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Chapter 3: The Temple of All-Consumption

Turn 60: Light Quarrels

Danton motioned for the others to back well away from the door from behind which had come the cough or sneeze in order that the group could speak freely and determine a course of action.

“Alas, but mine decision to cross that bridge hath run us terribly afoul! O, woe for our dwarven comrade,” he said, looking at Nanoc. “Believe me, Nanoc, I hath had no love in issuing the order to send Karzak's corpse into the water, but it needed to be done. Luger hath shown on multiple occasions how potent potentially it might be to converse with the dead, and so, going forward, we must needs remember this. Let no body of ours fall into enemy hands -- mine own definitely included. If it continues to give you grief, think of this: Karzak did not die and wast not buried in some vile hole, filled to the brim with wicked men, but, instead, he fell with the winds of the mountains on his shoulders and hath now been given final resting amongst the tears of the earth. There art far worse ways to die ... and far worse places for interment.”

”But, since life is for the living, we must needs find a place to hole up and make ourselves hale. We hath triumphed for the moment, but the cost hath been severe. We art now without Karzak's services, and, setting the loss of his friendship aside, that loss is a grave one indeed. Moreo'er, the rest of us, save p'raps good Luger, art in very grave shape. We must needs leave this area immediately to avoid tangling with whate'er manner of beast is grunting nearby and then flee to some safe -- or relatively safe -- place. That meaneth almost certainly that we must needs escape back to the Earth Temple. To venture into any place unknown, at this juncture, would be the height of recklessness. It may be that we wilt die anyhow, but I'd rather die trying to find a logical way out of this conundrum than foolishly throwing our lives away.”

Danton took a deep breath and continued, “I mean not to speak ill of the dead, and I wilt say it plainly that Karzak wast a valiant warrior -- ne'er can it be said that he ran from a fight. To the contrary, what scrape did that dwarf see that he did not run toward? But, for all that, let me also say plainly that we cannot have such foolhardy heroics again, particularly such that contravene a well-set plan, not, at least, if we wish to escape and see the light of day again.”

Looking off to the east, away from the closed door and the sounds beyond it, Danton extended his right arm to Tenaris:

“Tenaris, if your leg doth still hobble you, please, take mine arm. And if it rankles you, as a doughty warrior, to rely on a mere spymaster, think of it instead that 'tis your presence that provideth aid to mine spirit.”

The elf smiled back at the scout. “I'm okay, Danton. That was a nasty fight, but I've been in worse. And however bad things might look right now, at least for me, circumstances are still a lot better than they were just a couple of days ago. And don't feel too bad about your bridge gambit. It didn't work out exactly how we wanted, but we did learn a lot. We won't go out on a bridge again until we're absolutely ready.”

“Fair enough, Tenaris,” replied the scout, pulling his arm back with a dramatic flourish. “I hope you'll pardon mine saying so, but I hope the next time I cross a bridge with you, 'twill be an all-around more pleasant experience for the both of us.”

”Well I am sorry about the kid too,” interjected Syll. “He sure wasn't lacking for courage. But we got to work on our communication here and not have stunts like that again. Anyways, I'd like to know what made that noise. Maybe it's some big ol' goobie with an even bigger appetite, but maybe it's someone or something that they've been keeping prisoner and, much like our new friend here, would be willing to aid us in order to get revenge. I'm willing to take a quick peek, and I reckon we could slam the door shut and make quick-like outta here if whatever is in there ain't all that nice. Objections? Oh, and I think we may have much of the info we need. Them books may be dry, unpleasant reading, but they may well tell us what we are up against. When we get some down time, I'll start on them.”

Nanoc had been silent thus far, but when Syll spoke the barbarian perked up.

“Ah, Danton I is fine,” he said. “Jus' Karzak wanted nothin' to do wit water and it jus don't seem right, but I knows you wouldn't have me do it unless it really had to be done. I jus understood the fellah, we was o' the same heart; heck remember how I was always rushin' head first into battle back in that there sunless citi-dale place? Heck it jus' takes time and learnin' to knows that ain't always the best way to go 'bout stuff. No, I done learned, and poor Karzak ain't gonna be lucky 'nough to do the same. But I sure as heck knew where he was o' commin' from...and he was funny too.”

“But anywho, you is right, Danton, we done need to rest up for movin' on; maybe we can even read through some o' them books. Ya know Asya done taught me to read. I'm thinkin' them apes ain't in our way no more and that javelin room is pretty easy to defend. Maybe we ought to try to make our way back...hopefully no-one has found out yet that the Earth Temple has done been buried.”

Nanoc next turned to Syll and his expression changed subtly.

”Now Syll, it weren't lost on me that you done pocketed his coin purse and I don'ts care about that, nor that there potion you gave Danton. But from what's Karzak done told me, them gauntlets improved his moves and what not, jus the kind o' thing a warrior could be needin'. I gots to go up front and take the first hits, so if'n you don't minds I is gonna ask ya to hand them gauntlets to me. Plus I thinks that the way Karzak would o' wanted it. After all, we was close to bein' cut from the same mold.”

Syll frowned, but before he could say anything, Danton jumped in and said:

“I agree that we should high-tail it back to the javelin room and hole up until we are hale. I further agree that Karzak's gauntlets should fall to Nanoc -- methinks he hath spoken correctly: our dead dwarf would have preferred it. For mineself, I might be keen on those bracers we found.”

Danton made his comment about the gauntlets as one matter among many and then plunged on to mention other subjects, not noticing the looks Nanoc and Syll were exchanging.

”As for this sneezing noise we hath heard, prudently methinks we should bypass it for present and come back to it. If 'tis some beast or villain, we art not in shape for another battle and could easily get worsted by it. And shutting the door may not help us much. On the other hand, this area doth seemeth like a prison and torture chamber, so Syll's speculation could be right -- there might be another prisoner here. Though mine mind sayeth 'go and go now,' mine heart sayeth, 'have a look, for if 'tis a prisoner, leave him not to the dwellers of this temple.' Methinks you will agree, will you not, Tenaris, seeing as how you too wert a prisoner of these bastards? Not for the first time, I wilt choose to follow heart before mind. Let us open the door with great caution, though, and be ready for the worst.”

