Invitation To Dvur

Throughout the meeting with Konan, Will was deep in thought. On the journey back, he finally makes his feeling known to Winnacer:

"Winnacer," the bard begins, "I do not care to rub elbows with the Nyemetz, nor feign friendship with them. I may carry on espionage on occasion, but I prefer up front honest sneakiness, rather than the idea of betraying trusts. It is often the man who sets out to destroy his enemy from inside who finds it difficult to do once he has won the enemy's trust. Do you recall Sargeant Sklad that you spoke to me of? How long was the party in his company, and I dare say that even he, an orc, won some slight measure of sympathy and respect. How much more easier would it be to see the humanity in the Lord Protektor, who is not an orc, after months of association and cooperation with the man? No, if I must kill, then let me do it to one who expects it from me. If I must deliver death by a knife to the back, let it be because it was not guarded well enough against me, rather than by betrayal of a trust, even the trust of an enemy. Honor is a double-edged sword with me, my friend, sometimes it works for me, sometimes it seems against."

"Unfortunately, it is the direct confrontations that lead to the greatest Injustices historically," Winnacer replies. "Resistance against the Nyemetz has been met with the death of ten Bohavians for each Nyemetz slain, displayed prominently in the town squares. Direct action always runs the risk of similar reprisals, sacrificing the innocent in order to preserve pride and honor."

"A large part of our success locally has been due to the dishonorable deceptions that you scorn. Our impersonation of Reinberger and the Dragons' acceptance to Malek's request to slay the Head of the Diamonds have allowed us to eliminate high level targets without letting on to the involvement of the rebellion. Our anonymity in these matters has allowed us to reach our goals as well as keeping the innocents of Bohavia from paying for our actions. While acting in such a manner may be distasteful, to both you and I, it may be a necessary tool to achieve the greatest Justice. Is it more Just to fight an evil head-on knowing that hundreds uninvolved will lose their lives or to disregard honor to preserve those lives? True Justice does not create more woe in its application, as honor is well known to do. I have already said, with Spravedelna as my witness, that I will place Justice in front of honor in any conflict of interest. I do not recoil from my words."

"I do not fear seeing the humanity of my enemy. I will not flinch if I must break the trust of those who do evil. I will never let my honor get in the way of preserving the lives of the innocent. For I am willing to sacrifice all that I have and all that I am to bring the greatest Justice possible to those of Bohavia."

"True words," Will replies, nodding his head. "We are damned if we do and damned if we don't. Very well then, let us bound ahead into the pits of hell and pray the graces of the good gods stand by us in our judgment day."

After a journey of some twenty minutes, they are once more in front of Boris' warehouse. Jihan gives the coded knock and the door is immediately opened by Vit, who was just the other side of the door, tending to the horses along with Milan and Tadeus.

They make theirr way up the ladders and stairs until they are back in Boris' lounge. Boris and Corrow are both absent when they get there, but Sonya is still there:

"Boris, Corrow and Antonin are out in the city at the moment," she says. "They've gone on a major recruitment drive in order to try and bring over some of the Diamonds to boost our ranks here. The Diamonds' operation here is crumbling, as they are in chaos and are forced to devote their entire attention to keeping their Pardubitze operations going."

They all sit around the large table in the center of the room and put more thought towards making a decision as to their next goals. Once again, there is a long silence, until Winnacer decides that, if no one else is going to offer any suggestions, then he must:

"I have appealed to you all for your suggestions as to what should be our course of action and have not received any to date. At the risk of sounding like a dictator, I'd like to present you with my suggestions in the absence of any others:

"Firstly, I believe that it might not be a bad idea to lay low and take a day or two off to settle things in this city. I need to arrange for my silver sword to be fixed, Faewen'il needs to copy spells and so forth. A little party may be in order also. We can use a day or two off the road to keep us fresh, I believe. We can also use this time to figure out what happened in Dvur with the dragonrider and get updates on the intercity conflict."

"Once we are properly rested and have finished with all of our business here, I believe that it would be in our best interests to make a quick trip to Holitze, as it is only a day's journey from here. I need to get my armor blessed and would like to set the Hammerers out to find more recruits and either bring them over some horses or send the Hammerers to retrieve them."

From Winnacer's enthusiasm for this task, they can tell that there are also some other benefits from this operation that he does not go into.

"This should give us a few days to kill before the full moon," the young Lord continues. "Again, I believe that we should hang out, train, get in minor troubles around town, a few guards may have to go missing, until we can go in and have our asses cured of lycanthropy."

