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Chapter One Hundred And Eight

Back To Hradetz And Konan

7 NOVEMBER 3460

The night goes without incident and Boris wakes them all up a great deal earlier than they would have wished in order that they make an early start upon their journey.

The squires start to cook up a quick breakfast to set them on their way, while Faewen'il studies her spellbooks and Yaz makes his devotions. Upon his return, he uses his healing powers to give some assistance to Will, Boris and Jihan, who were the only ones to have sustained serious injuries during the previous day's combat. Although none of them are back to full health following Yaz's attentions, they are fine to travel.

Once the healing rites have been performed, they say their farewells to Tomas, Viktor and the four remaining Dvur Dragons and watch them as they set off north towards Dvur, moving as cautiously as they can through the woods. Then the party, plus Boris, Corrow and the last remaining Hradetz Dragon, Antonin, mount their horses and set off south in order to make Hradetz before nightfall.

After half an hour, they are out of the wooded hills and continue their journey through the rolling hills that take them all of the way to Hradetz. As they leave the protection of the cover behind, they feel quite vulnerable and keep glancing behind their backs and up in the air to ensure that the dragonrider is not following them. They see the fur farm behind them, still intact and looking exactly the same way that it did when they first saw it.

"I hope that Yurek doesn't double-cross us," Yaz says. "If that place is still standing in a few days time then I won't be happy."

They carry on traveling south for another couple of hours and then Jihan cries out:

"Dragonrider!"

For a moment, they all freeze in panic, knowing that there is nowhere to hide out here in the open spaces. They all look up to see the dragonrider, expecting it to be almost upon them. However, much to their relief, it is not the case and, were it not for Jihan's impressive eyesight, then they wouldn't have seen it at all, as the rest of them can see nothing but a black dot in the far distance.

When they see the dragonrider, it is to the northeast of them, on the opposite side of the Labe from their current position. It is moving pretty fast and is heading in a southeasterly direction. They pause to watch it for a few minutes, realizing that they are way off its flight path:

"Where do you think it's going?" Winnacer asks.

"Hard to tell," Boris replies. "'E ain't goin' for Hradetz, that's for sure, or else 'e would be passin' over our 'eads. Now let me see, what's in that direction. Brunn would be a possibility if 'e carries on the same course, or 'e could be 'eadin for the Eastern Front. On 'is present course, 'e'll be travelin' between the Tower an' the Twin Villages. Let's jus' 'ope that 'e ain't plannin' on changin' course anytime soon."

Realizing that there is little that they can do, they simply carry on their journey towards Hradetz. With all of them mounted, they make good progress throughout the morning. They have now traveled over this terrain many times and so Jihan is able to guide them through the best terrain in order to make their journey as quick as possible.

At midday, they stop for a light lunch prepared by Tadeus and Milan, which allows them to rest their horses, which are starting to become a little tired from the journey. After half an hour, they re-saddle their mounts and carry on with their journey.

The afternoon is uneventful and they see no one during your travels. The weather has improved a little from the condition over the past few days. Although it is by no means warm, the temperature is above freezing for most of the day and the sun can be seen through gaps in the clouds until dusk falls. At around 8.00, they cross the road between Dvur and Hradetz, seeing no one and continue the last half-mile towards the gate.

They pass the ruined barn that has been the rendezvous point a number of times in the past and Boris speaks to them:

"I reckon that yers should wait 'ere for a mo' 'til I've checked out the gate. I'm worried that they might 'ave 'eard o' our exploits 'ere already an' 'ave mounted strong security. Let me go an' find out."

With that, Boris and Antonin head off towards the city. Around 45 minutes later, they return, with Boris' smiles showing that their mission has been successful:

"We were in luck," the master rogue says. "It's Captain Glong on the gate at the moment an' 'e's a pushover. We won't 'ave any problems getting through the gate. I've already seen to it."

They remount the horses and then follow Boris back to the gate. Boris' words were true and the orcs step aside as they see the party approaching and Boris nods to the captain as he passes. From there, they carry on the short distance until they are back in front of the warehouse. Boris makes the coded knock and they are soon let in by Vit, the lad.

