Taking the magic Amulet from Eya's hands, Blau feels the divine energies Lord Asmodeus infused within it's craft, His divine might channeled through his worthy Warpriest during the crafting. "My thanks for this, Teifling. Let's see if your talent rings true." With that, he dons the item and with a whispered prayer to Asmodeus, his body is alight with flickering, deep red flames, focused mainly on his knees, feet, elbows and hands. With a delighted, deep laugh, Blau springs forward, delivering a series of rapid blows against the wood of the ship that leaves multiple burned patches, the scent of scorched wood strong in the air. "Perfect! This will do wonderfully against any fool who challenges us on our glorious path! As for watching those we must deal with, I will be certain of them with my Lord's guidance, even your dame."

Tiadora nods, "You catch on swiftly. Paladins and inquisitors of the Mitran faith have been showing up in the smaller settlements lately, hunting for Asmodeans that no one has seen or heard about. Every time, people end up dead without any sort of proof to the accusation, people that no one who knows them would believe are guilty. The mitrans are going to have an interesting time sorting this mess out, especially when sooner or later they realize they actually do need to be sending inquisitors to look for us."

Hearing Tiadora's plan and reasoning, Blau nods, saying "Are you choosing victims with some strategic significance? Unimportant innocents won't ease the way for Asmodeus and in fact waste a possible convert in the future. Killing a leader or town Councillor would help our cause more, for when our forces return to show these little outposts the Truth."

One day during the voyage, Blau finds time to talk with the half-dragon, discussing life stories and goals and how they could align "Nothing brings more wealth to ones pockets more than allowing Asmodeus' guidance. He directed me to join this endeavor, and already in a few short weeks, I've gained such wealth as I've not seen before! His words whisper in my ears at times, and tell me the next goal to follow. You'd do well to listen when I say that He has spoken to me. He only asks that we prove ourselves worthy of his guidance by use of our talents. If we fall, it is because we were too weak to be forged as he needs. His servants found me - cast aside, shunned, despised by the Dwarf Clan I was born into - and showed me that their way was wrong. With allies as these, we cannot help but achieve the glory and riches we all seek!"

"I do pick my targets carefully. One way or another they are all pillars of the community. The woman just now did not hold any official position, but according to my informants she was the one person that everyone looked to for advice. When the time comes for this place to choose their loyalty, she would have counseled them to cleave to the mitrans, no matter what the consequences, and they would likely have listened."

"I could use a few hands at the next settlement. It's larger, with enough fighters on hand they may decide that they could get away with attacking a lone knight. Not that they would truly pose a threat mind, but it would be a waste of effort if I have to kill all the witnesses after being forced to do something that a paladin is not capable of."

Blau's eye light up at this request "I'd be more than happy to help in this cause! If I disguise myself as an inquisitor priest of Mitran, albeit shorter than average, they would be less inclined to challenge your authourity, do you think? I'm sure the holy fire of Our Lord would be an impressive sign of 'Mitran's Displeasure'." 

  He tries the newly made belt on and flexes his muscles.  " It is perfect Eya....I feel so much stronger now. I grow hungry for battle to test out my new strength. " He meets her eyes again.  " You can count on me Eya.  I will keep you and your mpther safe.  A woman with talents like that must be kept safe from all harm.  Thank you for the warning and concern. I will be careful but a woman like that is worth taking a chance with.  There are worse ways to die.  " He has a toothy grin.  

_______________________________________________

 Abraxxus will try to spend time with Tiadora and learn more about her.  He also talks to Jack and Respar while ignoring the elves.  

He listens intently as Blau shares his thoughts about Asmodeus.  " Thank you for sharing this. The thought of riches and glory entices me.  I am glad that I met all of you.  Hopefully we can please Asmodeus enough where he can make a full dragon.  Half of me is not worthy or pure .  One day...." 

