'I've Got The Remedy'

The party leaves the protection of the Dragons' safehouse. They take the same order as on the trip from The Queen's Head to the safehouse, with Jihan on point, Xavier and Bennett supporting Winnacer and with Robert, Yaz and Faewen'il taking the rear. With the dead weight of Winnacer to carry, the journey is far from swift, especially as it is all uphill. As they walk up the road towards the Temple, they see its form, with its high spires dominating the skyline. Right next to it is the castle, home to the Lord Protektor, rather closer to ythem than they would wish at this point, considering the fact that the clock on the Temple is showing that curfew begins in five minutes' time.

Reaching the temple without incident, Jihan raps on the large door. There is no answer for a while, but then there comes the sound of the door being unlocked and the door swings open. Standing in front of the door is an odd looking character. He is a human, tall and thin aged in his mid-twenties. He has a wide forehead and thinning hair. He is wearing a pair of bifocals. One of the arms of the glasses has broken off, replaced by a piece of dowling. The glasses keep slipping down his nose, forcing him to keep pushing them back up. His face is bleached of color and his lips are thin, though he smiles at them in a not unfriendly manner. His robes are white in color. At least that's what they started off as. Now there are blotches of ink splattered in many places. There is a particularly large ink stain over his heart. Observing closer, they can see three quills being held in a pocket there.

'Greetings' he whispers. 'I am Junior Librarian Vladislav. Welcome to the Library of Kitry. What brings you to our sanctuary at this late hour?'

Jihan bids Bennett and Xavier to bring the slumped body of Winnacer closer to the short-sighted Librarian, who peers at his form over his glasses:

'It is our comrade, brother. He has been harmed by a deadly poison. We seek an audience with your Head in order that we may trade knowledge for his healing arts.'

Vladislav is silent for a moment, and then speaks:

The Head Librarian does not normally see visitors at this time of the night, but I can see that your colleague is in need of immediate attention. We at the Library of Kitry are not without mercy and if you have knowledge to trade, then I am sure that He will see you. Please enter.'

Vladislav opens the door wider and bids you to follow him into the Temple. Robert/Barra decides to stay outside, not wanting anything to do with 'no pencil necks', but the rest of them enter and see that the Temple is absolutely vast, the biggest Temple that they have entered before, being only slightly smaller than the huge Temple of Kitry built by Karel The Great in Mnyesto. The four walls of the Temple are lined with bookcases. However, a great proportion of the Library is empty, with perhaps only 30% of the shelves filled with books. Instead of the pews that they would expect to find in a regular temple, the center of the Temple is filled with small desks. Although the majority of the desks are empty, a handful of them are occupied by students dressed similarly to Vladislav, who are poring over books.

Yaz compliments the Librarian on the fine building:

'Nice place you......'

'SSSSSSSSHHHHHHH!!!' shush all of the students angrily at the kid.

*sorry* whispers Yaz apologetically.

They all walk though the desks in silence until they get to a door at the far end. Vladislav knocks quietly on the door before opening it. They peer in to see that it is a small room that is once again walled with bookshelves, although this time they are full. In the center of the room is a large desk. Seated with his back to them is the huge form of a man. He is naked but for a strip of cloth wrapped around his hips. His back is partially covered with his locks of long blonde hair. His tanned body is one giant mass of muscle. His arms have the same girth as Sonya's waist and he makes Winnacer, Bennett and Xavier all look like stickmen in comparison. His body bulges with muscle, looking like a bizarre medical diagram with biceps, thriceps and quadceps, quite probably, looking similar to a sack full of footballs. His entire body is glistening. He is quietly poring over a book.

He turns around when he hears the door opening. As he does so, he stares at them...

...through a pair of the thickest bifocals that they have ever seen - glasses that are nearly as thick as they are wide. He squints at them through his glasses, trying to get a better look at them all. In addition to his glasses, he has buck-teeth and the front of his head is totally bald.

He squeaks at them in a high-pitched voice:

'Greetings, strangers, I am Konan.'

'Konan The Librarian.'

'Excuse my immodest attire. I've just gotten out of the bath.'

He walks over behind a screen and takes off the towel that he had wrapped around his waist and throws it to one side. He comes back from behind the screen a few seconds later wearing a simple white robe as all of the others in the Temple are wearing. He comes up to each of them and peers at them from behind his glasses, staring at them from just a few inches away. Once he has observed them all, he sits back down again at the desk.

