Even before he regains his vision, Measure can tell that some great misfortune has befallen this area. The smell of smoke permeates the are, and underlying that is the copper smell of blood and the foulness of bloat.
The area around the gate has several low, wooden structures around it, intended to serve the needs of those Spherewalkers travelling from Everway. All of these structures are either burnt completely or in the final smoldering stages. Bodies, many hacked and mutilated almost beyond recognizability, lie about - they are now arranged in neat rows, eyes closed and limbs adjusted, but puddles of clotted blood and clouds of flies show where they must once have been.
At the southern end of the village some sort of temporary shelter has
been erected, presumably for the injured. Near the pavillion is a
young man tending some sort of noxious liquid which simmers in a pot over
an open fire. Throughout the rest of the village peasants work to
gather together slaughtered livestock near a heap of wood, apparantly with
the intention of burning it. Others are at work digging graves for
the dead, and a few are attempting to build some sort of semi-permenant
shelter. Several wagons with building materials and food are in evidence,
suggesting that some of these people may have come from nearby villages.
One large man, apparently some sort of warrior, seems to be supervising
the work and keeping watch at the same time. Even as Measure first
notices him he turns in Measure's direction.
Gilghul is first to notice when an individual appears through the Roundwander gate. He is dressed in the traditional garb of a native of Everway. The mask he wears identifies her as a member of the Mask family.
The new arrival is a man, dressed in dark clothing - tunic, trousers, hooded cloak. He wears a light sword at his waist. His hair - where it can be seen - is dark and he is of average height and build. He is carrying a staff and leading a horse. He also wears a backpack.
His mask is a full
face mask of ivory. The carving - or rather engraving - is quite
fine and one can't tell what
it is meant to be from a distance.
He steps forward and speaks : "Greetings. I am Measure Strangemask. I seek the one called Waterspider. What has happened here ?"
Keeping a distance between herself and the stranger, Measure Strangemask, Shekkara peers at the stranger's mask carefully to make sure it doesn't have a smiley face on it. Determining that it isn't a mask of K'sarul, she breathes a sigh of relief. "We seek the Waterspider, as do others. What is your business with him, Strangemask? I am Shekkara, Servant of the Chamber Platinum."
Measure replies : "A thousand times, Shekkara Outsider. I have been sent to aid in your quest. And to obtain the Waterspider's testimony. I understood that the Waterspider travelled with you. What has happened ?"
Gilghul steps forward to greet the stranger, "I am Gilghul of the Chamber Platinum and the Library of All Worlds. Waterspider evidently considers it the better part of cowardice to travel apart from the rest of the group. After backstabbing and nearly killing one of our members solely to protect his sacred secrets you can guess why he might not feel very welcome. As for what happened here, this village was ravaged, its people butchered, and left to burn as a message from the lone man responsible. Our companion, Daniel Moon, is preparing medicine to aid those that need it. The rest of our companions have left in search of Waterspider."
Measure bows his head. "Are the librarians such fools ? A year it took them to wrest this matter from the Plumes. The Waterspider has information we need, and already you have lost him. Who is your leader and how did she - or he - let matters come to this ? As to this massacre I fear that it is more than a message. At the least it is intended to delay us. But I cannot ignore the suffering here. I am no healer, but I will help, if I can"
Gilghul growls at the tone of Measure's voice and the inherent disrespect in his words lights a spark of flame in his eyes. "Let's hope your first impression improves with age, Measure Strangemask. I don't like your tone of your voice or the words you give flight to."
"The Strangemasks gave Waterspider sanctuary," he continues, "and they were the last to hold his company. Why didn't you get you precious information then? You are a hypocrite to call us fools. Your arrogance is insulting. You and all your incompetent servants lost him, and now you offer us help? We don't need that kind of help. We're bumbling along fine without you, but that doesn't matter, does it, because you are here to help and the villagers need it. We can't refuse your company, either. The powers that be don't require us to get along, but I sure hope you have a civil tongue and are able to use it. I have all the respect for Whimsy Strangemask and to a limited extent that carries to rest of her family." He smirks at Measure. "It's too bad there are bad apples in every tree."
