| Events, Mid Spring 5th |
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| Lord Porthos confronts Lady Zanna |
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The large elf sat across from the wizened old gnome. He had asked to speak with her privately, and this hollow at the edge of the Grove seemed to be the best spot for such a meeting. It was quiet and not often intruded upon, which was right. After all, this was a sensitive discussion of a delicate nature.
“Lady Zanna?” he began tentatively.
“Yes, Lord Porthos?”
He sighed. he might as well get this over with. “I have heard something that I find disturbing. Tamasin Dolet tells me there was…an error, regarding the Peacebinding. She mentioned that she attempted to perform a healing ritual, and that the Bind prevented her from lending adequate aid to the poor fellow. She says he is dead now, because she could not channel her magic.”
“Regrettable. But she should rely less on distant and fickle gods and more on her own skills and communion with the living spirits of the world. Her reliance on such a crutch is her failing, not a fault of the ritual.”
“Er, yes, yes. But, er…she also mentioned that she was attacked by ruffians, and that he implement held its bond in defiance of the agreed-upon release conditions, and as a result she was nealry killed. She intimated that the rest of her companions were also so hampered.”
The old gnome raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really? How unfortunate.”
“Yes, yes, unfortunate indeed. And I was wondering, since it was you who placed the peacebond, if you shed some light on this matter.”
Lady Zanna was quiet for a moment.
“I see. Have you spoken with anyone else on this matter?”
“Well, no. I thought it best we speak in private before…”
“Before accusing me of deliberately sabotaging the ritual?”
“Oh, no! Not at all! I am aware that such complex magic is hardly infallible, and that the occasional mistake may be made…”
“Because it was deliberate, Porthos.” Lady Zanna stared at him, her small eyes boring into him.
Lord Porthos didn’t know what to say. This was unprecedented. This was unheard of!
In his shock, he could be forgiven for a lapse of perception. Anyone might have missed the faint rustle of the leaves from behind as Lady Zanna continued to speak.
“Yes. I set the ritual only to break once the Slayers were beyond the Veil, one way or another. I did this in hopes that their many enemies would finish them.”
”...I cannot beleive what I’m hearing. Zanna, why!? Why would you do such a reprehensible-URK! GAAK!” The vines slid around his throat, crushing his windpipe as the squeezed. He looked around wildly, saw a vague humanoid shape composed of vines behind him…
“Because, you old fool, the Grove is in danger every minute the Slayers remain alive. They have angered very powerful people, people with the power to crush our tiny village in an instant! The lives of those who depend on us hang in the balance, and it is crucial that we are not seen as a threat or an obstacle to them! The army is on the march, and no force in the Three Worlds can stop them, yet Leanna’s blind, sentimental attachment would doom us all! She wouldn’t have the courage to sacrifice her own daughter to appease them, you see. She would have us resist, a futile gesture that would only get every man, woman, and child in the grove slaughtered! It is up to me to do what is best for the people, and if a few violent mercenaries – or short-sighted and overly curious councilors – have to die to secure our safety, then so be it. I regret your accidental involvement in this, Porthos, but rest assured that your death will be for the greater good.”
Porthos couldn’t reply. The vine horror had crushed his neck and snapped his spine. His eyes rolled back into his head, and he collapsed.
Zanna waited for a few minutes, to ensure that the fat elf was dead. Then she called to a passing bird, and cast a short ritual.
“Take this message to the High Warden.” she told it. “The Slayers have killed Lord Porthos. They are now enemies of Shroudmist Grove, and are to be hunted down and slain on sight.”
She let the bird go, and watched it flap towards the Warden’s lodge. Then she bent down to the corpse, cut out its tongue, and returned to her home to plan her next move.
| An Encoded Missive, Sent by Magic |
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To: The Glorious Lion
Lord and master, terrible news. The Second Gate has been assaulted by mercenaries. A trio of elves, suspected to be spies, passed through the Second Gate, suspected destination Shroudmist Grove. The Golden Hand has been captured.
| A Reply |
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Send all available Wild Hunters and hounds after the mercenaries. I shall deal with this matter personally.
| A letter to Lady Leanna Silverwind |
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My dear lady Silverwind.
I regret to inform you that I will be taking my leave of Shroudmist Grove. I have received news of a situation at home that requires my immediate attention. I have enjoyed my time among you and the people under your care, and I hope to return once this matter has been taken care of.
Cordially yours, Lord Gaelin Rivendale, Bralani of the Autumn Winds
