Varielky sits with her back against one of the cart's sides, mostly quiet. She doesn't have much to contribute to the conversation, but she listens - maybe something will come up. Actually, something does bother Varielky, but it takes time for her to put the finger on it. A sentence that Ayyur said, didn't wholly match Varielky's perception of things. Maybe she's just making assumptions, but she should ask anyway.

"Is Safiyah a rare name around the vale? You say that you haven't heard it in a very long time, but even during my rather short visit to Kalahata I met someone named Safiyah." Although, thinking again, how many people could the pair even meet, never really leaving the castle? It could just happen to be the case that none of those who visited the castle was named that. Maybe the name's meaning in Shian wasn't one befitting a noble, though that was a strange thought. After a short pause, perhaps a questioning look from the others, Varielky assures: "Ah, no. Far too young to be the one."

Snow: "Could there be any letters or correspondence that would give a hint as to what the falling out was regarding? Or as to where Saffiyah went?”

• Ayyur: “I suppose so, but… most of the House records have been moved to the amboule archives in Kalahata, whereas anything still here… you saw what the goblins did to the map room. They hate objects of learning, which are beyond their ability to understand, and which their evil minds resent for that reason.”
• Granophyre: “Snow! I think you may have struck upon an important question. The scroll given me by the yemma’s ghost… I only glanced at it, a piece of old correspondence. If it remains in the vault, it may be the clue we seek.”

Snow: "Are you aware of the particular village that she came here from?"

• Ayyur: “If she ever said, I seem to have forgotten. But I remember as a young girl — when I too was very young — she had no qualms about wandering the mountain glens unaccompanied, to the consternation of her mother.”

Varielky: “Is Safiyah a rare name around the vale?”

• Ayyur: “I have never met another. Have you, Jabu?” 
• Jabu: “Can’t say that I have. But… if the Safiyah you met, Lady Varielky, is younger… it is the tradition of the mountain folks to name after the mother or grandmother. Perhaps she was a daughter or granddaughter to the yemma’s childhood friend.”

Snow shuts his eyes and tries to rest, although the bumping of the wagon doesn’t make this easy. His muscles and even his bones ache, a feeling highlighted with every jostle of the wagon.

“It seems there is nothing for it but wait until we get to the Dacha. Is there any food there? I feel like I haven’t eaten for a week”, he asks realising how hungry he is as his body starts to adjust.

”It is such a shame what those fiends did to the map room. We may have found something detailing the mountain villages in the area”.

In time, the wagon arrives back at the castle. Smoke drifts upward from an enormous pyre outside the walls where many goblin bodies were dragged and burned. 

Ayyur and Jabu take you inside — the castle is empty — and down to the kitchen where they feed you. You find all of your things in the vault, and Granophyre opens the scroll gifted to him by the Yemma’s ghost.

You may spend two days in the castle resting and recovering levels of exhaustion, and exploring if you wish, without incident. There is still much to be repaired and cleaned, which the old Isgadens set to work upon. 

“I believe the answer to the question of where next to turn is embodied in the scroll which Nafsawiyah’s ghost bequeathed to me,” says Granophyre. “Do you see the clue?”

He opens the scroll and hands it to you to read.

As a reminder, here is Gtanophyre’s map of the Vale of Deshar, with Kalahata at its bottom, where your adventure in the Vale commenced, and Abziri Dacha, your present location, top and center.

Snow takes the scroll and reads the letter out loud so that Varielky and Auger could hear it also. Once he has finished he rolls it back up and hands it back to Strewn.

"Well, there are a couple of things that stand out with the letter. First is that Badis and Safiyah were very close. That is the same Badis that went on to marry Nafsawiyah right? That could have been awkward and a reason for them falling out. Secondly is the talk of a forwarding address. Safiyah states that the El Harrouch School for Girls would know where to find her", he says stroking his chin and giving a slight frown.

"But isn't El Harrouch where Ayyur said the Seneschal and his Lady went?", he adds a bit nervously.