'Pavel Reinburger, the Witchfinder General of Dvur Kralovye, an orc, a three year old child, a gentleman whom I do not recognize and two homosexuals dwarves from The Queen's Head tavern. Now that is an interesting grouping of personas.'

'How interesting?' asks Yaz, hopefully.

'Not THAT interesting' replies Konan, peering over his glasses, guessing the reason for Yaz's question. 'But very curious nevertheless. What brings the six of you together, and what brings you to the Library of Kitry?'

Darry coughs a bit and steps forward to speak, his voice somewhat squeaky.

"These not be our true forms sar Konan.... and our reason be our dying friend yonder... he be poisoned and we be needin him 'ealed."

Konan looks intrigued:

'Really?' he asks. 'You mean that these are not your real forms, but rather a polymorph or illusion?'

Darry nods at him.

Konan screws his eyes up beneath his thick glasses and stares at them all afresh.

'Quite remarkable' he says, shaking his head.

He prods Darry gently, observing how his flesh reacts exactly as it should do.

'Very remarkable, indeed' he add. 'So how were this metmorphoses attained?'

Darry explains all about Granny's magick powder.

'She sounds like a very interesting woman indeed, this "Granny". I would very much like to talk with her.'

Darry looks sad and explains Granny's senile condition. Konan shakes his head and replies:

'That is indeed unfortunate, as I am sure that she has amassed a great wealth of knowledge that has so far gone undocumented. Perhaps you have other interesting information that we could trade?'

He then looks at Winnacer, who gurgles pathetically, trying to form some words but failing. He gropes blindly at 'Old Bohavia' at his waist, which tumbles to the floor, scabbard and all, at the feet of Konan. That action completed, Winnacer goes back to soft, miserable moaning and drooling.

Bennett holds Winn's comatose form gently and with great concern:

"You must hasten, bookworm, he looks much worse than he did only a few minutes ago."

'He doesn't look very well at all' says Konan, stating the obvious while ignoring Bennett's comment. 'It looks like he needs some fairly immediate attention. I would very much like to help, but we all have rules to follow in the Order, as this is the only way in which we are able to amass the knowledge that we have done in the past. I would be excommunicated if I were found to be breaking the rules.'

"Only ye have tha power ta be doin such a thin..." replies Darry. "And we would like ta be tradin thins for it iffin ye be willin. But without knowin what knowledge ye would consider tha cost o removin tha poison from his body, we donna know iffin we can be payin."

'That is always a very difficult question to answer' the Librarian replies. 'There is really no way of putting a monetary amount on knowledge. It's priceless, and so is the power of healing, so it is very difficult to assign proper values. The way that it usually works, is for those looking for assistance to make an offer for me to consider. What offer can you make that I may be interested in?'

Before anyone else has chance to reply, Jihan answers the Librarian:

"I offer this meagre tome," he says, pulling out a well worn leather-bound volume with the silver scribed characters spelling out 'The Golden Age' vaguely visible on the cover, "as initial payment for the task we are asking you. This volume was constructed in the south, in the city of my kin, who are elven, though I don't look it right now. It is an historical account of the times before the great battle of race and land began. I hope it is accepted. It is dear to me, yet it has served me well over the years."

Bowing his head in a fashion seeming almost comical for his present form, Jihan kneels and offers the book to the musclebound Headman.

Konan takes the book and flips through it. His eyes light up a little as he reads a few passages:

'A lot of the information in the book is already widely known' he replies. 'However I can see that there is a little new information contained within. For a lesser gift of Kitry, such a book would be ample payment. However, the state of your colleague is such that only a very major gift from Kitry will be sufficient to ensure that he lives.'

"We be more than willin ta be seeking out somethin ye need iffin we don't have yar worthy coin already" interrupts Darry, anxious to obtain the Librarian's services.

'So what other knowledge could you offer to me in return for our Church's services?' Konan replies.

Yaz speaks at this point:

'Head Librarian, are you aware of the place known as Boscobelous' Tower?'

Konan's eyes start to light up:

'Naturally, Boscobelous' Tower is but half a day's ride from here and legend says that Hradetz was once besieged by his undead legions and was only saved by the city's sturdy walls. What of it?'

'We are planning to investigate the Tower' replies Yaz. 'Were we to report all of our findings back to you, would that be sufficient payment in order for you to cure our friend?'

