Auger blasts the six-legged beast with his red dragonfly and twin force beams which both drill into its shiny, rubbery hide, while Varielky and Ednyss leap at it, smashing it with repeated blows. It falls at their feet, but there is no sight of Katoshin — only a few dandelion petals on the dead lizard’s tongue as it extends out in its death throes.
Ednyss pleads with the Azhvuv Queen to call off the attack, which she hears, but turns because, meanwhile, the lich struggles to free his mouth, and, his eyes blazing red, succeeds! The Queen floats upwards, her toes just above the floor, and slaps her outstretched hands together like an alligator’s jaw, causing this extraordinary magic: two wide columns of stone answer her call and crash together from the ceiling and floor, crushing Brenneth between them, who roars in agony, only his head and arms free as the stone grinds his body into a compressed layer of bone dust. His upper torso drops off, motionless, and it, too, crumbles to dust.
The illusion utterly dispels — you are in a dark stone chamber — and now water cascades from above, the roof caving in, its integrity destroyed. A tidal wave surges downwards, pressing in towards the energy sphere surrounding you, roaring and bubbling, and you grasp that within seconds you will be completely submerged as the stone chamber floods with water.
The Azhvuv Queen cocks her head back, and looking straight up, gritting her teeth, screaming with enormous effort, she throws her arms outwards, prying open the rock and sand above you with magical force, and she is now — and all of you are — floating upward within the force sphere, crashing up through the lakebed, through dark cold water, and then — you burst through into the night. The sky is calm and dry, and filled with stars, and the water soon shows mere ripples as the only evidence of your so-recent subterranean adventure. You drift to the shore of the oasis and settle down upon the cool sand.
Your eyes shoot to the east just as the rising half-moon parts from the horizon, and the Queen’s eyes dart to focus on the sand at your feet, which, at her bidding, shifts and forms into the shape of the heads of three Azhvuv — Izilmeddur among them — who seem poised to attack targets out of view. Three sandy faces turn to look at their Queen, listening for her orders.
Such a cascade of events, Auger struggles to track it all. No Kotashin in the lizard's mouth. Yes, this was to be expected, such is the way of the Fey on this plane of existence. His cousin's short freedom and dusty end is hard to wrap his head around. He would have to process his feelings at a later time. Auger cannot help but nod as the deluge arrives, this outcome was expected. The Azhvuv Queen's ability to pierce through the ground and bring them all to safety is a most welcome surprise. Suddenly standing on the sand safe! Despite it all, Auger stands, feeling almost giddy at the turn of events brought about by her abilities and help. Yes! Freeing her was the right call!
Auger reaches into his pocket to see if Py has revived. There is so much to tell it! And through Py to the Dowager! So, he is not paying close attention when the Queen communes with her subjects and Auger only looks up after hearing her two words, his mouth hanging open. But, they had done so much to keep them alive. The Azhvuv did not want this... but it seems their Queen did want it.
Auger silently looks around to the others, making eye contact with each in turn. Now what was going to happen?
Auger sits down in the sand by the lake in shock, tears welling in his eyes and everything hitting him. It had really only taken a few weeks to... to find his cousin. Such a cascade of events...
(I know it doesn't matter much, but I'll wait until this scene wraps up before updating Varielky to level 6. I'm weighing multiple options and I'm not sure which fits better. Maybe this scene will help me decide, maybe.)
"No!"Varielky calls, then in hope that the other Azhvuv can hear her too, she shouts: "Wait! Give us a moment to talk this out! You're no longer pressured by time!" Then, turning to the queen, she asks: "Why would you command that? I thought the Azhvuv have nothing to gain from such a war, nor that they wish to murder these people for no reason! Your subjects promised they won't kill their targets if we free you, will you force them to break their words?" Varielky clutches her fingers around her sword. Was it a lose-lose situation all along? She wants to charge at the queen, perhaps threaten her life to stop the other Azhvuv. However, whose lives were truly at stake here? She has seen how easily the queen killed the lich.
