Xellos laments at losing Bharash and kicks a few rocks on the street.

"Damn it! Well, let's see if I can still track him."

He takes out the compass to see if it has changed direction.

He also takes back his  crossbow and bolts from the Chancellor and says, "Good show, Chancellor. You fought well. I'm sure the troops appreciate it. How do you feel now? Keep the dagger in remembrance of a job well done—I knew that your death was not guaranteed."

"The Lament? Kubrithani's Lament? Is that where they've gone?" responds Kempis telepathically. 

The Chancellor thanks Xellos for his kind words and the gift of the crossbow. "The guards will soon have Talisten restored to full order, I believe." He nods silently in response to Frandal and hurries off with a few of the guards toward the northernmost parts of the city. 

Xellos checks the compass, but it seems to be malfunctioning; its needle will not settle in any one place. A few minutes later all of you, including Sariel,  are standing in the woods to the west of Talisten. Sariel explains that as she faced one of the nightbears, the dark knight caught her off guard and nearly killed her. "I now know why Kubrithani's sword and shield were missing from the great hall in The Keep. This dark knight wields them."  

“Yes “ says Frandal to Kempis “That’s where I think they are headed.” 

the elf nods to Sariel

”I am happy that we could have save you. We must go after Barash but that’s our problem here friends. We’ve been behind Arconius and their plans all the time. That’s why he always get us off guard. We need to anticipate its next move. But with necromancy it’s difficult to say. Sariel do you still have your Fragment? I think that he is trying to collect all and give them to Kubrithani. “ he let his words sink “ Also I think we need better weapons, they have armed with the mighty weapons of other Windhovers, and with mundane weapons we cannot harm them, only the magic will help us against them. Tell me Sariel, are there any powerful magics or items against undead that we can weild in our fights? How is Thoradin? His divine magic would be truly useful... “ 

Sariel holds up Azalor's wand and nods. "Yes, this fragment of Aeris remains safe. The last fragment still possessed by the Windhovers it seems." She pauses for a moment, then says, "The Fragments of Aeris have a curse upon them for anyone who might steal them or take them by force or deceit. This curse is what weakened the dragon Orzog years ago and allowed the Windhovers to defeat him. Arconius...or this dark knight...or both of them...have somehow evaded the effects of the curse."

She then recites the words spoken by the voice in the fire--the Giver of Aeris--over two hundred years ago:

Any fragment of Aeris gained by force or deceit

Will assuredly cause death and its bearer to meet.

To rejoin what’s been shattered is to all men forbidden;

This fire and last fragment will to all men’s eyes stay hidden.

"And with each fragment gained comes greater power for whoever might wield them," Sariel adds. "Frandal, I believe Thoradin may be well enough to join us. Even without Talisten's mace, he can be of great help. And for better weapons, we must seek those of past Windhovers, the ones you saw displayed in The Keep. For you, Frandal, those that once belonged to Rinn or Ipalamé ." Motioning to Arissa, Kurt, Ozum, and Xellos, she adds, "Anything in The Keep that may be helpful in any way. We must use it!  I must rest first, but afterward I can cast Transport via Plants once again and allow us quick travel to The Keep."

After listening to the poem, Arissa tries to analyze it. "The poem states that stealing a fragment would cause "death and its bearer to meet". But both of them have already died once, so perhaps that does not affect them. It is also debatable if they are still "men", it seems we must only hope they are. Unfortunately, I still do not fully comprehend Arconius' motivations, which makes it difficult to predict what he will do next. We must stay together to protect you, Sariel."

“I agree with you Arissa.” He turns to Sariel “ we will guard your rest and I couldn’t hope for such an honor “ he says regarding the weapons “ But it seems appropiate sice they have stolen the weapons of a noble warrior. Let’s go my friends, let’s rest and prepare for what’s coming. “ 

Once they return he will help to fight off any remanent undeads if there are still guards fighting them. Then he goes and meditates for six hours and make the rest of the guards with the eagle. If Sariel is awake he will try to talk with her about her life and childhood, trying to distract her from the dark events of those days. ( we can RP this if you want ) 

Shortly after midnight, Kempis reports that the city of Talisten is completely free of the wights and skeletons. All the remains of the undead were piled together and set ablaze outside the North Gate. From where you are--nearly a mile to the west--you can see the light from the fires. Kempis summarizes the damage. "Eight guards slain. Dozens wounded. Townsfolk thoroughly terrified, but all are alive it seems."  

