Silvanost - The Arrival of the King
15 Newkolt 349 AC
IN THE OLD CIVIC BUILDING
Romulus heads downtown. It doesn't take him long to find the community center or the workers who are busy converting it for use by the party. The halfling archmage strolls in, his spotted leopard, Macula, by his side and starts looking for his friends. Finding none of them, he settles for any familiar face and soon finds Alara. The archivist looks up from her clipboard and smiles, "Thank the gods that you've returned. Was your trip to the Tower fruitful?"
"It was. I am quite pleased with the results." He looks around the room, "Where is everyone?"
Alara lets out an exasperated sigh, "Ra’ziir is at the Aerie training to be a griffon-rider, Kysek has been summoned to an emergency Council Meeting, Cedron and Raven are on the Plane of Faerie trying to rescue Cassidy, Councilor Summerwalker, and the others from some old enemy of Raven's? Shadow and Grotto are currently unaccounted for."
Romulus blows out an exasperated breath. "Ugh... that doesn't bode well. I'm not going to worry about that right now. Where is this Aerie? If Kysek is in a meeting, I do not want to join him. I'll go find Ra’ziir instead."
Grotto feels shame around his actions. His anger spilled over on the inaction of a leader to defend his people. "Well, isn't this a fine mess I've gotten us into?" he says to Shadow quietly.
Shadow replies, “Exactly what I was thinking. This is what I get for hanging around with Dwarves," he says it loud enough for the elves around him to hear it and then he gives Grotto a wink. “How many Elves are here today because of you? They will never give you the praise you deserve."
"That tavern keeper said the words many think out loud. To think, at one time, I was considering Loraine's offer to take over as head of the healers. That would have been a lonely existence. I'd rather die with my friends than live with their kind!"
THE COUNCIL HALL
Kysek arrives at the Council Hall within minutes after leaving Ra’ziir and Alara. The messenger who was sent to fetch him leads Kysek through a service entrance and around a corner into a long hallway that leads to the Council Chamber.
Daebella Rainbrook and Elamyar Dawnbreeze are already present. Elamyar's nephew, Respen, shrieks with glee as Kysek enters the room and runs to him.
"Greetings Respen. What can I do for you my lad?”, Kysek says with a smile seeing his reaction to his entrance.
"Uncle Kysek, Uncle Elamyar got me an owl! It eats mice just like Bubo!"
Elamyar follows in Respen's wake, "Greetings, Councilor Creepingshadow," the mage smiles. "Do you know why we have been summoned at such an early hour?"
A figure walks out of the Council Chamber, "Because I have seen fit to summon you, Councilor Dawnbreeze." Cuinar Elar steps into the hallway, Adfaren Dilla trails behind him.
"Councilor Elar was assaulted in his home this afternoon. The City Guard are bringing the assailant in now." The silversmith pauses, "Councilor Creepingshadow, we will need to ask you to recuse yourself."
A squad of guardsmen enter the Hall. Grotto and Shadow walk between them.
Kysek smiles to Respen once more; happy to hear about his owl and see his excitement. Kysek tries to answer Elamayar; but before a word can be spoken he is interrupted. “Recuse myself? Why”, he states just as he sees his two friends being brought before them by the guards. “I see now, why you request me to recuse myself. However; I see no reason for such a thing yet. I have a right and a duty to hear the details of Councilor Elar's accusations. Given the failing of this Councilor to protect this city from imminent attack and the loss of so many innocent lives directly related to said failure. I believe Councilor Elar would do just about anything to accuse and besmirch those who may well have saved this city if it weren’t for his ineptitude. It would stand to reason an option that he’s attempting to smear the names of those who did nothing but help this city in an effort to restore his name. An adequate investigation into this matter must be completed immediately before I shall decide to recuse myself of this matter.”, the thief turned mage and politician states eloquently.
"Actually, Councilor Creepingshadow, I have no intention of 'smearing' anyone's reputation. I made several significant mistakes in hoping that diplomacy would carry the day and, in doing so, left our city unprepared for the Lord Ariakas' betrayal. In fact, I have emptied my home of everything that may contribute to our war effort and, should it be necessary to ensure a fair trial, I will agree to go into exile if that will ensure that the laws of this realm are enforced."