“I'm afraid I can offer little to help a cold at this point, much less anything more serious,” said Luger ruefully, “but if there is someone in need beyond that door, then we should at least offer a hand. This looks to be some sort of torture chamber so it seems likely that they might have some cells to hold prisoners nearby.”

“Yep,” said Nanoc, not having taken his eyes off Syll, “Luger is right; we gotta see if'n that is some one in need o' help or somethin. I got one healin' potion left...I could take it so I'd be a little healed up an’ if it be some bad guy, well I can bury me axe in 'im.”

“Well, Syll,” continued the barbarian, “you done heard Danton. He agrees wit me so I'll be glad to be gettin' them gauntlets. Besides you done know the deal. We split loot evenly but, you bein' the last one in the group gets last choice on magic stuff...well I guess Tenaris here would done get last choice now. Guess we ain't had to bring that up yet cause no-one done both wanted the same thing. So jus' like we done paid you for o' gettin' us here and stuck to that deal, we all is gonna stick to this deal, too. Plus you ought not jus be taken stuff off the fallen and claimin' it for your own. You jus' needs to say I'd like that and more often that not probably be no worries, but sometimes people is gonna want the same stuff.”

Syll’s expression darkened and he was about to speak when he was forestalled once more—this time by Tenaris.

“So what, this group has some kind of policy of discrimination against elves?” asked the woman loudly. “If that's how it's going to be, then you force me to side with Syll. And if things are going to get ugly, then maybe both Syll and I should be on our way. I'd like to get some payback against the cultists here, but if we're going to turn against one another, then I'm gone.”

So sudden and unexpected were the woman’s comments that everyone except Nanoc was caught off guard and all found themselves looking in surprise at the elf warrior.

“That's your choice there, Tenaris,” said Nanoc calmly. “Like I done jus' said, we had a deal with Syll. I don't know how a deal can be meanin' we gots anything 'gainst elves, a deal is a deal. Maybe that don't mean much to you. But like we done said when we freed you, you is free to go when you wants. If we find another fellah who wants to join up, be he dwarf, human, or whatever that change thing your brother was, Luger, well he'd be at the end.”

Although he had begun calmly, Nanoc’s voice picked up in volume and intensity as he continued speaking, his anger slowly rising.

”But I ain't quite sure I understand where you is commin' from. I mean, no one done held back any healin' when you was layin' on the ground back there. An' we did done honor our deal wit Syll, done paid 'im 3,000 gold to get us here. We done had what we wanted for we paid the second half, and could o' jus' took off, but we keeps with what we says. Then we offered 'im a chance to make some more money with them there deal words I jus done spoke to you not but a few minutes ago.”

The veins were now sticking out on Nanoc’s neck and his voice reached a crescendo, just below a shout:

”B’sides, you don't know nothin' bout 'scrimination! Try being the only half-orc in a town where there is strict laws 'bout orcs being round. Heck if it weren't for Justin, they a done left me out in the woods when I was a little boy. Hearin' you say somethin' like that witout knowin' the whole story sort o' makes me sick to my stomach. So you know what? If'n that's what you really think after all we done for you, freein' you, sharein' our food, makin sure you is healed, and jus' bein all 'round nice...well maybe you oughta go.”

Taking a deep breath and making a visible effort to calm himself, Nanoc said in a lower voice. “But If'n you go an’ we find you captured again, we'll risk our necks to free you again, cause it ain't right to do that to people.”

The barbarian shrugged his shoulders. “Well maybe you is jus' over - re - actin' cause o' what all you done been through I spose. So it's done up to you, but a deal is a fair, and like I said, in all the stuff we done found till now this is the first time we done had a conflict. That oughta say somethin' in itself. Heck Danton here done nothin' but go outta his way to make you feel welcome. An here I done included you in our group when I was speakin' 'fore thinkin' you done oughta get a equal share, an' after you done told us you was jus' happy commin' along to kill some o' them evil clerics. Well whatever...”

Luger had been as stunned as anyone by the sudden confrontation that had developed between Nanoc and the elf woman, but when Nanoc fell silent, the cleric tried his best to smooth it over.

“Guys, and lady, lets not let this get out of hand. I'm sure Syll would put those gauntlets to good use, but the simple fact is Nanoc is our big gun when it comes to taking on our biggest foes and he needs to have every advantage when he goes to swing that axe. I know that elves are much more dexterous than humans and orcs so those gauntlets will be of much more benefit to Nanoc, period.”

“Tenaris,” continued the priest, “I assure you there is no discrimination in this group. I for one have the utmost respect for your people and I think it obvious that Danton holds you in high regard. There is no need to look for enemies within our group when there are plenty to be found all around us. But in any case, if the two of you would like to continue this pointless squabble over these big gloves, then please do it when we're safe and sound in a nice inn and out of this place. For now Syll should pass them over and lets see what we're about.”

Hoping to change the subject, Luger added, “Danton, you and Tenaris can split my potion of wound curing, as you two look the worst for the wear. Nanoc, I'll cast one of my last protection spells upon myself and take the point on checking out the next room. I believe I'm the best person to absorb an initial attack should it come until we have a chance to heal ourselves.”

Despite Luger’s soothing words, Nanoc stood staring at Syll and Tenaris with his arms folded in front of his chest, while the two elves stared back in sullen silence.

A look of sheer exasperation crossed Danton’s faced as he looked back and forth between the barbarian and the two elves.

“Luger hath spoken rightly,” he said. “I simply cannot believe we're squabbling o'er booty when all of our lives are frankly hanging in the balance. I hath spoken mine view that the gauntlets should pass to Nanoc, and I doth not retract that statement. The reasons are plain and hath already been spoken. First of all, these gauntlets doth not merely belong to some thug whom we vanquished, but to a fellow comrade whose demeanor and friendship was closest to Nanoc. If Karzak were alive, methinks he would want the gauntlets to pass to Nanoc. That is reason enough, and methinks no one could credibly argue the contrary. Second, Nanoc is without a doubt our most potent warrior. I will be blunt. If Nanoc dies in this wretched temple, we shall all die. Those gauntlets will give him -- and therefore us -- an extra edge, and methinks we need all the edges we can get in this place. Third and finally, there is the plain fact, as Nanoc hath framed it, that we had a deal with Syll and such stipulated that Syll would receive final choice of any magical booty.”

