<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>

Jonal was feeling really bad. His back ached from the stab, and he wondered if he'd been bandaged up well, now that he was thinking about it.

"So, Bjorn and Sean, eh? Well, that is quite nice. So...Bjorn...what would the superiors say to you if I die before reaching town? Surely you would miss out on that big promotion to head-thug..."</font>

OOC>>>DM check to see if Jonal has any knowledge of the town or anything at all concerning where he is going.

<font color=lightgrey>For Jonal:

<font color=pink>"Sean has taken care of your wound on your back, if that is what troubles you. You won't die during the trip, and when you get to destination they'll probably take care of you."</font>

</font>OOC: you have heard of the town, and know that it is a smallish one of about 3-400 inhabitants, who mostly live of hunting around the town and fishing in the ocean next to it. Apart from this you don't know much about it.

<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>

"Thank you for the assurance, Pinky."

Jonal saw no way out of this at all. He was too hurt to fight well enough against the ropes to get loose...and even if he did manage it, he'd have to fight off these two thugs before getting away. Maybe an escape will present itself at nightfall, he thought. Until then...it would be an uncomfortable day on the back of the horse. </font>

OOC>>>I have nothing else to post until new information alters the current predictament.

OOC: time for Jonal to do catch up, since the magic which had taken Ghar Dien away had also taken him ahead in time. ;) Good for a DM if he needs timelines to converge isn't it? [img]tongue.gif[/img]

<font color=lightgrey>For Jonal:

The day passed, Jonal sometimes continuing to talk with his captors, but not finding out any more important information. Night fell and when Sean mentioned that they should stop, Björn agreed.

Björn lifted Jonal off the horse he had been on and placed him next to a tree, where he tied his feet to a root sticking out of the ground. Sean then came up to Jonal and untied Jonal's hands, then handed him a quarter loaf of bread, and some cold, cooked meat.

<font color=yellow>"Eat! You must be famished by now."</font>

He also places a gourd next to you, which should you open it, you'd find is full of water.

In the meantime Björn made a small campfire and then he himself also started eating.

Sean was the first to finish eating, and exchanging a glance with Björn lay down on the ground. Shortly he started snoring.

<font color=pink>"I would sleep if I were you. I'm going to be taking the first watch anyway, and keeping an eye on you."</font></font>

<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>

Jonal knew that on any other day, he'd be able to stay up all night if he had to, waiting for that miraculous spot in which to escape. In his current health, however...he saw no way to be able to last very long without sleep. He knew he'd still desperately try...all the while hoping that Lorax was alive and well and coming this way.

How had he gotten into this mess? The Great Jonal Turamarth! Reduced to a lowly captive of two fools. How embarasing.

Jonal finished up his food, and then leans back to stare at the fire, hoping he had enough energy to stay awake. If only he can make it to the point of Sean taking over watch...then giving this lug Bjorn an hour to fall into deep sleep...there would be a chance...</font>

<font color=seagreen>Zevin <font color=red>52/52</font> <font color=lightblue>1/90</font>

Zevin nodded at Terak, despite his great intellect (of which he was not at all shy in telling others about) he was metally and even physically drained by the events of the day, they were much more taxing than he'd grown accustomed to in recent months when his greatest requirements were to shield the group he had been with from prying eyes, or to provide distractions that would make missions simpler. "Whatever you need to do, do, but I need to get somewhere to rest, else I'll be of little use for you and your group, given the ferocity of that attack it seems like a good idea to give your men a chance to rest and sew themselves back together as well." Zevin looked at Gar as he left and called out "I hope we meet again under less dire straits, you seem a decent fellow, for not being a Juggernaut."</font>

[ 07-29-2005, 08:45 AM: Message edited by: Morgeruat ]

<font color=lightgrey>For Jonal:

When you finish eating Björn ties your hands again.

You are not sure how much time passes, but just as your eyes are about to snap shut Björn stands up and goes to wake Sean.