“Perhaps we can figure something out. I come from a belief that there are three sides to every story Councilor. There is one side, the other, and yet somewhere in between, lies truth. It’s no secret that yourself and many others here harbor ill will toward my dwarvish companion based whole heartedly on his race alone. I would like to first hear your accusation. As well as testimony of any witnesses to your alleged assault. Bring forth your evidence for us to observe for ourselves. I do not believe anyone should just take one word over another. Once we’ve heard your side; we will hear from Mr. Grimmbeard and Shadow. We will hear from any witnesses they provide as well as evidence they have. Only then can a determination be made. I too, am interested in the truth. I too, am interested in justice. I am more likely however to believe there is more to this story. Everyone in this city has seen both your actions in time of crises; and the actions of the accused. While your actions of late are appreciated by this city. Your donations have helped immensely. Had your head been in the game sooner; destruction could have been prevented. Councilor; I’ve been naught but fair throughout the process of trying to convince of what was to come. I will be naught but fair in this as I feel Mr. Grimmbeard will not get a fair trial without at least one who does not hate him by race alone. Once all the evidence is heard; I will be fair and impartial. One way or the other. I find it difficult to recuse myself just yet because of this fact. The Council will hear your allegations; not just me. The Council will hear the other side; not just me. The Council will discuss the matter and figure out what should be done; one way, or another. Is this agreeable; Councilor?”
Cuinar scoffs, "I have no witnesses. Only the accused and I were present at the time. They arrived in my home, demanding information about 'Dragonlances' of all things and when Mister Grimmbeard did not like my answer, he grabbed me, stuffed a rag in my mouth and poured wine on it and my face while berating me. If he or Shadow have even a shred of honor, they will admit to this."
Kysek turns to Shadow and Grotto a look of surprise plainly upon his face. “Is this true? AND; what is with ‘Dragonlances’ AND why, question the Councilor? Perhaps we can resolve this here and now?”, Kysek states raising a single eyebrow toward his companions.
Grotto looks to the ground, ashamed of his actions. "Councilman, dear noble of this land, please forgive me and let me explain my actions. I was very disappointed by your lack of action. You saw with your own eyes and heard the maladies and distress from your trusted captain of the guard as well as you kin from the outter provinces that they were being attacked. You even ignored the pleas of your most trusted sailor, a fellow councilor I might add, that she and her crew were being attacked from all sides at sea and in the harbors from the enemy. Yet you ignored all calls to defend this land. The overwhelming evidence before you should at the very least caused you to raise the defenses. Yet you sat on your hands, telling all to stand down. I lost trust in your guidance. I no longer saw you as a leader but as a conspirator with the enemy. The evidence before me lead to my actions. We found proof of a formidable weapon against our foe. I did not trust you to speak the truth with those thoughts in mind. Sir, I know I am looked down upon as a dwarf. It is obvious in that that all my other companions received the highest honor with the noble medals of this land while I received no recognition. I did my best keeping the wounded alive and teaching the medics. Your arresting guards didn't even recognize me. Me, Grotto Grimmbeard who was asked to take leadership of the house of healers, would have been beaten and hung as the dirty dwarf outsider if not for being in the company of the hero drow elf. My actions were my own. My frustration with the lack of preparation of this land and the lives lost spilled over to the questions I had about a possible weapon to turn the tide of our recent defeats. My comrades are noble. This was my weakness alone. Leave them to help. Punish me as you may." Grotto's eyes well in shame. "I admit I have wronged you. For what little it means to you, I am sorry." Grotto knows the pain and humiliation of torture. He looks to the elder and says, "War, war never changes."
Kysek turns to Grotto, “I appreciate you falling upon your sword, master dwarf; however, this IS a legal proceeding! Allow us to conduct IT AS ONE! Thank you; Good Sir!”, Kysek exclaims after listening to Grotto’s exclamation. He hopes the dwarf sees nothing more in his demeanor than the attempt to get him and Shadow off the hook.
