Governor Rowan looked angrily at Captain Guy after reading his report. “How could another murder happen again. Where were you,” She raged. He stepped back out of striking range. ” Governor, we were guarding the shores and ferry crossing as ordered. My ranks have shrunk. Some rangers are gathering meat for winter.”

“That is no excuse. Call back the rangers from hunting. These assaults and murders must be stopped ” Frowning, she stopped pacing. “If there is one more assault or murder, you will find yourself in Yew prison! Now get out of here and find the killers!” Quickly he left. Governor Rowan sat down and wrote a message to Captain Corian requesting an urgent meeting. She told him what the rangers had found. A trail of blood leading first to a scroll. A.M.E.L. I.A. had been written several times on it. Continuing to follow the trail, they found signs of a struggle, a torn dress and a scroll that said keep them in Ice.

 

I went with Agaris to meet with the governor. “Governor Rowan, Captain Corian sent me to assist in your investigation. ” he said bowing. “As soon as the dress had been found, I took the royal spies and guards to Ice dungeon. There we found signs that a blood ritual had been performed.”

Governor Rowan looked at him in shock, “What evidence of a blood ritual did you find.” She demanded.

“We found a sword that had been rinsed off in a bucket. A scroll mentioning Skara’s Butcher shop.  But the most disturbing, a scroll saying the her blood didn’t work so they needed another. The blood had to be from the woman taken from Skara.

Governor Rowan looked at notes that she had been given. “I read that items bearing the crest of the Humming Bird, Fox on the Riven and Komodo Dragon were found. Have you found the connection to these Tokuno Houses?”

Agaris shook his head, “Not yet Governor, our search will continue. But our first priority is to find the murder of your citizens.” With that he bowed and left Governor Rowan to her thoughts.

 The following day Agaris and I went to the Bountiful Meats. There we found more drops of blood.

“Mistress Odette, how many apprentices do you have?”

“I don’t know why you need to know, but I have three. I just hired two of them.”

“What can you tell us about your apprentices? Have you noticed any thing strange about their behavior?”

“No, they have been excellent workers, eager to learn. They work until the shop closes, which with the goings on have made me close early,” Odette began tapping her foot, “I pay my taxes so what are you doing about the murders?”

“We are investigating a lead and soon will capture the killer. Can you tell us where your apprentices are?” asked Agaris

Scowling at Agaris, Odette demanded. “Just why do you need to see the boys. The shop has just opened, so they should be on there way here. Don’t you keep those boys, I need them here. “

“Since they close up the shop at night, I’m hoping they saw something.” Agaris replied as he left the shop. Finding the apprentices outside he called them over one at a time. Having arrived the royal guard kept the others from leaving. Agaris first questioned Eram the Apprentice Butcher.

 

 

“I have just a couple of questions for you,”  Agaris began. ” The night of the murder did you leave the shop?”

“No, I was here the whole time.” Eram stopped. “Well for a moment I went to get a pie from the Baker’s”

“Are you left or right handed?” Eram, favoring his left leg, took a step back,”Why do you ask?”

Agaris, noticed how Eram favored his leg. “We are asking everyone as part of the investigation. And you are sure you went nowhere else tonight?”

“Positive, I left and then went straight home. I live right outside of Skara.”

“Thank you Eram, you can go to work now.”

 

 When Agaris called Denton over, he noticed the lad seem nervous.

“Hello Denton, I need to ask you a couple of questions.”

“Make them quick. I’m very busy.” Denton said trying to move toward the shop. Why are you bothering me?

We need your help in our investigation. The other night, here in Skara Brae, where were you?”

“Here until closing.” Denton replied.

“Are you sure you didn’t leave the shop until closing?”

Moving towards the shop’s door, he answered “No, I was definitely here all night.”

“So until closing, interesting. Are you left or right handed?”

Hiding his hand behind him, “Left handed why are you asking? Denton asked suspiciously.

Agaris saw that Denton’s hand was badly cut. “And you are sure you didn’t leave the shop?”

“No, I was here until the shop closed. Then I went straight home.”

“Where do you live” “Right outside Skara. Now I must get to work.” Denton quickly slipped through the door.

Frowning Agaris approached the last Apprentice

“Hello there Aldrick, may we have a moment of your time?”

“Yes, but I need to get to work.” Aldrick answered.

“We just need to ask you a few questions.”

“What about?” Aldrick asked curiously.”

“The other night, here in Skara Brae, where were you?” “Here working in the shop, like always.”

“The entire night, are you sure you did not leave the shop? Well for a moment, went to the Inn for some bread. I was hungry”

“I see… Are you left or right handed?” Agaris continued.

“I don’t see why it matters, I am left handed.”Aldrick looked puzzled.

“Where did you go after the shop closed?” “Right home, I live just outside of Skara, can I go to work now?” Aldrick started towards the door.

“Yes, thank you for your help.?” Agaris motioned to us to follow him. “Well it is clear that one of them is lying. I tried asking around with a few of the Guards who patrol outside of the city. He said he’s seen two of them nearby But he didn’t pay them much attention, or get a good look at them.”

Where do we go from here? I asked.

“We should probably go check the crime scene again, Evidias gave me another potion… thankfully I don’t have to drink it.” he said with a grimace. Maybe we can find out what hand the killer was using with the sword. He looked at the bottle, hoping Evidias didn’t create a potion that will blow him up… When he lead us to the dress, everyone gathered closely around to see what the potion would do.” Can we have some space around the dress please.  Now, I guess I just pour out a bit.” Agaris frowned at what he learned. “Cut by a sword, I was hoping it had been grabbed.”