Sean checked Jonal's bindings and then settled next to a tree about twenty feet away, keeping his eyes on Jonal.</font>

<font color=green>Ghar Dien <font color=red>36/47 <font color=lightblue>0/70</font></font>

"Yes, lead the way." Ghar Dien waved the man forward. The man started to walk along the path and Ghar followed through the town. All along the way, they hardly ever spoke, except when the man pointed out a store, a barracks or other sights worth mention. He was obviously not a man of many words. He soon led him to a small ground-level one-story house which stood out between two much larger ones. <font color=lightblue>"Here we are."</font> the man opened the wooden doors and let Ghar inside.</font>

[ 07-29-2005, 12:33 PM: Message edited by: Bozos of Bones ]

<font color=lightgrey>Of roast half-bird and other beasts

The other beast indicated in the title were a tribe of half-human, half-monkeys. Some of them had monkey hands and legs, for others it was their head and torso and then again there were others who were more mixed. The tribe lived a primitive lifestyle. They mostly gathered their food, in the form of edible plants, and at times, when they were lucky enough, they had some meat.

Today was a lucky day for them. One of their scouts had stumbled upon a being called Taryness, lying in the grass next to some trees. The half-bird did put up a struggle, but was eventually knocked out.

He only came to for a few minutes, but in those few minutes he endured the worst agony of his life, as he was roasted on a spit over a fire. When he finally died, the monkey-men rejoiced for his screams had been rather annoying. Taryness in the end made a rather tasty meal.</font>

[ 08-07-2005, 11:03 AM: Message edited by: dplax ]

<font color=lightgrey>For Ghar Dien:

Inside the house there was one small ante-room, and two rooms opening off of it. One of those room's was your hosts and he pointed you to the other one. Inside the room you were given there was the fireplace, and it seemed that the room also served as kitchen as numerous utensils and pots were hanging on the wall. A simple matress in the corner was where you were probably intended to sleep. A row of various books on a shelf above the fireplace betrayed that your host wasn't as simple as he appeared.</font>

<font color=lightgrey>For Zevin:

As Ghar left, Terak got his men together and after the cart arrived they loaded the dead and the wounded on it. Half an hour later only a few blood stains betrayed that a fight had taken place here.

Terak led them on, and it was much more cautiously that they moved, and then finally reached a fork in the road. However they did not follow either of the forks, but turned sharply into the forest, moving along a winding path, which after about two miles came to a small clearing, on which stood half a dozen wooden cabins.

<font color=purple>"Well this would be our encampment."</font> - Terak said in guise of a description and then went over to talk with several of his people who had been here.

Presently one of the men he had been talking to came to Zevin. He looked to be barely eighteen, if indeed he was that much, but there was a look in his eyes, which betrayed that he had seen more than some men of many more years.

<font color=orange>"I had shared the smallest cabin with four others. Two of them are now dead. If you wish you can use it as sleeping quarters. Terak has asked me to tell you that he has business to attend to tonight, and shall talk to you in the morning."</font></font>

<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>

After giving ample time enough to risk his plan...Jonal began this way.

"So...you and that dead-head boss of your's gonna make some money off of this delivery or are you going to all the trouble as a favor to somebody?"</font>

<font color=lightgrey>For Jonal:

Sean had been nearly falling asleep, when Jonal spoke to him.

<font color=yellow>"We might get a reward for the delivery, then again we might not. It isn't really a favor really, think of it as us getting orders, and then doing them."</font></font>

<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>

Jonal choked down a curse. He'd hoped that this was just for the money. Loyalty was a much harder critter to tackle. Now he had to change his strategy in order to hope for an escape.

"I see. Yeah...I was once an underling like yourself. But I worked up and earned the respect that I desired...and became freelance from then on. Showing up to this last job for the priests of this Dreamweaver was just another job to me...but this job appears to have been my last. I doubt I'll ever get out of this mess now.

