The EARTH story - August 8, 1372
Time passes, and before you know it you are all back in Leslie and Laurie's stronghold. All who wanted training are trained. The expedition led by Leslie into the wilderness returned without incident.
Aron fills up his backpack with the standard provisions and gets a light crossbow and some bolts.
Tully does the same.
Kithus provisions himself as well. He packs his backpack with needed equipment. If the others are not ready, he will start to polish his swords while waiting.
Aldarin resupplies all standard provisions and items.
Jo-owrn, meanwhile, has been making snowshoes for all of the newcomers.
"Winter's coming," he comments.
"Why don't we cast another Commune before we set out? It would be helpful to know whether we are competing against anyone else in search of the artifact, and, if so, to find something out about them."
"You are very wise Equinox. And should we also ask if there is another place we should seek before the bridge?"
"Thank you, Aron, I do not believe that I am wise; I think that I am just careful. I had not thought to ask if there was another place to seek before the bridge," replies Equinox. "What questions did you have in mind?"
Ayazin tells the others, "We have news from Sandas. First, an army of dwarves from Kludar has invaded Nolthen and taken the city of Yorkk! Some heavy shipping was spotted on the Mississippi headed for West Nolthen, but it's unclear whether it's an attacker or reinforcements."
The druid consults his notebook as he continues. "And it looks like the scepter has surfaced. A man named Clarvis was crowned Emperor of Saltar, and claimed sovereignty over all the lands the Empire once held. It looks like the prophecy is coming true, at least in part. I was just remarking before we left that there may be more than one party racing us for the Sword now."
"Let's get a move on, then!" says Leslie. "We move out tomorrow morning early. Kithus, Kelar, Sharone, Op Code, Jo-owrn, Goodgulf, Grim, Cureaid and I scouted out the first part of our route and all was clear. Myself, Laurie, Grim and Goodgulf will accompany you at least part of the way there. We shall be passing through the ruined city of Dorvar, I think, which is dangerous. It is close by the border of Urguth."
Laurie casts commune.
"I AM TYR. ASK AND I SHALL ANSWER."
Jon asks, "Where in Sandas can you buy or trade magical items?"
"Try Ray Jay or the Guilds," replies Vardui.
Al has been just lounging, enjoying the peace and quiet that is rare for him. Every day, he has trained for at least an hour, honing his weapon skills.
"Should we head straight for the bridge?" asks Aron of Tyr.
"YES."
"Will we be in time to prevent others from getting the sword?" asks Kithus.
"YES."
"Is Ryshara one of the 'others' trying to get to the sword?"
"NO."
"Will Ryshara, or the being that I know as Ryshara, be a danger to this group of adventurers during our journey to the Sword?"
"NO."
Aron gets down on his knees and asks, "Are we not asking an important question?"
"NO."
"Tyr has spoken. He told us we need to go straight to the bridge. We've trained and stocked up on necessary supplies, we should leave immediately. Praise Tyr and the priestess Laurie."
"My sentiments exactly, Aron", says Mikodin, bowing to Laurie. "You are indeed most wise, favored one." Straightening, he says, "We should begin without delay, or else these answers could turn false."
"I agree. And I have news from Ray Jay who urges us to head to the Bridge. He assured me that we were far ahead of any competitor," says Equinox. "He is pleased that our groups have joined up, and spoke well of you, Farad, and of Beth, Leslie, Laurie and Jo-Owrn as well. Ray Jay believes that the three artifacts were hidden by Hecate herself and that she has now deemed it the time for them to return to mortal hands. He said that he is not sure whose mortal hands would be the right ones to receive the artifacts and he confirmed, sort of, the news we heard of the sceptre in the new Emperor of Saltar's hands. He indicated that the sceptre held in Saltar was not necessarily the real one.
"The agents of the Emperor of Saltar are making inquiries as to the location of the other artifacts with the Grey Wizards of Washtn. Ray Jay does not believe that Saltar will discover anything of use from the Grey Wizards because he does not think that the Grey Wizards have any useful information. They are also dispatching agents and spies to find the artifacts and the prepare the way for the eventual conquest. Ray Jay knows nothing about the rest of Occa's old group, but he told me that Kadlian's group has travelled to the heart of Saltar to find the Robe but that they will fail - at least until we find the Sword because, according to Ray Jay's research, the Robe cannot be found until the Sword is first recovered."
"Does Kadlian's group know this?"
"They probably do if they spoke with Ray Jay. In any event, Ray Jay was most definite: Kadlian's group is not wasting their time questing after the Robe even though the Robe will not be found until after we find the Sword. Apparently, and in this point Ray Jay was quite vague, there are other artifacts to be found," replies Equinox. "Is it important? I did not think that Kadlian was planning on visiting the Grey Wizards.
"I am concerned about the fate of the remainder of Occa's old group because I think that they went to Hell to try to save Occa and recover the Sceptre. If they have not returned and have not been in contact with Ray Jay, it may mean that they have been defeated in Hell. We ought to be cautious about them if they reappear until we can verify that they have not been treated as Occa and their souls replaced by evil ones."
"That news does not bode well, but let us tarry no longer," Al replies, "What is out direction now that everyone should be ready to recover our piece of the puzzle?"
"North," replies Leslie.