Kempis then looks at Sariel. "By Moradin's beard, you are alive. And for that I give thanks on this dark night."

Sariel then explains to Kempis that she will be transporting all of you to The Keep where you will access Windhover magical weapons and items.

"Aye, no need for those things to collect dust at a time like this. Be sure to take the ring I was given by Sephri. It may be of some help," replies Kempis. "You'll then set off on a hunt for Bharash, I imagine. I fear that's just what Arconius and that vile knight are hoping you'll do. Fighting them on their terms, their ground. With your permission, Sariel, I will remain in Talisten in the days ahead. The Chancellor and the captain of the guard sorely need my assistance."

Sariel agrees that Kempis should remain and use his leadership to provide the protection and encouragement that the city needs at this time. "We intend to have Thoradin join us in our search for Bharash, Kempis. So, one brave dwarf can watch over Talisten; the other can watch over us."  She smiles, looks at all of you, and says, "We leave for The Keep in the morning, friends of Syndaris. Rest well." 

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Eight hours later...

Morning arrives, and after the six of you eat a meager breakfast, Sariel asks if you're ready to be transported to The Keep. 

Ozum doesn't eat much and seems preoccupied, trying to work something out over and over in his head. "I am ready Sariel. Have you attempted to scry on Bharash? If not, I could attempt it if you have access to an appropriate focus and possibly something personal of his."

"Now that I've rested, Ozum," answers Sariel, "let's see what an attempt at scrying might show us."  Sariel holds up Azalor's wand, utters the words of the spell, and gazes into the fragment of Aeris attached to the end of the wand. The fragment seems to glow ever so slightly as Sariel studies it. A few minutes later, she lowers the wand and shakes her head. "Nothing. I see no trace of Bharash. Either he wishes to remain hidden, or..." She breaks off her thought momentarily. "...or, he's on some other plane." 

Saddened but determined to move forward with the effort of saving what's left of the Windhovers, Sariel asks all of you to gather around a large fir tree as she prepares to cast the transport via plants spell. "Enter this tree, and you will then appear in a grove near the entrance to The Keep. I have a feeling you will recognize your surroundings immediately." 

Sariel is correct; moments later you are standing among the trees at the top of the cliff near The Keep. Just a few days ago, you were sneaking through these trees as you prepared to find a way into The Keep in your search for Ro Venna. Despite all the trouble and hardship you have recently faced, you recognize the beauty of the fall morning as the sun rises on your approach to the main gates. Sariel leads all of you to the great hall, where the relics of former Windhovers are displayed upon the wall. She takes a moment to study the place where Kubrithani's sword and shield were once located; she then explains which Windhover items will prove to be the most needful in the days to come. "We shall use these in whatever way seems best."