The reply is swift : "You are quick to take offence, and quick to claim rank to which you are not entitled, Gilghul Outsider. We play the Waterspider's game because we need his knowledge. That is as true for the Chamber as it is true for the Masks. What I cannot understand is how the Librarians created such an explosive situation in the first place. Surely they knew who the Waterspider is, and surely in all of Chamber Platinum they have many Spherewalkers who know and trust each other. I tell you, if things go on as they have, the Plumes will take charge again and you will be answering their questions. Then you will see arrogance"
Measure turns to Shekkara and sighs: "Lady Shekkara, I hope you are less keen to find offence than your hot-headed colleague. You must understand that many people have put much work into this and to see it so close to collapse, so soon..." He shakes his head.
Gilghul crosses to face Strangemask once,"Do not turn your back on me! I am not finished speaking to you yet!"
"I do not claim rank, Measure Strangemask, and it is you who are quick to offend. If you had kept your insults to yourself to begin with, we would be on much better terms, but you insult the Librarians' misfortune when your own family is equally to blame. An insult to the Library is an insult to me and if you don't curb your tongue or apologise I will be forced to call you on it. As for Waterspider, I could be in error but as I understand it he was sponsored for membership into the Chamber Platinum by YOUR family. It was YOUR support that allowed the Librarians to trust him in the first place. You are doing much more than 'playing his little game', you are literally helping him to stack the cards in his favor by letting him get away with attempted murder and who knows what else. This collapse you fear is as much your responsibility as ours. Once you realize that and stop being such a damned hypocrite we will be on much better footing to base an alliance on. But more importantly, these people are dying and they need you and Shekkara both to delay that fate as long as possible."
Shekkara watches the exchange with interest. "Excuse me, gentlemen, but before you try to kill each other, which is, of course, what 'The Enemy' wants, you should consider this. It may be true that Measure's family sponsored Waterspider into the Chamber Platinum - I don't know, having been recently inducted myself, but I believe we may be looking for a shapeshifter - one or more, perhaps - who has managed to disguise himself as Waterspider, Stinkytoes, Gilghul, and who knows else? Waterspider himself may not know whom to trust, and it may have led him to flee before all of us. It was certainly in the Strangemasks' interest to let him go, knowing we would follow, and now you, Measure Strangemask, have appeared to see how we were doing on the chase. Congratulations! Now you get to join in the fun. It's possible we could have caught up with Waterspider if we hadn't stopped to help these people, but I think our oath compels us to that task. As we're about finished, Daniel and I will wash up and we can leave. Any questions?"
Gilghul addresses Shekkara,"I have no intention of killing anyone, my friend...", and again to Measure, "but I'm not opposed to a forced apology if it comes to that."
He calms himself and extends his hand. "In an attempt to avoid such an instance I will go first even. I regret any insults or threats that my anger has borne, but not the intent of my words. Your insults are unjust, disrespectful to the Library, and indirectly wound this mission by placing us in conflict. Measure Strangemask, it is up to you to mend them."
Measure address first Shekkara: "I have no intention of trying to kill anyone. I would much rather do what I can for the victims I see here. I have already offered my help in that regard."
Then Gilghul: "I apologise for any offence I may inadvertently given - such was not my intent. My remarks were not directed against you personally, nor any Spherewalker of Chamber Platinum. As to the Librarians, I will be delighted to be proven wrong, and I will fully apologise for doubting them if that comes to pass. I hope that that is good enough for you." He offers Gilghul his hand.
Then to both, and anyone else who is listening : "The Waterspider is driven by a great need. Do not judge him too harshly until you know his reasons. Desperate men sometimes make foolish choices. Whimsy chose to trust him - and I believe the Librarians did too - in full knowledge of his identity. Think on that."
"Enough of this. Lady Shekkara, Master Moon, how may I best help these unfortunates ?"
Gilghul grins, "I accept your apology, Measure Strangemask, and I am aware of Waterspider's predicament, but I hardly call what he did to Mercy a 'foolish choice', nor do I think she will agree when they meet up again. Shekkara, I will resume my patrol, call if you need anything." He walks off.
Daniel Moon pipes up. "Well, as far as what thee can do to help these poor unfortunates, make them comfortable until I have my poultice made and then once I show you who gets what. After that is done then we can be on our way to the temple... You do know where we are going, don't you, Mr. Strangemask?"
Measure moves over to person most obviously in need of attention and tries his best. He obviously has limited experience in these matters (in fact, mainly from watching people being patched up after skirmishes or assassination attempts).
While doing that, he comments: "I had an idea of your intentions, but this... massacre changes things. Obviously the perpetrator is connected to your Quest - and, I would guess, fears one or more of your group. My own talents may be of some little help - but not I fear until I know more of your group and this adversary".
