The next morning, the caravan assembled in the chapel for breakfast provided by the cooks of the group. They had to eat off their plates carefully since there weren't any tables but their food, consisting of jerky and dried fruits, wasn't entirely messy. Arguk traded his share of dried fruits with one of the guards that was off work in exchange for two more pieces of jerky. As he took his seat on one of the stone benches, he set aside the jerky he traded for, intending to save it for Trax. It wouldn't completely satisfy the hyena's hunger but it would be enough to get by until they could go hunting.
For now, the adventurers had split up to eat separately. Zalerian sat toward the front of the chapel with the Lions of Senara, who had recovered from their captivity thanks to Father Zastoran. The monk, who had been healed and no longer bore bandages across his shoulder, was trying to learn more about a potential lead on a forward base before the adventurers set out for their task. Emra sat nearby with Father Zastoran, who had tended to her injuries from the day before to ensure they were completely healed. Belash sat in the corner of the chapel, and while Teshak joined him, the warrior remained silent and hardly touched his breakfast. Arguk was surprised when Melkia sat next to him but realized that there was a good reason for it. Melkia hated him but she must have thought that it wouldn't have been a good idea to leave him alone. While Arguk didn't mind her reasoning and appreciated that she would eat with him, he kept quiet out of respect for her.
While chewing the last part of his breakfast, he took a look around the chapel, taking in the faces around him. While Almah and Garavel ate elsewhere in the monastery, the rest of the caravan was around. The cooks ate together as did the guards, both mercenaries and those that worked directly for the merchant princess. Dashki stayed by himself in the corner across from Belash and Teshak and Arguk's gaze lingered on the man. Arguk knew that Dashki had his problems, and while he tried to think fairly of him, he couldn't help but feel that something was off about him this morning. After some thought, the answer came to mind when he focused on Dashki's staff.
"It would seem as though Dashki has lost the pugwampi from Sultan's Claw," Arguk commented quietly.
"What are you going on about?" Melkia asked, irritated.
"Dashki attached the corpse of the pugwampi we found in Sultan's Claw to his staff," Arguk explained. "Now it's missing."
"Is that so?" Melkia glanced in Dashki's direction.
"I remember that he had the pugwampi's corpse tied to his staff when we saw him yesterday," Arguk added, frowning. "I don't see how he could have lost it."
"I'll find out," Melkia said and stood up.
While Melkia may have intended to confront Dashki by herself, Arguk stood up alongside her. Melkia had made her distrust of Dashki clear and Arguk wasn't going to let a fight break out on his watch. While it was odd that Dashki didn't have the trophy after asking for it days ago, Arguk believed that he may have had a reasonable explanation for it. Melkia glared at Arguk but kept silent as he walked alongside her toward Dashki, who heard the pair approach and looked up from his plate with a frown.
"What?" Dashki growled.
"Your pugwampi corpse," Melkia said. "What happened to it?"
"What are you talking about?" Dashki asked, his eyebrow raised.
"You kept the pugwampi we killed near the Sultan's Claw as a trophy," Arguk explained politely and gestured to his staff. "We were curious as to what happened to it."
"Mind your own business," Dashki told the pair, his eyes darting down to the floor. "I got tired of looking at its ugly face and threw it into a campfire. It's nothing but ash now."
"Is that so?" Melkia asked, crossing her arms.
"There's no need to be hostile," Arguk told Melkia with a nod. "I believe you, Dashki. I never cared much for such grisly trophies."
"Right," Dashki said. "Can I eat my breakfast in peace?"
"Of course," Arguk bowed his head. "We apologize for disturbing you."
"I don't apologize for anything and I'll be damned before I let a gnoll speak on my behalf," Melkia shook her head.
Arguk frowned, and before he could apologize, Melkia ran off. She headed for the chapel's exit and Arguk knew better than to try to follow after her. He made his way away from Dashki and back to his plate, thinking about the conversation. Melkia likely couldn't trust Dashki after the accusations but there was little reason to believe that he was lying. With a shrug, Arguk decided to leave the matter be and collected the remaining jerky for Trax. He and his companions had a long day ahead of them and he would need to make sure his closest friend had something to eat before they set out to their new destination.
Zalerian had learn from the Lions of Senara that there was a forgotten shrine to Nethys, the mad god of magic, hidden in the Brazen Peaks, the mountain range west of Kelmarane. It wasn't between Kelmarane and the Monastery of Saint Vardishal but it was only half a mile away from the gnolls' territory. Zalerian was confident that even if it didn't stand between the gnolls and the caravan, it would draw the gnolls' attention away from the south. That would have to be enough because there was nothing but pesh fields between Kelmarane and the Monastery of Saint Vardishal. When he reported back to his companions the night before, they agreed that the hidden shrine was a good enough location for a forward base.
