Session 32: Loyalty in Question Report

After some time removed from his guests, Syrgus prepared to return. However, he penned a clandestine letter meant for Hirriat and Eryssis. It stated that he wished for them to depart as to avoid bloodshed under his roof, but coyly mentioned that he would not notice if they rallied some Tarphry to contend with the judges. This was given to a nearby servant and sent with the utmost haste. Around the same time, Xhaldarius ascended the stairs abutting the wall and approached. The two of them discussed the daughters, and Syrgus continued his ruse. The Tressonar explained to Xhaldarius that he wished to assist how he might to defeat the Nith’eshan. Yet, they were in a fair position now. The daughters suspected nothing. They could strike the next day after he was first able to speak with Helmenal and Barrqeyel. With the Tarphry in agreement, the plan could proceed without flaw. Xhaldarius agreed.

Meanwhile, Cravinyol was spirited away by Helmenal and Barrqeyel and brought to the Tarphry camp beside the frozen lakeshore. The warriors therein glowered at the Odyrzid with suspicion and mistrust, but Helmenal kept him close. They sat beside a fire and spoke while Barrqeyel departed to speak with others of their kind. Helmenal asked how and why Cravinyol was attached to this nonsense. The Odyrzid replied that he possessed ambitions to bring some peace and unity to Othos under the auspices of an order or some higher law. This was, of course, a product of the difficult circumstances under which the Odyrzid toiled by day and night. Helmenal explained that such things were hopeful, but he swiftly learned in his time here that conflict was the most decisive means of assuring some peace. Furthermore, Helmenal sought to right the dire reputation the Tarphry might hold in Cravin’s eyes. They were a people far distant from home, and the fortunes of this war determined their survival. Defeat meant death and stranding in Othos, where they would all be hunted and eventually found. For that reason, they fought like beasts and slaughter whoever they might. In some sense, they were similar to the Odyrzid, who themselves struggled to survive upon a continent dominated by the Aemar. Beyond this, the pair spoke of other, smaller things and when night was upon them Cravin departed into the warmer viod. Helmenal remained outside.

The next morning dawned and Syrgus called for Helmenal and Barrqeyel to meet with him. They gathered within the make-shift war-room. Xhaldarius waited within a smaller chamber just down the hall. Syrgus told the pair about the Nith’eshan, the purpose of the judges, questioned them about recent events, then inquired about their loyalty. The Tarphry insisted that they knew nothing about the Eshanic status of the sisters, save that they were announced as servants of Euphisra or Euboa. They also swore utter loyalty to Syrgus, whom they believed to be their chosen guide and savior within this foreign land. Syrgus accepted this and bid they rally together 100 Tarphry warriors in the courtyard. He wished to interrogate the sisters about their deepest purposes, and thus desired some assurances of safety. Helmenal and his father rushed from the room for the task. Xhaldarius entered upon their exit, and informed Syrgus that he would prepare the judges for ‘whatever might come’ from the encounter.

In the lower levels of the viod, Orin and Blackwold were having a sparse breakfast. They spoke about their apprehensions and fears, along with more mundane things. Suddenly, they saw the two Tarphry warriors rush through the main hall toward the outer viod. Overtaken by curiosity, they decided to wrap up their meal and follow. They stepped outside, but were quickly met by a strange and rapidly unfolding scene. A few choice warriors were gathered in ranks, but Helmenal was roaring out with sudden anger, stomping through the camp and hollering at those within sight in his native tongue. Blackwolf and Orin were struck scared by this, but could understand nothing. Soon after, however, Syrgus and Xhaldarius emerged. The Tressonar asked what the problem might be, and Helmenal fumed that men were missing from the camp, perhaps 40 or more souls. This sent a tremor through the gathered people. Something was happening. Syrgus gathered a handful of Tarphry and rushed toward the sisters’ chamber.

Upon arrival, they found the door to be unlocked. They rushed inside, Tarphry and party members piling into the room, and found that it was unoccupied. The bed was unmade, a few tomes and folios upon the shelves were missing, and the sisters nor their belongings were anywhere to be found. Blackwolf searched about, but there were no obvious signs of trickery or sabotage around the room. It appeared the sisters had simply departed without a word. The command was given to search the city for them, and all hands were charged with the task.

Xhaldarius searched the city and left the judges with Syrgus. Blackwolf, Cravin, and Orin spread out among the guard towers and streets. No sign was found. Syrgus and the judges casually talk as they march atop a nearby tower for a commanding view. They seem suspicious of the Tressonar, particularly with his inability to contend with possible traders, but they possessed nothing to honestly accuse him. It was a tense conversation, if nothing else. Upon his return empty handed, Xhaldarius resolved to rally every judge that could be mustered to destroy the daughters.