"After all these immediate tasks, I ask once again what the rest of you would like to do. Konan has succinctly summarized all of the options that have been discussed in the past. Is it a trip to Kutna Hora, with a stop at Parbubitze to stir up a bit of trouble? Or to seek out some of the fabled mages of unhappiness? Or to head out to make some dwarven allies? Or to cause Malek some more abdominal discomfort? Or to meet Yiri?"

"I really would appreciate hearing your views on these matters."

Faewen'il's knuckles went white again as Winnacer mentioned the fact that she needed time to copy out spells, but she waited to make a comment until after Winnacer finished speaking.

Not waiting for the others to speak, Faewen'il answers him with a somewhat cool tone to her voice:

"I have but two scrolls ta be copyin.. a task which may consume a few hours at most; the rest o what I could be copyin has NOT even been agreed to by tha Kitrans. Since ye have a plan ta spend a few days doin odd thins, parhaps ye might GRACIOUSLY allow me ta copy tha spells out o tha one book that I can read with supervision from a Kitran and leave tha specialty priests ta copy tha more powerful books that I won't be able ta use for a while yet. As other than that, I have some shoppin ta do that won't take very long... an after that I will be sittin with me thumb up me backside."

"Ye are all hot ta be takin care o yar own business. I thin it would be only fair ta allow me ta take care o mine. Thar have been quite o few spells that ye war thankful far from Bosco's books that I only learnt o tha night a'fore I used them. It donna make any bedamned sense ta wait on tha graces o tha Kitrans when they might decide NOT ta do it ever."

Winnacer responds politely yet indifferently:

"Boscobelous' Spellbooks are yours by right. You need not ask me if you wish to retrieve them, and I do not believe the Kitrians shall bar you access to them either. Perhaps you should return to where you left them and ask for them back. I will not let William interfere this time, if that be your wish. As for supervision, like everything else, that is your own choice to make. I simply implore you to be careful."

Faewen'il blinks once in confusion and then gives Winnacer a brief smile, the first anyone has seen on her face in a long time. A glimmer of warmth also flickers in her green eyes for a little bit.

"Be assured, I will be careful sar Winnacer. I will speak with Konan a'fore I start me copyin... parhaps all I need be a simple blessin ta keep me safe."

Faewen'il then turns her attention to the rest of the group rather than Winnacer specifically; and though her tone doesn't quite sound as friendly as it could, it gradually warms to indifference as she talks about other things.

"An as far as tha lycanthropy goes, I still have tha protection scroll we found."

"I plan on replenishin bandage supplies as well as our food stores as well as layin in some extra gear far the comin cold season. Iffen ye have a special need, let me know about it after tha meetin. At this time, I would be needin ta collect some coin from each of ye ta help pay for tha group shared supplies. I estimate it will be costin each o ye about 40 gold a parson for tha supplies. This donna include special items. Parhaps we should start a separate fund far these thins... say settin aside 10 parcent o our take a'fore splittin up amongst ourselves. Supplies an repairs can come out o this fund as needed."

"I plan ta be purchasin two large tarps ta keep our gear dry and ta double as somethin ta set tents on incase o mud an tha like, some more cookin gear, enough preserved food far each o us far two weeks, bandages, more herbs, an extra blanket far each o us, two hurricane lanterns an some lamp oil."

"That all sounds great, Fae," says Bennett. "You'll probably need some help carrying all that stuff, though. If you'll have me, I promise not to say anything to you the whole trip unless you speak first, okay? It would make me feel useful, huh?"

It is hard to read the look in her eyes, but she just shrugs her shoulders and affects an indifferent tone.

"I be takin tha list ta tha shops taday and will go ta pick up tha things with Sonya an me donkeys when they be ready. Iffen ye want ta tag along, that be yar own business..... but ye can cut tha manure about not talkin. I donna expect ta be treated that way, so I donna expect it from others."

It looked like she was going to say something else, but she clamped her mouth shut instead and took a deep breath.

"An as far as tha supplies go," she continues, "we will need ta be keepin a small wagon with us in our travels; so donna go sellin it off with tha rest o tha spare horses an tha like."

"As far where ta go; I thin we should make tha trip ta Kutna Hora ta see what we will be up against when we rescue Heimlin's son. It would also give us a chance ta make some contacts there ta help us out when tha time comes. We may even find some more people ta join Boris or tha Free Villages. It would be a mistake ta go to Kutna Hora ta do our deed without bein prepared for what be thar. We have done this far ta many times in tha past an luck was with us. We canna depend on luck. Our enemies have become more powerful and will only continue ta do so as we take out tha smaller targets an are only left with tha powerful ones."

"I agree with this," says Bennett, "but the tight security there will make even scouting the place quite burdensome. Do you have any ideas, lady?"

