Liberty Beguiling

The Sootscales go charging on off down the tunnel, through the faerie fire, past Azul and up a narrow passage leading off away from the entrance.

The mayhem of people charging around here there and everywhere was distracting Xan's thinking, he hesitated unsure which direction to head in, then a small smile crept across his face, the light of his white eye flared briefly as he accessed the magic of his talisman, the channeled power emanating put causing the surge of noise in his head, he quickly discarded Dawid and Zizi, and cast about letting the power follow the contours of the cave until... " There !" He called over to Dawid pointing at a particular banner hanging down, a small space behind it the perfect place to hide. With impressively quick reactions Dawid cast his spell, and the area shimmered as purplish blue light flared as it drew back it lingered in only one place, framing the shape of Tartuk perfectly. " Your thoughts betrayed you, my tricky little friend." Xan calls across the room "We have him, get back here, now!" He shouts so the others will know what has happened. As he speaks he brings into being an ethereal spear of magical force, positioning it between himself and the flickering form of their enemy. " This does not look good for you."

"Well done!" Zizi says as they fly up and over Dawid's shoulder. They zoom over to the perfectly outlined form of Tartuk and take hold of the comically large blade strapped to their back. They pop around the screen with a manic grin and dive-bomb the usurper with the point of their blade. A spray of red splats across the dusty stone floor, no longer invisible as it leaves his body. The kobold's arms flail helplessly out of reach as Zizi then slips back out from behind the screen, hovering nearby in wait for their next strike.

Seeing Zizi dive around the screen and the brief outline of the Kobold hiding behind it. Azul rushes forward using his magics to quickly close the distance. Slashing upwards as he reaches the screen slicing the hide in half and revealing the Kobold. As his blade cut's through the screen, Sofia flies fluttering her brass colored wings in the Kobold's face. Distracting him from the vicious blow that follows, as Azul slashes his sabre down putting all of his weight into the attack. The blow sends the outline of the Kobold  plummeting to the ground, with blood falling from the wound as the man falls. Looking down his amethyst eyes narrow and he growls out in Hellenic "This is your last chance for mercy. You have already proven yourself a liar and coward. Release your spell . lay down your weapons,  and answer our questions. And there is a chance you may live to see tomorrow."

Petros, hearing that they had found and cornered Tartuk, races back through the tunnels, stopping within sight of a glowing outline, prone on the ground.

Wounded and bleeding on the ground, Tartuk shimmers into view before Azul as the spell of invisibility fades. He scowls up at the dragonborn, clearly aware that he has nowhere to go.

Hearing Xan's shout, Brim nearly stumbles over herself attempting to slow down after bolting all the way into the next room. She grounds to a halt, forced to hop on one food while grabbing a crag off the dirt wall to pull herself around while maintaining some level of momentum. Quick as day she's bounding back down the corridor and right back into the room she'd just left. With her crook bouncing alongside her, she leaps the last ten feet to come to a landing directly in front of the kobold, the crook extended out towards him.  "Aha!"  is all she can manage to say before the weight of all her sprinting crashes down on her chest, leaving her a panting mess of sweat. She tries to utter something but immediately catches herself to take another deep breath. Finally, she exhales and composes herself. "Aha!" "Sir Rikrak in here!"  she looks to the far corridor, awaiting the fiery kobold's undoubtedly enthusiastic return, "I have to say Mister Tartuk, I'm super happily surprised you decided to see reason. I got scared I'd have to shoot you or something. Now I know our kobold pals down that hall want to do some pretty violent things to you, so I just want to quickly throw out what I try to offer everyone: a second chance! Commit yourself to being, like, a nice person who doesn't do mean stuff like overthrow your clan and place curses and you could live a better life!" The sound of bloodthirsty kobold's tumbling through the corridor towards them shudders through the room as she speaks, "...Or at the very least, you'll feel a lot more at peace in death."

Tartuk pointedly ignores Brimblebread, continuing to scowl at Azul as he slowly and deliberately takes a potion from his bag, removes the stopper and glugs it down. The bleeding of his injuries gradually ebbs and ceases. "You'll have to keep me alive, if you want questions answered," he rasps to the dragonborn in their own tongue.

