{"id":227,"date":"2019-05-07T11:59:00","date_gmt":"2019-05-07T11:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/141.148.246.190\/index.php\/single-post\/wings-of-chaos-chapter-28\/"},"modified":"2023-06-27T17:22:40","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T16:22:40","slug":"wings-of-chaos-chapter-28","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/index.php\/2019\/05\/07\/wings-of-chaos-chapter-28\/","title":{"rendered":"Wings of Chaos: Chapter 28"},"content":{"rendered":"
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PART THREE<\/strong><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Chapter 28: A World to be Cleansed<\/span><\/h3>\n
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They stood on the slopes of an unknown mountain atop a portal with blue runes shimmering in the swirling snow. Around them were three other stone portals, none of them glowing like the one they\u2019d come through. Oszaren and Whisper went to inspect them. \u201cThey\u2019re operational,\u201d he said, \u201cbut inactive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper nodded and read names off each of them. \u201cThis one says \u2018snowy place\u2019, this one \u2018land of the red sun\u2019, and the last has the name scratched out. The one we took is called the \u2018swamp\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI think we\u2019ve travelled east,\u201d Keelan said, pointing at the location of the sun. It was midmorning, and they had just left the swamp in early morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale hopped off the portal with Trigger and inspected the area for tracks. Despite the snow, she was able to pick out a path. \u201cThey went down the mountain,\u201d she declared, pointing through the wretched wind.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDoes each portal need its own password?\u201d Fillip asked Oszaren and Whisper, who both nodded. \u201cWell, we should at least test the one we took and make sure it\u2019s the same password going back as it was to get here.\u201d The druid leapt back onto the portal, splayed his hands and said \u201cDrazier<\/em>!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Nothing happened. He tried it again, pronouncing the draconic word with just the right guttural hissing. Still, nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell, shit,\u201d the druid said, hopping back off the portal.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cLooks like we\u2019re trapped until we can find the other password,\u201d Keelan said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale pulled her winter cloak from her pack and wrapped it around herself, huddling her face in protectively for warmth. \u201cWe go downhill, then,\u201d she declared, and started down the slope through the pinewood forest.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale.<\/em> A voice in her head. She paused.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Gwaeron?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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You have a new enemy. <\/em>They said softly, as if the voice was a part of the wind. You cannot look for vengeance alone.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dragons, <\/em>she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Close your eyes. Concentrate. You will sense them when they\u2019re near.<\/em> The voice drifted with the wind and Shale took a deep breath, stopping in her path and breathing slowly, concentrating on leathery wings and scaled armour. Sharp teeth and thick claws.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dragons.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSomething wrong?\u201d Keelan asked, making her jump. The rest of them had caught up with her and Trigger.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYes, I\u2014I sense dragons, or, well\u2014dragon creatures\u2014ahead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The paladin gave her a knowing look and relayed it to the rest over the howling wind. They continued down the path for a few more minutes before they saw through the blizzarding snow a two-story lodge in the distance, huddled amongst the trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe should send only a couple ahead,\u201d Oszaren suggested, then looking toward Keelan said, \u201cthose who can sneak up without being noticed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale spoke. \u201cWhisper and I.\u201d She gave a long look to the tabaxi, and the two of them moved ahead, dodging between trees for cover, though anyone glancing from a window would have a hard time seeing them through the moving snow.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The building was tall and well built. The bottom section was built of stone, but the second story was made of lumber and peaked at a sharply sloped roof to keep the snow off. There were three chimney stacks, but a small line of smoke drifted from only one. \u201cSomeone\u2019s home,\u201d Shale whispered. On the top floor there was one window with a dull glow inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019ll climb,\u201d Whisper pointed to the roof.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019ll check the grounds.