[Email the Game Master]
by Artemus Buttwyler, scribe of Chatwin
[this being the text of the Femmes Fatales second adventure, or at least the third part thereof]
Though they had planned an early exit, it had to be delayed as Godsday was upon them and Morague and the Veiled One had a special service to perform. O'Dwyer went of by himself for a while, and came back seemingly refreshed.
At mid morning, with thanks to all, even the cooks, the band, now led by Carl, headed north towards Montelegro. The temperature was a bit cool, low 50's F, + 10C, with a slight drizzle and a bit of a breeze.
As they rode, some took the time to ask O'Dwyer about remarks he had passed the night before.
Jessa asked "Why DID you ask about the numbers of those coming to the Villa? Do you suspect some evil?"
O'Dwyer's turned serious. "Evil? Yes, you could call it evil. It's all parrrt of the trooubles. From the what Arrrtemus told us about the wars out east, to stories I've hearrrd from the North. I fearrr it's mooorrre than just evil. I oonly pray it doooesn't come this far south. "
Morague took this opportunity to press the issue. "I am wondering if this is about the rumors of distant wars my Uncle spoke of. Could they be more than rumors? Do you fear they are getting closer?"
O'Dwyer answered, "Aye, they be the same as yer uncle fortold. And yes, they be getting closer. I firrst come ta Chatwin ta warn `o the troubles, but noon would believe me. One a me orrrder, overrr ta Enstad, he hails from the north, nearrr Lake Quag in the Perrenland. He was the firrst ta bring news of dangers ta the east, the lands of Iuz."
Morague was taken aback at the mention of this evil name. She clutched her reins tightly, almost bringing her mount to too sudden a halt. "Iuz!" she spat.
"That be the name. From what this one tells us, the lands of Iuz and those of the Horned society are up in arms. Some say Iuz is returning and he will lead his minions to battle once morrre."
Carl broke in. "Oh, heavens, not again. We went through that little over a decade ago."
"I hate ta say it, but I'm afeared so. This fella cleric, Gatewood be `is name, was up in the Shield Lands `bout a year back. He helped the Rovers, they'rre a tribal people of the plains there, from nearly being undone by the forces a evil. From what I hear, the power's getting strongerrr. No good, I tell yee, not good."
Carl shook his head in agreement.
The party rode on. Their own personal difficulties seemed in some way minor to what the world might soon be faced with. Some hours passed. It was sometime past noon when the stone wall came into view, some half mile away. Only the spires of a church could be seen rising above it. "That's the monastery ahead, "pointed Carl.
As they neared the wall. Two immense oak doors stood wide open, allowing entrance. Carl rode in. Above, loomed an iron portcullis, covered in layers of rust. There were several buildings to the left, and an orchard to the right. The largest buildings, however, stood straight ahead. "That's the cloister," noted Carl. The church itself was farther and off to the right, its spires straining as if to touch the sky. Surrounding the church was a graveyard.
A robed figure appeared from the orchard. His was a coarse brown robe, fixed with a rope belt round his rather rotund waist. He had a round head of brown hair. His hand were stained purple. His ample cheeks flopped noticeably as he said, "Greetings brothers and sisters. I am Brother Horatio. Welcome to the Monastery of Montelegro. How may I be of assistance?" He wiped his brow as he spoke.
Morague greeted the monk. "Greetings, Brother Horatio. We've just come from the Lakeside Villa, I believe you know of it. The Veiled One assured us that you would offer your hospitality & hopefully share some of your vast knowledge. We are on a mission to find the lost Castle Gelatint & the Veiled One suggested that, if any knowledge exists, it is here. We would be most pleased if you would welcome us to search for any clue to this mystery."
"The Veiled One, you say?"
"That is correct," assured Carl. "She directed that these people be guided here."
"Anyone referred by the Veiled One is assured of our full hospitality. Why don't you take your horses way round back," swooping his arm indicating somewhere behind the buildings which stood before them, "back behind the cloister and dining hall. Watch the smells back there, mind you." Then he hesitated, 'but you'll have to go that way," pointing left, "round the grave yard." Thinking on this. "Tell ya what, I'll get one of the young ones to bring them there." He went back into the orchard for what seemed only a moment, while his voice could be heard, "Lewis, Lewis, we have some visitors," he emerged from the trees, a younger, slim, robed man in tow. He had short light brown hair, baby blue eyes. He might be 16 yrs old. "Take their horses back to the stables. Then you folks can come inside the chapter house. "
Carl thanked Brother Horatio, and said his good-byes to the Femmes. "I have time to get back today. I'll be heading out."
O'Dwyer said, "Thank yee Carrrrl, on be half of us all. Been a pleasurrre riding with yee. Meybe, we'll see you on our way back."
Carl waved and rode off.
Lewis began taking the reins of the horses. Solace had listened to the conversation between her companions and Brother Horatio. She said she'd like to help with the horses, as she'd like to use her mount later.
Jessa dismounted and, after slinging the saddlebags over her shoulder, handed the reins to Lewis with a nod of thanks.
Lewis welcomed her company. As they went round back, Lewis pointed out some of the buildings. "This here's the church, but you probably guessed that," he grinned. Over there's the library, next is the scriptorium,' indicating two buildings off to the left against the west wall of the monastery. Solace's eyes continued along the wall north then east, as Lewis pointed out the slaughter house, barn and mill. The aroma from the slaughter house was all Horatio had promised and more. As they reached the barn, Solace expressed interest in seeing the special "waters".