“Now,” added the Velunese with a glance at Tenaris and Syll, “I am no barrister and doth not want to be of that wretched profession. But I can recognize a bargain fairly entered into when I hath seen it. Syll hath not acted in bad faith. No doubt, he merely wished to have the gauntlets for himself. No more and no less. But bargains must be honored, or what is the point in making them at all? But, again, Luger is right: there is no point squabbling over the booty. Syll, I wouldst kindly ask that you give Nanoc the gloves, at least until we hath survived our present foray. Then, with calmer minds and in the absence of peril, we can p'raps revisit the issue. Gods willing, we wilt all walk out of here laden with treasure, both mundane and magical, and no one wilt complain about their share of the booty.”

Approaching Tenaris, Danton said, “Lady, you surely must know that there is no animus against elves in this group. Luger hath spoken of his own admiration, and, I can promise you, 'tis second to mine own -- both for your people and especially for you, Tenaris. If you asked of an item that I had in mine possession, I would gladly give it to you, even including mine prized Rat's Tail, which would otherwise pass from mine possession only if I wert dead. Ask for it, and I shall give it to you. Indeed, if we were in kinder circumstances, I would show to you the depth of mine interest in elven culture and attempt to stimulate in you an equal love for the artistic accomplishments of the Velunese. So, please, say not that there is discrimination, for, in your understandable passion to side with Syll, you speak too hastily.”

Although Tenaris did look away from Nanoc momentarily and her expression softened while she was looking at Danton, he feared the issue was not resolved and continued speaking.

”Finally, let me speak plainly about one final thing. I care not what color or shape of skin covereth the body of a man -- or woman. Over the last several months, this big lug of a half-orc hath taught me all too well that such things are pointless, and, p'raps with the exception of Karzak, who hath occasionally expressed some animus against non-dwarves, I hath not amongst our band seen evidence of any discrimination against any and, frankly, the purest heart in that respect belongeth to Nanoc, who in his barbaric innocence knoweth neither evil nor prejudice. So, lady, believe me when I say to you that you hath known no discrimination in our group -- and wilt know none, not so long as Danton Verbrugge liveth. I wilt look after your interests as though they wert mine own.”

And, following Luger’s example, Danton concluded by trying to change the subject: “Now, let's get our minds back into where things should properly be and forge ahead.”

As soon as Danton fell silent, Tenaris’ expression hardened again. When she looked back at Nanoc she had her hand on the hilt of her longsword.

"Although you might kill me with a single stroke,” she said, “I will not be intimidated by you, nor submit to your threats. And for all your talk of being more man than orc, it is the orc's greed that speaks now."

Although keeping both eyes on Nanoc, Tenaris turned her head slightly towards Danton.

"I'm not looking for a fight,” she said, “and I'm definitely not in any shape for one, but I won't let you treat an elf like this. What kind of men are you anyway? Assuming the worst about his actions and trying to browbeat him into giving you something you want without even giving him a chance to speak!"

Danton sighed loudly and threw up his hands in utter frustration.

”Lady, it pains me greatly to be at odds with you -- indeed, more than you know -- but, respectfully, this squabble is assuming absurd proportions. Nanoc would be requesting these gauntlets if anyone had taken them, so the fact that Syll is an elf is a total irrelevancy. Seeing as how our lives depend on Nanoc's prowess and survival, cannot we all merely agree to let the matter rest for present? No one is assuming the worst of anyone, not so far as I can see. Syll hath not taken the gauntlets in bad faith, and 'tis not upon bad faith that Nanoc is asking for them. As for Luger, his words speak for themselves, and I pray that you all realize that I am simply trying to mediate this affair in good faith and for purposes of individual justice as well as the greater good of the party. I hath no interest in who hath the gloves ultimately, but, for the present, anything that increases our chance of survival must be reasonably considered.”

“Moreover,” added the scout, looking at Syll, who had remained silent all this time, “Syll is free to speak his mind, and I would certainly hear it. Indeed, I hath asked Syll to consider leaving the gloves in Nanoc's possession for present, for the good of us all. I would hear his reply, and, if he disagreed, I would hear that, too. Yet, for all that, prithee, give me a moment.”

Danton motioned for Nanoc to step away from the others. The barbarian did so with obvious reluctance and it was not lost on Danton that the veins in his friend’s neck were still throbbing.

”Nanoc, you know that I agree with your position, and I hath said so openly. But, through confusion and mispeception, Tenaris, and presumably Syll, are objecting beyond reasonable proportionality. If this continues, it may fracture the group, and, at present, we are sorely in need of all of us ... and for all of us to act in harmony. I hath first tried to procure rationality on their part. Now, failing that, I appeal to you. For present, why not make a grand show of magnanimity and simply give the gloves to Syll, at least for the present, if not permanently? While I favor them on your hands, methinks 'twill not mean the death of you or any of us -- literally or metaphorically -- if you simply let Syll have them. I fear what wilt happen to our group if this silly issue persisteth much longer.”

Although Danton had not realized it immediately, Nanoc was past listening to his soothing words. Still standing next to Danton and a good twenty feet away from Luger and the elves, the barbarian shouted at Tenaris:

“You is about as stupid as they come! I ain't done a darn thing to try to inta-mate you. I ain't made a single threat no ways. All I done is speak the truth. An you ain't worth me wastin' my breath on no more. I sure would not be surprised if you is in wit the Fire Temple or somethin' like that, cause for you to talk like that only proves one thing to me. The only racist 'round here is you, and the only evil in this hallway is you.”