\u201d Shale moved around the building and saw three low stables on the other side of the yard. She went forward cautiously and investigated the buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The first two were empty but filled with beds of straw. The third was barred shut and she could hear low growling inside and a deep mumbling voice. She quickly set up her crossbow trap in the snow and buried it somewhat so it faced the door, then hurried back to the lodge and called softly to Whisper, who was sitting atop the sloped roof. She couldn\u2019t see what he was doing past that. She motioned to him and he climbed down. \u201cFind anything?\u201d She asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThere\u2019s a giant nest on the roof, and a hole in part of it where snow has drifted in. I was able to look through a fireplace and saw an empty room. Seems no one is moving around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cLet\u2019s go back and tell the others.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI just received a message from Elia,\u201d Oszaren told them when they returned. Finally, Remalia\u2019s servant had contacted them. \u201cShe apologized for the late communications, but they\u2019ve run into some trouble in Waterdeep. She told me the treasure had been dropped in the Mere, and they also found a suspicious drow carrying a crate of dirt with the treasure. She asked that we return to Waterdeep with information soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell, considering where the portal took us, that\u2019s not likely to happen soon,\u201d Keelan said, looking across the mountainside with its snow-covered trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHow would you like to approach the lodge?\u201d Shale asked Oszaren, relaying what they\u2019d found in their quick reconnaissance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhy not just walk in if there\u2019s no one home?\u201d Fillip suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThere\u2019s a light on in one room,\u201d Shale reminded them, \u201cand smoke.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat\u2019s one person going to do? I like that plan,\u201d Keelan shrugged.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAll right,\u201d Oszaren easily relented. \u201cWeapons drawn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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They made their way back down the path to the lodge, where the snow howled a bit less, and Fillip stomped first to the front door, casually knocking. He waited a few seconds, then threw open the door and shouted inside. \u201cHello! Anybody there?\u201d His voice echoed and there was the pattering of tiny feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The door had opened onto a small landing with wood paneled walls that were decorated with fine carvings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI heard something,\u201d Fillip whispered back to them, then spun on the spot and transformed into a direwolf, summoning two great white polar bears to step in first. The animals were so large they barely fit through, and Keelan pushed past fur to open the next door. The animals filed through, followed by the rest of them. Shale had her bow drawn and an arrow notched. As Fillip\u2019s first polar bear entered the next room, there was a noise and the bear roared in surprise. Scraping stone and squeaking metal issued on the other side of the wall. They jumped into action and Shale heard Reverence shout from behind her, \u201cI\u2019m going around!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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As she pushed past everyone else and took her position next to the bears, she saw there was a large flight of identical stairs made of polished wood, and flanking them were two stone statues, which were moving and lifting stone swords to block their path. To each side of the doorway were two suits of armour, creaking and drawing swords of steel. Trigger bounded through her legs and leapt at a statue, and she released an arrow, which bounced off the stone and took a small chunk from its arm. She cursed and drew her blades and moved into the foyer to make room for her companions. As she did so, the direwolf bowled into the other statue, and Fillip\u2019s bears lumbered forward loudly. Shale looked up as she saw an orange blur. Somehow, Reverence had reached the second landing and was now running across the open hallway, his tail swishing for balance as he slid across polished wood and sent a shattering noise of thunder between the two statues. The stone vibrated and bits of rock and dust tumbled off the figures from the impact. Shale managed to keep her feet and started hitting the stone with her blades. They glanced off without making much impact, but she carried on hacking at its sword arm, trying to break it. The statue moved slower than her, which was to her advantage. She could see green flash past her eyes as Oszaren shot at the suits of armour and a crackling black energy ran past and hit the wall, and she heard Whisper hiss angrily. Trigger was trying to pull at the statue\u2019s feet as it tried to move and better block the stairs. Suddenly, Reverence threw himself off the balcony to try and land on top of the statue Shale was fighting. The tiefling landed hard on the stairs and righted himself with difficulty. She saw him wince just as she was able to take a large chunk of stone from the crook of the statue\u2019s elbow.<\/span><\/p>\n

