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"Thank you, that is all." you disperse the spirit. "You may leave."

It concerns you how quickly the unseen vanishes, but it did the job well. And you are content so, you do not wish to prolong the trial.



As you exit the other world, your eyes remain shut, not to watch mortals just yet. Void engulfs you at first, and thereafter come revelations.



There is a door in the distance, and a gap between. You do not move, but the pit grows wider and the passage slides farther, streaks appear and stand to obscure your vision.



You glance at your limbs, and they are free, hence you use them to feel - black coils rough to touch circle round your head, and a breath of another looms over you.



Then the view is obscured completely and the image takes a new shape.



The moon clears up your surroundings, a field of many paths, a wood broods nearby the shine cannot reach.



The lantern then dissapears, devoured by the night, and you are left stranded in darkness once again.



But a new light arises to aid, a moth flies over from behind you and towards the forest. You watch.



"...such a thought cross you?" a voice breaks you from slumber, a harsh one you got to hear quite a few times now. "We have just arrived! Explain yourselves."



You hurl your head up, and look. The whole fellowship is present, and you are still in the tavern, albeit covered by a cloak and lying in the corner. Some other have come, though, and just as in the dream, it is rather dim around, you cannot tell who are the new figures, but the cause of the dark you determine - it is still night.



"An informant recognized your associate here as a wiseman." another man speaks, the while you attempt to read his face, and general appearance. His garb is colorful, and he carries some gear with him, you recall such people on the street. It is a guard, and more can be heard in the corridor.



"Ah, and you seek his assistance?" Flax inquires, stationed closest to the door.

You glance at the others, now that your eyes focus - Sas seems alarmed but rather tired, the stoat is on top of her toes, close to the entrance, no one clasps their weapons for now.



"Not quite, I am afraid." the soldier responds. "We are to deliver him regardless."

"Where to and why?"



"To the barracks for now, and a higher official has to impart the rest. Measures are being taken."



What do you want to do?

The stoat goes, but you speed to reach Flax first. He stops his advance, and twists the neck to listen. In the haste, you send a starker gesture, grabbing his shoulder.



"You won't do anything to her." you growl, as his brows surge.

"I won't?" sounds the response, and the man looks none the wiser from this exchange. Confounded rather, by the sudden sullenness, but he says no more. A finger of his summons the lass, and they depart.



"Good, lest you'll have a score with me to settle!" you snarl after him, before they disappear around the corner. Then you retract, and the hunter watches silent. He appears similarly bemused, you don't give him the time to talk. "Take the bed, Sas, I'll do with the floor."



"Borrow my cloak at least." he bids quick, seeming to switch the issue to mind, to your liking. So you accept.



"Thank you. I am sitting down for now, I need to temper my mind before sleep... I shall see if I fit down under you later. Mind the door, I will to focus..."

"Sure..."



The fellow won't leave, but that matters not. You don't expect him to become a hitch, unlike the other human you reckon, with his words sweet and sake sketchy. Therefore there's no telling what is he up to when gone from your sight, especially with the stoat sole. You intend to follow his path from this room, by means of farsight, which should count as a fit exercise for the while. And hopefully one more fruitful, than the attempt former.



You ready you flesh and breath, your staff you clasp and settle the self. Like a window your inner eye opens, and you peer beyond, searching for aid.







For the while you see only spirits, but those you have sought, and these the city lacked, though, this breed shows little sympathy. A pitiful few permeate the place, and even less care shown for your summons. It is an unfamiliar sensation, however, not quite a folly in your view. What distracts you more is the one being with which you are acquainted, unfortunately, creeping forth.



"Divine, do we? I can be of use. My gaze falls farther than that of a mortal, enigmas long gone I am to gather. Give me the rein."



The wraith you cannot argue with this instance, yet neither you need to listen. There is a procedure at hand - you issue a command and snatch one of the rogue spirits.



And its handling proves difficult, but your mind is made, and ordered, a strong intent supports the spell.You force it out onto the street, and seize its seeing.





Now you'll have to find the two... By some means.

A couple would-be solitudes you pass, and another settlements greets you, as it does travellers from all around. Truly, these seem designed to draw from the traffic, arranged adjacent to the road, and its inhabitants more than eager serving your needs. You have hastened enough by now, that the whole party is assembled, and ready to take the next step.



"You've carried yourself fine." the leader teases, removing his helmet, as to hint. "There's still a share of daylight left, but nothing stops us from negotiating our stay in advance. Come, it is only to get better from now on."



"Some bloody hope..." you hear from the stoat, but one annoyed glance she gets in return.



Flax wastes no time, in a blink, you all are driven to an inn.



Even more vim awaits behind the doorway than the streets hold, much like the big cities and their roadhouses. Though no savage sort, nor any non-human breeds are to be seen, still, 'tis nothing to serve unease - it is always a relief to witness man enjoy the simple life, away from all strife.