They unsaddle their horses and leave them to Vit, Milan and Tadeus to see that they are fed and watered. They then make their way up the ladders and steps to get to the upper level. Sonya is very relieved to see that they all arrived back in one piece, and hugs Corrow as she sees that he returned unharmed. She is equally relieved to see that Flint is no longer with them. However, her happiness is marred when she learns that so many of the Dragons fell during the battle. By the time that they are sat down, it is 9.30 and getting close to curfew.

"We should see Konan as soon as possible," says Winnacer.

"I think that we should wait until tomorrow," says Yaz. "We're in no great hurry and I got the feeling from our last encounter with him that he's no great fan of these late night debating sessions. Let's wait until the morning."

They agree to wait until the following day and instead use the evening to relax after the long day's ride. A large meal is prepared for them, which they all enjoy. However, there is no party that night, as there so often is during their visits to Boris' place, as everyone is feeling tired and Boris is still mourning the loss of his men. As a result, they go to their rooms at the relatively early time of 11.30.

 

8 NOVEMBER 3460

After two short nights spent in freezing cold tents, it is sheer luxury to spend the night in comfortable rooms and so they are in no hurry to leave their beds. However, they wish not to delay too long and so they are all up at around 9.00 after performing their usual duties. Yaz once more casts healing spells upon Will, Jihan and Boris, bringing them all back to perfect health. There is the typically huge breakfast waiting for them when they awaken, which they take advantage of.

They then say their farewells to the Dragons before they leave the warehouse and make their way to the Library of Kitry. The journey takes a while, as Jihan is still hobbling along having to use the crutch to support him. After half an hour, however, they are standing in front of the entrance to the Library.

The doors are open, as they usually are during daylight hours and so they walk straight in. They immediately see Konan at his desk at the far end of the Library and so they make their way towards him. As they get close to him, he sees their approach and smiles as he sees who it is:

"It's good to see you all again," he says. "Let us retire to my study so that I may hear about your latest exploits."

With that, he leads them to his study and tells them to sit before offering them beverages. Once everyone is relaxed he starts to speak:

"So how was your latest mission?" he starts.

Winnacer allows the articulate William to elaborate on their exploits, as is his wont to do. Will is happy to oblige and spends quite a while giving the Librarian a very accurate description of all that transpired since they were last before him. In the way that he was taught during his upbringing in the monastery of Kitry outside Podyebrad, his summary is succinct, but includes all of the main points and he leaves out any personal opinion that he might have about the results of the actions. Throughout the telling of the story, Winnacer does not break a smile and nor does Konan, not interrupting at all until the story is complete:

"Well, I don't quite know how to react to these events," he says. "You have certainly made an impact with your actions, but it is a shame that so many lives were lost as a result of it. I simply hope that all of those lives that were taken in the blast were ill-disposed towards a free Bohavia."

He then pauses and looks towards Winnacer before continuing:

"Yet it is not for me to pass judgment upon the events, as such a task is best performed by those who have divine guidance in such matters. It is outside my jurisdiction, as I just deal facts."

"Any person attending such an event that would patronize the Nyemetz VIP pavilions was either complicit with the Nyemetz rule or with the abomination of twisting the true natures of beasts for the sake of savage combat," Winnacer replies. "While the crime of complicity is one that can be atoned for, Spravedelna does not weep for those able to turn a blind eye to Injustice if they perish in the company of the Unjust. While some may have had a hidden desire to see Bohavia free again one day, their fortunes and lifestyles, built by supporting the Nyemetz and their enslavement of Bohavia, certainly sat in much higher regard. Those who have lost their lives are guilty of the crime of complicity and their souls shall be judged accordingly."

Konan is quiet for a moment before he starts to reply, as is his usual manner. As he starts to speak, there is no tone of preaching or argument in his voice:

"As I have said," the Librarian replies. "This is not a matter that a servant of Kitry has had the training and the insight to pass judgment upon, but it is the way of Kitry that great wisdom be brought to bear before any life is taken."

"I cannot disagree with your thoughts upon this matter. However, it does appear to me to be potentially dangerous that you went to great lengths to save the life of your brother who, from Will's recounting seems to be a particularly loathsome and complicit character, whereas the lives of other brothers, sons and fathers were taken in the name of Justice. I would not wish to advise a LawBringer on the Ways of Justice, but would wish you to know that such information could be used against you by a rival at some time in the future if it became common knowledge."