"Oh, the Well of Wellness. Certainly. Though you passed it on the way in. Guess you didn't notice it. Just a small rosebush marks the spot. No special flourishes. We are just monks," he smiled again, as they led the horses into the barn. "Just one thing about the waters. They do cure what ails you, but they only work once. So, don't go drinking `em now. You look too healthy to need them at the present time." The horses were fed and watered.
Later Solace scouted around outside the walls a bit on her horse. She noticed the rosebush this time. Next to it a small pool bubbled gently, as if water was flowing up from below. She continued her tour round the outskirts of the monastery. The walls were in sturdy shape, though could easily be scaled by one of her persuasion. Surrounding the walls was a ditch, some 15' deep, probably a moat at some time, though now just little puddles of water appeared at some points below. There were a couple of points where the ditch could be crossed easily. And, she noted some signs of footsteps at these points. She continued her tour round the walls, and returned in time for supper.
*******
Horatio led the others inside of the chapter house, a one story, ivy-covered building, to a room marked `Abbot`. This room was 15' x 15' dominated by a large desk. Shelves filled with books and scrolls lined the walls and statues of holy men and women stared down at the visitors. Behind the desk sat a man, somewhat on the heavy side, with thinning white hair and a polite smile. Horatio spoke. "Brother Anselm, these visitors come from the Veiled One. Something to do with a lost castle?" he looked quizzically back at the Femmes.
"May the spirit's blessing be upon you. Welcome to the monetary of Montelegro. I am the abbot. Now what is this of a lost castle?"
Morague explained the story to date, without going into the gory details of Black Blade's transformation, but making it clear that they were interested in finding the legendary castle of Gelatint. O'Dwyer filled in whatever gaps there were.
Anselm seemed interested. "Hmm, sound like something Brother Bernadino could help us with." Then realizing the lack of context, "oh, he's our head scribe. If there's anything in our library on this, er, castle did you say? He'd be the one to help find it. Horatio, have Bernadino come here as soon as he can."
Horatio started to leave, but Anselm called, "No, wait. Just remembered. He's not on the grounds right now. " He looked a bit flustered, and explained, "Sometimes we, or some of us, take a retreat, some time away. I know that must sound funny coming from ones who spend their entire lives in retreat, but, some times we need to get away from this solitude for a rest, shall we say. Bernadino's out on a three day expedition. Took a walk for a bit. Should be back late tonight, or else early tomorrow morning."
Seeing that the Femmes' faces had fallen somewhat at this news, he said, "We are simple folk and have little, but what we have is yours. The very able Brother Horatio will show you too quarters in the lay staff's dormitories. We have no staff and only three initiates staying there so you'll be practically alone. Dinner will be served at the stroke of the bell. Kindly leave your weapons in your room. You will have no need of them here, I assure you." O`Dwyer, Jessa, and Daltonne looked at Black Blade, remembering the agony she had gone through the last time this request was made.
"Brother Anselm," Jessa began. "As Black Blade is cursed by the sword she carries, so is she bound to it. It causes her pain to be any distance from it."
Brother Anselm pondered this for a moment. The look on Jessa's face, and the tone of her voice, conveyed more than the words.
"I understand," he said. "If she must, then so be it."
Horatio led them down a hallway to a series of small rooms. "The regulars live here," he noted as they passed ten doors, then down some steps. "Here, any of these on the right," indicating another ten doors, "are free, pick as you see fit." A cursory examination showed all rooms of equal, spartan, decor, cot, desk, straight wooden chair, small window, blanket, basin.
"Let me know if you need anything," he said as he prepared to leave.
Before he could get away, O'Dwyer asked, "Is it perrrmitted for outsiderrs like us ta use the librarrry?"
"To some extent, yes. Depends on what you are looking for."
OD explained that he was hoping to find some maps of this area as well as those to the north so he could show his friends where areas like Furyondy and the Shield Lands were.
Horatio said that there were ample maps in the library. "In fact, I consider myself a bit of a cartographer. I could show you where to find what you need."
"Splendid."
"It's open!" she called out from within.
Jessa gave her friend a slightly pained look. "Did you really have to mention the blue dragon?"
"It was the heat of the moment," BB grumbled back. "Why don't you think I don't trust the lawful blokes? Sure, they tell you they're lawful, but you don't know who exactly fights for good."
*****
As the others settled in, OD and Horatio headed over to the library. Shortly before supper, OD returned. a number of rolled parchments under his arms. "Lassies, ya got ta see these!" He began unrolling on of the maps on the hallway floor. "Now, this herrre's tha biggie, has the whole world upon it." It was a massive, somewhat disjointed work, not really clear.
Didn't really help much. Seeing everyone's dismay, he produced a smaller one. "OK, now here we are," his finger pointed to the word `Narwell' and traced a line just left to a tree trunk. "Montelegro is right here on the edge of the forest.
