Alexander recoils in horror and the guilt that washes over him. He is forced to relieve every lie that he told his mother. What he finds interesting - if anything can be interesting when you desire the mountains to fall on you and bury your guilt - is that his lies to Silas and to himself about his skill are what burn him up. The guilt wells up in him for "killing" the Talden boys. He even goes so far as to wonder if he is going mad and should be put to death. As he curls into a ball in the corner of the cell, some part of him says, You are not mad. The truth will set you free. For that moment he feels whole but the feeling rush back and he only wants to bury himself.

Alexander
It takes time, but Alexander finally recovers. It may be hours later. He feels tired, completely drained of emotion. He has not felt this emotionally spent since the death of his master. For a long time, he simply lays on the wooden floor of the cell. Not thinking, not feeling, simply numb.

The first thought that forms in his beleagured mind is simply "yes". Yes, he did do these things, yes , he has wronged others. Wronged in the million small ways imperfect beings cross each other. He is in fact imperfect, just as every sentient being in this harsh world is. Facing that truth seems to galvanize him. Yes, he is not perfect. No that is not a crime. Faing the truths of what he has done gives him clarity, and compassion for their feelings. Understanding of others gives him greater clarity of the world around him, and him self.

For a long time, Alexander simply sits, thinking. There is a certain peace to be found, embracing the truth. Even if it is a hard truth. It is more comfortable than the lies that concealed these hidden wrongs for so many years.

Morgana

A few of the Elders nod their agreement. Eventually, Edler Hommond nods as well.
Elder Eldon, would you please fetch Bryce, so that he may escort the our troubadour to see young Alexander? Thank you. Please, sit young lady. You look quite exhausted form your travles.

Elder Eldon, a human man, recognizable by his lean, liver spotted body, walks out the door apparently in seearch of this "Bryce".

Thank you, Elder Hammond. You are very kind.
Morgana sits and waits, smiling and nodding to the men who are watching here. For a moment she begins to feel like a creature in a zoo back home.
Excuse me, Elder Hammond, but perhaps you can answer something that has been troubling me. When my companion and I rode in, we seemed to have come in at the tail end of something...what was it?

Morgana - The Inn

Frankly .. we don't know. Some sort of horror has touched one of our boys. It made him do something terrible. You saw the result. No one seems to have been physically hurt. More than that iwill not say.

After a few moments of silence, Elder Eldon returns, leading the large ork militia man that "greeted" the pair in the square. Apparently Bryce.

Bryce moves to Elder hommond, and the pair speak quietly in the corner for a moment. Then Bryce turns to Morgana.
This way.

Without another word, he turns and walks out of the inn, and heads towards the jail.

Alexander, after coming to grips with the raw reality that was forced upon him, stands.

Alexander, you see how the fire heats the metal?. Notice how the hammer falls? Do you hear how the metal screams as we place it in the oil? These things cause the metal pain in a way; however, that pain purifies it and makes it harder and more useful. Sometimes people are like that too.

Reflecting on this childhood lesson, Alexander, says out loud Now I understand.

Morgana thanks Elder Hammond and then follows Bryce across the square. As she does, she watches the townspeople still outside.
The town is so quiet now. It's as if no one dares speak for fear of whatever it was returning.
Seeing the jail approaching, Morgana offers up a silent prayer.
Mynbruje, please help me to see the truth in all this darkness. Let it be like a light that guides me.
Entering the jail, Morgana cannot help but shiver. There is something ominous in the air here.

Alexander

The gaurds look over for a moment.

......Crazy....


...yup...

And go back to their game.

There is no greater truth than one that changes a life. Truth can save a life wrongly accused, or condemn a man who's crimes command it. Through truth we find our place in the universe. Through Compassion we find our souls. Truth, Compassion, Justice, Empathy. These are the things that purify the soul. That seperate man from beast and give us cause to live, and not merely survive. Embrace these truths Alexander, and they will set you free. You, in turn , will set others free of the lies of the world and the pain they bring.

Can you embrace the truth?

The voice comes from within Alexander's own mind. In his mind's eye, he sees three stars and the crescent moon, the symbol of Mynbruje, Passion of Truth and Justice. Peace and certainty fill him, and somethin inside feels .... like ... waiting... for something ..... for him to embrace it.

Morgana/Alexander - The Jail

Bryce leads Morgana in to the jail house, stopping to ask the guards if there has been any change. There are three cells within the house. At the end is a young man, perhaps in his early twenties. A bit small for a blacksmith, and strangely, sitting on the floor with his legs crossed, as if he is meditating.

Nah sir, he just yammered a bit about 20 minutes ago, and he's been sittin' liek that ever since.

Bryce nods and eyes the young man warily. The guards go back to their card game.

