To Each, His Own

[Corwyn]

*This post reserved for special notes.*

[Corwyn]

In the space of a single heartbeat, the entire party is transported from the dragon's lair, in front of her deadly beautiful images, to the brightly lit inner chambers of the Temple of Apollo in Draminton. The group appears in a private prayer chamber beneath a brilliantly illuminated stained glass window that depicts Apollo's chariot rising in the eastern sky. Golden streams of light reflect of austere surfaces of whitewashed stone, and bright sconces further enhance the sun's rays, nearly blinding the group.
Everyone's fears are washed away, replaced by a powerful sensation of courage and strength. The memory of the steel caves filled with mechanical monsters and duplicating dragon-ladies seems but a bad dream, replaced by the clean reality of the temple. Somehow the invisibility spells have been cancelled as well and everyone appears under the light of Apollo's image.

Fighting the dazzling blindness of the sudden change, the group looks around, taking stock. Eindric recalls the wagon and horses that were left behind, but is more interested in seein 1 g 5ab that his allies and employees are all accounted for.
Quickly it becomes apparent that there is something wrong. Threguy is not present and neither is Tracken, however there is one extra person. The monk known as Tyren stands adjacent to Eindric. His expression calm, he bows slightly at the waist and adopts a dramatic pose that brings to mind a wild tiger in the jungle.
The others react quickly. Decagai brings his sword up to an attack position, Guyate turns to face the monk, his bow held down and way from his body. Nineye turns his own nocked arrow towards Tyren and Haggy replaces her crossbow with a dagger.

The room is dishearteningly small for such an encounter, barely large enough to contain everyone. Even though the sconces are brightly lit, the candles seem not to burn, instead steady golden light emanates from them. The light is such as it is in the first hours of the day when everything is easiest to see and clearly illuminated in the way in which only the rising chariot can produce. Upon two walls are stained glass symbols that depict a man riding many flaming horses, leading a flaming chariot behind him. There is an elaborate painting and symbols of Apollo adorn it, as they also adorn the furniture and stone work. There are two doors, one large enough for 2 men to walk side by side (or perhaps a horse), and another a single man. In the room stands a small statue of what ivory, sculpted to represent one of the lesser known manifestations of Apollo, with a font of water next to it, as well as a few books upon the wall, and a simple wooden desk.

The smaller door is barred from this side and the larger one appears to be clasped, but not barred, the large stained glass window is the only other point of egress, though it's lowest panes are nearly 6 feet off the floor. Clearstory windows near the ceiling offer more light from above but they are far too high up for any other purpose.

For the love of Apollo, bestow upon me the Blade and I swear on my otherwise doomed soul that you will not regret your actions, Tyren's face is calm and his posture is confident, but it's obvious in his voice that he is extremely upset. It occurs to Eindric that according to Tyren, the monk now has 24 hours to return Dragonslicer to Charlie or he faces the loss of his soul.

*PCs are up...*

Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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*END 20drc9

[Corwyn]

Originally posted by: Sandrel, Truthseeker Cleric of Apollo

Sandrel's tone immediately turns from concerned to intense. He doesnt understand why Threguy wouldn't be here. Would he truly choose to stay? but then he sees what is going on.

Even as he is sheathing his bow, he speaks, eyes glaring, glaring to all.

Sheathe those weapons NOW. Bring no Malice upon this holy site. No battle shall happen here. I will not allow it.

Sandrel holds no weapon in hand, and he still does not have his shield drawn but he steps to intervene between Tyren and wwhomever seeks to attack. The priest is obviously serious. As he does so, glory does his best to do the same.

Tyren, Eindric, if you will grant me ten minutes, then I shall ask Apollo himself to help solve this. If what tyren says is indeed truth, then he must be allowed to have the blade, and I will even aid you on a quick and safe journey.

Unlike the last time there was a conflict between the two, there is no wavering in Sandrel's voice.