Over breakfast, Zalerian tried to learn more about the shrine from the Lions of Senara only to learn that they had never seen the shrine themselves. Oxvard, a devout follower of Abadar, was the only one interested in finding the shrine and was outvoted by his companions, who wanted to find the treasures hidden away in Kelmarane. It had been Felliped who talked his companions out of discovering the shrine when he told them he had heard a group of nomads traveling by the area were ambushed by a fierce leopard that supposedly claimed the shrine as its lair. Andrus (who now wore an eyepatch over his missing eye instead of rags) advised Zalerian and his friends to be cautious when it came to exploring the shrine. Zalerian told what the Lions of Senara added to his group, and despite the danger, they agreed to continue. Between their numbers, they would be able to handle a single leopard.
The adventurers left the Monastery of Saint Vardishal early in the day, taking the road they would normally follow to Kelmarane for the start of the journey. Partway through, they would split from the trail and travel northeast, heading toward the river that circled the mountains the monastery was across. The river was deep but the stream was far from aggressive. With most of the group avoiding heavy armor, they were able to swim across without any difficulties. Zalerian made it across the river first with Emra being the last to make it across. Her expression showed she wasn't very comfortable with swimming in water and Zalerian thought he could see steam rise from her exposed skin from coming in contact with the river.
Zalerian had wanted to find a chance to talk with Emra yesterday but couldn't find the opportunity. He came close when they were alone after being treated by Father Zastoran but he was interrupted by the others before he had the chance to bring up something personal. Afterwards, Zalerian had to meet with the Lions of Senara and there wasn't a chance to meet with Emra alone. He truly believed that there may have been a connection between him and Emra that went past friendship. There may be another chance to talk with her in private soon, but for now, he would have to wait.
His feelings for Emra wasn't the only subject he would have to put on hold as he hadn't found a chance to discuss the connections he found in Courts of Stone and Flame with the others. They deserved to know that Kardswann was one of the Templars of the Five Winds and that Teshak may have a connection to Vardishal through Tempest but Zalerian didn't want to bring up the topic with the sorcerer. He wanted to come up with a decision on what to do with Teshak's erratic behavior with the rest of the group and if they should let him know of what they discovered. At the very least, Zalerian could see that there was some good to come of whatever happened to the sorcerer. Teshak had grown in confidence and Zalerian could tell that the sorcerer was willing to step up as a leader the day before when suggesting the group needed a forward base. Vardishal was one of the tacticians for the Templars of the Five Winds, and if he was connected to Teshak, his knowledge may have passed onto him.
After crossing the river, the group continued on toward the Brazen Peaks ahead of them, passing through the badlands to get to their destination. The heat of the harsh wind was scorching but it did help dry the adventurers off. Zalerian led the way along with Arguk and Trax with Emra and Teshak following behind them. Melkia and Belash covered the rear of the group, but while Melia did so to keep an eye out for danger, it was clear to everyone that Belash did so because he wasn't motivated. Zalerian had heard only a little of what happened from Teshak and Arguk and hoped that Belash would be able to keep up in the fight despite his lingering thoughts. They would be at a disadvantage without his strength against the leopard.
Finally, as the group came closer to the Brazen Peaks, they could make out their destination. The shrine had been built into the mountains with debris scattered across the dried out-wash in front of the entrance. The walls of the temple were ancient and two statues that marked the shrine's entrance were worn down by sand to the point that the adventurers couldn't make out their features. Zalerian picked up the pace when he spotted the shrine, excited for whatever was to come. A Pathfinder was always ready to explore the unseen corners of the world and he looked forward to the adventure that awaited him and his companions.
"This is it," Zalerian said and looked over his shoulder back at his companions. "The shrine may be ruined but this would be an excellent forward base for our ventures into Kelmarane."
"It'll certainly do," Arguk nodded in agreement. "I wonder what secrets that this shrine may hold."
"I might know more," Emra said as she caught up to Zalerian and Arguk along with Teshak. "I didn't think about it until now but I did hear of a particular shrine followers of Nethys built that would be in this area. I believe that this might be the Refuge of the All-Seeing Eye. It was built hundreds of years ago by reclusive priests so they could study dangerous magic."
"Is that so?" Zalerian asked. "Do you know anything else about this shrine if it is the Refuge of the All-Seeing Eye."
"Supposedly, the Refuge of the All-Seeing Eye was built where the 'breath of Nethys' was said to come from the ground," Emra explained. "Whatever this breath is, it supposedly grants visions of Nethys."
"Incredible," Zalerian said in awe.
"If it is true, it would be so," Teshak tapped his chin in thought. "I wonder if we could use these visions to our advantage somehow."
"I wouldn't put much faith in such rumors," Melkia said as she and Belash walked up to the group, catching the end of the explanation. "I'm more worried about if there's anything dangerous in these ruins."
"Beasts for sure," Arguk said. "I wouldn't be surprised if we have to clear out a predator's den."
"I don't know what dangers there could be but I did hear from an old priest of Sarenrae that traveled to this area a few years ago that there was a hermit that made his home in the Brazen Peaks," Emra added. "He wore fine clothes that had been tattered and was quite strange."
"Perhaps he saved us the work of clearing out the ruins," Zalerian suggested. "If so, we could cut a deal with him."
"Let's not be so hasty," Melkia advised the group with a frown. "Let's stay cautious. Hermits could be as dangerous as predators."
"We'll proceed with caution then," Teshak snapped his fingers. "Weapons out, everyone. We won't fight if we have to, but it comes to violence, we'll be ready."
