{"id":213,"date":"2019-01-25T11:59:00","date_gmt":"2019-01-25T11:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/141.148.246.190\/index.php\/single-post\/wings-of-chaos-chapter-12\/"},"modified":"2023-01-31T14:37:25","modified_gmt":"2023-01-31T13:37:25","slug":"wings-of-chaos-chapter-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/index.php\/2019\/01\/25\/wings-of-chaos-chapter-12\/","title":{"rendered":"Wings of Chaos: Chapter 12"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Chapter 12: Fate of the Unborn<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Elturel was a tall city, built to keep invaders out, but also built to reach as close to divinity as geography would allow. The twin hills were steep and the roads winding. It was a religious city filled with shrines to every god imaginable, and the light that shed a constant glow over the large city was known as The Companion, an orb of ancient magic constructed to keep out the undead.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Six individuals entered the city, all carrying a weight, a story untold. They were strangers, but now they shared a fate. It was as these six mercenaries rode their horses across that wide bridge, the bridge that brought travelers safely across the steep cliffs of the harbor, that Reverence, one of the six, a tiefling monk who had spent a year in solitary meditation, had a vision.<\/span><\/p>\n

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A light rain drizzled from the sky, causing the orb above the city to cast a strange glow. Cold droplets of water ran off the tiefling\u2019s orange skin as he stared down at the hand clutching the reins of his mount. The rain drops turned to ash, smearing his skin with black streaks. He turned his horned head up to the sky. Ash was falling everywhere, covering the city in a blanket of white. And the sky\u2014it was crumbling. There were bodiless screams from within the city, then a flash. The sky seemed to open and there was an earth-shattering roar in the distance.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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Then, he blinked, and the vision disappeared.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip looked over at Reverence, patting his horse\u2019s neck. \u201cYou alright?\u201d the half-elf asked, noticing the tiefling\u2019s paused expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reverence blinked and looked away, saying nothing. <\/span><\/p>\n

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The group dismounted once they were through the gates and handed their horses off to a few stable hands. \u201cOkay, let\u2019s remember to tell no one of the eggs,\u201d Shale warned as they discussed where they would go for the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale offered Oszaren his dragon egg back. He held out his pack and Shale quickly slipped the cloak-wrapped egg into it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reverence, Keelan and Fillip turned in the direction of the palace atop the first hill, in search of a man named Thavus Kreeg, based on what they were told from the other citizens busying their way through the city. Shale, Whisper and Oszaren began asking around for a library, and were soon directed to a stone structure standing tall amongst the shops. A sign over the door marked it as The Oracle<\/em>. The wizard and warlock stepped into the tall atrium and immediately set off in opposite directions to sift through the towers and shelves of volumes within. Shale took Trigger and sat outside, watching the crowds mill by. The first guard she noticed, she grabbed to speak with. She asked him and a few others over the passing hours if they had heard of the Red Wizards of Thay moving in or around the city. She received nothing but rumours of the strange people in the red robes, but these were hardly substantial. Truthfully, she hoped that if any Red Wizards were around, they would hear she was searching for them and come find her. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Finally, boredom overtook her as she and Trigger dipped their curious heads into a few of the nearby shops, and eventually the ranger entered The Oracle<\/em> and found Oszaren, his head buried in a book. Shale didn\u2019t have much time for books. She touched the warlock\u2019s shoulder, pulling him out of his reading. \u201cNearly done?\u201d she asked. \u201cHave you found what you\u2019re looking for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Oszaren set down the book and rubbed his eyes. \u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNothing more about your deity?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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He shrugged. \u201cI\u2019ve found what I can, for now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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With that, he passed off the volumes to a boy who seemed to work at the library, and they found Whisper a few minutes later. He had made a nest of sorts in the corner of the library, stacking books around him like walls.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhisper?\u201d Shale said quietly, \u201care you ready to leave? It\u2019s past midday and the others will be done speaking with Kreeg by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Tabaxi drew a book against his chest as though he couldn\u2019t physically part with it. \u201cBooks good,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale arched an eyebrow at him. \u201cI guess they\u2019re alright.