Company+of+the+Phoenix+Session+23

**5-26-2017** **The Celebration at Myth Drannor and Releque's Treachery**

Having returned to the Crescent City, the group was welcomed by the White Rose who escorted them across the long narrow bridge over the lake out to the palace. Three paladins dressed in golden armor were on either side of a throne where a beautiful elven woman sat dressed in full white. Queen Ilsevele Miritar had short cropped hair, a sword at her hip, and armor woven into her dress. She was a woman who was familiar with battle. She had led the people into the forest to take back their city.

She stood up to greet the companions as they approached her, "Welcome, Company of the Phoenix." Tiri offered her a grand and low curtsy as she bowed her head, "My queen." The others following suit with respectful bows of greeting. "I'm afraid I missed meeting you when you first got to town. I'm glad that you have returned. I understand that you have cleansed my northern border," she nodded to them. "Of the vermin infestation," Charlemagne nodded his agreement. "Indeed, my lady," Tiri nodded, "It is true."  "What do we know?" she asked, looking at each of the companions, "Tell me, why would they turn on us in such a manner?" Tiri nodded to Alaric who began the tale of the shadovar and the suggestive magic sigils the Hillsfar officers wore, "We, as the Company of the Phoenix tracked the orc raidings into Cormyr back to a dessert city. They were unlike the wasteland people who lived their once. These sand knights were very militarized and had driven the orcs from their lands. We visited one of their ancient crashed Netherese cities that they're rebuilding where we found shadovar deep in its crevice. What all of their plans are, we do not yet know." "How long has Cormyr known of this?" Ilsevele asked him. "We just recently found it before journeying to here, my lady," Tiri answered. Alaric nodded his agreement, "We were the ones who discovered it." "You folks get around," the Queen smiled.

Alaric nodded, "We know that the shadovar are interested in getting into a dwarven vault... one that requires 3 strangely shaped keys." "Built by Nex Soulbring," Tiri nodded. Charlemagne nodded his agreement, holding Brunish's key up by the chain he wore around his neck for the queen to see. "I do not recognize its make," Ilsevele studied it from afar. "They have the other two... and we do not believe it is a good idea to let them get their hands on whatever lies inside this vault," Alaric went on. "You are comfortable holding onto this key?" the beautiful elven ruler looked to Charlemagne, "I could offer our vault here if you wish."

The companions discussed it quietly for a moment. "Do you trust them?" Charlemagne asked. "Of course I trust them. This is my queen," Tiri answered. "I trust you," the warrior nodded to his elven companion. Urd frowned, "Can we trust their vault?" Tiri frowned and nodded to her, "You have a point. I don't like the idea of leaving it unguarded." Charlemagne nodded, turning back to the queen, "I do not wish to put the burden on you... I shall continue to carry it." "So be it," Ilsevele nodded to him.

"One of these shadovar agents must have known the last key was in this area," Alaric continued on, "We believe he influenced the Hillsfar because of this. I don't know if he cast a spell on them... there was an enchantment, but it wasn't something I was that familiar with." "So you don't believe he was driving them because he wanted to kill elves..." Ilsevele replied, "But more that elves were in the way of his getting this key." "It does seem that way," Alaric nodded. The elven queen gripped the hilt of her blade a little tighter, "I am not far from sending troops north."

"Perhaps you could send an envoy to Hillsfar to find out if their king has any knowledge of this... or if in fact it was just the men in this fort that was influenced by the shadowvar," Alaric suggested. "If indeed it was Hillsfar's doing beyond just the shadovar... the attrocities that were committed... I fear for the safety of an envoy into that country," Tiri frowned. "It would be a highly dishonorable act to kill an envoy," Ilsevele replied. "Certainly you may want to have a human friend of yours go for you. A group like ourselves. At least until you find out which way the wind blows," Alaric nodded, "Hillsfar and Zhentil Keep are not particularly fond of non-humans." "You are wise beyond your years, young man," the elven queen nodded to him. Alaric bowed to her compliment, "I certainly don't want to see a war as a result of the actions of one twisted mage." "Nor do I," she agreed, "If I can make contact with them... would you like the honor of being my envoy?" Alaric glanced at his companions who quickly nodded their heads, "It would certainly be my honor to represent you if that is what you desire." "It will likely take a few days... let me see if I can make contact with them," she nodded, "We will see if they will receive an envoy... and we will see what kind of king they have in response to this."