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There was another explosion of thunder as Keelan\u2019s crackling longsword slammed into the ground and shook the suits of armour. They clattered but held tightly to their swords and as one raised its arm to attack, Oszaren summoned his blade. It glowed with green fire as he slammed it into the armoured breastplate and the entire thing collapsed to the floor in pieces. Finally, Shale severed the stony arm from the body, dodging another strike from the thing just before it fell loose. She threw her body at the statue and knocked it off the stairs, and it exploded into shards of stone and dust.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whisper shot the second suit of armour with a bolt of fire and the thing half melted before falling to pieces on the floor. Shale was just picking over fallen stone to confront the final animated statue when Keelan came around the stairs past the bears and slashed its head off, pushing the whole thing over with a shove from his shield.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The dust settled, and they heard someone clapping slowly. They all looked up and, from an open door on the top floor stood a tall half-elf woman with long, silvery hair and angular, attractive features. The tips of her pointed ears just peeked through her straight hair. Her lips curved slightly in amusement and her eyes sparkled. Everything about the woman seemed oddly familiar. \u201cVery nice,\u201d she said. \u201cDo you always tear apart the houses you visit?\u201d She arched an eyebrow. She wore scaled armour for a breastplate and was cloaked in white wolf\u2019s fur, the interior of which was lined with purple silk.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip immediately transformed into his half-elf form, dismissing the two polar bears. He crossed his arms cockily and said, \u201cthat\u2019s a fine outfit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cFillip!\u201d She said suddenly, dropping her hands and beaming. \u201cWell, if I\u2019d known it was you\u2026 You got my message, then? I wasn\u2019t expecting you quite this soon!\u201d She rushed toward the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip looked bemused, then genuinely pleased by the surprise of the moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI worried when I didn\u2019t hear from you,\u201d the woman said, rushing down to greet him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI prefer to be spontaneous!\u201d Fillip joked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The rest of the companions shared looks of confusion, and Shale said aloud, \u201cUm, Fillip, is this a\u2014uh, relative of yours?\u201d Now that the woman was nearer, she could see the family resemblance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The two embraced and she looked over the rest of them when he released her. \u201cWho are your friends?\u201d She was nearly breathless with excitement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThey\u2019re just my friends!\u201d Fillip declared, sweeping a hand over the room, \u201cthey\u2019re people I\u2019ve been travelling with for months.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale caught Keelan\u2019s gaze, and the man seemed completely enraptured by the beautiful half-elf. He was nearly bouncing on his toes, not wanting to be rude, but desperately wanting to be introduced. Fillip seemed to catch on, and quickly gave her each of their names.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale smiled at her in greeting. Oszaren self consciously whispered a spell and his clothes and face were suddenly scrubbed clean of debris. He smiled at her nervously and dipped his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHow are you?\u201d she asked Fillip. \u201cPlease, we must talk and catch up!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOf course,\u201d he said, \u201cwhere are we?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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She smiled, thinking it a joke, then seeing the looks on all their faces said, \u201cYou mean it, you don\u2019t know where<\/em> you are?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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He shrugged. \u201cI\u2019m desperately lost.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019d suspect there\u2019s a good story behind that,\u201d she said good-humouredly. \u201cPlease, come in. Have some tea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSorry,\u201d Shale interrupted hesitantly, \u201cbut who are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAh, I suppose we skipped that part,\u201d she said. \u201cMy name is Talis, and I own this house. Sorry you caught us unprepared.\u201d She glanced at the destroyed suits of armour and the statues. \u201cWe were not expecting you\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cUs?\u201d Shale said quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cUs, yes. I don\u2019t live here on my own. I have staff who also live here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale asked, \u201cWho are you to Fillip?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHas he not told you?\u201d She nearly laughed, putting her arm around Fillip\u2019s shoulders. \u201cWell, you\u2019re looking at my little brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keelan perked up at this.