 

“Wouldn’t doing it with the sword make more sense?” Lady Thaila asked.

Yes, but we need to check everything. I made us a more convenient way into Ice.” Agaris said as he opened a gate to Ice. Arriving he poured a small bit of the potion on to the sword. “Hum, a left handed sword.” “Denton and Aldrick were both left handed. Eram was right handed and had a limp. That would rule him out.

” I reminded Agairis that Denton had hidden his cut hand from us.

“True but he might have done it while cutting up meat.”

Agaris,  he could have used the sword in his left hand. That misuse could have caused him to cut himself” I pointed out.

Agaris deep in thought began frowning. “This sword doesn’t help. Someone is playing us.  Looking around Agaris found a set of tracks, “Hum…who ever made these tracks was limping.  I wonder?  All of them stayed at the shop until closing…wait, is there a baker in Skara?”

“No,” I answered. “Last time I wanted piece of cake, I had to return to Britain.”

Smiling, “We have found our killer,” Agaris opened a gate back to Skara. Now to arrest him.” We followed him as he stepped through the gate. Arriving, Agaris confronted Eram.

” Evening again Eram. I have come to take you to Yew Prison.” Agaris motioned for the guard to surround Eram.

“But I covered it all up so well, curse you, how did you know?” Eram demanded.

“You tried to cover your tracks. When we found the misused grip on the sword, we assumed it was Denton, who cut himself as you knew we would. But you left tracks. They were of some one limping and only you were limping.” You also said you went to the baker for pie. Skara Brae doesn’t have a baker. Tell us who hired you.” Agaris signaled the guards to cuff Eram.

“I’d rather die, besides they will send another in my place.” scowled.

“You won’t get a chance. Clearly, you were willing to let an innocent be hanged in your place.  Yew Prison will be now be your home for life.

Agaris looked at us, ” I will return shortly after I escort this prisoner to Yew. Don’t want to risk hm getting a chance to warn whoever hired him. If they don’t know he’s failed, perhaps we can replace him for now. Meet me at Britain Hall, I will join you after I report the matter to Captain Corina.” He then opened two gates, one to the Yew Prison and the other to Britain  Hall.

 

Frowning, she quickly regrouped the spies and gated them to Jhelom. Arriving we were greeted by regular brigands hired by Blood Flagoons. I couldn’t help but think some thing was very, very wrong. Then the world went grey. In the middle of battle, it never pay to stop and ponder events.

 

 

 

Though they were just brigands, they fought as fierce as the Blood Flagoons.  Even our brave allies, Greater Dragons, died in numbers I’d rarely seen.

Even before the battle was won, Dahlia determine it was a decoy. Dividing our forces, a small group fought its way to the warehouse. To our shock, the gems were gone. How had the Blood Flagon pirates gotten through the shield.

 

We had been betrayed. But by whom, the only person I could think of was the person who had made the shield, Evidias! Knowing that she was waiting in the northern part of Jhelom, I made my way to her, gathering the spies as I went.

Seeing me, she ran towards me. Breathing heavly she greeted us strangely. ” I’m… so glad… *breathing* not all of you went with Merrick. He said you all were, going to find the woman who was trapped.” I stared at her in confusion. “Merrick? Go with him, we haven’t seen him.” When asked the spies all denied seeing Merrick. “But you had to see him. The Blood Flagon tried to get me to teach the barrier lift spell to the Juka. But they were already gone. Merrick said that you had taken the gems. I sent a letter to Dahlia telling her.” I had never seen Evidias so close to tears. Merrick, he said he had cleared moving the gems with Corian and Dahlia. He took all 6 of them.” Shaking my head, I told her that while Dahlia recieved her letter. She knew nothing about giving Merrick the gems. Dahlia was just at the warehouse. she was surprised the gems were gone. ” But Merrick said you have found that last of the missing gems. He took all of them, blue, green, purple, red, orange and yellow gems and the device. looking lost Evidias contiunued, ” But he said you all found them… and he said you were going to help him… So no one knew?

“My lady, it seems Merrick is acting on his own again. None of us knew that he was free, much less taking the gems. We were coming to see how the barrier had been lowered. I had not seen Evidias this upset. “I’m sorry… he brought the first ones and the device with him, with you all in tow. I thought… you knew he found more… He said he was taking them back to Britain with him.”

After brief discussion, it was decided that to leave for Britain at once. Hoping to catch him, Evidia lead us to a room in the Royal Barracks. Corian had me seal this up with him, to keep Merrick from escaping. When Merrick took the gems he told me he was going to use the same room to put the device together. Sighing Evidias looked at us. Don’t tell me…you didn’t know about that either.” She looked so defeated, I hated to tell her that we didn’t.

The room was empty where we arrived. Finding Merrick’s hat ands sash, she looked hopefully at us. “Maybe he is going to return.” Looking sadly at the hat, Evidias whispered ” He asked me, if I wanted to try it on… and if it would look good on Agaris. I should have… known.”

I found a book from Merrick on the table.Evidias read it aloud. The book explained his actions and reasons to Corian. The book told that by decoding Tavian’s messages and log books, he had discovered Tavian’s location. Guards were sent to bring him in. Refusing to give up, caused a fight. When I arrived Tavian wounded and in a corner with a body slumped over him lengthwise. To my sorrow the body was that of my sister, Illyia. Tavian refused to move when the guards demanded him to give himself up. I heard it then, a little cry. In his arms was their daughter. Tavian and Illyia had tried to shield the baby during the fight… but Illyia had thrown herself in front of the child. In my anger I killed the guards and threw their bodies into ocean. took Tavian and the baby away from there. And I lied to you about what happened. He went on blaming himself, saying that it was his fault. He had been distracted by both the treasure and the woman trapped inside. that if he had only not been distracted by the treasure and the woman trapped inside It was my fault, if only I had not been so distracted by the mysterious treasure, by the woman… I’d have paid more attention to what I was decoding. It seemed that Tolivar had been trying to warn Merrick by telling his story of his own daughter’s murder and the loss of his granddaughter at sea.