[OOC]+15 temp hit points, +1 fear saves/attack rolls to those not opposed to Apollo (non-evil)[/OOC]

[Corwyn]

Originally posted by: Olian Der'natal

Olian blinks rapidly as they arrive, "Why did we leave? She had neither accepted nor rejected out proposal. Yes she questioned it, but there was no definative answer..."

Then he pauses and listens to Sandrel's words. A look of confusion spreads across his face, "What Tyren says? All he has done is demand the Blade or else..."

With a deep breath Olian sidles over one step, a wide friendly smile growing on his face. Looking right at Tyren, Olian's words seem to roll off of his tongue as he brings his hands up in a simple gesture of friendship, "Sir, please calm yourself and explain this to us. We can help."

[Corwyn]

Originally Posted by dm

*I don't know what craziness just happened, but it looked as if Mirtos and JJ's posts just merged by osmosis or something. Above I have included their posts.*

*Teny and Eindric each have one full round's action and then the NPCs will go.*

[Mirtos]

Sandrel responds quietly to Olians words, although his is not let down at all. It should be obvious to all, that Sandrel will intervene in whatever way he can in any act of violence here.

"Olian, we have had dealings with Tyren shortly before we met you. Sadly those dealings led to confrontation. Let us not have that happen again. Tyren joined us by trusting the light of Apollo."

[Krowout]

When it rains, it pours. Ein speaks the old saw. He's got a lot on his mind - matters both urgent and abstract. Tyren complicates matters exponentially.
Tyren, you are indeed an impressive man. I understand what you tell me but our situation is not as it was before. Last time we met I had only your words to rely upon. This time, your words are supported by the Dragon Flyrpina. Apollo will neither confirm nor deny you. I am swayed a bit toward you. But also more suspicious.
Conceed to answer my questions and allow Sandrel's magic upon you. If he confirms that you speek true and your words satisfy me then you shall have the blade this hour and Sandrel.. apparently is a master of long distance transportation as he just transported this group a distance that took more than a day riding in the blink of an eye. Ahem. Anyway, Sandrel will help you beat your deadline. Ein eyes Sandrel with some surprise and then turns back to Tyren.
Hush. Hush a moment and we will resolve this in peace. This time I want you to tell us in no uncertain terms when there is a question which you cannot answer due to some oath or guise or simply that you do not know. Just say so. Evasiveness or... syll we say.. creativity(?) will make us enemies again. And though I do not fear you, I do respect you and you killed many young men before you fled last time I saw you- such a scenario, I do not wish to see repeated. Do you agree to take a few minutes now and answer my questions with the understanding that one of two outcomes is possible:
Nothing may be gained and we shall be enemies again OR that our differences may be resolved to the the successful completion of your quest without violence. We may yet part as friends. Do I have your agreement?
...If everything occurs as predicted and all are in agreement Ein wants answers to the following questions:
Please give me complete answers so that I might avoid asking a hundred follow up questions:
-What manner of creature is Charlie?
-What was the last thing Charlie said to you?
-Who is it specifically who can and will damn your soul?
-Why would Charlie fear to have it known that he loaned an artifact to Apollo?
-Why would Apollo agree to be bound by a vow of silence on the subject and put his followers in danger by giving them the object without warning them of this obligation?
-What is your contact with the Red Dragons and/or with Flyrpina and/or the metal men?
-How does Flyrpina know of your quest?
-Have you spoken with Flyrpina and if so, what was the last thing she said to you?
-Have you ever heard Apollo speak? If so, what was the last thing you heard him say?
-List whose, if anyones, bidding that you do this year.
-What's it going to take to win your alleigance away from (wherever it lies)?
-What will you do with the blade if you leave here with it?
-Is it safe for me to trust you? (Rhetorical but once said Ein will wait for an answer)
-What were the terms of the deal whereby he came to this weapon?
-What does Charlie get out of the deal?
-This blade passed from Charlie to me and back to Charlie. Then from Charlie to Apollo and back to me again. Now I wonder, is it within Apollo's plans for it to pass from me to you to Charlie again?
-Is it, to the best of your knowledge and opinion, Apollo's wish for me to give you this blade?
(If he professes not to know Apollo's wish then) -Please tell us all that you know about Apollo's part in this transaction.
-Would your quest be completed if or when I should give the blade to Charlie myself?
-In any case, may you and I go together to see Charlie now? Would he be able to say more than you have?
-Is it possible that you have been dupped into retrieving this blade for Charlie even when he is not entitled to it?