\u201d Trigger sat on his haunches beside her. A few people walked by and gave them strange looks. It wasn\u2019t often, it seemed, that they saw a cat-person, a half-elf, a black woman with purple hair and a fox, all in close proximity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip, Keelan and Reverence found the Pontius Unicorn<\/em>, a highly refined building with silvery unicorns carved into the exterior of the building. Inside, they were able to find lodgings for six with the writ they received from Thavus Kreeg. \u201cI must\u2014go meditate,\u201d Reverence told them wearily. \u201cWe have discussed much\u2014with Kreeg\u2014and now, I need to reflect on events.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip shrugged and handed off a key to the tiefling, who went slowly upstairs, as if already deep in meditation. Fillip ordered a drink from the bartender, a pink tiefling male with extravagant jewels braided around his horns, then found a seat near the window and sipped on a smooth cup of mead. Keelan sat opposite him and said, \u201cI want to go to the main temple of the city, this temple to Helm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSounds fun,\u201d the druid said<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou\u2019ll come with me, then?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip drained the rest of his mug and stood, and the two of them returned to the streets.<\/span><\/p>\n

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It was a quarter of an hour before Fillip and Keelan reached the large temple and entered through the main doors. The first carving they saw depicted a large stone paladin cutting down a twisting mass of various monsters. Keelan eyed the sculpture with appreciation, nodding his head. The paladins inside the temple walked around the stone pews, speaking with visitors or praying at the shrine to Helm. All were dressed in ceremonial armour that gleamed silver in the torchlit building. They were greeted immediately by a young priestess with carefully cropped hair and a dark robe wrapped around her ceremonial armour, disguising any notes of femininity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHave you come to pay your respects to the mighty Helm?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keelan dipped his head and Fillip handed her a few gold coins. \u201cA token,\u201d the druid said, and the woman quickly tucked away the gold and bowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt is a generous offering,\u201d she said. \u201cPlease, worship freely.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI was wondering,\u201d Fillip said before she could scurry off, \u201cis there anyone in this temple who knows of the dragon cult?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The woman nodded and pointed across the room. \u201cThe head priest,\u201d she said, \u201che is knowledgeable in most points of history and religion. His name is Guyliss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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They thanked her and started across the room to the man, who wore full plate mail and had a finely trimmed silver beard. He was bent in prayer. Fillip whispered over to Keelan as they approached, \u201cyou should really take the lead on this one,\u201d he said seriously. \u201cThis one seems to have a lot in common with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keelan nodded and held out a hand to stop Fillip. \u201cWait,\u201d the paladin said reverently as the man finished his prayers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cCan I help you?\u201d the priest said when he finally opened his eyes and stood, turning to see them waiting.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou are Guyliss?\u201d Keelan asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAye, that is me,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe are on a mission of grave importance,\u201d Keelan said, gesturing to himself and Fillip.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAren\u2019t we all,\u201d the priest nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cTo save the city,\u201d Keelan added.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSave the city,\u201d the man repeated thoughtfully, \u201cfrom what, exactly?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe dragon cult,\u201d Keelan said seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWalk with me,\u201d Guyliss told them after a brief pause, and they began to pace slowly around the interior perimeter of the temple, watching as people bowed respectfully to the priest as he passed. \u201cI have not heard much of the cult of the dragon as of late. They are a small sect. They poke their heads out every century or so to steal and raid, but that is all. A group of brigands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe cultists we saw attack Greenest were more than brigands,\u201d Fillip told him. \u201cThey are organized, and they\u2019re moving toward something big.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The priest shook his head. \u201cThis news had not reached me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat of the Order of the Gauntlet? Do you know anything of them?\u201d Fillip asked. \u201cWe recently spoke with Thavus Kreeg, and he told us they may be of some help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAh, yes,\u201d Guyless said knowingly, \u201cthey may be able to help. In fact, if you find a friend of mine, I believe he may be of more use to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWho is this friend?\u201d Keelan asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOmthar Frume. Quite a strange personality, but he\u2019s a good man. I suggest you seek him out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat’s he like?\u201d Fillip asked.<\/p>\n

