Starday Morning, Fireseek 15, 591 Common Year

Once everyone has returned to the crown of the hill, Indranil, seething, red faced, and clearly trying very hard to hold his temper states, “No one speaks until I give leave.”

Gar keeps his head down in a contemplative fashion with his left hand middle finger remaining on his amulet.

Indranil continues, “Sergeant Apone, have your crews continue to collect firewood but do not stray far. Battle may happen at any time now. Relay to the guards at each entrance that the fires must now remain lighted and burning hot. Collect the pile of arrows and picket stakes Sir Fingol and I made this morning and position them in from of all five entrances according to this drawing.” Indranil quickly sketches out the placement of the fires, arrow punji sticks and picket stakes in the dirt so that Sgt. Apone can clearly see what is needed and all the others may follow as well.

“We are not ready for battle with evil sorcerers until tomorrow. Our only hope now is to contain them. Pray to the goddess they still think the raiding parties will return to save them and they have the hubris to wait. No one will rest tonight. Crews will be working through the night to maintain those fires. Now, Guardsman Rain report on what happened at the main entrance and leave no detail out.”

Rain, wary of the fact that loud voices might be overheard inside the lair, responds to Indranil with an even, orderly but quiet voice. “We approached the entrance with intentions of me standing at the glyph with Newt behind me. Newt was going to do her thing while I stood in front of her for protection, both from the glyph and those inside should they have chosen that moment to attack. But before I brought her in close I wanted to examine the glyph one more time and attempt to discover the exact trigger, again for reasons of protecting Newt and the others there. Though I was certain of the glyph’s mechanism and very methodical in my approach I managed instead to activate the glyph. The lines of the glyph suddenly flared into full visibility, by everyone I would assume, and then turned into a spray of acid that soaked the entire inset space before the door including all vegetation and burning lines into the door. I, however, was able to maneuver around and between the spray so that only a few drops hit me.

“We heard them laugh inside, and then Newt said that they knew the glyph was tripped and were going to get the priest. I sent Newt to inform you and setup those of us at the entrance in a defensive formation in case the enemy came out before you came to give us your orders. The rest you know.” She finishes but continues to look directly at Indranil.

“Guardsman Rain I recall telling you expressly not to trip the glyph. Why did you feel it necessary to reexamine the glyph one more time? The plan was to get Adelina close enough to lift the passwords from the guards. Was this on your own initiative or were you encouraged to do so?”

Rain responds, “I was not certain enough of the mechanism. During our discussion on this sport earlier it occurred to me that I should re-examine the glyph, looking for exactly what would trip it… touch, crossing the boundaries… what made it go boom.” Rain recognizes that her voice is beginning to rise as she is being interrogated for attempting to make it safer for the team so takes a few seconds to calm down.

She continues, “I remember what you expressly said. I was attempting to investigate further to understand the trap better to make it safe. It was my decision. Mine. I misread something of the glyph and it fucking went off. That’s it. It could have happened any previous time I looked at it also.” Again her anger at this interrogation begins to get the better of her so she stops talking but continues to look only at Indranil.

Indranil looks back at Rain for a long time then shakes his head. Turning to Aramek he says, “Guardsman Aramek, please tell me what happened from your perspective.”

Aramek responds to Indranil’s question about his understanding of what just happened at the door. “In our earlier conference Rain said that trying to disable one of these glyphs would be one of the most difficult things she’s ever attempted, and incredibly dangerous. She said she’d prefer that Father Gar attempt disrupting it using magic first, but if that should fail then she would be more than willing to give it a try. I made my feelings clear at that time that the risk to any of my friends was too great to take that kind of chance and that we should barricade the doors with burning wood to force the enemy out. I suspect that Newt’s remark about the strength of the glyph may have put it in Rain’s mind that it might, and I emphasize, might not be that dangerous. I was with the group for the express purpose of trying to cause one of the enemy on the other side of the door think of the password, so that Newt would be able to pick it out of his mind. Your instructions were clear, Sir Indranil, that we were not to trip the glyph or try the passwords until we could finalize our plans on how to breach the mound. I note that Rain requested Father Gar’s presence ‘just in case’ anything went wrong while we were trying our ruse to get a password. When we were standing near the door Rain whispered something to Father Gar and then he whispered something back. Immediately thereafter he conferred magical protection on Newt and I, then herded me back about 25 feet from the door. The next thing I know, the glyph has been tripped, we’re running for our lives and we’re now about to deal with an attack while totally unprepared.