He continued tracing his words with his finger. "Now, following north," he unrolled another map, "here we got Dyvers. Over there, just to the right, is the City of Greyhawk." He pointed to Dyvers again, "Now if we follow this river first west, then north, passed the city of Littleberg, and continuing on up through Furyondy, and here yee can see the Shield Lands." At the top right of this map he indicated Lake Whyestil and the city of Dorakaa. "Someone in Chatwin's frrrom Dorrrakaa. Can't quite rememberrr now. Not important." He unrolled yet another map. "Above Dorakka," are the lands of Iuz. Rumorrrs abound that those in this region," indicating Iuz, "are starrrting ta head south. Furyondy could soon be under seige."
Eventually, `round the world in eighty maps' with your host OD was replaced with the need for food, and soon the bell sounded. All represented themselves to the dining hall, which was off the dormitory. There, the Femmes sat together at one long table, while the monks, so thirty in number sat at the others in groups of five to seven. Brother Anselm indicated the guests, and all gave a welcoming glance. After a benediction, the meal was served. It consisted of roast pork, root crops, fruits, bread, and some incredibly good wine. The monks ate in silence; the Femmes, uncertain of protocol, did the same.
When the meal was over, Anselm announced, "In honor of our guests, we will have a half hour of free time. Feel free to interact with the newcomers, and please," he noted to the Femmes, "mingle. We don't get to talk to many outsiders. What news do you bring us?"
The main topic brought up by the Femmes was the special waters, the ones which Solace had actually seen. Morague asked, "What can you tell me about the special water reported to be here? May I take some with me for future use?"
One brother, Debrace by name, identified himself as the infirmian. "About a year ago now, our order in severe disrepair, we had a strange occurrence. One of our order, Brother Able, was found dead, his neck broken. We thought he had taken his own life and, jumped to his death it seemed. Therefore, we buried him outside the monastery grounds. Coincidentally a group from Chatwin arrived, can't exactly remember why, but, they were here for a series of strange goings on, including another death, or was it two? My mind gets a little foggy." He looked away for a bit, then, "now where? Oh, yes, seems another of our number had killed Abel because Abel had had the vision of the well, and Abel's ghost was seeking justice."
BB, Jessa and Daltonne had a strange case of almost deja vu. "Similar to what we went through in Lowick," they all agreed.
"Yes, the dead do seek justice. Anyway, these nice folks from Chatwin, let's see now, Shantyra, er, Zamora, a fellow named Tanner-"
O'Dwyer interrupted, "Tannerrr? Tan! That's the one. E's the fellow in Enstad that's from Dorrrakaa. Couldn't rememberrrr `is name."
Debrace went on, "Yes, Tan was here. How is he doing anyway?"
"Not well. Poorrr fellow's lost his sight."
Debrace seemed saddened by this news. "Shame. He was a very entertaining fellow. Now, where was I? Oh yes, so, from the clues we were able to put together, when we dug out there by that rose bush, sure enough! Up came a bubbling stream.
Daltonne asked, "We have heard about' your healing waters. Do many come to you for cures from the waters?"
"They heal what ales you. Yes, we have people now making pilgrimages, and donations, from miles around."
"And what do the waters cure?"
"Oh, wounds, sickness, you know, arthritis, things like that."
Black Blade, a little on the edgy side, asked rather shortly, "About this Well of Wellness. Would it cure lycanthopy?" She added in a whisper, "We have a friend suffering from its affects."
Debrace was temporarily taken aback. "A lycanthrope for a friend? Well, takes all kinds, I guess. Now, I do not know of any lycanthrope who has tried the waters, but that doesn't mean it hasn't happened, now does it?" There was a hopeful smile in his answer.
Morague brought up the subject of the maps. "Those were incredibly nice maps. How do you know so much of Oerth? I had no idea it was so big!"
Debrace answered, "Too bad Brother Bernadino is not back yet. Wonder what's keeping him? See, he is out chief cartographer. Many of us hail from different areas of Oerth. Some brought maps with them. Others had them shipped from home. Other books just found their way here. Our order dates back some two hundred years. It is a nice collection, though." He seemed proud of this.
"Have any of you heard the rumors of a possible war or any reports of increased evil activity in this area?"
Debrace said, "No, we don't hear much from the outside. That's one advantage of the monastic life. Wars, strife, pestilence, they tend to ignore us.
"Is there a town nearby, where we can replenish our supplies?"
"Unfortunately, no. Closest town is Narwell, and that's back past the way you came.
Morague and the others mingled till time was up. The Femmes thanked their hosts for their gracious hospitality. They found themselves retiring early, as there really wasn't much, well actually, there was Gregorian Chant Hour which O'Dwyer, no doubt, attended. But all did retire early.
Morning came early will the sounding of the bell. Early as in 5 AM.
"Grrreat. Time to rrreally wash me entirrre body. Firrrst, and probably da last chance fer soom time," noted O'D as he made for the shower room.
"AHHHHHHHH, IT'S COOOOOOOOOOOLD," said he once he was in there.
The others roused, and moved about trying to figure out what to do this early. Eventually the call came for breakfast, and slowly mid-morning rolled around. Brother Horatio located the Femmes and asked it they'd come to Brother Anselm's office.
Once there, they found a nervous Anselm pacing, which was a good trick in his small cubicle. "I am concerned about Bernadino. He was expected back last evening, early morning at the latest. Still no sign."
