{"id":214,"date":"2019-02-01T11:59:00","date_gmt":"2019-02-01T11:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/141.148.246.190\/index.php\/single-post\/wings-of-chaos-chapter-13\/"},"modified":"2023-02-02T18:23:10","modified_gmt":"2023-02-02T17:23:10","slug":"wings-of-chaos-chapter-13","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/index.php\/2019\/02\/01\/wings-of-chaos-chapter-13\/","title":{"rendered":"Wings of Chaos: Chapter 13"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Chapter Thirteen: Baldur\u2019s Gate<\/span><\/h3>\n
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They met again with Leosin and Omthar and were offered the choice of joining the Harpers or the Order of the Gauntlet. The Harpers were for political balance and order in the lands. Shale had very little interest in politics, though Reverence and Oszaren seemed intrigued. The Order of the Gauntlet aimed for justice against evil creatures and factions. Vague, but Shale had much more experience with evil, and when she chose to join them, Omthar nodded appreciatively and handed her a small bronze medallion with the emblem of a silver gauntlet holding a sword by the blade. \u201cYou may take this symbol and place it on whatever you wish, so long as you bear it proudly. Your rank is that of Chevall.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keelan and Fillip joined the Gauntlet as well, and were each given the medallion and the rank of Chevall. Shale tied her symbol with a leather string and looped it around her neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reverence and Oszaren joined the Harpers and were given the rank of Watcher, but were told to keep their marks hidden.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper did not join either faction and clung tightly to the bag containing his dragon egg. It never left his side. When Shale closed her eyes she could still picture the gasping, final breath of the gray fetus, wings curled about it helplessly as it died beneath Oszaren’s blade. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNow that you have all chosen your paths,\u201d Leosin said softly, eyes trailing over each of them, \u201cit is time we leave you with one parting gift.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Omthar motioned for Kazier and she heaved a large crate onto the table. Omthar slid it towards him and laid a heavy hand on its surface. \u201cThe Order of the Gauntlet and the Harpers are proud to work against the growing threat of the dragon cult with skilled warriors such as yourselves. This crate,\u201d he thumped it, \u201cis a boat. Throw it into the Chionthar river with a command word of your choosing and it will unfold into either a small boat, or one large enough to fit fifteen passengers comfortably. When you wish, you may shrink it back into its crate form with another command word of your choosing. Keep these commands consistent, and no others will be able to use them unless they too know the words.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThis is an incredible gift,\u201d Oszaren told them seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Omthar nodded and motioned for Kazier to bring a second item: a scroll of parchment. \u201cTake this as well,\u201d Omthar said, handing the parchment to Oszaren. \u201cThis will get you all some disguises. You will want to hide your appearances. The cult has encountered you more than once, and some of you,\u201d his eyes trailed over Shale\u2019s lavender dreadlocks and Reverence\u2019s orange horns, \u201cmay be more recognizable than others.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale touched her fingers to her hair self-consciously.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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With that, they took their leave of Omthar\u2019s room within the tavern and headed out into the streets in search of disguises. Their day was spent purchasing healing potions, navigator\u2019s tools, clothing and, most importantly, according to Fillip, a crate of wine. They sold their horses and headed down the winding path against the steep cliffs to the Chionthar river.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They had spent a few days in the city of Elturel asking about secret lairs beneath the city or Red Wizards passing through. Keelan visited the temple to Kossuth more than once, but there was no sign of the man who had appeared before. Feeling the city was a dead end for both Reverence and Shale\u2019s searches, they all agreed to depart. They had a tenday to get to Baldur\u2019s Gate, and travel by river would take half that time. Once they arrived in the city, Shale\u2019s search would begin anew.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cPokey!\u201d Fillip and Keelan shouted together as they threw the crate into the river. The boat exploded out of the box in a clatter of wood and a woosh as a large square sail burst from it and immediately caught the breeze and billowed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale rolled her eyes, arms folded. \u201cI still can\u2019t believe the command word we chose is \u2018pokey\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNo one else\u2014will think of it,\u201d Reverence shrugged. The ridiculous command words had, surprisingly, been of his invention.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They all clambered onto the newly constructed boat to the envious eyes of the other sailors at the docks. Fillip\u2019s wine was the last thing to be loaded before they set off, Oszaren taking the wheel and guiding them around the various ships moving through port. Whisper crouched at the bow of the ship, his dragon\u2019s egg still tightly clutched in his paws. Shale sat at the stern watching him carefully. Trigger curled up beside her, nuzzling his soft nose into her arm. She scratched his ear and smiled as the glowing orb above Elturel vanished behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They were a few days into their travel down the winding Chionthar river when they encountered a beast familiar to Shale. They moored for the evening and made camp, and Shale and Fillip stood on either ends of the camp keeping first watch, Trigger sniffing the trees in search of rodents.<\/span><\/p>\n