Ednyss breathes a sigh of relief as they are propelled upwards and to safety. Reaching out across his divine connection, he feels only the barest remnants of power granted to him. For this reason, his relief is tinged with a bit of worry as he looks back down towards where they were just expelled from the earth and remembers Brenneth. Ednyss didn't know much about this kind of creature, but he knew that undead creatures, in general, were much harder to kill than it seemed. And given that the lich was one of (if not the) most powerful undead, the crushed body was likely just a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things.
The worry-tinged relief, however, very quickly is replaced by complete shock and anger as the Queen commands the Azhvuv to kill their targets. Letting Varielky talk, the shock starts to overwhelm the anger in Ednyss and he begins to calm down. Still confused, when Varielky is finished, he simply asks, "What would be required to save the lives of the targets?" If the Queen will not listen to reason, Ednyss was still not willing to stand by and let innocent people lose their lives. He had already lost his faith in the Azhvuv completely. This betrayal of their word was the greatest injustice that they could have committed, and Ednyss would never trust them again. However, these people still did not deserve to lose their lives.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
The little pony-tailed girl, the moonlight reflecting an eerie yellow in her dark eyes, holds out her hand, pausing the three sandy heads’ response. As she turns to Varielky, only the sound of the oasis water lapping against the shore and small desert creatures darting through the underbrush near you breaks the silence.
“NO,” she says with complete self-assurance. “You rescued me because you owed a debt.” She turns to Benita, her hand held in front of her chest, pointing with one thin finger. “Because my daughters helped you save her.”
“My Handmaiden had thought you,” she looks flatly at Varielky once more, “to be a person of honor. But you are not. You think to change the bargain after we have already done our part.”
“And you.” She looks at Auger. “Why do you cry for the lives of three you do not know? The Handmaiden thought you hated evil. Is she wrong?"
“The Shian princess has made a deal with the Emperor. It his her doing, for her own benefit, an agreement which captures Shian children and sends them to the Vale to farm poppies, to spend their lives in slavery there in the fields, dying, miserable. Did you not know this?”
“The High Priest of Idiwala, as a young cleric, single-handedly defeated the Shians in their rebellion by stabbing their leader in the back. Countless freedom-fighters died as a result.”
“The Viscount Abziri’s failings are more immediate. He struck a deal with Jlasi Family to provide Warriors and goblins for their war and terror attacks against Family Amazigh. You fought some of those forces here in the oasis. There are more. His wealth comes from secret dealings with the Empire in the opium trade.”
“And you wish to save their lives?”
“The lich was correct. Civil War in the Vale will make your path easier. Many are the eyes upon you. Moreover, given your hatred of the Empire’s orcs, my Handmaiden thought you would favor the Shians in a second rebellion. That is the conflict which would likely come about if these three deaths occur.”
“The granting of this favor need not take place. But,” she continues, her yellow eyes flashing back to Varielky, “you are wrong: there is no time. It is now, or not at all. Decide.” She holds her hand in place, pausing the three Azhvuv, whose sandy eyes dart left and right, maintaining their secrecy wherever they each are.
"I... but..." Varielky can't speak. She is hurt more than anything, but she does not deny it. That is not how she viewed things, but that does not change reality. "But, you were the ones who turned to us on this matter. We wouldn't have known otherwise." She says eventually, though her voice is weak.
She listens to the Queen as she continues talking. She believes the queen, in what she says, despite how shocking that may be. Still, she finds it strange for both the lich and the queen to want the same thing. Then... the people might not be as innocent as she thought. However, in this case, if she chooses to ask the Azhvuv for that favour, will that not equal to murduring those three herself? But otherwise, she'll allow a traitor, a drug dealer and a slave dealer to live and possibly make more people suffer? However, fighting the Amazighs was not something that bothered Varielky, and neither did she see any wrong in what the priestess does today.