Assurances were offered about his being `just a bit late, any minute now, not to worry, sure there's nothing wrong,' but, mid-morning became noon, and noon became two, and still no Bernadino.
Morague asked her companions, "Do you think we should offer to search for Brother Bernadino? We won't get much farther without his help."
OD gave his beard a pull, then rubbed his eyes. "Aye Lass, I figure it's the best idee. Otherwise, we'll be poking arrround dees wooods foreverrrr."
Morague suggested asking Anselm for any clues as to where Bernadino might have gone. They went over to the Abbot's office, where O'Dywer led the inquiries. He asked Anselm, "Any idee where this Bernadino goes when `e goes on one a these forrrays `o his?"
The Abbot consulted with some of the others. Consensus had it that Bernadino preferred the solitude of the hills north of the monastery. One of the monks, Uruquant, mentioned something about an old hermit who lived in the caves up there. "I heard Bernadino speak of visiting an old man." Another noted that whenever Bernadino returned, he always brought some fine sheets of parchment back with him.
"Well, Tis a start," Said OD, and then, "Perhaps we can help find `im? What da ya say Lassies?"
Daltonne was quick to agree. "Yes, I say let's try to find 'im. I git a little restless with all this sittin' around. Let's go start lookin' for Brother Bernardo."
"Yeah, might as well, for kicks and giggles," BB mumbled. It was obvious this was a little too much religion for her to stomach.
Solace held her nose, "I'lll getzz sa horzes" Before leaving Solace informed Serena that she will not be going near her donkey, so Serena will have to come along to help.
"Course, we could wanderrr all overrrr, " worried O'Dwyer.
"Agreed, OD, that we could wander all over, but what choice do we have? We need Brother Bernadino. Perhaps he is visiting this Hermit & we'll find him there, or maybe he's been hurt & it's taking him a long time to get back. Brother Anselm, do you have a way to communicate with him magically or through some kind of a device? Or is there some kind of standard procedure you all have worked out for this type of situation?" Morague asked, quite worried.
Anselm could only offer that the hills were an hour or so north. "While they will be easily found, this supposed hermit will not. Sorry you do not have much to go on."
"Not exactly," corrected Solace. "When I took my ride yesterday, I did notice some tracks where some cross what was once a moat. Probably some of them were Bernadino's."
Anselm seemed hopeful. "True. There have not been any visitors, save yourselves, over the past week. Any tracks would be from us I would guess."
This gave the Femmes more confidence. They quickly gathered their mounts and were on the way. Solace showed where she had noted moat crossings the previous day. They chose the one which headed most northerly. The after noon was mild and clear. They kept a moderate pace, trying to keep eyes all around, in case a monk might by lying off the beaten path.
It wasn't long before the hills were reached. Not that any of the Femmes were skilled trackers, they could still discern flat sole-like footprints, consistent with the sandal-style common to the monks of Montelegro. It was not all that hard to follow them through a series of low hills. Trees sprouted form some of them, and tops of forest trees towered in the distance all around.
About half a mile brought them to a rather curious sight. The tracks led into a dirt clearing some 50 yds wide, with low hills all around, with two other passes in and out. There was an apparent cave mouth 25 yds to the right. A body, semi-clothed and seemingly dead, hung rather unceremoniously from a tree some 30 yds away from the Femmes and 10 yrds outside the cave mouth. From where the Femmes had stopped, they could see the prints heading into this clearing, but for how far they could not easily tell. Nor was there any discernible noise at this time.
Morague got down from her horse, and took a careful look around, concerned about the possibility of ambush, traps, and the like. "This is very strange." she mumbled. Taking no chances, she cast detect evil centered on the cave mouth.
Out of instinct, BB shared Morague's suspicion and her hand flies to Fear's hilt, her eyes scanning the area for any traps and/or ambush.
Solace also dismounted. "I'll scout around the clearing, following the low hills on the left, opposite the cave. Someone hold my horse?"
"I'll `old `er fer yee, Lass," said O'Dwyer. "Give us a wave should ye find anything." O'Dwyer looked back the way they had come for a good place to tie up the horses. He quickly found some stout trees, and fastened the reins to them, making sure the knots were solid. "Now we can be frrree ta move, " he declared as he returned to the southern pass.
Daltonne readied herself for anything. She waited for Morague to give the okay, so she could advance toward the cave entrance.
Morague readied the spell and sent it out; Solace stayed in cover and worked her way quietly around to the west. Morague's spell told of evil emanating from within the cave, but what and why could not be discerned. Solace reached a point across from the cave opening, but could not see very far into the darkness within. She did catch glimpses of motion, but nothing for certain. From her raised vantage point, however, she had a better view of the hanging remains and the scene as a whole. There was much disturbance of the ground around the tree, and footprints coming from the area led into the western pass.
"I can't tell what it is or how many or what is in there, but there's definitely evil in that cave." Morague stated quietly to her friends. "It looks like we'll need to confront whatever is in there, if we are to continue to investigate this area. Maybe Brother Bernadino is being held hostage in there, unless that's him in the tree "
"What do you think we should do? You all have much more experience these matters than I." Morague readied her quarterstaff, just in case.
Daltonne's trigger finger had been getting itchy, "Well BB, what di ye thin? I say let's go in and git whatevere it is -- I'm certainly ready. Are ye with me?"