Tell me, Sean...why do these guys you know care about a street rat like me? I mean...how much can I really be worth?"</font>

<font color=lightgrey>For Jonal:

<font color=yellow>"Frankly, I have no idea why they want you. I'm just an underling as you said. My job is to carry out orders not to understand them. Since you killed the leader of our group, you shall have to wait till we get to my superiors for the answer to that question."</font>

He paused, then on an after-thought added:

<font color=yellow>"Oh, and before you start getting ideas, however much I might sympathise with you, I fear the wrath of my superiors in case of disobedience too much to help you."</font></font>

<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>

Jonal smiled, trying to make his speech sound humorous...whether it worked or not was to be decided...

"Now don't go insulting me with such ideas...I've never asked for help, nor ever will. When I see fit to escape, I shall do so, but for now you guys are helping me with getting away from this Dreamweaver and his foolish followers.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna get some rest. I hope you can do the same."</font>

<font color=seagreen>Zevin

The diminutive gnome nodded wearily at the youth, human young had such an annoying tendency of going out to become adventurers and seeing sights they were in no way prepared for. Still he would not turn down an offer of hospitality when he was so drained by the days exertions. He nodded to the boy and followed him grumbling about the security lapses he'd been subject to in his time with this ragtag group of spies and thieves.</font>

OOC: go ahead and advance the timeline.

<font color=lightgrey>For Jonal:

Dawn came, with a red sun. It woke Jonal, and he was surprised to find both Sean and Björn awake, and saddling up the horses.

Björn dragged Jonal to his feet, and then fixed him to the horse in the same manner as the previous day. It seemed that they left nothing to chance.

They started riding as the sun totally cleared the mountaintops to the east of them. For several hours you see trees to the west, and the mountains to the east, and then you enter a forest towards the south. Presently Sean spoke.

<font color=yellow>"We're nearly there. Only a few minutes now."</font>

His voice seemed to be strangely relieved as if completing his mission took a great weight off his shoulder.</font>

<font color=lightgrey>For Zevin:

Zevin had quite a peaceful night, not waking until well past daybreak. Actually the time was closer to lunch than to breakfast. Much closer. So close actually that when Zevin stepped out from his cabin Terak's men were already roasting several deer. The young man, who had shared a tent with Zevin the last night, upon spotting Zevin, put down whatever had been in his hands and walked over.

<font color=orange>"Sleep well?"</font> - he asked with a grin.

<font color=orange>"Terak said that he has gone to speak with the shapeshifter you met yesterday. He'll be back sometime in the afternoon."</font></font>

<font color=lightgrey>For Ghar Dien:

Ghar was woken by Terak himself. The leader seemed to be tired, as if he hadn't slept during the whole night, which in this case was true.

<font color=purple>"I have spoken with my superiors, Ghar.."</font> - he announced. <font color=purple>"I am going to help you. But on one condition. You never let anyone know that the men helping you are in any way affiliated with me. Is that acceptable to you?"</font></font>

<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>


"Whatever.

I am sure you two are releived to be getting rid of me without further trouble. So what gods are you two gonna thank for being allowed to make it here alive to collect your gratitude from Mr. Boss-man?"</font>

<font color=lightgrey>For Jonal:

<font color=pink>"Strange that you ask. I don't see any bloody problem in telling you though. We serve the priesthood of Netkal."</font>

It was with fear and reverance that Björn spoke the name.

<font color=yellow>"The one, whom you call Mr. Boss-man is High Priest Shaka. He shall probably be wanting to talk to you, once we get you there."</font> - said Sean.</font>

[ 08-15-2005, 05:58 PM: Message edited by: dplax ]

<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>

"Netkal, eh? Well...my day just got more interesting. Shaka, you say? Last name wouldn't be Khan, would it...and a sister Chaka?"

Jonal kept up appearances of a non-caring joker, but he was definately starting to get desperate for a way off of this ride now. It seemed to be heading for shark-infested waters...</font>


OOC: Reference

<font color=lightgrey>For Jonal:

<font color=yellow>"Shaka is the name we know him by. I have no idea what his real name is."</font>

Then suddenly Björn spoke.