Ah! What a fool! Had she known that, could this entire journey have been shortened? "She..." Varielky's face falls. "I didn't think that was the case. I assumed it was a common name. But, even if they are related, I met her in Kalahata... I might be able to find her again - it was in a tavern by the arena - but going back might be problematic, and might not even yield any results." She raises her eyes, previously fixed on the floor in front of her, looking at Strewn. "The choice is yours."

---

"I believe I still owe you an answer, Captain." Varielky addresses Snow, perhaps after some time riding the cart in silence. "But I do not perfectly remember your question. What I do remember, though, is what I wished to answer. I hope you can make of it what it should have been, back then. 
"I was raised to worship the gods in a specific way. Moreover, I especially worship certain gods over others. And, although I believe this is common amongst the people from which I hail, it does not mean it is true for all. Certainly, not for other cultures, as I've come to learn. A proof of that I see in the fact that not all gods are gods of war, and those gods are definitely not worshipped the same way. There are gods of music, too. And thus, there are musicians, farmers, fishers, carpenters... and fighters. Each has its own way of proving its worth. There is no wrong with that. However, one should not do what they're not meant to do. I can honour a goddess of agriculture, but I would not grow crops. I might unknowingly do something forbidden, or forget to do something important. Meanwhile, those farmers should not be fighting for no reason. In self-defence, or in defence of something which cannot defend itself, maybe."

---

(In the castle.)

"It sounds like no mystery to me," Varielky concludes. "Whatever caused the falling, it was not serious enough to divide between them even in times of great danger. Some great beast attacked where Safiyah studied - the school you mentioned. Badis went to save her. There was an argument, so either he wanted to save her while his wife wanted him to stay with her following the birth she had just given, or she asked him to go despite his wish to stay. Either way, the same beast he went to slay took his life." Of course, there were plenty of plausible explanations, but it was good enough for Varielky. 

"So either El Harrouch or Kalahata, those seem to be our only leads. One option is surely guarded better, and also contains the very two who killed us just recently and more. However, it is bound to hold answers. The other lead might be false, or insufficient, but might also be a safer and shorter - or at least more direct - path to our destination. Neither option seems favourable if you ask me. It's like choosing between walking a path of sharp rocks or one of thorns, and we're barefooted." And, for a change, it was not something Varielky had tried herself.

Hearing of the possibilities, Kalahata and El Harrouch, Auger grits his teeth and tries to focus his mind and think on which path is best. Though he knows which way he leans, initially Auger offers no particular opinion, as he needs more guidance to help him decide on the best choice. 

Auger is quite busy when they get back to the castle. He acquires his things and reaffirms his connections to the various items, particularly his rod (spell focus) and the Yemma's Diadem. After resting from those simple exertions, Auger finds a source of water nearby and attempts to commune with the Dowager.

If he can connect with the Grey Lady, Auger informs her of recent events, of his death and second rebirth. Of how he is drawn to this mountain again and the tentative connection to D'ya Baobab Auger believes the place holds for him (the visions there started after he got the coat). Finally he speaks of how Granophyre's quest brings them potentially in that direction, and right back into danger and seeks her counsel and guidance.

Re: Kalahata

Snow remembers the day he visited the Udgelid Aghestur tavern (which in Shian means the King’s Blade), seeking passengers to transport north before the lockdown. When the imperial crier announced that an attempt had been made on the life of The Princess Layla Kahina, Shian Dauphin and Regent, the crier, before rushing out of the tavern, handed a parchment upon which her remarks were inscribed to the bartender, a young Shian woman, who tacked it upon a board near the entrance.

Varielky and Snow may compare notes and realize that Varielky met the same bartender. After training at the Arena during Granophyre’s absence, there was a round of drinks at the King’s Blade (which coincidentally is the nearest tavern to the Arena), and when Varielky mentioned the name ‘Safiyah,’ the bartender turned her head. “Right here, traveler. What can I do for you?,” she had asked. But she was young, only a few years older than Varielky, not the elderly woman Varielky knew Granophyre was searching for.