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It was the smell that drew her attention first, and Trigger ran to her side, hackles raised. The wind had turned, sending a pungent smell in their direction. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d Shale whispered, and Trigger growled.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale found Fillip a moment later, and he too looked worried. \u201cSmell that?\u201d the druid frowned, and Shale nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip hunched over and transformed into a large direwolf and began sniffing the ground. Trigger eagerly followed him as the two disappeared into the darkness. These were the Woods of Sharp Teeth. Shale had travelled through them before, and the longer she waited the more familiar the scent became, and she had an itching feeling she knew exactly what caused it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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A few minutes later, Fillip and Trigger returned. The druid grew back into his human form and whispered, \u201cI couldn\u2019t see much, but I could hear it. Some sort of creature crunching on bones by the sounds of it. And I found a footprint. Humanoid, but massive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale nodded. \u201cI know what this is. We should wake the others.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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They set about shaking everyone awake, and once they were all gathered, Shale told them. \u201cThere\u2019s a troll nearby.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSo that\u2019s what the smell is,\u201d Oszaren said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019ve encountered it before, but I was able to avoid it,\u201d Shale said. \u201cWe could do the same, or, we could take it down. With all of us here it shouldn\u2019t be too difficult.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIf it is evil,\u201d Keelan said, \u201cthen we must destroy it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWould it\u2014be better\u2014to kill it?\u201d Reverence asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt is a danger to anyone who travels around here,\u201d Shale nodded. \u201cIf you all agree to it, I say we put it down.\u201d Trolls were known for uprooting trees, fouling rivers and clawing innocent travellers to pieces. This troll was no exception, and Shale had a very strong dislike for them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cLet\u2019s think wisely about this,\u201d Oszaren said, and when Shale was about to protest he held up a hand. \u201cI agree that we destroy it, but we need a plan first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cTrap it,\u201d Shale suggested. \u201cBut how?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI dig hole,\u201d Whisper said, holding up his claws. It was the first time the tabaxi had spoken to them in nearly two days.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHow can we cover it and draw the troll toward it?\u201d Shale wondered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhisper, can you make a hole that quickly? We\u2019re on a bit of a time crunch,\u201d Fillip said, rubbing his smooth jaw and giving Keelan a covert wink when the man looked at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMe cast illusion over hole,\u201d Whisper said, waving his hands. \u201cUse magic to dig hole.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAlright,\u201d Oszaren nodded, seemingly satisfied.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOkay, Whisper,\u201d Shale said quietly, \u201cyou sneak ahead and start on that hole. Someone will need to draw it toward the trap\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI can do that,\u201d Fillip volunteered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI can shoot it full of arrows once it\u2019s distracted,\u201d Shale breathed. \u201cLet\u2019s hope this works.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI mean, our plans rarely work. But it\u2019s worth a try,\u201d Keelan smiled, a spark of excitement lighting his brown eyes as he lifted his crossbow.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The booming footsteps of the troll approached through the trees, long clawed hands thrashing through the underbrush as the creature ran toward the shouting druid who backed away behind the hole Whisper had dug. Unfortunately, they hadn\u2019t had the time to cover the hole with Whisper\u2019s illusion. The troll had caught their scent before that could happen. It threw back its slimy black head and roared, swiping at Fillip, who dodged out of the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhisper,\u201d Shale shouted as the troll caught Keelan in its view, \u201cstart the forest on fire!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The tabaxi didn\u2019t need to be asked twice. He raised his paws and fired three consecutive firebolts at the nearby trees, which caught flame, allowing Shale to see the area better. She drew out her longbow and cast her hunter\u2019s mark on the creature, then released an arrow. The arrow struck it hard in the nose, and the troll bellowed and reached to yank it out, but as it did so, Keelan began shooting his crossbow at it, Fillip shot his sling and Reverence rolled into melee with it, spinning his spear and banging it in the knees, shins, and any other area the tiefling could reach with his leaping strike.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper conjured a massive ball of fire, which slammed into the back of the troll, searing it and causing it to scream inhumanly. \u201cFire!\u201d Whisper shouted, \u201cfire good!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keelan echoed his sentiment with a hearty cry, and they all saw as the flames consumed the trolls flesh horribly. It was bubbling and stinking but still swinging wildly. Shale understood what Whisper meant: the troll was especially pervious to fire, greasy as it was.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip roared as he transformed into the hulking figure of a brown bear and charged at the troll. Keelan exchanged his crossbow for his sword, which began to crackle with lightning energy. Shale shot several more arrows into the creature and was rather impressed that it was still standing, surrounded as it was by her companions. Fillip managed to tear a great strip of meat from one of the troll\u2019s legs. With a second swipe from the bear, the leg was torn free. It landed with a thump in the grass a distance off and began caterpillar-ing away. Fillip sprinted four-legged after the limb and ripped it to shreds in his mouth. Meanwhile, the troll swiped his thick claws into Reverence\u2019s shoulder. The tiefling took a few steps back, eyes turning red, and screamed something in a horrible, encompassing language that shook the ground and exploded in a fiery cloud around the troll. As the burst of fury hit, the troll exploded in a gory mess that splattered the surrounding trees and covered Reverence wholly in melted flesh and rubbery bits of intestine.<\/span><\/p>\n

