Soon after it begins to grow light, Zanax rejoins you.
Kadlian steps up on a rock his face a tightly controlled mask.
"Enough! All of you, enough!"
Roganna raises her brows in surprise.
"Zanax, I am truly sorry that your god has decided to strip your paladinhood. We will try to figure out some way to make amends."
Zanax raises his eyebrows, but doesn't say anything, expecting Kadlian to continue.
"Sian, by your comments, you make me think you have lost favor with your god. Are you no longer a ranger?
"Logan, just shut up and sit there for now. When it is time to leave, you will know. For now, no more sarcastic remarks, no more whining to Rage about wanting to be trained and no MORE CALLING ME any stupid name except Kadlian!
"Rage, work out your whole personality thing so that we can use the combat mage side of you tomorrow. And if you ever, EVER, have any issues with a party member, you come see me first, as soon as possible. What happened with Equinox was stupid, on both sides. And if you have anything else to share about your unique status, do so when you figure it out.
"Agulhas, snap out it. We need you back to your former self. I am sorry that Furgh died and the rest of you perished because of his stupidity. But, there is nothing that can be done about it. And we require the abilities of a confident, capable mage. Wallowing in your self-pity is not going to help the group.
"Roganna, frankly I do not care what the name of your god is. But, I do know that you seem to judge all of us quite quickly. Perhaps it is you who needs 'help'. If you do not like the way things are done in this group, Sandas is that way." Kadlian points North. "Otherwise, keep your criticisms to yourself. We have enough complaints about each other as it is. If you have suggestions on how to fix things, then I will gladly listen.
"Hlarn, Kailar, I am glad that you two are able to puzzle things out, but I expect to be told about them. Draw me aside and tell me. I still do not know what you figured out about those people dying, Kailar. And you have had chances to speak to me privately.
"In addition, I need both of you to help me lead this party. It is very obvious to me that I am losing control. If you do not want that responsibility, speak up and perhaps another party member will come forward and assume your duties.
"I am not anyone's mother. I am the leader of this group. That means I am not here to make sure you all love each other. It is not my responsibility to figure out who hates whom. If you got a problem, come to me. Do not let it fester.
"If anything ever occurs like what happened between Rage and Equinox, then I expect both members to be tossed out of the group after a party discussion.
"If you all cannot accept my terms, then it is time for me to step down and let someone else try to lead this group. Because I am tired of all the petty problems that you all seem to have with each other. We are here to retrieve an important artifact that could save a nation. Anyone who thinks that the problems of this group are more important is kidding themselves and wasting my time."
Roganna quietly contemplates Kadlian's words with a thoughtful expression on her face.
Logan just nods and stops sharpening his blade, curious to see how this will all work out.
Kadlian's outburst actually brings a rare smile to the bald mage's face. He nods approvingly to the elven leader.
"I am ready to undertake this mission. The personality conflicts and problems of this group do, as they should, pale in comparison to the task at hand. I will take no part in the squabbling. This is the second time the group has snatched me from the clutches of death, and so as when I first joined this party, I will pledge again. Kadlian, I vow to give my all to the causes of this group. I still trust and respect your judgement, and I will be honored to follow your lead."
Following this affirmation, Agulhas resumes a more casual appearance. He looks to Kadlian pensively and says softly, "Do not mistake silence for wallowing. I miss Furgh dreadfully, and the recent trauma inflicted upon us all is regrettable. However, much can be learned from these experiences." He returns to a seated position. "And I am attempting to do just that."
Kadlian nods approvingly. "Thank you."
Aron nods approvingly.
"I'm in," Logan says as he stands and sheathes his knife.
Hlarn nods his head. "It isn't anything in our control or that is important. Kailar will let you know when he's able."
Hlarn looks around at the rest of the party. "As for the conflict, I must say I do not understand it. We have a mission here where many lives can be saved, and people instead choose to toss hard words around. Perhaps it is simply the strain of combat, or it might just be sheer stupidity. The logical thing would be for everyone to simply ignore insults, but some can not rise above them to do so. Equinox chose the easy way out, and anyone else here is free to do the same. While not a family, we are the next closest thing. And all of us must learn to understand and deal with the problems each of us face, and turn a blind eye upon those characteristics we dislike."
Rage bites her tongue and looks to Kadlian.
"This is Audrey. I will go," the woman replies, "And I will stay in control, I have taken the time to put Rage to sleep for a while. I am hoping that when she wakes up, she will be in a better frame of mind. "
"What about your spellcasting abilities? Do they differ from what Rage can do?"