"There is one more thing, my queen," Tiri nodded to her, "There is a drow..." "Where?" the queen's hand was fast to her blade. "She is an acquaintance of ours... she works with one of the royals in Cormyr... she is the one we sent to Suzail to deliver the information we gathered in the desert," Tiri explained, "She is supposed to bring us back information from Princess Nilyniel." "Ah, the purple mage. We have heard of her war magic," Ilsevele nodded, "She is powerful." Tiri nodded her agreement, "If we do not make it back to Tilverton, the drow will likely come looking for us here. I supplied with documentation. She will not bring harm to our city." "What is this drow's name?" the elven queen sighed. "Quarrelle," Tiri nodded, "She knows the Company of the Phoenix obviously and can speak our names." "If she is accomplished... she will not show herself to us," Ilsevele nodded, "I have a friend in the court. I will try to get word to this Quarrelle." Tiri nodded, "Thank you. I just wanted you to be aware that she may be in the area." Ilsevele nodded, "I thank you. A drow would be dealt with very swiftly." "Of course," the elven priestess nodded her agreement, "But she is a friend of the court in Cormyr and a friend of ours." Ilsevele nodded.

"Now... let's go celebrate," Charlemagne grinned. the elven queen smiled, "Yes, and because of what you have accomplished... My right hand will lead you to the vault. Feel free to select one item each." "That is quite generous, my queen. Thank you," Tiri curtsied to her. "You are too kind, your majesty," Alaric bowed. She nodded, "And tomorrow evening we have been blessed that the great bardess... all the way from Evermeet... Emi Ellistrae, she is a great violinist. She is performing here tomorrow night. I hope that you would join me." "Of course," they all agreed.

As they left, Tiri turned to the others, "Remind me to tell my father that we will need new clothes." "We just got new clothes," Alaric answered. "And those are fine for the celebration... but if we are to sit next to the queen... we will need new clothes," the young priestess reiterated. "Something fancy?" Alix asked. "The fanciest," Tiri nodded.

They followed the White Rose to the vault, browsing many powerful magic items. Alaric chose an elegant headpiece, ( Headband of Vast Intelligence +4 ) Tiri chose a delicate scrollwork silver headband, ( Headband of Inspired Wisdom +4 ) Charlemagne chose ( Mithral Plate of Speed ) pic Alix +2 Composite Bow infused with lightning

The city was awake when the companions left the palace. Cheering and celebrations were already starting. The Queen announced them as heroes of the Crescent City and friends to The People. Haemir was in the crowd, and he put his arm around Tiri, "You make me very proud." She smiled, leaning her head against him, "You honor me, Father." After a moment he approached Alaric, extending his open hand outward, "Your banner please." Alaric removed the long banner from his spear, and handed it to the nobleman tailor. Haemir pulled out a long tailoring needle, waving it over the cloth. Elven writing bled into the fabric with fine silken stitching. An intricate crescent moon was woven into the corner as the symbol of Myth Drannor. He passed it back to Alaric, nodding with approval. As the charismatic mage held it aloft the people cheered and the fiery wings of the phoenix seemed to flap. Above them they could hear the flapping of the gryphon riders in the sky.

All of the tavern doors were open and there was much celebrating. The companions barely had time to sit... as many continued to ask them to dance. As the elven women approached Charlemagne, they stopped short when they caught the brow beating by Urd. The beautiful ranger woman was placing her claim with little subtlety. Tiri danced with Alaric, hearing from the other women how he had said the same things to them.

Nuada was sitting quietly with his squad of gryphon riders when Tiri managed to find him. The elven prince stood up at once, "Gentlemen, a man has to do what a man has to do." He excused himself to greet her. She curtsied before him, "Would you do me the honor of a dance?" "That's my line," he smiled at her and bowed, before offering her his arm. She linked hers with his, feeling his strength beneath his fine elven longcoat as he led her out into the gardens. Spying the two heading outside, Alaric made his excuses with the women around him to follow them. Floating motes of light hung in the air behind the elven pair as they danced gracefully. Alaric feigned disinterest as everyone else outside seemed captivated by their dance. Tiri didn't seem to notice anyone else as she glided along the path, following the prince's experienced lead.