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With a satisfied grin, the tiefling turned on his heel and bowed to the rest of them. Then, he clapped his hands together and the gore over his person sloughed off, leaving him sparkling clean. Whisper set to incinerating the remaining larger body pieces that tried to wriggle away.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell done,\u201d Fillip allowed, no longer in bear form, \u201cthough I feel that I did half the work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOne leg\u2014of the work,\u201d Reverence smiled and patted the half-elf\u2019s cheek patronizingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They wasted their remaining time on the boat with various activities. Shale worked on dying her hair black but, just as when she had tried years ago, the colour melted away, leaving cords of lavender. She decided instead to wrap her hair in a scarf to cover it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reverence showed off his new skills of freezing parts of the river. He would send the water exploding upwards, then freeze it, allowing large chunks to float after them. Eventually as he practiced, he was able to carve shapes into the ice, even managing to create an ice sculpture of a tabaxi holding a dragon egg under one arm, hackles raised, and fangs bared.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell done,\u201d Fillip praised the tiefling, nodding in approval as he used a dagger to clean his nails.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper stared at the sculpture as it floated away but said nothing. Shale thought Reverence was starting to wake up around them, and she could see parts of him that had always been guarded before.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Careful,<\/em> she thought, petting Trigger\u2019s belly, there\u2019s danger in the wizard\u2019s eyes.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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On the fifth day of travel, nearing midday, the boat followed the river around a winding corner and revealed a massive bridge crossing the mile-wide Chionthar river. Guards patrolled along the bridge in steady formation to each side as they drifted under it. Tiny faces looked down at them as the flag displaying the Order of the Gauntlet emblem fluttered its colours against the mast.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reverence stood at the bow of the ship, stiff and unmoving, staring at the city with a grave expression. He stood there rigidly for a full minute before shaking himself. Then, the monk sat and began to meditate on deck while Oszaren angled the boat for harbour.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Another vision, <\/em>Shale thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