 

 

When Evidias finished the room was silent. Each of us lost in our thoughts. Had we misjudged Tavian, Merrick and Toliva. It was decided that finding Merrick was more important than before. But where to start. Merrick had hidden his tracks well. It was then that Evidais thought of a way to find him. She hesitated before she told us that the magic from the device was similar to one found before. It felt like the same magic from the “otherside. the same place where Spencer had sealed himself off. Looking around I saw that the gathering had the same feeling of dread. We would have to open the door and find Spencer Hallowel. Could that be why the Juka’s had been involved. The door to the void had been sealed by their village. Could it be that the “other side” is just another trap, a prison? Perhaps that was where Merrick’s woman was trapped. Seeing Evidias beginning to look exhausted, we decided it would be better to carry on planning the next day. I left feeling saddening by what we had learned. The ballad I would write would now be a epic tale of lost loves and betrayed, not the heroic one I had planned.

 

 

Knowing King Blackthorn was concerned about recent events, I meet with several of the governors learn what had been discussed at the King’s meeting . I was told that Vos had been discovered aboard a Blood Flagon ship. A woman, possible the one who broke him out of jail, was seen standing with him. It was noted that the king wasn’t surprised as Dahlia had urged that something was amuck. Trinsic’s Navy blockade had worked. No new ships had been able to enter or leave. Trapping the Blood Flagons in Buc’s Dens water and causing several pirates included the parlay group to take up residence. Captain Corian advised allowing them to remain, until the Royal Spies had some proof they were after.

The King had given the governors good news. The Royal Guard seem to be free of all spies and traitors. I thought to myself could that be because the spy was the woman who had freed Vos. All agreed the King had made a wise decision to promote Captain Corian.

Merrick has now agreed to speak to Corian and provide him with the missing information we need. However Captain Corian didn’t fully trust Merrick. He had urged caution when dealing with him. Information that could be verified by the decoded parchment Sherry Mouse had found. The parchment hinted of objects that had been placed in the vaults while Tolivar Fence had been the Royal Spymaster. When asked what the objects were, the King simply said that for now the information was being kept secret. At least until it was compared to the list Merrick was giving Captian Corian.

Asked why the information had gone unnoticed for so long. The King reminded the Governors of how trouble the rule of Casca had been. Leaving things muddled, some of the vaults were forgotten at that time. Hum I wondered, forgotten or hidden. It was suggested that the King appoint someone to take an accounting of the vaults and their contents.

Later that evening I received a message from the King. “Tomorrow evening, I want you to meet with Dahlia. I am concerned that of late, she has not reported to me.”

The next day I met Dahlia at the Royal Spies Headquarters. It was obvious that she was troubled. I listened carefully to what she was telling the gathering.  “Corian says it was likely the servant girl was the spy. He feels that Elise wouldn’t be so bold to break into Yew Prison. “I tried telling him that she had been seen leaving Buc’s Den and had just returned. I swear that the woman’s face …” She began biting her lip, clearly annoyed Corian hadn’t heard her out.  A worried look crossed her face. “Evidias sent a letter mentioning meeting Merrick, and that everything was going as planned. She claims she spoke to Merrick.  I have not been able to find Captain Corian to ask about the letter. He has said nothing of Merrick being released. Have you been informed of his release.”  Looking around I could see that spies were surprised by this news. “Surely Evidias wouldn’t help him escape.” I told Dahlia, trying to reassure her. “We will talk to her when we arrive in Jhelom. Right now we must see why there is a Blood Flagon fleet of the shores of both Skara Brae and Jhelom.”

That news brought shouts of anger. It was decided to go first to Skara Brae. Everyone was prepared for battle. The gates opened and our army stepped through. Hesitating  for a moment,  I remembering the  quick death found  last time I stepped through a gate. Arriving at Skara Brae, I was meet by citizens fleeing from the docks. I stopped one to find out what they were running from. The citizen, out of breath, demanded that I let him go. Didn’t I know that Blood Flagons had attacked the ranger’s camp. Leaving the ferry,  I moved quickly to the Ranger’s Camp following a trail of bodies. I saw that it was not Blood Flagons but instead regular brigands.

 

Then I saw the pets they had brought, Sand Snakes! While I hate snakes, they seem to love me. As soon as I arrived, several began chasing me.

Quickly I hid to watch the battle.  We fought bravely, but still many died.  Not even healers were spared.

 

I couldn’t wonder, why was the battle so short. I expressed my concern to Dahlia.   Frowning, she quickly regrouped the spies and gated us to Jhelom.

 

Thinking that a ship might have landed on the coast, we left to search. Outside we found Dahlia waiting.  Seeing that she was calm, I knew that she had not heard the news. When I told her about Vos and what he said, “treasure being worth more than gold.”  She became angry. “That is the type of humor I’d expect from a pirate.  No matter, did you get a description of the lady?”  Looking at my notes, I tried to decide what part of the description would help us the most. My lady, the lady in question, was fair and had a slight limp in the right leg. The innkeeper did say she did not have golden hair.” It could be Elise. We know she has used disguise in the past.” Lady Dahila frowned as she thought about what we knew of the lady.

“Is there any thing else I should know? Agaris mentioned a man named Tarian in passing.”   Quickly I told her of the orc attack and how they targeted Tarian before us.