"Aye. If a LawBringer cannot shine the light of Justice into his own kin, he most likely is not worth his salt," Winnacer sighs.

"It seems I may not be worth my salt by that logic. My family did not stop me from doing what I know in my heart to be right, nor will they stop me now. But you do make an important point."

Konan sees the pain in Winnacer's eyes and leans towards him across his desk, placing a paternal hand upon his shoulder:

"Don't feel so bad about it, Winnacer," he starts. "I can see that the situation that you have described is one of the toughest dilemmas that any man can face. It is indeed unfortunate that you have been called upon to make such difficult decisions so shortly after taking the mantle of a LawBringer. It is almost as if Spravedelna herself is testing you. I cannot advise you in these matters, as I do not have the divine gifts to deal with such weighty matters. If you are truly troubled by such, then I would advise you to speak with your Priestess."

Konan is then quiet for a moment, deep in thought, leaving an uncomfortable silence in the room. As it becomes obvious that Konan has no more comments to make, Winnacer moves on to other matters:

"Librarian Konan, once again I find that we have need of your great wisdom and the vast amount of knowledge that you have accumulated in your position. I wonder whether you might be able to give me some answers to some questions that I have."

Konan's face lightens at the young Lord's request:

"I would be happy to," he replies. "The imparting of knowledge is much more within my area. Ask away."

"Thank you," Winnacer replies. "Firstly, soon after we departed from the arena, we saw a dark figure mounted upon a black dragon going to the site of the battle. Soon after, it departed once more, heading for Dvur Kralovye in all likelihood. Yesterday morning, the figure departed from the area of the town heading in a southeasterly direction. I wondered whether you might have any more information as to whom it might have been?"

Konan is silent for a moment, deep in thought before he answers:

"The only people that ride around on dragons in this day and age are the OverLord Protektor and his most senior lieutenants," the Librarian replies. "I doubt very much whether it would have been the OverLord Protektor himself if the figure was alone, as the OverLord would never put himself at such a risk by traveling alone, even with such a fearsome steed. No, in all likelihood, it was one of his Lieutenants that you witnessed."

"However, this does not alter the fact that something very important must have happened in the area in order to justify the involving of one of the OverLord's Lieutenants. The OverLord has only a handful of such trusted adjutants and so is not likely to have sent one of them on a trivial matter as they obviously have a great many other tasks to see to. You said that you saw the dragonrider going to and from Dvur? I would imagine that something of great importance has happened there, although I have no idea as to what it could be. I dare say that we shall find out soon, however, as Dvur is just a day's ride from here."

Winnacer nods and then continues:

"Secondly, I was wondering whether it may be possible to prepare a plan that incorporates you, our scroll of protection from Lycanthropes, and our party on the day before the full moon?"

"The day before the next full moon," Konan ponders.

He moves to one of the many bookshelves in his study and takes a small almanac from the shelves and looks through it:

"The next full moon shall be on Friday the 17th, nine days from now," he says, studying the book. "Well, in that case, if you can arrange to be here on that night, then I am sure that I can be able to assist you in ridding the curse from any of you that may have contracted lycanthropy. As I have said before, it is impossible to cure anyone of the curse without knowing which, if any of you, have been taken by it. However, at the merest sign of a transformation, then I shall be able to cure one of the curse. You just need to remember to visit me that night."

"That would be very kind of you, Head Librarian," Winnacer replies.

"I have given much thought to what you were saying about the mages during our last visit to you. I wonder whether it may be possible for you to give us some more information about them - like where they are, how many we can expect to meet at one time, and what exactly they are looking for?"

Konan gives a little shrug in response:

"I don't really know what more there is to tell about them, as I have given you quite a bit of information already. As for where they are, they are currently spread throughout Bohavia, with the exception of Sudeten, as dwarves and mages really don't tend to get on at all well. On average, there is one in every large town and city. It tends to work better that way so that they don't tread on each other's feet, as I have already told you how egotistical they are. The expression 'this town isn't big enough for the both of us' was first uttered by Grand Elf several centuries ago and seems to be a phrase that is in common use amongst mages. Although it is probable that they would be safer in small communities, most mages are urban creatures so that they can easily access the components that they need. They also like their creature comforts, do the mages, which is another reason why they tend to stick to the larger towns and cities."