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They docked and shrunk the boat back to its original crate shape. The dockmaster ran up to them, impressed by the contraption, and directed them to a place to stay for the evening. They left their belongings at the Elfsong Tavern and went their separate ways, exploring the city and finding new ways to spend time for the next five days. Shale left her name with Omthar\u2019s friend Ackyn at the wagonry and equipage store, telling him of their plans to join the dragon cult\u2019s caravan north. She promised to check back with him every day to ensure everything was in order and purchased a single wagon from the pooled funds of her compatriots, which they would later need to fill with supplies. When that was done, she spent her time wandering the city with Trigger, asking about the wizards in red.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reverence strolled conspicuously through the streets of Baldur\u2019s Gate asking after the cult of the dragon. He did this for two days. On the second day, a man in a ratty brown cloak slunk from an alley and grabbed his arm. The monk easily twisted out of the man\u2019s grasp and drew a spear, pressing the point under the man\u2019s chin. \u201cH-Heard you was lookin\u2019 for the cult,\u201d the man gasped, showing a sparse amount of teeth. Reverence withdrew the spearpoint a few inches. \u201cI have informations \u2018bout them\u2026 for a price.\u201d The weaselly man grinned horribly, but he was not a threat.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reverence spun the spear in his hand and said, \u201cand who\u2014might this information\u2014be from?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou\u2019ve been real keen on lookin\u2019, and not too keen on hidin\u2019,\u201d the man said. \u201cThere\u2019s been people watchin\u2019 yah. They\u2019s who sent me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reverence raised his chin. \u201cTake me\u2014to them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAs I\u2019s said, information has a price.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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In a breath, Reverence had the spear pressed up against the man\u2019s side. \u201cYou know what\u2014this is?\u201d the monk said warningly. \u201cIt\u2019s your mortality.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cJ-just a small fee,\u201d the man whined, \u201ca messenger\u2019s fee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reverence huffed, again withdrawing the spear and pulling out two silver coins, which he dropped consecutively into the man\u2019s grimy palms. \u201cMany thanks,\u201d the man grumbled. \u201cThis way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reverence followed him through the zig-zagged side-streets until they reached a low building with a wooden door built a few steps below the street. They descended, and Reverence turned to the messenger. \u201cGo in first,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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With only a moment\u2019s hesitation, the man opened the door and stepped in, moving to the side so Reverence could enter in after him. The room was dimly lit and small. Inside was a half dozen chairs placed in a semicircle facing him, and each was filled by a hooded figure. The messenger quickly backed out of the room, leaving Reverence alone with the strange group. A spike of fear shot through him. Reverence raised both hands and made the torches flare, using the moment to slam the door behind him and leap up the stairs. The messenger had disappeared, and he ran down the street without looking back, all the way back to the Elfsong Tavern, where he found his companions sitting together.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI may have found members of the cult,\u201d he said between laboured breaths. \u201cI think they want to recruit me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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As the orange tiefling fled from the room, a man on the end stood from his chair, quickly raising his hand and shouting, \u201coh\u2014wait!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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But, the tiefling was gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI told you we shouldn\u2019t have done the cloaks,\u201d a woman\u2019s voice said from behind one of the hoods. She stood and ripped off her hood, blonde hair spilling out around her. \u201cNow what do we do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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He shrugged and pulled out a piece of blank parchment. \u201cI guess we leave a note,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keelan, the Devoted Blaze, the dedicated follower of Kossuth, Lord of the Flames, entered the city of Baldur\u2019s Gate and found the temple dedicated to his Lord. He quickly found the large and notable building made of black stone and ringed with a moat of fire. He entered the large doors, reverently noting every flame and candle within. He touched a hand to the ember at his neck, feeling its warmth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cGreetings,\u201d a woman\u2019s voice said, and as she stepped into the firelight he saw that her head was shaved and decorated with intricate black tattoos. Her skin was olive toned and her slender body was wrapped in a scarlet robe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHello,\u201d he said in a gruff voice, dipping his head. \u201cI am Keelan, the Devoted Blaze and worshipper of Kossuth, come to pay my respects.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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She smiled, \u201cI am Adanja Jokada. It is rare to see worshippers of Kossuth, but they are welcome indeed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe flame has much to teach us,\u201d Keelan said. \u201cThere is wisdom to be gained from its depths.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIndeed, it is a powerful thing. Please,\u201d she gestured for him to walk with her. \u201cIs it sacrifice you are here for? To partake in the ritual?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keelan nodded as they approached the large brazier at the end of the room. She held out an inviting hand and he quickly pulled up his sleeve, unhooking his gauntlet and dropping it to the ground with a clatter. He thrust his arm into the flickering flames and felt heat as the flames coiled up and around his flesh, licking it like an excited puppy. The fire did not burn his skin as it had before. Instead, it pulled him in and he opened his hand, turning it to allow the flames to bathe the rest of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou are indeed devoted to the Lord of the Flames,\u201d Adanja breathed as Keelan pulled his arm eventually from the flames and bent to pick up his gauntlet.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI have taken it upon myself to pursue his holiness in every flame and brazier dedicated to his name. I even found this,\u201d Keelan held up the chain around his neck with the iron sphere containing the ember. He unhooked it and opened the sphere for her to see.<\/span><\/p>\n

