Sunday Night, Fireseek 9, 591 Common Year

After supper that evening, relaxed after having had a good meal, Gar turns to the Chief and says in Draconic, “Milord, I would be honored if you allowed this humble emissary of the Great Druidess to walk at your side through the marsh on this expedition.”

Chief Rahk replies in Draconic, “I would be honored Father Gar, devotee of Obad-Hai and emissary of the Great Druidess, to have you at my side. The last time we tried to attack the Deathwalkers in their layer we did not have anyone with us who could counter the power of their priests.”

“Thank you, I will do my best,” replies Gar in Common, as he absently mindedly looks around the group at his comrades.

Ragnbjorn says in Common, “Chief Rahk, we have decided that we will send a force to accompany you in your fight against the Deathwalkers – at least for this attack against the shrine you have found. It has been decided that Sir Indranil will lead this expeditionary force, at least on the human side. I will be returning to Westkeep to report the situation to Prince Prospero and to make sure that Master Ailil is brought to justice. I also need to report the treachery of Guardsman Noch.”

Sgt. Apone speaks up in Common, “Sir Ragnbjorn, do you wish for me to stay here with the squad or should I go with you to give a full accounting of Noch’s actions?”

Sir Ragnbjorn says, “I think it would be better if you stayed here to help Sir Indranil. If you could assign a couple of guardsmen to go back with me, that would suffice. Perhaps Vaskez and Hex could return with me?”

“Yes sir.”

Gar nods his silent but unasked for agreement.

Fingol continues with these thoughts, in Common, “Sir Indranil and I have not discussed this thoroughly, Chief Rank. However, I was thinking that, with the exception of Father Gar, the force from Westkeep should be kept as a unit supporting your troops. The guardsmen have trained as a squad and I believe they will be more effective together. I would be honored to travel with you also as opportunity permits, but I will fight under Sir Indranil’s command.”

Gar remains silent but looks very pleased.

Chief Rahk nods and says in Common, “I think it is best if our two forces fight side-by-side but that otherwise we do not intermingle. I am sorry that Sir Ragnbjorn will not be with us, but if he trusts Sir Indranil then I will too. Likewise, I will be honored to have Sir Ragnbjorn’s son fighting with me. I am sure that Sir Indranil and I will be able to coordinate our respective forces.”

Ragnbjorn continues in Common, “I am still of a mind to bring Adelina with me to Westkeep. This is no place for a young girl, and you are no guardswoman yet,” he says this looking to Adelina. “On the other hand, Father Gar does believe that she is needed here because she may be some link to finding not just her parents but some lost city, the source of these troubles. Adlina herself makes the good point that she knows this area well, though I think that between Chief Rahk and his folk, we have better guides than any we could ever wish for. What do the rest of you think? Sir Fingol? Sir Indranil? Sir Lorindel?”

Newt almost bursts into another argument about why she should be included, but catches herself and sees she’s really not being asked. She very eagerly awaits the others’ input.

“For my part,” Fingol jumps in, “I would have her stay with us. We have been strongly directed by the visions from Obad-Hai, thus far. If we, in fact, place faith in these visions, than we must not ignore that she was shown to be with us when we search for and find the city.”

Adelina nods enthusiastically, but holds her tongue.

Rain butts in quietly, “I’ll keep her safe.”

Adelina shoots a grateful smile to Rain and silently mouths, “Thank you!”

“I was about to object,” cuts in Lorindel. “I still have my misgivings; however, if Rain is willing to act as chaperon, I will remain silent.”

Turning towards Newt, Lorindel continues, “The fact that you were able to stay hidden and alive the days following the assault, Newt, at least shows you have some innate abilities. I have my orders though, and need to remain focused. I hope your presence does not add unnecessary risk.”

“Oh, milord!” Newt replies to Sir Lorindel, “I will not be a hindrance to you! You may rely on me for that, and I’ll do all I can to aid you.”

Rain responds, this time in Elvish, “She will be fine, Lorindel… I suspect there is much more to our Newt than she lets on.”

“Of that,” laughs Lorindel as he responds in Common, “I have no doubts.”

Indranil first gives a full bow (of a subordinate) to the center of the Circle of Honor and then also to Chief Rahk and then a half bow (as of an equal) to those of Rahk’s officers who are also in the circle and says in Draconian, ”Chief Rahk!  We accept your gracious offer to accompany you and your noble, most excellent, warriors on your mission to eliminate the vile Deathwalkers from your lands.  I thank you for letting us share in such a noble mission. It does us a great honor to be included in your war party.” Indranil bares his teeth and sticks out his tongue as if tasting the air. “May we partake of the forthcoming victory feast together!” Indranil finishes this with a loud crack of his bared teeth.

