Terrastal, Yrsa and Randel stood dumbfounded around Bofrost as he described his strange vision. It seemed clear that there was to be a sacrifice, but of who and when? Terrastal was convinced that Baranthos was to be the victim, but the others were less convinced. Despite the late hour and their exhaustion from the events of the day, the companions set off into the night searching for more information. Whilst Yrsa and Terrastal headed for the Clan Hall, Randel mingled with the crowds and Bofrost set off to consult with his fellow Sages.
Randel immediately noticed that the crowd was subdued, worried about what the Marriage Contest may mean for themselves and their families. Although great adventures are the fibres from which heroes weave their legends, the same fibres all too often make a noose for the necks of the common folk. Randel appealed to the crowd to trust in himself and his companions to do what was right for the clan, but this fell on deaf ears and scuffles broke out as clanfolk argued. Seeing this, Randel brought forth the power of his spirit and let his Harmony rune shine through his words. His words spoke to the spirits of the commoners, and they began to follow him and hang on his words. As he walked, he saw the farmer whose land he had helped clear of Broo taint; as he told his tale, he pointed out Randel, and all looked at him with great respect.
Meanwhile, Bofrost met with the Grey Sages, who were packing for their journey back to Jonstown. The events at the feast dominated conversation. Although they argued as to detail, as is the way of Sages, all agreed that the Marriage Contest had a strong foundation in myths from the Godtime. Indeed, this was one of many stories that had been reported from across Dragon Pass; long-slumbering myths seemed to be waking up, in preparation for some unknown purpose. With regard to the Red Hands, there was much disagreement as to what had happened to them following Hofstaring’s death. However, they did agree that the Hands were last seen in Boldhome, the capital of Sartar.
As Terrastal and Yrsa approached the Clan Hall, they noticed that there were more weaponthanes on the streets than was usual, and that they seemed more watchful than usual. At the door to the Hall, their way was blocked by Willa and Merlac, hardened warriors of their acquaintance. Yrsa attempted to sway them with a ballad recalling the honour of the clan, but Terrastal appealed to their warrior hearts and they were admitted.
Within, they found the Clan Ring engaged in fierce debate. Drenyan was arguing for a swift and violent response to the holding of Baranthos, whereas Morganeth White-Eye counselled caution. As the heroes told their story, Terrastal and Yrsa supported Drenyan’s call for action but Orlmgard, the Clan Lawspeaker, insisited that even Kangharl would not dare to execute a Clan Chief without at least the pretence of a trial. The heroes once more urged action, but Baranthos’ wife Zarah stepped forward and asked what the Lunars would do to Clearwine if they rose up; she reminded them of the fate of the people of Runestone in Starbrow’s rebellion, their souls destroyed forever in the maw of the Crimson Bat.
As this terrible image played out in their minds, a Lunar slave was admitted, holding out a scroll. Terrastal handed this over to Orlmgard, who relayed its contents in a shocked voice. The King had declared Gringle Goodsell an outlaw and placed him beyond tribal protection. After some debate, the Circle members wondered whether Gringle was the sacrifice that Bofrost had heard Kangharl insist on.
This news gave Yrsa and Terrastal pause for thought, and Zarah dismissed them, saying they would be summoned the following day.
At dawn, Yrsa decided that she must tend to her fledgling herd whilst the others busied themselves with Clan politics. As the child of thralls, she knew how important wealth was and was determined to grow her herd. She already had a reputation as an expert at reading the health of a herd, and others often came to her for advice. As she tended her small herd, she noted with satisfaction that two of her cows were in calf. A fine start!
Her companions spend the morning in feverish debate over the Lunar plan, and at the appointed time gathered with other Clanfolk at the Lawspeaker’s Stone. Orlmgard the Ernaldori Lawspeaker made the announcement of Gringle’s outlawing flanked by two weaponthanes for protection. He then drew forth another Lunar scroll, announcing that Baranthos had denounced Gringle whilst admitting his own part in crimes against the Tribe, and therefore he was to be tried by the Tribal Circle in 13 weeks. At this, the crowd began to shout at Orlmgard, and a few began to throw more than words! Randel again appealed to the better nature of the crowd, and those who had been swayed by him the previous evening took up the call for harmony. A shaken Orlmgard gave Randel’s shoulder a squeeze of gratitude, before throwing the Lunar scroll into the dirt and stalking off.
The companions were shocked by what they heard, and headed off for the Earth Temple to confer with Morganeth White-Eye. On the way, Terrastal conferred briefly with a shattered Drenyan. Speaking words of strength and encouragement, he stirred the spirit of Orlanth within Drenyan, who said he would be worthy initiate into the worship of Orlanth.
At the Earth Temple, the heroes encountered the Culbrea Tribe delegation leaving for Greenstone. Terrastal showed his rough ways in trying to speak to Ernalsulva, but her mother Entarios told him to bring the Red Hands to Greenstone, or not to come at all. As they moved away, guarded by fierce Babeester Gor initiates, Terrastal caught a glimpse of Ernalsulva stunning green eyes watching him with interest…
At the Earth Temple,Randel met Eirissa. Far from the meek person he was used to, when he told her about Baranthos’ impending trial she became enraged, crashing her fist to the table with an impassioned ‘This cannot stand!’. Morganeth was likewise appalled at Kangharl’s actions, but was worried about the effect of even a small rebellion on her Clan through the inevitable Lunar reprisals. As for Gringle, she too felt sorrow at his likely fate after the lifting of his protection by the tribe. She knew that far from benefitting from his position as tax collector, he had impoverished himself through paying taxes for those Orlanthi who could not.
On their return to Clearwine, Yrsa rejoined them just as the heroes were summoned to accompany a furious Zarah on a visit to seek an audience with Kangharl; it was clear that she at least partially blamed them for her husband’s predicament. As they strode to keep up with Zarah, they once more entered Clearwine’s Upper City, where it was clear that Lunar ways had been enthusiastically taken up by the tribal nobility.
In Kangharl’s throne room, the Clanfolk endured thinly-veiled insults from Kangharl before Baranthos entered in chains. After accepting that he would be tried under Lunar law and that he had evidence that Gringle had committed treason, Baranthos appeared to trip; as Yrsa stepped forward to catch him, he whispered urgently into her ear that they must ‘save Gringle’. After Baranthos was roughly hustled away, the companions followed Zarah back to the Clan Hall to consider what to do next. As they left the Upper City, Bofrost’s attention was drawn to the slave that had he had seen before, in service to Soshona. As he leant toward the slave, he whispered that Tatius the Bright’s assassins would be leaving Boldhome within the day to attack Apple Lane. The race to save Gringle was on!
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