When the Sootscales hear Xanthos's cry, they turn and march back up the tunnel to Tartuk's quarters like a black tide of oncoming death. The Chief stands at their head, with Rikrak and Mikmek by his side, all bearing weapons in their clawed hands. "Do not let the usurper's lies bewitch your ears," the Chief snarls in refutation of the shaman's grovelling. "Let us be done with this."

Sval steps to the side of the tunnel, moving so the kobolds have a clear path to get to Tartuk.

Azul angles his blade at Tartuk's throat after the Kobold reaches for his potion, growling out in draconic "Move again without my permission and your life will be forfeit." Seeing the Sootscales run up Azul keeps his armored frame in front of Tartuk, looking first to Rikrak and then the chief. Speaking in draconic  "We have been good allies kin, between bringing this usurper to his knees and defeating the Mite King." Pointing to Petros as he switches to Hellenic "Petros believes this man could be connected to our larger problem plaguing our lands. We ask that you honor our alliance and give us the time to uncover the usurper's secrets." 

Sootscales bares his teeth. "You allies?" He questions in broken Hellenian. "Then stand aside. Sootscale free tribe. Then we allies."

With a solemn look Azul steps away from Tartuk.

Chief Sootscale takes a step towards Tartuk, raising his club high, ready to strike. However, as Azul removes his threatening blade, the kobold hurls something into the nearby cauldron and the entire cave fills with thick purple smoke. It itches the throat, provoking a hacking cough.

The distinct thwacking of something hard impacting against a creature can be heard through the smoke. Then the cloud of purple gas clears, revealing Chief Sootscale stood over Tartuk's glowing body with a bloodied club. The fallen kobold's scales are slowly fading from purple to a dusty black.

Xan feels the life go out of the kobold but something sits uncomfortably in his mind. His final thoughts were more irritation than fear, almost as if this death would not be the end. " Something is wrong, I don't think that he is dead, he was not scared to lose this body, as if it didn't matter. I don't understand but I am sure somehow that I am right."  Xan looks around at the others, " Unless I miss my mark he was a far more dangerous adversary than we had anticipated."

Sval frowns, poking at Tartuk's body with his toe. "Then we'll kill him as many times as it takes."

The gathered Sootscales howl jubilantly when they see Tartuk's battered corpse and begin to dance and sing tunelessly in celebration. "Allies," the Chief confirms resolutely, wiping blood from the head of his club and holding out a small hand to Azul to shake.

Azul reaches his arm out shaking the small kobolds hand & in draconic says "You honor us, today will be long remembered as the death of the usurper and the birth of our new alliance." Switching to Hellenic he adds "What does the future hold for the Sootscales?"

"Once we were many," the Chief tells Azul in Draconic, gesturing to his gathered kin. "Now only few remain. Countless Sootscale warriors fell in the war to recover Old Sharptooth and even before then, the goat-man to the north has claimed many lives. The Sootscales must rebuild."

Sval says, "We will be going after the goat-man as well. Can we count on you when we do?"

Once more, Chief Sootscale looks around wearily at his depleted tribe. "War no good for Sootscales. So many dead. Rikrak guide you, help you, but no army."

Azul nods "We understand, while we may not be able to ride into battle together. I think our alliance could prove worthwhile in other areas. Is there any aid we can provide to help the Sootscales rebuild?"  Gesturing to Petros he says "Petros has been chosen to help build a new clan in these lands. Once it is established we would be honored to begin trading with the Sootscales."

The battle ended, Petros thinks again to himself that he really should learn some languages, especially draconic if their new neighbors were to be good ones.  "Gods I need this to go well." As Azul   begins to speak draconic to the Kobolds, his speech seems to clarify itself in Petros's head al.ost as if he is speaking Hellenic.  As Azul points back to Petros speaking of trade, Petros interjects in Hellenic, "yes, we plan to cultivate those moon radishes, for example."

Many little kobold heads pop up at the mention of the moon radishes and Chief Sootscale nods affirmatively to Petros. "Delicacy of my people. They do much for moon radishes." Turning to Azul, the chief adds. "Summer is coming. If we have food and safety, then my people can lay many eggs. We have little to trade though." Looking around at the caves themselves for the first time, Azul notices that the walls are streaked with twisting lines of something shiny.

