Discord
Changelog
09-13-2023, 12:37 PM
24th of Uktar, 1373, following the events of "The Grand-Godson"...
The fire crackles in the cold, dimly lit corridors of the Tam Estate. The Knight sits alone by the fireplace, the affairs of the past forty-eight hours weighing heavily upon his mind. All is quiet amongst the Knight's wing of the estate, aside from the shambling of the undead "security" behind him. The Knight sighs, rather eager to embrace the rare moment of solace he has been given. He'd close his fist and rest his chin upon it, sticking his elbow to the armrest and sitting somewhat lazily. He'd hear the approach of slow and groaned shambling, looking up to the see a skeleton offering him a drink upon a silver tray. The Knight refuses, waving a hand dismissively without a word.
He'd sit and ponder all that he has done since he's taken his oath. "Have I strayed from Helm's teachings? I carry out his edict's day-by-day, defending my oath and charge.. Yet, I feel strangely further from my faith." More questions than answers swirl about in his mind, before he'd hear the re-approach of the shambling. He'd let out a rather annoyed groan, standing up and whipping around in preparation to pointlessly berate an undead minion.
"I do -NOT- want any refr-" He'd quickly stop himself as he finally turned about, his eyes settling upon his Master, Szass Tam. He'd quickly lower himself into a respectful bow, bringing his torso down at the waist just as he has practiced many times before.
"M-Master.. Forgive my insolence, I had believed you to be one of the.. Well, you know." His hand waved about the corridor towards the undead shambling about, specifically the skeleton butlers that his Master makes use of about the Estate.
Szass Tam would hold his hand out towards the empty chair of the two, offering a small but kind smile in response to the Knight's outburst.
"It is of no bother, Knight Tane. Do sit, I shall join you.. You seemed rather deep in thought." The Zulkir would walk over to the empty chair next to the Knight's own, and placed himself into it. The Knight hesitated, staring at his Master for a short moment. It had been sometime since he had last seen him, since Eltab's re-appearance and the foulplay of the Red Wizard, Naglatha.. The Knight knows of his Master's true nature. He knows of what he "really" is.. Yet, he sits himself next to his Zulkir nonetheless.
"You would be correct, Master.. I have carried out as you have ordered, though it did not come without unexpected difficulties." The Knight would motion towards the mantle of the fireplace they sat in front of, directing his Master's attention to a small bag sitting atop the mantle. The bottom of the bag sported a few deeply embedded stains of blood.
"Explain." The Zulkir stated, his gaze flickering from the bag to the Knight after giving a nod of approval once he had set his gaze upon the "item."
"It would appear that Zulkir Thrul wished for Xavarri and the grandchild of Bane -alive-.. I informed him of your charge to me, and attempted to make a compromise.. A compromise that he surprisingly accepted. He wished for the mother alive, and we could dispose of the child as we saw fit. However, complications occurred, and Xavarri fell. A Red Wizard from the School of Illusion rendered her body un-raiseable with a fireball just as we were about to render aid. He has since blamed you and I for the "failure" of this task, I can only assume given I had to conduct "business" with him beforehand.. Therefore, I have banished from the Tharch of the Priador under penalty of death. Somewhat of a half-assed punishment, if you ask me.. I'd almost call that a reward."
"Yes, yes.. It is a backwater tharch, isn't it?" The Zulkir let out a laugh from his seat, shaking his head a bit as he listened. A rather amused smile was glued to his face as he was brought up to speed.
"Thrul also attempted to demand the mercenaries present swear an oath of allegiance and fealty towards you in any future conflicts against you.. An oath of allegiance that only few accepted, I hea-."
"You are aware it was a test, correct, Ser Tane?" The Zulkir would pipe up rather suddenly, interrupting the Knight in the midst of his report. The Knight turned to look at his Master, a clear look of surprise on his face. "Zulkir Thrul made his call one of bloodthirst and vengeance only for him to change his mind and request both of those individuals alive.. He was testing your loyalty, and the loyalty of all those attending."