 

Since it seemed that Tolivar had told Tarian not to stop for us, I pointed out that Tolivar was probably who hired the orcs. Dahlia shook her head as she thought about what I had just told her. “You and the King will not like my thoughts about this. I do hope I am wrong, but I think Elise has lead us on a merry chase.”   Dahlia continued, ” I think Captain Elise, tricked some of her own Pirates into attacking her…I think she did it on purpose, so that we would hold the parlay. I don’t think her own pirates know what she looks like. It seems she has been pushing us to kill Tolivar Fence. She is also willing to kill her own men. No wonder she is feared by the pirates.”

 

 

Hum… “Did Merrick say anything would help?” I asked. “He was finally willing to talk, but he wouldn’t say too much. He eventually told me that he wasn’t longer sure there was an Ancient treasure. Instead he was beginning to think is was a trap. He began rambling about the time he was serving on Whitebeard’s ship. There he had meet a beautiful but sad young woman. He asked her to run away with her, but she told him that she was trapped and  only so often able to escape.”

Thinking to myself,  ah, that would explain much if she was the treasure and that Merrick was in love with her. I turned my attention back to Dahlia. She told us that Whitebeard had grown tired of looking for the treasure deciding it was only a myth. Not long after, Merrick met Tolivar. After he found a coin that seem magical Tolivar began to believe him. It seemed he had told her that the many locations we had been to weren’t parts of the treasure, but instead of the original spell.

That caught my attention. A spell, had it been casted by the same person who had cast the ritual at the Brit crossroad. I would have to speak to the King’s Mages to see what they might know. They should know if another door had been opened to another dimension. Wrinkling my head in thought, I remembered the door we could not open. It might be a good time to revisit it. I couldn’t help but thing Merrick was behind the trouble. Tolivar must have something he needs. And Merrick is willing to bury him, if he doesn’t give it to him.

 

 

When I began to listen to Dahlia again.  I heard that the conversation had turned to the connection between Tolivar and Elise. She was telling us that it was very possible that Elise was Tolivar’s granddaughter. I thought back to the story that Merrick had told us. About the man he knew once, who died, or likely “almost” died. And then the noble woman who was killed, and the girl who was lost, and the girl’s father drinking himself to death. While Merrick didn’t confirm it, it was the first time he flinched. We had shoved her towards danger. That would explain why Tolivar thought of us as enemies. Tolivar is pretty much willing to kill any of us, to protect Elise… But why would he just not stop her.    Dahlia frowned while thinking. ” I think he tried kidnapping her and failed. It’s likely where this whole, “Threat on her life” originated.   I thought that would explain the books we found yesterday.

As usual, Merrick knows more about Tolivar than he is letting on. There is something else though, that Merrick isn’t saying. That much of it we agree on . I have no idea what it is though.  Merrick is… *sighs* Merrick is Merrick. He’s willing to burn Tolivar’s whole world down, to keep us out of  the crossfire.

When the conversation turned to Dahlia’s family, I tied to connect the information about Elias to the treasure. I saw that Merrick and Tolivar’s relationship had changed. Was Merrick using Elias to force Tolivar’s hand. Merrick had become obsessed  with the Treasure. If it was indeed a woman he loved, that would explain it. We were running out of clues. I hoped that the scrap of paper Sherry had found, would be the other clues.

Others had the same thought and asked about the paper. Dahlia gladly informed us that half of it had been decoded. Our ideas about the colors had been correct. However the mages and scribes were still trying to find the color needed for the second half. They knew it was something in the purple spectrum. She began laughing thinking of the workshop. I saw the workshop, they’ve somehow churned out three hundred and twelve didn’t hues… It’s… frightening. When the light comes in the window, it’s like you’re standing in this strange world.

I suggested that the gems we found, might be the colors we need. But I was reminded that we hadn’t found a red gem yet. Dahlia suggested that I review my notes and see what colors the Vesper jeweler had made. Whoever designed it, would have made a good spy.  We’ve been making a lot of glass…

 

 

 

 

Tired, Dahlia started to leave. Stopping she asked me to take a message to Governor Rowan. We’ve got a lead, another Skara citizen was killed. The only clue was the sword that had been found. She was hoping that perhaps the governor would be able to identify the owner. I assured her that I would take both the message and the sword immediately  to her.

“Now I must go talk to Evidias. She might know what Merrick is not telling us. I’ll also see what she thinks about the door. Sighing, she turned and left. I looked carefully at the sword. It was finely crafted. Hopefully Governor Rowan would recognize it. Only one way to find out and I casted a gate to Skara Brae.

 

 

Having overslept, I hurried to met with Agaris. When I arrived at the meeting hall all I found a message and a moongate. “Step through the gate to meet with Tolivar.” Vos Stepping through the gate, I found myself in Orc valley. Immediately I was on the run for my life. Foolishly I sought safety in the cave. Death came quickly.  Finding a healer, I returned to the battle.

 

 

Before long it was over and Agaris gated us back to the hall. “Well that was quite a greeting and no sign of Tolivar. ” he said frowning. “Could we have been to late.” Thinking to myself could Vos been lying. It wouldn’t be the first time he lead us astray. Perhaps Agaris was right and we had arrived to late. Turning my attention back to what he was saying, I heard him direct us to find a mage by the name of Tarian Lokweaver. He was suppose to be in Minoc. When we found him we where to detain him until Agaris could rejoin us. Agaris then stepped back through his gate to Orc Valley. He hoped he would find a clue to Tolivar’s hidding place.