"Well, it would be just as dangerous if not more ta come thar without havin scouted it out farst donna ye thin?" Faewen'il replies.

"But I be havin a few; with tha amulet o mind readin I could easily be spyin on tha guards as ta how they operate. With me spell o invisibility I would be able ta not be seen while I spy. Tha trick with makin no tracks would allow me ta walk about tha town an I could be usin a few scarves ta hide me breath."

"Once inside I can be usin another spell ta alter me appearance, though that spell be only workin on tha parson that be castin it."

"I also be havin a spell that give me tha form o a ghost and could easily get into tha city... but none o these spells include others... just tha caster."

"I can be castin all manners o illusions... includin ones that include sound, smell an body heat...so I could be findin a wall not watched as closely as others and make tha illusion o just tha wall bein thar while tha rest o ye climb over it; bet ye would have ta all be quick."

"That kind o plan also would need a way ta silence tha area... which parhaps we can get from the Kitrans or other priests."

Fae says this last with a look in Winnacer's direction.

"With such a place as Kutna, we simply canna be walkin in tha front door."

"In tha short term, we can all take care o our parsonal business and parhaps help Boris out a bit. We use his base far our operations.. we should contribute ta tha upkeep o it."

Will quietly sets 40 gold pieces down close to Fae upon her request, then addresses her:

"Fae, it is I who most vehemently stood to see the spellbooks given to the Kitrians, so it is I that should address your requests."

"I agree completely that you should not have to wait on the 'guest' priests to copy the books. The whole point of the exercise was to accomplish the task more quickly. Please do as you see fit."

"Once again, I offer my services if you would have them in aid of the task. If not, so be it."

"Thar be nothin ye can aide me with," Faewen'il replies, "far any mage ta be usin tha spells they have ta copy it into thar own hand... as ye surely found out when ye came ta me far spells far yar own book."

Faewen'il says this as indifferently as she can manage, though she doesn't quite look Will in the eyes. Mentally she was counting the slow deep breaths she was taking in order to control her temper.

"An thar also be the question iffen ye have tha understandin o such potent magecraft since ye donna practice with it much."

Faewen'il's hands were clasped tightly together once more, though they were not yet white around the knuckles.

"I also agree with all of the other actions that you have both put forth," adds Will. "It is essential that we are quarantined so to speak on the full moon. Some rest is in order too, perhaps we can help Boris out for a few days to help out with the terrible losses he took."

"And some dalliances at Holitze would do your spirit good, Winnacer."

Will smiles wryly at the word 'dalliances'.

"One thing you left out is a possible rendezvous with the 'Reds' as Bennett has named them."

"I think it would be good to meet up with them," agrees Bennett, "but since our contact with them is just north of Kutna Hora, it seems more efficient to do both at the same time."

He then turns to address Winnacer:

"In principle, I am in agreement with your plans for our short-term activities. I'll take the days off, but if we're just going to rest, I'd like to do whatever work I can to help out Boris, who doesn't appear to have an abundance of men, and I get angry when I get bored. I don't think any of us wants that. Sonya, if you could see if Boris has anything for me to do during the down time, I'd definitely take advantage of that. Then again, if the group wants to leave now, I'm more than up for that."

"Speak to Boris yourself," replies Sonya a little frostily. "He'll be back before nightfall."

"The trip to Holitze still sounds to me like something that's only of interest to you," Bennett continues, speaking to Winnacer, "but it's not that much of a distraction from our real business. However, if that's the group's destination, then I'll stay here and work for Boris and read at Konan's until you return. Holitze isn't really my scene."

"We should probably get the werewolf problem taken care of before we do the boot and scoot to the Nyemetz. Okay, I guess down time is the thing."

"As for our plans in the longer term," Bennett continues, "to journey to Kutna Hora is something that we must do!" he adds. "There is no question that we must try, before any other task is begun. At least, as Fae said, we must look into what it might take to free the gnomes, and eventually to destroy the foul Lord Protektor, orkish scum that he is! Although I strongly believe that this should be our next goal, I'm not totally against all of the other options that have been suggested."

"As for seeking out Yiri, I am not anxious to locate someone else to preach and/or dictate to me. I will follow the group if they choose to locate this fellow, but I am in no hurry to do so."

"Going to meet with the 'special priests' in Olmutz is also something that I think is important, and fairly high priority, as Konan has said that we don't have that much time if we want to influence their decision. However, as it's some distance away, I would like to do something fairly high profile in this area before heading out there, to make a point to the Nyemetz."