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The priest shrugged, \u201che\u2019s good in a fight, and prepared for danger, so long as you have a few drinks with him after.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The druid smiled and folded his arms. \u201cWhere can we find him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHe spends most of his time in the Pair of Black Antlers<\/em>. It\u2019s a tavern in the centre of town, and it\u2019s where he does most of his dealings\u2014and drinking. Look for the loudest man in the room, and that\u2019s bound to be him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAnd where might I find a shrine to Kossuth?\u201d Keelan asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cKossuth?\u201d The priest stopped walking, giving Fillip and the paladin a long look. \u201cThe lord of fire. Well, there are not many fire worshippers that you will find in Elturel. However,\u201d he sighed, \u201cyou can find a place for him on the second tier of the holy hill. It is marked with torches on either side of the door, and his emblem is there before you enter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale finally convinced both wizard and warlock to leave the library. Once they were back out on the street, she searched for another guard and pulled him aside. \u201cExcuse me,\u201d she said, \u201chave you seen an ostentatiously dressed half-elf, an orange tiefling and a human man in heavy armour walking together? They\u2019re our companions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou\u2019re in luck,\u201d the soldier said, \u201cI gave directions to those very three not long ago. They were looking for an inn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo you know where they headed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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He nodded. \u201cThe Pontius Unicorn<\/em> seemed to draw their interest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe,\u201d Shale sighed, \u201cPontius Unicorn? Interesting.\u201d She looked over at Oszaren. \u201cFillip must have chosen that. Thank you,\u201d she let the guard leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou go worship your deity,\u201d Fillip told Keelan with a smile, \u201cand I will worship mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYour deity?\u201d The paladin asked in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe drink,\u201d Fillip winked. \u201cMeet me in the Pair of Black Antlers<\/em>. I’ll see if I can find this Omthar Frume fellow.\u201d With that, the druid strolled away happily and left Keelan to find his way to the temple of Kossuth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale, Whisper and Oszaren sat in the Pontius Unicorn<\/em> and ordered supper, and were soon joined by Reverence, who had been upstairs in meditation. He told them of a troubling vision he\u2019d had upon entering the city. In his deep meditation, he was able to see more of the ash strewn city. Screaming came from beneath the city, and the sky had turned to green. \u201cI think\u2014there may be something hidden\u2014within the city.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThis vision,\u201d Shale said, \u201cis it like the one you had of Greenest?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSimilar, perhaps,\u201d the monk said, \u201cbut much, much worse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat did you gather from Thavus Kreeg?\u201d Oszaren asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHe knew very little about the cult. But\u2014he gave us a writ, which is now in the hands\u2014of Fillip,\u201d Reverence told them. \u201cIt will help us get through the city without\u2014hindrance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Just then, a man pushed open the door to the Unicorn and something small darted through under his feet. The man cursed as it squeaked and disappeared. \u201cBarussa!\u201d The man grumbled to the pink tiefling behind the bar, \u201cI\u2019m afraid I\u2019ve let a rodent into your establishment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The tiefling muttered something and ran to the back room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Suddenly, a small squirrel scurried up Reverence\u2019s legs, causing him to jump as it landed on the table. The squirrel spat out a rolled piece of parchment that was slightly soggy, then bounded for the open window.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Oszaren took the paper and opened it carefully to keep it from tearing. \u201cIt\u2019s from Fillip,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s at a place called the Two Black Antlers. It seems they have located Omthar Frume.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe man Leosin told us about,\u201d Shale said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper, in the meantime, had watched the squirrel at the window, and suddenly, he pounced through the open window after it. All seven feet of him. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhisper!\u201d Oszaren shouted, drawing the attention of the other patrons. \u201cOh, forget it,\u201d he muttered, sitting back down.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell,\u201d Reverence said slowly, \u201cwho wants\u2014to go find a drunk druid?