Adriena replies to the orc, "Unfortunately, yes. Why am I branded a thief? I didn't steal anything. I was trying to get back what was stolenfrom me!"

The orc turns back with another red-hot brand and says simply, "Because the Lieutenant said to," as he sets the brand to Adriena's unblemished hand. The smell of burning flesh fills Adriena's nostrils and pain shoots from her hand up her arm to explode in her head.

Slowly Adriena begins to regain her senses as she hears, "She's done Lieutenant."

Through her pain-ladened state of shock, Adriena hears a voice that seems familiar, "Excellent. Can she be moved? I would hate for her to puke on my clothing."

Adriena hears the fawning in her tormentor's voice, "Yes Sir, I mean No Sir, she needs a few minutes."

The familiar voice from behind Adriena says, "Not a problem, I can wait."

Adriena lays in a heap, slowly the pain fades to the point that she can coherently think. The brander says, "She is ready now, Sir."

"Excellent," the voice behind her says. Suddenly Adriena feels her head being lifted up by her chin, gingerly opening her eyes, she takes in the Orc in front of her as her chin is raised. The Orc's boots are well-made, the uniform costly with golden miniature swords on the collars. Adriena almost passes out again when she sees Garth's face.

"Looks like someone took a disliking to her, that wouldn't of been you would it?" Garth asks the brander.

The brander pauses for a split-second as he tries to figure out which answer will please the officer more, finally he says, "No Sir. She was like that when she was brought in."

Nodding his head, Garth signals for Adriena to be cut loose. Half-picking her up, half Adriena standing, Adriena gets to her feet and is escorted out of the room by Garth.

Adriena staggers along, her swollen hands taking up most of her thoughts. Finally she speaks, "So, you've made it to Lieutenant already. It must be easy to move in this place... What are you going to do now? Have me raped repeatedly, I suppose. Well, I don't care. I'm not long for this world, anyway, and with my hands like they are I'm useless for spell casting. Do me a favor and kill me."

Garth looks offended and says, "What do you think was going to happen to you if I _hadn't_ of interceeded? I had to think up a quick crime and of course..thievery was the first to come to mind. I didn't know the punishment was branding.." Garth's eyes seem clear and sincere, "Really, I didn't"

Looking down at his rank Garth says, "With everyone preparing for War, promotions are easy to come by. An orc has an accident here, slips on a dagger there, and BANG! The Generals are looking for new officers," Garth grins evilly as he finishes speaking.

Adriena can't supress a shudder at Garth's grin, but none-the-less she retains enough of her wits to catch his meaning. Trying not to seem eager, she asks almost innocently, "And what hope might a branded thief have of being included in such a situation?"

Garth waves a hand, as if shooing a fly, "A branded thief, wearing gloves, doesn't have a problem..." Garth pauses before adding, "As long as he is male.." Laughing to himself, Garth stops in front of a solid door. After unlocking the door and doing something to the upper seam of the door, he opens it, "Welcome to the House of Garth!"

The room inside is a vast difference from what Adriena has seen of the orc city so far. It is covered with expensive carpets, while silk hangins drape from the ceiling. Gold goblets and other items of wealth are spread throughout the room.

Usering Adriena in, Garth quickly shuts the door and lifts a bar into place, "So..What to do with you??"

Adriena replies, "Find me a spellbook and I could be a valuable asset. That is what I was trying to recover when I was arrested. Haratai's priestess stole it from me after her thugs beat up Ganthanor and I... Speaking of Ganthanor, why not send for the others and build yourself a retinue of faithful warriors? Surely there is more work to do than one orc can manage alone, hum?"

Garth scoffs and says, "What are you kidding? Those losers have been put in the pit. They are going to be the shock troops for the invasion. There is no way that _I_ could do anything about them...unless..."

Adriena replies, "Unless... you were in a better position of power, maybe? Look, Garth, I'm willing to trust you for what you are and help as much as I can, but I'll make one thing clear - I won't do your killing. You've told me how things work around here and I'll play by their rules and follow your lead, but my moral character is the only thing I have that's keeping me sane. I won't compromise it. So, with that said, how can we get you .. advanced enough to warrant your aquisition of personal guards?"