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cPlease, come upstairs,\u201d she offered. \u201cAs I said, I can have the servants bring you some tea.\u201d They all looked around awkwardly at the crumbled statues and broken pieces of armour. \u201cLeave the mess. The kobolds will take care of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cKobolds?\u201d Fillip asked curiously, and sure enough, the pattering of feet was back and the small, dragon-esk creatures hustled in and began sweeping away the stone.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale felt her stomach squirm. There was only one reason she knew of for a person to be working with kobolds. She subtly put a hand over the necklace displaying the Order of the Gauntlet symbol and tucked it into her tunic. Talis started back up the stairs and as they followed, Shale saw Oszaren grab Fillip\u2019s arm and whisper, \u201cDoes your family normally keep kobolds as servants?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNot traditionally,\u201d Fillip said back quietly. \u201cTrust me, I have as many questions as you do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo you have a\u2014butler?\u201d Reverence asked loudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Talis turned her head as she climbed the stairs. \u201cWe do. Old Wesseck, we call him, on account of his age. I doubt he heard you at the door, even when you started a brawl in the entryway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAh, of course,\u201d Reverence said, \u201conly I was\u2014hoping to have a tour\u2014of the estate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cCertainly,\u201d Talis said, \u201cin due time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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They all filed to the top of the landing and Shale noticed Fillip looked uncomfortably behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI would like to know,\u201d Talis began, \u201chow you all came to be here, considering you seem to have no idea where you are?\u201d There was discerning in those eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip cleared his throat, ignoring his companions and stepping closer to his sister. \u201cI really would prefer if we discussed this in private. This is an unusual situation to find oneself in.\u201d He turned to Oszaren. \u201cThere are questions I would like to ask my sister that I don\u2019t think are relevant to the rest of you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Oszaren dipped his head and Talis looked intrigued. \u201cI\u2019m sure we can talk later, Fillip. For now, why don\u2019t we get your whole party settled?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI really would appreciate a moment of privacy. I\u2019m sure you\u2019re as surprised as I to meet,\u201d Fillip insisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell, I was expecting you eventually. I left a message. Didn\u2019t you get it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip shrugged. \u201cI never received a message from you, Talis.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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She tilted her head curiously and gazed over the rest of them again. \u201cIf you didn\u2019t find my message, how did you know to come here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt warrants a private discussion,\u201d he said firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cVery well,\u201d she relented, raising an arm and leading Fillip to a door at the end of the second story hall. \u201cThe staff will ensure you find your rooms and something to eat and drink,\u201d Talis told the rest, and the brother and sister shut themselves into a room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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There was an awkward pause, and Whisper said, \u201cMilk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shale shrugged. \u201cI guess now\u2019s the time to practice my draconic,\u201d and started down the stairs to find the kobolds, who had mostly scattered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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As they stepped into the room, Fillip saw there were three other people inside. Two were well-armoured men who looked to be mercenaries, and the third was a tall, light-haired men dressed in full cult regalia.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWho are your friends?\u201d He asked his sister, hiding his surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAh, these two are my guards, Malvic and Sorvek,\u201d she gestured to the two mercenaries, who grunted their acknowledgment and stood ready, \u201cand this,\u201d she gestured to the man in black robes, \u201cis Kusvia. He\u2019s from the village. You would\u2019ve come through it from the south.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAh, yes,\u201d Fillip said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cPlease, excuse us,\u201d Talis told the men. \u201cWe have guests downstairs,\u201d she said with the hint of an edge to her voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The men filed out without a word, but Kusvia took the longest to leave after eyeing Fillip skeptically. He pushed through the door and Talis shut it quietly behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cTea?