“Chief Rahk, I agree with your wisdom to keep our forces separate from a chain of command. And you are most wise to order we coordinate our respective forces. Perhaps we can hold a war council to discuss your plans along with my officers, Sir Fingol and Sir Lorindel, to plan our order of battle so that we may most effectively support your mission and leverage our strengths?”

Chief Rahk replies in Common and then repeats himself in Draconic, “Yes, I agree, we should have a meeting tomorrow at noon, just the leaders and officers. Perhaps you can bring your charts as well.”

Indranil says, ”Agreed! It shall be as you command. Chief Rahk, Please excuse me as I must address my party to ensure they are aware of their function.”

Indranil turns to Sir Fingol, and says in Draconian, “Sir Fingol, please translate my words so our worthy hosts understand everything we say inside the Circle of Honor.”

Fingol translates as asked.

Indranil then gives a full bow (of a subordinate) to Sir Ragnbjorn and says in the common tongue, “Sir Ragnbjorn, I agree with Sir Fingol and would like to have Adelina remain with our expedition. I understand the danger for her. However, I respect Father Gar’s vision from Obad-Dai and along with my own observations from the last few days believe that Adelina is the key to the Deathwalker threat we face. I asked Guardsman Rain to be Adelina’s bodyguard and teacher during our scouting party to Adelina’s home and Rain surpassed herself in this role. I have great confidence that Rain will continue to excel in this role to keep Adelina safe and continue her instruction in the martial arts. With your permission I would like Adelina to remain with us.”

Indranil turns to Rain and asks her, “Guardsman Rain do you accept this charge to hold safe from all enemies and evil and instruct Adelina in the martial arts upon your life and pain of death?”

Rain hesitates for a few seconds with a smirk on her face, You have got to be kidding… upon pain of death? Really, who talks like that? …and what in the Nine Hells are all of these animal gestures… oh for the love of Norebo please don’t let me burst out laughing… hold it… hold it…, then seems to sober and says, “Sure”, and then bares her teeth and wiggles her tongue at Indranil. I sure hope that was some sort of gesture meaning it would be my honor? she thinks after performing this gesture.

From the look on Indranil’s face and the sudden silence and stillness from the lizardfolk as well as Chief Rahk’s intent look upon both she and Indranil, Rain realizes that she has probably just made a very grave error in trying to mimic the nonverbal communication of the lizardfolk.

Chief Rahk inquires in Common, “Perhaps there is some question as to who should be war chieftain?”

Newt is anxiously watching how this turn of events unfolds. On one hand, the person advocating for her inclusion in the expedition has been challenged. On the other hand, Newt’s tutor/bodyguard is at risk. To Newt’s way of thinking, little good can come of this.

Indranil realizes that he must get Rain to back down in a way that the lizardfolk will clearly understand.

Rain turns red in embarrassment as she realizes that her attempt at showing honor to Indranil by mimicking that stupid teeth/tongue thing has failed miserably. She begins to stand to address Indranil in apology to placate the lizards, but her wits fail her and Indranil reacts first. He jumps to his feet and roars! He then stalks over to where Rain is sitting and first taking off his gloves he then slaps Rain knocking her to the ground. He grabs her shirt and lifts her to her feet.

Growling in her ear, Indranil says so that Rain alone you can hear, “You impulsive fool! You have forced this upon me. I have no wish to strike you, or lord it over you or be your master. I have shown you great respect so far, in fact given you a mission of utmost importance to us all. Do you think I would entrust such a mission to someone I have no regard for? Someday you will to learn that respect given and returned is no weakness. Now do something smart and grovel as a bit of theater for the lizards so we can move on.” Rain hangs her head in submission, and after a moment Indranil drops Rain back into her seat in the Circle.

Newt wonders what just happened. Rain should have received a proper beating for the disrespect she’d shown. She had earned it! In her mind, Newt wonders if Indranil is afraid to assert his rightful authority and dodge responsibility with a growled warning to Rain. Perhaps Indranil wasn’t finished. Newt keeps watching, waiting for the conclusion. Newt reminds herself to refer to Indranil using the honorific “Sir,” even if her estimation of him needs revision.

Then Xalakae recalls that in the lizardfolk culture, what Indranil had done was sufficient to establish dominance as long as Rain backed down. Unlike the humans, the lizardfolk did not resort to beatings and other forms of sadism as a means of taking and grasping power. For them it was sufficient when dominance had been established and acknowledged through a simple display of strength, skill, or force of personality.  Xalakae’s insight into Sir Indranil’s actions transforms into a new respect for how smoothly he handled the situation. Her eyes stay on Rain, watching for her response.