So what matters more to her? The means, or the end? Which justifies the other? If the means, then the three are guilty. But, in that case, wouldn't the means in which their punishment is being carried over be wrong? Wouldn't it start the war for the wrong reason? If the end, then at least the priestess and the viscount seem innocent, or at the very least, their guilt would be put at question. But, wouldn't she be justifying much of what she hates? Nearly any dishonourable act can be justified by some end, if one chooses to do so.
Varielky turns to Ednyss, Auger, Benita and Granophyre. Each with their own view on the world and own wisdom. What will they say? "I cannot make this decision alone. What do you think? Assassinate", this word is said with much hatred audible in her voice, "three guilty Humans, for our own gain? Or, otherwise, let them live, and know that we are responsible for any suffering they cause to others or ourselves on our journey?" To her, it almost seems like all options are wrong. If only she could be there, next to the targets, and offer each a sword to defend themselves, possibly redeem themselves in the face of the gods if they can win in a fight against her. That way, reaching the justified end through the justified means.
Auger remains sitting, holding Py's form and looks out on the water as he speaks.
"My tears... they are not for these three lives, though I care little for killing. And in the War that you say will follow, many will die. But those are not who I cry for. Not today. The tears are for my fallen cousin. For what he became. For the life I left behind to come... here. For the desperation we faced. We were trying to free you. To honor our debt. These three lives became part of the bargain and were tied to your freedom. Part of the deal. We nearly died. If you see other reasons for the three to die and you will act as judge and your people as executioners... then so be it. We have released you back into the world, wield your powers and... bring justice. I consider our commitments honored and thank you for providing our freedom."
Auger stands and moves away from everyone else, still holding Py idly in one hand. Auger sits down at a distance and attempts to begin a communion with the Dowager. Perhaps now... it is time to return home.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Benita responds to Varielky. “Flock them! They’re a bunch of hyenas in sheeps’ clothing! Shians have been fighting for their freedom from the lousy Empire forever, so if this helps them, I say those three sewer rats deserve whatever they get!”
Granophyre is more sanguine. “I see,” he says to the Queen, “that you envision this murder as a kindness of sorts. But I will not be party to assassinations, whatever the cause. The road may be difficult, but I have spent my life in pursuit of knowledge, sometimes with Imperial acknowledgment and assistance, and sometimes in secrecy. I am not in need of this boon.”
“If the Shians rebel, of their own volition -- if they make this decision, weighing the bloodshed and the consequences, and determine for themselves that their freedom is worth the cost and attainable -- mark my words -- attainable, -- then I wish them well. But despite your prodigious powers of perception, I do not believe you to be all-knowing. Even Auger’s motives here were not immediately apparent to you. No. You do not know or even understand the risk involved, or the cost. Those who need not fear death, need not fear war. The Shians are not invulnerable, and while I would free every child in the Vale if I had the power, many of them will die horribly in the attempt. No. Without assurances, I would not entertain such ruthlessness. Call off your attack I say. I am willing to carry the burden of this decision on my conscience.”
The Azhvuv Queen replies, “So be it.” She holds up a fist in view of the three sandy faces, and they sheathe their weapons, bow, retreat, and disappear.
The pony-tailed girl in her earthen-colored frock looks around at your company, her yellow-tinted eyes dwelling on each of you. “I see the curse of life upon three of you. I see a second life within one of you. I see peace at the end of your journey. Our bargain is complete. Beware the Azhvuv. They are no allies of the living or the dead.” And in an instant, she disappears within a spinning funnel of dark sand, the sound of dying souls screaming in its wake, which rockets into the sky, then points west and soon is gone.
On the bank of the oasis, you all rest for the night, Benita remembering to feed your Taweki.
Auger meditates and connects with the Dowager. “I hear you Auger. I hear sadness in your heart. What has happened?,” her voice, the voice of his mother, asks.