"I see.. I suppose I should have gathered as much, Master. In any case, Tharchion Mardikan has begun to mobilize the Priador legion.. Thrul specifically stated that he shall be giving you his 'special attention'. He is driven by passion and rage, but he is no fool, I suppose. It would seem he may wish to confront you.. What shall we do, Master?" The Knight would look up to Tam, his gaze glued to his Master as he seemed eager to learn what his next charge shall be.
"I fear that you may be correct, Ser Tane.. despite my best efforts to avoid it." The Zulkir would stand, making his way over to the fireplace. He'd grab the blood-stained bag, opening it up to peer inside for a moment before closing it once more. "Excellent.. I shall only hope this was worth all the trouble." He'd hold the bag out for a moment, with a rather longing stare.
"Truth be told, Master.. I am rather frustrated with this. This 'Evoker' seeks to divide Thay and our people when we have just made great progress in bringing peace and unity once more." The Knight began to speak tersely as he spoke, his gaze glued to the fire as a scowl crossed his face. Anger, disdain, resentment. He has committed his whole life to make Thay a safer land, yet Thay itself does not seem to wish to be safer.
"I understand your frustration, Knight Tane.. However, all goes according to plan. Should Thrul even attempt to drag this into a large-scale conflict, the tharchs of Gauros and Surthay shall come to our aid if the Priador attempts any foolishness.. I have earned their loyalty and favor. Nonetheless, that is why I have begun to make my preparations. If it is a confrontation that he wants, then a confrontation he shall get." The Wizard would hold a hand up as if to quell his Knight's frustrations, offering a tone of assurance as he spoke.
"What of High Thay? I have heard nothing of Spiros and any efforts to aid in re-construction after the incident with Eltab.. What explanation has he for his absence and lack of leadership?"
"We can count on High Thay and it's legion, of course.. Trust me, Ser Tane." The Zulkir would offer an un-prompted laugh, nodding a few times slowly as the Knight asked his questions. The Zulkir turned to look at his Knight directly, giving a knowing nod and smile of assurance. The Knight seemed ready to ask more, but he'd nod and silence himself, allowing his nerves to be quelled.
"You have done well in these past several months, Ser Tane.. You have brought to me the Crown of Myrkul, the head of the grandson of Bane.. Soon, my preparations shall be complete. All goes according to plan." The Zulkir would slip the bag from the mantle into one of his packs under his cloak, then turned to face his Knight one final time. "Rest and relax, Ser Tane.. Enjoy your time with your loved ones. It is hard to say what the next few months shall bring."
The Knight would stand and lower himself into a bow, saying his goodnights as his Master made his way to his upstairs bedchambers. However, the Knight lingered for a moment near the fireplace.. He'd then turn around, showing a look of clear confusion as he stared to the floor. Amongst the stone and tilt where his Master stood mere moments ago lied a circle.. A circle adorned with several magical runes. In the center lied a skull with it's mouth open agape, and a rose eclipsing out from the mouth of the skull. Such an arcanic circle was unfamiliar to the Knight, not near a laboratory or summoning chamber and out in the middle of his common wing corridor. The Knight nervously stepped into the circle, only to be enveloped in a rush of memories and fear flooding into his mind.
In that moment, the Knight stumbled.. He'd grab the end of the chair he just sat at moments before, holding himself up. A feeling he cannot explain, it would pass just as quickly as it came. The Knight felt as if something was completed.. a fate memory that was prophesized of him when he was very young. As the Knight steeled himself once more, he'd take a glance down only to see the arcanic circle amongst the floor gone. He'd bring his hand to his chest for a moment, in clear shock..
"Are you well, Ser Tane? You look as if you've just seen a ghost." The skeleton butler from before stared down at the Knight on the floor, the skeleton bringing his jaws together in a clacking motion that could only a resemble a laugh.
The Knight did not reply. He'd take a deep breathe and master himself, bringing himself to his feet once more. He'd ignore the skeleton, brushing some loose dust from his cloak before he'd drag himself to his bedchambers once more in hopes of relaxing his most troubled mind.