You do not get the time to scout just yet, for like a broodmother, Flax looks to pluck the lot of you, lest you'll litter - and a counter is now the target. It is not hard to reach once you've headed, it seems the other guests rest long since seated, and soon, so shall you too.



Quite busy it is on the maintenance's end as well, there's a good handful of journeymen to accommodate you, all young in swift motion. One fleets with naught but his eye, and he is to be adressed.

"A splendid day to you, and the whole fellowship!" your leader greets, and presents the company of his own. "We seek two beds, whether together or  apart matters not. For this one night."



"You're out of luck, then." the swain imparts, weary so that not much else sounds in his voice. "We have but one, in a frugal cell fit for a hermit, whereas you I see harbor a troop. You'd be better off by the temple - provided there is still place left, and I know not what they take for offerings these days..."

Flax's smile drops somewhat, and eyes diminish. More words he sends forth.



"Surely the commutation is not to blame alone, then? It strikes one as odd."

"And ever so sure, you must have come from afar. There's a disease in the hold."



Glances fly back and forth within the group, when the notion is raised. It halts the warrior longer, though the eagerness overall remains.



"And here I thought, the days of spring are yet to come!" he utters, hurling a look of his own to you and the staff. "I suppose you wouldn't tell me if everyone merely caught a cold, still, everyone seems to enjoy themselves rather well."

"Perhaps here in the open, aye..." the host continues. "We were told to lock the sick away, and keep them in place. A great plague to all who have housed them..."



"How are they sick exactly?" the stoat asks, but you notice, she makes sure not to face anyone, unlike your mediator.



"Feebled by fever, so they wouldn't move without refuge anyway, now you mention it... And their lungs are as if full of rocks and their breath of botflies, but cough they do not. It is all very strange, a sense all the psysicians struggle to suppress. They did contain it, thank the Fair, so fear not to indulge, if the room is unsuitable, you can try our prized herb liquor, or anything from today's bountiful offer..."

"Back with you on that, in a beat." your leader declares, and twists you around to moot.



"Gentlemen, and peck, you have heard the master! Could we do with a single bed?"

Little serves to distract you during the day's trip. As the leader has decreed, you've split into pairs, and it is he who accompanies you in the rear. Even save such a design, you doubt it'd look any different - your craft stirs uproar as is quite expected. And since the work is not yet done... What are you to do.



So you ponder, meanwhile your escort has a quite different concern to mind. By way of demonstration he makes sure you'll be able to understand all the commoners soon to come, fortunately, there is not too much to it, contrary to all the forms your own speech has devolved into throughout the ages. But also, you cannot concentrate really, not on the lecture, not on much else.

And strange it is too, the Wraith backs down for once, yet still there is unrest to plague you. The blood that's been spilled, the spells spoken, it is all you can think of. You dont want to. Once Flax is to introduce yet a new strange way to bend words, you step in.



"This is all rather insightful..." you mutter. "But I'd like to take a break."

"As you please." he replies, calm at first, though soon to become worried, as you try to strike up a conversation, but words struggle to sound. The warrior remarks upon this, albeit not very eloquently.



"You're not well."

"It is so... As I have explained."

"And I intend to honor your wishes. After all, I know you are right. Speak, and I am to aid you. Should we perhaps slow down a bit, if that would ease..."



"No, no. Let us just... Talk about something else."

The companion nods, awaiting a matter to discuss. It takes a while for you to deliver.



"You could tell me...What will come. When we do reach our goal."



"Well I'm not the one blessed with visions now, am I?" he smiles. "Nor can I read my master's plan, not this time."

"Oh I didn't mean that. More so the mundane sort."

"Ah, I see. Then I presume you'll be kept in the manor for some time... A jolly old place it is, I am sure it'll provide all you need, be it distraction or quiet."



"What about the others? The girl you've hinted at, but Sas?"

"I've spoken to him upon the issue, and he wills to remain by you. That should not prove hard to arrange, there's plenty of work in the village... And he's a man of great skill, no doubt."

"So we'll all stay in the house."



"That remains open. But, I can certainly help to reach such state of affairs... Provided I am not dispatched again soon after, which is probable."

"I have never dwelled under a roof, not longer than one night. I must wonder, what's it like."



"Less tiresome, can tell you that! Given you're free from the business of the day, which, my master cannot catch a break exactly, and many in his circle."

"And what does he do? If he has to shove you around all the time."

"Why, he governs! It is not that long he's in office, you see, and much of the common folk is not yet accustomed... But to that he is attentive, especially as of late, still, my knowledge is passing at best, and stay even shorter."



"That is odd. So you are strangers there too? In the land you handle?"

"Well it's been a good couple months by now... But you know people, when it comes to foreigners."



"Oh bother. If you rub them the wrong way, what'll they say to me?"

"It better be good word only, lest they'll have us to pick a bone with. Remember, you are under the lord's protection, and a guest as far as they are concerned anyway. Worry not."