Nanoc stepped around Danton and motioned towards the closed door down the hall with his axe. “I'm gonna check out this here door, and then we can go and rest. After that either Tenaris is leavin' or I am. I ain't got no desire to walk along wit a hateful racist pile o' nothin like that. So if she is stickin' wit you, I wish you all the best, but I'll be off to find Asya. If she goes, I'll stay by your sides and fight wit you to put an end to this here cult. But ain't spendin' anymore time than I need to with a person like that.”

”You know,” added the barbarian, finally looking at Danton once more, “It weren't so much that he done took them gloves, but how he done did it. Like Karzak weren't any better then one o' them gaurd dogs I killed. He plundered 'im like a fallen enemy an’ that ain't right. That's what done got me so upset an’ when I done seen that well I decided I'd get them gloves cause I know how much Karzak was happy about gettin' an’ I can't stand to see someone that would plunder a fallen friend walkin’ round with them on his hands. If they done been removed respectful an what not an’ then we all as group got together and decided how best to use them gloves, well if it came out that it was best for him to get them then you know I woulda been all for it. Jus like when Luger got that their ghost touchin' sword...I knew that was the type o' thing Asya was lookin' for, but Luger done talks and pointed out how it was best he had it and it done made sense. So that there sword is his and not one person had no problem wit.”

“To be honest,” continued Nanoc, “Syll knew the deal and now he stands over there not sayin' a word. He could o' put an end to all this right away jus by doin what was right. But he didn't. If I go my own way, promise me you won’t be turnin' your backside to 'im or that Tenaris, cause I got a feelin' neither would think twice about o' stickin' a dagger in you. You know you is my friend and I'd hate to leave you here...but I know you got to go through wit this mission to get them there favors from Hommlet to put right back in Veluna. I don't need no favors from them, and the way you been talkin' lately it seems you done forgot about Venessa...maybe you don't need them favors either, so if you don't, well you is welcome to come wit me. I'll be gone back to Hammstead to get some directions from Justin cause he is from the East and then I'll be off. O' course maybe this here Tenaris will see fit to be off on her own.”

Stepping around Nanoc to place himself between the barbarian and Tenaris once more Danton raised his own voice in an effort to get through to Nanoc and everyone else:

”Methinks some sorcery is at work here! How else can such rational and good folk fall into so much conflict o'er something so petty and minuscule as a pair of gloves? A pair of gloves, for the gods' sake! I genuinely wonder if there isn't some magical mischief here. Please! Let us have no more harsh words against one another! Confusion and misperception ought not be the basis for animosity. There art no racists amongst us, and no thieves or blackguards, either. Rather, there are a group of people stuck in an awful bind who need one another to get out of this place alive.”

Grabbing hold of Nanoc’s arms and doing his best to shake the barbarian to get his attention, Danton said: “Nanoc, you are mine best friend. I beseech you not to go -- the mission wilt fail without you, and any aid you lend to Aseneth will be ephemeral and pointless if this wicked cult of Tharizdun prevails.”

Letting go of Nanoc and turning around, Danton implored Tenaris from across the hall. “Tenaris, please also do not leave. I am asking you personally not to go, not for the sake of the mission but for mine own sake. Nanoc hath spoken harshly and I am unhappy with his words. He remembers only too well, I am sure, that disagreements betwixt his sorceress and I nearly derailed our friendship. I doth not want to see such happen from the opposite end. But you art all speaking out of passion, haste and misperception. Let us take a step back from the edge and see that, at bottom, we art talking about a pair of gloves! “

”I ask this of all of you,” said Danton. “Let us hole up for the night and nurse our wounds. Tomorrow we can rejoin the discussion when we art calm and collected. I cannot make any person remain in this group, neither Nanoc nor Tenaris, and, frankly, mine heart would be laid sorely low if either of you left the group.”

While the argument had raged for the last several minutes, Luger had quietly cast two spells, one on Nanoc (Protection from Evil) and the other on himself (Magic Circle Against Evil), all the while making a show of casting spells to prepare the party for opening the far doorway. Like Danton, the cleric had wondered whether some evil outside influence had fallen over the party to sow such discord or whether Tenaris was in fact of ill character, but as he moved to stand between Nanoc and the two elves, Luger could detect no reaction to his spells on the part of any of the participants in the argument.

Once Luger was certain of these results, he moved across the hall and whispered to Danton:

“If there is a magical or evil influence at work here, I cannot detect it. I fear this is a foolish argument, pure and simple.”

Before Danton could reply, Syll sighed loudly and pushed his back off the wall where he had been leaning, his expression largely inscrutable, throughout the long exchange.

“Well folks, I certainly didn't mean to cause this sort of problem,” said the smuggler. “We were in a hurry and in really bad shape and I grabbed the stuff I thought shouldn't get lost. I had, and still have, plenty of respect for Karzak, and I apologize for any offense given.”

“Danton,” he added, “I appreciate your concern to get my side of the story. I respect the way this party is run and that everyone has a right to claim loot they had a part in earning. Had I been asked in a polite manner, I would gladly have considered another's claim on the gauntlets, and I firmly believe that items should go to the one most likely to make good use of them. Having said that, I cannot respect the way in which this matter was handled, and I do not care to be treated this way. Nor indeed do I like seeing Tenaris treated in this fashion when all she did was stick up for me.”

Syll stalked across the room, shucking off his pack as he walked. When he stood in front of Nanoc and Danton, he removed Karzak’s gauntlets from his hands and the dwarf’s coin pouch from the pack and handed all of them to the barbarian. “Here you go, Nanoc. I truly wish you and your friends luck, and I am sorry for the way things turned out here.”

Turning to Luger, Syll removed several more items from his pack and handed them to the cleric, including the books the party had taken from Oamarthis’ chambers, as well as a pair of metal keys and the axe, shield, and armor that had belonged to the evil dwarven commander of the bridge garrison.

“This elf will now exit stage left,” said Syll as he turned and began to walk east back up the hallway towards the passage that would eventually lead out of the bridge area complex.

“I'm sorry it turned out this way too, Danton,” said Tenaris sadly, “but I no longer feel welcome here either. I'm going with Syll.”

After taking a deep breath and looking one last time at the Velunese, the elf woman turned and began to follow Syll back the way the party had come.