Garth laughs and says, "No, no.. Unless.." Garth takes on an vaguely innocent-look, something that seems very out of place on him, "I could be...persuaded...to do something about them..."

Garth's voice trails off as he eyes Adriena.

Adriena puts her head in her hand and shakes it wearily. "And what would it take to persuade you, I wonder? I have no money.. no valuables of _any_ kind, really. I've no secrets that you could use, and I've just explained that I will not willingly compromise my moral fiber. That rules out sex," she says pointedly, "So, you want me to _convince_ you to save them? I don't know what to tell you, Garth. Neither you nor I really know any of them. I've become.. close to Ganthanor, but he has turned orc, just like you. He fights it, but..." Adriena's curiosity raises a hand and she begins to ask questions intent on learning Garth's position in the scheme of things. "You are truely orc, now, you do realize? What can I possibly say to convince you that we must continue with our mission? You obviously fit in quite nicely with these people. You have a chance to be somebody. I wonder if you even care to go back?"

Garth sighs saying, "Ah, too bad for the uncompromisable moral fiber." He then opens the door, and says, "I do hope you find your spellbook. Have nice day."

Adriena looks out the opened door, then at Garth, then back to the open door, then to her branded hands, "That's it? All you wanted was sex? You orcs really are pigs. You'll probably turn me in as soon as I've cleared the corner and use it for a promotion. Well, go save yourself someone who is less than I and see if she can please you. I hope you catch a disease." Adriena stands, straightens her clothes and exits.

Garth's eyes light up at the mention of promotion but he doesn't say anything. Once Adriena leaves, he shuts the door.

Adriena stands outside of Garth's door for a minute, thinking about what her options are. Finding pitifly few of them, she turns left and starts walking. She tries to keep her hands from view as she scans the passing orcs. Her eyes search for Aan and often check behind her, thinking Garth is likely to follow and watch for a good opportunity to turn her in as a spy. Adriena stays close to the wall and uses it for support, as her head is still pounding from her second beating since she's reached this god-forsaken place. She makes careful note of the path she takes so she can lead Aan back to Garth's place if he descides Garth must die for them to succeed.

Adriena begins moving through the Keep, she is able to hide her hands within the folds of her dress. Adriena eventually comes to the center of the Keep. It is a large chamber. There are several sets of staircases leading up and down. The chamber is a large tower-like structure. It is square shaped with no inner walls, so Adriena can see up to the high floors. There seems to be a lot of floors, more than Adriena can count.

Adriena is currently on the third level. Below her she can see a large feasting table, currently empty. Orcs in army uniforms move about the Keep, from level to level, disappearing into rooms, etc. Adriena is able to see the main hallway that leads to the main entrance. The main door has a protcullis as well as a thick wooden bar on it. The door is currently closed and the portcullis is down.

Looking around Adriena sees, down on the first level, Aanparon. She notices him about the same time that he notices her.

Adriena waves to Aan, motioning him to come up to her level. She waits for him and does not move from her spot.

Cursing under his breath, Aan hurredily makes his way up to Adriena with no incidents. Upon reaching her he says, "What is the status of the others, just the short version, I am in a hurry."

Adriena raises an eyebrow, "Hurry? Well, ok. We were all beat sensless. The others were thrown into what they call 'the pit'. I was charged with thievery and branded", she shows him the back of her hands, "Garth is a leiutenant now. He wanted me to have sex with him in exchange for having the others released. I told him no and he let me leave. I think he is going to be a big problem when we can least afford it, if you know what I mean. Now, what's with the hurry?"

Aanparon replies, ""I'll give you the short version. I know roughly where the Ca'ega is located, I can't see getting to it very easily, though with your help I might be able to pull it off. Emphasis on the might, and I'm not sure we have time to try.

"You see, I've found Lord Herpein. And he wasn't captured, he's a traitor. The orcs plan to invade Honshar through the old mines, with Hairpin leading the way. And if someone doesn't get back to Lady Otsura with this info quick, it's going to be too late.