 

Arriving in Minoc, the party divided up to find Tarian. He was no where to be found. Lord Neptune called to us.  He had started toward the gypsy camp. On the way he had found Tarian Lockweaver. Looking around at our party, Tarian demanded to be released. When that didn’t work he tried to buy us with gold.

 

Finding that we were determined to take him to Argaris, he looked around slyly and began to laugh. Turning we saw a band of orcs running towards us.

 

To his and our surprised, at first they ignored us and attacked Tarian. Joining the battle to save him was to no avail. Lying on the ground, his dying words, “Tolivar, I didn’t tell.” When Agaris arrived, I explained what had happened. He too was puzzled by who had hired the orcs. From what Merrick told him, Tolivar was loyal to those who worked with him. So if the orcs had not been hired by Tolivar, who had.

It was decided that our next step was to visit Vos. He had sent us to the Orc cave and told us that the mage, Tarian Lokweaver, would help us find Tolivar. It was strangely quiet at Yew Prison. Where were the guards. Surely they wouldn’t desert their posts, they knew how important Vos was. As the others looked for them, I went ahead to talk to Vos. By the King’s orders, he wanted to me to question Vos without the others present.

Arriving at the cells, I found Vos’s guard sitting against a wall, in only his underwear, his head bleeding. I had a bad feeling that Vos was up to something. His cell was empty! I hurried back to the guard and asked him if he knew who had hit him. He told me that a very pretty girl from the Abbey Inn, had brought him dinner. The food smelled so delicious. “I sat down at the table to eat and drink the wine she had brought. Next thing I know, I woke up naked and with a big knot on my head.”

 

 

I asked if he knew the girl’s name. He shook his head no, then grabbed it. As I was searching for clues the rest arrived. Since there was no sign of Vos or who helped him, it was decided to speak to, Terrick, the one guard they had found. While he hadn’t recognized her, he told us that she had been sent by the innkeeper. He Confirmed what the first guard had told us. When we told him of Vos’s escape, he became worried. “That can’t be, a guard was escorting her. He told me that he was going to thank the innkeeper and escort the girl back to keep her safe.” When asked he told us he had seen the girl at the inn a couple of times. He couldn’t remember her name, but remembered it was unusual.

 

 

We were greeted by the innkeeper, who told us that while there were few rooms, we could have them. I explained that we here not here for rooms, rather information. I told her about the prisoner’s escape and how the girl came from the inn. She thought for a monument and shaking her head, told me that she had not sent food to the Yew Prison. She did remember that a guard escorting a lovely lady had come into the inn. Turning to the others, we agreed that the guard had to been Vos. While we debated our next move, the innkeeper interrupted. She told us that the lady hadn’t left with the guard, but instead a man in a long hood. She added that she never did see the guard leave. When asked if the lady had golden hair, she shook her head saying no but she was very faired skin. When we asked to see the name she had used to rent the room, the innkeeper blushed. It seemed that she hadn’t given a name. I looked in surprise at her. Drawing herself up, she defended the lack of a name. They had paid in gold more than the room cost. The lady had joked with the guard saying while it was gold, it wasn’t like a treasure. Now that was important information. I asked if she knew which direction they had gone. She answered in a puzzled voice, “They went Out of the city, toward the North, but there is nothing North of here.” As we started to leave, the innkeeper remembered one piece of important information. The lady had a slight limp, her right leg. Also when she walked, trying to keep herself poised, like an important lady might.

 

 

 

We found Agaris by the Britain moongate. Strangely he was counting his steps from the gate. At first he didn’t notice us. When he did, he lost count of his steps. When I asked what he was counting for, he just shook his head.  But he let it slip that Captain Whitebeard had given him something to hid. It had to be the log that the captain told of about. I looked around. Perhaps I could find where he hid it. Just then I heard Agaris mention going to Felucca Britain. He had followed a group of Blood Flagons. It seemed that they left code books in several of the buildings. The books were instructions. Agaris wanted us to find and record what was in the books. Each building was marked by red leaves.

 

With the recent attacks, we stayed alert while walking up the road. We hadn’t gotten far when we were attacked by a band of orcs. This time the battle was short.

 

When we had arrived at East Britain, I left the group to began my own search to find the books. I arrived at the West Brit Library and was able to read the book 1 before Agaris and the rest arrived. It contained orders to capture Captain Elise the Golden and her crew without harm.

       

Captain Corian was to be informed that the capture had happened and that all agreements with the Blood Flagon were off. The next clue I found was at the West Brit healers. It seemed to be a list of things to do. One of the items was to find a small scrap of paper that had a bird crest on it. It had to be the one Sherry found. Hearing the some one approach, I looked for a place to hid. Even though it was Agaris and a small group of guard, I decided not to announce my presence. As soon as they left, I continued my search. I found book 3 at the East Brit. mage shop. Again it mentioned recovering the scape of paper.

 

This time though failure would be rewarded by a bounty. The last book I found at the Calvary Guild. It contained orders regarding the spy. I felt relief as I read it. There is no spy in the Royal Guard. The king will be glad to hear this. Though it still it was disturbing to learn that the spy was a servant. It did make sense, servants are ignored to the point of being unseen.

 

When I rejoined Agaris at the Cavalry guild, they were discussing what the books had told them. Agaris told us that Merrick said that Elisa the Golden was Tolivar’s  granddaughter. That would explain the orders not to harm her. With concern he read the page torn from the last book, he then began running down the road. He lead us to the crossroads just outside the mountain pass. But alas we were too late.  There on the ground was a bloody sash, a sword with a marking from Skara Brae, and instructions on how to conduct a ritual. Looking around for further clues, we were again attacked by orcs. When the battle was over, Agaris opened a gate back to our Britain headquarters.