Eindric watches the man's face and Sandrel's to determine how these questions are received and what emotions or thoughts are evidenced during their answers.

[Krowout]

Originally Posted by mirtos

Sandrel responds quietly to Olians words, although his is not let down at all. It should be obvious to all, that Sandrel will intervene in whatever way he can in any act of violence here.

"Olian, we have had dealings with Tyren shortly before we met you. Sadly those dealings led to confrontation. Let us not have that happen again. Tyren joined us by trusting the light of Apollo."

Forget not, the role that Tyren's stealth has played.

[Corwyn]

Tyren nods, a glint of hope finally appearing in his forlorn eyes. He breathes deeply and then sighs as if in resignation. The crowded room grows quiet as Tyren answers the bard, everyone well aware of the depth of tension underlying the parlay, if not the details. I will answer you as best I can, if this amazing priest can transport me quickly to Charlie, perhaps my soul can still be saved. As I had said to you once before, I must warn you, I will die trying to complete my quest and a great many others will die should they stand in my way. That said, let me try and answer your questions. Tyren bows, relaxing his stance and straightening his posture. He looks around warily to see the expressions and attitudes of the other people in the little room. Decagai and Nineye put thier weapons away and for a long moment the only sound is the trickling water of the little fountain beside ivory statue. Despite the presence of so many sweaty, unwashed bodies and the tense situation, a gentle but cool breeze originating from seemingly nowhere, flows freely through the room, bringing with it the scent of summer.

Eindric asks his questions, and Tyren responds in kind.

-What manner of creature is Charlie?
Human, as far as I know.
-What was the last thing Charlie said to you?
He said, 'Bring to Eindric Easywinde this donation to help Draminton and then wait for a little while before asking for the Sword back...'
-Who is it specifically who can and will damn your soul?
According to Charlie, it's Apollo himself. By the feeling I get now, as time runs out, it is the truth. Also since agreeing to the quest, my own senses have greatly improved, telling me of divine intervention within my very flesh.
-Why would Charlie fear to have it known that he loaned an artifact to Apollo?
Because then his 'secret' deal could more easily be uncovered.
-Why would Apollo agree to be bound by a vow of silence on the subject and put his followers in danger by giving them the object without warning them of this obligation?
Part of the deal was that the god remain silent about the details. I guess maybe Apollo felt it was worth it in order to get the Sword, even if only temporarily.
-What is your contact with the Red Dragons and/or with Flyrpina and/or the metal men?
Never met any of them before today.
-How does Flyrpina know of your quest?
I don't know, she's seems pretty well-informed though.
-Have you spoken with Flyrpina and if so, what was the last thing she said to you?
She spoke to me only that one time, and you had heard what she said.
-Have you ever heard Apollo speak? If so, what was the last thing you heard him say?
He spoke with Charlie. Apollo told him that he must borrow the Sword. Charlie outlined his conditions and Apollo said, 'it is so.' And just like that the god was gone and the Sword as well. My mission had begun.
-List whose, if anyones, bidding that you do this year.
Grudgingly, I do Charlie's bidding. It seems I do Apollo's as well.
-What's it going to take to win your alleigance away from (wherever it lies)?
The safe return of my little sister...
-What will you do with the blade if you leave here with it?
I will bring it to Charlie. Than I hope to steal it back from him and run him through with it. After that I will have only a few days to find my sister before she is killed.
-Is it safe for me to trust you? (Rhetorical but once said Ein will wait for an answer)
No, it's really not safe to trust anyone in this world, or the next.
-What were the terms of the deal whereby he came to this weapon?
Charlie told Apollo that he'd loan the god his Sword, if he was allowed to designate his own means to collect it. He also said that Apollo should not be able to speak of the deal itself until it's conclusion. Charlie designated me his agent and Apollo placed both of our souls on the scales against our failure. Well, actually, Apollo had said should he become a liar over this, my and Charlie's souls would be destroyed. Since Apollo promised to return it, and Charlie had asked for a deadline, less than 24 hours from now... Charlie did not seem the least bit worried of my failure or his own soul's jeopardy.
-What does Charlie get out of the deal?
I am not exactly certain.
-This blade passed from Charlie to me and back to Charlie. Then from Charlie to Apollo and back to me again. Now I wonder, is it within Apollo's plans for it to pass from me to you to Charlie again?
As far as I can tell, that seems to be so.
-Is it, to the best of your knowledge and opinion, Apollo's wish for me to give you this blade?
According to the bargain he had made with Charlie, than I must believe that is his wish.
-Would your quest be completed if or when I should give the blade to Charlie myself?
No. Charlie's conditions included me returning the Sword to him. Should you do it yourself, it's likely that Apollo would be made to be a liar.
-In any case, may you and I go together to see Charlie now? Would he be able to say more than you have?
Perhaps, but if my oppurtunity arises, the space around Charlie will become very dangerous indeed. You are welcome to join me, but I can niether protect you nor promise you answers.
-Is it possible that you have been dupped into retrieving this blade for Charlie even when he is not entitled to it?
This of course is always a possibility. However, I am cerrtain that my soul is in danger. I can feel it.

