larger. These are just some of the works of one of our most esteemed professors at the Academy, Dr. Louisa Braille."
"He says it's some kind of special writing for blind people," Kormir smiled as she turnd her head in Rakiv's direction, "Something to help me read and write again."
"Wait, really?" the ranger blinked.
"Yeah, it's relatively new but Louisa's work is pretty much a breakthrough," the scribe responded with a nod, "Remember on the caravan to Venta Cemetary, I told you that I could read with my eyes closed?" he chuckled.
"Well… yeah but I didn't think you were serious," the ranger admitted.
"See!" Kydar said as he turned back to Kormir, "She doubts me at every turn!"
"It's okay," Kormir laughed as she patted the mage's shoulder, "She's just a doubter like that."
"I am not a doubter!" Rakiv exclaimed, "But when someone tells you they can read with their eyes closed, what are you supposed to think!"
"Who can read with their eyes closed?" Alendra pipped up.
The pretty young paragon skipped up to the group, fully clad in her alabaster and gold armor with her pack slung over her shoulder and a full quiver of javelins strapped to her back. She leaned on her spear as she looked at her companions and Kormir laughed lightly.
"Kydar can," the former Spearmarshal answered.
"Course he can," Alendra answered, "He's smart like that."
"See, Alendra believes me!" Kydar pointed out.
"Ugh…" Rakiv sighed and shook her head, "Well at least it's going to help Kormir."
"I can't say I'm looking forward to having to relearn reading and writing," Kormir wrinkled her nose, "But at least I'll be a little less helpless," she added with a small chuckle.
"When you can pin a man to the stone with a javelin at well over a hundred paces," Koss chuckled as he approached, "I don't think you quite qualify as helpless."
"Lucky throw?" Kormir suggested, "To be fair, he was making quite a bit of noise."
"All I'm saying is you're still deadly at range," Koss said, "Now if you still had your afro, you'd still be deadly and stylish," the warrior grinned.
"I told you he'd hold that against me!" Kormir exclaimed.
Rakiv could only laugh in response as the former Spearmarshal tried to explain that the afro was no longer quite as 'hip' as it had once been. Koss, however, was unconvinced and the two debated the issue as the remaining members of Rakiv's team trickled in. Soon a small crowd had gathered at the cave gate, consisting of the representatives to Vabbi as well as the many people who came to wish them well. Margrid arrived in a bit of a flurry, as she attempted to extract herself from her tearful crewmen.
"How we ever gonna get on wiv out you cap'n!" Jerob No-Spine wailed, "We weren't no'fink wiv out you!"
"Who's ta tell us which way ta be sailin' cap'n?" Fahij the Smiles asked, for once not smiling in the least, "How we ta navigate the toides wiv out you cap'n?"
"Don' leave us ma'am!" Suwash cried out, the young pirate clinging to Margrid's arm, "Wiv out you I'm jus' a fool runaway wiv a bunch o' no account cut-purses fer company!"
"That's what you are anyway, ye weepy bilge rat!" Margrid snapped as she wrenched her arm away from him.
"Let 'er go, says I!" the drunken voice of Unlucky Simon chimed in, "We'll get 'long well 'nough wiv out 'er! I've got a good feelin' that fortune'll be smilin' on us while she's away."
For a moment the pirates were silent as they considered Unlucky Simon's words, and then burst into even greater wailing and weeping. The din grew so loud that Margrid clamped her hands over her ears and gave a glance to Shahai, who only smiled and shrugged helplessly. Finally the captain had enough and she raised her hands for silence.
"Shut up yew teary eyed fish wives!" the Red-Wing captain shouted, "Now listen here n' listen good! I'm goin' to get me that crown back, an' yew lot are gonna be'ave while I'm gone. So I'm puttin' Shahai here in charge! She be me twin sister, so she'll command ye like I would! Any man what gots a problem wiv that can take an arrow to the chest right now! Do I be makin' myself clear!"
"Yes ma'am cap'n!" the pirates shouted amidst pitiful sniffles.