“I will admit I am not the most law-abiding citizen in the world, but I also know when it’s okay to ignore instructions and when it’s not. When Master Parwyn gives me instructions on how to brew a particular potion, I don’t just decide to throw in whatever herb I think will make it better because I know that the consequences can be disastrous. On this expedition I see you, Sir Indranil, as the person who knows what he’s doing and I’ve tried to follow your instructions to the letter. Thus far I have remained alive, so I figure you must know what you’re doing. Although I did not hear what transpired between Rain and Father Gar, I am almost certain that, at the least, Father Gar knew exactly what Rain was going to attempt, in spite of your instructions, and did nothing to dissuade her from trying to disarm the ward.”

Aramek looks angrily at Father Gar and says, “Father, throughout this expedition you have made your contempt for any instructions you didn’t agree with very clear. You continue to act as if you are better than the rest of us and above following orders. Your attitude, so far as I’m concerned, has endangered us all. I realize that I have no high station as a citizen. I am not your social equal but just a lowly guard. But in this instance I am willing to suffer whatever the consequences may be, should I survive, in order to have my say here and now! I am committed to seeing this affair through to the end. I want to find Newt’s parents. I want to somehow get through to Reece and try to help him return to his mother and father. And I want to survive. I feel as if your selfishness has jeopardized us all.”

As Aramek glowers at Gar, Rain says, “As far as the whispering between Father Gar and myself that Aramek refers to, I told him that this was a very tricky ward and my slightly more aggressive investigation may have consequences. I asked him to move the rest back, especially Aramek and Newt, and to protect them. He indicated that he would do as I requested. That is all. This was not a conspiratorial trick conspired by Gar and myself. I made a mistake and accidentally tripped the glyph.” Becoming truly angry now she finishes, “If anybody here wants a head for this fuckin’ military tribunal then it’s mine!”

Gar shifts from a prayerful attitude stroking his little Green Man and raises his hand, waiting patiently to be called upon to speak.

Aramek, shaking his head in understanding, looks to Indranil, indicating that he would like to respond to Rain.

Indranil looks over at Father Gar and says, “Put down your hand Father Gar, I will call upon you in good time.”

Gar lowered his hand.

Indranil looks at Rain and says, “Guardsman Rain be silent! You will speak only when I give you leave to do so. Insubordination in battle is a capital offense. You have endangered us all by disobeying my lawful orders and you have withheld information from me. I suggest you quickly learn the finer points of self discipline and get a grip on your anger, for your life depends on it.”

“Sergeant Apone, have two of your guards attend to Guardsman Rain, remove her weapons immediately and bind her hands.”

Sgt Apone directs Frost and Ferro to do as Indranil bids.

Indranil turns to Lorindel, “Brother, string you bow and nock an arrow. If Guardsman Rain resists her disarming, moves or speaks without leave shoot her.”

Lorindel complies as instructed. “I’m sorry, Rain,” he says.

Rain adopts an impassive face and does not resist. She only stares straight ahead saying nothing.

What a day! Newt is stunned by this turn of events, but doesn’t try to say anything after seeing Gar shut down a moment ago. She watches, sad and uncertain, as Rain gets bound.

Indranil says, “Thank you for your patience Father Gar, I can see you have something to add. What would you like to add?”