The fire crackles in the cold, dimly lit corridors of the Tam Estate. The Knight sits alone by the fireplace, the affairs of the past forty-eight hours weighing heavily upon his mind. All is quiet amongst the Knight's wing of the estate, aside from the shambling of the undead "security" behind him. The Knight sighs, rather eager to embrace the rare moment of solace he has been given. He'd close his fist and rest his chin upon it, sticking his elbow to the armrest and sitting somewhat lazily. He'd hear the approach of slow and groaned shambling, looking up to the see a skeleton offering him a drink upon a silver tray. The Knight refuses, waving a hand dismissively without a word.
He'd sit and ponder all that he has done since he's taken his oath. "Have I strayed from Helm's teachings? I carry out his edict's day-by-day, defending my oath and charge.. Yet, I feel strangely further from my faith." More questions than answers swirl about in his mind, before he'd hear the re-approach of the shambling. He'd let out a rather annoyed groan, standing up and whipping around in preparation to pointlessly berate an undead minion.
"I do -NOT- want any refr-" He'd quickly stop himself as he finally turned about, his eyes settling upon his Master, Szass Tam. He'd quickly lower himself into a respectful bow, bringing his torso down at the waist just as he has practiced many times before.
"M-Master.. Forgive my insolence, I had believed you to be one of the.. Well, you know." His hand waved about the corridor towards the undead shambling about, specifically the skeleton butlers that his Master makes use of about the Estate.
Szass Tam would hold his hand out towards the empty chair of the two, offering a small but kind smile in response to the Knight's outburst.
"It is of no bother, Knight Tane. Do sit, I shall join you.. You seemed rather deep in thought." The Zulkir would walk over to the empty chair next to the Knight's own, and placed himself into it. The Knight hesitated, staring at his Master for a short moment. It had been sometime since he had last seen him, since Eltab's re-appearance and the foulplay of the Red Wizard, Naglatha.. The Knight knows of his Master's true nature. He knows of what he "really" is.. Yet, he sits himself next to his Zulkir nonetheless.
"You would be correct, Master.. I have carried out as you have ordered, though it did not come without unexpected difficulties." The Knight would motion towards the mantle of the fireplace they sat in front of, directing his Master's attention to a small bag sitting atop the mantle. The bottom of the bag sported a few deeply embedded stains of blood.
"Explain." The Zulkir stated, his gaze flickering from the bag to the Knight after giving a nod of approval once he had set his gaze upon the "item."
"It would appear that Zulkir Thrul wished for Xavarri and the grandchild of Bane -alive-.. I informed him of your charge to me, and attempted to make a compromise.. A compromise that he surprisingly accepted. He wished for the mother alive, and we could dispose of the child as we saw fit. However, complications occurred, and Xavarri fell. A Red Wizard from the School of Illusion rendered her body un-raiseable with a fireball just as we were about to render aid. He has since blamed you and I for the "failure" of this task, I can only assume given I had to conduct "business" with him beforehand.. Therefore, I have banished from the Tharch of the Priador under penalty of death. Somewhat of a half-assed punishment, if you ask me.. I'd almost call that a reward."
"Yes, yes.. It is a backwater tharch, isn't it?" The Zulkir let out a laugh from his seat, shaking his head a bit as he listened. A rather amused smile was glued to his face as he was brought up to speed.
"Thrul also attempted to demand the mercenaries present swear an oath of allegiance and fealty towards you in any future conflicts against you.. An oath of allegiance that only few accepted, I hea-."
"You are aware it was a test, correct, Ser Tane?" The Zulkir would pipe up rather suddenly, interrupting the Knight in the midst of his report. The Knight turned to look at his Master, a clear look of surprise on his face. "Zulkir Thrul made his call one of bloodthirst and vengeance only for him to change his mind and request both of those individuals alive.. He was testing your loyalty, and the loyalty of all those attending."