"Heading for Dvur to attempt to stir up more trouble there also holds some promise, though I don't think it's more important than Kutna Hora. Added to that is the chance of getting our hands on the Overlord's lieutenant, as Winn suggested. I believe that would qualify as high profile. This merits consideration, and I will certainly embrace it if we go along with this."

"I'm not so sure about the suggestion to try and enlisit aid from the dwarves, however. Considering the only dwarves I've met to date, I'm not sure we could get them to join us, and if they did I'm not sure they wouldn't be more trouble than they are worth. Something to think about, but certainly not immediate priority. Same with the elves, if Jihan is right. Seems to me we're going to need to give them something of interest before we can ask for their cooperation."

Winnacer waits for all of those who have anything to say to finish before continuing:

"Well it seems as if we have our short term plans agreed upon, even if the longer term ones still need a little thought," sums up the young Lord.

With the meeting adjourned, everyone sets about their personal concerns. Sonya comes up to Winnacer and speaks to him:

"I heard you mention the fact that your silver sword is broken," she starts. "I know where Boris got it manufactured and so will be able to arrange for its repair, should you wish."

"That would be very kind of you, Sonya," Winnacer replies, and takes the broken sword from his pile of belongings and gives it to her.

"In return," she continues, "I would be obliged if you could lend the support of the squire of yourself and Sir Xavier in order to assist Vit, in carrying our shopping."

"That's fine by me," Winnacer replies. "How about you, Xavier?"

"Das ist nein problem." Xavier replies. "Take care of der jugend and make sure that he gets into nein trouble vhile he ist vith Sie in der grosse city!"

With that agreed, Sonya and Faewen'il head out of the warehouse accompanied by Vit, Milan and Tadeus.

Once they have left, Will draws Winnacer aside in order to speak with him in private:

"Winnacer, I appreciate your position and opinion. As I said in the past, until I am reunited with Yiri, you are my liege and I go where you lead. However, I demand respect as well."

"When the ordeal surrounding the spellbooks took place, there was quite a deal of uncertainty surrounding the whole situation. Fae was belligerent to all who stood within a stone's throw of her. You, yourself, testified to her change in manner and your suspicions and the taint of evil upon her person. The spirit of Boscobelous had been recognized as very possibly being upon someone else's person. She admitted to struggles in studying the spellbooks, yet offered little definition or explanation as to the nature of the threat. I too copied spells from the book, yet experienced no ill effects or struggles. All of these factors combined to lead me to seek the aid of those possibly capable of help, were the worst fears to be true."

"I treated the lady with utmost respect during the whole event, and did not return spiteful personal insult when confronted with such."

"I acted in my best judgement and would do so again were the need to arise. I do not regret my actions in the situation. I am saddened by the caustic manner in which they were received by Fae, as well as the resultant character attacks and unforgiving spirit which she continues to carry toward myself."

"I too am a spellcaster. Although I lay no claim upon them, the books are as partly by right mine as they are hers. I do not wish to have them, but only to state in fact my right of denial for future reference."

"Your judgement in response to her request was well made. I am shamed by the implication in your response that you did not regard my own judgement as equally acute, but rather assumed that I would oppose her wishes."

"The perceived danger is hopefully past, although the final verdict on Boscobelous spirit is still unknown."

"Do not think I am taking offense or confronting you on a matter of pride alone. I try to humble my pride, as it often leads to shame. But rather, I would set the record straight so that we may better understand each other and work together more fluidly in the future."

"Please forgive my forwardness and let us put this matter behind us."

"I have almost completed the 'Tale of the Tower' and have been awaiting opportunity to present it. Perhaps this evening would be a good time."

"Come let us join the others once again and strengthen our camaraderie and friendship."

Winnacer rubs his forehead and shakes his head to and fro before he replies to Will:

"Please take no offense, Will. I know you have better sense than to provoke a situation in which I had to intervene. But I just wanted that damned infuriating girl to lay off already. Her anger is directed at me solely, despite your more direct intervention. I figure she's either angry at me for not intervening initially or that she just hates me. I figured I'd offer up that concession to her in hopes that she'll be more amiable in the future. It had nothing to do with how I perceive your judgement, but it reflects how I believe our young magess views our group."

"To be honest, I'm not quite sure what to do with our most irate Faewen'il. I'm sure this is no surprise to her considering she can read our minds, but she continues to try the patience of all those that try to befriend her. I fear that she'll push herself to show us up one day and end up twisted, be it by Boscobelous or by the next evil mage we run across. And worst of all, I can imagine the day coming when our stubborn magess decides that we cramp her style. She shows no desire to be a part of anything greater than herself, becoming almost autistic with her idea of herself and her magic. Perhaps you have some insight that I do not into Maire or Faewen'il or whatever she decides she shall be today."