• Scimitar of Azalor the Elusive, First Wielder of the Second Fragment of Aeris – Scimitar of Speed
• Chain Shirt of Everal, Second Wielder of the Fourth Fragment of Aeris – Armor, +2
• Daggers of Barret Jax, Third Wielder of the Fourth Fragment of Aeris – Weapon, +2 (quantity 2)
• Longbow of Rinn Holimmion, Fourth Wielder of the Fourth Fragment of Aeris – Weapon, +2
• Longbow of Ipalamé Swift, Fifth Wielder of the Fourth Fragment of Aeris – Oathbow
• Arrows of Ipalamé Swift, Fifth Wielder of the Fourth Fragment of Aeris –  Ammunition, +2 (quantity 7)
• Rapier Captain Albatross, Vanquished Pirate Invader of Syndaris – Moon-Touched, Rapier
• Shield of Umari Eldenfrost, Sixth Wielder of the Fourth Fragment of Aeris – Shield, +1
• Amulet of Sindrith Grey, Fourth Wielder of the First Fragment of Aeris – Amulet of Health
• Cloak of Perri Finch, Fifth Wielder of the Second Fragment of Aeris – Cloak of Displacement
• Ring Given by Princess Sephri to Kempis the Ironfisted, the Seventh Wielder of the Fourth Fragment of Aeris – Ring of Resistance (if selected, roll d10 to determine which gemstone it contains)
• Bracers of Havilar Kerrhylon, Fifth Wielder of the First Fragment of Aeris – Bracers of Defense
• Oaken Staff of Arlia Stinrock, Sixth Wielder of the Second Fragment of Aeris – Staff of Charming
• Robes of Nathandam, Sixth Wielder of the First Fragment of Aeris – Robe of Stars

Frandal takes his bow and looks at it for a few seconds. Then with a long sight he says to Sariel

"Can we keep this one here? Had been with me since I left my home and I would like to recover it once all of this is finished. " he lays down the elven made longbow with reverence and says to the remaining Windhover.

"I think the fine weapons of Ipalamé Swift will serve us well in this dire times..."

"I would be able Nathandam's robes. Most of the rest is rather too martial for me, although I would not refuse one of the weapons to replace my own." Arissa looks at the staff, but, looking at her lyre, does not take it.

"I feel a bit odd accepting anything like this but I suppose we need all the help we can get." He looks over all of the equipment eventually settling on the amulet. "Some of the robes are tempting, but I am afraid I am too attached to mine. This amulet should keep me alive ... I hope."

 Xellos is in awe of all the magical items that he saw a few days prior. As a magical item and trinket hunter, he is very happy about being offered items.

He is attached to his magical cloak already, but at seeing the Robe of Stars he is keen on wearing it, but lets Arissa claim it. He does pick up the Staff of Charming and ring, however.

Xellos picks up the Ring of Resistance to determine type (d10) 9

Since the gemstone is a garnet, it is a Ring of Fire Resistance and decides to *not* take it—leaving it to someone else.

"I think this staff would serve us well. As would the ring...but it would not help me. Kurt should probably have the bracers and displacement cloak, I think. Also, it appears that Bharash is likely in Shadowfell...the compass is malfunctioning."

(Xellos did offer Bharash, Sariel, and Kempis a charge of the magical wine when we met back with the Windhovers before confronting the Chancellor. Did they take it?)

Sariel mentions that the armory contains several potions that may also be helpful. 

" I think that we should take the fight to them. We should enter the shadowfell and go to the Lament of Kubrithani in that plane. That way we could surprise them."  says Frandal testing the bowstring.

Xellos will again attempt to determine the yellow potions....

Arcana 14

 Xellos: "Ah, a Potion of Clairvoyance," says Sariel at the very moment you were finally able to identify the unknown liquid. "I see you've already made your way to the armory. Good!"

In response to Frandal's idea, Sariel nods her head and asks, "Through the shadow crossing that Oda located on Grimshard then?  That would seem to provide the most direct route to Bharash if indeed there is some form of Kubrithani's Lament on the other plane." 

Sariel then approaches one of the fireplaces in the great hall and casts Produce Flame to warm up the room on this cold morning. As she stares into the fire, she continues to think aloud. "Grimshard is a tiny island...nothing more than a rock that juts out of the sea. Getting there isn't simple. And Kurt...and Thoradin...they're at least two days away..."

“Does your spell that bring us here work on the Shadowfell? If so we can go back to pick up Kurt and Thoradin, use the rift of the vineyard and go to the Lament “

"I cannot use transport via plants in Shadowfell because I have no familiarity with any plants or trees in that place," she explains. "The best I can do is transport us back to the main island of Syndaris, Frandal, and put us very near Thoradin in Greyloft."

"I understand. Then go back to Syndaris oick up Kurt and Thoradin and go to the rift and then to The Lament... do we have a plan?"