Re: El Harrouch Castle (As a reminder of your group’s experience of the place):

‘You sail past El Harrouch Castle, a fairytale fortress with high minarets and domes, with a long tram line up to the tall mountain behind it where you see riders on rocs come and go from an aerie perched just beneath the clouds.’ 

Ayyur and Jabu tell you more about the place.

“It was the first Shian city -- for you see, it is a fortress, yes, but also a town, not just a summer castle like ours. The School for Girls is within the royal castle, a palace so enormous, with so many grand halls and stairs and minarets and chambers, that one could easily become lost wandering its passageways. Two strangers could both live in El Harrouch for years and never meet each other.”

“Not only the Seneschal and Lady will be there. When the Emperor calls, all of the Families come to pay obeisance. El Harrouch will soon be crowded with visitors and travelers hoping to catch a glimpse of the ruler of all Yurreali.”

All of you, from the castle ramparts, see activity in the southern sky from time to time. More airships appear over the Bantus from the north, pass a mile or two overhead, continue on toward El Harrouch. And, there are many roc-riders wheeling about the southern horizon in the vicinity of the royal dacha.

When Auger connects with her, meditating at a mountain pond near the Abziri castle, the Dowager’s voice echoes in his mind, as if at a distance, but clear. “I am sorry you had to experience that again, Auger. Some power beyond my ability to understand has chosen to keep you alive, keeps your soul from leaving you for long, and maintains your physical form when your soul is thus thwarted. I am grateful, but I do not know to whom or what.”

“I sense that the Sindarrin is closer to his goal. It is essential that you learn what he learns. I cannot put into words why this is important. But your family needs you, Auger, to finish this quest. They are well. Your wife comes to the lake from time to time. She is strong and in good health. You are loved and they await your return, whenever it is possible.”

In Conversation with Varielky

It is some time after Varielky speaks to Snow that he carries on the conversation, having at the time agreed to think on what she said. And think he had.

“I have to admit that as a culture it does make sense for everyone to play the role for which they are best suited, and to worship the particular god related to that role”, he says trying to choose his words carefully.

“But the world can be a messy place. It is all too often that those who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of physical strength and combat prowess feel empowered to take from those who have performed a different role”, he says thoughtfully.

“If everyone in the world was as honourable as you, it would be a far better place. As it is the corrupt seem to flourish, and those farmers are having to fight in self defence. But they cannot go toe to toe with hardened warriors and fight as you would. No more than I can do that. We all utilise the gifts the gods have given us”, he adds and then sighs.

Discussion About Safiyah

"It seems that heading all the way back to Kalahata might be a fruitless journey. And seeing as the troubles we had leaving the place, and along the river, it may not be worth the risk", Snow says ruminating. "If we can become lost amongst the crowd at El Harrouch, which is on the way anyway, we might find what we seek. And if not, we can head back to Kalahata afterwards", he adds.

He looks to Varielky particularly. "How would you feel taking the indirect, subtle approach? I know you have been unhappy with subterfuge and stealth in the past".

After closing the connection, Auger thinks on what the Dowager tells him and meditates for a while on the image of his wife home at the lake and hopes he will live to see her again. What the Dowager says about his ability to come back to life again is disturbing. Then comforting. Someone cares for him and the others, but who?

When the others are speaking about matters of honor Auger offers little. He knows that he will do what he must in order to live and to meet the requirements the Dowager sets before him and did not need to prove that to anyone. Still, he has come to care for Snow and Varielky and hopes that they can keep their discussion civil. All this talk of who is and is not an assassin. Murder is permanent regardless of how the end came about.

For most people.

In that first evening, Auger sits outside with one of his pieces of iroko wood, sets down his brazier and starts a fire within it. In this fire he burns the shavings he makes as he slowly carves the wood down into the familiar interlocking pieces that will form the dragonfly shape. As he sets the completed piece into the brazier to burn he reaches into the Sea of Stars and reaches for the special zone where his fey friend stays. His between place. The fire does not burn the figure and instead it comes to life as Py.

