MARKED WORDS
During the food break, Vaedamir remained seated, one relaxed arm casually draped over the back of his chair. When all were once again sated and observant, the barbarian spoke.
Gailwind leaned forward over his catechism and advised
Hebron stood up and addressed the audience in his humble voice " First we should think specifically about our quarry. How many were tracked? What were they traversing the terrain upon? These two questions will tell us more about those we seek."
A Venyan scout stood, once prompted by Frost, and parlayed plainly
Salimen, the bard, leaned back in the chair, raising his hand to scratch his chin in thought. He looked up at those gathered before speaking his mind in his foreign dialect.
Splendor nodded at this choice " I, too, would say the mountains, but my interest peaks only because I am more familiar with the forests at the Grizzledane's feet. I say no more about the proper direction. I prefer to have the decision made by those more familiar with the various terrains proposed."
Nerendil took a deep breath " If we remember the words of Gailwind, the Zastian Spice Caravan could be in danger." The paladin turned his gaze directly at the lorist and then back towards his band. " I insist we head north for we may be able to help those people should they come into peril." Fanditheer stepped forward " So it is the north trail then. That is a sound choice and I would say more about this, but the hour ticks near midnight."
Phantinius slowly rose. He seemed much taller and younger than before as he spoke his early words in a commanding tone. A sharp crackle of violet electricity sizzled forth from the tip of the Archwizard's glowing staff. Many lords scrambled beneath the table to escape the bursting display and the strange rantings from the one they often called ' Sparrow Of Truth'.
A hush came over the assembly as Fanditheer closed the Council officially
"Wait!" squealed Leah with obvious distress " Is this mark....permanent?" The nobles filed solemnly out of the chamberroom leaving the fellowship to reflect on their last defining moments. The heroes now realized, if they hadn't already, the serious mission that lay before them and how so many lives were at stake should this starpoint escape them.
" I agree that we should take advantage of the work already done and follow the lay of the scouts." He leaned forward and stood up, moving to stand beside the paladin. " In addition to that, we should make our names and intentions known throughout and before our travels. Let them KNOW we are coming!"
Fanditheer intervened " That is not the wisest choice to be had so early, young warrior. By calling aloud these boastful intentions, you may find the road crueler than if you all tiptoed down it." Frost looked upon Treston who agreed with a slight nod " That is also why this council has decided beforehand against horses for your first leg apart from Bethlun. My wisdom should say to find every detail of your chosen avenue and, once evidence has been retrieved on the proper path, then you shall have steeds to move you quickly and these mounts added at a local city within your destination."
" Three such stablers of steeds and ponies can be claimed in the City of Venya {on the eastern coastland}, the township of Rokasia {northeast of the Morgesic Fens}, and Zastian where presently a spice caravan is pressing towards." The sage tucked a featherquill behind his ear " And I must add a warning that this caravan has been cautioned against attack for there was word out of Tolx that many outlandish strangers have been prying deviant inquiries. I fear that this train may be in danger."
" More than ten have taken all three routes with no dissertation of involvement in any one specific direction. All tracks were of human variety and moved swiftly exactly two days ago from this very hour."
" I am a stranger here to this region hailing from Phertic originally. Regarding which path to take, I think that the western would be good for us. Good country! Course, I like the idea of the north path too. Any opportunity to see new lands and add to my poetry is ideal!"
With overwhelming consent agreed Teflar, Vaedamir, and Oktavianus.
Glade's owl flapped its wings in a sudden wild display catching the attention of a few sleepy nobles. While adjusting its perched footing, the bird's intense eyes pierced the room's shadows.
" I have heard much from all sides and now that you are ONE, I shall bestow my gift onto each of you."
The monk, who remained self-conscious throughout the evening, shifted uneasily in his chair as the Grand Magician took center stage before them.
" Hereby this Night..." he chanted sharply "... you are no longer a separate people united in this cause for the sake of a Kingdom...." As he spoke, many who listened closely, heard faint hints of an indiscreet language roll out under his tongue.
"...For you are 'StarPoint Raven'!"
His voice grew loud and a psalmic theme seemed to emanate throughout the room in arcane whisperings.
" You are no longer strangers, but brothers and sisters fighting together for the realm of Talvenara!! Go at once, you wardens of Hope, finders of the Purple Light, sworn enemies of the Black Fear! Fly! Fly away upon the lands that bore you and restore the world as it should and bring upon us, once more, a final time, ...the beginning days."
Suddenly, as the fellowship sat transfixed on the wondrous image of the wizard waving his arms, as if caressing the beautiful light, a warm sensation grew upon each members' left breast. A massaging quality that grew so intense, it made each in turn, grab their heart as if expecting some sort of cardiac arrest. The first to react was Gailwind who gasped and quickly ripped off his loose-fitting, bloused shirt. There upon his chest, a mark so distinct and black, was the image of a determined Raven. Fierce eyes scanned ahead and flowing wings were set to flight upon the palate of his tanned skin.
" Blessed be this quest for so much relies on your success. Go at once now and sleep. Think no more tonight of the journey ahead. I will meet all of you in the morning with a few parting gifts from King Meravedia."
Phantinius hinted a smile and replied " As long as you remain true to your mission, it shall be. Your tattoo represents a symbol on who you are, where you came from and what you hold dear. Each of you have shown an integrity far above whom you pursue." The Archmage once again leaned with age upon his staff " For that is your chosen quest and may your wishes be valiant when you succeed."