Varielky attempts to sleep, but something is nagging at the edge of her consciousness. As the others rest, she stands and walks to the top of a nearby dune, seeking quiet in her mind. Then, under the silver moonlight, she hears him loud and clear.
“My queen,” he says. Veleif. Coming, somehow, from her sword, “I have much to tell you.”
_____________
AND SO ENDS THE AGE OF RESURGENCE, BOOK I: The Azhvuv Queen.
THE AGE OF RESURGENCE, BOOK II: The Vale of Deshar
________________
INTRODUCTION
_________________
VARIELKY
“Yes, Varielky. You are the rightful heir to the throne of Drey,” intones the voice of Veleif, so familiar a sound from her childhood – and, not one the shield-maiden associates with pleasure, but only with toil, pain, failure, determination. “But you have much to learn before you can win it back."
"I can only send my thoughts to you for a short time before I must rest. The sword is like an armored cocoon, difficult to pierce. You must have questions. While I can speak, ask and I will answer."
"My cousin, Brenneth. He left your ways behind and sought his own path. A... dark path. His loss is complete and his path... was horrifying. He sought power and found it."
Auger shares the details of what happened in the meeting with his cousin and with the Azhvuv Queen.
"I think my time of service is ended. All I came for has been resolved. I will go home now and see my family. Perhaps another can be your First now."
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
“Auger,” breathes the Dowager, a fragrant wisp of summer hay, of crystal lake water, the time and inflection of the warlock’s mother’s voice, “You have been through a terrible ordeal. To see evil endowed with such power, to witness evil acts, it changes us. It takes away from us.”
“Brenneth. He…is lost…to us. But…thinking people sometimes go their own way, and follow a path…which we who care for them would not advise.”
“I feel your concern, Auger. But take heart. Your family is all right. I am taking care of them. They know what you are doing is important. And they will see you… in not too long. I believe in you. I need you to continue on with the scholar.”
"My wife, my children. I am sure you are taking care of them but it should be me. I should be home. There is so much sadness in this world - I can best take care of them at home and then you and - and another can watch what happens out here."
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
So many questions run through Varielky's mind, leaving her confused and unable to think for a moment. If she cannot ask them all, which should she ask? However, fearing she might lose the chance to ask any questions if she waits for too long, she takes a deep breath. She should trust the gods and Veleif as a conduit of their guidance. She does not know how to reply, but if the gods allow for communication between Veleif and herself, surely, they will allow communication to back. Similarly to how she prays in silence, she asks in silence, thinking the words in her mind: ["I have questions, but I trust the answers will come when they're due. Teach me, and I will listen."] In the end, despite the many hardships she experienced as a child, that is what she remembers, and that made her into what she is now. She does not resent Veleif, but rather admire him. He's her teacher, her trainer, her mentor; and she doesn't ask for more of him.
["I remember. I remember you, and I remember Maura. My kin? I remember my parents vaguely. I wondered what happened to the village multiple times, but going back... was never really an option. It took me long to prove myself worthy of the gods' recognition, if I have at all. How is it? Has something important happened while I was gone?"] She pauses her thoughts for a second, picturing the village as she remembers it. It seems like so many things happened since then. Those days seem so distant in the past, almost a different life. In a way, it truly was a different life. Then, one question surfaces. ["Am I needed back?"] She cannot imagine anything that would demand her return but on the other hand... Veleif is communicating with her despite this great distance between them. Was it truly just to tell her there is a fight she should train for in the future? Or, perhaps, something demands the replacement of the current dweller on Drey's throne?
Auger blasts the six-legged beast with his red dragonfly and twin force beams which both drill into its shiny, rubbery hide, while Varielky and Ednyss leap at it, smashing it with repeated blows. It falls at their feet, but there is no sight of Katoshin — only a few dandelion petals on the dead lizard’s tongue as it extends out in its death throes.