__________________________________________________

  As Tiadora shares what she is up to Abraxxus steps up as well.  " Tiadora, I lust for the taste of battle among other things.  I can go disguised as a paladin and assist.  I would allow nothing to happen to you.  " 

Kiven spends the majority of the journey with Calarel, training on both archery and her initial magic training.  Although not very warm or personable, he tries to be patient with his novice apprentice as his teachers had been with him, an unlike his father.  He also does not shy away from involving Eya, in part so that Calarel bonds with the more intelligent half of the party more than the brute force crew.

Kiven also asks Calarel what future she might imagine for herself.

"She will do well" replies Kiven to Eya, making sure Calarel can hear.  Trying out his new belt, he tells Eya "very well done."

The elf does pay attention and listen in on other conversations happening around the boat where he can, scowling just a bit as Blau preaches at Abraxxus.

Eya replies to Tiadora after the awkward talk, “Look, I really don’t care who or what you sleep with okay, but did you really have to do that right in front of me? I mean, I know you’re heartless and evil, but come on, there should be limits. And Kiven? He’s an ally with some useful qualities like noble blood. He will listen to me on my own merits, I don’t need anything else.”

“However, I will admit that your way is effective at least,” Eya shudders.

---

To Abraxxus, she just sighs wearily, “Seriously, she’s not what you think she is. Whatever, not my problem, see you on the next mission. I look forward to seeing what you can do. If you need anything else crafted, you know where to find me.”

She walks away.

---

Eya will go find Killiketz, “Kili, how are you holding up?” she asks the mephit. “You did great back there and were instrumental in helping us take down the fort. Do you want anything from me? Do you have food?”

---

Back with Kiven and Celarel, Eya replies to Kiven, “That’s good.”

“Celarel, my name is Eya. I was hoping we could talk for a moment. Do you want to know why I’m doing this Celarel? Why I helped take down Balentyne and am fighting against Darius and the Mitrans?” Eya asks the young elven woman.

“Take a look around this ship, what do you see?” she asks the young elf. “Outsiders and outcasts, people who this society would never accept,” Eya starts. She holds out her arm near Celarel’s, “See my skin? Sure, it’s a little different than yours, darker and like ash, and it’s true I have small horns instead of beautiful pointed ears. But I’m still just a girl like you. Should I be persecuted for that? Not given a chance in this society because of my blood? Is that fair?”

“Take a look at this,” Eya says as she stands and casts a spell. Suddenly, a small image of a church appears, depicting paladins brutally murdering everyone inside while a small tiefling girl hides underneath the floorboard. Eya casts another spell and the screams and crackling of flames is heard as the church is set ablaze. Eya’s expression turns cold as she explains, “This is the scene when the Mitrans killed everyone I ever knew and loved. People who finally accepted me for who I was. For once, I finally thought I had a home. They even killed my father. We weren’t doing anything wrong, Celeral. We were just a little different, but we were systematically executed just for not worshipping the same god. Do you think that’s right?”

Eya continues, “House Darius has swung too far in their “righteous” indignation. They have become completely intolerant of anyone even slightly different than them. Punishments for crimes are wildly disproportionate. Not only that, but they are incompetent as well. Otherwise, how could a little devil girl, an elf man, a zealous rock man, and a smuggler cripple the entirety of Balentyne Keep so completely and take it for the first time in history? Their intolerance has bred many, many more people like us. People who have been oppressed and shamed by House Darius.”

“Listen Celarel, we need all the people in Talingarde to be ambitious, to take power into their own hands. Everyone will see how awful and weak this leadership is as they create more and more enemies and fall to their own hubris. If you stick with him, he can teach you to become powerful for yourself. You will also be a part of the new Kingdom we build. So, do you wish to learn?” Eya asks the young elf.

 Tiadora looks confused, "In front of you? I shut the door didn't I?"

---

Kiliketz is sitting at the prow, enjoying a cold headwind, "I don't have to eat mistress, but some snow or ice from time to time would be nice if we're going to stay in these too hot lands. Perhaps you could get Kiven to create those magical ice chunks without flinging them everywhere?"