"Thank you for your assistance," says Shekkara. "It may be that we can move faster within another set of hands to help. By the way," she says smiling to both Gilghul and Measure, "in my world, 'before you kill one another' can be an exaggeration, and it looked like a good time to step in before the situation got worse. The timing of our planned departure was also misspoken, and it should be in a little over an hour." So saying, she gets back to work.
Time passes. Under the watchful eye and expert care of Shekkara and Measure, the wounded are stabilized and no more die. Gilghul continues to keep watch, pausing on occasion to help those from outlying villages in moving lumber, or some other heavy item. Daniel Moon continues to work over his concoction.
Eventually, it is finished, and Moon issues instructions for its distribution. Clean rags are soaked in the material Moon has created, then applied to the various injuries. The effect is immediate and dramatic. The pain of wounds eases considerably, and the healing process becomes almost visible in some cases. Even those suffering from eviscerations seem to rest easier, and the ghastly injuries to their abdomens begin to knit. In time, with periodic reapplication of the healing balm, all will survive, though many will remain crippled for life.
Moon assures that there are those who understand how to properly apply the salve, and to maintain the temperature (it has to be kept hot until applied).
By this time, the locals have nearly finished a sturdy wooden shelter for the injured, and as their condition improves, they are moved one by one.
In short, Moon's actions meet with unqualified success.
Gilghul retrieves the horses and returns ready for departure. "The Librarians are sending us towards Two Roads and the Temple of Hermes. With luck we may meet with the others shortly, and with a lot of luck they may even have found Riverwalker. Assuming Mercy hasn't killed him by then, of course. You are welcome to join us, Measure Strangemask."
Measure replies : "Hermes, eh ? Perhaps they'll catch our Spider at his prayers. I hope your colleague can be persuaded to let him live a while longer. Whimsy will be most disappointed if he dies without telling what he knows."
Measure moves towards his horse. "Ah, before we depart which way did your enemy go ? I dislike violence, but I like to be prepared if it comes my way."
Meeting with unqualified success hasn't suprised Moon. He is smiling
as they mount up and head out towards the northeast. As they leave,
he says, "I hope that they keep it hot."
Two Roads appears to be a rather prosperous village of around one hundred inhabitants. The buildings are uniformly either wood or thatch, with an occasional mortared stone chimney flue. Carvings adorn many of the exposed wood surfaces such as doorframes. Most houses have small attached fenced yards where chickens, goats, or the odd sheep are kept. The inhabitants, peasant folk, wear clothing of cured hides and furs, and go about their business with reasonable good cheer. Many of the men are currently in the fields surrounding the village, leaving older men, children, and women to greet the Spherewalkers as they ride in. Neither Gilghul, Shekkara, nor Moon garner more than a passing look or nod of greeting, though the masked features of Measure draw considerable interest, especially among the children.
A single warrior type, carrying a round shield and three javelins, and wearing a sword, stands up from a stool in the doorway of one of the buildings and walks out into the road. As the group approaches, it becomes evident that the man's shield is slung upside down - an indication of peaceful intentions. He nods respectfully.
"Welcome to Two-Roads, strangers. If you seek shelter we have an inn with a stable for your horses. There is also food to be purchased if you are in need. My name is Brave, and I am the town's hetman."
Shekkara smiles and nods at the hetman. "I am Shekkara, and my companions and I are from the Chamber Platinum on our way to the Temple of Hermes. We have our own provisions but would be glad of the inn's shelter for the night."
Meanwhile Measure surreptitiously whispers to Daniel "Watch your purse," thinking of the proximity of a Temple to the patron of thieves.
Daniel says "Purse? what purse? Oh ye mean the thing I keep my money in, well, where did I put that thing anyway, hmmmm? Oh well, not to worry, I'm sure that it'll turn up sometime."
Daniel looks to the hetman, smiles grimly and tells him of the village at the gate, mentioning that if he could render any assistance it would be greatly appreciated.
As Moon's tale unfolds, Brave begins to frown, and when Moon finishes, he turns from the riders and utters a loud, piercing whistle. In the fields, men and women drop their farming implements and begin running towards the village. Brave turns back towards the Spherewalkers.
"If such evil is about in the land, I must ready the village. The militia must be turned out, and our spears sharpened. Aid must be sent to Walker's Market. I fear I must go to make sure all is prepared. You may find lodgings for the evening at the inn. Please excuse me."