Hello again. I will need you help, he sends. Tell me again of what you saw when I sent you to the mountain. I believe we will be heading there soon.

Auger spends the second day trying to make himself useful to Ayyur and Jabu. He helps about in the castle, fixing what he can whether through simple skill or helping things connect themselves in his manner of melding two broken things into one whole. Spells and skills aside, Auger will help with whatever task as best he can. It is time consuming, but in its way, revitalizing and life giving and so he does it as well as he can. Py, he sends back to the river to see to Snow's ship and ensure it was still fine berthed where it is.

Re: Tell me again of what you saw when I sent you to the mountain.

(OOC: Py does not feel the pull that Auger does. It flies up to the aerie, and sees that there is a fortress built beside it, and that it is not merely a big bird’s nest, so to speak, but a transit hub. There is also a kind of vessel moored there which Py has never seen before. When he returns, he reports that it looked like a sailing ship hanging from balloons. Snow would recognize the description as a Kingdoms Airship.)

Py finds the Animu Borongo where you left it in the Outghal marina. As far as the familiar can tell, the boat remains anonymous and unmolested.

(Conversation with Snow.)

"We should not fear death when it comes at the right time. If we die while fighting for an honourable reason, the gods will accept us in their halls. What more can us mortals ask for? Our bodies live but a brief period in comparison to the time our soul will spend either there, or in the place where those who fought for despicable reasons go. Our lives here are merely our chance to prove we belong to the former, and not the latter. Those we cannot punish, the gods will punish for us." Then, after a short pause, Varielky adds, in a quieter voice: "So, if the gods sent us back here, they have yet to make up their mind... or otherwise there is still a mission they wish us to fulfil. That means they're watching us closely. We cannot stray from the path. We must hold on to the cord even if it is painful at times."

(Safiyah talks.)

"As long as we're just walking in to find someone, or talk to someone, it doesn't bother me. I assume you're not planning to attack anyone there either, so I won't have any objections if you all think it's worth the risk." And anyway, the risk of going to Kalahata is more or less the same, and there would be an even greater need to lay low. Still, as long as they're not going to kill anyone there, she didn't really care if they kicked the gates open announcing their arrival or just walk as part of the crowds, hidden in plain sight.

(One of the nights at the castle.)

Veleif did say she should find a place outside the castle, but now that no Goblins or other enemies are still around, Varielky wonders if it might be a good time after all. Varielky searches for a quiet place - perhaps just outside the castle, but not too far from it. There, she sits on her shins, and lays Dreygaard in front of her, approximately where you'd expect a person to sit if they were talking to her. She closes her eyes and imagines that in front of her sits Veleif himself. "Are you there? Can you speak? I've had so many questions, that by now I have forgotten most of them. Perhaps they weren't as important, but I feel lost. Questions wherever there used to be only answers. What is my path, and where does it lead me? It is the second time now that I was gone... and only came back here. Gods who wish to stop us, gods who won't even allow death to slow us down. What do you think about all that has transpired?"

Varielky hears Velief’s voice, its strong monotone, as if he were near to her. She can almost imagine her long-limbed mentor sitting before her, one knee pulled to his chest as he used to do, carriage erect and firm as one arm gestures with muscular motions. 

“I do not know, my liege. Beyond the lands and seas, beyond the elemental planes, and beyond even the Sea of Stars — where live the Gods — lies the unbreakable sphere of Yin-Yang: the balanced plane of positive and negative force. It is said that fate is decided there for all mortals and gods alike, and I believe that those who escape death are connected to it somehow. I have heard tales from long ago of heroes who have survived death only to rise again until their goal is complete. But even they knew not what the goal was which freed them, until it was reached.”

“I expect that when you have achieved your goal, you will be freed to live or to die. But, live, you must! For that will also be your call to return to Drey and assume the mantle of leadership.”