"Lot of barnacle bellied, sand crawlin' leaky little…" Margrid grumbled as she turned to Shahai, "Keep this lot in line sister. They ain' the best crew but they're our crew. Keep 'em safe, stick wiv this here guild an' try to stay outta too much trouble."
"Don' worry sistah," Shahai smiled, "I'll keep the boats afloat. Yew go n' get that Diadem. We'll be waitin' for ya."
Margrid gave a slow nod, before catching her sister in a firm embrace. Shahai smiled as she patted the leather pads on her twin's back before releasing her and giving her a light push.
"Get goin' ya sentimental sea urchin," Shahai smiled.
"See ya soon Shahai," Margrid answered as she stepped away and hefted her pack over her shoulder as she made for Rakiv and her team.
The well wishes and good-byes carried on for several minutes as Rakiv delivered a few final orders to Dunkoro, who offered words of wisdom and encouragement in return. The Zaishen exchanged only a few words before Jin and Sousuke bowed to Anorah who gave them a firm salute. Nerashi, Rojis and Lonai exhorted their fellow former Sunspears, and Alendra, Koss and Anicara found themselves shaking several hands in exchange. Finally Rakiv surveyed her group of nine and gave a satisfied smile. In truth she had missed her operations on Istan. Commanding a large guild had been taxing and difficult, and she relished the chance to get back to leading a small elite team of dedicated specialists.
"Alright, anyone seen Disciple?" Rakiv asked.
"I believe he departed this morning guildmistress," the Apprentice of Whispers spoke up, "He yet has business here in Kourna, if I do not miss my guess."
"Huh, well then I guess we just follow his instructions from here," the ranger said with a nod, "Everybody got everything? Good, cause this is it. Officers, move out!"
Rakiv turned on her heel and approached the large iron gate as she listened to the shuffling and calling of her guildsmen behind her. Furtive good-byes and cries of good luck rang in her ears as she approached the grizzled old gate keeper, who looked up at her with mildly suspicious eyes.
"Yew goin' below?" the man drawled.
"Yes, immediately," Rakiv answered him.
"Hmph, well Grenth 'ave mercy on ye then," the man replied as he rose to his feet and drew a large key from his belt, "Wouldn't venture into them caves if'n me life depended on it."
"Comforting," Rakiv muttered under her breath.
With a heavy, rusty creak the man turned his key in the lock and tugged the gate open. The barrier gave way with an ominous groan of rusted metal against stone, a sound that echoed in the darkness of the cave ahead. Rakiv sighed and looked down at her crocodile companion, who sniffed at the cave mouth and gave a disapproving grumble before waddling into the stony cave mouth. Rakiv strode forward as well and her party followed. The going was relatively flat, and did not curve down as sharply as Rakiv had expected. Sunlight still penetrated here and the ranger decided to hold off on her order to light their torches. However, her apprehension returned when the heavy groan of iron on stone reached her ears again and she turned back to see the iron bars creak shut over the cave mouth.
"Good luck you lot," the grizzled gatekeeper rasped as he slammed the lock shut with a disconcerting boom, "Gods be with you."
Rakiv hesitated, attempting to re-gather her focus. She'd spelunked through her share of caves before, but there was something unnerving about being locked into the bowels of the earth. The ranger turned her violet eyes down to her group who awaited her orders, and the huntress gave them a shrug in return.
"Alright, let's keep moving then," she said, "This is gonna take all day as it is. No sense in wasting time."
A few sounds of agreement followed and the ranger turned to lead the way into the cave's depths. For the most part the cave was not that much different from the caverns that comprised their Sanctuary. It was a little dank and not as well lit, but it was hardly anything the guild was unused to. Even still Rakiv could not shake a strange feeling of dread that settled into the pit of her stomach. As they proceeded through the cave the walls began to narrow until they closed into a narrow tunnel. Beyond the tunnel mouth the sunlight did not penetrate and Rakiv dug her torch stick from her belt as she struck a flint across the back of her glove.