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She gasped and touched a hand to her chest, moving closer to inspect it. \u201cIncredible. An eternal ember.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI found it being kept for the perverted use of the dragon cult,\u201d Keelan said. \u201cThe filth who worship Tiamat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMay I hold it?\u201d Adanja asked after a moment, still staring enraptured at the thing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reluctantly, Keelan took the chain from his neck and handed it to her, muscled coiled for an attack, should it come.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMight I try something with it?\u201d She asked, and seeing Keelan\u2019s expression assured him, \u201cit is for you. I will not take it from you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keelan finally nodded, tight lipped, and she put a hand on his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cCome with me.\u201d With that, the tattooed woman with the shaved head led him around the brazier and down a flight of winding stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The stairs were lit with flickering torches, and soon they found themselves in a stone landing with a closed iron door. Adanja passed the ember back to Keelan as she drew out a heavy set of keys and unlocked the door, pushing it open. Then, she led him into a room lined with glass shelves that seemed to move in the firelight. Dusty rolls of parchment and other oddments were stacked haphazardly on the shelves. Adanja went to a shelf and took down a small box. She unhooked it and withdrew a black iron gauntlet, turning it in her hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThis is the gauntlet of the Fire Lord himself,\u201d she said seriously, holding it in both hands. \u201cIt has not been used since Kossuth walked this earth. But, perhaps\u2026\u201d She moved to stand in front of Keelan, who still held the necklace open, and plucked the ember from within.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cCareful,\u201d Keelan started to warn, but it didn\u2019t seem to burn the woman.<\/span><\/p>\n

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She raised the gauntlet in one hand and the ember in the other. The gauntlet began to stir and shake, rattling closer to the ember. The light in the ember grew brighter, pulsing. \u201cIt is time to awaken the gauntlet once more,\u201d Adanja announced, and with an echoing boom that didn\u2019t fit the size of the objects, the ember flew into a space in the gauntlet, merging with it. Gauntlet and ember flashed with light, then continued to pulse like a beating heart. She placed them on a table and the two of them watched as the black gauntlet turned to red, then began to shift and spin on the surface of the table until the fist was pointed away from Keelan.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou are the chosen one,\u201d Adanja said. \u201cQuick, put it on!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keelan didn\u2019t need her to tell him. He could feel the gauntlet calling to him. He slipped his hand into it quickly and raised it, feeling the heat wash over him. Suddenly, a wave of excruciating pain covered him, curling back his spine and forcing a scream from his lungs. His vision went red like the gauntlet and he felt his flesh, his muscle, his bones turn to ash.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Then, the light dimmed. His eyes worked again, and the pain was gone. Keelan looked down in surprise as the gauntlet faded to black. His hand throbbed, but he could open and close his fingers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cKossuth has chosen you as his warrior,\u201d she said, \u201cjust as I suspected.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keelan nodded, unable to speak. The fire was inside him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI can see the righteous fury burns in your eyes,\u201d Adanja said softly, touching his shoulder with a light hand, \u201cbut may I offer you some advice? Do not be so rash in your judgement. I see that you have fought alongside fire, so it is wise to remember that fire may be used in many ways, both for good and evil purposes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keelan thought on that for a moment. \u201cSo, you\u2019re saying dragons could be good?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Adanja smiled. \u201cThe Fire Lord uses many things to his purposes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI think,\u201d Keelan said after a time, finally setting down the necklace, \u201cthat I understand. Now I just need to figure out if cats are okay, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The day after Reverence had fled from his secret meeting, they decided to return to the place to search for the hooded figures. All except Reverence wore their disguises and stood a way off from the building Reverence had told them about, while the tiefling entered the room. It was completely abandoned except for a note written on parchment and stabbed through with a dagger on the inside wall. It read:<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reverence,<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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You should know there are powers both high and low wanting to rid this world of the dragon cult. We have such interests that align with yours. We want to help you.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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I regret that our first meeting ended so abruptly\u2014meet us again in the room beneath the Gnome Quarters, where we may discuss things further.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Sincerely,<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

An Interested Party<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

Reverence ripped the parchment free from the blade and stuffed it into a pocket, then went to find his friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