'I think that would be fair compensation indeed' replies Konan. 'Who knows what information and artifacts could be found within? I accept the deal. I will, however, need a proper written report of your expedition, including maps, so that we may add the information to our library. When do you plan on undertaking this expedition?

Yaz shrugs:

'Would it be OK if we were to do it within the next month?'

'Yes, that would be fine' agrees Konan. 'If it takes longer than that, then this is not a problem, but the elders of the Church require that extra information needs to be provided for every month after the first that the agreement has not been fulfilled. They call the process "paying interest". Please do not think of reneging on the deal. Although we are a peaceful Church, there is nothing more powerful than knowledge, nor nothing more dangerous than the lack of it. Kitry knows all and always manages to find a way to reap revenge upon those who try to cheat Her subjects.'

'So what do you already know about Boscobelous Tower?' asks Jihan.

Konan begins to recite the story of the Tower. However, he provides no more information than they were able to receive from Kesryk.

Winnacer starts coughing his guts out and looks decidedly unwell.

'Very well' finishes Konan. 'The deal has been made. Now let me perform my side of it by curing your friend of his sickness.'

With that, Konan investigates Winnacer closely. He then begins to chant an uttering of such complexity as to leave all of them totally baffled. Upon completion of the chant, his hand starts to glow. He places it upon the entry wound of Pavlichek's sword. A small quantity of a greenish liquid is sucked from Winnacer's body and comes to rest in Konan's hand. He investigates the liquid closely.

'That was some very nasty venom indeed' says Konan. 'I shall investigate it more closely later.'

He walks to a chest and pours the poison into a slim glass beaker. He then washes his hands and returns to them. At first, there is little change in Winnacer's condition. However, as they look on, his eyes begin to open and Winnacer starts to smile:

'The poison is gone. I feel it. I am still weaker than I have ever been, but I now know that I am saved.'

Winnacer looks a little embarrassed at the rest of them, not really knowing how to express his gratitude to them or the Librarian.

Darry then walks a bit closer to the man, his neck craning upwards at a funny angle.

"I for one 'ave never seen such a grand collection o tomes as ye have...an I bein a mage. It would be an honor ta be addin to tha font o knowledge ye 'ave here."

Konan smiles sadly as he hears of Darry's interest in the books:

'A mage are you? Well I would keep very quiet about that, if I were you. The Witchfinders of Hradetz are based in the castle opposite here, just a stone's throw away, and I am sure that you are aware of what they would do to you were they to know of your talents.'

'There are indeed a good quantity of books here, yet there used to be many, many more. As you will have seen upon your entrance, our bookshelves are far from full. They used to be. The Library was so full of books then that we could not display them all. But then the Nyemetz came and went through them all one by one. Any book that made any reference to magick was taken by the newly appointed Witchfinders, who were also entrusted with the task of censoring the information contained in the Library. Over the first ten years of their occupation, they destroyed over 70% of the books here. Anything that did not conform to their idea of the world, or glorified the past of Bohavia was burned. I cannot even begin to imagine how much knowledge has been lost as a result of the Nyemetz' unholy actions. Knowledge that took millennia to obtain has been lost in less than a generation. Kitry will not forget their sacrilege. Kitry never forgets. She will smite them down for what they have done to her Temples.'

Konan is quiet. His face shows a mixture of sadness and anger.

Jihan yawns. It has been a long day:

'I think that it is time to go' he says.

'I'm not sure that I'm able to walk yet' says Winnacer, who is still lying on the floor.

'I've still got one heal spell left' says Yaz. 'We'll need you on your feet in case we have any problems with the Nyemetz on our way back.'

With that, he starts the familiar gesture and incantation that you have seen him cast many times before and he lays his hands upon Winnacer. Although the effects of the spell are not so great, Winnacer is at least able to stand and move after the spell has taken effect.

You all thank Konan for his help and shake him by the hand:

'Remember' he says as they file out of the door from his study. 'I need your written report within a month, or you'll need to make "interest payments".'

With that, they walk back through the main area of the Temple and through the door. Robert meets them as they exit. He is pleased to see Winnacer walking, which tells him that the exercise was successful.

