Campaign3/Epilogue
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Epilogue
In the Dwarven army's camp, the group receives the healing services of several experienced clerics. Beh is relieved when his sight is restored by a dwarven cleric named Wygar Clefthammer, who also tends to Aethra's wounds. She wakes up moments later, her true form plain for all to see. Malena is especially curious to know why Aethra has eyes and hands like a Dargai, but other features which are elven in character. Before anyone can explain, Darlock arrives with a small chest.
He stops in front of Aethra, and looks at her for a moment, then he shakes his head. "Cloak yourself before one of the elves sees you." He scowls at the rest of the party, and his eyes rest on Malena. "You didn't see ANYTHING. Understood?"
Several of the party start to speak, but the fire in Darlock's eyes gives them pause. Before them is the mastermind of the destruction of a city. A city! Each person sizes the dwarf up, and decides now is not the time to argue.
"I have your payment." Darlock opens the chest to reveal a bed of gold coins, and a burgundy velvet sack . "In this chest, you will find the equivalent of fourteen thousand gold, mostly in gems, but with some gold dragons. You may split the wealth as you see fit."
Darlock hands the chest to Aethra, "You have the gratitude of my people, and you will be given safe passage back through the gap, if you choose to leave. However, several of our field observers spotted something flying away from the city, some sort of ship though I can hardly imagine that to be true."
"It was a ship," Malena says evenly. "An Eloshai airship."
"Excuse me?" Darlock looks skeptically at Malena.
"I was forced to help them steal it," Malena bows her head. "The ship is called Anyria, named after a famous Chelosai from the Scaryn war."
"Chelosai?" Gorin asks.
"Warkaster in your vernacular." Malena says, looking up. Turning her gaze to Darlock, Malena continues. "I assume you have an observer from the Eloshai in your war-band." Darlock nods slowly. "You should notify them of the sighting. No doubt they will want you to send some men to recapture the Anyria."
"Well, you've given me more information than Omenai was willing to divulge," Darlock grumbles. "As you say, he is very keen to send a party to 'investigate', though he did not indicate that he knew what it was."
"He might not know about it," Malena shrugs. "It's existence is supposed to be a secret after all."
Darlock grunts, clearly dubious of Malena's assessment. "That may be. In any case, he will be by shortly to speak with any of you who are interested in some additional work."
"I know I want to go," Malena looks at the others.
"But I thought we'd head back to Hebridonia," Cathon moves closer to Malena. "Don't you want to be free of this forsaken land? I know I do!" Malena and Cathon move out of earshot, and seem to have a heated discussion.
"I have other business to attend to," Gorin cracks his knuckles and rises to his feet. "As soon as we've split the pay, I'm gone. I have some old scores to settle."
Angnar also stands and faces Darlock, "I go where you need me."
Darlock nods. "I need you here. We have much to take care of," Darlock turns to Aethra, and places a hand on her shoulder. There is a sadness in his eyes, perhaps mixed with a twinge of regret. "What about you?"
"I don't know yet," Aethra says softly. "I need to know who made it out. Merrick? Feiruhn? Others in my phyle..."
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you..."
Placing her hand on his, Aethra looks at Darlock. "I knew. You didn't have to tell me." Biting back the tears, "I went with eyes open. I just wish I'd had more time to get them out."
Darlock tightens his grip on her shoulder. "You can supervise the prisoner processing if you like. It's the best I can do."
Wiping at her eyes, Aethra stands. "Thank you."
"And what of the rest of you?" Darlock looks past Aethra to the remains of the party.
(The remainder of this conversation takes place in the prologue for Hebridonia IV - Hunt for the Anyria)
Previously: View to a Kill