BB gave Daltonne a cock-eyed smile.
"I'm with you, bloke," she nodded, her hand on her hilt.
Jessa dismounted and tied Schkar with the rest of the horses. Rejoining her friends, she said, "Shouldn't someone check to see who that unfortunate soul is?" In a rare impulsive moment, Jessa drew her sword and began to cross the clearing.
"If we're going in, I'd like to perform a blessing the extra ability to hit might come in handy." Morague said as she prepared to cast a bless on all of the group within 50 feet of her.
The spell just caught Jessa as she walked cautiously over to the tree, watching the mouth of the cave to make sure nothing rushed out at her. It was, indeed a body, rather dead, hanging from the tree. Male, rather old, scarcely dressed in very ragged old clothing, barefooted. He did not seem to be a monk. The blonde elf examined the ground. Many footprints and much disturbance marred the area. One set, the one noticed by Solace, led, crookedly, to the western pass. The maker wore something on its feet. She was debating following them, when she heard something. A quick glance back at the cave mouth saved her, as two creatures, somewhat man-like, but with wings, tails, cruel claws, and horns were closing on her, their feet barely touching the ground as they swooped towards her.
She had time to draw her long sword and take a swipe at one, but missed. The two ugly creatures closed, swiping with their claws, lashing with their tails, and tying to impale her with their horns. One succeeded with claw and tale; the other's horn cut into Jessa's right thigh.
Black Blade swore at the sight of these swooping beasts raking her friends. She drew her bow and moved into the clearing hoping for a clear shot.
Jessa wished fervently that she hadn't left her shield with her horse, but luckily she at least was wearing her armor. She continued to fend them off with her sword, and pulled a dagger out of its boot sheath to use in the other hand.
She thought to the gods of fate *They aren't that much like gargs, although, I wonder what you had on your mind when you came up with them, JJ* Then her mind eased as she thought *At least they're not BB's Blue Dragon!*
And then these ugly beasts came in again. She surprised one with the a dagger thrust. It swatted at her left hand, then concentrated on her body. Apparently the wound, though from a minor weapon, had done serious damage. The beast seemed rattled; its attacks all failed.
Daltonne charged the beasts muttering "I guess the cave can wait." She paused a moment for Black Blade's arrow shots. Black Blade realized that arrows might strike Jessa, so she reached for Fear. Daltonne pressed forward, taking on the second monster. To Jessa she shouted encouragement, "Don't ye worry we're comin'." Her broadsword cut into the beast's shoulder.
Black Blade drew Fear, and began her inhuman transformation. She slashed the jagged blade at the one nearest Jessa, cutting into its lower right quadrant. Morague will followed Daltonne's lead, praying that she could connect with her quarterstaff. She did, hitting it in the lower right leg.
The horned ugly struck back at both its attackers, raking Daltonne with its claws and jabbing her with its horn; its tail stung Morague.
O'Dwyer moved into the clearing just far enough to be in range for his spititual hammer. Soon a glowing hammer appeared over the head of Jessa's adversary. In a moment it drove down right on the ugly noggin. "Take that yer `orny beastie," he cried. Still he kept his distance.
The uglies were wounded but not scared. They kept on flailing, but the party's experience started to show. Jessa sliced the leg and jabbed deep into the abdomen of her monster. It gave a guttural cry and slithered to the ground. She put boot on its' chest, crushing it just a bit, and withdrew her dagger.
Black Blade, Daltonne , Morague, and O'Dwyer all successfully sliced. stabbed, hit and hammered the other one till it shared the same fate as its comrade. "Tagether in life, joined in death. Rrratherrr poetic, doncha think?" muttered O'Dwyer as he moved up to the others. As he took in the full expanse of the clearing, he looked about for Solace. "Now wherre da ya think she got off to?"
It was also at this moment that all noticed Black Blade, in her aberrant incarnation, and for the moment still seemed non-pulsed by her presence.
BB only gave the dead grotesques a shrug as she entered the cavern, Fear still drawn. "Maybe it'll be safer that way," she whispered, though shooting a glance at OD.
O'Dwyer still scanned for Solace.
Seeing Black Blade heading for the cave, he offers, "Be carrreful in therrre." He realized that his hammer was still in effect, so he directed it into the cave as a spiritual accompaniment for Black Blade.
"Wow, THAT was close!" exclaimed Morague, as she surveyed the damage. "Where are Serena & Solace? Do you think there are all right? Jessa - are you hurt? Can I assist? How about you, BB - OH! my - are you OK?" Morague said, as she really saw Black Blade for the first time. "Daltonne, are you injured?"
Hearing Morague's mention of cures O'Dwyer mentions, "Yeah, I've a few at me dispoosal, should any still be in need." But he kept his attention on the cave mouth for now.
Daltonne said to Morague "I thin I'm fine fer now. I will let you know. But right now I thin I will go with BB. We'll shout fer ye if yer needed right away. Maybe ye can find the others." She moved to catch up with the wild Blade.
Jessa cleaned the creatures' blood off of her weapons and sheathed her dagger, keeping her sword out. She winced as pain from her wounds finally registers. To Morague she stated, "If you would heal me some, I would be most appreciative. Thank you for offering." She limped over to the priestess and submits to ministrations.
Morague ministered to the blonde elf's needs.