"It's hard to say exactly how many mages that there are in existence in Bohavia at the moment, as it is difficult to categorize who is a master mage and who is not. I would say that there are between twenty and thirty powerful mages still alive in the country today."

"As to how many of them you may be expected to meet, it really depends upon where you intend to look. As I have said, under normal circumstances, you would be hard pressed to find one. However, if the plan goes ahead, then, hopefully, they will be all brought together. However, in all probability, this exercise would take place over quite a long period of time - months, if not years, in order to persuade them to come, as well as trying to introduce them one by one so that they are not all thrown together in one building all at the same time."

"As to what they are looking for, there is a degree of flexibility in their needs. However, the first requirement is that such a place needs to be one where there is no danger of the Nyemetz stumbling upon it, as that would lead to certain danger. Secondly, the location cannot be too remote. It needs to be close to a major city to ensure that there are no problems in keeping them supplied both with the components that they need, plus the luxuries that they are so used to having. It also needs to be fairly central in the country, as it will be difficult to attract mages from eastern Moravia to western Bohemia or vice versa. Apart from those requirements, I would imagine that they are quite flexible."

Winnacer thanks the Librarian once again for the information and then continues:

"I know that we have spoken in the past about Kutna Hora, but I wondered whether you have any more information about the town."

Konan shakes his head in response:

"Kutna Hora is not an easy place to get information about," he says sadly. "Very little information comes either in or out of the town. I dare say that Bennett knows a great deal more about the workings of the town than I do, as I have not been there myself since before the Nyemetz invasion. Hopefully, the map of the sewers which I gave to Bennett will be of more assistance, but I don't know what more I can do for you at this stage. If you have any specific questions, then please do not hesitate to ask, although I cannot guarantee that I shall be able to give you the answers."

"My next request is whether you may have some information about the nearest dwarven city - and perhaps some contacts," continues Winnacer.

"You would do well to make contact with the dwarves," remarks Konan, "as their firearms and artillery will be almost essential when conflict finally breaks out. I would advise you to be cautious in your dealing with them, however, as there still exists a great deal of animosity between dwarves and humans. Everything that you have heard about dwarves and the fact that they bear grudges for many years is certainly true and they have never forgiven the humans for their high taxes."

"The nearest dwarven city to here would be the capital, Aussig, although this is not close, as it is over 100 miles from here. Liberetz, or Reichenberg, as the Nyemetz have renamed it, is a major town and is closer, at around 75 miles from here. North of Dvur, there are some dwarven villages in the Krkonoshe Mountains - some hidden from the Nyemetz, but more that are known to them. You could reach these in just two or three days of travel, I would imagine, but I am not sure what kind of assistance you would be able to obtain from them, as their numbers will be few."

"As regards contacts, I'm afraid that I am going to be of little help to you in this matter," the Librarian continues. "The dwarves tend to worship the older gods, such as Seela, Ohen, Vitur and, above all, Zemnye. There are no churches to Kitry within Sudeten. Perhaps you would be better to speak to your High Priestess for an introduction, as there are several Temples of Spravedelna within the dwarven lands, although not to the same extent as there are in human parts."

He turns to Xavier:

"There are quite a few followers of Radegast there as well."

Winnacer continues:

"I was wondering whether there has been any local news since we have been away?"

Konan shakes his head again:

"You have only been gone for three days and little has happened here that would be of interest to any of us. The Lord Protektor of Hradetz purposely did not get involved with the squabbles between Dvur and Pardubitze, as he knew that no good would come of it. I dare say that if anything interesting is happening in this city, then your friends the Dragons will get to hear of it before we do here. As I've said before, we are not spies and so quite a lot of local information does not come through to us."

"Finally," says the young Lord, "I was wondering whether you had determined anything regarding the items that I left in your care."

"Oh yes," says Konan and he moves from behind his cluttered desk to go to a small cupboard in the back of the room. He returns with the shield and ring that Winnacer gave Konan for identification purposes.