"Light up," Rakiv said as her torch caught fire and she turned to hand the flaming stick to Alendra, "I want light at my back but not in my eyes. Me and Butter will go first to sniff out anything… unpleasant. Kydar can you bring up the rear? You can generate more light than the rest of us."
The scribe gave a nod of acceptance and raised both his palms, causing two large orbs of fire to flare to life in his hands. Kydar's brow furrowed as he focused on the balls of flame, until each orb concentrated into a tongue of brilliant blue fire. Rakiv gave him a nod of satisfaction and turned back to the cave mouth. She peered into the darkness as Alendra held up her torch high in an attempt to offer more illumination. When Rakiv was satisfied that nothing was waiting for them inside, she patted Butter's back and the crocodile crawled into the tunnel ahead of her. Rakiv was close behind and her guild followed as they strode into the stoney hallway. The taller members of their party were forced to duck beneath the low ceiling but for the most part, the going was smooth. The tunnel was wide enough that two men could pass shoulder to shoulder if they so pleased, which spared the party from feeling the effects of claustrophobia.
"Apprentice?" Rakiv called back after several minutes of walking, "Is there something we should be looking for? Disciple said we would have a guide."
"I'm certain they will make themselves known to us once we reach them," the Apprentice responded, "It is likely that they are a ways ahead of us, waiting for us once the way becomes… tricky."
Rakiv nodded in response at the Apprentice's words, and chose not to ask what she had meant by 'tricky'. There were likely any number of ways that their path could be difficult to navigate and the ranger did not want to drive herself mad trying to consider them all. Instead she focused on the path ahead of her, which for the moment was quite straightforward. Her focus was drawn downward when Butter gave a croak ahead of her, and Rakiv paused to sniff the air.
"Water…" she muttered.
It was not long before the low echoing roar of running water began to reach their ears, though the source sounded as though it were still a long ways off. Still Rakiv was careful to mind her step until the tunnel began to widen once more and she broke through into an open cavern. Butter exited the tunnel with a splash and Rakiv glanced down into the shallow liquid that covered the floor of the cave. From here the roar of a waterfall was loud and clear, and the water at her feet ebbed and flowed as though caught in some miniature tide. A warning hiss from her crocodile brought her attention forward and the ranger immediately raised her hand, curling her fingers into a fist to call her company to a halt.
"We're not alone," Rakiv muttered backwards to Alendra.
"Should we lower our lights?" the paragon asked quietly.
"If it's Whispers then they already know who we are," Rakiv said as she stared out into the gloom, "Just don't know why they haven't…"
"Ahoy!" a voice called out of the gloom, "You there in the tunnel mouth!"
A light was raised in the darkness and Rakiv watched as an iron brazier was held aloft to provide illumination in the black of the cave. The light began to approach and Rakiv motioned for Alendra to raise her torch. Butter gave another hiss and turned to look up at Rakiv, who gave him a puzzled glance in return. The crocodile slapped the rock with his tail and then quietly shuffled off to lurk in the shadows. The ranger's eyes narrowed slightly and she turned to her party to motion them forward.
"C'mon," she said, "We've got company."
The party made their way out of the tunnel and Kydar held one of his blue orbs high, throwing light to all corners of the cavern. The bright blue light revealed the cave in its entirety, from the shallow water that covered the floor to the dripping stalactites that hung from the high vaulted ceiling. Rakiv turned her eyes to the approaching figure and blinked in mild surprise. A man in corsair garb strode towards them, an iron brazier in his left hand while his right hand rested on the hilt of a large, broadbladed scimitar. The man was flanked by several other corsairs, all of whom had their faces hidden behind the swath of their turbans. The torch bearer sloshed to a stop a few yards ahead of them and blinked against the glowing blue of Kydar's light.
"Ahai friends!" the torch bearer greeted, "You must be the ones that we're supposed to escort through these caves. Welcome to Bahdok Cavern."
"Yes… and you are?" Rakiv asked carefully.
"Ah, of course, pardon my manners," the man chuckled, "Name's Bohseda. Captain Bohseda, and this here be me crew. We do a fair bit of smuggling through these here tunnels and were asked ta guide ya through 'em to the otherside. I understand ye've a need ta reach Vabbi?"