"I hate to vent in this matter, but it has now been several months of me taking abuse without losing my temper. Thankfully, I am not her father, for even Spravedelna would agree that our young lady is due for a spanking."

Winnacer laughs.

"It is really not easy to turn the other cheek every time I have to suffer the tongue lashing of my friends. Serving Spravedelna is certainly more difficult than it sounds in the stories of old."

While Will and Winnacer chat, the rest of them use the quiet period to catch up with the tasks that have been neglected over the busy days since the time spent recovering from your many missions to Boscobelous' Tower.

Bennett and Xavier spend the time sparring. Xavier tries out the 'Wind Shield' that Bennett presented him with, finding it uncomfortable and difficult to use with his gnarled left hand at first, but becoming more and more adept at using it as the afternoon continues. Yaz spends the time speaking with Gertrude, who is still grieving at the loss of her mate. The druid is now getting to become quite an expert at the owl's language. Sylva pops out of the warehouse for a while, having some business in the city to attend to. Jihan spends the time staring out of the window moodily while twiddling a dagger, as is his wont.

When his conversation with Will is through, Winnacer spends the time alone, reading the Lore of Spravedelna that was given to him by the High Priestess in Pardubitze, realizing that he still has much to learn of the rituals and laws of his faith. Will spends his time playing with Min, who the bard realizes he has been neglecting rather over the past few days. He also finds a little time to finish off his 'Tale of the Tower' and to set down the party's most recent exploits on paper.

After the trauma and hardships of the previous few days, the period of relative relaxation is appreciated by all. At around 4.00, Sylva returns from her business, followed an hour or so later by Faewen'il, Sonya and the lads, who are laden with all of the items on Fae's shopping list.

At around 6.00, Boris returns, accompanied by Corrow and Antonin. They immediately see that Boris is in much better humor than when they left him in the morning. He greets them as he enters the room and enquires as to how their day has gone. Upon hearing their replies, Jihan asks him the same question.

"Not bad, as it 'appens," the master rogue replies. "We've been 'avin' some meetin's wiv some o' the Diamonds' rank an' file. Antonin used to be a Diamond before 'e came over to our side, an' so 'e was able to identify quite a few of 'is ex-comrades what 'e reckons could be persuaded to come over to our side. It weren't much of a problem at all to persuade them that they'd be better off wiv us than the Diamonds. It seems as if most o' the Diamonds' top brass 'ere 'as been called back to Pardubitze. It seems as if they's startin' to recover from the 'it that they took after our operation there. 'Owever, there's a right ole power struggle goin' on as the brass all vies for the position o' the new Guildmaster. It seems as if Hradetz is very much an afterthought for 'em at the moment, as they've got their 'ands full in keeping Pardubitze to themselves. I reckon that, as long as the Diamonds' don't find out 'ow week we are at the moment, then we could wrest control o' the city from them totally over the next few months."

"I reckon that a bit of a celebration is in order because of all this. I reckon that we could all do wiv lettin' our 'air down a bit."

With that, Boris asks Sonya to get the cooks in to serve up a feast and Vit is sent down to the wine cellars to bring up a few crates. While all this is being prepared, the party sits and chats with Boris and the others, discussing the situation.

After an hour and a half, the cooks have prepared the first course for the banquet and so they sit down to enjoy it as well as the liberal quantities of wine that is available.

They have just finished the first course and are about to start on the second, when they are all interrupted by a knock on the trapdoor. Through the opening emerges one of the Dragons who they recognize as one of the survivors from the arena assault that was under the command of Tomas and Viktor. The rogue is sweating profusely and his clothes are covered in mud, obviously as a result of a long journey.

"News from Dvur, I'll be bound," says an already fairly merry Boris as he sees the rogue approach.

The rogue comes up to him and hands him a sealed scroll, which Boris hurriedly opens.

The others look at him in silence, wondering what is going on in the town after the events. It takes a while for Boris to read through the scroll, moving his lips as he does so. Once he has finished, he puts down the scroll and turns to Winnacer, a slight smile on his face.

"It looks like yer wish came true," he says to the young Lord. "The big boss'd like to meet yer."

"Really?" Winnacer replies, obviously pleased at the news. "What else does the message say?"

"Very little," Boris replies. "That's usually the case with the boss' messages so that we can't be compromised if one falls into the wrong 'ands. All it says is that yers should all go to the 'Coach & 'Orses' an' meet up wiv Viktor oo'll take yer to meet with the Boss. It also says to be very careful on yer journey to the town as the Nyemetz are swarmin' all over the place as a result o' what 'appened at the Games."