Session 13: Gathering the Rubble Report

The northern party, of Thelastor, Xeyesh, Oradyol, and Yaza, continued their way back toward the fort, uncertain of its fate and the fate of their companions. They spoke little, but tendered their wounds and marveled at the items of great antiquity given to them. Hours passed, dawnlight rising over their heads. It was in these quiet moments that noise broke through the forest. It was not one but many beings. Yaza crept forth to investigate, and saw a great number of Duyor, Eyti, and Duyorti riding upon the backs of the Eyti. They were in some loose procession, traveling in the same direction of the fort. Yaza returned to the group and they quickly discussed their plan- some suggested an immediate attack to scatter them with the Noyedzar, others suggested silence. In the end they chose to follow the procession at a distance without revealing themselves, and did so for another length of time.

Back at the fort, Getas desired to impose order on the situation. He commanded that three of his warriors remain at the ruins to catch any survivors who returned. The others were to accompany him, Arelastod, and Rhomod back to the boat for questioning. Orellos asserted that he would wait at the ruins for Thelastor, and Getas agreed to leave him alone. Getas was reluctant to allow such a high-valued figure to remain unattended, but was powerless to force the judge there or away. He left three warriors to watch the area, then departed with Arelastod and Rhomod. Along their journey, Getas explained how Arelastod had a standing warrant for questioning in Medus, which had obviously been avoided, and thus he was under arrest until the matter was settled back home. Arelastod protested the matter, but was in no position to escape nor fight, and Rhomod was unwilling to die upon that hill.

The strange procession of beasts seemed to suddenly halt, stirring the northern party from their hours of following. They were behind the gathered beasts but unable to see what they were watching. Again they deliberated, but Xeyesh had a better idea than all the others: he arose from his hiding spot and simply walked to and through the gathered enemies. They noticed nothing at first, and thus he drew quite close into their ranks- once the Duyor and Eyti noticed they stirred around him with a great yelp. A few prepared weapons, but Xeyesh raised his hands and explained in the Eshanic tongue that he was one among them, a beast and shamed, yet if they explained the business here they could be in harmony. One among them, named Yad, settled forward to speak and explained that there was once a powerful location here, but it was gone now- no doubt speaking about the fort. Interesting, and there was a strange Judge figure and three warriors there, but nothing much beyond.

Xeyesh stepped forth from the forest paused just beyond the overgrowth. He stared to the Judge while the Judge toward he, such that their presence was mutually known. Who would act first? The words came through the same internal monologue as other Eshan prior, in a great rumbling tone from immeasurable spans of distance away. It was Acolitus the Creator, who took interest in this strange Elivas and his position amidst all these happenings here. He explained that Nith’eshan were in the region, dangerous beings colored by self-desire. His Judge sought to destroy them. Anyone willing to assist in that endeavor was more than welcome, and perhaps stood to earn Eshanic rewards. Xeyesh thus agreed, for he believed that the Duyor and Eyti were beasts unjustly manipulated into their current actions by Kastayos, and that their liberation would bring peace. When his eyes opened and the world returned to view, Orellos was just before him. They spoke a short measure on these new things.

While the Judge and Xeyesh spoke, Yaza, Thelastor, and Oradyol considered their next move. Advance or remain, be noticed or stay silent. Thelastor chose action, and strove forward with his Noyedzar in hand. This caused sudden and terrible fear among the beasts, who snarled into a warring stance, but none dared come too close. Yaza and Oradyol stuck close behind and they passed into the former fort clearing, but their element of surprise was utterly lost. While the beasts were stanced for battle, Xeyesh turned to Yad and explained that he desired no war against the Duyor race, but desired the matter be settled between himself and Kastayos when the time was proper. Yad reluctantly agreed, learning Xeyesh’s name to tell Kastayos for when all was ready.

Meanwhile, Arelastod was put to work shoveling the defenses Getas desired before the docked vessel. He received the quality tutelage of the warriors there, pressed harder by their shouts and his own fear of being shipped back to Medus in chains. This lasted for some time, until the three warriors returned to the boat with messages, saying that the other members of the party were back and that Getas could come forth to meet them. Getas gathered up many of his warriors and rushed that way, leaving Arelastod and a small contingent back at the boat.

Finally, the various elements of the party were back together. A certain amount of sense could now be made and perhaps a plan to accompany. They considered their options- war or stealth, and what tools were at their disposal. Orellos suggested a place where Kastayos might be dwelling, known as the Grave of Ethesos, which was a site of miserable death during the First Feud.