Ednyss pleads with the Azhvuv Queen to call off the attack, which she hears, but turns because, meanwhile, the lich struggles to free his mouth, and, his eyes blazing red, succeeds! The Queen floats upwards, her toes just above the floor, and slaps her outstretched hands together like an alligator’s jaw, causing this extraordinary magic: two wide columns of stone answer her call and crash together from the ceiling and floor, crushing Brenneth between them, who roars in agony, only his head and arms free as the stone grinds his body into a compressed layer of bone dust. His upper torso drops off, motionless, and it, too, crumbles to dust.
The illusion utterly dispels — you are in a dark stone chamber — and now water cascades from above, the roof caving in, its integrity destroyed. A tidal wave surges downwards, pressing in towards the energy sphere surrounding you, roaring and bubbling, and you grasp that within seconds you will be completely submerged as the stone chamber floods with water.
The Azhvuv Queen cocks her head back, and looking straight up, gritting her teeth, screaming with enormous effort, she throws her arms outwards, prying open the rock and sand above you with magical force, and she is now — and all of you are — floating upward within the force sphere, crashing up through the lakebed, through dark cold water, and then — you burst through into the night. The sky is calm and dry, and filled with stars, and the water soon shows mere ripples as the only evidence of your so-recent subterranean adventure. You drift to the shore of the oasis and settle down upon the cool sand.
Your eyes shoot to the east just as the rising half-moon parts from the horizon, and the Queen’s eyes dart to focus on the sand at your feet, which, at her bidding, shifts and forms into the shape of the heads of three Azhvuv — Izilmeddur among them — who seem poised to attack targets out of view. Three sandy faces turn to look at their Queen, listening for her orders.
The Azhvuv Queen says two words. “Kill them.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Such a cascade of events, Auger struggles to track it all. No Kotashin in the lizard's mouth. Yes, this was to be expected, such is the way of the Fey on this plane of existence. His cousin's short freedom and dusty end is hard to wrap his head around. He would have to process his feelings at a later time. Auger cannot help but nod as the deluge arrives, this outcome was expected. The Azhvuv Queen's ability to pierce through the ground and bring them all to safety is a most welcome surprise. Suddenly standing on the sand safe! Despite it all, Auger stands, feeling almost giddy at the turn of events brought about by her abilities and help. Yes! Freeing her was the right call!
Auger reaches into his pocket to see if Py has revived. There is so much to tell it! And through Py to the Dowager! So, he is not paying close attention when the Queen communes with her subjects and Auger only looks up after hearing her two words, his mouth hanging open. But, they had done so much to keep them alive. The Azhvuv did not want this... but it seems their Queen did want it.
Auger silently looks around to the others, making eye contact with each in turn. Now what was going to happen?
Auger sits down in the sand by the lake in shock, tears welling in his eyes and everything hitting him. It had really only taken a few weeks to... to find his cousin. Such a cascade of events...
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
(I know it doesn't matter much, but I'll wait until this scene wraps up before updating Varielky to level 6. I'm weighing multiple options and I'm not sure which fits better. Maybe this scene will help me decide, maybe.)
"No!" Varielky calls, then in hope that the other Azhvuv can hear her too, she shouts: "Wait! Give us a moment to talk this out! You're no longer pressured by time!" Then, turning to the queen, she asks: "Why would you command that? I thought the Azhvuv have nothing to gain from such a war, nor that they wish to murder these people for no reason! Your subjects promised they won't kill their targets if we free you, will you force them to break their words?" Varielky clutches her fingers around her sword. Was it a lose-lose situation all along? She wants to charge at the queen, perhaps threaten her life to stop the other Azhvuv. However, whose lives were truly at stake here? She has seen how easily the queen killed the lich.