"We do," Rakiv answered shortly.
"Well ye're takin' the less traveled road ta do it," the captain answered, "But I can't really judge now can I? We been waitin' a bit for ye and we're ready to leave when yew are."
A tap on Rakiv's shoulder alerted her to the presence of the tall necromancer at her side, and she turned to blink up curiously at the pale eyes of the Apprentice of Whispers. The Apprentice looked down at Rakiv and gave a small shake of her head. Rakiv's brow furrowed lightly and she turned back to Bohseda to raise a finger to him.
"One moment captain," Rakiv explained, "I need to speak with my crew."
"Take yer time," Bohseda responded as he stepped back.
The ranger gave him a nod and turned to face her party who huddled close to converse.
"What?" Rakiv asked, "What's up?"
"Guildmistress," the Apprentice said smoothly, "I believe we have already run into a bit of trouble."
"What do you mean?" Rakiv asked.
"They do seem a little fishy," Anicara chimed in as she peered over Rakiv's shoulder at the corsairs, "I don't know why but… well, don't they seem fishy to you?"
"Fishy indeed," the Apprentice answered, "Guildmistress this man is not who he says he is."
"You mean he's not a corsair, not a captain, or not a guide?" Rakiv asked with a small chuckle.
"Of all those things, only the captain title do I believe," the Apprentice answered, "This man's presence here is an inconsistency with what the Disciple told us. He said we were to be escorted by Whispers, did he not?"
"Whispers hire people to work for them all the time," Kydar spoke up, "I mean look at us! We got wrangled into demon slaying and they didn't even pay us!"
"Must I lay out for you why this has aroused my suspicions?" the Apprentice asked as she turned her pale eyes to the scribe.
"Assuming you're not playing another one of your mind games," Kydar answered with a light frown, "Yes, please enlighten us."
"Guildmistress, examine the facts," the Apprentice said quickly and curtly, "Disciple said we would be escorted by Whispers. If there were a change in plan, Disciple would have told us. Unlike the Master, the Disciple is much more forthcoming and would not have us walk blindly if he can help it."
"I need more than that Apprentice," Rakiv said as she arched an eyebrow.
"Did you listen to the man, guildmistress?" the necromancer woman asked, "Did you hear how his accent changed? He began with 'you' and 'my', and then changed to 'yew' and 'me'. This is a man unused to speaking in corsair colloquialisms. Certainly our resident pirate captain noticed this?"
The Apprentice looked up at Margrid, who clicked her tongue as she peered out at captain Bohseda. The man appeared to be conversing with his group in hushe tones as well, and the female captain could feel her own suspicion rising.
"She's got a point Raki…" Margrid answered finally, "I'm lookin' at 'em now an' they're awful neat fer corsairs. Everythin' tucked n' folded all disciplined like. Not a stain or spot on 'em neither. Little too neat fer a real group o' smugglers if'n ya ask me."
"Indeed," the Apprentice replied, "Finally, have you not wondered who exactly asked him to lead us through these caves? If he is a hireling of the Whispers, would he not have said so in order to secure our trust? And what sort of corsair does as he is 'asked'. He's made no mention of payment of any kind for this endeavor. Even our corsair ally here is overly concerned with coin, yet these men are completely pleased to lead us through these tunnels merely because they were 'asked' to?"
"She's a point there too," Margrid offered, "I don' do nothin' till I've seen payment fer it, an' I make sure me clients know what the effort is costin' me. I'm with the dead eyed wench here. This don' smell right Rakiv."
"Alright, alright!" the ranger said as she waved a hand for silence, "Okay so if these men aren't who they say they are, who are they and how did they know we're here? And where are the Whispers?"
"We could try… asking them?" Alendra suggested.
For a moment the group was silent as they looked at Alendra with curiously blank stares. The paragon blinked and then shrugged sheepishly.
"It was just a suggestion," she blushed.
"A good one," Rakiv responded as she unslung her bow.