 

 

Captain Corian meet us. He was pacing angrily back and forth mumbling to himself that he had not signed up to interrogate friends.” I shouldn’t have had to interrogate Merrick. He should have trusted me.”  Finally he looked up and told us what he had learned from Merrick. It was very little as he would only talk to Dahlia. But when I agreed to it, he added a condition.   Corian held a small vial in his hand.  I moved closer to see what was in it.  All I saw was a swirl of colored flecks. The captain on continued holding up the vial. I have to deliver this vial to Tavain. He said that only Tavain would understand. Still looking at the vial, the Captain dismissed us. Staying behind, I overheard him say that it was odd that just when Vos decided to tell us where Tolivar is, Merrick would give me the message. That is very strange. I left to give the King my report. After that, I decided to go check on Vos. I had a feeling that something was about to happen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

October Events Schedule

• 16 Oct –  Governors Meeting.  8:00pm CDT @the council chambers in Castle Blackthorn.
• 19 Oct – Guard Meeting/promotions @7:30pm CDT @Castle Blackthorn Courtyard w/ training afterward at the BMV Ararat.  Watch for the suit runs being offered in the Community Hunts leading up to this event!
• 21 Oct – Scalis Community Day  lots of white nets & lots of fun*look for the announcement*
• 29 Oct –  Chicken Fight Night 3 @8pm CST.  Meet at the Em Hall in Brit we will gate to the arena in Felucca.  You will need a bonded battle chicken lizard to fight.
• 01 Nov – Meet and Greet @7:30pm CDT at the EM Hall in Brit.  Winner Fisherman for the month will be announced then and next fish voted on.

For the month of October we will hold a fishing contest for the Giant Koi.  Fish  MUST BE  caught in October, display the owners name and weight, caught on Lake Superior, and be able to be mounted.  The winners fish will grace the reward hall.  The goal is to display one of each of the shards top catches. Please submit entries at the mailbox just to the west of the EM Hall in Britian. *As a bonus this month I will offer a golden fish trophy to the person who catches the largest Zombie Fish for Halloween to be hung in the EM Hall in Britian*

We are also in need of Battle Chicken Lizard Eggs and if anyone has any for donation please also drop those into the mailbox just to the west of the EM Hall in Britian.

**EM Falcon may be unavailable the 10th through the 13th and 24 &25**

When we found Whitebeard, it was obvious that he had been drinking.  Whitebeard  started laughing, ” Did you see… see that getup she… had on…Ridiculous”  I shook my head, just as I feared he is drunk.  ” I’m a Pirate. *Hic* You should be careful with that one…” ” Why?” I asked. ” You likely don’t know about her… she doesn’t rob towns, or… *hics* trade ships. Steals from other Pirates… *takes another drink* Pretty good at it too, saw her… *hic* take out two Galleons at once on sea, a lot of treasure… it looked… shiny… but… *hic* I sailed the other way. Huh, why? Oh, eh, part of her gig. *hics* robs other pirate ships, so the Navy doesn’t come after her. And if she does get caught… *hic* No one knows her actual hair color, she slips on by as an “injured capture” and claims to be scared and want to go home. *hics* It’s pretty clever.

“So why are the pirates shielding her?” I asked  “Oh,” Whitebeard replied slyly. “They are not… *hic* But, I thought it was worth the risk, since the Royal Guard were going to be there. You all wouldn’t let good ol’ Whitebeard down.” Grinning at me. No we have given you are word of protection but be warned the King will only stand for so much.” I said stiffly. Not noticing, Whitebeard continued. “You think, that’s the first time she’s bragged about it?  You know… how easy it is too fool some poor sloppy drunk guard *hic*  I honestly, think she’s been trained by some… *hic* Thief. She’s, pretty good with… those disu… gu… disguise, kits. Those things. What’s so weird about her. *hics* She thinks it’s funnier to rob us, and get the treasure, while we get thrown in a cell.”

Looking around hopefully, “Someone buy me another drink? I left my  *hic* change purse on board ship.”  Hoping to learn more, I bought him another drink. “What do you know of Merrick?” I asked, handing him the ale. ” Tamais, lass, what a good friend. *hic* “So… Merrick, he tried to warn me… some years ago… What was it… Something… treasure…Oh, the Ancient Treasure! I wouldn’t listen, thought he was trying to edge me out of profit… boy was clever on his own.  So he said, you get trapped, he says, by this treasure… *hic* “His treasure.” Whitebeard mumbled. Said you’d get stuck in some weird sort of limbo, you get to the treasure, but you can’t leave. He said, some girl warned him…He tried telling Tolivar too… But, I think he believed it less than I did.  I’m starting to think, maybe he wasn’t wrong.”   “What girl, a Noble?” I asked. As Whitebeard began to slid down the wall.” *hic*  No, some pretty lass…Says she appears every so often. We got drunk, a week ago… Merrick was rambling. I think he thought he could find a way to save her? Was begging me for the clues I had. *hic* Problem… *hic* I only ever had… two clues, and you’ve got ’em both.” Whitebeard began to laugh wildly. “So, I wanted to help… but I can’t. *hic*.  Angerly I looked at him, remembering those who had been killed.  “So you sent us on a merry chash.” “yep, I felt bad… I lied to the boy, but he was siding with Tolivar. *hic* Couldn’t let him know, I told him everything I knew. *hic*

