Chapter Six: The Muster of Caltlikrath

The fresco is certainly a depiction of the sacrifice of the last king of Hazard to Ziu-Pater, a pivotal event in the city's history. While the officially preferred story is that the king, in the end, acquiesced to the necessity of the sacrifice, offered himself up at the top of the tower, and was struck dead by Ziu-Pater himself, it has always been known that the "sacrifice" was carried out by nine conspirators on a quite uncooperative king at the base of the tower stairs. The nine bolts in the fresco, Domarc supposes, are a not-entirely-subtle nod to the real truth of the story.

After a few moments, the door opens again, and Lendras steps out. "Come in," she says. "The Hierophant wishes to speak with you."

Domarc gets up and enters a modestly-sized, sparely decorated office. Shelves line the walls, packed full with tablets, scrolls, and books. One shelf holds a small shrine to Aitas, recognizable by the rooster-headed idol. A desk is set at the north end of the room, likewise covered with clutter. A compact iron chandelier hangs from the ceiling. There are no chairs save for the one behind the desk. Occupying it is a man of about fifty, slim and of average height, wearing a plain brown robe and skullcap. He has large blue eyes and a naturally stern expression.

"Reverend Master, I present to you Domarc Sirar, one of the mercenaries returned from Vorch. Domarc Sirar, it is my privilege to introduce Frater Equamo Cola, the Hierophant of Hazard."

The Hierophant glares at Domarc and does not stand up. "Our attempt to recover the Locra woman ended in disaster, as I've sure you've heard," he says. "Gethro Moag is at Solyhill now, trying to ascertain precisely what happened. There were more survivors than the rumor-mongers would have you believe. I remain unconvinced that the cult poses an existential threat to the city, but at times even minor antagonists may thwart one's destiny. I would see the cult wholly extinguished. Where is the rest of your company? Did all survive the perils of the island?"

Lendras takes notes with a tablet and stylus while Domarc speaks.

"Since the night of the fire, we have studied the cult," the Hierophant says. "Indeed, there are many in this city who call themselves members, but few seem to understand its purpose. Most are little more than thugs manipulated by dream-interpreters and the promise of coin. We have captured four cultists, and put all of them to questioning under pain. Only one had anything of interest to say." He interlaces his fingers together and rests his hands on his desk. "Do you know the location of the Sphere? Gethro believes you do."

This!

Thanks guys - I am feeling kinda bad in splitting the group and taking up too much time/spotlight, so I'm glad it is at least entertaining

No it's cool, I'm enjoying the cut-aways to your city adventure while we chill at the inn.

When Felor stands up, the man in the blue cap stands up as well. He has a short sword attached to his belt.

"So soon...well...friends easily made, easily lost," the old man stammers. The warrior sits very still, looking sidelong at Felor, his meat and drink still untouched.

~meanwhile~

Back in the Trigon, Mordred hears timbrels and shouting. A crowd is gathering at the gates of the Innocent's palace.

~meanwhile~

The Hierophant exchanges a very brief glance with Lendras. "We've heard nothing of devils," she says, "but all of the cultists seem to have strange dreams about a land covered in ice."

"Indeed, we are told they venerate a being they call the Pharate, who has no use for blood sacrifice. But it is a witch-cult. They learn the ways of proscribed magic, consort with familiar spirits..."

"Such cults are like Darcran pottery," Lendras says. "No matter how elaborately painted the outside, it's the same clay underneath."

"Lendras, I despise folk wisdom," the Hierophant says. He turns to Domarc. "We don't know if the woman yet lives. Our soldiers were repelled some distance from the cult's stronghold. I will not speak of the manner in which they were attacked until I can give true facts instead of hearsay. If you want to know what else we've learned of the Six-Pronged Crown, Lendras can read you the notes from the interrogation. You must give her a detailed account of what the elementalist told you, as well. And I would ask you, if you have a theory of where the Sphere might be located, to let her make a record of it. You say some members of your company have already met their death. Consider that it might be unwise for your mercenary band to be the only ones who possess this secret. That will be all. Lendras, you will compensate him at the usual rate for the information he provides us."

The Hierophant returns his attention to the documents before him. Lendras immediately opens the door and gestures for Domarc to exit.

Zangua's instincts tell him that the old man is concerned with the quiet warrior, and the quiet warrior is concerned with the man in the blue cap.

Are the three of you going to leave the inn?

~meanwhile~

Mordred wanders closer to the Innocent's palace, watching as the doors swing open and several servants emerge, carrying long poles and a black lacquered palanquin, which they begin to assemble as guards take position in front of the palace gates and the crowd swells.

~meanwhile~

Lendras stops to retrieve a small scroll from a room where a man in brown is copying wax tablets to vellum. She leads Domarc downstairs to a room with a round table and chairs, where a fresco on the wall depicts two armies arrayed for battle. Behind the left army is a man and a child, painted at a much larger scale. A beam of light shines from the child's mouth to the man's ear, and from the man's mouth emerges a large sword.

She opens the scroll and reads the notes from the interrogation: Indoctrinated by a man named Tuell. Strange dreams about mountains of ice. Led into long philosophical discussions. Participated in ritual feasts and the carving of symbols into flesh. Paid four silver a day to carry out thefts, spy on temple staff. Initiated into lesser mysteries. Learned of the Pharate who could heal and awaken the Werld. Taught to serve the Pharate according to principles symbolized by the crown. Promised further revelations after continued loyal service.

Lendras will ask Domarc to provide as much information as he can about what Pafthinel told them about the Sphere. She will also ask where he thinks the Sphere may be hidden. How much information will Domarc give her?

Mordred watches, part of the crowd now, as guards and liveried servants spill out of the front doors of the Innocent's palace, Some take places along the steps, others descend to stand beside the palanquin.

A child of about seven years emerges from the palace, and a cheer rises from the crowd. He wears white and black robes and a large, egg-shaped turban. Ignoring the crowd, he walks down the steps and climbs into the palanquin, which four litter-carriers immediately lift onto their shoulders. Guards open the gates before them, and the litter-carriers march, preceded by eight guards and surrounded by an entourage, out into the Trigon. The crowd makes way for them, waving hands and calling out prayers and greetings to the Innocent of Hazard. The procession turns to the west, passing close by to Mordred as they cross the expanse of the Trigon.

"I saw it. I saw the divine light upon him," a woman standing near Mordred says. "We ought to crown him king right now. It's madness that we won't."

"He's already promised to Ziu-Pater," her companion says ruefully.

~meanwhile~

Lendras writes down Domarc's answers.

Any final questions for Lendras?

Lendras seems amused by the question. "Not fragile at all. The Quiet Council prefers an embattled Hierophant, but they'd never allow such an upheaval. The street has a short memory, they'll be in a different mood a month from now."

She walks Domarc back to the entrance hall. On the way, she passes a brown-caped woman and asks her to fetch "a gift of appreciation for a kind benefactor."

Moments later, the woman meets them in the entrance hall, handing a small latched wooden case to Lendras, who hands it to Domarc. "You'll find a signet inside. Present it to the guards at the gate if you ever need to speak with us again."

If you're done here, you can leave and rejoin Mordred.

Domarc and Mordred: are you guys ready to meet back up again?

Felor, Leth, and Zangua: are you leaving the inn now?