"Now do you see why I'm in a hurry? I'm leaving. Now. I was under the impression Lady Otsura can still locate everyone with the shells we took. If not, I hate to say it, I liked all of them, but if it's a case of sacrifing the few for the many, I will." Long pause while Aan waits for what he's just said to sink in. "Are you coming with me, or will you be staying awhile? I suspect I know the answer, but I want to hear it."

There is a long pause; Adriena's eyes never leave Aan's. She finally says, "It's do or die, then, Aanparon. How do you think I can help? I've been able to conserve what few spells I possess: Shocking Grasp, Sleep, and Shield." Her eyes take on a suspicious and worried look, "You think we were a suicide mission from the beginning? A wild card draw to get the Lady's Ca'ega back? Ugh, never mind! Let's get moving - and keep your eyes out for Garth. If he's about, there will be a trap waiting. So, what's your plan?"

Aan replies with a snort, "Suicide mission? Perhaps. I think she was hoping to get Hairpin back, she told us not to come back without him, the key was secondary. Doesn't matter, we're leaving now, and we'd better hurry. Garth is too damn smart to be an orc. As for a plan, I have no plan. I'm a thief, I make it up as I go." Aan turns and starts walking, "So, let's go."

Adriena grabs Aan's arm, but immediately drops it. She looks around to see if anyone saw before whispering gruffly as she follows, "Well, are we going to try and get the Ca'ega back? Where is it? Is it guarded? Don't keep me in the dark here!"

Adriena shuffles along nervously, wondering what good she will be to this brave thief and, indeed, to all of Honshar. And don't kid yourself about Garth," she adds flattly, "He's orc through and through."

Adriena asks Aan, "Where are you taking us? I think it might be a very good idea to go back to Garth's room and make sure he isn't around to cause us a lot of grief. We could truss him up and stick him in a closet long enough to get the Ca'ega and make a run for it."

Aan says, "I'm not that worried about the problems Garth could cause, but if he's an officer, maybe we can use him to get the others freed quickly so we can all go back. If nothing else, he should know where they are. He may no more about the invasion as well. I take it you've, uh, been to his quarters? Do you want to take the lead, or just tell me where we're headed?"

Adriena replies, "Yes, he took me to his quarters and gave me the choice of bedding with him or getting out, so I left. Please, don't think that we can persuade him to give up information. He's a bad man, now, if he ever was anything different. Follow me and be ready for action." Adriena turns away and heads back for Garth's room.

No problems are encountered on the way. Once they reach the door, Adriena removes some spell components from her meager supply. She knocks softly at Garth's door. "Garth? It's Adriena. I've.. I've changed my mind. Can I come in?" She gives Aan a 'get ready' look and goes over her Sleep spell in her mind.

There is no answer to Adriena's knock. After a few seconds, Adriena knocks again, louder, but again there is no answer.

He probably left as soon as I was around the corner," Adriena comments. "Do you want to look for him or make a go for the Ca'ega? We can still try and find the pit. Maybe there's a way to break them out. How much time do you think we have before they move out?" she asks of Aan.

Aan replies, "Beats me, but it can't be too long. Stand back, I'm going to try something." Checking the door, Aan can tell that it is locked. An examination of the lock shows that it is of superior quality. Drawing a few picks and probes, Aan gets to work on the lock. He has to stop a few times as Adriena nudges him, signalling the approach of a passing orc, but eventually smiles as he feels the click of the lock unlocking.

Aanparon checks the door for any traps, though doesn't find any, then signals for Adriena to wait. Adriena readies her spell components as Aan glances down both directions of the hallway and then attempts to push the door open. The door moves slightly and then stops. Aanparon recognizes it. There must be a bar on the inside of the door, effectively preventing the door from being opened without breaking the door down or removing the bar from the inside.

The mage nudges Aan again, but this time there is no-one to warn about. "Forget it, Aan. If he isn't here then there is little good in breaking in. No doubt he is off somewhere preparing trouble for us. Let's go before we cause too much suspicion."