Varielky
Ednyss breathes a sigh of relief as they are propelled upwards and to safety. Reaching out across his divine connection, he feels only the barest remnants of power granted to him. For this reason, his relief is tinged with a bit of worry as he looks back down towards where they were just expelled from the earth and remembers Brenneth. Ednyss didn't know much about this kind of creature, but he knew that undead creatures, in general, were much harder to kill than it seemed. And given that the lich was one of (if not the) most powerful undead, the crushed body was likely just a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of things.
The worry-tinged relief, however, very quickly is replaced by complete shock and anger as the Queen commands the Azhvuv to kill their targets. Letting Varielky talk, the shock starts to overwhelm the anger in Ednyss and he begins to calm down. Still confused, when Varielky is finished, he simply asks, "What would be required to save the lives of the targets?" If the Queen will not listen to reason, Ednyss was still not willing to stand by and let innocent people lose their lives. He had already lost his faith in the Azhvuv completely. This betrayal of their word was the greatest injustice that they could have committed, and Ednyss would never trust them again. However, these people still did not deserve to lose their lives.
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
The little pony-tailed girl, the moonlight reflecting an eerie yellow in her dark eyes, holds out her hand, pausing the three sandy heads’ response. As she turns to Varielky, only the sound of the oasis water lapping against the shore and small desert creatures darting through the underbrush near you breaks the silence.
“NO,” she says with complete self-assurance. “You rescued me because you owed a debt.” She turns to Benita, her hand held in front of her chest, pointing with one thin finger. “Because my daughters helped you save her.”
“My Handmaiden had thought you,” she looks flatly at Varielky once more, “to be a person of honor. But you are not. You think to change the bargain after we have already done our part.”
“And you.” She looks at Auger. “Why do you cry for the lives of three you do not know? The Handmaiden thought you hated evil. Is she wrong?"
“The Shian princess has made a deal with the Emperor. It his her doing, for her own benefit, an agreement which captures Shian children and sends them to the Vale to farm poppies, to spend their lives in slavery there in the fields, dying, miserable. Did you not know this?”
“The High Priest of Idiwala, as a young cleric, single-handedly defeated the Shians in their rebellion by stabbing their leader in the back. Countless freedom-fighters died as a result.”
“The Viscount Abziri’s failings are more immediate. He struck a deal with Jlasi Family to provide Warriors and goblins for their war and terror attacks against Family Amazigh. You fought some of those forces here in the oasis. There are more. His wealth comes from secret dealings with the Empire in the opium trade.”
“And you wish to save their lives?”
“The lich was correct. Civil War in the Vale will make your path easier. Many are the eyes upon you. Moreover, given your hatred of the Empire’s orcs, my Handmaiden thought you would favor the Shians in a second rebellion. That is the conflict which would likely come about if these three deaths occur.”
“The granting of this favor need not take place. But,” she continues, her yellow eyes flashing back to Varielky, “you are wrong: there is no time. It is now, or not at all. Decide.” She holds her hand in place, pausing the three Azhvuv, whose sandy eyes dart left and right, maintaining their secrecy wherever they each are.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"I... but..." Varielky can't speak. She is hurt more than anything, but she does not deny it. That is not how she viewed things, but that does not change reality. "But, you were the ones who turned to us on this matter. We wouldn't have known otherwise." She says eventually, though her voice is weak.
She listens to the Queen as she continues talking. She believes the queen, in what she says, despite how shocking that may be. Still, she finds it strange for both the lich and the queen to want the same thing. Then... the people might not be as innocent as she thought. However, in this case, if she chooses to ask the Azhvuv for that favour, will that not equal to murduring those three herself? But otherwise, she'll allow a traitor, a drug dealer and a slave dealer to live and possibly make more people suffer? However, fighting the Amazighs was not something that bothered Varielky, and neither did she see any wrong in what the priestess does today.
So what matters more to her? The means, or the end? Which justifies the other? If the means, then the three are guilty. But, in that case, wouldn't the means in which their punishment is being carried over be wrong? Wouldn't it start the war for the wrong reason? If the end, then at least the priestess and the viscount seem innocent, or at the very least, their guilt would be put at question. But, wouldn't she be justifying much of what she hates? Nearly any dishonourable act can be justified by some end, if one chooses to do so.