There is no greater truth than one that changes a life. Truth can save a life wrongly accused, or condemn a man who's crimes command it. Through truth we find our place in the universe. Through Compassion we find our souls. Truth, Compassion, Justice, Empathy. These are the things that purify the soul. That seperate man from beast and give us cause to live, and not merely survive. Embrace these truths Alexander, and they will set you free. You, in turn , will set others free of the lies of the world and the pain they bring.

Can you embrace the truth?

Yes, I can. Alexander kneels and bows his head as that seems most appropriate. How may I be of service.

Thank you, sir. I'll speak to him now if you don't mind.
Without waiting for a reply, Morgana approaches the cell and kneels before it.
For a moment she studies the young man, his clothes are torn and bloodied but his face is calm. Almost serene.
He appears to be at such peace. A far cry from the raving madness everyone speaks of.

Young smith?

Alexander looks up from his kneeling position and replies Ma'am, How may I help you?

My name is Morgana. The Council of Elders has allowed me to speak with you. May I ask your Name?

Of course. My name is Alexander. I am a Weaponsmith.

At the sound of his name, Morgana starts and for a moment it's not him that she's seeing. Instead a blonde haired, green eyed man is there, smiling at her. Her eyes mist for a moment, but she soon regains her composure. Smiling, she speaks.
Well met, Alexander. I am a Troubadour, Wizard and Warrior. My companion and I have come to investigate the recent troubles in this land. I must ask, have you been made aware of the charges against you?

Alexander has a small pang of guilt but realizes that the Truth is the only way that he will be free from it. Ma'am, I am. Alexander looks into Morgana's eyes and continues, I have been charged with killing two young men. Though many think me mad - I am in control of myself. The two men that I killed were not men but undead. I know not what type. If swearing an oath would help, I would do so; however, my word ever has and ever will be my bond.

Searching his eyes, Morgana sees a troubled soul, but an honest one.
Whatever may have happened, he truly does believe what he says.
Alexander, I believe you. My words may not mean anything to you, but I do believe in what you have to say. I will speak my piece to the Council. They are set in their decision, and I do not think my words will sway them, but I will try. Before I do, I need to know exactly what happened that night.

Thank you, Mynbruje. You have sent me help in my time of need.

Before I can relate what happened you must know a little history of those that I am accused of murdering. The Talden brothers - Mat, Lott, and Garen - are, reather were, mischief makers of the first order. They were not harmful but easily annoyed others. I can't say as I blame them given that their father ruled them with an iron hand. They had been missing for weeks then - was two days ago, I can't remember - Garen came to the forge covered in blood. What shocked me was that his throat was cut and frankly he was dead. He mentioned the Hound's Gate and that he would be freed from his curse. He also warned me that his brothers would be coming to kill us all and that they would bring a Shadow with them. I followed him from the village and confronted him once again. He rebuffed me and begged me to let him go to Hound's Gate so that he could truly die. That place is haunted. Feeling a little silly, he adds, Or at least I was taught such. He continues, No matter, upon my return to the village I was confronted by Mat and Lott who became violent and attacked me. They were also dead and I defended myself. Though trained in swordplay, I have never had to fight and kill another name-giver. It pushed me to the brink of madness. I stumbled back to the village to awaken others in case this Shadow or more of the dead were coming. I awoke without weapon or armor and was quickly placed here for my "crimes".

Lowering his voice, I don't think that Elder Hommond is himself. His shadow does not follow the torchlight and though Bryce seemed concerned nothing has happened.

At Alexander's words Morgana grows, if possible, even more troubled. Risking a glance over to the soldiers and Bryce, all of them appear to be involved in conversation. However, Bryce's body language reveals an alertness and his eyes have not stopped scanning the room.
Lowering her voice to a whisper, Morgana again questions Alexander.
What you say about the boys is disturbing, but even more so is the story you tell of Elder Hammond. I am sorry to say that I noticed nothing amiss when I spoke to him earlier but it is possible I simply wasn't looking. If something is already here, already within the city and using the Council, I'm afraid for you. Morgana smiles Or, I would be afraid for you, if I did not know for a fact that Mynbruje is with you. Stay strong, Alexander. My companion and I will continue to do what I can. Know this, I will not let you die.
Morgana smiles again and nods resolutely before standing and finding herself face to face with Bryce.
I am ready to leave now, Master Bryce.
As Bryce turns, Morgana's eyes drop to the floor watching his shadow and the shadows of the guards.

Morgana/Alexander

Bryce simply nods and holds the door for Morgana, going between waching her and Alexander. Once out side, he closes the door and steps away from the jail for a few feet, then turns to face Morgana.

I would like to know what was said.