Rain sits silently with her head hung for a few seconds. She then slowly rises and addresses Chief Rahk in Common. “Great Chief Rahk, my sincere apologies for my careless words and my fumbling attempts to mimic what I thought was a gesture of honor to our War Leader Indranil. I meant no disrespect to him or to this Circle of Honor. There is no question in my mind that Sir Indranil is our War Chieftain, which I will gladly follow on this mission you have so kindly allowed us to join.”

She turns to Indranil, “Sir Indranil, to you I owe debt of gratitude for you have shown me great respect in allowing me a place in your company as well as your kind appraisal of my actions. I regret my attempts to mimic your actions, which I took for Draconic. I chose my words carelessly, hoping that I would convey my feelings of honor at your words and for choosing me to watch over the child Adelina by a more appropriate response. Of that I failed. Please allow me to say what I meant in a language I more fully understand… Thank you Sir Indranil. It will be my honor to follow you and to look after Newt and be sure that no harm comes to her.” At this she bows lowly before Indranil then Rahk.  She again sits down, dropping her countenance of shame and sitting up straight with the dignity of a warrior.

Lorindel slumps back and lets out a sigh of relief.

Indranil turns to Newt and says, “Adelina do you fully understand the dangers of this mission? Do you accept Guardsman Rain as your teacher and guard, to obey her in all she asks? Do you accept a role in our expedition and thereby agree to obey all commands of myself, Sir Fingol and Sir Lorindel? Do you agree to conduct yourself with honor at all times?

Standing to give a full bow to Sir Indranil, Newt replies, “Yes, milord, I understand the danger of the mission.” Looking at Rain, “And I accept Rain’s role as guardian and teacher. I’m sure I can trust her to take good care of me and teach me well.” Brightening visibly, she continues, “Oh, thank you for including me in the expedition! I will follow your orders faithfully, and those of the other good knights. I will act honorably and will not disappoint you. Thank you! Thank you, milord!”  With that, she bows deeply and sits back down, much relieved to be on the expedition’s roster.

Indranil finally turns to Father Gar and gives a half-bow (of an equal) and says in common, “Father Gar I am pleased with your decision to remain with our joint war party. The guidance of the Great Druidess is honor indeed and much valued. We will have need of your wisdom, perception and healing powers during this quest. While you are attending Chief Rahk closely I hope you will also avail yourself of our party as well.”

Gar bows deeply to Indranil, but without standing up. Turning to Ragnborn and Fingol, Gar says in Common, “You chose well, milords.”

Looking back at the new undisputed war chieftain of the humans, Gar says, “I would still like to camp with your troop, if you don’t mind, Sir Indranil.”

“Father Gar you are welcome to camp with us.”

“Thank you milord,” says Gar with a smile.

Indranil closes his eyes and bows fully to the center of the Circle of Honor with arms and legs tucked to symbolize a return to the Great Egg indicating he is finished speaking.

Ragnbjorn says, “Very well then. I will return to Westkeep on the Javan Queen along with guardsmen Hex and Vaskez to escort the traitor Master Ailil. The other delegates will also return with us to Westkeep until peace has been secured in the marshes and proper negotiations can be undertaken. I will report all this to Prince Prospero. Sir Fingol, will stay here as the Prince’s envoy to the lizardfolk. Father Gar will also remain as the envoy of the Great Druidess. Sir Indranil will remain to command the Keoland forces with his brother Sir Lorindel to assist him. Adelina will, I suppose, be considered a temporary member of the Guard under Rain’s care but under the command of Sgt. Apone and ultimately Sir Indranil. I will return to Cypress Hill aboard the Javan Queen in about a week. We will wait for you there one week and then return to Westkeep. I certainly hope that you will be back there or at least able to send a messenger back there in that time.”

Fingol gets up, walks over to Chief Rahk and bows low saying in Draconic, “Thank you for your gracious hospitality. I hope you will spare some time to speak with the delegation before we leave.” To his warriors he says, “I look forward to marching with you, and facing our mutual enemies.”

Chief Rahk replies, “There will be a time for discussions proper to times of peace when peace has prevailed. I thank you for your courtesy and patience.”

Indranil rises and to no one in particular says he plans to head back to the Javan Queen for some tea, a smoke, and a bit of peace on his favorite spot atop the deck house contemplating the river.

Gar gets up as well and bows deeply to the Chief and Ragnbjorn, “Until tomorrow milords.” Then he too heads back to the boat.