Urd leaned across the table to get closer to Charlemagne, "You are quiet tonight." "I am reflecting," he smiled at her. "That's not like you," she tilted her head, looking him over, "You are the hard charger." "I'm enjoying the quiet spoils," he explained. "I understand... and how do you find the spoils?" she looked him over with a smile, "The armor is most becoming." "It is most rewarding," he nodded, "This is the most accomplished I have felt in quite some time. I feel like I have achieved something great... and the party has achieved something great. I feel like I have a purpose. I feel one with the universe." "Interesting," she nodded, pausing for a moment before meeting her eyes with his, "Can I be forward?" "Have you ever been anything else?" he smiled at her, "Of course, you can always speak freely with me. I feel that we are very close at this point." She nodded, her voice serious, "I like you." "So you're saying that my armor would look better on the floor of your bedroom?" he winked at her. "Well I wasn't going to be that forward... but yes, it would," she laughed, continuing on more seriously, "I find you very different. You are noble born. You could have easily sat on your haunches and enjoyed your father's acolytes. You have chosen to not do that... I find that admirable. Instead of like some... who push their family name... You are striving to make a name for yourself. This has endeared you to me." Charlemagne smiled, thinking that this was yet another reason he felt himself falling for this woman, "I appreciate that." "It is not unlike the reason that I left my family. I sought to make my own name and my own way," she nodded to him. "I find that noble and admirable," he nodded to her. "Are you mocking me," she raised an eyebrow. He grinned, "I would never mock you. Let's celebrate. You never know when it will be our last night... Lets live like there is no tomorrow." She took his hand and led him onto the dance floor.

Alaric continued to feign enjoying the garden as he quietly watched Tiri and Nuada waltzing beautifully. He glanced back to see a few women looking at him through the windows. He opted to ignore them and strolled out deeper into the garden. Several fairies flew about him as he observed the beauty of the elven gardens. He mulled over the incompetence of his own gardeners as he passed trees that had been grown into the shape of archways. Bushes were shaped into warriors and maidens. A waterfall fell into a small pool of water surrounded by colorful and exotic flowers. Some of the flowers in the garden only grew in the Cormanthor forest and were quite rare to see in Cormyr. He found a comfortable bench near the waterfall and lit a long pipe. He blew smoky dragons and phoenixes as he continued to watch the blue-haired priestess and her elven dance partner.

Alix, on the other hand, was loving all of the attention from several elven women. Finally able to take a breath from the dance floor, he sat down at the bar to have a drink. Three women immediately sat next to him. One was pretty with green hair and a simple dress, one was beautiful with blue hair, and the third was stunning with white hair... all three were very into the new elven hero slayer and didn't seem to mind each other's company. "Well hello, my ladies," Alix nodded in greeting to them. The blue haired one offered him a sultry smile, "Will you be joining us this evening, my lord?" The white haired elven woman signaled the bartender for drinks, and he set a frosted mug in front of the slayer with a velvety lavender mist rising out of it.

"How long are you and your friends staying?" the one with blue hair asked. "That depends on what comes next in our adventure," Alix answered. "I see," the green haired one rubbed her hand softly over the shaved short hairs on his head, "Are you waiting upon word? Or do you have something that you are heroically sworn to go and do?" "We're currently waiting on word," he answered, nodding. The white haired woman smiled, "So you might be here for a little while." "It seems that I am... for now," he continued to do his best to keep his cool, not letting on that three women around him was exhilarating. The three women glanced at each other, exchanging smiles. "Have you ever been with an elven girl?" the blue haired woman raised an eyebrow. "No," he shook his head, "This is my first time." "First time..." the white haired woman pondered for a second and nodded, "Come with me. I'll be patient and I'll show you." She stood up and took him by the hand. The blue haired woman stood up and took his other hand. The green haired woman waved and sipped her drink, remaining behind as the two women led him out of the bar.

Alaric continued to smoke his pipe, observing the elven warriors carved into the stones where the waterfall spilled off of their shields. As he glanced down into the pool, seeing his own reflection... a second reflection appeared next to his as Quarrelle walked up behind him. "Good evening," he greeted her, glancing back over his shoulder, "I don't think you're supposed to be here." "It took me a long time to find you," she nodded, "Bad things have happened home." "What has happened?" he turned fully around to face her. "Lord Releque has had your mother imprisoned," she explained. He stood up at once, "For what? What reason?" "He claims that during the gold weighing to set the price of gold each year she has used false weights," the young drow answered. "That's absurd!" he declared. "Everyone else thought so too, but they found record books proving this," she shook her head sadly. "Obviously planted evidence," he shook his head, "Surely the King and royal court do not believe this cur's lies?!"