Black Blade was intent on the cave and did not look at Morague; instead, she nodded somewhat. "I'm fine," she retorted. And then she was inside.
Black Blade, followed by Daltonne, entered the 10' high cave mouth. There was sufficient sunlight streaming in that, once their eyes adjusted, they could see no other horned beasties before them. "Seems clear," one called out.
O'Dwyer felt some sense of relief, as his hammer was expiring. He took a closer look and the man who was serving as laundry. "Dead more than a few days. Looks like he was old, very old. Could he be the hermit whom Bernadino was supposed to visit?" Still no sign of Solace.
The two women in the cave saw that it was irregular in plan and rose to about 20' high in the center, and was about 30' in diameter. Just inside the cave mouth was an overturned lectern, further back were what appeared to be the remains of a bed and stool. Several small objects lay scattered about on the floor, and a sack leaned against the left-hand wall.
At the far end of this area, they could see a low passage leading off into darkness. Growing around and inside the passage was an unusual plant whose fronds moved slightly, as if of their own accord.
Still outside, Morague examined her handiwork on Jessa's wounds. "You look much better, Jessa." Morague said, as she finished. "O'Dwyer - can you see Solace & Serena? I hope we don't have to go searching for them! Shall we cut him down & bury him? Looks like he's been up there awhile."
O'Dwyer took a quick jog, following the footprints which led to the side pass, to see what he could see.
Inside the cavern, Daltonne cautioned Black Blade. "Watch out fer that plant, BB, it's movin'. I'm goin' to tell the others what's in here and see iffin we can round up everyone and then investigate that passage. But I don' hav' a good feelin' 'bout that there plant."
Black Blade nodded at Daltonne and, narrowing her eyes, slowly advanced the plant, Fear in front of her in a ready posistion. She attempted to figure out exactly type of plant it might be. She longed for the druidical skills necessary for such a task, but, alas, she had not them.
Daltonne said, "I best consult the others. Meybe they ken help. She moved out of the cave, and described the decor of the interior to Morague and Jessa. "Sort of ancient cave-dweller, but there's this here plant," her voice rising inquisitively
Black Blade backed awya from the fronds, before they could do any bodily harm. She momentarily sheathed Fear, and her alter ego, and drew her bow and an arrow.
"Hey, blokes," she hissed toward her comrades outside. "Anyone got a rag and some lamp oil? And a light would be helpful..."
Neither Daltonne, nor Morague, nor Jessa appeared to have any oil, though torches seemed to be in large supply. O'Dwyer had crossed the clearing, now out of sight and earshot.
So, Jessa volunteered to light a torch and moved towards the entrance, while Black Blade prepared an arrow to take aim on the plant. The torch afforded sufficient light to illuminate the wavering fronds, as they slowly shimmered, casting frond puppets on the wall. BB took aim. Her fingers tensed. She prepared to let fly--
"Wait!" a male voice sounded in the background. All turned to see three figures. Solace and O'Dwyer were flanking, and supporting on their shoulders, a man. He seemed the worse for wear, in a dirty robe, shoeless, and a bit weak.
"Look what I found," said Solace.
"Berrrnadino lives," announced O'Dwyer.
"Whoops..." BB replaces the arrow and bow, though her hand rests on Fear's hilt. "Sorry 'bout that, bloke."
The `bloke' being supported by the other two barely reacted. [O'Dwyer has flashbacks to his days on the streets of London, but that's another story. ] Solace and OD helped the man over to the tree where all gathered round. It was obvious that he had had a bad time of it. "Water," was all he said for the moment.
Swiftly water sacs were produced and he sipped lovingly. The tow clerics gave him the twice over, but no real wounds could they find. After a few more drinks he said, "Just thirsty, and a bit hungry that's all. Managed to escape the pointy little heads, yes I did."
Solace told how she followed `those tracks' down the pass, where she heard `some mumbling' off to the side. "I looked down, and there, hidden in a small hole, was this fellow. Took all my strength to get him out."
"That's right," confirmed Bernadino. "Been holed down there a couple a days now. Came here to visit Quern." At that point he stopped and looked at the fellow in the tree, "That's Quern hanging there, like last week's laundry. Nice fellow. Bit snaky, but nice. Never bothered no one. I came into the clearing and there he was. So I rushed over to him, but he was long dead. Luckily I heard something from the cave, that hole there where Quern lives. I moved back a bit and these two black things flew out." Again he stopped, and took stock of the clearing. "That be them over there. Good you killed them. Them gargoyle's be nasty. I beat it down the pass, and leapt into the small opening. Had my staff with be, must o left it in there. But no matter, just a stick really. But it was enough to keep them at bay. Poked one in the eye real go, yes I did. They left me be. But, they knew where I was, and, sooner or later, they get me, or I'd croak, and then they'd get me. " He paused and took some more water, and then a bit of food from one of the others.
"You've been inside this Quern's place then, haven't you?" asked Black Blade.
"Yes, I've been inside. That's why I didn't want you shooting the place up. He's got some nice stuff in there."
Black blade was a bit put off. "I wasn't shooting the place up, Bloke, I was meaning to get that plant of his."
Bernadino began to get to his feet, "Yes his plant, his witherweed. Nice plant. long as you don't bother it. Otherwise it can turn nasty fast. Poisonous, you know. Poison spores, especially dangerous if you burn it."