Firstly, he produces the shield:

"This didn't take us long to work out at all," he says, handing the shield back to Winnacer. "The design on it, representing a mountain rising from the earth, was a dead give away, as it was immediately apparent to us that it was an old symbol for Zemnye, the Earth God. It didn't take us long to realize that this item was possessed by the dwarven RockBreaker, Norgrim Graniteface, the same dwarf that was the possessor of Bennett's axe that was formerly known as 'Scum Cleaver'."

"Oh, by the way," he continues. "If you're planning on making contact with the dwarves, then I'd keep both your shield and Bennett's axe hidden from them. As I've said, Zemnye is one of the most worshipped gods there and the dwarves are quite an …errm … 'possessive' bunch, and so they'd probably want them back if they saw that humans were using them."

"Now, as for the ring, that would have been quite a tricky one to identify had you not told us where you got it from. However, knowing that it was taken from the Head of the Black Diamonds in Pardubitze meant that it wasn't too difficult a task for us."

"The ring was actually created for the Head of the Black Diamonds by the master mage of Pardubitze, Pavel the Petulant. When the Diamonds took over the Thieves' Guild in Pardubitze half a century or so ago, they knew that Pavel had amassed quite a fortune from his works and were determined to get hold of as large a portion of it as possible. Pavel was no fool, however, and protected his horde with a great deal of magickal security measures, and many of the Diamonds' men got fireballed or lightning bolted as a result of their attempts to get their hands on it. However, although they managed to get little more than Pavel's petty cash from him, they regularly made quite a mess of his quarters in the process. Eventually, Pavel had had enough of this and so sought an audience with the Head of the Diamonds, which resulted in their coming to a deal. In return for leaving Pavel alone, the master mage made a very powerful ring of protection for him, which this is."

Konan holds it in his fingers, holding it as if it was made of glass.

"It's a very fine item indeed. If you were to use no other means of protection, then this ring alone would protect you as well as back-and-breast."

He hands it over to Winnacer:

"Use it wisely," he says, "that's a very rare item that you have there."

Winnacer takes the ring and puts it in his pouch for now.

"So, have you any more questions for me?" Konan asks.

Winnacer's silence shows that his questions have been answered.

"So what are you considering as your next course of action?" the Librarian asks.

"Well, after the quite lengthy debate that I have had with Bennett on the subject," Winnacer replies, "I cannot help agree with him that we should pull off one more large stunt, then head out for a while to make new contacts and sow the seeds elsewhere. I could also be convinced to attempt some small scale operations at Kutna Hora, looking more to prepare for a slave revolt than to attempt full liberation and retrieve Heimlin's son. However, a trip to meet Yiri or the mages would meet with my support, but I really would like to hit one more military target in the area, preferably something BIG."

Faewen'il waits until all the others are done asking questions before approaching Konan to ask questions of her own:

"What progress have ye made with me spellbook?" Faewen'il asks politely, although any who know her can easily detect a strain in her tone and her knuckles are rather white on her hands behind her back.

"I am afraid that the news regarding the spellbook is not good," the Librarian replies sadly. "As I said when the task was given to me, I said that it might take a while to … errm … 'negotiate' with one of the 'special priests' to undertake the task of transposing the pages of the book, as the task of a scribe is not one that they relish greatly. The negotiations are still underway and I hope that we will encourage the said 'priest' to commence work upon the task before the end of the week. However, as of today, the task has not begun and the books are still in my possession."

Faewen'il scowls at the rest of them, particularly Will, as she hears the bad news. She then controls herself and continues:

"Also," the lass continues, "I would like ta be knowin iffen the Protecktor has published any law books beyond tha one I own."

Faewen'il then bends down and removes a thick tome from her satchel and hands it to Konan to take a look at. Konan takes the book and scans a few of the pages. He cannot help from letting a smirk cross his normally emotionless face.

"To be honest, I don't know why the Nyemetz ever bothered to produce even this one book upon Law," the Librarian responds. "They seem to pay very little attention to that which is contained in this book, rather deciding upon matters of Law as they please. As I am sure that you realized while reading through the book, the Laws that are contained within are very loose and there are many loopholes within that Lord Protektors are able to use, if they even care about what is written in the book, that is."

"So, in short, no, there are no other Law books published by the Nyemetz."