“Good,” said Nanoc loudly enough that Syll and Tenaris could not help but hear him as they left, “we got the liars and thiefs outta here and we can concentrate on what's right now. I don't know how you can be more polite than to say if'n you don't minds I'm gonna ask you to hand them gloves over to me. To stand there and say naught is jus what he wanted. So he'd have an excuse to cut out cause he almost done lost 'is life.”

As the barbrarian spoke, he dropped Karzak’s coin purse into a pocket and then slipped the fallen dwarf’s gauntlets onto his hands. Noticing that Danton had frozen in shock at what had just transpired, Nanoc added:

”Sorry, Danton, but you'll be better off. If'n all elves is like that and jumps to accusin' people o' be dis-crim-o-nators then it’s a sad thing. But I feel bad cause I know you done liked her.”

Thus equipped, Nanoc drank his last healing potion (cure moderate wounds: + 19 HP) and marched down the hall, even as Luger stowed the items Syll had given him in his own pack.

”Well gentlemen, that could have went better,” said the cleric with a shake of his head. “With all of our recent losses, first Aseneth and Karzak and now Syll and Tenaris, I don't think we have much chance of thwarting the cult before someone either captures, tortures and kills us or something else simply makes a meal of us. I'm dedicated to seeing this through, but frankly, I do not think a guerrilla action on this side of the bridge is going to do much to stop Tharizdun's release. We now have neither the magic nor the steel to even put up much of an offense.”

Although Nanoc heard Luger, he continued to stalk down the corridor towards the door at the far end. As for Danton, his skin had turned pale and he stood watching as Syll and Tenaris reached the hallway to the north and turned around the corner. The elf woman turned and looked at him one last time before she disappeared from view.

”Nanoc, I have no doubt you can best two or three men with little effort,” continued Luger, “but add a couple of spellcasters and we have no way to counter their powers. I must use Heironeus' blessings to keep us alive, which leaves little of it for smiting our enemies. Perhaps we should return to Homlet and inform the clergy what we face. We could demand that the call be sent out far and wide to muster the forces of good to lay siege to this foul temple and quash the cult once and for all. What say the two of you to a strategic withdrawal of this sort?”

“Well,” said Nanoc, turning around even as he reached the far door. “Let’s open this door first and see what we gots in there. If'n that what the both o' you think is best, going back to Hommlet, then that is what we'll do. I got to think, though, there gots to be a place closer where we could look to find someone who'd want to do some adventuring. I mean, by the time we done got to Hommlet and back, that there Earth Temple may be up and running again.”

Danton’s expression suddenly changed, and although he remained pale, he now had a look of determination on his face. He turned away from the corner around which Syll and Tenaris had gone and looked first at Luger and then at Nanoc.

“In case the two of you hath not noticed, I am smitten by Tenaris, pure and simple. The hurt and longing that I hath felt ever since mine separation from Vanessa and mine forced departure from Veluna hath begun, ever so slightly, to heal at last in Tenaris’ presence. I do not believe I couldst bear another such parting.”

The scout looked back at Luger. “The destruction of the Tharizdun cult is absolutely critical. Indeed, we three know better than any that if the cult is not obliterated, our world will burn. And you and I, Luger, know that any foray against the cult will fail without Nanoc. Thus Nanoc cannot leave the party that fights the cult. But Nanoc and Tenaris have come to an irretrievable parting of the ways…and I must go with Tenaris. I hope tis not purest vanity that doth cause me to say that you and Nanoc will miss mine skills, but I am not so vain as to believe that I, unlike Nanoc, cannot be replaced.”

While Nanoc and Luger stood looking at him in shock, Danton approached the barbarian and finished saying what he had to say.

“Let me assure you, Nanoc, of my abiding friendship. I believe that virtually everyone, except Luger and myself, hath spoken rashly and in passion today, and no one truly had any bad designs or evil intentions. I truly wish you had held your tongue instead of berating Tenaris, but I understand that that passions were inflamed, so I hath no hard feelings. But the time to part ways has come. I am, ultimately a creature of passion, or whim perhaps, and mine passion is to go with Tenaris, wherever that might lead. Had it merely been a spat with Syll, I would not have left the group—I would have let Syll depart alone. But because things became so embittered with Tenaris, salvaging the group is now impossible.  Thus, it is in everybody's interest that, at least for present, that we go our separate ways.”

“But, Danton! What? No!” protested Nanoc.

"It may be that the gods will put us back in one another's company, and it may also be that we shall ne'er see one another again. It may be that we live long and profitable lives, and it may also be that one or both of us is dead before the sun sets. However it be, I wilt always remember your comradeship, Nanoc.  I wish you the best of luck in finding Aseneth.  But, for now, good Nanoc, fare thee well."

Speaking to both Luger and Nanoc as he walked past the cleric and down the hallway, Danton added, “I wish you both Olidammara’s own luck and I count on you two to lead the effort that will one day bring the Tharizdun cult low.”

And with that, Danton turned and jogged down the passage, around the corner, and out of sight.

***

Danton caught up to Syll and Tenaris just as they were passing the southern tunnel that led to the area where the party had fought the huge cave apes what now seemed like ages ago. Despite his enchanted boots, the speed of his approach ruined any effort at silence and the pair of elves turned about in surprise at his arrival.

“Danton, what?” asked Syll.

Breathing rapidly, Danton ignored the smuggler for the moment and approached Tenaris.

"I wilt speak plainly so as to be plainly understood,” said the scout. “Fair Tenaris, not only is it so that I hath no animosity toward elves, but I am enamored of them and their culture. More to the point, I am enamored with you, Tenaris. It wast only mine months of long and true friendship with Nanoc that caused me not to resort to blows when he insulted you. I hope you understand that. But if the time for parting has come, I would cast mine lot with you, and without regret.  If you want not my company, say it plainly and I wilt not plague you further.”