"No," replies Audrey. "I have all the skills and abilities of Rage."
The mage turns to Hlarn. "Heed your words Hlarn Meg, and remember the next time someone disagrees with a plan you come up with. We have no further time for recriminations, since Kadlian is correct that we have a job to do. I was the one who gave my word to Verona that I would work for her, so I will keep that word. Once we are safe, then Hlarn you and I will talk, and see how well you keep those words."
"Um, please, no threats, Audrey. Just talk later, no implied menacing tone is required."
Rage(Audrey) looks at Kadlian. "I do not think that my tone was menacing. I stated Hlarn and I would talk later about his words. That is all."
"It was the last part of that sentence, that sounded menacing. 'and see how well you keep those words.' Our maybe it just sounds arrogant."
Kadlian shakes his head. "Frankly, I do not know which one, nor do I want to debate you on your meaning for only you really know what you meant. I can just tell you how it sounded to me."
Audrey nods her head. "That is fair."
Hlarn nods. "You are slightly mistaken about what actually happened here yesterday, but I'll always welcome any calm discussion over policies."
Audrey laughs, "I am not mistaken, Hlarn Meg. Do not delude yourself otherwise."
Hlarn again goes back to preparing for the day's journeys.
"Would it be out of the question to try to get Equinox back into the party?" asks Aron.
"And what would I say? He is welcome back if he comes back."
"The same speech you gave the rest of us, it was a good one. Of course it will have to be explained to him Rage's condition. His leaving shouldn't be held against him. He chose to leave instead of fighting the party - honorable in my opinion."
"Fighting the party? I am afraid I do not understand. Equinox was never in any danger from the rest of us. Only Rage. And, as we have learned, that was a bluff. Of course, at the time, he did not know that."
"So if he wasn't in danger from us and didn't understand the bluff, then why aren't we trying to get him back?"
Roganna shrugs. "Ever try finding a raven in teh wilderness? In enemy territory?"
Aron, who has been looking up in the trees and chirping, says, "I have asked the robins, if they should see the raven Equinox, to ask him to return."
"Because he left of his own free will. If we go after him, then he might assume we were attacking. Plus, I do not know where to find him."
"If you want I'll go look for him." offers Kailar.
"Look for him in your crystal ball."
Kailar gives Kad the I don't think you've been paying attention look.
"The crystal ball does not work in this area."
Kadlian sighs. "I had forgotten. Then how do you propose to find him? He likely changed into something fast moving to get out of here. But, we do not know in what direction he went."
Hlarn looks at Kadlian and Sian. "You two are the best qualified to find him. The crystal ball won't work if you recall. I'll accompany you. Perhaps my locate objects spell, since its short range, might work."
Hlarn then curses, "I forgot he could shapeshift. We will simply have to wait until our current mission is finished and we leave this area."
Hlarn says a quick prayer for the druid. "May he find safe passage home out of this evil land."
"Kad I am sorry bout my outburst...I was just a little overwelmed by everything. It won't happen again." says Sian "As for my patron being upset...I don't rightly know. I am a ranger not by divination but by skills...so I will always be one. As for my spell casting abilities...well I seem to have them. I need to talk to Zanax and clear some things up with my followers.
"I would like to talk to you at some point, though," says Sian to Kadlian
"Of course."
"I must clear some things up with my followers as well as talk with Zanax," says Sian as he heads to where his followers are.
Kadlian nods.
Zanax smiles. "About time we had a leader with some backbone! I wish you luck on your search for the sceptre, as I will not be accompanying you for the first week."
"Votishal has given me penance for my sins against the mage in order to reclaim my paladinhood. Suffice to say, he took offense at my allowance for raising the mage, only to kill him again. I would have argued that not only did I give him the chance to repent and change, but that I granted him mercy by killing him instead of polymorphing him. However, I think arguing those points would only offend my god more, so I accepted his punishment. In any case, I will be spending the next week on that hill - " He pointis, " - praying, fasting and reconsidering my actions. I will aid yours and Sian's as best I can while up there."
Kadlian frowns and nods, reluctantly. "Very well. I hate to ask this, but please loan me your frostbrand, the ring of flying and any other magical item you think will be helpful."
"The sword can only be wielded by those of lawful ethos and I did not receive a ring of flying, only invisibility. As for other items, Kailar or Roganna might make use of my boots...they allow one to move silently. The ring of shooting stars is potentially useful, too. I don't have much more than that except my armor, shield and dagger."