Varielky turns to Ednyss, Auger, Benita and Granophyre. Each with their own view on the world and own wisdom. What will they say? "I cannot make this decision alone. What do you think? Assassinate", this word is said with much hatred audible in her voice, "three guilty Humans, for our own gain? Or, otherwise, let them live, and know that we are responsible for any suffering they cause to others or ourselves on our journey?" To her, it almost seems like all options are wrong. If only she could be there, next to the targets, and offer each a sword to defend themselves, possibly redeem themselves in the face of the gods if they can win in a fight against her. That way, reaching the justified end through the justified means.
Varielky
Auger remains sitting, holding Py's form and looks out on the water as he speaks.
"My tears... they are not for these three lives, though I care little for killing. And in the War that you say will follow, many will die. But those are not who I cry for. Not today. The tears are for my fallen cousin. For what he became. For the life I left behind to come... here. For the desperation we faced. We were trying to free you. To honor our debt. These three lives became part of the bargain and were tied to your freedom. Part of the deal. We nearly died. If you see other reasons for the three to die and you will act as judge and your people as executioners... then so be it. We have released you back into the world, wield your powers and... bring justice. I consider our commitments honored and thank you for providing our freedom."
Auger stands and moves away from everyone else, still holding Py idly in one hand. Auger sits down at a distance and attempts to begin a communion with the Dowager. Perhaps now... it is time to return home.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Benita responds to Varielky. “Flock them! They’re a bunch of hyenas in sheeps’ clothing! Shians have been fighting for their freedom from the lousy Empire forever, so if this helps them, I say those three sewer rats deserve whatever they get!”
Granophyre is more sanguine. “I see,” he says to the Queen, “that you envision this murder as a kindness of sorts. But I will not be party to assassinations, whatever the cause. The road may be difficult, but I have spent my life in pursuit of knowledge, sometimes with Imperial acknowledgment and assistance, and sometimes in secrecy. I am not in need of this boon.”
“If the Shians rebel, of their own volition -- if they make this decision, weighing the bloodshed and the consequences, and determine for themselves that their freedom is worth the cost and attainable -- mark my words -- attainable, -- then I wish them well. But despite your prodigious powers of perception, I do not believe you to be all-knowing. Even Auger’s motives here were not immediately apparent to you. No. You do not know or even understand the risk involved, or the cost. Those who need not fear death, need not fear war. The Shians are not invulnerable, and while I would free every child in the Vale if I had the power, many of them will die horribly in the attempt. No. Without assurances, I would not entertain such ruthlessness. Call off your attack I say. I am willing to carry the burden of this decision on my conscience.”
The Azhvuv Queen replies, “So be it.” She holds up a fist in view of the three sandy faces, and they sheathe their weapons, bow, retreat, and disappear.
The pony-tailed girl in her earthen-colored frock looks around at your company, her yellow-tinted eyes dwelling on each of you. “I see the curse of life upon three of you. I see a second life within one of you. I see peace at the end of your journey. Our bargain is complete. Beware the Azhvuv. They are no allies of the living or the dead.” And in an instant, she disappears within a spinning funnel of dark sand, the sound of dying souls screaming in its wake, which rockets into the sky, then points west and soon is gone.
On the bank of the oasis, you all rest for the night, Benita remembering to feed your Taweki.
Auger meditates and connects with the Dowager. “I hear you Auger. I hear sadness in your heart. What has happened?,” her voice, the voice of his mother, asks.
Varielky attempts to sleep, but something is nagging at the edge of her consciousness. As the others rest, she stands and walks to the top of a nearby dune, seeking quiet in her mind. Then, under the silver moonlight, she hears him loud and clear.