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHave anything stronger?\u201d Fillip took a seat in an armchair next to a fireplace of glowing coals.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019s the Fillip I know,\u201d she smiled and reached for a crystal decanter and poured two healthy doses of whiskey, passing one glass to her brother and taking a seat across from him. \u201cSo, tell me of your travels.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cFirst, tell me why you left. The last I heard of you, our parents sent me a message and informed me that you\u2019d gone missing. A trade deal gone awry, supposedly. Since then, I\u2019ve kept an eye out for you. The only clue I\u2019ve had is that you were seen with fellows in purple robes. I investigated as best I could, hoping you were alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou didn\u2019t get the note I left you?\u201d she asked again, \u201cI felt bad for leaving in a rush, and for leaving mum and dad\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI never received a note,\u201d he insisted. \u201cWhat did it say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI left you my location near the village of Parnast and had directions to get to the lodge. How did you possibly find this place without it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell,\u201d he said with a wry smile, \u201cit seems that fate had a plan for us to meet one way or another.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cPrecisely,\u201d Talis smirked but said, \u201cthough I\u2019m still surprised you found me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cStumbled upon you, more like. I lumped myself in with this group of,\u201d he gestured vaguely, \u201cvagabonds, who happened to be following the purple robed gentlemen as well. When we came across this place, we did so without truly knowing where we were.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHm,\u201d she said thoughtfully. \u201cFate indeed. So,\u201d she straightened and took a sip of whiskey, \u201cI suppose you have some questions for me as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cCertainly,\u201d the druid tried the whiskey. It was smoky with a spicy kick that warmed him as he drank. \u201cTell me all that I\u2019ve missed.\u201d He sat back comfortably as his sister recounted her story.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAs you know, a flourishing entrepreneur like myself must do as mother always taught us and make the best of every situation. Well, I happened to stumble across something going through our family tree. Do you remember an old great aunt on our mother\u2019s side? She was very strange at family meetups, and no one seemed to get along with her\u2026\u201d Fillip shrugged. \u201cSeeing a potential there, I decided to track down this great aunt and found she was incredibly wealthy. The heir of the Erondale Family.\u201d Fillip choked a bit on his whiskey, and she smirked proudly and continued. \u201cI thought, hey, a lonely rich woman\u2014you know? Long story short, I\u2019m her sole inheritor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThat\u2019s phenomenal,\u201d Fillip said in surprise, \u201cI\u2019m very happy for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cFor us, Fillip,\u201d she said in that sisterly tone she\u2019d grown fond of using when they were growing up together. \u201cLittle brother, this wealth is incredible. I wish to share it with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip leaned back. \u201cI appreciate the sentiment, Talis, but I admit it\u2019s a lot to take on at the moment\u2026 I\u2019m still a bit overcome to have found you here, alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s\u2014it\u2019s good to see you,\u201d she said gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fillip cleared his throat. \u201cSo why, then, if you inherited this house, are there so many other inhabitants?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell, I didn\u2019t just inherit the house. I inherited the business as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAh, so she was also an entrepreneur?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cShe was, in fact,\u201d Talis\u2019 eyes gleamed with excitement. \u201cShe\u2019s part of this amazing organization. They have a deal set up with this building, and with the village nearby. Parnast benefits from the wealth, and so do I. Well,\u201d she said then, misreading Fillip\u2019s expression, \u201cyou must know about it, since you\u2019ve been following the purple robes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou assume more knowledge on my part than I have,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI just happened upon this. All that I\u2019m aware of is the colour of their robes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell, the\u2014wearers of purple,\u201d she touched a hand to her fur cloak, to the inside lining of purple silk, \u201cbare this colour to distinguish their name. They call themselves the Brotherhood of the Dragon. They worship a powerful deity. I hadn\u2019t really heard of it until meeting them, but\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cBrotherhood <\/em>of the Dragon?\u201d Fillip raised an eyebrow, emphasizing the word.<\/span><\/p>\n