As the Chief continues to talk with Azul, Petros kneels down to start going over Tartuk's body, thoroughly searching through--and under--his clothing. He pulls a dull metal sickle and a knife from his belt, placing them behind himself for others to dispose of.  He takes of a pair of small bracers that he presents to Brim, asking her if she would like to use them so that at least they might be redeemed.  Tartuk also has a few bone piercings and a tail stub, all of which he hands to Rikrak, asking if he might find a use for them.  Finally, Petros pulls out a few pouches of herbs that he hands to Sval, hoping he might be able to identify them.  "If not, maybe Orion or Sophia might know what they are."  

As Petros sorts through Rikrak's possessions, he notices a heap of 'treasure' in the western alcove of the shaman's den. The mound consists of a huge amount of worthless shiny objects, such as quartz and mica crystals, bits of metal, broken weapons and armour, and other garbage. However, mixed in amongst the junk are some items that might be value, along with a significant quantity of coin. A quick search uncovers a finely crafted light steel shield, seven ornate crossbow bolts with carved shafts, a pair of soft boots embroidered with branches and leaves and a soiled leather bag containing more coin, a plain brass ring set with a single pearl and a small pouch of sparkling dust.

Azul's eyes grow wide and his spirits lift as Petros reveals the ring. He had promised to bring the ring back to Sophia & Orion, and by Athena's blessing he will be able to honor his word. Noting the pearl, he realizes that he may be able to use it for the interim to uncover the treasures that Tartuk had hidden away. Channeling his arcane power through the pearl he lets his friends know what was stashes away. Looking to chief Sootscale he holds up the ring and says "Kin this ring was stolen from a member of our clan." Pausing he adds "We have been good allies, we have killed your enemies and secured your rule. As a token of this new partnership, would you permit us to take Tartuk's trove?"

Sootscale eyes Azul carefully. "You speak for these smoothskins? Do you swear to defend our lands and our way of life?"

As Azul looks over to gauge Petros's reaction, Petros moves over to whisper in Azul's ear.  "What is their 'way of life?'  If they submit to your justice when disputes outside their clans arises, we will protect and defend them."  

The chief watches Petros's whispering with suspicion.

Azul nods as Petros speaks and looks to Chief Sootscale "Apologies. I have been named Justice of the North, but as I mentioned Petros leads our clan."  gesturing to the Hellenian as he speaks " We would agree to defend and your lands & people, in return for the same once you are able." Meeting the Chief's eyes he adds "As well as your word, that any dispute that the Sootcales may have with those outside of your clan, are brought to us. We mean to bring peace and stability to these lands, bringing an age of prosperity that will lift all clans. But for that we will need a just land and common laws, if this is agreeable today can be the start of our new alliance." Azul holds his armored hand out to shake as his amethyst eyes attempt to gauge the Chief's reaction.

Petros also extends his hand to the Chief once Azul is finished speaking.  He gives the chief a level, appraising look, and finished with a satisfied and respectful nod, waiting for the chief to respond.

Sootscale looks from Azul to Petros, before finally nodding in agreement and shaking each of their hands in turn. "Take the usurper's trinkets away. We have no use for them."

"Chief Sootscale.  This silvery metal in the walls of your home is very beautiful to my eyes, and my people find it pleasing and useful.  We make jewelry from it.  And money.  I would like to strike a bargain with you to make both our peoples happy, if you are willing.  I can arrange for men to come here and take this metal from the earth and bring it to our smiths.  In exchange, we can bring you back a portion of this metal once it has been fashioned into jewelry.  Or I, and I think you may like this even better, I can buy weapons and armor from my city, far from here, with this metal: weapons and armor of cold iron that will hurt mites and protect you from their attacks.  It is like poison to them, from what I understand. What do you think?"

The chief remains cautious, but nods in understanding. "Mite king dead. War over now, but Sootscales lay eggs. Tribe grow. One day, no more space. Men come dig bigger cave? Then Sootscales have space. Shiny metal from Sootscale caves  Sootscale metal. We pay men to dig. Pay for things Sootscales need," the kobold muses. In his broken Hellenian, the plan almost sounds like a stream of consciousness. "Where Sootscales sleep when men dig?"

"Well, we can try to keep the men to only a portion of your home.  Although another option might be for you to seize the Mite's old home.  You could be sure they don't return that way, and maybe you would end up liking that home even better than this one.  It is quite beautiful there with a large tree standing over the spot.  What do you think?  Oh, and, if I may be so bold, may I ask Rikrak to show me around your lands.  I want to learn the whole area north of our city, but I especially want to know where your lands are so that I can be sure my men know to respect its boundaries.  I want to avoid misunderstandings between our people.  A young friendship is one that must be nurtured and given time and space to grow."