<font color=pink>"Ah, we've just arrived."</font>

As Jonal looks around he can see nothing special except trees all around. Björn dismounts his horse and walks forward to where a pair of oak trees grow close to each other. As he approaches them he mutters a few words and they shimmer and disappear, revealing a cave entrance.

Sean stayed with Jonal a few feet away, while Björn walked towards the cave, from which two men, holding long swords came out. Björn started talking to them, pointing back at Jonal several times.</font>

OOC: just stopping here in case you want to say something to Sean before you're taken into the cave.

<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>

Jonal leaned over just a little and muttered to Sean.

"If this Shaka means to do me harm...do not doubt that I will escape and kill everyone that ever knew the guy...and that means you too. If you know something important...you had better tell me now...and I'll spare your life the next time we meet."</font>

[ 08-18-2005, 09:08 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color=lightgrey>For Jonal:

Sean looked confused. He sympathised with you. He knew what awaited the man. And he didn't envy him at all.

<font color=yellow>"Listen Jonal. I have no idea what Shaka shall do to you, and I would be powerless to stop it even if I knew."</font>

He spoke softly so that Björn and the guards he is talking to don't hear.

<font color=yellow>"But let me give you one piece of advice before we part. Do not lie to Shaka. He does not care if you don't tell the truth, but he can detect lies. And he punishes lies severely."</font>

Sean pulled up his sleeve to reveal a long running scar from his wrist to his elbow.

<font color=yellow>"We might never see each other again, Jonal. If we do, then I highly doubt that we shall be aiming to kill each other."</font>

He turned away from you and nudged your horse away from his, towards Björn and the two guards.</font>

<font color=yellow>Lorax

The pain, it was unbearable. Every time he drew a breath it felt as if his lungs and his whole upper chest were being crushed by some giant weight.

It must surely be better to die, than to have to live through this agony.

Lorax, at this point would have welcomed the darkness of unconsciousness, but it did not come. Then, when he felt that the pain couldn't increase any more, it did. New levels of agony swept over him, as if he was on fire from the inside. His lungs were searing with pain and his chest felt as if it would explode.

Several hours passed, but to Lorax it seemed as if they were long years. Night came, and then morning.

All around nothing moved. He had thought he had heard some beasts moving around in the night, and he remembered a state of half-dream when he had dreamt about Taryness being taken away by some strange creatures. Or was that reality? But surely Taryness would have been killed by their attackers also. They had taken Jonal, he had seen that much.

As the sun rose above the horizon it shone in Lorax's face. He closed his eyes, to shield them from the searing rays, and awaited the death, which surely was not far away.</font>

<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>

Jonal realized how profitable this information would be and almost had the gall to thank his captor for the help. Almost. But then, Sean saved both of them the trouble by moving away first.

Jonal now eyed Bjorn who was busy speaking to another. He saw no reason for politeness.

"Hey Mr. Bad-guy...how 'bout we hurry this party up? I haven't got all day, you know!"</font>

<font color=lightgrey>For Jonal:

Björn just turned and smiled at Jonal.

<font color=pink>"Hey guys! He wishes to hurry to see Shaka. Have you ever heard anyone who wanted to do that?"</font>

The two guards shook their heads and then all three of them laughed softly together.

<font color=pink>"Ok, then he's yours boys."</font> - Björn said and then helped them take Jonal off the horse. They unbound his feet and made him stand.

Sean came next to Björn and the two of them entered the caves.

The two guards grabbed hold of Jonal from either side and started half-dragging, half-escorting him inside the caves.

While Sean and Björn went straight on through the caves, Jonal was taken down a passageway towards the left, which after about thirty feet arrived in another passageway, which was parallel with the main entry corridor.

They turned right onto this corridor, which after a few dozen feet started sloping downwards and slightly veering to the right, probably passing under the main corridor. Ten minutes later they arrived in a large chamber, where in the center a man, dressed in the same uniform as the two guards sat next to a table with several more guards around him. The uniform was black, with red stripes on the shoulders and near the waist.