Shekkara watches Brave go, and thinks it just as well he is ready for trouble. "Shall we avail ourselves of this tavern for the night? Or do you wish to keep going and make camp further down the road?" She looks pointedly at Gilghul, as he is responsible for the safety of the party.
"I think the tavern is a good idea for tonight. We can start out fresh at sunrise."
Gilghul spurs his mount lightly and leads the way looking for a place to stable the horses.
The Crossroads inn is a large, multi-story structure with a yard and attached stables. It looks to be in good condition - not overly prosperous perhaps, but at least in good repair. As the party rides into the yard the door of the inn flies open and a rather portly, middle-aged man dashes out. He is carrying a shield and spear, and has a sword belt slung over one shoulder. He stops short for an instant, then puffs past the party, heading in the direction of Brave without a backward glance.
A young boy of around ten years comes from the stables, and takes the party's horses, and everyone steps inside. There they find a middle-aged matron wiping down tables and cleaning the common room, while a young girl of about twelve or fourteen gets a fire going in the fireplace. The matron stops what she is doing and approaches the group.
"Welcome to the Crossroads, pilgrims. May your gods be with you! How may we serve you today?"
Moon steps forward and says "Good morrow to you, may the gods be with you and your family, milady.
"We," waving his hand back at the rest of the party, "have need of food and lodgings for the evening. I have need of some herbs, if you have any that you can spare or I can perhaps purchase." Moon then waits patiently for her response.
"Food and lodging for the night will be five disks apiece, plus another three for stabling your horses and one additional if you want them curried. As for herbs, I have a few sprigs of parsley, some anise and fennel, some poppy seed, chervil, and dill. I have plenty of borage, some chibol, and some dittany for salads as well."
"Very good," says Moon. He smiles at the woman and adds, "Perhaps when you're not too busy we can exchange recipes? My name is Daniel Moon and these are my companions." He waits patiently for the rest of the group to introduce themselves.
"I'm afraid that I'm a bit too busy to swap recipes at the moment, Mr. Moon. Gotta get supper ready."
Measure pauses, and asks the matron - in a casual just-making-conversation tone - "Are there any other guests staying here, at the moment ?"
She turns to regard Measure with a bit of confusion, and a bit of apprehension (masked individuals are not particularly common in these parts). "Yes, there's a few others staying here tonight. A couple of pilgrims on their way back from the Temple of Zeus, a carpenter, and a travelling priest of some religion or other. Not so many as I can't put you up though."
Measure replies "Thank you, but I suppose I'd better let you get on with your work. You must be very busy".
"Aye, it's true that I'm busy. But if you and your companions are customers, then its my work to attend to your needs while my husband is gone." She frowns and looks towards the door. "So, can I get you some rooms?"
Gilghul frowns and curses his memory. "Does anybody have any 'discs'? I think I may have a few small gems in my pouch somewhere, but I don't think they could afford the change."
Measure chuckles. "Weight and purity are what matter, and the currency
of Roundwander is not debased and rarely clipped. Further from Everway
we might have to change our money, but I expect we'll be all right here".
Most of the menfolk are off being militia - there being no immediate threat they have congregated around the town well, where they are sharpening weapons, mending damage to their armor, repainting their shields, etc. etc. etc. A few of the youngest and fastest have been sent up and down the road to act as scouts. The village headman, Brave, seems to be keeping things well in hand. From the kitchen of the inn come savory smells of baking bread and cooking vegetables and meat.
The Spherewalkers, freshened up considerably from their baths, troop into the common room, where a fire is already burning in the hearth. Thus far, the only others present are an old man and his rather large and muscular companion, who appear to be just sitting down to some food.
Gilghul stands near a window, looking at the collection of townsmen gearing themselves for battle and sighs, breaking a long silence.
"A noble and sad sight it is to see townsfolk transformed into warriors, but your story, Daniel, seems to have created more fear than alertness. Perhaps I can help soothe their fear a little. I will be back before dinner." He then steps out towards the town well.
Measure lets Gilghul depart (hoping that Gilghul manages not to mortally insult anyone). In a low voice, he comments, "It seems there is little to be done for the now. There are things I would say but there are secrets we must not discuss where others may hear." He gives a slight nod in the direction of the old man and his friend.
Moon walks over to the older man and his muscle bound companion and addressing the older man says "Would thee and thine companion care to join us for dinner? Or at least have a drink with us afterwards?"