All breathed a sigh that no one had offered oil earlier.
"So, how do we get by it?" Jessa asked.
Bernadino avoided the question for the moment. "It's a useful plant too. This one was very special. Quern had cultivated it so its leaves were papery and provided a good alternative to parchment. Quern had a way of getting by the plant, because his library is in the cave beyond. Sure would like to get his books, now that he won't be using them. Could add them to the library at Montelegro."
"Do you have any idea who killed Quern?" BB asked, taking a swig off her own water. "Or, could them gargoyles have done it?"
"I'd say it had to be those interlopers," indicating the dead uglies on the ground. "No normal person would have any reason to harm old Quern. Never bothered no one. And they sure made for me when I showed up."
"Me too," noted Jessa.
"Some garrrgoyles `er just plain mean," added O'Dwyer
Solace looked at her blood splattered companions, "Sorry I missed the action" she said, "It's becoming a habit of mine, although it seems church dude's advice has come at quite an appropriate juncture." Solace made a show of eyeing the plant suspiciously. After a short term of intense thinking she advised that the party builds a wooden horse to trick the plant into letting them pass.
"I don't think that would work in this case, Solace." Jessa smirked. Then she asked, "Do you think any of those books might concern curses and how to get rid of them?" Jessa glanced at BB.
"Not sure. He has plenty of tomes, but I was never brought in the back. He always went back alone and came out with whatever was the topic of our discussion. Can't say we ever discussed curses. But who knows. And with those books back there, all the more reason to avoid fire."
O'Dwyer added, "Yet all the morrre rrreason ta get by it.
"I wonder how Quern got by it?" Morague says "Did he go invisible, Brother Bernadino? Or did he say anything to it when he went past? If he used it's leaves for paper, there must be a way of controlling it."
"You're right, there must be. But I saw him go by one or twice, so he was not invisible. And, can't remember him saying anything. He did move calmly, but don't think that alone would do it. Maybe there's a clue in the main cave." So saying, he gathered himself to his feet, and headed into the cavern. The others followed to its mouth.
The cave was irregular in plan and rose to about 20' high in the center, and was about 30' in diameter. Just inside the cave mouth was an overturned lectern, further back were what appeared to be the remains of a bed and stool. Several small objects lay scattered about on the floor, and a sack leaned against the left-hand wall.
At the far end of this area, a low passage leading off into darkness. Growing around and inside the passage was the unusual plant whose fronds moved slightly, as if of their own accord. "Just stay clear of the plant," he cautioned, "we can get a good look around without getting close to it."
Morague followed Brother Bernadino into the cave and began a careful inspection, being careful not to get too close to the plant. O'Dwyer headed off to where he had tied up the horses, and returned, breathless. "This might cum in `a bit `andy," proudly displaying a lantern, which he proceeded to light. Not that anything new was displayed, but the cave sure seemed brighter.
All kept careful distance from the witherweed, and looked about. Morague righted the fallen lectern. "Hmm, what's to be made of this?" she wondered. For inlaid in the brass top of the lectern was the following:
"Though swords reap on the barren heath,
And scythes upon the fruitful fields,
Though fire may bloom a funeral wreath,
The quill alone may make me yield."
The pale blonde elf nodded in understanding after reading the poem. "I believe it means that no weapons shall be able to pass farther into the cave." Jessa smirked. "Makes sense it the hermit did not want his library to be damaged in a fight. This way it would be less likely for a fight to get that far."
Since no one else had bothered with it, Solace checked out the sack. "Hmm, some coins, jewels, thread, and, er, other stuff. Probably those gargoyles' loot."
"Maybe that riddle means we have to write on the plant's leaves, or in the dirt near it?" shouted Solace, as she kicked the cave wall listening for hollow sounds, and traced her fingers along the surface in search of hidden doors or compartments.
Daltonne wondered, "Of mayhap we jes hav' to hold a quill in front of it to git by. Do ye see any quills about?"
BB pondered this, thinking she understood.
O'Dwyer joined in the search for the elusive quill. "A quill, a quill, my quingdom forrr a quill."
Eyes narrowing, they searched about for a quill. Lying on the floor were some ordinary cooking items, a tinder box, candles, utensils, but no quill.
Solace's search for hiding places got around to the lectern itself. "Here we go," she noted, as she found a compartment in the shaft of it. "Here's a quill, well six of them actually, some odd paper, and ink. Too bad the ink spilled all over everything." She held up some blue-stained leafy paper.
Jessa searched her pack and pulled out an engraved ivory pen, which handed to Black Blade. "Will this do?"
�We�ll soon see,� said Black Blade. as she took off her weapons--including Fear--and moved toward the plant and the passageway beyond. Taking a glance over at OD, she only shrugged.
"Hold a minute," O'Dwyer beckoned, offering BB a hankie, a clean hankie, "Just in case yer quill's not enough, cover yer face lest ya breathe in the plant's nastiness."
Nodding a thanks, she tied the bandanna around her head and over her mouth.
O'Dwyer fixed himself in the same way. Then, he picked up the lantern, "OK, Lass, I got yer back," he assured, as he followed at a safe distance.
"These are all good suggestions," Morague said, "I wonder if it means that the instructions are written down?"