Granophyre, like Auger, assists with cleaning up the mess in Abziri Castle, when he has the energy to do so. Ayyur and Jabu employ several magical tools to aid them — a handcart which levitates the objects upon it a few inches, making light work of heavy loads. This is what the old couple had used to shift many of the goblin bodies themselves the day prior to your reawakening. Other tools are employed for cleaning, and in two days time, the castle is, if not glistening, at least freshened and void of dead bodies and burned goblin eggs.

That night, over a simple meal eaten in the kitchen, Granophyre addresses all present, thanking Ayyur and Jabu for their care and hospitality, and then turning to Auger, Varielky, and Snow. 

“I believe the time has come to take our leave,” the old dwarf says. “And I envision no path more likely to produce the information I need than to find our way to El Harrouch Castle, and there to examine the school records for more information regarding the current whereabouts of Safiyah.”

“I have one final question,” it occurs to him to ask, turning to Ayyur and Jabu. “Was she human?”

“Well her mother was, but her father must’ve been an orc, for she was Jenghen, Master Strewn. Or is, if she still lives,” replies Ayyur.

As Granophyre states his intentions, Auger smiles inwardly with satisfaction. Now perhaps he can learn what draws him upwards and towards this mountain. He nods in agreement with Granophyre, saying, "Yes. This is the place for us to go."

Auger examines the map and recognizes El Harrouch's close proximity to Asni and Bou Azza. "Perhaps we might benefit from checking in with the towns, to see if there has been any change in the activities of those who might rise up. If they are planning something, we might be able to assist or use the distraction to cover ourselves as we go to El Harrouch."

Finally Auger adds another thought, "Granophyre, you traveled with a low profile mostly by hiding on the boat. It has not been that long. How do you intend to hide yourself and evade notice as we proceed into this great castle?"

At the Dacha

Snow spends his time at the Dacha recuperating, helping out where necessary and exploring the map room and libraries trying to salvage whatever he can from the mess left by the goblins.

He will ensure all his belongings are in good working order and entertain everyone in the evenings with performances on violin and flute.

In Conversation with Varielky

“I take your point”, Snow says to Varielky. “Although I would extend that beyond mere fighting to a life in general. Whether one is a warrior or a scholar, a moral and just life should lead to rewards in whatever life comes next”

“I guess this takes us back to where our conversation started. I do not believe my actions throughout our journey together have been morally reprehensible in any way. On the contrary, I have always done things in self defence or in the pursuit of what I consider a just cause. In fact I have put myself in harms way for those causes without expectation of reward. Yes, it is true I have used the skills and abilities the gods have deemed gracious enough to gift me. But I am still not sure how you came to the conclusion you did regarding my nature”, he continues in a cordial manner, not argumentative merely curious.

The Present

“I am glad we are in agreement about El Harrouch. I am curious as to the state of things in the villages as well Auger. And no, I am not about to go attacking people in our pursuit for information. Quite the opposite really, if we can get in and out with as few people noticing as possible that would be for the best. I am not even certain you will need to accompany us into the castle”, he says the last of which directed at Strewn.

He considers the information Py had relayed previously. “I am not sure exactly the meaning of the Kingdoms airship, the ship floating under the giant balloons. I wonder if an alliance is in play here”, he says thinking about what it could mean and how it might effect them.

“I believe,” Granophyre replies to Auger, “that the Seneschal’s report to the Shian Princess that I was slain will be enough. If indeed there is any question. For as you remember from Jemmu Village, the reports were that even within Kalahata, not a single sindarrin was captured. I believe the lock down was instituted for political aims, not in the interest of tracking down an alleged criminal. Of course we must move expediently and I must not advertise my presence.”

To Snow’s question regarding the presence of airships, Granophyre answers, “It could be that an agreement has been struck between the Jenghen Empire and the Kingdoms of Men. On the other hand, the Emperor possesses unimaginable wealth, and there may be airshipwrights in the Kingdoms willing to accept commissions for the right price.”