The ranger turned from her party and strode into the shallow water to face the corsair captain. Bohseda stepped away from his own crew and strode to meet the guildmistress as well, fixing the short woman with a curious gaze.
"Are you ready to go miss?" the pirate asked.
"Sure, one question though," Rakiv replied, "What happened to your accent?"
Bohseda balked as he stared down at the woman, who glared daggers up at him in return.
"Can't answer? Then lemme try another one," the ranger said, "Who asked you to guide us today? And how much did they pay you?"
"Well… we was hired by the uh…" the captain fumbled, "The Order of Secrets. Yeah, it were them land lovers."
"Lubber," Margrid spoke up as she snapped the cap off of her quiver.
"What?" Bohseda blinked up at the other woman.
"Ye're sayin' it all wrong shipmate," Margrid said as she too unslung her bow, "It's land lubber. No pirate woth his salt says 'lover' if'n he can help it."
"Yeah, 'ats what I said," Bohseda corrected, "Land lubbers."
"Who are you Bohseda?" Rakiv's eyes narrowed at him, "And how did you know we'd be here?"
The captain stared back for a moment, opening his mouth to respond before he gave a sigh and a shake of his head. The man reached to his face and pulled the turban free of his head.
"And here I'd hoped this might actually be easy," the captain snorted as he gave the turban a disdainful toss into the water, "But you're just too clever for me Miss Maelstrom. Guess that's why you've been so hard to capture."
"Who are you Bohseda?" Rakiv demanded.
"Captain Bohseda!" the man roared as he threw aside his torch as well, "3rd Kournan Legion. And I am the man who will finally bring you to justice, Rakiv Maelstrom! Men, to arms! Kill these traitors and invaders! For the Warmarshal!"
The Kournan captain drew his blade and swung the heavy scimitar in an upward arc, a strike that Rakiv only narrowly avoided. The swing was followed by a kick that caught the ranger in her mid-section and knocked her backwards into the water. Rakiv rolled to her feet as Bohseda came at her with a flourish of his blade and the ranger respond with a hard kick to the man's shin. Bohseda fell to a knee and swept his sword at the woman, causing the ranger to roll under the attack. Rakiv flipped to her feet and struck the man across the face with the flat of her bow, a blow that was returned when the captain landed a punch to her jaw. Rakiv grunted and spun with the blow even as the flash of steel sliced the air above her head. Ducking under the swing the ranger sprang forward, tackling the captain's torso and pushing him backwards into the water. An arrow came to hand and with a quick jab she thrust the sharp steel point through the hole in his chestplate beneath his arm, releasing a shout of effort as they went down in a splash of water and blood. The ranger twisted the arrow and wrenched it back out as she stared down at the captain who choked and coughed from the puncture to his lung.
"Kill them!" Rakiv shrieked, even as a volley of fire, ice, arrows and javelins whistled over her head.
Koss, Melonni and Anorah thundered past her and sprang upon the corsairs, who gave an answering shout as swords and scythes clashed with spears and shields. Rakiv scrambled off of the choking captain and notched her bloody arrow to her bow string, before letting it fly into the fray. Behind her the low murmurs of various incantations could be heard as Tahlkora prayed fervently and released blue swirls of healing light. Whistles came flying out of the high rocks that surrounded them and Rakiv spun as she knocked aside an incoming arrow with the flat of her palm. The ranger looked up through wet red bangs to catch sight of archers hiding in the rocks, who began raining arrows down upon the guild.
"Ambush!" the ranger cried out, "Kydar, Anicara! Blast those rocks!"
Crystal blue and searing red illuminated the cave as Kydar released a vicious onslaught against the archers while Ani persecuted them with rushes of jagged ice. Diagrams of pale green joined the casts as the Apprentice began to whisper under her breath.
"Vile infusion of deathly slime, sunder this form and spread doom to my foes!" the Apprentice hissed, "Putrid Explosion!"