Zalerian watched his companions take out their weapons and smirked to himself. His friends may need to prepare for danger, but as a martial artist, he was capable of defending himself at a moment's notice. This gave him the chance to take the lead and head into the ruined shrine with the others catching up to him once they were armed. Zalerian looked around the room in awe, and although the walls had crumbled over time, there were still plenty of secrets waiting for him within the shrine. He proceeded quietly past the outer ruins and through a wide doorway marked by two old pillars.
There were more pillars inside of the chamber although the roof they held up has long since fallen. Zalerian could make out rectangular pits and quietly concluded that they must have been pools dried out long ago, leaving only dirt and a few desert shrubs. It was only when Zalerian heard skittering from the walls that he looked up from looking around the chamber to see four spiders climb down the walls. They were as large as dogs just like the spider they fought clearing out the Monastery of Saint Vardishal and Zalerian knew that they must have been hungry. He heard his companions call out in alarm and was glad that they were here to fight.
Zalerian charged at one of the spiders, reaching it a second after Teshak blasted it with a frosty ray that struck its mandibles. He relied on the momentum of his run to gather extra power to strike the spider across the eyes with a sharp kick. Emra charged alongside him, slashing at another spider with her scimitar, while Belash went after the two other spiders. Any worries that Zalerian had about Belash holding out due to his depression were dispelled when the warrior swung his greataxe and cleaved through the two spiders with ease, destroying them. The spider Zalerian fought raised itself to strike with its claws only for an arrow from Melkia to pierce its head, ending its life. Her second arrow glanced off the remaining spider by Emra with Arguk coming in to cleave his scimitar into the spider's face.
"Great work, everyone!" Zalerian said with a grin. "Those spiders weren't a threat to us at all!"
"We've certainly grown stronger over the days," Emra nodded with an eager smile. "I was worried for a moment when those spiders first showed up but we made quick work of them."
"You did well, Belash," Arguk said, turning to the orc. "Had you not killed half of the spiders before they could act, one of us might have been hurt."
"It was nothing," Belash quietly muttered and shrugged. "I'm just doing what I can."
"Keep at it," Teshak told Belash in an encouraging manner. "I guess if these spiders were here, it means there isn't any hermit."
"I thought so," Melkia said with a hint of a smirk.
"Or it could be that the hermit had been killed," Arguk pointed out grimly.
"We should press on," Zalerian said and turned to face the next doorway. "There's still plenty of the ruins to search."
The adventurers proceeded cautiously into the next chamber, which was the only portion of the ruins that still had a roof over its walls. The walls across from the doorway they entered had carvings of a mighty yet faded figure that hovered off of the ground, commanding legions of elements. The seas grew calm, cities rose from the ground, and numerous enemies fell victim to the fallen. Four falcon-headed statues were to the chamber to the left of the group with Zalerian noting that a flagstone in the chamber cants up into the air. He smiled, realizing that there was more to explore to the shrine than meets the eye.
"There's a trapdoor over there," Zalerian pointed out.
"Good eye," Melkia said and walked over. "Belash, help me lift the rock up."
"Got it," Belash followed after Melkia without complaint.
"It appears that there's magic lingering in the area," Arguk noted and gestured toward a floating goblet made of clay.
"Fascinating," Teshak gasped. "Is there anything in the cup?"
Arguk claimed the cup from the air and frowned. "Nothing but silt."
"Such a shame," Teshak sighed. "A free drink would have been wonderful…"
"We'll get by," Zalerian said and stepped up to stand next to Emra, who focused on the carvings on the wall. "Has something caught your eye?"
"I was just curious," Emra turned to Zalerian and smiled. "I think that the grand figure might be the Nethys' Herald, the Arcanotheign."
"Is that so?" Zalerian asked. "I would have thought that the figure would have been Nethys himself."
"It could be," Emra admitted. "I like to study the other faiths on my own. I may serve the Dawnflower but that doesn't mean I have to be ignorant of the other gods and goddesses. I recall that even though the Arcanotheign is a cloud of magic for most of the time, she can assume a humanoid form as well, but even then, she doesn't touch the ground."
"You might be onto something," Zalerian nodded and gestured toward the figure. "I hadn't even considered that this could be someone other than Nethys."
"If you're done admiring the wall, we have more of the shrine to recall," Melkia called out. "What are we waiting for?"
Zalerian glanced to the chamber and saw Melkia climb down a rope tied to the stone that once kept the trapdoor hidden. The stone was enough to keep the rope firm, allowing the adventurers to climb down further into the shrine. Teshak Arguk, and Trax went up to climb down the rope as well while Belash stayed by the stone in case the rope snapped. Emra walked around Zalerian to join the others, brushing her arm against his gently. Zalerian took one final glance at the carving on the wall before following after his companions to see what adventure awaited them in the shrine.
A/N: It took me a little longer to get this chapter written. I've been focusing on Burnt Offerings more, but now that's done, I can return to Howl of the Carrion King.
This chapter and the next few will cover the Refuge of Nethys, the set piece included in Howl of the Carrion King. It felt like a nice side trek and I was able to fit it into the story.
Until next time.