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She waved a hand. \u201cYes, yes, it\u2019s a traditional name, nothing more. Women join the ranks as much as men. Anyways,\u201d she stood to refill her glass, and Fillip drained the last of his and handed it to her, \u201cI joined them, and earned their respect.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOf course you did,\u201d Fillip said, taking back the glass and swirling the drink before taking another sip, \u201cyou are a very respectable person. I myself have never had much time for deism\u2026 What does this organization do? What\u2019s their ultimate goal?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cFor one,\u201d she sighed, \u201cthey\u2019re filthy rich, and it shows. Besides that, they like to think long-term, and they\u2019ve shown me the shortcomings of the world. We, as people of the land, have grown lazy.\u201d She said the words in a judgemental tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThat is not my experience, trudging through the wastelands to find you,\u201d Fillip laughed. \u201cMy impression is that everybody struggles, except perhaps the lucky few.\u201d Seeing she didn\u2019t share in his laughter, he said, \u201cperhaps you\u2019ve been shielded from that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell,\u201d she frowned, \u201cthat\u2019s not the way I see it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t consider it lazy to sit in a mansion and have discussions with well-dressed folk, while\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she interrupted, \u201cI\u2019m part of something important. Think about it, Fillip,\u201d she raised a hand, eyes bright again, \u201cwe could reshape the world\u2014start it over and do it right <\/em>this time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI have\u2026\u201d he struggled for the right words, \u201creservations that anything is being done wrong with this world.\u201d He looked at her strangely, trying to discern her reasoning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI once thought as you did,\u201d she admitted, \u201cbut they brought me to their\u2014side, so to speak.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnd is this entire town, Parnast, in accordance with you? They\u2019ve all been convinced?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh, yes,\u201d she set her drink on the table and leaned nearer, \u201cthis lodge and this town have been part of this organization for hundreds of years. It\u2019s bigger than us, Fillip. So much bigger.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHow is it that we\u2019ve never heard of this organization or this settlement in the larger cities?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell, they\u2019re not widely known, this is true, but that is only because people don\u2019t always see them as the visionaries they are.\u201d Fillip searched for the right words, and she spoke again. \u201cListen, I don\u2019t expect to convert you to anything, especially not in a day. Certainly, it\u2019s not the end of the world if you think something I do is crazy,\u201d she laughed breathlessly, \u201cbut you should know there are many things in motion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSo, it is the end of the world,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI have to warn you, it will come,\u201d she said, growing serious and clenching her hands somewhat nervously on her lap. \u201cOnly, I\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure the world is destined to end at some point, surely long after our time is done,\u201d he said lightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cFillip,\u201d she said again seriously, \u201cbrother. I don\u2019t know exactly when it will happen, but it will. In fact, it\u2019s already started. I have chosen the side that will keep me alive through it all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI think I must insist you clarify this for me,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat do you mean by the end of the world? It seems hypothetical to me. The end of the world is a long way off for elves, who live such long lives\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSo we think,\u201d Talis looked down, fixing her eyes on the burning coals in the fireplace. \u201cAs I said, it is already in motion. It cannot be undone. This world will be <\/em>destroyed,\u201d she met his eyes again, \u201cvery shortly, even for a half-elf.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Fillip couldn\u2019t keep the bite out of his tone, \u201cSo your organization seeks to destroy the world, and you\u2019re okay with that<\/em>? It sounds a tad contentious, no?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe only hope to cleanse the world of the people who have become content and lazy\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cLike yourself,\u201d he said again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