The night passes without incident, and the next morning a grey fog casts a cloak over the dacha, not atypical weather for the season according to Yammu and Jabu, who once again thank you for your aid, bid you not to worry about them, and see you off at the castle gate.

Snow says his goodbyes to Ayyur and Jabu, thanking them for their hospitality in trying times. He also wishes them good fortune for the future and the hope that neither the Jlasi nor the goblins come back.

As he walks through the fog, down the path from the dacha, he reflects on everything that has happened. He was leaving a very different person than he had arrived. To die and yet not pass over to the afterlife. To be kept on the mortal plane by some as yet unknown force for an as yet unknown reason, was both humbling and frightening. And then there was the meeting with the Yemma's ghost, and the gift of the Treewild Cloak. Somehow after all that, the 4 of them fighting a clan of goblins seems mundane. No, he was not at all the same.

He wishes he could play a tune as they walk, but he is afraid of attracting undue attention.

"I assume the intention is to travel back down the river on the Animu Borongo. But where should we stop. Back to Bou Azza, where we are known, to check in on the constable there? Or should we keep a low profile and risk stopping where we are not known, at Akkara? Obviously Akkara is closer to us, and I think closer to El Harrouch as well", he finally asks the others.

Auger also wishes Ayyur and Jabu well and thanks for them for the hospitality and for their help.

Thinking on the possibilities Snow lays out Auger is reminded of an issue, "In Bou Azza I was assaulted which, among a few things, was what drew the constable's attention. I do not fear for myself there, but I would also be more recognizable than the usual traveler in that town. I'll go where you all decide but I think the direct path is best and that means Akkara."

As Auger speaks, his eyes dart longingly to the south, towards the mountains. Is it the mountain itself, he wonders, or something at El Harrouch that draws him?

"Though the timing isn't right when the emperor is here," Varielky thinks aloud, "we did plan to raise a rebellion to free the valley and the enslaved children who work the poppy fields. I would still like to pursue this path, and reaching new villages would surely aid this goal. So, I vote for Akkara as well."

Although, Varielky started developing doubts regarding this decision. Does the valley stand any chance? How many would die before the Tazellayts are killed? What if the other houses also have warriors as strong or stronger, which was a reasonable assumption. The only way to succeed, as much as Varielky hated to admit it, was to turn the empire against the opium families, which was most likely impossible. At the very least, they must not be allowed to work together. Varielky would die trying, but would the vale? Not to mention, what would Veleif think about it? She couldn't bring herself to ask him during their brief conversation.

Chapter 11 - The Red Cypress

Granophyre is in agreement regarding your proposed destination, and so you four leave the Abziri Castle gates, heading on foot to the merchant’s road to Outghal, with the goal of retrieving the Animu Borongo from its slip in the marina, and thence to sail the remaining six miles southward from Outghal to Akarra  (if I understand correctly).

Slowly through the fog and down the switchbacks you travel. The hiss and roar of the thin hundred-foot cataract which falls just east of the castle is muffled but audible at first, though hidden from view behind grey mist. Then, as you reach the valley’s floor, the fog starts to burn off and you begin to see hints of a blue backdrop behind wispy curls of cotton bunting. The air is moist and fresh, redolent of wildflowers and pine, while the rocky green fields you pass, now devoid of traces of goblin presence, are striking in their pastoral charm, especially with the thinning fog above you seemingly making the greens below it richer .

Soon, you arrive to the burned-down farmhouse — only its cellar and beamwork, leaning at a dangerous angle, still intact — and perhaps thirty minutes later, you come to the tributary to the Sebu along which the merchant path winds. Here, Py reports to Auger, which we’ll assume Auger relays, that a mile or so ahead of you, approaching on the road in the opposite direction, is a force of perhaps forty humans. They are commoners, some older folk bearing sicles or short bows, younger men and women with short swords, bows, or spears, and led by a few veterans holding crossbows and halberds.