Then seeing Black Blade on the move, she decided to prepare Slow Poison if needed.
Black Blade moved towards the now illuminated opening. The plant continued to wave its fronds, but the fighter was able to head right by. "Keep the light ahead of me."
O'Dwyer tried to comply, bringing it closer. Then he remembered. "Say, best let me `ave one `a those quills." Quill in one hand, lantern in the other, he, too, by-passed the plant.
The others judged that the light had advanced about ten feet. "Seems like a little rrreadin' rrroom in `ere," O'Dwyer called out. No furniture though, but some books on a shelf."
Solace suggested to Daltonne that they guard the weapons while the 'book nerds' check out the library.
Daltonne said, �Fine wit me.� She called into the others that she would stay on guard while they fetch the books. "Don' ferget to brin' them books out here -- Bernardino wants 'em."
But, Bernadino, quill in hand was on his way in.
Solace popped outside to make sure that the clearing was indeed still clear. It appeared to be, for now at least.
Morague called out "Do you need a hand in there? Are there a lot of books?"
�As you ken read, yee best get in herrre,� O�Dwyer answered.
Morague grabbed a quill and left her staff under the watchful eyes of Daltonne. She by-passed the plant and quickly found herself in the small `library� room, shifting through the books on the shelf.
BB nervously began searching through the books, hoping to find anything that could help their stricken friend with his lycanthropy. And, like she did back at the Baron's manor, her hand began twitching erratically...
The exact count reveled nine books. Eight of them had brown bindings. Bernadino cried out in joy. �These are the writings of Quern,� he proclaimed. �Look,� Opening one and displaying a page, �written on the leaves of that plant.� He traced his fingers across the page reverentially. �They contain the vital elements of his philosophies. They must be brought back to the monastery. � He began removing these from the hands of the others, �lest something befall such rare works,� and piling these eight works up in small, manageable sets. He seemed oblivious to the others, and the fact that his sudden passiveness bordered on rudeness.
The left the blue book, obviously older, for the others to peruse. O�Dwyer took it down from the shelf. �Well, at least therrre�s one `ere for us ta look at,� but Bernadino was too involved to catch the sarcasm of OD�s voice. He opened the front cover, and looked upon the title page. The word GELATINT leapt out at them.
Jessa remained in the outer cavern while the others went in. After a few minutes, she called in to the others, "Did you find anything?"
When O'Dwyer said the word "Gelatint", Morague rushed over to have a look at the book. "This is great! A book about Castle Gelatint. Let's take the book outside where it is brighter & have a look at what's in there, maybe three's a map." Morague said.
Jessa was about to grab a quill and head in when she heard the others coming out. Morague held a blue covered book in her hands. "A book on Gelatint," she waved, and began a quick scan of it, looking for a map or any pertinent passages, if no one objects. Somewhere amidst many passages on construction, history of the castle, etc., she came across a rough map. "Here, look here, a map!" Many eyes turned towards the book. "There," pointing, "there is Gelatint." But this elation was slowly modified by the reality that, other then the label `Welkwood' none of the other landmarks meant anything to them.
Bernadino emerged from the inner sanctum with a pile of books. "What's all the fuss about this Gelatint, anyway?"
It was quickly explained to him that this castle was the goal of the Femmes' quest "Everrrr `earrrd of it?" asked O'Dwyer.
"Gelatint? Sure, lots of times," answered Bernadino, as he went back inside for another armload. "An old run down castle somewhere in the Welkwood."
They waited for him to come out again. "Any idea wherrre?"
"Not exactly, no."
"How's about this map?" as O'Dwyer pushed the tome in front of him.
"Hmm, maybe, have to check back at the monastery. But, hmm, yes, I think I could identify that area for you." His tone was one of almost total disinterest, as he went back in for the last pile of books.
Upon his return he said, "Course, there's still Quern to deal with."
"And the plant," reminded Solace, "I was wondering, .... how to get the 'paper' leaves off the plant."
"Yes, those leaves," mused Bernadino, his attention now on the plant. "Well, probably something in Quern's writings about it. Or at least I hope so. Yes, I hope so." He looked proudly at the volumes of Quern. "Quite a find, indeed. Poor chap. Gonna miss him. But he'll live on in his books. "
He looked about the main cave. "So what see we finish up here and make our way to the Monastery? I could certainly use a hot meal, and a cold shower."
Daltonne said, "I'll look for a shovel or somethin' to bury this hermit and maybe Morague and O'Dwyer kin pray fer his soul. Then we kin packup and leave this place and find out all we kin abou' this here Geligant, or whatever it's called."
Daltonne started looking around for something to use to dig a hole for the hermit's body. She found an old shovel in a corner of the main cave. While she dug a hole, O�Dwyer retrieved the horses, and the others gathered up whatever there was of value, including the books and the sack of loot, and loaded it on the mounts.
About an hour passed. Daltonne announced, �Hole�s ready.�
Bernadino insisted that he alone handle the remains of Quern. He gently took what was left of his friend down, wrapped in up in some cloth, and placed it in the hole. �Now if you two would be so kind?�
O�Dwyer and Morague conducted a simple service. The hole was filled in. They mounted up and returned to the Monastery of Montelegro, where everyone was relived to see Bernadino in good health.
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