The two guards took Jonal in front of the table and held him tight.

<font color="AE000F">"Well, well. What do we have here?"</font> - the man, who from the look of him was clearly an officer of sorts. His voice was low pitched and he spoke slowly.

One of the guards, who had escorted Jonal here told him who Jonal was, and who had brought him here.

<font color="AE000F">"I see...Do you have anything to say before you are put into one of the holding pits to await the time when Shaka wishes to see you?"</font> - he suddenly asked Jonal.</font>

<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>

Jonal smirked at the man, probably a coward who found strength in being surrounded by friends and speaking to a man who was bound tightly.

"Just tell Shaka that its not wise to keep Jonal Turamarth waiting all day for a meeting. Tardiness costs extra."

Jonal treated this as a business operation...where Shaka might be any ordinary customer wanting a hit done. Jonal was nothing if not a proud, arrogant ass. </font>

<font color=lightgrey>For Jonal:

<font color="AE000F">"He shall be told."</font> - was all that the man said. He motioned to his guards, and they grabbed Jonal from behind and took him away through a small passageway on the other side of the chamber. The passageway only went a few feet, before reaching a dead end. Wooden planks covered a hole on the ground and one of the guards removed them, then the other suddenly pushed Jonal towards the gaping hole.</font>

OOC: Since Jonal was still some distance from the hole when pushed, if he tries hard enough he might avoid falling into it.

<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>


Jonal looked at the gaping hole with a sickness in his stomach...and then felt a shove from behind. It had come prematurally. He was not at the lip of the hole when shoved and halfway expected something like this to occur.

By now, he had been able to work his bonds loose on his wrists, though they were bleeding from the skin being rubbed raw in doing so. The adrenaline rush took care of any sensation of pain however. As he stumbled forward with the shove, Jonal lurched to the side and threw himself to the floor in front of the hole where the planks had been set. He grabbed up one and come up swinging as the closest guard...the one that had removed the planks, was right on top of him. Jonal swung upward and caught the man under the chin with the plank which made him stumble backwards and lose his footing which toppled him into the pit. The other guard come running up to Jonal with his sword drawn, but Jonal had a much longer reaching weapon. He shoved it forward, catching the man in the face with it, and as he fell backwards, Jonal swung it around again and caught the man on the right side of the neck with the board, breaking the man's bones. Jonal threw the board down and walked calmly back the way he had come, looking for the officer he had just spoken to. He found him.

He smiled at the officer.

"Tell Shaka that I do not appreciate his hospitality.
Ask him if I could maybe have a better place to stay while I'm here."</font>

[ 08-27-2005, 04:48 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color=lightgrey>For Jonal:

The guard captain motioned his guards and four of them moved to Jonal, with their swords bared.

<font color=white>"Stop!"</font> - a voice commanded from the darkness above.

Looking up, Jonal noticed that there were several windows looking over the chamber, and a shadow of a figure could be seen in one of them.

<font color=white>"Bring him to me!"</font> - it was a powerful voice, used to command, and it betrayed an underlying feeling, which Jonal could not totally place. Little did he know, but he was already starting to be under the effect of a spell.</font>

OOC: pm to be sent in a few minutes.

<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>

Jonal looked up and saw the figure, looming above everyone else and Jonal compared the scene to how he viewed the Gods, looming presences that barked out orders all day long and cared little for the lives spent in obtaining their own desires.

Jonal was already familier with God-like presences, thanks to the interuptions of the Weaver in his recent life. The only difference being, this was a wanna-be he was to deal with now. Some power-hungry mortal who was never satisfied, but always desired more than his share. Just like any rich man.