Aan starts down the corridor. When he reaches a place they can talk, he stops. "I think you're missing the obvious here. If this door is barred from the inside, then someone HAS to be in there. Unless there's another exit you didn't mention to me. Either way, I don't want to mess with it. We'd best get out of here. I say we head for the exit and get back to Otsura ASAP. Agreed?"

Adriena shakes her emphatically, "No, I don't want to leave without making an attempt at getting the Ca'ega. If we can grab it then we can leave and never fear having to return. If we go back and the attack begins with it still in their possession... wait a minute."

"When is the attack going to begin? I mean, when are they planning to begin their march out of here? Do you think they will take the Ca'ega with them for the assult, or would they leave it here, guarded. Maybe we can wait until the march begins and try to sneak in during the rush.

"Oh," she says worridly, "I'm really not good at this espionage stuff. Still, I'm not convinced that going back is the right move. You've already done it once and it seems you were not too pleased with the results." She finishes pointedly, and waits for Aan's response.

Aan responds, "I'm sure they plan to take it with them. They plan to use it during the assualt. I don't know how they can, but they seem to think they've figured out how to bend it to their will. And I'd love to take it with us, but I don't see how we're going to get away with it, and somebody needs to carry this info back before the invasion. If we only knew where at least one of the others were, I'd be happy to go after the Ca'ega while one of them headed home. Do you know where this 'Pit' is located?"

Adriena looks away for a moment, her grip on the situation apparently slipping. Finally, she sets her jaw and answers, "No. No, I don't know where the pit is. I don't know if the others are even still alive, and I don't know what else to tell you. You, however, seem to know more than I. Would you care to enlighten me? When are they planning to launch the assult? We have until then to either find out if the others live or re-capture the Ca'ega."

Aan replies, "That's about all I know. They plan to attack through the old mines. Hairpin will be leading the attack, and they're taking the Ca'ega with them. They are convinced they can bend it to their will. I also know the religious freak/leader went down a guarded hallway, and I was under the impression he was returning to study the Ca'ega further. You might be able to put the two guards in the hallway to sleep, but I have no idea where the Ca'ega is from there, and I'm afraid the guard's absence would be discovered before we could get in and get out. That's assuming we could get the Ca'ega from the zealot; the guy radiates magical power. That said, what do you suggest?"

Adriena replies, "I think," she says slowly, "that warning the Lady will matter little if the Ca'ega is left in the hands of these... orcs. Maybe we two can up-set their apple cart, maybe not. We won't know until we try."

Aan says, "I disagree. No matter how powerful the Ca'ega, I think an ambush set for Hairpin and friends would bring a quick end to the invasion. Then the Ca'ega could be recaptured. it obviously isn't all-powerful, or Otsura woudln't have lost it in the first place. And I have this thing about hopeless causes. I dislike them. With the possible exception of yourself." After finish speaking Aan continues, "Come with me." He leads her to the hallway and shows her where the guards stand (two orcs in the middle of a hallway, no doorway involved). "What would you suggest?"

The mage shakes her head resignedly, "Ok, you win. Lead the way out."

Aan says with a touch of anger, "I'm not trying to win, I just don't know what else we can do. If we knew where the others were, we could take out these two and leave Ganth and Barak to stand guard in their place. If we just leave the post unoccupied, it's bound to be discovered before we can get in and out with the Ca'ega."

Adriena replies, "Yes, I see. You have many good points for which I have no arguement. Let's go before Garth has a chance to bar our way."

Adriena falls into the customary position and follows Aan as he takes them out of the Keep. Her eyes are ever watchful for the familiar faces of her comrades, friend and foe alike. Her hands remain hidden within the sleeves of her robe, the small pouch of spell components clutched in the left. Her heart is heavy, like a sodden sponge that has absorbed too much grief. The weary shuffling of her feet causes the pair to make slow progress through the dreary halls, but it seems as if a weight is lifted off her shoulders when the finally make it into the streets. "Alright, Aan. You did this once before, so tell me. What did it take for you to escape this city?" Adriena asks quietly.