For a moment, Morgana regards Bryce. Then she speaks,
Alexander told me of what transpired on the night in question. He spoke of working late in the forge and finding Garen at his door covered in blood and suffering from a wound that should have struck any man dead. He then told me of how Garen fled to a place called The Hound's Gate and how he, Alexander, followed and tried to speak to the man. He told me of Garen's words, of how Garen feared that his brother's Mat and Lott were going to attack the village, of how they would bring with them a Shadow.
He told me of coming across the brothers Mat and Lott on his way back into the village to warn the people. He told me of how Mat and Lott were no longer themselves, of how they attacked him. He told me of how he defended himself and was forced to slay the brothers. He told me of falling unconcious and of finding himself imprisoned. He spoke to me of his beliefs, of his belief that the truth would set him free. He also spoke to me of more troubling beliefs, beliefs that I believe he shared with you as well.
That is what he told me.
Morgana's eyes search Bryce's face, searching for any sign as to what the ork was feeling.

Morana -Coel - Outside the Jail - 11am

Bryce must play poker, because the ork's face doesn't betray a thing. He seems to consider Morgana for a good ten seconds. He then simply nods, turns on a heel, and walks away. Where ever he recieved his Warrior's training, it certainly wasn't in Coel. He turns like it's been drilled in to him in countless field exercises. Apparently not everyone in Coel is from Coel.

For some reason that seems funny to Morganna. Must be getting sleepy.

Alexander watches Bryce and Morgana leave the jail before sinking back to his knees. Mynbruje, she stated that you are with me. I thank you. I await guideance and will obey. With that, he begins to meditate on the meaning of justice and righteousness.

Outside, Morgana's once again aware of the stifled silence of the town. Looking around, every innocent shadow cast by the sun suddenly seems to loom. Quickly, Morgana makes her way back to the Inn.
We'll see if Elder Hammond is still there. Maybe I can see what Alexander sees.

Morgana - Coel - The Inn

Elder Hommond and the rest of the Council have vacated the Inn. inside are a few people of the village, apparently attempting to dispel their fears with a good warm pint. The quiet of the place, the warm air settling in .... sleepy.....very ... sleepy...

No longer able to ignore the siren song of the feather bed, Morgana trudges up the stairs slowly. By the time she reaches their room she's almost asleep already.
Opening the door, Morgana has a brief moment of alarm when she can't find Ralo. However, moments later she spots him curled up underneath the pillow, one little leg and wing poking out. Gently, Morgana lifts the pillow to make sure he's still breathing. Hearing the tiny snore, Morgana smiles and puts the pillow back.
Walking back to the door, Morgana carefully balances the bedside water glass on the doorknob. Good to know somethings will always work, no matter what timeline you find yourself in.
Finally she crashes on her bed, asleep before she can even think to get under the covers.

Alexander -Coel - Jail - 7pm

Alexander comes out of his trance. The ritual is complete. He can feel the bond. He can feel the strength of Mybruje flowing in to him. It is small now, not as powerful as when the bond was forged. But it wll grow in time as his righteousness does. Strength in Truth.

There is a sound to the right. The guards. Alexander turns his head to see the last of the three fall asleep on the table, cards and pints still in front of them . Bryce is there, watching them. He turns, and walks to the cell.

I don't know what has happened Alexander. I cannot explain the bodies that I saw. They were not undead. But I learned to read a man a long time ago, and you are not lying. Nor are you mad. I believe that you speak the truth.

But the Council listens to Elder Hommmond. He is no longer him self, I'm sure of it now. As I said, I've spent a long time reading people. That man is not the Elder I have come to respect over the years. I don't know how, but what happened earlier today makes it clear that there is a horror at work here. And if a horror can raise the dead and possess a good man, i don't see why it can't patch up the bodies of a couple of boys.

I'm going to let you out. I've left a note with the elf girl to meet you by the gnarled elm tree down the hill, the on struck by lightning last summer. Go there. The guards will be asleep a while longer. You can no longer stay here. You've been sentenced to death, and nothing I do will change that. I will tell your mother the truth.

Bryce takes the keys and opens the cell door. He then grabs a cloak and wide hat from one of the cloak pegs.

Take Adron's cloak, it's big enough to conceal you. I've already left your sword and mail by the elm, under one of the roots. The sun is going down in the west, towards where you're headed. It's glare will cover your escape.

Mynbruje be with you Alexander.

Bryce steps aside to let Alexander pass.

Ralo/Morgana - Coel - The Inn - 7:15pm

Ralo awakens finding him self in a comfrotable little nest of pillows and blankets. A nice little spot, all nice and warm. Sleeping in human sized beds is defintely going on the list of Things-I-Should-Do-More-Often.