“And, I might add, you needn't yet feel for me what I hath told you is in mine heart toward you. But I would ask that you speak plainly. For if you doth not wish for mine company now or ever, do me the courtesy of telling me here. But if you would have mine company, lady, I promise to show thee the wonders of the Oerth and to teach thee -- and learn from thee -- the wonders of cultured life and artistic achievement, both of men and of elves and of others besides. We might make a formidable duo, you and I. If nothing else, you shall have mine heart, which, when it wishes to be -- as it does now -- is as true and steadfast as they come."

“Danton, I…” stammered the elf woman. “I…never expected this…I owe you my life and I enjoy your company, but I never thought…I don’t have much experience outside of Celene and…”

“Say no more for now, fair Tenaris,” said Danton, “I am a patient man when I must be and I wouldst never force the issue. Let us take our time and see what may transpire. Indeed, I would never have pressed things so far and so quickly as I have, had not circumstances forced my hand.”

“That’s nice and all,” interjected Syll, “and you’re certainly welcome to come with us, but first things first—we’ve got to get out of this mountain and we’ve got to do it quickly. After that ruckus at the bridge, I expect they’ll lock the whole place down, so let’s get a move on.”

Using Danton’s enchanted torch for light, the badly injured trio made its way as quickly as they could through the dark and abandoned caverns that had housed the Earth Temple before the party destroyed it. They encountered no one, although Danton saw tracks of dogs and men that suggested those of the bridge garrison who had fled the battle there had come this way. The small group stopped only once, to restock their supplies in the storage area the Earth Temple had used, and within an hour they stood at the edge of the mines and upon the precipice of the well-defended area around the west entrance to the mountain.

“I’ve got three invisibility spells left,” said Syll, “one for each of us. Stealth is our only hope because if it comes to a fight in these circumstances, we’re all dead.”

“I couldst perhaps slip past all yon guards with use of your magic and mine boots,” said Danton, “but what of the two of you?”

“I sure won’t be so quiet in all this armor,” admitted Tenaris.

“And I’m pretty quiet when I want to be, but I’m not that good,” agreed Syll. “So we’ll probably need some sort of diversion—something to draw attention and guards away from the entry hall and the doors. Got any ideas?”

Danton thought for several moments and then his expression brightened. He withdrew a long, forked stick from his pack and held it out for the others to see. “I hath obtained this wand some time ago. It apparently hath the power to summon creatures of various sorts to do mine bidding—or fighting—for a short time. If I can make it work, perhaps I couldst summon some goblins or wolves or whatever at the far end of the north-south hall—near where the gnolls had their guardpost if you recall, Syll. Once the mayhem ensues, we three could slip out both unseen and unheard amidst the chaos.”

“Not a bad idea,” agreed Syll. “I’d just add one modification—I should be the one to use the wand, if you’ll loan it to me. Now don’t go all Nanoc on me,” he added hastily. “I’ll return it as soon as we’re outside. I’m just thinking that I have more experience with magic items and we really can’t afford to have anything go wrong once we’ve committed ourselves and entered that hallway.”

“Fair enough,” said Danton, handing the wand to the smuggler. “I trust you. But I ask that you not be too hard on Nanoc, and this applies to you as well, Tenaris, despite his harsh words to you. He has a good heart and, despite all that hath transpired, he remaineth mine friend.”

Syll shrugged. “Water under the bridge. All I really care about at this point is getting us out of here alive.”

Tenaris nodded, put one hand on Danton’s arm and the other on Syll’s. “Let’s go. It has been far too long that I have been trapped underground. Open skies and forests await us and I would wait no longer to see them.”

Danton extinguished and stowed his torch and then Syll cast his spells on each of the trio in turn.

“Remember, whispered the now invisible elf,” don’t attack anyone in any way or the magic will be ruined.”

“May fortune favor the foolish,” said Danton.

When the invisible trio walked out of the caves where they could see down the long north-south hall that led to the entrance, it became apparent that their plans and caution were more than warranted. The entrance complex was fairly thronging with men, troglodytes, gnolls, and dogs. Although the small group was too far away to hear any snippets of conversation, it was obvious that the Temple of All-Consumption had gone to a state of high alert after the battle at the bridge. The assembled forces seemed to be trying to decide on a course of action, but fortunately they were far enough away that when Syll began using Danton’s wand to summon one monstrous animal after another at the far end of the hall, amidst the thickest concentration of men and humanoids, no one could hear his words as he activated the magic.

Even as Syll continued firing off charge after charge from the wand, the effect of his initial summonings was obvious. When a massive dog appeared out of thin air and bit one of the gnolls on the hindquarters, a great deal of racket ensued. At first the guards thought one of their own dogs, agitated by all the excitement, had bitten the gnoll. But when the animal continued to attack the hyena-man and more animals appeared and began attacking other men, gnolls, and troglodytes, all hell broke loose. Some of the guards, in apparent confusion, began attacking the defenders’ own dogs, while others rushed south to fight the animals Syll had summoned. Within a matter of moments, the path to the entry hall was opened.

“Move!” hissed Syll after using the wand for the fourth time. “Those critters won’t last long against all those guys!”

Without another word, Danton and the two elves half-walked, half-jogged down the hallway (move silently: Danton: 5+21=26, Syll: 6+3=9, Tenaris: 16-4=12), the sounds of their footfalls thankfully obscured by the mayhem to the south. The trio made it to what Danton had named the ‘Blasphemous Hall’ without drawing attention to itself and thereafter the group was moving away from the guards and not towards them. Just as the shouts and sounds of fighting from around the corner were dying down, the trio reached the main doors. These doors, which had been unlocked when the party first arrived at the temple, were now barred, but they were barred from the inside, so it was a small matter for Syll and Tenaris to lift the bar and set it on the floor as quietly as they could, while Danton eased one of the heavy doors open.

Once the door was open, Syll and Tenaris slipped through it, followed by Danton, who pulled it shut once more behind him. It would be impossible to replace the bar, so the guards would eventually know that something strange had happened at the gates, but there was nothing that could be done about that and the three escapees gave it little thought as they made their way through the cave outside the doors and began the trek down the mountain.

Although it was only mid-afternoon, after Syll returned Danton’s wand to him, the elf suggested the small group should camp overnight somewhere in the foothills before making a quick stop in Rastor early the next morning.