---

Calarel throws herself into the training with both bow and book with apparent enthusiasm, but she doesn't speak much, and does her best to stay away from Tiadora, Abraxxus, and Grumblejack. Her responses to Kiven's inquiry are fairly wooden, often amounting to something along the lines of "Whatever you think best my lord"

Eya manages to get more of a response out of her, she looks appalled at the scene of the Mitrans killing Eya's father and the others, but then she bursts out, "T-that might be, b-but it didn't give you the right to kill the Father! He never hurt anyone!"

---

The ship continues its slow journey, every so often stopping for another visit to sow chaos among the villagers of Tallingarde. The script is largely the same in each case, with only minor variations. Tiadora and the others accompanying her show up out of the blue, drag someone specific out into the open and accuse them of being an Asmodean. Right when you have the attention of the entire town the person being accused gets summarily executed, and then you leave, intimidating everyone else into standing down.

The ship makes its way down the winding river, and then eventually to the sea. The “Halstyn’s Folly" is not made for ocean voyages, but it is quite capable of hugging the coastline on its way north. 

Eventually, the town of Farholde is sighted. It is technically the northernmost settlement in all of Tallingarde, discounting those of the northern wastes, separated from those savage lands by Lake Scardynn.

You pass in between a pair of watchtowers guarding entry to the Lake, there is a chain in between them that can be raised to bar entry or exit from that body of water. On the northern shore you can see Hamarhall, a fortress that serves as part of the same defensive barrier as the now fallen Ballentyne.

To the south are the docks and the town itself. Farholde is built upon a series of hills and valleys. Most of the important buildings are in walled sections on top of the hills along with the wealthier housholds, with the less fortunate folk living below and in between. The Caer Bryr, while not visible from here in the bay, is not much further to the south, a twisted and dense forest, of the sort to inspire tales of both wonder and fear.

Tiadora looks upon the town with little expression, "The seventh knot should be here in the morning. Let us wait for them, go see the Duke, and then you will begin your task in earnest."

"The fourth knot did not leave us with precise information on where the temple you seek is, but they mentioned a tall rock spiral covered in vegetation. From what I understand, there are quite a few of those in the area, so it does not narrow things down by much."

Respar thanks Eya for the belt.  "Fits nicely, looks good, and is quite effective!  Thank you!  I will put it to good use, I promise."  When they later have a chance for a private conversation, he speaks softly to her.  "Eya, it is obvious you don't care for your mother, and I can see why.  And if I have learned one thing from this Asmodean sojourn, it is everyone will try to kill us for their own ends, if they can justify it.  And we need to be ready to defend ourselves from attacks from all sides.  So, if it comes down to it, what can you tell me about your mother?  I mean, my understanding of tieflings means that one of your parents has some infernal heritage, yes?  Your mother takes care to always look as if she just dressed and did her hair and make-up.  Is that an illusion covering some sort of obvious demon shape?  I wish to know so if we have to engage her, we might be able to expect certain things.  Or is she simply a powerful mage or cleric of some form?  Perhaps your father was the infernal one..."

He later finds time to speak to Abraxxus.  "Welcome aboard.  I hope you are willing to work with us, rather than try to give us directions.  We seem to function best by discussing options and formulating plans.  We try to listen to each other's ideas.  Even Kiven has good ones, once in a while, though his manner leaves much to be desired.  I certainly respect your strength and skill at arms, but I suspect you are also more clever than many give you credit for."

As Tiadora discusses their immediate plans he says, "Perhaps we should have Kili fly around while we deal with the Duke.  He might at least find us some prospective spires to investigate.  I just hope the seventh knot hasn't made any presumptuous moves that will start us at even more of a disadvantage with the Duke than we might be."

Watching the foundling learn weapon practice and the basics of arcane magic with Kiven, Blau sees the stilted responses she gives when answering. Observing her further during the boat ride, he ponders her motives and possible plans for her new found knowledge and skills, suspecting that she may be planning something in revenge for the Father's necessary death. 