Fillip accompanied Shale across town to visit Ackyn. They purchased crates filled with various spices and loaded them into the wagon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Shale said in satisfaction when they were finally done filling the cart, \u201cthis should convince the caravan that we\u2019re one of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnd we can make some money once we sell all of these spices at a markup,\u201d Fillip smirked, wiping sweat from his brow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI can\u2019t say it wouldn\u2019t help,\u201d Shale sighed. Her efforts in finding out more about the Red Wizards of Thay had been unsuccessful, and she was more than ready to leave Baldur\u2019s Gate. Money might help her dig up more information, but only where there was information to be had.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSince that\u2019s done,\u201d the half-elf grinned even wider, \u201cI\u2019m going to go see a man about a companion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnd just when I thought we were getting along.\u201d Shale rolled her eyes, though she did envy the druid’s ability to leave his burdens behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

Reverence entered the Gnome Quarters and was greeted by a small, wizened gray gnome with hair sprouting from his ears. \u201cHello, tall sir, how might I help you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The tiefling leaned down until his horns were almost touching the gnome\u2019s small head. \u201cI\u2019m looking for\u2014the basement,\u201d he gave the gnome a meaningful look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAh, yes,\u201d the gnome said gravely, ushering him forward, \u201cthis way, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Reverence descended the stairs alone and was surprised by how quickly the noise from upstairs vanished. More confidently this time, he threw open a wooden door and entered the dingy basement. The room was small like the other, but this time the robed figures were standing, and they were wearing masks made of bone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe masks,\u201d Reverence said slowly as he entered, folding his arms and leaning against the wall, \u201cdon\u2019t help me\u2014to trust you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

One of the figures turned to the other, holding out their hands as if to make a point. The other figure shrugged and spoke up with a man\u2019s voice. \u201cReverence. I hope this meeting is better than the first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hear\u2014what you have to say,\u201d the monk said seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe are not here to harm you, but understand that we must work in the utmost secrecy.\u201d The figure motioned to the group.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThen you can certainly understand\u2014that I do not want to draw\u2014the wrong attention in meeting you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cCan we trust your friends? The ones you travel with?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYes\u2014you can trust them. Though,\u201d he paused, \u201cI\u2019m not too sure\u2014about the cat one\u2014but that is something\u2014we will sort out for ourselves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d the man nodded, his haunting bone mask showing nothing of the person beneath. \u201cWe have a message from our lord, one who does not wish to make himself known as yet. He is a man of great power with interest in what you\u2019ve been working toward. He would like for you to know that he is one of many who support the complete elimination of the dragon cult. Our lord is pleased with what you\u2019ve accomplished and wishes to support you in the rest of your endeavours.\u201d He gestured to another one of the figures. \u201cThat is why we have a gift for you, but the gift is for you to decide. Would you like a boon in combat, or something that will help you solve this mystery?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cUnraveling this mystery\u2014is my first priority,\u201d Reverence finally said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d the man said, and the other figure passed a chain to him, which he handed to Reverence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

On the chain was a small skull inlaid with deep-set ruby eyes. Reverence turned it over in his palm, the six cloaked figures watching him carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe hope this will give you the answers you seek.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Reverence closed his hand around the necklace and looked up at them. This was a secret he would keep to himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

It seemed the meeting that took place beneath the Gnome Quarters was a simple discussion of the cult of the dragon. Reverence told the others there were some people interested in what the cult was up to, and he gave them some vague information before leaving them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cDo you think you\u2019ll see them again?\u201d Shale asked, thinking the meeting very odd.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cUnlikely,\u201d Reverence shook his head. \u201cI told them\u2014very little\u2014and they had\u2014even less to provide.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They all sat together at the Elfsong Tavern eating breakfast. It was the morning of the fifth day since arriving at Baldur\u2019s Gate. As they stood to collect their things and head out to Ackyn\u2019s for their wagon, a gruff voice shouted from the door of the tavern, \u201cWhisper! Is that you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Whisper looked up in surprise, ears twitching at the small dwarven man. He perked up and began speaking to the dwarf in draconic, drawing the eyes of everyone near.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat is this about?\u201d Shale whispered to Oszaren, who was listening intently to the conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt seems Whisper has met this dwarf before,\u201d Oszaren told her. \u201cHis name is Baror. He washed dishes with our tabaxi friend back at the cult camp.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe place where we \u2018rescued\u2019 him?\u201d Shale demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe very same,\u201d the warlock said. \u201cIt seems the cult has arrived at Baldur\u2019s Gate, right on schedule.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Shale frowned.<\/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<\/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<\/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":"

They met again with Leosin and Omthar and were offered the choice of joining the Harpers or the Order of the Gauntlet. The Harpers were for political balance an<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":640,"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-214","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-10.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 13<\/a><\/blockquote>