Jonal hated men in power. He saw how it crippled those that were under their boot. However, he could not explain exactly where this hatred was born from. He knew that he had felt this way recently, but his memory would not take him back to the beginning. What was it about rich folk that was to be despised?</font>

OOC>>>Of course, the reader knows why Jonal feels this way as well as why he cannot remember why himself. I think this is as close to an inner-feeling of what Jonal is thinking as I can get. Apologies if somebody was expecting more or something different. Afterall, he is not evil...just a really pissed-off, mean guy. I think. We'll have to see. [img]smile.gif[/img]

<font color=lightgrey>For Jonal:

Laughter echoed around the small window where the figure stood and filled the whole chamber.

<font color=white>"Anger and hatred? Unharnassed raw emotions. But whom do you hate, and who has angered you, Jonal? Was it this Dreamweaver?</font> - he spat the name out. <font color=white>"But no, it is anger and hatred directed towards me. And is that fear that I can sense? You are unable to master your emotions, Jonal. But then, that can also be a boon."</font>

Several moments of silence followed as the figure examined Jonal's reactions.

<font color=white>"You probably already guess, who I am. We shall meet, but not just yet. Patience, it seems is a virtue you have yet to master."</font>

Suddenly the lights in the chamber dimmed, as if a shadow had come over the lights, trying to suffocate them.

<font color=white>"Are you ready to face your deepest fears, Jonal?"</font> - the voice asked, and then the figure disappeared. The lights came back on, and from the darkness of the alcove the voice drifted back.

<font color=white>"Take him to Grigg!"</font>

The captain of the guard looked at Jonal.

<font color="AE000F">"There are two ways of doing this. Either you come quietly to meet Grigg, or we take you there. The choice is up to you."</font>

The four guards were still standing next to Jonal, with their swords drawn ready to move at a signal from their leader.</font>

[ 09-02-2005, 03:21 AM: Message edited by: dplax ]

<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>

"Those two fools that brought me here could not have done so if I had not allowed it.

I assure you I can walk on my own to this Grigg. Just tell your friends here to quit playing with their swords so we can go already. </font>

[ 09-01-2005, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color=lightgrey>For Jonal:

As the guard captain pressed something on the side of his chair a part of the wall slided open in the far side wall, revealing a dimly lit passageway.

Three of the four guards escorted Jonal to the passageway. Once there one of them pushed him in, and with a sudden nudge pushed him through. Almost immediately the slab of stone slid shut behind Jonal.

Darkness greeted him, and there was no one around to guide him, not even this Grigg, although deep in the recesses of his mind Jonal could slowly, and surely feel an unexplained fear rising, as if what he most feared was coming closer and closer.

A single point of light, probably a chamber at the end of the long passageway could be seen ahead. Nothing else was around to give the slightest indication as to what was happening.</font>

<font color=seagreen>Zevin <font color=red>52/52</font> <font color=lightblue>90/90</font>


Zevin nodded to the human absently and began mumbling the incantation of a spell, the words and phrases started small and indistinct, but grew in timbre, pitch, volume, and length until they were unintelligibly impressive. Satisfied Zevin released the energy he'd been capturing and let the effect wash over him. The lad would be unaffected but most of those in the camp would begin to realise just how mighty Zevin the Juggernaut truly was.

Afterwards he followed the human out to where some food was prepared, making small talk and bragging (and lying) about his role in the previous nights battle, why to hear him speak you would think Zevin himself had single handedly destroyed the multiple groups of attackers he'd encountered over the night before.</font>

OOC satisfactory? the spell is the one we had discussed for Zevin and costs 75mp

[ 09-03-2005, 08:48 AM: Message edited by: Morgeruat ]

<font color=steelblue>Jonal Turamarth <font color=red>35/78</font><font color=lightblue> 54/56</font>


Reacting to this building fear, Jonal clenched his hands into tight fists, ready to pound his frustrations into whatever presented itself to him first. He saw no reason to sit still in the dark, so he naturally began to walk towards the light...remembering a song he had heard long ago...how did it go?

The light at the end of your tunnel,
is just a freight train coming your way...

He did not exactly know what this meant, but it sounded like bad news.</font>