"I would also be grateful iffen I could gain access to yar books here ta study," Faewen'il continues. "I be havin a bit of *free* time an would hate ta waste it. Primarily I would like ta borrow a tome on herbs or healin iffen ye have any. I be willin ta pay ye for the sarvice."

"Payment will not be necessary," Konan replies. "Normally we do not allow books to be taken from the Library, but I am willing to make an exception in your case, as a result of the services that you have performed for Kitry. Within the Library, you will find a large number of works on the subject as the Nyemetz saw such books to be no threat and so they all escaped their purge. Please feel free to take whichever of them you feel would be of most use to you. However, I would be obliged if you could arrange for its return as soon as possible."

Jihan speaks after Faewen'il has received her answer:

"Konan, I am afraid that a similar fate to that of Yaz has befallen me in that I am unable to walk properly due to an arrow wound in my leg. I wonder whether it may be possible for you to heal my wound?"

"You really must take better care of your limbs," the Librarian replies with mock-anger. "It seems as if every time that you come to see me, someone has taken a serious injury. Let me take a look at it. I'm sure that we shall have you back on both feet in no time."

With that, he stands and walks over to Jihan and investigates his foot:

"That is a very nasty injury indeed. However, I'm sure that this will be of assistance."

With that, he starts casting, while placing his right hand over the wound. As he finishes casting, the wound disappears completely. Jihan tests his foot and finds, to his relief, that the injury has been completely healed and his foot is as good as new.

Jihan thanks Konan profusely for his assistance, but Konan will have none of it.

As Jihan and Konan go quiet, there is a long uncomfortable silence that seems to last for hours, although it can only have been a few minutes.

Eventually, Winnacer decides that he must act:

"Well, it seems as if the decision regarding our next course of action is causing us a great deal of difficulty and is one that we are not going to resolve immediately. I suggest that we take our leave of Konan now and resume our discussion back at Boris' warehouse, so that Konan can continue with his work."

The others nod their heads silently in agreement.

As he makes to leave, Winnacer looks towards Konan, his face showing obvious respect:

"I think it has been a while since any of us have given you the thanks that is due you. We all appreciate all you have done for us despite the inherent risks of our cause. Most of all, we appreciate your advice, for your words tend to be some of the wisest I have heard in my years. We will keep you informed of our activities once we make up our minds."

Konan shakes Winnacer by the hand as he makes to leave, and addresses them all as they file out of his study:

"I can see that you are struggling to make a decision as to how it will be best for you to continue your fight to liberate Bohavia. Without any short term plans, I can see that some difficult choices are required in order to decide how best to put Bohavia on the road to freedom."

"Before you all leave me to discuss the matter further, I think it might be useful to summarize all of the possible actions that you have discussed to date, so that your task of making a decision may be easier to make. What has been suggested to date, to my knowledge, are the following options:"

"Firstly, to head to Kutna Hora to set about the release of Heimlin the gnome's son, Yosef, and a number of other gnomes that are incarcerated within the town."

"Secondly, to embark upon the journey to locate Yiri of Podyebrad so that he may be able to assist you in your goals."

"Thirdly, to make the journey to Olmutz in order to meet with the 'special priests' of Kitry so as to attempt to influence them in giving assistance to you in return for using Boscobelous' Tower as a base."

"Fourthly, to head for Dvur in order that you may make more use of the conflict between Malek and Strakota, the Lord Protektor of Pardubitze."

"Next there is the possibility of heading for Sudeten in the hope of attracting the might of the dwarves to your activities."

"Finally, there is the possibility of creating more short term problems within the local area, although no definite plans have been made at this stage as to what this may be."

"With a minimum of six different options before you, I can understand that it is difficult to make a decision as to which one you will embark upon. In all likelihood, I would imagine that it will be impossible for you to arrive at a unanimous decision as to which route you should take. In such a case, I would implore you to use democratic methods to choose your next target as, should you divide your resources, then it could very easily lead to your failure."

"Let me leave you now, as you have a very difficult decision before you. I hope that Kitry will bless you in coming to a decision that all of you are in agreement with."

As Konan finishes speaking, he bids them farewell and they file out of his study and through the Library until they are outside the building. They then make their way back to Boris' warehouse.

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