Quarrelle frowned, "He has also taken Ily'Aleera as his fiance." "And she agreed to this?" he asked with disbelief. "Apparently," she nodded. "That's impossible. He's a cur. She has much better taste than that," Alaric shook his head, refusing to believe it, "Are you sure she is not being forced into this? Some sort of spell or black mail?" "He must be holding something over her head, but what it is we do not know," she shook her head. "I must return to Cormyr right away," the nobleman sorcerer nodded. The young drow laid a soft hand on Alaric's shoulder, "Lord Releque is the master of the prison... Your mother was taken to Marsember." The young sorcerer's shoulders sagged beneath the weight, "I must speak for her." Quarrelle nodded, "Of course the new King does not know your mother as the old King did... but he is being advised by her sisters-in-law. He is doing what he can." "He is the King," Alaric declared with frustration. "And he has to uphold the laws," she tried to explain, "To show favoritism would set a poor precedence... I came to find you as soon as I could." Alaric nodded to her, "Thank you, Quarrelle. I appreciate you risking your life to come into this city. I know it is dangerous for you. I will gather my companions to return to Cormyr at first light. You should go back to the road. We will meet you on the way to Cormyr." She nodded her agreement, "I will meet you on the road. I must go." She vanished into the shadows.

The two elven women took Alix back to their room... Patient and gentle, they made him theirs for the night.

Nuada and Tiri walked the gardens. He was a perfect gentleman as onlookers from the balcony ooo'd and ahh'd. "I would love to stay here longer and show you a better time," he kissed the back of her hand, "but I am leaving in the morning with my squad. We are going back to Highmoon." She nodded, "I understand, of course. I will surely miss you." "Not as much as I will miss you," his smile melted her. She smiled, "I know that you are quite busy. I will cherish this night. Heavy is the head that wears the crown... or so I've heard." "No crowns for me," he laughed softly, "At least not for some time. Thank goodness we are long lived." She laughed and nodded, "Which will give us plenty of other opportunities and time together."

Charlemagne sat at the table with Urd, chatting and taking their time. "So how long are you guys staying?" she asked. "I don't know yet... not likely long since we have numerous things to attend to," he answered. "I heard..." she leaned in closer, "That the queen has asked you to be emissaries?" He nodded, "Yes. She was still looking into some final details, but if she could make the arrangements possible, then yes." "So you could be out here for some time," she nodded, adding thoughtfully, "Maybe a few weeks... or a month." "Or forever," he smiled at her. She raised an intrigued eyebrow, and nodded, "They are building new towers on the north side... the city isn't complete yet. They are always venturing into the ruins and rebuilding." "Hmm," he nodded. Both of them countering the weight and testing the waters of being together without actually coming right out and saying it. "It is possible we could be here for some time," he nodded again, "But I don't expect it will last that long..." "You aren't one to keep still," she nodded. "It does seem that the world keeps pushing and pulling on us... blowing us across the map to put out the fires that seem to be sprouting up all over," he agreed. "Yes... the world has been very busy lately," she nodded. "But what about you? What are your plans?" he asked, She sighed softly, "I will need to be heading home soon. I haven't seen my sisters in some time now." "Perhaps we'll be heading back the same way," he nodded. "That would be grand," she smiled at him.

Alaric walked with purpose, striding through the gardens toward the elven couple walking, "Tiri." Nuada nodded in greeting to the nobleman sorcerer, "Alaric." Tiri smiled and nodded to him in greeting, her arm still linked with the elven prince beside her. The young Goldsword nodded to both, but spoke directly with the priestess, "I have bad news...I have just heard from home... That bastard Releque... he had my mother thrown in prison on some spurious charges that I don't understand! We need to leave in the morning." The young blue haired elven woman nodded slowly, "I'm... very sorry." "I know that the queen here may need us as an emissary, but I, at least, must return," he continued, "I can only imagine what that cur is doing to her." "I understand," she nodded, "I'm certain it will take several days if not weeks for the queen to make the arrangements to Hillsfar anyway. We should certainly go and rescue your mother." He nodded to her, "I will go and let the others know." She nodded, turning back to Nuada, "It seems you are not the only one leaving in the morning."