Chief Sootscale seems intrigued by the suggestion of taking over the Old Sycamore from the mites and gladly volunteers Rikrak to guide Petros and his allies. After investing a little more time in building a positive diplomatic relationship, Valerie and Dimitrios are instructed to return to Thorn River Camp and the remaining explorers depart to scout the Sootscale homelands. The hills are thick with fog today. It's lined the Kamelands since the first night at Orion's trading post. Neverthless, Rikrak happily shows everyone his favourite spots, particularly how he loves to swim in the river and catch fish. He explains that the Shrike is named for the numerous flocks of birds that nest along its length. The river averages three-hundred feet wide and sometimes reaches depths of sixty feet or more. According to the little kobold, there is a thirty-foot-high waterfall a few miles upriver and downriver the Shrike joins the Thorn (named for the stinging nettles and tangles of sharp brambles that its banks are thick with), before flowing into the Tuskwater. Petros gazes upriver as Rikrak talks and a chill runs down his spine as he gazes south through the mist. The voice from his dream echoes in his mind. Shrike river.

"I know we need to take care of Capricornus, but I...we need to head up-river right now.  The body from my dream.  It's there, somewhere,"  Petros says, pointing into the mist.

Xan looks at his fellow aasimar curiously, then simply nods. "As you say, let us go where you are called. Clearly you feel it is something you must do. No need to go alone."

Sval grunts in agreement with Xan's assessment. "Let's go."

The echo of Petros's dream leads the group six miles upriver to a thick, sagging rope that hangs across the river. A signpost at its end reads Nettles' Crossing - 5 copper - ring bell for service. and a rusty bell hangs by the sign. On the northern bank of the river, the crumbled remains of a burnt-down wooden building are slowly being overgrown by encroaching vegetation.

Sitting a little wearily in the saddle Xan reads the sign and looks across at the burnt out shell of the building on the far bank. " Doesn't look like things have worked out too well for Nettle, if that was the name of the person running this.." He walks his horse a little closer, " Shall we see if anything happens if we ring the bell, you never know!"

Zizi stirs lazily from their very comfortable position in Petros’ lap. With a yawn and a stretch they survey their surroundings with a bit of confusion. “Wait, so why exactly are we out here in the middle of nowhere again? You had a dream? I suppose you do have a bit of mystical charm going on but I didn’t peg you as a seer.”

With a bit of...not discomfort exactly...as the fairy stirs on his lap, Petros clears his throat and replies "Uh, well, no not a seer.  At least I don't think so.  I usually only have the same dream over and over.  But not last night.  Last night I dreamt of a corpse in the river.  This river.  And somehow it's...calling me?  But it's getting late.  If we don't come across anything soon, we should make camp for the night." With a nod at Xan, Petros leans over and rings the bell.  

Upon the ringing of the bell, a rotting body begins to climb from a pile of rubble that has accumulated on the rocks a short distance downstream. Inexorably, it makes its way across the river’s surface, walking over the water towards Petros. The obviously long-dead man, flesh putrescent, clutches a dripping ranseur in his hands. As he rises from the waters, he calls out in an eerie, soggy voice. "You are not my tormentors. Throw Capricornus's body into the river that I may look upon his death, or join me instead."

Turning his horse about quickly to keep distance, Petros shouts "Indeed he is our enemy as well.  We seek to end his life and would be glad to bring his body to you.  What can you tell us about that foul beast?"

"The fog..." the corpse rasps, "it is his spear and shield. If you would end it, seek the Temple of the Ibex in the woods to the east." The bloated, undead creature meets Petros's gaze with a silent stare that lasts for several moments, before melting back into water with a soft splash. The wind whistles past the sign, making the rope sway back and forth across the river and it becomes clear that the spirit is satisfied - for now.

Sval looks curiously at the undead creature, surprised it hadn't been another enemy to defeat. "How do we know this isn't a trap of Capricornus?"

Audibly, to Zizi at least, Petros swallows uncomfortably and says, under his breath, "That was...unexpected."  Raising his voice to the others he calls out, "We don't, Sval.  But let's assume the worst and hope for the best.  All right everyone.  Lets head east for 20 minutes...I don't fancy camping here tonight.  We can make plans after camp is set up."