[Janiele]

WAIT! Teny calls out after Tyren has agreed to answer, then made his threats but before the questions / anwers start coming.
Sandrel, can't you bring up a zone of truth or something? I want Sandrel to give his blessing before we start listening to one who has spoken with such a silver tongue in the past.
She will be very adamant and insistant on this by shouting over ANY talkers until Sandrel has given his 'OK' and the priest presides over the interogation.
Once her condition is met, she will remain quiet and move to stand far away from Tyren, over by the door. She will watch and wait. She is ready to do battle should things look to turn ugly but prefers to avoid a fight as that is clearly Sandrel's stated and noble purpose.

[Mirtos]

Sandrel nods.

Apollo has shown me what is truth and what is not. If you choose to speak lies, or falsehoods, the light that fills this room shall show me so.


He listens to eindric's questions first, and to Tyren's responses. he seems calmed that swords have been sheathed and to the now calmer facing of Tyren. He seems to look close into the eyes of both men as they speak them and perhaps even through them, holding his holy symbol which faintly shimmers as he does so. After the last question is answered, he waits, then chooses to answer.

"I thank you all for choosing to accept the peace that will be found here, and for the truth having been spoken. Tyren, I have learned much since we last spoke, many times Apollo has answered my questions with his strong voice. Eindric, he speaks truth. It must be Tyren to return the sword. Apollo himself wants Charlie to have the sword, even if his oath did not insist upon it. Apollo himself has told me that he could not speak of the matter, not that he wouldn't, or he wished me to learn upon my own, or that he did not know. His oath binds him. To speak of it would damn both of the souls, and that is something our lord would never wish, but he must. Charlie is indeed clever. It must be done."

Sandrel thinks for a moment.

"I cannot have any forcing my god to be liar. I think that Charlie's soul may be safe somehow. Perhaps it is already destroyed, but Tyren, yours is not. Not only must it be done, I must see to it that it is. For now, at this moment, you do serve Apollo. This is why before Apollo would not strike him down. Eindric, we have done what is asked and vblessed upon us by lord. Perhaps the very conflict that was brought about was because of our delay. Waiting the 30 days that we had, we thought we had time, but perhaps we did not. Still, we know now that the dragon will guard the artifact, and for now, I can think of none stronger. Tyren, I can aid you upon your travels. When the chariot first rises tomorrow morn, I will do so. Your soul will be safe."

Sandrel drops to his knees, holding his holy symbol high. A great tunnel of light seems to cover both him and glory serparately.

"Lord Apollo, master of all that feel your warmth, would you hear my voice once again?" He begins to go into a deep prayer, with many of the words sounding much like song than anything else, until he quietly speaks hs first question.