Alaric strode back through the double doors, coming in from the balcony. As he scanned the room of people dancing to a faster paced song... one couple stood out as they slow danced in their own world. The young nobleman recognized them at once as Charlemagne and Urd. He walked across the dance floor directly toward them, "Excuse me for interrupting... but I need to speak with you both." "What is it, Cousin?" Charlemagne asked as Urd turned with him at the same time, "What's wrong, Alaric?" "I've gotten very disturbing news from home. There have been ill dealings in Cormyr since we left. Apparently Lord Releque has made some moves at court... He's had my mother imprisoned on spurious charges." "Releque?" Urd asked. "Yes," the golden haired sorcerer nodded to her, "And apparently he also has some hold over Princess Ily." "He has been after her for some time," Urd frowned. "She has agreed apparently to marry him," Alaric went on. "Agreed?!" Urd blinked in disbelief. "Yes," he nodded, "She must be mind controlled or ... well I can't even imagine what horrors this Releque could be doing." "We should make haste to get back. This is unacceptable. I have to save my aunt," Charlemagne nodded, turning to Urd, "and your sister. Would you do me the kindness of traveling with us tomorrow?" "If my sister is in danger, you will most certainly have my company," she nodded to him. "I have spoken with your sister about this Releque. She would not entertain such a thought unless he had some leverage," Alaric assured her, "And he has had my mother imprisoned in Marsember... Ugh! My poor mother in Marsember." He shook his head, clearly disgusted. "She is in Marsember?" Urd asked with surprise, and then frowned, "His prison is legendarily cruel." "He wouldn't dare..." Alaric's eyes narrowed. "She will not last long. We need to get there quickly," Urd warned him. "If anything happens to her..." Charlemagne shook his head. "He will burn," Alaric finished his cousin's statement with a fury. He blushed and bowed his head to Urd, "Though we shouldn't be talking about murder in front of the princess." Urd shook her head, "You carry on. I relinquished that name and title some time ago." Alaric nodded, "Have either of you seen Alix? Did he pass out somewhere?" "He was chasing some of the elven lasses earlier. Perhaps they've pinned him down in one of their abodes. Should we rescue him from their clutches?" Charlemagne replied. Urd laughed beside him. "We'll leave a note in his room that we're leaving in the morning at first light and to prepare himself," Alaric nodded.

Nuada and Tiri joined the others on the dance floor. The elven prince nodded, "I wish you all the luck on your endeavors. I don't know what sway I have in Cormyr court, but if you have need of me... You just call." "Thank you," Tiri nodded, genuinely appreciative of his offer. "If you need a place to bury the body," he nodded to Alaric. The sorcerer nodded to him, "One would think that saving Sebathian's life would be all the leverage one would need." "It should certainly hold some sway," Nuada agreed. "We shall see what we shall see when we get there... I wouldn't be surprised if the shadovar had some hand in this as well," Alaric nodded. "You don't think that Releque would stoop so low as to join them, do you?" Urd asked, "He's rude and a cad and all that... but the shadovar?"

"Well... the Huntscrowns certainly did," Tiri frowned, recalling the onyx spiders during the wedding celebration, "Even if not fully intentional." "There is a likelihood that for the assassin to get as close as he did... that he had inside help. I would put nothing past this Releque. To have such a wondrous woman as my mother imprisoned... there is no depths that he would not sink." "How is it that you have incurred this man's wrath?" Urd tilted her head questioningly as she looked directly at the Goldsword nobleman. "Just by breathing probably, if I know my cousin," Charlemagne chuckled. "I think Lord Releque is a jealous man, and I think that Princess Ily'Aleera favored me more than him," Alaric answered. "You think that...?" Urd paused her question and then nodded, "He is a petty man." "He is... Though it does seem a bit far to go for ruining one evening for him," Alaric nodded. "He has been chasing her for some time... it is possible that he was overcome with rage," Urd nodded, "I have heard horror stories of what happens in that prison though..."