"I see.. I suppose I should have gathered as much, Master. In any case, Tharchion Mardikan has begun to mobilize the Priador legion.. Thrul specifically stated that he shall be giving you his 'special attention'. He is driven by passion and rage, but he is no fool, I suppose. It would seem he may wish to confront you.. What shall we do, Master?" The Knight would look up to Tam, his gaze glued to his Master as he seemed eager to learn what his next charge shall be.
"I fear that you may be correct, Ser Tane.. despite my best efforts to avoid it." The Zulkir would stand, making his way over to the fireplace. He'd grab the blood-stained bag, opening it up to peer inside for a moment before closing it once more. "Excellent.. I shall only hope this was worth all the trouble." He'd hold the bag out for a moment, with a rather longing stare.
"Truth be told, Master.. I am rather frustrated with this. This 'Evoker' seeks to divide Thay and our people when we have just made great progress in bringing peace and unity once more." The Knight began to speak tersely as he spoke, his gaze glued to the fire as a scowl crossed his face. Anger, disdain, resentment. He has committed his whole life to make Thay a safer land, yet Thay itself does not seem to wish to be safer.
"I understand your frustration, Knight Tane.. However, all goes according to plan. Should Thrul even attempt to drag this into a large-scale conflict, the tharchs of Gauros and Surthay shall come to our aid if the Priador attempts any foolishness.. I have earned their loyalty and favor. Nonetheless, that is why I have begun to make my preparations. If it is a confrontation that he wants, then a confrontation he shall get." The Wizard would hold a hand up as if to quell his Knight's frustrations, offering a tone of assurance as he spoke.
"What of High Thay? I have heard nothing of Spiros and any efforts to aid in re-construction after the incident with Eltab.. What explanation has he for his absence and lack of leadership?"
"We can count on High Thay and it's legion, of course.. Trust me, Ser Tane." The Zulkir would offer an un-prompted laugh, nodding a few times slowly as the Knight asked his questions. The Zulkir turned to look at his Knight directly, giving a knowing nod and smile of assurance. The Knight seemed ready to ask more, but he'd nod and silence himself, allowing his nerves to be quelled.
"You have done well in these past several months, Ser Tane.. You have brought to me the Crown of Myrkul, the head of the grandson of Bane.. Soon, my preparations shall be complete. All goes according to plan." The Zulkir would slip the bag from the mantle into one of his packs under his cloak, then turned to face his Knight one final time. "Rest and relax, Ser Tane.. Enjoy your time with your loved ones. It is hard to say what the next few months shall bring."
The Knight would stand and lower himself into a bow, saying his goodnights as his Master made his way to his upstairs bedchambers. However, the Knight lingered for a moment near the fireplace.. He'd then turn around, showing a look of clear confusion as he stared to the floor. Amongst the stone and tilt where his Master stood mere moments ago lied a circle.. A circle adorned with several magical runes. In the center lied a skull with it's mouth open agape, and a rose eclipsing out from the mouth of the skull. Such an arcanic circle was unfamiliar to the Knight, not near a laboratory or summoning chamber and out in the middle of his common wing corridor. The Knight nervously stepped into the circle, only to be enveloped in a rush of memories and fear flooding into his mind.
In that moment, the Knight stumbled.. He'd grab the end of the chair he just sat at moments before, holding himself up. A feeling he cannot explain, it would pass just as quickly as it came. The Knight felt as if something was completed.. a fate memory that was prophesized of him when he was very young. As the Knight steeled himself once more, he'd take a glance down only to see the arcanic circle amongst the floor gone. He'd bring his hand to his chest for a moment, in clear shock..
"Are you well, Ser Tane? You look as if you've just seen a ghost." The skeleton butler from before stared down at the Knight on the floor, the skeleton bringing his jaws together in a clacking motion that could only a resemble a laugh.
The Knight did not reply. He'd take a deep breathe and master himself, bringing himself to his feet once more. He'd ignore the skeleton, brushing some loose dust from his cloak before he'd drag himself to his bedchambers once more in hopes of relaxing his most troubled mind.