She gave him a stern look, then softened her gaze after a moment. \u201cYou don\u2019t get it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

He, however, would not relent. \u201cNothing placates you more than sitting in a mansion while the rest of the world goes on struggling, and you await some grand prize to be delivered at your doorstep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI do not sit idly,\u201d she said firmly. \u201cMay I remind you that I have worked for this position? I am active in this whole endeavour.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Growing suddenly weary, he leaned back and set aside the half-finished drink. \u201cWho else in this organization can I speak to about this world-ending business?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

She sighed. \u201cThere is Rezmir, though I don\u2019t much care for her.\u201d When he tilted his head questioningly, she said, \u201cI was set up to be somewhat bigger than I am in this organization. Rezmir and her\u2014friends, pushed someone ahead of me in line. A dwarf named Varim. Sevrin, our other leader, wanted to instate me in something rather important before Rezmir moved in and gave it to the dwarf.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnd what of Rezmir? Is she nearby? I would like to speak with her if I could\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

She crossed her arms. \u201cI try to stay as far from her as I can. Nor have I seen her for a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat about this Sevrin fellow? Is he around?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNo, unfortunately,\u201d she said. \u201cThis is Rezmir\u2019s territory.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cBut, Sevrin supersedes Rezmir\u2026?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYes, well, it\u2019s all very complicated,\u201d she brushed it off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt sounds it.\u201d Fillip said in frustration.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cRezmir spends most of her time in the castle, which is all right by me,\u201d Talis said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWell, perhaps you can tell me how to get home quickly,\u201d he said resignedly. \u201cOur parents are terrified about what might\u2019ve befallen you. I should return to them and tell them you\u2019re all right and assure them that all they need worry about now is,\u201d he paused, and said flatly, \u201cthe end of the world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

She looked about to protest, then said softly, \u201cDon\u2019t trouble them with this, Fillip. I snuck away because I knew they wouldn\u2019t understand my goals. But, you. I thought you, perhaps, would know why I did it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe search for wealth is something I can relate to,\u201d Fillip said, \u201cbut your desire for the end of days\u2014well, it seems we should be seeking just the opposite. Your condescension of the common folk, I think, is born of ignorance and a lack of interaction. I once saw it as you did, until I was amongst them.\u201d He paused. \u201cI would like to discuss this further, but at this moment, I think neither of us will come to a mutual understanding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The next words she spoke carefully. \u201cThis is why we must look after ourselves, first and foremost. Even if I were to agree with you and say the people I\u2019ve met are worth saving, this is not something that can be undone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s terribly defeatist.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cFillip,\u201d she said, \u201cwe must choose sides at this point. And either we choose this side, or,\u201d she sighed heavily, \u201cor we die.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHow can you be so sure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

That caught him off guard. \u201cCan you show me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNot\u2014yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the only way you can hope to persuade me, Talis.\u201d He said reasonably.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe gods once walked this world. We found the power to bring this one deity back to cleanse the world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt sounds as though we could still prevent it, surely.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

She opened her hands helplessly. \u201cThat power is not with me, brother. There are thousands of members in this organization.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnd millions of others in this world.\u201d He pointed out, anger returning to his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWho have no idea, and who, unfortunately, will be unknowing casualties of this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Fillip let out a long breath and stood slowly. \u201cThere is much to think on, but let\u2019s hold the discussion here for now. I would like to speak with my companions and have their opinions voiced.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe vagabonds?\u201d She asked, using his own words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

He shrugged and she stood as well, looking awkward. \u201cI would like to talk to Rezmir,\u201d Fillip said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI could help you get into the castle,\u201d she said agreeably. \u201cI hope you change your mind.\u201d She sounded disappointed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnd I hope you change yours.\u201d Then Fillip gave her a small smile. \u201cI am<\/em> glad to find you alive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSo am I,\u201d she said, and relieved to end the conversation there, Talis reached for her little brother and pulled him into an embrace, much left unsaid.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

The afternoon for the rest of the party was spent mainly in the kitchens. It turned out there were a few human servants as well as kobolds, and Old Wesseck showed them to two adjacent guest rooms lined with smaller beds on the second story of the lodge. Shale and Trigger followed Whisper and Oszaren to the library, where they read and occasionally taught her a few phrases in draconic, reading out whole passages in books to test what she understood. Which, it turned out, was very little. Reverence spent time with the kitchen maid, Marcella, and seemed to be making progress in his awkward attempt to flirt with her. Fillip returned to them after an hour with Talis and relayed their conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cShe told me how to get into the castle,\u201d he said. \u201cMind you, it\u2019s a floating castle just outside of Parnast. She said we can approach with her banner and give the password \u2018Tiamat, our Mother and Strength\u2019 and they should let us in.\u201d Fillip feigned interest in becoming a recruit for the benefit of the lurking staff, and they all played along with the act.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They waited until the privacy of evening in their rooms to discuss the matter further, and decided they would find and kill Rezmir first, since she was their only witness to their identities as enemies of the cult. Once that was done, they could look for the password back through the portal into the swamp. From there, Waterdeep to help Remalia.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The following morning was a brighter day. The snow glistened on the trees and the clouds were sparse in the blue sky. Shale took Trigger out for a walk in the morning and subtly dismantled her crossbow trap in front of the stables while the rest sat down to break their fast. When she returned, she passed Keelan, who mumbled something about wanting to look in the locked stables. She shook her head, knowing there could be no persuading the paladin otherwise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Whisper and Oszaren were especially interested in the various tapestries throughout the house and insisted on a tour of each of them. Shale unhappily agreed to the boring walk around and followed them through the wood paneled rooms as one of Talis\u2019 guards, Sorvek, described each of them in painful, droning detail.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