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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They all agreed, and set out at once, Whisper eventually following behind them, a tuft of bushy hair that looked suspiciously of squirrel, hanging from the edge of his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Omthar Frume was a huge, portly man with a scraggly brown beard and a wide grin. He was flanked by his small, female dwarf compatriot, who introduced herself as Kazier Ambershield, Omthar\u2019s squire. She was the quiet to his bellowing howl of laughter. Shale, Oszaren, Whisper and Reverence all entered the tavern to the sound of Fillip and Omthar singing loudly, and impressively out of tune. They had several empty goblets in front of them and seemed to be thoroughly drunk.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSounds like we found Fillip,\u201d Shale told them as they entered the warm room. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cFriends!\u201d Fillip shouted, standing to greet them at the door. \u201cCome, come! I\u2019ve met Omthar here. We\u2019ve been playing a drinking game!\u201d The druid teetered for a moment, then righted himself by gripping a nearby table. He stumbled back to Omthar, introducing them all.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They all sat awkwardly and watched the display.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo you guys want to see the greatest party trick,\u201d Fillip slurred, \u201cof the century?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Before they could object, Fillip stood, roaring, and transformed into a massive brown bear. Then, the drunken bear stumbled away into the kitchens, where they heard the smashing of pots and pans. The dwarven cook ran out, looking frantically over at Omthar and the others. \u201cWe\u2019ll pay for that,\u201d Shale assured him, and he scurried away with wringing hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Omthar slammed his hand down again and again on the table, laughing heartily. \u201cThat is a good trick, indeed!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cPerhaps we should wait until tomorrow to discuss things,\u201d Oszaren suggested to the table, and Omthar didn\u2019t seem to hear them. \u201cOmthar!\u201d The warlock gestured to him to move in closer, \u201cwe have matters to discuss with you. Things Leosin sent us to speak of.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe dragon eggs,\u201d Reverence whispered, and Omthar\u2019s eyes seemed to clear for a moment as he absorbed those words.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cVery well,\u201d he said, straightening, \u201cwe meet here, tomorrow morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cPerhaps\u2014for lunch would be better,\u201d Reverence said, noting how the large man swayed where he stood.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIndeed!\u201d He clapped his hands together loudly. \u201cIt\u2019s settled!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cLeosin is in the city,\u201d Kazier, the dwarven assistant, said quietly to them all. \u201cI will ask for him to be there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThank you,\u201d Oszaren said earnestly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI guess for now\u2014we wait for Fillip\u2014to pass out,\u201d Reverence said, and not a moment later, they heard a smash, followed by the loud snoring of a bear. The cook again emerged looking anxious but relieved.<\/span><\/p>\n

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At that, Keelan entered the building with a concerned expression on his face. When he spotted them, he walked over and sat down. Omthar had taken to wandering around the room, greeting strangers and asking for drinking challengers, his squire following behind him on short legs. Whisper wandered away and curled up next to the fire. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI have just been to the temple of Kossuth,\u201d Keelan told them. \u201cI went through the rights, and walked the coals, and now I am the Devoted Blaze.\u201d He smiled. \u201cI burned my legs quite badly, but it was worth it, because I met someone else at the temple. Someone who didn\u2019t belong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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They all looked at him intently, so he continued.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI think it was one of the Red Wizards of Thay,\u201d he said, and Shale perked up instantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHow do you know?\u201d She demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHe gave his respects to Kossuth but told me he wasn\u2019t a follower. Simply that he had interest in the faith. He wore a black robe, which he held to himself tightly, but I saw a glimpse of red beneath it. Besides that, he told me what area he was from, and when I asked him if he knew of the wizards, he seemed to hesitate and grow uncomfortable. Not only that,\u201d Keelan sighed, \u201che knew about the ever-burning embers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cLike the one you found at the cultist\u2019s camp?\u201d Shale asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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He nodded, \u201cI can\u2019t know for certain, but I suspect he was one of them. I tried to follow him when he left, but he slipped away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale nodded in disappointment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe should retire for the night,\u201d Oszaren finally said when the last of them had finished their drink. They entered the kitchen to find an unconscious, but thankfully back to half-elf form, Fillip. Oszaren and Reverence brought him to his feet and he slurred a few words, head lulling on one shoulder as they helped him out of the tavern.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When the fresh air hit them all, Fillip seemed to stir and began howling into the air. \u201cFillip, would you be quiet?\u201d Oszaren demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper started howling in unison with the drunk druid. Fillip, seeming annoyed by the tabaxi\u2019s imitation, transformed into a wolf and started snarling at the cat person. They started chasing each other through the streets, Reverence running to stop them, while the rest of them shook their heads and walked ahead. They returned to the Pontius Unicorn <\/em>and Shale went straight upstairs to think, paying no mind to the howls and shouts outside. <\/span><\/p>\n