Tiri turned to Nuada, "How heavy is your squad that's leaving tomorrow? Do you think we could go with you to Highmoon? We could take horses from there and it would certainly cut our time down." The young elven prince, "I could make that happen. For you... anything." "I am most grateful," she kissed his cheek, "Thank you." "You all aren't afraid of flying, are you?" his gaze swept the group. "Of course not," Alaric shook his head, "And your assistance would be... most... welcome." He struggled with getting the words to leave his lips. "Excellent, get some sleep, and I will make the arrangements," Nuada nodded, "I will see you at first light?" Tiri nodded. "We should sleep," Charlemagne agreed, "Tomorrow, we will see the world from the air." "I always did want to ride one," Urd grinned with excitement.

Tiri sought out Illsevele Miritar among the celebration, "Forgive me, my queen, my companions and I must leave in the morning to deal with an issue back in Cormyr. One of my companion's mother was wrongfully imprisoned and we must go and address such an issue with haste. We will gladly return to be your emissary when you are ready for us." Lady Miritar nodded, "Is there anything that I can do to help?" Tiri smiled, "I appreciate the offer. Urd is travelling with us. She should have sway in the courts. And Nuada has agreed to take us to Highmoon by gryphon." "If anyone has pull in the Cormyr court... it would be Urd," Illsevele agreed.

Much to the lament of the younger crowd, the heroes retired... leaving the rangers to drink and the celebration to carry on without them. First light came way too early for some. Alaric got no sleep, aggressively clenching the scepter in his hand. A soft breeze rolled over Charlemagne as the first glow of the sun tinted the edge of the sky. He rolled over to see Urd with her boots on, sitting on a chair. "C'mon sleepy head," she greeted him. "I... don't even remember anything," he looked at his rumpled bed. She laughed, "You shouldn't. As soon as we got here, you fell asleep."

Everyone gathered for a quick breakfast, and Alix still hadn't showed up... Alaric sent a messenger to meet Quarrelle, advising her to meet them in Marsember. Around 8 or 9 in the morning, the young slayer stumbled down the road. Alaric and Charlemagne met him on the road, "We're leaving now. Hope you're not tired." Alix was dragging... exhausted... the sun was blinding. They had obviously been waiting for him for a couple of hours. The others began mounting the gryphons that were already ready. Each of the companions would ride with one of the squad members. He turned to his squad, "There will be no funny business on this trip... no showing off." Alaric moved to ride with Nuada, and Tiri raised an eyebrow at him, "You must be kidding. I'll be riding with Nuada. You ride better than I do. Pick someone else." Nuada smiled, offering her his arm to hoist her up. She settled in behind him as he clasped her in.

The gryphons carried them through and over the Cormanthor forest. Alaric kept enough focus to hang on, but he narrowed his eyes as he watched Tiri's embrace tighten around Nuada, her head resting on the back of his shoulder as her blue hair blew behind them. Alaric had watched her struggle with horseback as long as they'd been traveling together... and this was the most comfortable he had seen her. She seemed to trust the elf in front of her completely. This was her second trip flying with the elven prince. He and his squad had picked her and Iowyn on their way to aid Arabel. The handsome elf's arm wrapped around on occasion to make sure she was secure. Everyone did well with the flight except for Alix who had been exhausted. The harness had him tied in so he couldn't fall out, but the lack of sleep mixed with all of the drinking the night before... didn't go well with the up and down movement of the flapping wings. He was nauseous throughout the flight, vomiting over the side twice.

The city of Highmoon was etched into a cliff side of a mountain. Several holes were lined up as aerial stables. The gryphons brought their wings in at the last minute as they landed inside. Gryphons were plentiful here. Long staircases led up into the city. The lower part of the city was mainly stone, carved from the mountainside, but the higher levels had a lot of wooden made towers and structures. Nuada had horses made ready for the group, and held out a badge, "One of you should wear this." Tiri accepted it from his hand, "What is this?" She looked over the embroidered face wearing a bandit mask in the stitching. "Wear it out in the open. It's a pass," he answered her. She nodded, stitching it to the front of Charlemagne's cloak, "You'll be in the lead, so you should wear it." She turned back to Nuada, "We can't thank you enough for this... If you ever need anything... just call." "You can thank me by helping lady Goldsword," he nodded to her.