Sense Motive :12

 Later on, Blau arranges time quietly with Kiven, telling him "Your protege may be planning to hurt herself, Lord Aloro. Asmodeus' insight has revealed to me that she is angry at her joining with you. So angry that she is possibly thinking of taking her own life rather than remain with the Chosen Knot. If you'd like I can talk to her, and help to ease her passage into the righteous path before she does something stupid."

Eya just rolls her eyes at Tiadora, "Ugh, okay whatever. It's fine."

---

Near Killiketz, Eya grabs a bucket and casts a spell. A large amount of water splashes into it, filling it to the brim. She places one finger into the water as the water begins to chill further and further until it's nearly solid. "Here's a good ice bath for you," Eya says with a smile. "You've earned it. There's a lot more where that came from if you continue to serve me loyally. Remember, I will never willingly force you to fight. I value you for your skill in reconnaissance and don't want you in danger unless absolutely necessary. I will need your skills soon to search for a temple, but wait until I learn a bit more."

---

To Respar, Eya replies, "My father was just a normal human, as far as I know anyway. And yes, my form and natural powers largely come from her side. What’s most important to know about her is that she is more powerful than all of us combined by a considerable degree. You just heard her say casually that she could kill an entire town, leaving no witnesses, with no trouble.” Then, Eya’s eyes get deathly serious as she continues, “I’m telling you, Respar, she’s not bluffing. She specializes in powerful enchantment magic. If we were to fight her now, I could see her easily taking control of both Grumblejack and Abraxxus and turning them against us. You personally saw what she did to Kiven back at the mansion. We need to become much, much more powerful and bolster ourselves with strong magic before even entertaining such ideas. And, remember, the Cardinal commands even her.”

---

Before entering town, Eya asks Tiadora, “Is there anything else we should know about the fourth knot? Any names or what races their members were? In case we need to track or follow whatever path they took. Also do you know of any libraries in this town or other centers of knowledge? I’d like to search for any information on this place.”

“Until the lesser knot arrives, I will be working on an important item for Blau. You all will find me at the bar afterwards. I need a drink...badly,” Eya says.

  Abraxxus listens quietly to Respar and responds.  " I know that I am new to this group and do not think I am war leader or any such thing.  We can all work together.  However,  I will not take directions from either of those..." He glowers and steam comes out of his nostrils. "Elves... They look down on everyone and act as if they are better.  Elves are merely soft and tasty.  " 

   As the talk goes on about the town he shakes his head. " Maybe I should stay here and meet all of you away from the city.  I don't exactly blend in and do not know what help I can provide there. " He shrugs. 

.

Tiadora nods, "The Phlegethian Knot was, or perhaps is, truly composed of only one member, an elf by the name of Aiden Kael, an expert in tracking through the wilderness. It was this expertise that led him being assigned this task in the first place. He led a band of fire cultists, mostly rather barbaric humans like your lost companion Jesla. They were not initiated into their true purpose at the Horn of Abbadon, they were just there to provide muscle."

"As to centers for learning, chances are the closest thing you'll find is at the Temple. Perhaps not the best choice. the Duke may have a private library, but that will have to wait. You could simply ask around, the legend of the Horn has induced all sorts of adventurers to pass through here in search of it, the locals may know something. Of course, obviously none of their advice has actually led anyone to finding the temple and returning to tell of it, so prudence would be warranted."

Eya walks into town disguised as a beautiful pale woman with jet black hair and fine black clothing. She asks Respar and Kiven if they would like to go with her. At the tavern bar, she says to the bartender, "I really could use a strong drink. Something with real fire to it. This past week has just been awful. Say, have you heard adventurers or anyone going on about a Horn of Abaddon or some such crazy thing?" 

She tries to casually bring up this subject from time to time to see if any locals know anything. She asks to see if anyone has heard of a person by the name Aiden Kael. 