As an archer upon the rocks cried out in agony from being impaled by Anicara's ice shards, his limbs began to writhe and tremble as green light spewed from his eyes and mouth. A moment later his corpse exploded violently, releasing a burst of green destruction that blew the reaming archers from their hiding place. The cave trembled with the force of the detonation and a handful of stalactites fell from the ceiling. Rakiv shielded her eyes against the flash but gave a nod of satisfaction that the ambush had been dealt with.
"Finish them off!" Rakiv called as she turned to the slowly dying captain at her feet.
The ranger caught the man by the front of his hauberk and hauled him up to face her, her violet eyes glaring menacingly down at him.
"How did you find us here!" she demanded, "Where are our real guides!"
"Hrrk…" the captain coughed and wheezed as blood filled his lung, "You… die here… red headed… bitch!" he spat.
The captain's hand fell away from his chest as he dropped an object into the water, a large metallic disk that made an odd hissing sound. Rakiv's eyes widened as she stared at the device, immediately recognizing the telltale sound of a fuse burning down.
"Run!" the ranger cried as she dropped the captain, "Further into the cave! Run!"
The guildsmen did not question her as they broke into a dead sprint, splashing their way across the cave. Rakiv ran at full tilt as the device in the water hissed ominously before its sound ceased… and it suddenly erupted. The flame trap exploded with stunning force, and the cave shook once more from the blast wave. Tahlkora cried out as the shock wave sent her sprawling into the water, and Rakiv stopped to wrap an arm around the girl's shoulders and haul her along. The cave shook and trembled before all hell broke loose. Stalactites rained from the ceiling, followed by heavy boulders and an avalanche of dirt and rock. Din and devastation rang through the cavern halls as the guildsmen ran in a desperate attempt to escape the destruction.
A terrible groan came from above them as a heavy slab of rock dislodged from the ceiling and tumbled from its perch, free falling to the ground below. Rakiv and Tahlkora ran as their guildmates screamed to them over the din, and the ranger looked up to see the mighty slab plummeting towards them. With a hard push the guildmistress propelled Tahlkora forward before jumping as well, flinging herself out of the cavern and into the cave beyond. The slab struck the earth with a thunderous clap that sent water and dust and mud flying everywhere. The torches failed and all was plunged into darkness as the earth grumbled and groaned behind them. Finally the tumult ceased and all that could be heard was the coughing and groaning of the guildsmen. Kydar pushed himself to his feet, hacking as dust swirled in the air and he tried to gather enough focus to light a spark in his hand.
"Is everyone.. hrmph, hrrph hrrm!" the elementalist coughed, "Is everyone alright? Did everyone make it!"
The scribe finally succeeded in summoning flame to his palm and brought orange illumination to the cave. He peered through the dusty haze as he watched the shadowy forms of his guildmates picking themselves (and each other) up out of the muddy water that flowed across the cavern floor.
"I'm alright…" Rakiv groaned, "I think. Where's Tahlkora?"
Kydar paused to focus on his light, forcing it to condense once more into a bright blue tongue which he held high above his head. The scribe performed a quick headcount, and breathed a sigh of relief when everyone was accounted for.
"She's over there," he answered, "You okay kid?"
"Yeah…" the young monk answered shakily, "I-I'm fine…"
"So we're all here?" Rakiv asked as she pushed muddy hair out of her face, "Everyone's alright?"
There were general affirmations of wellness from the group as they gathered to Kydar's light, still trying to shake the bothersome ringing from their ears.
"We might be alright," Alendra spoke up suddenly, "But… we've got another problem now."
"What is it?" Rakiv asked as she squinted at Alendra.
The paragon only pointed and all eyes turned to stare in the direction she indicated.
"Oh no…" Melonni breathed softly.
Where once a cavern and tunnel had existed behind them, there was now only a wall of dirt and rock. The explosion had torn the cave apart and the ensuing cascade had entirely blocked off the path back to the surface. Kydar's light played over the barrier, showing no means of by passing the obstacle. The earth had shut them in tighter than any gate could have managed. Without a guide or knowledge of the path ahead, the party was now sealed in the dark, treacherous and unknown depths of Bahdok Caverns.