The group mounted the well bred horses and made their farewell into the pass along the mountains down into the Hullack Forest. The tomb where the black lantern once held a lich was only a couple days of travel away. Hoping that Nilyniel had already had it returned, the companions carried on. Charlemagne recalled rumors of a bandit causing havoc in the area called the Highwayman, and he warned his companions. Tiri nodded, "Perhaps that's what the badge is for." Everyone stayed alert, keeping a watch for anything just in case. Alix made riding the horses along the cliff's edge look easy, but Tiri struggled and moved slower.

They made camp alongside a stream, and Tiri nodded to Alaric, "Are we going straight to the prisons in Marsember? Or are we riding for the court in Suzail?" The young sorcerer frowned, struggling with the decision, "I hate the thought of her suffering any longer in this place... but it will look worse if we get her out before going to Suzail." "I leave the decision to you. It is your mother," Tiri nodded, "If you worry for her having to go into hiding... I'm sure we can get her somewhere. But as to whether she'll have a life at all if we go to Suzail first is questionable." "As one of her family... you are likely a wanted man yourself," Urd chimed in, nodding to Alaric. "Do we need to disguise him?" Tiri asked. "I say we go to Marsember first," Alaric nodded, "I'll go in disguise." He sighed, rolling up the Company of the Phoenix banners. Everyone followed suit by moving their badges to the inside of their cloaks.

Marsember was once a swamp... the city was made up of individual islands surrounded by intersecting canals. Often shrouded in mist, it still maintained a stench on warm days. The group went in to hear rumors and gather information on the Goldswords, Releque, the Company of the Phoenix... etc. The city was well known for it's many ship building yards. Releque was one of the bigger merchant names among the ship yards. They were also known for the prison here. The particular Releque who had been chasing Ily'Aleera took great pride and pleasure delivering torment to the prisoners. All manner of horrific stories surrounded the prison. Nothing was out of the question. Low rumors were swept up about how some of those who died were brought back with necromantic magic to tend to the other prisoners.

The Company of the Phoenix was not wanted, but were sought after for information. The Goldsword family was wanted. When they had gone to the estate to arrest Katelyn ...her husband Emlar battled them in a rage. Rumors said that he was killed in the battle. The Goldsword estate was being held by the royal court and was to be auctioned off. Alaric refused to believe the rumors. They were stories that the people were told and believed... but stories were easily told. Katelyn Goldsword was rumored to be of nobility and was being treated finely in the prisons. She had been in the city for a week. There was no word of either of Alaric's younger sisters, Mia or Ophelia ... other than they were supposedly not in the estate during the arrest. Tiri stared a little blankly at her companions as they discussed what they had heard, "I am just in shock that the king and queen have allowed this to happen." "I am as well," Alaric agreed, "The King has betrayed me." "We have worked hard to create a good name for our company... and we helped to save the life of the king... my brother still lies unconscious... to let this happen seems like such a slap," Tiri shook her head. It all seemed odd. They would need to find out what was going on in Suzail. "You are in a bad spot, cousin," Charlemagne frowned, "It's a marring of entire family name. If we can prove your mother's innocence... we can put those men to the sword." Alaric nodded his agreement, "We will need to find my sisters after we rescue my mother." "You don't supposed all of this is just a trap to lure you into this prison, do you?" Tiri asked. "It would require that Quarrelle and all of these people were duped," Alaric shook his head, "That would require quite the production." She nodded.

The prison holding his mother was located on the island among other Releque structures. It was known as the Black Spyre. A cylindrical tower of 5 stories... with 3 sub stories beneath the earth. In a bar across the street, they found a couple of guards who work in the spyre prison. Striking up conversations, they found out that Lady Goldsword was being held on the 5th floor... which was known as Releque's floor. The guards seemed like they felt sorry for her, saying she looked a little rough. "Yeah, but she's got it good compared to the gimp," one of the guards responded. "Who is the gimp?" Tiri asked. "The man in the mask," was all they could tell her.

An eight foot tall wall with iron spikes on top of it went around the prison with only one gate in and out. There was 10 feet between the wall and the prison. The windows in the prison were barred. Alaric suggested climbing the tower and melting the bars of a window to get in and out... with perhaps some flight and silence help from the priestess... Charlemagne, Tiri, Alaric, Alix, and Urd sneaking in. "I could fire ropes from the topside window out over the wall that we could slide down for a quick exit," Urd nodded. "That's a great idea," Alix nodded to her. Nalen, Rhain, and Karlissa would be waiting below to help the escape outside of the wall.

DING Level 6!