Kiven nods at Eya's words to Calarel.  When she finally expresses her true anger to Kiven and Eya the Prince smiles.  "Ah, there it is, good.  It is good that you have shared your anger, and as you can see, no harm comes to you for it.  You should always say what you are thinking, and do not let others make you fear it.  This is how you will shed the Mitran veil of obedience and control.  Look at your 'Father'.  Perhaps he helped you, but helped you achieve what?  He helped you survive to be a servant girl?  How good the Mitrans are at taking you as a slave and making you thank them for it.  What more was he going to allow you to become?  In mere days with us you said you wanted to live, have experience with a bow, and would like to learn magic, and thus all of those things are presented to you.  I'm sure you have other desires that will take more time and patience, but we will enable you to achieve them, something your 'Father' would never have done.  More importantly, you will enable yourself now that you have the freedom to try.  The Father may not have harmed anyone directly, but he was a powerful enabler of the Mitran's and the silent war they have waged on those such as Eya here, as she described, and against you as they made you their slave.  Remember, you are also free to go any time you like, we only wish to help you find your true potential while you choose to stay.  In this way I will help many who deserve it the chance to rise above this Mitran suppression."

Diplomancy 19

When Blau offers to talk to Calarel, Kiven stands and looks the stone man in the eyes.  "You will do no such thing.  I have heard your preaching, and you would have her believe that every breath she takes is granted by Asmodeus.  This is not much different from the Mitrans who let her continue to breath day after day and offered little more than food, water and servitude.  She must see what she is capable of herself before you or any other offer her divine boons, or how will she know the difference?"

Calarel looks like she wants to object, but something about Kiven's argument makes her pause. Instead, she eventually says, more quietly, "What do you want from me? Really? I expected you to ask me to share your bed, or at least keep acting as a servant. What could you possibly want with a weak c-coward like me other than that? Why would you waste your time teaching me these things?"

---

At the most upper scale Inn Eya can find, a decent place called "The Wandering Friar", the barkeep sets down a glass and fills it with a dark brown liquid. He nods at the question, "Of course I've heard of it, you're not even the first to ask me about it this year. People have been looking for the treasure supposedly in that place since before either of us were born little missy."

He leans in closer, "The way I figure it, its all a hoax by those reformists, they want us distracted while they steal our rights as Mitra fearing people of Tallingarde."

At Kiven's insistence, Blau shrugs, the gem lines on his shoulders flickering, and says "Do as you wish, Kiven. She is your foundling, after all. Just don't cripple yourself trying to recruit her with only your own resources to do so. "

At the Inn, Blau samples some of the local's idea of beer, enjoying the different flavours than he's been used to. His dwarven illusion serves him well as it puts his lips at the right height to quaff. Listening surreptitiously, he tries to glean anything of interest from the locals, without participating in any conversations. 

The disguised Eya looks a little confused, "Sorry, I'm not from around here and don't follow politics too much. Who are these reformists you speak of and what are they trying to do?"

Eya finishes the dragon punch whiskey fairly quickly for whiskey, "Another, please."

She sips the second drink at a normal pace as she continues, "But more importantly, has an elven man asked about the horn within roughly the last few weeks? Name of Aiden Kael?" she asks. She places two gold pieces on the bar. 

The bartender snorts contemptuously, "Feh, another fool brainwashed by the town criers, everything they say is fake. They're even going on about some bugbear Invasion now, as if such savages could ever possibly defeat our wall. The Reformists want to bring back worship of gods other than Mitra, some nonsense about all good aligned Gods being equal. To make matters worse, they're trying to take our crossbows!" He points to a large crossbow hanging on the wall, it looks impressive, and also looks like it hasn't been fired or properly maintained in years.

When Eya mentions Aiden, his eyes narrow with suspicion, even as he makes the gold disappear, "Is that his name then? Is he your friend? Tell your friend if I don't get the 53 gold and 7 silver I am owed I am selling his stuff."

In another part of the tavern, Blau overhears an interesting conversation, "Did you hear? Old One Eye has been seen prowling around the Farms again." "Really? Great, I need to warm my cousin oh, she lost three cows and a bull the last time that devil cat started hunting outside of the bryr."