"Aye I may be inclined to join ye, if you pay that is..." He smiles, revealing a very unhealthy gumline, and many missing, yellow and dirty teeth. His large companion gives a baritone chuckle...
Shekkara, feeling refreshed after a bath, comes downstairs to see Gilghul leave, Measure arguing with the ether, and Daniel Moon inviting scruffy looking locals to dinner. She sits down between Moon and Measure, and nods pleasantly to the locals.
Measure approaches Shekkara "Lady Shekkara, it occurs to me that we should obtain an offering before going to the temple tomorrow. I am sure the people here will know what is appropriate."
Coming back from his errand, Gilghul strides over to to the table, and introduces himself to the two strangers. "Good eve, fellow travellers, I am Gilghul. Please excuse my late arrival to supper, but there is quite a stir at the well. This town is well roused, and I shall sleep the better for it. Have I missed anything?"
The old man nods and says, "Nothing much...but stick around, I may be able to help you...."
The old man leans in close to his large companion and whispers something. He then gets up and walks to the inn keep. One can see that he is rather old and weak, and his clothing is somewhat fanciful. He talks to the inn keeper in low tones...
Shekkara looks at Measure appraisingly. "I hope the sacrifices here are more benign that what I am accustomed to back on my sphere. Hm... Hermes, I man's god, no? The messenger of the gods who travels swiftly? Perhaps a swift steed will make a suitable sacrifice. When she comes out again, we must ask the innkeeper's wife ..."
Measure thinks: "Certainly a lavish sacrifice - a good idea if we need to ask help of the God, but not necessary if we simply wish to show respect. And if my memory does not fail me the horse belongs to the local sea-God who might be offended. The villagers will know."
"I really must spend some time leaning the local pantheons. It wouldn't do to insult one when trying to gain the favor of another. I am in your debt, Measure."
"Success in this quest and the exoneration of my family will be payment enough for me." In a lighter tone of voice, he adds, "And I very much doubt that an offended God would pick on you alone. I have my own interests to consider."
Meanwhile, Gilghul silently watches the old man, his curiosity aroused. A slight hint of alertness weaves his thoughts and suddenly he becomes a little suspicious to the two strangers, but not wanting to jump at shadows he bides his time.
"Good sirs, I'm so glad that you decided to join us for dinner this
evening," Moon says. "My name is Daniel Moon and this is my travelling
companion." A brief pause ensues as Moon waits for Shekkara
to introduce herself. "And you are?... We are travelling to
the Temple of Hermes and seeing as you have just come
from a temple, we were wondering if you had any advice as to what we
should bring as an offering? And if you could also give us any information
on the road conditions between here and there, it would also be greatly
appreciated."
Shekkara introduces herself to the man remaining at the table during Moon's pause for identification. She also gestures toward Measure and Gilghul, so that they might introduce themselves when appropriate.
Having already introduced himself, Gilghul is waiting to see what all the whispering is about.
Into the lull in the conversation steps the innkeeper's daughter, a lithe, pretty blonde girl of around sixteen summers.
"Good evening travellers. May all your gods be with you this evening. For supper this evening we have leeks in wine, pumpkin in ginger broth, brie tart, stuffed goose, venison stew, spiced gruel, mushrooms, baked eggs, parsnip fritters, and elderflower cheesecake. What would you like?"
Gilghul turns to the young girl considering his choices. "The stuffed goose sounds good, and the elderflower cheesecake for dessert. "And bring us a bottle of your finest ale please. Thank you."
Moon orders the pumpkin in ginger, the stuffed goose, and the parsnip fritters, and smiles brightly at the young lady.
Measure considers the menu. "I think the leeks, the stew and the cheesecake."
Shekkara listens with interest and smiles brightly at the girl. "Since I am not so familiar with your cuisine, I shall try just a bit of everything -- with the exception of the venison stew and the fritters, if you don't mind."
The old man seems to think about the menu for a moment...He scratches his near bald head, and clears his throat. "I think I'll have the venison stew, and some parsnip fritters, if you please..." He smiles, revealing a dentist's nightmare, and nods over to his large companion. "What about you Geraad? What do you want?" The large man grunts and responds in a deep voice, "Well gimmie a little bit of all." And with that he cracks his knuckles and leans in his chair, causing it to protest audibly.
After about a half an hour of preparation, food is brought for the travellers.
Those who prefer fancy, elegant cuisine are sorely disappointed, but those
who favor hardy, simple cooking enjoy their meals quite a bit.
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