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In the morning, they made their decision about the eggs. It took the better part of an hour for them to decide what they had already decided a week ago. \u201cWe must destroy the eggs,\u201d Keelan said firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThen let us vote,\u201d Shale agreed. \u201cWe have discussed it enough. It\u2019s time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Everyone but Whisper voted. Yes, destroy the eggs. \u201cIt must be done,\u201d Oszaren said, summoning his sword in a flash and placing his egg on the desk in his room. They had chosen to keep the conversation private upstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They all took a breath, Whisper looking especially agitated as Oszaren swung the blade into the egg with a CRACK.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The sword stuck halfway into the egg, breaking it open. Inside the egg lay the curled form of a tiny, grayish fetus. It squirmed and shuttered as the blade lodged itself partially into its flesh. Oszaren wrenched the blade free, then cut down again, splitting the tiny dragon in two. It oozed fluids over the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale covered her mouth with her hand, tears reaching her eyes unexpectedly as Oszaren reached for her egg next. \u201cWait!\u201d She gasped, \u201cwait. Let\u2019s just\u2014talk about this for a second.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe\u2019ve talked\u2014about it,\u201d Reverence growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI wasn\u2019t expecting this\u2026\u201d Shale whispered, heart thundering in her chest frantically.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper continued to watch but didn\u2019t move, now perched on the edge of his chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt needs to be done. We already voted,\u201d Oszaren said firmly, and in a blink, he had slammed his sword into the other egg. There was a gasping breath as the second fetus died.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale felt a wrenching feeling in her stomach. Had they done the right thing? After all their discussions on it, she hadn\u2019t really thought about the execution. Now, it hit her as though the blade had struck her instead. \u201cI\u2014I can\u2019t,\u201d Shale said, wiping her eyes and pushing out of the door before she had to witness the third.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip came out just after her. \u201cIt\u2019s not for me,\u201d he said, then tramped down the stairs past her. “I’m getting a drink!” He declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale leaned against the wall, the closed door next to her, and pressed her head back, blinking away the tears. A moment later, she heard Oszaren shout \u201cWhisper, STOP! We can talk about this,\u201d and a loud BANG<\/em>. Reverence was swearing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale quickly opened the door again. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d She demanded, looking around the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper was gone, and so was his egg. Everyone else was standing, except for Keelan, who had burned the two fetuses and was now collecting the egg shells. He looked up as she entered. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhisper flashed out of the room,\u201d Oszaren explained, rubbing his forehead. He retracted his blade. \u201cHe ran with his egg. He refused to destroy it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo we go after him?\u201d Shale asked uncertainly. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Reverence shook his head. \u201cLeave him\u2014he will come back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale nodded and left to tell Fillip what had happened. Fillip was unsurprised, as were the rest of them, by Whisper\u2019s sudden flight.<\/span><\/p>\n

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It was a few hours later that they finally returned to the Two Black Antlers, after passing through a few shops where Keelan had a large necklace forged to hold his ever-burning ember and replaced his burned cloak. When they arrived at the Antlers, Kazier greeted them and brought them upstairs into a private room. Whisper was already seated, straight-backed, inside the room across the table from the large figure of Omthar Frume. As they stepped in, they also saw Leosin sitting beside Omthar. The monk looked exhausted, but healthier than last they saw him. He stood and greeted them all, gesturing for them to sit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Whisper made no motion but to cling more tightly to his bag on his lap. The rest of them ignored him and sat. \u201cFriends, welcome,\u201d Leosin said in his soft voice, \u201cit is good to see you again so soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe have done what you asked,\u201d Reverence said slowly. \u201cWe have\u2014destroyed the eggs.