“We can get some rest, hit Tymerian’s shop bright and early to purchase healing potions and any other necessities, collect our horses and gear we left with her, and then be on our way before anybody even realizes we were in town. I’m afraid if we go in there now, we won’t be able to get far before dark and, if there’s anybody problematic around, we could have trouble and we’re not in any shape for that at the moment.”

No one had any objections and the trio found a campsite in a thickly wooded area of the hills southwest of Rastor. When darkness fell, the lights of the village could be seen in the distance. With only three people present, everyone would have to take a watch on their own. Syll took the first watch and, hours later, when he woke Danton to take over for him, he motioned for the scout to follow him a short distance away from where Tenaris slept.

“I think there are a couple of things you need to understand about everything that happened earlier,” said Syll.

Danton sighed wearily. “If we must; though I confess I have little desire to rehash the gauntlet issue again.”

“First,” said Syll, “you of all people should know that I did what had to be done after the fight at the bridge. I feel bad about the kid getting killed, but he did it to himself by running off after you the way he did. But that’s not the point. When that fight was over, we had to salvage as much as we could—from both their dead and ours—and get the hell out of there pronto. Nanoc and Luger were busy ‘burying’ the kid and getting you and Tenaris upright, so I did the salvaging. I figured we’d sort out the spoils when we made camp. But before we had a chance to do that, Nanoc gets all aggressive and starts demanding the gauntlets.”

When Danton looked as if he were about to protest, Syll held up both hands.

“I know Nanoc’s a good guy,” said the elf. “And he’s always done right by me, up until today anyway. I’m even willing to give him the benefit of the doubt on today’s events and chalk up what happened to a clumsy approach to asking for the gauntlets, rather than any kind of bad or hostile intentions. I think if he hadn’t been so aggressive, things could have worked out all right, but that’s neither here nor there at this point. What’s done is done.”

“All right,” said Danton, sensing the elf was not finished.

“The second issue,” continued Syll, “is Tenaris. Didn’t it strike you as a bit odd that after hardly having spoken five words to me since joining our formerly merry band, she was suddenly ready to draw steel with Nanoc to defend my right to a pair of stupid gauntlets?”

“I, uh, had not truly thought about it in such terms,” confessed Danton.

“Well,” said Syll, “it seemed to catch everybody off guard—everybody except me that is. I was waiting for it or some such thing since the moment we met her.”

“I am not entirely certain I understand your meaning,” said Danton cautiously.

“Let me put it this way,” replied Syll. “Celene has a very rigid social structure. There are only two groups: the ‘high-born’ and everyone else.”

“I hath never heard the term ‘high-born’ before,” said Danton, his curiosity piqued.

“It’s not the best translation of our word,” admitted Syll, “but it’s the closest I’ve ever been able to come up with. The high-born are sort of like your nobility and other elite groups—with a presumed right to rule, right to wealth, right to demand deference from others, and so on—but there’s much more to it than that. In ancient times it is said that the first elves walked the surface of this world alongside the gods themselves, before the dark times, before the split with the Duaral—the drow as you call them. Today’s high-born in Celene are those elves who claim direct descent from the ancient elves who allegedly shared the Oerth with Corellon Larethian and the rest of the Seldarine.”

“An interesting story,” said Danton, genuinely intrigued, “but I fail to see what it hath to do with Tenaris.”

“I’m coming to that,” replied Syll. “Simply put, Tenaris is of the high-born. You probably can’t tell the differences between me and her, but to an elf they are instantly obvious. I could tell her origins from the moment I laid eyes on her, by the color of her hair, eyes, and skin, by the way she carried herself, in the patterns of her speech, and in a thousand other ways.”

“I take it by your comments, then, that you are not one of these high-born?” asked Danton.

“Nope,” replied Syll. “I’m a plain ol’ commoner. If we were in Celene, most high-born would ignore me completely, unless they wanted to order me to do something, of course.”

“But,” Danton protested, “If you expect Tenaris to hold you in such disdain, then why did she defend your interests so vehemently with Nanoc?”

Syll laughed ruefully. “That’s the irony. To most of the high-born, a common elf is of little consequence, but he is still an elf—a member of the great nation of all elves. Inside Celene, the high-born might ignore a commoner completely, but outside Celene that commoner is still an elf—and a representative of the elven nation—whose interests the high-born feel duty bound to protect.”

“I think I begin to understand,” said Danton.

“So, while Tenaris might or might not have any value for me personally,” continued Syll, “if she sees what she believes is others abusing or taking advantage of me, that is an affront to all elves, and something she cannot abide. Tenaris is very young—a more mature elf, even a high-born, would probably not have reacted in such a dramatic manner—and this is most likely the first time she has ever set foot outside Celene. There is also the matter of Nanoc’s partial orcish origins.”

“Elves and orcs have a history written in blood for thousands upon thousands of years,” continued Syll. “While I have seen enough of the world to know that good and evil come in all forms, Tenaris likely lacks such experience. As I said, she is young, and I believe she meant well in everything she said and did. But when Nanoc started throwing his weight around and raising his voice, absolutely everything in her background and upbringing screamed out in protest at the sight of one of orcish blood abusing elves. Frankly, I am surprised her reaction was not even more explosive…most high-born would not have tolerated the insults she took. Her restraint, however relative it may have been and however much we both might wish she had held her tongue entirely, says good things about her character—at least to me. And I should know, ‘cause it was insulting the high-born that led to my departure from Celene in the first place.”

“I make no apologies,” said Syll in conclusion, “either for Tenaris or myself. I simply seek to provide some context to what you witnessed earlier. Particularly if what you said to Tenaris is true and if we are to travel together for a time, some insight on your part into her background might serve us all well. However, I strongly suggest you not discuss any of what I have said with Tenaris directly. She would be likely to take it…badly.”

“So,” finished Syll. “You have some food for thought to help keep you awake while I enter reverie. Good night.”

***

“Nanoc,” said Luger, “with Danton gone, perhaps we should re-think our whole course of action. The loss and departure of so many friends in so short a time fills me with despair. Our plans to thwart the cult now seem impossible.”