"My lord, does the sister of Tyren still live, so that I may aid them both?"

Sandrel seems to be listening to a voice from elsewhere. If left alone, and no battle is brought in this holy chamber, he will do so for 10 minutes.

[Krowout]

Eindric is satisfied. He tosses the Holy Blade to Tyren saying, I can think of no one better able to guard it. Come. Enjoy my hospitality this night and on the morrow we will go to Charlie on Sandrel's blessing. If you wish it. For here is my offer: Charlie lives for another day and you earn the full service and resources of all that I command in quest to save your sister. But if you'd rather reject that offer and go on your own I will not try to thwart you nor would I think less of you. But if you aim to slay him tomorrow, then I wish to be nowhere near. I would also warn you that Charlie has lived a long time despite having many enemies. If I were a betting man, and I am, I would bet that if you went tomorrow with Charlie's death in mind, despite your impressive skill, you will be the one who emerges from that confrontation worse for wear.

If you do accept my offer of aid, your bargain with me is kept when Charlie is alive on the second morning. Once your sister is saved (and I do pray that is our result) then perhaps you would honor me by considering a continued alliance. If not then we part on friendly terms. Clearly you are a good man and skilled, both of which are in short supply on this world and earn an open invitation to join forces with me toward whatever ends might be in either of our sights.

Ein waits for Tyren's reply, hoping that the death of Charlie is not required in order to secure Tyren's sister's safety.

He may be drawn into more talk just now but once a resolution is achieved, he will turn to Sandrel, bringing forth those matters weighing heavily on the back of his mind: Sandrel we are not as many as we were in the caves.
Did you loose the luggage (Just kidding, he doesn't say that part)
Can you do anything to save, find, or commmunicate with Truthseeker Threguy or Tracken? And secondarily, what of our horses and gear? I hesitate to chance sending lackeys out to fetch livestock and material goods when their lives would be at stake in that region. What say you my friend?
[OOC]The dogs had come down the stairs with us, can I assume that they are here with us now too?[/OOC]
Unconsciously Ein has begin tapping his foot in cadence with the trickling waters. Either he is anxious or he has been too long without making music.
Still something else nags him. He asks the air, Hmmm... are there any priests around who might light some incence? I don't recall this temple smelling quite as it does now....

[Mirtos]

[OOC]The Dogs are Not here, no. Another OOC question before I post my response: Approx how far was it to the caves where we left the horses?[/OOC]

[Corwyn]

*horses were about 30 feet from the caves entrance*

[Mirtos]

When Eindric finishes his long prayer, he stands up, and frst responds to Eindric. Although he had said nothing when Eindric first asked him, Sandrel had clearly heard the question.

"I was unable to bring Tracken, and Threguy simply chose not to come. I do not understand why, and neither does Apollo. We both hope he made a wise choice. Still, worry not."

As if it was always planned, Glory begins to walk towards the door, and as he does so, grows smaller and smaller, as he did in the caves until he is a small bird, no bigger than a sparrow. The sparrow flies up, and flies out of the opening of the stained glass, and just before it flies completely off, it grows slightly, and the proud all-white eagle flies away.




Sandrel simply nods, and then turns back towards Tyren.


"It is indeed your choice now. Come the morning, I shall call upon the light once again, and we shall fly towards Charlie. If you would wait till the morn, then you can join in the great meal of Apollo. If not, then I travel with you., and upon the morn I bring us to complete your quest. I shall not let your soul suffer, and I shall not led my lord be made a liar. But I have other things to say as well. Once you hand the sword back, my duty will be done. Apollo wants charlie to have the sword. He does not want him killed. I will stop you not, but I would ask that you hold your hand. Charlie hides from the eye of Apollo, but not all by him do. You know of the one who doesn't. Your sister still lives yet, and she doesnt hide from the eye of Apollo. He has told me that it is within my capabilities to find her, given time. May that give you some hope, at least."

Sandrel speaks with such convictions as if he simply were speaking plain fact.