\u201d The tension in the room was palpable as they all tried their best not to look at Whisper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Omthar said, bleary eyed, \u201cthis is where I take my leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSame,\u201d Fillip said, standing, \u201cmind if I join you for a drink?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cBest cure for a hangover,\u201d Omthar smiled and gestured for the druid as he opened the door. “Leosin, send Kazier when it’s time.” The dwarf girl stayed behind in the room. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat is this tension I sense?\u201d Leosin asked once the two had shut the door behind them. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Reverence sighed and said finally, \u201ctwo of the three eggs\u2014have been destroyed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnd why not the third?\u201d The Harper asked quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhisper\u2014does not want to give it up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Leosin nodded carefully. \u201cI see. Well,\u201d he touched his fingers together, \u201cI have trusted this matter into your hands. I believe you will all,\u201d he looked at each of them in turn, \u201cchoose rightly. Though I warn you again, a world with a black dragon, even a small hatchling, is a very dangerous world to live in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Reverence nodded. \u201cWe will take care of it.\u201d He glanced over, meeting Whisper’s one eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Oszaren turned to Whisper and started speaking to him in elvish, which surprised Shale, since she thought he only spoke draconic. Though she didn\u2019t understand elvish, the language was much softer to the ear than draconic. They discussed something, Oszaren looking at the tabaxi pleadingly, and Whisper looking back at him with hostility.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Keelan said, leaning toward Leosin, \u201cthis happens all the time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The monk creased his forehead and nodded, watching the exchange. Perhaps he was rethinking the trust he had placed in them. Shale gave him an apologetic look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Seeming unsatisfied, Oszaren turned to Leosin and said in common, \u201cspeak plainly with us, Leosin. What must be done with the cult? What have you learned of it?”<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI will tell you what the Harpers have learned,\u201d he said, leaning back and beginning the story. \u201cIt started with a wizard named Sammaster, who was obsessed with the power of dragons. He wrote an ancient text claiming if the dragons were to be killed and resurrected, they would become immortal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Whisper quickly drew out a book from within his pack and held it up to Leosin, eyes alight with excitement. \u201cDracoliches,\u201d the tabaxi said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Leosin said. \u201cSammaster has been gone for thousands of years, and it seemed his cult had all but died out\u2026 until recently. About a month ago, we started receiving reports of these raids on towns and villages. Except it seems their motives have changed over time. Rather than try to resurrect dead dragons, the cult appears to be trying to garner the respect of the living dragons. They are recruiting them to their cult. I, alongside another member of the Harpers, Carlon Ammofell, have discovered reports that a new leader has been elected into the ranks of the cult.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cRezmir?\u201d Whisper asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSomeone higher than Rezmir. A man called Sevrin.\u201d He paused. \u201cIt seems he has changed the doctrine of the cult.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat is their motive?\u201d Keelan asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Leosin called for Kazier and asked her to bring up Omthar. \u201cTheir motive is the return of Tiamat to the mortal plane. We don\u2019t know how they will do this, but we do know one thing, thanks to Carlon\u2019s infiltration of the cult. They seek relic artefacts known as Dragon Masks. They have already found a blue dragon mask in the north, and now they are seeking out the others.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIs that why they\u2019re raiding the towns?\u201d Shale asked as Omthar reentered the low room, looking slightly more awake than he had when he left.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThey rip through towns, amassing treasure as offerings to the dragons, but also, yes, possibly to search for the masks,\u201d Leosin said. \u201cThat is why Omthar is here. He is part of the Order of the Gauntlet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Omthar sat. \u201cThe Harpers and the Order of the Gauntlet are working together to investigate the cult. Our priority has been to find out where the treasure is being taken so we can intercept one of the cult\u2019s caravans.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnd have you found it?\u201d Oszaren asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Omthar smiled, \u201cour scouts have seen their plan to meet in Baldur\u2019s gate. They are taking the long road, giving us the time we require to plan an infiltration.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