Last thing you need, another fear. You're slipping into these and know not how, but at least you can get gather some intelligence. With these conversations however, there is not much space to ponder, though it begins to loosen.



"Have you been thinking of it lately?" Flax now inquires. "The living conditions to expect?"

"Oh, I suppose it is a new start of sorts." you shrug in response. A pause you leave, but a connection occurs to you, that might demand attention. Whether your fellow's as well is the question, nevertheless, you know what and how to keep discreet.



"See as I was granted my office and leaving the Grove back when, there was a certain stir I recall amidst the elders..." you narrate, and despite mentioning your flock, somehow you maintain peace in your voice, in a manner that surprises even you. Since Flax is clearly interested, you carry on carefully.

"A lot has been considered over the ages, and resolved somewhat consistently. Issues of blood sacrifice, the wolves and their hideous practice, high priesthood, total untouchability... But what I've lived to see, was the very core idea of what a shaman is being picked apart. And whatever stance one did hold, there was much ill will to anticipate..."

"Ah. So that might have to do something with those assaults upon us?"



"I haven't encountered it from those day on, then again, I didn't get to meet colleagues often..."

Now you unavoidably reach the point of contention. Crackantler, a mystic of the old ways, your deceased friend, and his defilement. Yet once more, you oddly feel as if you could continue unbothered, even though you care dearly and are shaken accordingly. A notion you don't quite understand...



"Well know this. The protection extends there too, and doubly so. And I might have some good news for you..."

You lift your eyes, as his tone warrants. And serious he is in the glance also, but remains composed in the voice.



"There is a nice chance you'll be able to acquire aid the other way... From us to your people. Sodu might be dead, but to your credit, I am sure our operations in the north are to be restored, in such a scope. The master is mindful to those that have helped him..."



You nod silent, as a village spreads itself out in the distance. It is strange to think back, as you recall yourself assuring the company, doubting in their progress. Your mind is a wild place, but you cannot show. Like in the beginning of your journey, there is just one point to focus upon.



"Then let us speed along." you bid. "The times are dreary, as we all live to learn, and a long way ahead."

Now the guide rocks his head, smiling.



"You do have the spirit. Let us."



Chain in Hand

Goal set hast, both eyes upon it
bound to the path fast but the fetter you command
Dice have been cast, sight must not shift
Not all good has passed and shall not till you stand

And it may pain on the morrow
yet life goes on so as you have learnt too
Keep the step, forget the sorrow
Then thou will see thyself through

Barred it is one turn and again
And the target missed but everyone can amend
See, even this - the pain of it then
You can not appease yet the course to come well bend

Shards of the crown lie on the ground
Ash always left as fires are put out
If, only if amidst peace is found
Toil is to be brief and forthwith ceases doubt

The whole night looms like a dream now, marked only by your hands sore with splinters, the wounds suffered and the tools acquired. The sun is high, and all of the company awake, seated on the ground nearby, awaiting your return to senses.



Before you do join them, you proof your core - the presence of the wraith is  apparent still, but something is different. Akin to a fever's toil lifted by rest, it's as if distance was put between you and the shadow while you were unconscious. A notion you can appreciate for sure, after so many disagreeable close encounters.



"See the master, rising like the sun!" Flax lows, his maw half full of mince. "Good morning, drop by!"



You only so much as simper, and search your sack for your own provisions. It didn't seem the party was talking before, but yourself the leader adresses further.

"How's the leg?"



"About as you'd expect. I have seen many punctured parts in my day, only on someone else's flesh, they take time... Let me take a look at you lot."

The fencer's arm does not concern you, albeit you have skipped much therapy the last few days, it is on a good path, and the owner can take care... Given he does care to. But no, it is the hunter that suffers more and can make your attention worthwhile.



"Did you get any sleep?" you inquire, and inspect what lies beneath the bands. Blood flows no more, but what it covered is still rather unsettling...

"Aye, ready to hit the road." the patient avers. The others don't seem so sure.



"Nonsense, half of his bowels have to deck the meadows by now!" Flax objects. "Take no chances with him!"

"It's from the shock, it will pass..." you mutter. "But noted. It is more unfortunate yet we'll plague all onlookers with our plights, I do hope the road makes up for it with its safety and all..."



"Should the going get tough, we can look for a carriage, the path is well frequented. Which by itself affords protection! Certainly still, we have to be cautious."



"Say..." you interject easy. "Back in the library, you seemed quite busy. What was it you seeked?"

The warrior chuckles, and leaves a mouthful to be processed. Then he answers.



"Books, of course! See, there's this obsession with the copyists to salvage... Anything, really! When I am dispatched somewhere, my lord provides me with a list of works of interest. Not to scour for outright, just, if they were copied at some point, they can end up wherever."



"Lot on the mind your lord has..." says the stoat, the while you nod silent. Flax doesn't stop there.

"But you, you wanted to tell me something! There at night, what was it you cried?"



What do you want to do?