Whitebeard was looking a bit green, *  I don’t… feel so good…”  I knew the time was running out to gain information. “Did you know that Merrick has turned himself over to the royal guards”  “Nope…I heard, about something… *hic* Some rumor of  sorts, can’t remember what it is, I wrote it down somewhere. *hic*  In an old log book, I’ll try and see… *hics* if I can remember where it is when sober.” *hic* “Woah, is the world spinning for you too? I think, I need to go la… lay down.” Knowing I didn’t have much time to gain information, I asked about the treasure. “What do you think the ancient treasure is?” *seeing things blurry* Whitebeard looked puzzled. ” gold?” “You mean you don’t know that it is?” I asked in surprise. ” Why look for it then?  “You… you don’t think treasure… treasure is worth it??? I hear gold and, that’s all I need to wake up.  You should see my treasure sta… Err… No, maybe you shouldn’t. Cause it’s mine. I… I’m going to go lay down, before It ell you where… where ? it is. Can’t let you have my treasure!” *Kal Ort* he stumbled almost falling. …Kal Ort Por* After listening to Whitebeard, I decided I needed an ale. I sat down and took a drink. How to compose my report for the King? I took another drink. Then  remembering Whitebeard’s condition. I put the drink aside.  Perhaps a walk in the cool air, will be a better help.

Shouting Agaris, ran back to us. “Hurry, he’s telling the truth. They are trying to make another go of it!” Running back to the tunnels, we found more mercenaries . Wondering who was leading the band, I quietly began searching. Hiding by a wall I found Targon the Vicious.

 

I should have hired Orcs…” he grumbled. ” I told them,  give me three ships and a crew of Orcs! And I would take care of this problem. They give me humans!” In my surprised I broke stealth. “Orcs?”  Spitting, Targon the Vicious replied, “What do you care, you’ll be dead. If these stupid mercenaries can hold their swords right… ” “The Royal guard will win. You might as well give up.” I told him.  . “Agh…I’ll get the higher ground then! Targon the Vicious shouted and ran up the stairs. Seeing their leader turn to leave, the mercenaries began to flee. Kicking one who was trying to run by him. Targon  shouted at the man. ” Why are you fleeing.  No fighting, no pay.”  Pulling away the man continued to running.  “They know they are no match for the royal guard.” I told him.  “What?” I’ve come to kill a Pirate. You should be thanking me.”  Laughing, I told him. “We found the map for the pirate battle. and blocked the harbor. “This can’t be!” he yelled trying to recall away. Failing he looked around for another way . Finding none, he looked at me and begged. “You could take me prisoner, right?  Just put me in a cell?” He reached for his shoulders. I could tell that they had been crafted on Island Chains of Tokuno. The Emblem of the Fox Above a River on his shoulder pad. Looking at them, he drew his sword and attacked Agaris. “No… we don’t surrender, even if I was betrayed. I have a job to do!”  Agaris parried the the attack. “Surrender.” “You won’t take me alive!  Targon said breathing hard. Ugh… I should have… hired the… Orcs…and dodged a blow. “You think that hurts?” he laughed as lunged toward  Agaris. Shuddering as Agaris sword pierced his heart, Dying, he fell to the ground . “That seems to be the last of them, I hope. The others fled.” I need to go to see if Gallia is getting anywhere.

 

 

Arriving back at Buc’s Den, we found Gallia and First Mate Tibbers talking to a woman, “Are we in agreement?” “Yes, “Captain Elise, The Golden replied. “We hear anything, we send you word But what is to stop you from trying to capture me after you are done?” “My word.” Gallia said, her forehead wrinkled in thought, “Wait…That name… is familiar…Wasn’t there a noble man’s daughter who drowned years ago? Captain Elise, The Golden Laughed bitterly, ” Drowned? I am very much alive, no thanks to the word of “Royal Guards” and the Britannian navy.” Gallia asked puzzled, “How… what are you doing leading Pirates? Your father left you an estate, if you didn’t drown, you could have come home.” ” Oh? Am I too well mannered to be a Pirate? Too well spoken, should I have come home, to what? A family that left me lost at sea and for dead? Oh no, the pirates took me in, they raised me. Captain Elise, the Golden spit is discus. “Britannia…So then, you want your deal, then we’ll seal it. Gallia” “Then it’s settled. But I do have a question. How did you evade capture so long?” asked Gallia. ” Whitebeard? Whitebeard trades his secrets, bribes… but no one has ever heard of you.” Oh? smiled Captain Elise, The Golden:” as she rans her fingers across the golden headpiece over her hair, “Of course they have, they just didn’t know it. Who do you do with a slave girl, who speaks so well, found on a Pirates ship? You let her go, poor little girl snatched from some port or other, no questions asked.” Gallia nodded her head, ” And no one suspects you being a Pirate, a lot less the ship’s Captain.” Captain Elise, The Golden laughed, “Clever… for a Guard. Or are you just a guard too, just as I am a helpless little girl.” Ignoring the comment, Gallia said, ” Then we have a deal for now.”

 

Watching her leave, Gallia turned to us. “I don’t like the looks of that one. Whitebeard, goes out of his way not to kill. But that one, she has a look in her eye. The Blood Flagon Pirate Captain, huh? “That could be.” I said thinking about what I knew. “King Blackthorn, wanted me to make a deal with them. But, there is something… vicious about her. Gallia contiuned, “I will have to inform him of what I’ve observed.” “She seemed familar to you” I asked. ” Not familiar, no.” Gallia stopped, ” But there was a girl who was lost at sea some years back. I remember coming across the files, when cleaning out a room. Her name was Elise, her father’s symbol was a Golden, something… I can’t remember what. I don’t know, there was not much to go on. They thought the girl drowned at sea. It’s perculiar, Captain Elise, the Golden.” Gallia said thoughtfully. ” I don’t know how much I can advise Blackthorn that this Captain can be trusted. We will have to, for now. They were clearly trying to kill her and take over the Blood Flagon She will trade information, for our temporary protection… for now.” Remembering the murder in Skara Brae, I wondered if there is a tie to the man killed in Skara, He was in golden armor and had a bag with a golden image. I’ll have to talk to Agaris and Dahila later. “Oh, I believe Whitebeard had something to tell us?” Gallia scratched her head, “while I wash this hair dye out, go see what he has to tell us. Agaris and I nodded as she left.