Adriena adds, "I imagine they keep a short leash on the populace, so getting out may indeed be a chore. Even walking down the street is dangerous. Let's go find out what it takes to leave and see what we can come up with. I like your idea, except that it puts us in close contact with these.. people. I would prefer to avoid them altogether, but I'm to much a realist to hope to strongly for that."

Aan replies, "Believe me, I don't plan to stay with whatever group we walk out of here with any longer than it takes to get out of sight of the guards."

Adriena, "Ok, let's give it a try."

The two orcs successfully blend into the milling crowds in the streets. Aan keeps a sharp eye and pulls Adriena to the side, and out of danger, when a press gang sweeps down the street gaining soldiers for the army. Retracing their steps, the two eventually arrive at the front gates. Holding their breath, they pass through the gates and are left unmolested. They see that the guards check those coming into the city with more scrutiny than when they originally entered a few days ago. Adriena estimates that the increased security might be due to the impending launch of the orc attack.

Moving away from the orc city, the background noise lessens and then disappears as the quiet of the country side purveils. The two also notice something else is different but it takes awhile before Aan is able to figure it out. The smell! The stench of Krimba-Hai, which they have become accustom to, is gone and the air is clean and fresh.

Much of her apprehension is lifted once the city is behind them. Adriena says, "Well, let's not waste any time, Aan. Do you think we should stick to the roads or keep ourselves hidden?"

The two see off on the horizon several caravans headed southward, headed to HonShar. For them to be able to see them, the caravans must be very large.

Adriena says, "Look! Do you think those caravans are taking supplies to meet up with the invasion forces? Let's stay away from them. They'll move too slow, for one thing, and we would likely get pressed into some kind of service. What do you think?"

Aanparon replies, "Agreed. I'd love to tag along and sabotage it, but we can't afford to get caught. But we'd better hustle." I forget exactly how far it is to the place we started, but let's push on through the first day and night and try to get there as quickly as possible. Once we're there we'll have nothing to do but rest and wait anyway."

"Okay," Adriena readily agrees.

Adriena checks the location of the sun and allows for her current location north of Honshar. After a few minutes of thoughtful reflexion, she smiles, "I think we need to go this way, Aan." Adriena begins walking at a fast pace towards their destination.

Aan replies, "I agree we should head for the manor as soon as possible. On horseback would be great, but swiftly either way."

Adriena does her best to keep up a brisk pace, but it is not long before she has to slow down. The pain in her hands and the bruises on her body begin to take their toll. "Ugh, I wish we had had time to grab some food, not that it was very appetizing, but it was better than nothing."

Aanparon is able to guide the two orcs safely back along the same route he took before. After the first several days, the two exit the hilly terrain that surrounds Krimba-Hai and enter a forest. Here the orcs are able to replenish their water supply and thanks to Aanparon's nimble fingers are able to trap a few rabbits for food.

Breaking out of the forest, Aanparon figures they are about two days from the Lady's mansion. Stopping at a tiny stream to rest and refill their waterskins, Aanparon hears a small noise coming from the bushes near the stream.

Aanparon signals Adriena to be quiet and take cover as Aanparon quickly does the same. Looking intently, Aanparon watches to see what is making the noise.

Adriena does as Aan bids trying to be as quiet as she can. In hiding, she tries to make herself completely hidden, even if it means obscuring her own view of the stream and the area where the noise is coming from. Once she is out of sight, she concentrates on listening and tries to discern the nature of the noise and it's maker.

Aanparon's discerning ears are able to pick up the mutterings of a man in Common. Adriena doesn't hear anything, though she thinks she makes out the heat signature of a prone human lying on its back through the brush, but she isn't sure due to the heavy brush.

The mage feels a great deal of relief when she realizes that there are no monsters or orcs in the bushes. Her relief turns to concern as she tries to convince herself that helping the prone person is the right thing to do despite her haste. She moves next to Aan, no longer trying to be as quiet as possible, "It looks like a man or woman over there. Probably hurt. I think we should at least check it out."

