Copyright © 1996-1999 by Ken St-Cyr.
Copyright © 1996-1999 by Ken St-Cyr.
On the other side of the barony, at the monastic enclave of hierophants called Goerbest, the Prelector Cludaen instructs the fledgling wizard Mordrigan to conduct his own independent study of the magical arts. While browsing a selection of strange books and scrolls, Mordrigan is swept through a portal and vanishes without a trace.
Mordraith, the younger son of lord Orchbroe of Druglan, arrives at Goerbest to visit his friend Mordrigan, only to discover that the young hierophant is missing. While searching the lower depths of the library, he encounters the ghost of Triud Triunt, who tells of the events leading to Mordrigan's disappearance. Prelector Cludaen informs Mordraith of the Resurrectionist Movement and invites him to join.
Soon after Gaidrach and Ennemath return to Riudsech, Sir Athrun takes his squire Horlach into Sioncarwood to warn the Baron's party of Bruehan's latest lark. After they split up, Horlach runs into Bruehan and is captured.
Gaidrach, Ennemath, Tamhan, and Rueren visit the Seven-Bushel Inn. Hearing from a traveller a gruesome tale, they travel south to find the mutilated corpses of a trio of Ralubian knights. They then turn north to follow the trail of a caravan of Ralubian merchants.
For most of the morning, Ennemath, Gaidrach, and Tamhan follow the caravan trail across the Barony. They end up at the Dorella inn, where they find Mordraith waiting for a meal, and the large party of Ralubian merchants with armed escorts. In a dramatic, though somewhat bewildering confrontation, Gaidrach threatens the Ralubians but discovers nothing. The party then follows Mordraith home to Druglan, where Lord Orchbroe is informed of the events. Later, the messenger from Goerbest arrives and requests Orchbroe's presence.
When evening comes, Mordraith confronts his brother over the incident with the merchants at the inn. Gaidrach dodges the questions and complains of his headaches. However, he reveals what he saw at the creek in the fight with Bruehan.
At Riudsech, Horlach discovers that the Grand Hierophant has requested the nobles of the barony meet at Goerbest. Alarmed, he packs his gear and heads for the monastery.
Preparations for Cro'ach are being made at Goerbest and most of the nobles of the barony have arrived. The bailey of the monastery is crowded with colorful pavilions and parked wagons. Horlach arrives and informs Sir Athrun of Bruehan's activities. Along with Lord Orchbroe, they go to see the baron.
In the council chambers of Goerbest, the Grand Hierophant reveals that the hierophants have been waiting for something important, and that they have been aware of the gathering beastmen.
Later in the morning, the Grand Hierophant announces the return of Crohelm, who should ascend the throne at Welgonell and aid the barony against the beastmen. But the onlookers are in for a shock, for descending from the sky in a bright light and flapping red cloak is not the god they expected, but that foul rogue Bruehan, who is recognized by some of the knights, but not all. Gaidrach, frothing mad, attacks the "god" but is slain instantly by a single blow of Crohelm's mace. Crohelm/Bruehan then assumes command of all the gathered knights and lords by his divine authority.
After a brief episode wherein the brave Tamhan rescues Cludaen from the clutches of a terrifying demon, Tamhan, Cludaen, and Mordrigan return with Mordraith and family to Druglan. At Castle Druglan, Prelector Cludaen and Sir Westlan (very) briefly recounted the history of the Drue Lords and the Siege of Mirsach. It was decided that Mordrigan should seek the aid of Prince Durn the Black, lord of Tredaen. Mordraith, Tamhan, and Cludaen would accompany him.
A day is spent preparing for the journey.
Someone in town must have seen Mordrigan, and alerted the town watch, because they come straight to the inn. It doesn't help that one of the watchmen is a childhood enemy of Drig's.
Orilion and Mordraith intercept the watch in the main room of the inn whilst Tamhan and Mordrigan sneak out the kitchen window/garbage chute. Unfortunately, one watchman catches a glimpse of Mordrigan sneaking across the alley. The arrow strikes Mordrigan in the shoulder; Orilion wrestled the watchman down, allowing Tamhan to take Mordrigan to safety. Taking his cue, Mordraith makes his way out of the alley and heads for the Siargad, Stade's citadel.
Mordraith is received by Duke Hastan at the Siargad, after a brief conversation with Sir Rothaint and the Lady Rionna. Meanwhile Tamhan has brought Mordrigan to the Ralbadell, where the physician on hand tends to the young wizard's injury. Briefly, Tamhan and the physician leave to fetch a friend.
Mordraith returns to inn to fetch his things, then goes to the Ralbadell looking for his friends. The three of them discuss ways out of the town with Vramant, the Ralubian leader, who is friendly to their cause. Later in the evening, Cludaen sends the group a message via a courier, but the courier was injured in an ambush, barely escaping with his life. The Prelector urges the group to continue their journey, and meet him later.
At the end of the first day on the road, Mordraith, Mordrigan, and Tamhan come to a village (60 Kb image), that has apparently been attacked by monsters.
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