“My queen,” he says. Veleif. Coming, somehow, from her sword, “I have much to tell you.”
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AND SO ENDS THE AGE OF RESURGENCE, BOOK I: The Azhvuv Queen.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
THE AGE OF RESURGENCE, BOOK II: The Vale of Deshar
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INTRODUCTION
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VARIELKY
“Yes, Varielky. You are the rightful heir to the throne of Drey,” intones the voice of Veleif, so familiar a sound from her childhood – and, not one the shield-maiden associates with pleasure, but only with toil, pain, failure, determination. “But you have much to learn before you can win it back."
"I can only send my thoughts to you for a short time before I must rest. The sword is like an armored cocoon, difficult to pierce. You must have questions. While I can speak, ask and I will answer."
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"My cousin, Brenneth. He left your ways behind and sought his own path. A... dark path. His loss is complete and his path... was horrifying. He sought power and found it."
Auger shares the details of what happened in the meeting with his cousin and with the Azhvuv Queen.
"I think my time of service is ended. All I came for has been resolved. I will go home now and see my family. Perhaps another can be your First now."
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
AUGER
“Auger,” breathes the Dowager, a fragrant wisp of summer hay, of crystal lake water, the time and inflection of the warlock’s mother’s voice, “You have been through a terrible ordeal. To see evil endowed with such power, to witness evil acts, it changes us. It takes away from us.”
“Brenneth. He…is lost…to us. But…thinking people sometimes go their own way, and follow a path…which we who care for them would not advise.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Yes, I will not follow his path. At home everything can be simple again."
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
AUGER
“I feel your concern, Auger. But take heart. Your family is all right. I am taking care of them. They know what you are doing is important. And they will see you… in not too long. I believe in you. I need you to continue on with the scholar.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
"Can't you find another?"
"My wife, my children. I am sure you are taking care of them but it should be me. I should be home. There is so much sadness in this world - I can best take care of them at home and then you and - and another can watch what happens out here."
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
AUGER
“Auger, I need to ask you something. Why did you come to the lake with your son last midsummer’s day?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
So many questions run through Varielky's mind, leaving her confused and unable to think for a moment. If she cannot ask them all, which should she ask? However, fearing she might lose the chance to ask any questions if she waits for too long, she takes a deep breath. She should trust the gods and Veleif as a conduit of their guidance. She does not know how to reply, but if the gods allow for communication between Veleif and herself, surely, they will allow communication to back. Similarly to how she prays in silence, she asks in silence, thinking the words in her mind: ["I have questions, but I trust the answers will come when they're due. Teach me, and I will listen."] In the end, despite the many hardships she experienced as a child, that is what she remembers, and that made her into what she is now. She does not resent Veleif, but rather admire him. He's her teacher, her trainer, her mentor; and she doesn't ask for more of him.
Varielky
"Well he was not sure - and it had been so long since you picked someone - I wanted to be there -- for him."
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
VARIELKY
“At least this you must be told: you will have to win the throne back through trial of combat. And you are not ready. Not nearly ready.”
“You must wonder what became of me? Do you remember the village, your kin? Do you remember when you left?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
AUGER
“But, Auger. Why did you bring your son?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
["I remember. I remember you, and I remember Maura. My kin? I remember my parents vaguely. I wondered what happened to the village multiple times, but going back... was never really an option. It took me long to prove myself worthy of the gods' recognition, if I have at all. How is it? Has something important happened while I was gone?"] She pauses her thoughts for a second, picturing the village as she remembers it. It seems like so many things happened since then. Those days seem so distant in the past, almost a different life. In a way, it truly was a different life. Then, one question surfaces. ["Am I needed back?"] She cannot imagine anything that would demand her return but on the other hand... Veleif is communicating with her despite this great distance between them. Was it truly just to tell her there is a fight she should train for in the future? Or, perhaps, something demands the replacement of the current dweller on Drey's throne?
Varielky