Gar stands up and bows to Indranil and Rain and begins in an even voice, “Milords, I was only following the whispered orders of our squad leader, guardsman Rain, it is true. She told me to protect Newt and get back. Rain is a great leader who can command my complete trust milords. However, if Rain can read minds as well then perhaps she felt my longing to know what only she could tell us. Rain grew up with locksmiths, I do believe. Only she could hope to disarm it and evade its harmful consequences in the beat of a heart. Only she could give us this necessary knowledge that we needed. No one could ask her. No one could deny her. Certainly not I. Only my unquestioning obedience and the protective powers of Obad-Hai does she deserve, within range to heal her in a moment’s notice, if she would only read my mind and discover the secrets of the glyph. I was greatly pleased at her display of big hairy eggs.”

Turning to Rain, Gar asks, “Are you a sorceress who can read the minds of others, milady?”

Then looking around at everyone with a half embarrassed look on his face, as if he didn’t really say what he said or as if Gar is not all there, he changes the subject. “Milords, to save wood and to keep from smoking out the Deathwalkers before we are ready, may I put out the fires for you?”

Indranil says, “Father Gar, no you may not put out the fires. I believe my command was utterly clear that the fires must now remain lighted.”

“Sir Fingol, Sir Lorindel, we will now withdraw to the small mound and hear the case of Guardsman Rain and confer judgment upon her. Chief Rahk would you please join us in this grievous task? I would value your great leadership, wisdom and impartiality.”

“Sergeant Apone your two guardsman will remain guarding the prisoner while you lead the rest of your squad in placing the arrow punji sticks and picket stakes per my diagram, once these entrenchments are complete then continue gathering wood for the fires.”

“Chief Rahk would you please have Lts Ahsk and Raz lead the over watch on the entrances placing five of your strongest and deadliest warriors as guards on each entrance and the balance providing aid to Sgt Apone’s squad?”

“Aramek take Adelina and Father Gar and explore the other four entrances to see if Adelina can lift the passwords from them using her site. Use any passive techniques between the three of you to learn about them – but do not use any active magic or manual manipulation to investigate or engage them. Do not trip any glyph or use the passwords should you find them out. Father Gar you are to follow Guardsman Aramek’s orders.”

“The main entrance now has no glyph or trap protecting it and they will expect us to come from that direction. It is all the more important we find additional ways inside in order to attack from multiple directions simultaneously or we face a gauntlet of death. Gaining access to the password or passwords for the other four entrances is now critical. That is a large temple below us and a handful of defenders can hold out for many days against a much larger force.”

Adelina pauses, looking from Rain to Gar to Indranil. Soon she heads silently back to the doors, saddened by events. She turns to make sure Aramek and Gar are coming.

Xalakae scans Rain, Gar and Indranil, in that order. Random thoughts pour thru Rain’s head at this point. Bad Rain… this is bad. Indranil is such a fuck, lying about trust and honor. Why the hell didn’t I just take it easy and do what the prick wanted… cause if that went off with Newt at the door it would have killed her, that’s why. Indranil doesnt care! What a backstabbing prick! Rain, you need to calm yourself. Calm down! Why the hell am I thinking about my mother? Oh shit… Newt! Newt can you hear me? Can you hear my thoughts? If so… beware of Indranil, he cannot be trusted. Stay close to Aramek. If you get back to Westkeep and I don’t, go see Sedara… tell her I sent you to her… tell her… tell her I love her… and thanks. If I make it back to Westkeep… gods I hope so… I need to find Fergus. He will know how I can get out of Westkeep unnoticed. Shit… this sucks.

Gar notices a tingle or buzz like someone is trying to cast a spell on him but he is able to shake it off, locking Xalakae out of his mind. Gar looks around, particularly at Aramek and Adelina, to see if it could be one of them doing something to him. Is Adelina trying to read my mind? Adelina has just turned away from him to look at Indranil. Aramek is also focused on Rain and Indranil. I should say something to Indranil. I should… but Indranil is such a schmuck! I don’t even want to get into it with him. I’ll remains silent, for now.