Aan turns to Adriena. "He may need help, or it may be a trap. Wait here." Aan leaves, and circles around the prone individual, not finding any sign or evidence of any others in the area. Approaching the figure slowly, Aanparon is able to distinguish from his heat signature that the prone figure is a male human. Aanparon can't make out what the man is saying, as the man is muttering feverishly.

Aan's sense of paranoia moves to Adriena as she gets up into a crouch and watches the surrounding woods around the stream for any sign of other people. She sees Aan's heat signature move around and then loses him as he enters the thicker brush. Keeping prepared, Adriena draws out a few spell components.

Aan draws his sword and approaches the man. Breaking through the brush, Aan is able to see him clearly. The man is dressed in a HonShar military uniform, and is holding his stomach. Aan's eyes trail down to the man's stomach and he sees that the uniform is soaked with blood, the man's hands obviously covering the wound.

Returning his gaze to the man's face, Aan becomes aware the man is obviously delusional and muttering things to himself. The man doesn't notice Aan standing a few feet from him.

Adriena remains in her hiding place, alert and quiet.

Sheathing his sword, Aanparon looks around noting the trees and vines before examing the soldier closer. The man is holding his hands over his stomach. His armor is red as well as the ground beneath him with his blood. During the closer examination Aan is able to make out some of the words the man is saying, "Dead, they are all dead.. Dead, they are all dead.." the soldier seems to be repeating himself.

Aan tries to talk with him, "Who's dead? Can you tell me what happened?"

The man moans in pain and says, "The men are dead, the officers dead, the Lady dead.. They are all dead.. Dead, they are all dead.."

Aan replies, "Who's dead? What are you talking about?"

The wounded soldier's eyes close as he keeps muttering, "Orcs killed them all. Dead, all dead.."

Aanparon slips through the brush to rejoin Adriena, "He's dead. Let's move on." Aanparon turns to face the direction towards HonShar when the low muttering sound of the wounded man is heard again.

Adriena cries, "If he is dead how come he is still talking? *gasp* He's not an un-dead, is he?!"

Aan caliously replies, "No, he's not undead, most of them don't talk. I had thought he was dead, he's everything but. There's not much we can do for him since neither of us is a healer. He's not going to make it."

Adriena looks relieved yet sad, "Well.. isn't there anything we can do to ease his suffering? Shouldn't we.." she pauses, not sure if she can say what is on her mind, "You know.. put him out of his misery?"

Aan's response is non-commital. "I hesitate to ease him on his way, the next person along may be the healer who could actually do something for him. But if you prefer it, I will."

Adriena replies, "The next person along might be an orc who will torture the poor man. Please, would you? I would do it myself, but... well, I.. I just don't have the strength." Adriena knows her excuse is feeble, but it is also the truth.

Aan returns to the fallen soldier. "Is there anything else you can tell me that might help me stop the orcs?"

Adriena watches the woods, everywhere except where the dying man lies. She covers her ears so she won't hear him die.

The wounded dying man gasps and rambles, "No..one..stop..Orcs...Not..Lady Otasura.." before letting out a long breath of air and then remaining silent.

Aan makes sure the man will breath no more, then he returns to Adriena. "Let's go. We need to head directly to Honshar."

Adriena comes to Aan's side as he returns once again from the dying man, "Was he able to tell you anything useful?"

Aan says, "We are heading for the ladies mansion. But directly, not by way of the room we teleported into."

Adriena questions, "Directly to Honshar?! But won't they kill us if they see us like this? Lady Otusura said we should return to her mansion. From there she will teleport us to Honshar and change us back. What am I missing here?" Adriena looks very confused.

Adriena exclaims, "There's still something you're not telling me. What is it? What did that man say to you that makes you want to go straight into the city? We'll be killed on sight! Have you forgotten that there's a war going on?!" Adriena's face gets red as she tries to control her temper.

Aan replies, "We'll be okay. We'll just have to enter at night. We don't have time to wait in the room for the Lady to notice us, we must hurry."

Deciding that she isn't going to get any more information out of Aan, Adriena says flatly, "Fine. Let's just get going." She follows him towards Honshar, her eyes piercing his back like daggers.

Back to Trouble in Honhar