Agaris looked up from his papers, “Have you heard, Merrick turned himself in? I am not sure what it is about, but Dahlia would not tell me anything. Captain Corian has been speaking to him since.”  ” Yes,”  I replied,” I was with him when he decided that. He turned himself in because of Tolivar the Fence. Agaris thought.  “Tolivar,  huh that isn’t important at the moment. We can speak of that later. There are more pressing issues.” Looking back down at his notes, he explained.” I was sent in Dahlia’s place. It seems late last evening, Dahlia and Corian changed the plan. They decided to send her to the parlay, in disguise of course. It was believed to be safer, and it will give her a chance to get a read on this Pirate Captain.”  “I hope that doesn’t go bad. Does the King know about this?” I asked. ” All has actually been going well, strangely.” He looked worried. “The extra Guards placed outside of Vesper guarding the entrance from land to Buc’s Den has helped. We tried to get some placed on the island itself, but believe it or not, the town’s folk of Buc’s Den didn’t exactly appreciate the thought. So we will have to make due with reinforcing it from the Vesper side.” he replied trying to reassure me. Hum, I thought to my self, he didn’t answer if he had informed the King. “Were you informed of the map that was found?” I asked. “Yes, to that effect, I would like to thank Governor Jov of Trinsic. It seems his extra ships have been enough to discourage any Pirate Galleons from trying to hang around outside of Buc’s Den. The king was very pleased how Trinsic’s support was instrumental in making this parlay happen. We have been told to report and make sure the parlay goes through unhindered. We can enter through the Vesper side, and make sure the Guards are still safe as well. As it is the easiest access point, even if it requires a bit more force for whoever our enemies are. We should proceed away. He stopped looking at me. “If you notice Dahlia in disguise, just ignore her. ”

With that Agaris called for the royal guard and we left for Buc’s Den.  Arriving at Trinsic side of the gate, we were attacked by mercenaries. Stealthing over to leader, Targon the Vicious, I wondered who is he working for? That wasn’t important now as the battle became heated. “Hold the gate!” shouted Targon the Vicious, “You don’t get paid if you die! Ha… well at least I don’t to pay the bloody fools. The rest of you better not fail me! ” I couldn’t help but notice that Targon the Vicious stay out of the battle as he shouted at his men. “How dare you flee from combat, if I get my hands on you. “he yelled at a retreating Mercenary. he yanked him back , “You, keep fighting. You die you don’t get pay!” he shouted at the man as he kicked him a back into the battle.” “They told me, “Bandits are weak, don’t hire Juka, hire from the Tokuno Island chains.” He muttered to him self. Spiting on the ground, he began berating his men again. “You, keep fighting. You die you don’t get pay! At least Juka get results.” I looked at him in surprise.  Hiring Jukas? I looked around to see where Agaris was. He was surrounded by mercenaries. I would have to inform him after the battle. Targon the Vicious: continued yelling at his men, “You fight like rabbits! he shouted kicking another mercenary. Seeing we were winning the battle, Targon turned to sneak away muttering . “Why did I not hire Orcs? I told them, you can’t take it from land. Use your bloody ships. Did he listen, No, we can over power them.” he told me. Well I’m out of here, there has to be a better way in.” and he disappeared.

 

When I was able to return to Agaris”s side,  he was  wiping the blood off his blade, “Huh, they tried anyhow? We should get into Buc’s Den. I don’t think that one’s ready to give up.” He began moving toward the city.. We were greeted by Gallia, a member of the Royal guard. She seemed familiar. Looking carefully at her I realized it was Dahlia. Agaris approached her, “We encountered some resistance outside of Vesper.” Gallia considered what Agaria said. “Did you and the Guards manage to hold the entrance to Buc’s Den?” she asked “Yes, we did” he replied. “Is this the Captain? Gallia whispered?” We will speak when it quiets down.” Looking up, handing Agaris a note, “There is word of an ambush. What do you want us to do? she asked, ” It seems their plans changed, but someone slipped up.”  While they were discussing their plans, first Mate Tibbers sauntered up,” Well we be not exactly t’ only ones after this treaaye.” Ignoring him, Gallia added , The source is mostly reliable.”  “We’ll take care of this.” replied Agaris, turning around, he was shocked to see Whitebeard was listening. “Hello Whitebeard? Why are you here?” A good pirate stays on top of things.” he winked at Agaris, “I have news of the mercenary’s. They’ve somehow dug a tunnel through the side of Buc’s Den. It isn’t very stable, but it’ll allow them to sneak in from the edge of the Island, and into the main tunnels.” Agaris considered what Whitebeard had told him. “Yes, far enough away no one would be looking. Dahlia seems to think… ahem, Gallia, seems to think it’s good. The information, that is.” he quickly looked to see if anyone noticed the slip. I shook my head.  “I will check it out, wait here. Just in case it is false….” said Agris started walking away. Captain Whitebeard stopped him. “We need to speak after your guard has stopped the  mercenaries. Meet me in Britain.” Scowling, Agrais looked at him, “Where exactly Whitebeard? I don’t feel like hunting you down.” “The Pub below West Britain Bank, I won’t speak of the matter here. It has to do with Merrick.” Whitebeard replied walking away.