Xalakae finds that Indranil is saddened and thinking, How could Rain betray my trust like that – forcing me to discipline her? Why do I have to be the bad guy? Everyone seems to misunderstand my actions. I have no wish to be the boss or tell people what to do all the time! Can’t they just do the right thing on their own? This is too much pressure trying to keep everyone alive and accomplish this mission! If only I had a real friend, someone to confide in and share the burden. Damn Gar! I wish I could smack him in the head and bring him in front of the tribunal and not Rain but can’t as we will need him… Maybe I can find a way for Gar to get “lost” on the way back? How in the hells are we going to be able to get inside the shrine without an unacceptable death rate and loss of these good people that I have grown quite fond of? We just need to get on with it so we can get the hell out of this gods forsaken place. I am so sad about Rain. I really like her. What is going on with Adelina? If she can “see things inside people’s heads” can she put things there too? That’s a scary thought! Who is she? I am so sad about Rain…….. Could I have handled things differently? I don’t really see how I could and still maintain discipline and not show favor.

Xalakae isn’t too surprised by what s/he found in Indranil’s mind. As s/he goes about heir tasks s/he considers what to do with this information. Father Gar is a canny one. How many times have I seen his thoughts? Never? Maybe I can make a friend of Sir Indranil – he certainly feels the need for one, and my list of friends is even shorter than his. I wonder what kind of relationship he would have with Rain. It would be awkward for him to marry below his station. Oh, how I wish I could put things in others’ heads! Or at least send my thoughts to them.

Gar focuses his mind for a moment and then mentally knocks three times on the center of Adelina’s forehead. When Gar focuses, he mentally removes any shields he might have to Adelina’s probes so that from that moment on she may read his mind freely. When he thinks he has her attention, he sends her a focused thought, She’ll be okay. We’ll protect her.

Adelina looks Father Gar in the eye and nods her thanks to him.

Before leaving, Aramek says, “Sir Indranil, as I said a moment ago, I believe Newt’s remark may have led Rain to believe that the ward might not be as dangerous as we initially supposed.”

Then Aramek looks at Rain with a truly pained expression and says, “Rain, you are my first and only true friend since I arrived at Westkeep and I, Master Parwyn and his family owe you our lives. It’s not my intention to get you in trouble and I don’t hold you solely accountable for what’s happened.”

Rain continues to look ahead of her at nobody in particular with a look of stoic resignation.

Looking at Father Gar, Aramek continues. “Sir Ragnbjorn made it clear to us that you, Father Gar, have some authority on this mission and I feel you have abused that authority, because I believe it should have been your duty, when finding out what Rain was willing to attempt, to remind her of Sir Indranil’s orders to us, rather than encouraging her to take such a dangerous risk. I consider you more responsible for what’s happened through that omission, simply because you have been entrusted with some authority over this mission and had a responsibility to see that Sir Indranil’s orders were followed. I didn’t come to Westkeep with the intention of becoming a soldier but that, for better or worse, is what I now am.  And I would much rather be back at my master’s shop, learning potions, but I’m not. I’m in the middle of a swamp surround by enemies who want me dead. In the final analysis, I believe we all want to see this mission successfully concluded with the least loss of life and I am willing to put my life on the line to accomplish it. But I don’t want to needlessly lose my life simply because we are unable or unwilling to work together.”

Gar silently bows to Aramek.

Turning back to Sir Indranil, Aramek says, “Please consider all the facts before making your decision.”

Indranil responds, “Thank you for your insight and wisdom Aramek.  I will make sure it is weighed thoroughly when we speak again with Rain.”

Indranil gets up and leads the tribunal towards the small mound. He has asked Sir Lorindel to take the rear position with his bow ready.

Indranil asks Fingol to hold onto Rain’s pack until the matter is settled, inside the pack they have secured the daggers the Guard found when they searched and disarmed Rain. Her swords are strapped to the outside of the pack. They also make sure the invisibility potion from her belt pouch is transferred to Fingol’s pack.