He looked over at Leosin, who said, \u201cif you are still with us, we would pay you to do this task. Disguise yourselves as merchants, take over the caravan, pass through Baldur\u2019s gate and take it up north. By our estimates, the caravan will reach Baldur\u2019s gate in fifteen day\u2019s time.\u201d He handed them a map of the river leading from Elturel westwards to Baldur\u2019s gate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They all nodded their agreement. \u201cI fear there may still be danger\u2014in Elturel,\u201d Reverence said, looking up from the map on the table. \u201cI have had\u2014a vision\u2014of an attack on the city. Screams were coming\u2014from beneath the city. Do you know of anything\u2014beneath Elturel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Leosin shook his head. \u201cI have no knowledge of that. I don\u2019t think there is anything below the city.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cReverence, perhaps your vision was a metaphor?\u201d Shale asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s very possible,\u201d the tiefling answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cLeosin, Keelan ran into an interesting character worshipping in the shrine to Kossuth,\u201d Shale told him. \u201cA Red Wizard of Thay, we suspect. Do you know if they have anything to do with the cult?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI saw one of their wizards when I was prisoner to the cult,\u201d he said thoughtfully, \u201cand I have heard of one travelling through here, but as for what they have to do with the cult, I have no idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThere are many ministries within their magic,\u201d Oszaren looked at Shale. \u201cOne of those ministries is necromancy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat if they were working with the cult to resurrect more dragons?\u201d She said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat is\u2014a fear,\u201d Reverence said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThere are few wizards in this world more powerful than those of Thay,\u201d Leosin told them. \u201cOne thing I did learn while captured was the name of the wizard in the camp: Azbarra. But, he held no love for his home or the rulers of Thay. He seemed to have business with a fellow wizard in the north, which is why he left before the rest of the cult.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d Oszaren said, leaning back, \u201cyou have given us much to think about. Thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYou accept the task, then?\u201d Omthar asked, scratching his rough beard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They all looked around at each other, and Reverence said, \u201cwe do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cExcellent!\u201d Omthar boomed, suddenly lively again. \u201cYou will meet with my contact in Baldur\u2019s gate, then! He owns the wagonry and equipage shop there. Name\u2019s Ackyn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe will give you everything you need before you go,\u201d Leosin assured them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Leosin and Omthar bid their farewells and the group left, grabbing Fillip where he drank alone downstairs. They filled him in on their plans as they walked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019m not ready to leave just yet,\u201d Shale said, thinking again of the Red Wizard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNor am I,\u201d Reverence agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/main><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Elturel was a tall city, built to keep invaders out, but also built to reach as close to divinity as geography would allow. The twin hills were steep and the ro<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":639,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[18,19,17,14,15,13,16,21,20],"series":[],"class_list":["post-213","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wings-of-chaos-dungeons-and-dragons-series","tag-campaign","tag-cult-of-the-dragon","tag-dnd","tag-dungeons-and-dragons","tag-fantasy","tag-hoard-of-the-dragon-queen","tag-series","tag-wings-of-chaos","tag-wizards-of-the-coast"],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Giant_s-Gamble-Blog-PhotosArtboard-1-copy-9.png","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/seriously-simple-podcasting\/assets\/images\/no-album-art.png","download_link":"","player_link":"","audio_player":false,"episode_data":{"playerMode":"dark","subscribeUrls":{"amazon":{"key":"amazon","url":"https:\/\/music.amazon.ca\/podcasts\/09c34bbc-b359-49af-a286-31830ed5634c\/short-stories","label":"Amazon","class":"amazon","icon":"amazon.png"},"apple_podcasts":{"key":"apple_podcasts","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/short-stories\/id1621456328","label":"Apple Podcasts","class":"apple_podcasts","icon":"apple-podcasts.png"},"google_play":{"key":"google_play","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.google.com\/feed\/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGV4aXN2ZWVuZW5kYWFsLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qvc2hvcnQtc3Rvcmllcw","label":"Google Play","class":"google_play","icon":"google-play.png"},"google_podcasts":{"key":"google_podcasts","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.google.com\/feed\/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGV4aXN2ZWVuZW5kYWFsLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qvc2hvcnQtc3Rvcmllcw","label":"Google Podcasts","class":"google_podcasts","icon":"google-podcasts.png"},"spotify":{"key":"spotify","url":"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0lcQCRs52MfYlKs35lVX4K","label":"Spotify","class":"spotify","icon":"spotify.png"},"itunes":{"key":"itunes","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/short-stories\/id1621456328","label":"iTunes","class":"itunes","icon":"itunes.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/feed\/podcast\/default-podcast","embedCode":"

Wings of Chaos: Chapter 12<\/a><\/blockquote>