Hlarn shakes his head. "Remember that any force that comes after us will enter the valley, probably by the lake as the previous group did, and might target our camp first if they find it. We shouldn't strip Zanax of his weapons. He might have greater need of them than the rest of us."
Kadlian shrugs. "What about all of our followers, then?"
Hlarn points upward toward his alternate camp. "Thus the reason for the move. We can't protect them while we are underground, so its best they not be found."
Kadlian nods. "Keep the sword then. The boots we could use. Keep everything else."
Zanax nods and removes his boots. He rumages through his own pack for a spare pair.
Hlarn notes Zanax' hill and nods to the paladin. "I'd stay invisible." Hlarn turns toward Kadlian. "What were the items Equinox left? If one is a ring of flying. Give that to Zanax as well. Might make all the difference in a surprise attack."
"I believe he left a ring of animal control. He did not receive a ring of flying."
"A magical cloak and a ring of mammal control."
The dwarf turns toward Zanax. "But don't sacrifice yourself. Better you move to find us than waste your life if its already too late."
Zanax shakes his head. "I will die on that hill before I leave it."
Hlarn nods. "Then make certain you stay invisible, so that you are not discovered there."
"I don't suppose I could convince you to wait a week, could I, Kadlian?"
Kadlian shakes his head. "No such luck."
Zanax sighs "I thought not."
Hlarn shakes his head. "Sorum stated that he would probably be expected back in two weeks. One week has passed. We can't afford to wait longer."
Hlarn describes the camp he and Kailar made while they were waiting for the rest of you. "Its well protected with symbols I inscribed which might take an attacker by surprise, and has a good view of the two ruins, however its not nearly as close. But I think you would be better served moving there where its not as likely the enemy might come across you."
Zanax shakes his head. "I must stay the entire week on the hill. Perhaps Kadlian's and Sian's followers should go there."
"Or at least keep an eye on you from a distance. Isn't this something you should be doing alone?"
Zanax shakes his head. "I was refering to the campsite Hlarn and Kailar built. Kad's and Sian's followers should go there.
"Yes. I will remain on the hill alone."
"Hlarn, what do you think? Should we move the camp to your secured location?"
Hlarn frowns. "I would prefer it since this camp here is too out in the open. Its too likely our enemies would attack it. Up there they would be out of sight and safe from harm. The rest of us can still use this camp while we finish our explorations, but those not entering the ruins shouldn't remain. I don't want a repeat of the disaster at the Enchanted Valley."
"With the steep climb its almost a day's travel away, but with the portable hole and our rings of flying we should be able to move everything there quickly."
"A day? If we head out today, will they know how to get there?"
Hlarn should be able to easily describe how to locate the camp.
"If Sorum is correct, then the rings are charged items. Which means they shouldn't be unduly wasted. They should be in no danger moving themselves to that campsite."
Hlarn shakes his head. "I think we was refering to the wands and the like. Rage would have detected if the rings were charged. But you are correct that the group can move itself. No need for us to waste any more time than necessary up here."
"Sian, can we get Vanadil to come with us? I would like another swordsman to replace Zanax's blade."
Hlarn pats the paladin on the shoulders. "Good luck in your meditations my friend. I'm sorry I placed you in such a position that this is required."
Zanax smiles. "The fault is not yours, friend Hlarn. I alone hold responsibility for my actions and decisions. Of course, Votishal has warned me of taking any more moral advice from you, but that is to be expected."
"Roganna, we must talk after breakfast...a big breakfast, as I fear it will be a while before I eat again..."
Roganna nods, "I am at your service Zanax."
You prepare a last big breakfast together. After you have eaten, the mages and clerics begin their preparations while the rest of you and the followers break camp. That is a relatively quick job. With the treant's help, they will have no problems in transporting what little in the way of goods and chattels you now have with you.
Zanax and Raganna go off to have their talk. After awhile, they return.
As noontime approaches, all is ready. Farewells are said, and Zanax leaves you, to return to his hill.
The rest of you set out eastwards, following the faint trail through the forest along the south shore of the lake, bound for the other ruined fort. The followers accompany you, for the old camp of the scout party lies beyond it.
You walk all afternoon. The trail is in poor condition, and quite wet. When you camp for the evening you have still not reached the east end of the lake, where the ruin is, but Hlarn and Kailar tell you that it is only another six miles, or so.
The night passes uneventfully.