'We'll have to be very careful in making our way back to the safehouse' he reports. 'For the past half-hour, there has been a stream of Nyemetz coming out from the castle - goblins mainly. We might be 'avin' some problems with the Diamonds as well. I saw Fero Fenich, he's the number two in the Diamonds, entering the castle along with some of his crew. He hasn't come out yet.'

Once again, they split into small groups and let Jihan guide them through the winding streets of Hradetz back to the safehouse. They see Nyemetz patrols on several occasions during their trip, plus an occasional small group of Diamonds, but the gods must be smiling on them, as they do not spot them as they keep to the shadows, moving as silently as possible on their way back to the Dragons' den. It is with great relief that the doors to the warehouse open to allow them access. They file up the ladders to the safety of the main room.

Boris is waiting for them. He has a sad look upon his face and they notice that there is a middle-aged woman with him. The woman's face is tear-stained.

Boris shows some relief as he sees that Winnacer is walking again. He enquires after Winnacer's health and the young lord tells him of the success of your meeting with the Head Librarian. As soon as the relief of Winnacer's condition subsides, however, Boris looks sadly at them again:

'I'm afraid that I've got some more bad news for yers. It would appear that one o' the customers o' The Queen's 'ead what saw the fight 'appen must 'ave 'ad some loyalty for the Diamonds. We've got it on good authority from one o' our best squealers that the Diamonds already know everythin' what went on there this evenin'. While it's good news that they knows that Pavlichek is a gonna, an' they think that Reinburger is the culprit, there's another factor that we didn't take into account, an' that's the involvement of Tharnald, Darry an' Barra. Apparently the Dragon's number two, Fero Fenich, 'as already gone to tell the Witchfinders that Darry is a dangerous witch and that Tharnald and Barra are both accomplices an' murderers.'

As Boris says this, the woman starts to burst into tears again. Boris puts his chunky arm around her, trying to console her:

'This 'ere is Marketa. She's the owner o' The Queen's 'Ead. As soon as we found out about the news, we went to get 'er immediately. She tells us that the three o' them 'as been put up in another establishment that she owns called The Coach an' 'orses. We 'aven't got the resource available to go an' tell 'em what's goin' on an' to bring them to safety. I'm afraid that, unless yer can get to 'em an' bring 'em 'ere to safety, then the Nyemetz'll get to 'em first. An' I don't need to tell yers what that'd mean for 'em.

The realization of the danger that they have drawn the staff of The Queen's Head into accidentally hits them all hard. They all realize that they have a duty to the two dwarves and the barmaid to make amends for their actions.

All realize that the first priority is to go and fetch them and bring them back to the safehouse so that they can avoid being captured. There is some disagreement as to who will go and fetch them, with some wanting just a small group, while others suggest that everyone go, so as to be better prepared in case the rescue party meets up with either Nyemetz or Diamonds. Eventually, that argument is decided by the simple fact that everyone wants to come on the rescue mission and no one wants to stay behind.

Xavier is concerned about the condition of Winnacer, who now seems to be over the poisoning but is still very weak, though mobile. Winnacer, however, resists Xavier's request for him to stay. He knows that it was his idea to use the powder in order to set a trap for the Guildmaster and thus feels directly responsible for the predicament.

Yaz starts to think up a solution as to how to clear the names of Barra and the two dwarves, and the others add their opinions. However, it soon becomes obvious to them all that there is no simple way of clearing their names from the fine mess that they have gotten them into.

After spending several minutes trying to come up with a solution, they realize that time is against them. They therefore decide to go off to collect the dwarves and Barra immediately and decide what they can do to rebuild their lives once they have brought them to safety

Yaz runs off to his room to collect his scimitar. Although the toddler armed with a weapon that is substantially longer than he is makes a bizarre sight, Yaz's strength has not diminished through the change and so he finds that he is still able to wield it as well as he ever could (even though he wasn't too great with it to begin with).

Winnacer checks that everyone is prepared, then lifts his tired body in order to lead everyone off. They try and console the weeping Marketa, telling her that they will ensure that no harm comes to her staff. Marketa tells them, between sobs, that Tharnald and Darry are staying in room number four, while Barra is staying in the next room, number five. Boris then wishes them the best of luck, feeling somewhat guilty due to the fact that he is unable to provide any assistance to them on their latest mission.

Jihan asks Boris for directions to The Coach & Horses. Before Boris has a chance to answer, Robert butts in and tells the elf that he knows exactly where the inn is, and how to get there.