The door opens and a regal elf with long blond hair and hazel eyes walks in. He is dressed in fine white robes shot through with gold and silver threads. With a regal bearing to match the crown upon his head, the elf speaks, "Well said, Master Dwarf. It takes a brave soul to admit when he is wrong."
The other elves turn to face the new arrival and all bow their heads or drop to one knee, as befits their station.
Cuinar is the first to speak, "Your Majesty...I did not expect..."
The elfin king turns to face those gathered, "A year ago, I received an envoy from the Dragon Emperor Ariakas, who bore a pledge to leave Silvanesti alone as long as we did not interfere with his conquest of the lands beyond our borders. I agreed but I did not believe. I began secretly assembling my forces, moving them without notice and bid Councilor Elar to assist in keeping my trust so as not to panic my people. He was to maintain the fiction that we Silvanesti were standing down in case Dragonarmy spies were watching our every move and he did his job well. I had hoped to purchase a few more months of marshaling our forces with our apparent complacency but, sadly, this was not the case. Ariakas struck and suffered for it. Cuinar is not to blame. I am. He followed the orders I gave him and now, because of the time we did gain to make ready, our armies are holding their own in Sithelnost and Tarithnesti. As you are aware Kurinost was overrun but we had fewer places to hide troops so close to the the coast while minotaur ships watched from the Bay."
"Grotto Grimmbeard, I cannot have you assaulting my people or raiding abandoned tombs containing the remains of my kin. However, by my understanding, you were awarded a medal for your role in the defense of my city on the night of the attack. Your actions, and the actions of your allies, are noticed and appreciated. By my decree, you will not be punished at this time and the armor of Prince Enarathan will be turned over to my servants for reinterment. But know this, I will not tolerate another transgression."
AT THE AERIE
Ra’ziir looks in on Redclaw, bringing the usual snacks, brushing him, and mucking the stall before laying down a fresh layer of hay. “Elowyn got me fitted for a saddle yesterday. Maybe you’ll be up for some airtime with me soon...” He mentions during the process. Redclaw’s head moves up and down vigorously, and he spreads his wings wide, touching them to both sides of his stall and shrieks loudly.
While waiting on Wing Sergeant Silvervale to arrive, Ra’ziir draws Grumbar’s Razor. The obsidian blade begins to smoke as it slides out of its sheath. Redclaw makes an interrogative noise and edges closer to his stall door.
The bladesinger moves through several poses and positions, turning and twisting his sword to either strike or defend against unseen foes. Redclaw’s eyes never leave the black-robed elf. After watching Ra’ziir complete a series of steps, the griffon begins to bob its head in time with the movements.
Ra’ziir opens the door to Redclaw’s stall and heads outside. The griffon stands there for a moment before he picks up on the unspoken invitation. Redclaw pushes the gate open and follows in Ra’ziir's wake.
Once outside, the Elfemental trades Grumbar’s Razor for Fire Blossom and begins to repeat his sword practice with the flaming blade so Redclaw has at least some idea of how he fights. The griffon’s jaw hangs open, tongue hanging out and opens and closes his wings or ducks his head in time with Ra'ziir's attack routine.
With everything going well, Raz makes his way over to a storeroom just off to the side of the main floor and retrieves a saddle, "This isn't the one Elowen is making for us, but it should suffice for today's purposes..."
The Eldritch Knight places the saddle pad on Redclaw’s back, followed by the saddle itself. He lines it up with the griffon’s shoulder blades, adjusting it slightly to make sure it is aligned correctly and snugs the girth and back straps. He adjusts and tightens both in turn until they are properly secured. Redclaw waits patiently, lifting his wings out of the way so Ra’ziir can complete his work.
It just about then that Romulus comes strolling around the corner of the Aerie and sees Ra’ziir and his new companion. The halfling raises a hand in greeting and nudges Macula in an unspoken command to halt. He leans forward and says, "Hey."
IN THE WOODS OUTSIDE OF SILVANOST
The whorls in the bark of the tree Cedron planted flare to life and a glowing portal appears.
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