The barbarian stood next to the closed door and looked back and forth between it and Luger.

“I have no idea what we should do beyond holing up and healing again,” said the cleric, “but unless the new books we have bear some worthwhile information about a weakness in the Doomdreamers and a method of getting into the Inner Fane, I see little benefit in wandering around these deadly tunnels. Simply put, without new allies, I see little hope for our campaign against the cult.”

________________________________________________________________

Notes for turn 61:

Please send postings for Turn 61 by the end of Wednesday, June 27^th.

Current date/time/location:

Nanoc and Luger: 10 Kolovoz (August) [Day Three in the Temple]; approximately 1200; The Temple of All-Consumption

Danton, Syll, Tenaris: 11 Kolovoz; approximately 0200; the foothills southwest of Rastor

Items gained this turn (not yet divided): none

Undivided Loot previously gained: none

Items used/lost/destroyed/sold/left behind this turn: Nanoc’s potion of cure moderate wounds

FOES DEFEATED:

Active party members listed in green.

This Chapter:

Entire Campaign:

Current Status of the Party:

Note: known magic items listed in bold.

Nanoc

AC: 18

Hit points: 42/88

New XP: 0

XP total: 29,151

XP needed: 36,000

Equipment: masterwork great axe, great axe +1, masterwork studded leather armor, 69 arrows, 2 quivers, backpack, 3 waterskins, 28 days trail rations, bedroll, 2 sacks, 2 flint & steel, bearskin, 50’ rope, 1 sap, masterwork mighty composite shortbow, masterwork shortsword, 3 iron triangles with inverted ‘Y’, three black cones made of some unknown substance, a black scepter decorated with a half dozen violet gems, metal scroll tube, a black cloak, two inverted ziggurat pendants; potion of bull’s strength, potion of water breathing, potion of spider climbing, Aseneth’s House Torquann dragon ring, ring of jumping (+30 to jumping checks), invisibility, silver and gold brooches, potion of spider climb, two-handed sword, 2 emerald pendants, one suit of half-platemail, one suite of full platemail, one morningstar, one large metal shield, one curved knife, potion of invisibility, troglodyte chitin breastplate, cloak of resistance +1, gauntlets of dexterity +2

Gold: 2166

Silver: 2620

Danton

AC: 16 (17 vs. one opponent)

Hit points: 7/30

New XP: 200

XP total: 27,401

XP needed: 28,000

Equipment: rapier, 6 daggers, light crossbow, studded leather armor, quiver with 33 bolts, bedroll, backpack, flint & steel, thieves picks, 3 waterskins, 30 days trail rations, hooded lantern, gold ring engraved with the name Karakas, 1 sap, 1 metal key from Yusdrayl, Everburning Torch, scrolls with pyrotechnics and melf’s acid arrow, old journal, 8 iron triangles with upside down ‘Y’ inside,1 inverted ‘Y” pendant in a brown triangle, 1 protection from fire scroll, new journal, notebook, pen, ink, parchment in sealed waterproof box, pipe, tobacco, metal box, whetstone, six packets of tinder for lighting fires, gold inlaid dagger, Journal of Geynor Ton, a folded piece of parchment with a note addressed to someone named Festrath, spider pendant, a wand of monster summon I (8 charges), disguise kit, letter to Master Dunrat, ochre-colored robe, scrolls of animal messenger and stone shape, potion of love, potion of spider climb, a dozen vials of lantern oil, masterwork thieves’ tools, scroll with summon monster II, Rat’s Tail (Rapier +1), scroll with change self, enlarge, and two sleep spells, silver and gold brooches, bracers of armor +1, potion of hiding, pouch of unknown dried herbs taken from the home of Tal Chamish, emerald pendant, a small ebony troglodyte statuette, a curved dagger, six sticks of incense, a black robe, an emerald pendant, potion of invisibility, boots of elvenkind, potion of levitate

Gold: 1419

Silver: 1200

Luger

AC: 20

Hit Points: 44/60

New XP: 0

XP total: 22,651

XP needed: 21,000

Equipment: heavy mace, light x-bow, dagger, 20 bolts, chainmail +1, large steel shield, 3 belt pouches, large bag, 50’ rope, 5 torches, hooded lantern, 3 oil flasks, flint & steel, 28 days rations, silver holy symbol of Heironeus, 3 flasks holy water, 3 healer’s kits, backpack, cleric’s vestment, traveler’s clothing, 3 waterskins, bedroll, iron triangle with upside down ‘Y’ inside, eight cockatrice feathers, scroll of cure disease, potion of cure moderate wounds; Geistblatt (ghost touch longsword +1), 5 vials of Furyondian Fire, cloak of resistance +1 (+1 to all saves), potions of enlarge, reduce, nondetection, silver and gold brooches, tattered black cloak with burning eye emblazoned on it, note from Master Hedrack to Master Uskathoth (in Draconic), one large triangular metal bar, 2 emerald pendants, upside down pyramid symbol, book on history and worship of Elder Elemental Eye cult, two inverted Y pendants in brown triangles, scroll with remove paralysis and protection from elements, Oamarthis note, 3 books: The Worship of the Elder Elemental Eye, A History of Evil Cults, and The Temple of Elemental Evil, two metal keys (one taken from Oamarthis and the other from the goblinoid), dwarven waraxe, steel shield, set of dwarven-sized full plate armor (all of these taken from Oamarthis)

Spell Selection:

Level 0(5): none
Level 1(4+1): Domain:

Level 2 (4+1): Domain: Aid

Level 3 (3+1): Domain:

Level 4 (2+1): Domain:

Turn Undead attempts left on current day: 7 of 7

Gold: 169

Silver: 0

Tenaris

AC: 22

Hit Points: 7/24

New XP: 200

XP total: 5,780

XP needed: 6,000

Equipment: longsword, chitin full plate mail, large steel shield, masterwork morningstar, 6 javelins, 2 troglodyte spears, inverted Y pendant, 30 days rations, cat’s grace potion

Gold: 0

Silver: 0