It was the last tapestry in the parlour that caught their attentions. The fabric glowed faintly and seemed to shift without actual movement. It displayed three hounds taking down a stag. The fabric showed a white land drenched in the blood of the fallen animal. As Sorvek walked them to it, he warned, \u201cDon\u2019t touch it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIs it magic?\u201d Whisper asked curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been known to make those who touch it disappear,\u201d the man said knowingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cTell me more,\u201d the tabaxi insisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all there is to tell,\u201d Sorvek splayed his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhere do the people go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he said, \u201cbut very few return, and those who do come back half frozen from the forest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t tell me how it works,\u201d Whisper warned honestly, \u201cI will touch it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cBe my guest,\u201d he said, chuckling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Glaring testily for a moment, Whisper looked at Oszaren, who nudged a table holding a beautifully hand-painted porcelain egg. It teetered and rolled to the edge of the table. Sorvek jumped as the thing smashed and once he was turned away, Whisper shot his owl into the tapestry. The owl flapped its wings and soared into it, disappearing from the room and reappearing at the edge of the fabric. The fabric shimmered and the image of the owl soared out of the edge and was gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They continued the tour as if nothing was amiss, Oszaren apologizing fiercely about the broken egg, then made their way back to the library to whittle away the remainder of the day. Keelan returned from the stables looking excited and told them he\u2019d met a troll. The story was a bit jumbled, and they weren\u2019t sure if the troll had four arms, or if there\u2019d been two trolls, or if, perhaps, Keelan was being Keelan. Shale thought she could smell ale on his breath, in any case.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Despite her usual dislike for being stationary, Shale sat and worked at her studies of draconic. She felt a prodding in the back of her mind, and she wasn\u2019t sure if it was her, or Gwaeron, but she did know that the language was important. If she was going to help stop the cult and eventually find the Red Wizard who destroyed her home and her family, she would need to know everything she could about dragons. \u201cDrazier<\/em>,\u201d she whispered thoughtfully, tracing another page with the tip of her finger as Trigger curled up lazily next to the crackling fireplace, \u201cDrazier,\u201d she said again, feeling out the pronunciation of the guttural language. The r\u2019s were particularly difficult and ended in something that resembled a wet cough. Trigger yawned and went to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

\n

Oszaren sat alone on a bed in their shared room, legs crossed with a book on his lap, his back resting against the headboard. Next to him sat a pile of papers where he\u2019d been scrawling notes. He dropped his pen and stared down at the words he\u2019d just translated. With shaking hands, he pulled his tattered sleeve back over his tattoo. He\u2019d finally cracked it, the message inked into his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Three tenants for the queen\u2019s three chosen, <\/em>it read. Embody the oaths and be esteemed. Denounce the oaths and be disowned.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

In his head came the deep voice. Her voice. \u201cFind the traitor and extinguish them,\u201d she said smoothly. \u201cDefiance cannot go unpunished.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Oszaren held out his hand and in a flash his blade appeared. He raised the greatsword and stared at the pommel. Who\u2019s the traitor?<\/em> The warlock wondered, and the sword disappeared.<\/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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/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":"

The companions travel through a portal across Faerun into unknown territory, and come across a mysterious place housing members of the cult. Fillip discovers someone from his past as this story based on the Hoard of the Dragon Queen campaign continues.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":773,"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-227","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\/Giants-Gamble-Blog-PhotosArtboard-3-copy-7.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 28<\/a><\/blockquote>