Finally sitting up, Ralo looks around the room. No malp has been lit, and the last rays of the sun barely illuminate the rom. Morgana is lying on her bed, rather than in. Curiosly, there's a glass of water on the door knob.

Ralo rubs his eyes to make sure he isn't seeing things. The glass stays there. A shadow from the wall doesn't.

As Ralo watches, the shadow slides over Morgana's body, down, and in to her shadow...

MOrgana awakends with a scream! Icy cold slips over her body and for a horrifying moment, her body begins to move of it's own accord. Her mind is filled with cool hate, and a desire to tear wings off of something. Panic sets in, and her mid fights for control. Agonizing seconds pass, as Morgana screams within her own mind, fighting for control of her own will. Finally like a dam giving way, the force relents and Morgana regains control of her self, with a flood of relief.

A shadow, black as any cavern, slides off of Morgana's own shadow beneath her, and slides over the floor, towards Ralo's bed.

Initiative - 12

Initiative = 13

Morgana, seeing the entity gliding towards Ralo, screams. She slides her sword from it's scabbard and attacks.

Melee Attack


Broadsword Damage

Morgana slices through the shadow with a back-handed slice of Black Razor.

The shadow shrieks and the sword flares in a black light. When light returns to the room, the malevolent shadow is gone.

For a moment, all Morgana can do is stare at her sword. Then she turns to Ralo.
What the hell was that?

Alexander -Coel - Jail - 7pm

Alexander stares for a second at Bryce before it sinks in that his prayers have been answered. May Mynbruje bless you for your help. Alexander dons the hat and cloak before turning to Bryce again. What will happen to you old friend?

Alexander waits on Bryce to answer and then heads out the door towards the gnarled elm tree down the hill.

Alexander
I have turned loose a criminal. I will face trial. You have until then to destroy whatever is doing this to our home.

Then, by Mynbruje, I will do it. The Truth shall set us Free.

You can't win every battle Alexander. Sometimes a man simply has to pick how he will die.

Ralo/Morgana - Coel - The Inn - 7:15pm

Still surprised by Morganas one-shot-one-kill attack on the shadowy thing, Ralo flies a yard in the air over the bed and draws his swords. After that he looks for candles or a light quarz and illuminates the room.

Magic Lore check to get any idea.


There's is more going here in this village, it seems. What did you do while I was asleep?

Still surprised herself, Morgana sheathes her sword and turns to Ralo.
I spoke to the accused blacksmith, Alexander. He told me his story, and Ralo, it may sound strange but I believed every word. I believe that Mynbruje himself watches over the man. He also spoke of seeing a strange shadow following Elder Hammond. If these shadows are the ones that the Passion spoke of, we must act quickly.

Lore check - an average success, but not exactly magic in that sense. Horror construct, that much you know.

Is this Alex a questor? What do you suggest? Examining what is up with Elder Hommond should be our first step, I think.

I believe he is, although I do not know for sure. I attempted to examine Elder Hammond when I returned from meeting with Alexander but the Council had departed, where I do not know. Now that we are awake, it might be best if we left this room.
Gathering up her pack, Morgana slings it onto her back.

As Morganah slides on her pack, the over Ralo notices a small note that was apparently slid under the door, and unnoticed until now.

What have we here?

Ralo dives to the ground and grabs the note.

Morgana, we got a note. Maybe an invitation to a dinner? He grins as he hands over the note to the elf.

Strange... Do you always think with your stomach?Morgana laughs and opens the letter.

Addressed -Travelers
I believe taht something is very wrong within our town. I do not believe that the smith Alexander is mad, nor that he is a murdere. I believe something is controlling one or more of our council ,including Elder Hommond.

I am releasing Alexander by the time you read this note. I have asked him to go to the lightning struck elm and await you. It is located two miels to the west. I am sure that Master Ralo will have no difficulty spotting it. I beseach you to aid the young man, as his home has been taken form him. He has no place to go. Please laeve quietly. I do not wish any of the town's people or militia to be hurt.
-Bryce

I wasn't able to eat before I fall asleep, remember? What does the note say?

Waiting impatiently that Morgana finishes reading the note, Ralo flies up and down. What do you think, can I eat someting from the meal the Master gave me? Or would it be poisoned? I'm getting hungry.

Morgana quickly reads the note aloud to Ralo.
Unfortunately, my friend, it looks as though we don't have time to stop to get you something to eat. We need to leave immediately.
Digging through her pack, Morgana pulls out a piece of jerky and hands it to Ralo.
Here. It's all I have.
With that Morgana goes to the window and opens it, looking down and around for anyone. Seeing no one in the alleyway or watching, Morgana quickly casts Wall Walker and climbs down the wall.
C'mon Ralo. Let's go.

With a smile the windlings grabs the jerky and afterwards his gear and follows Morgana through the open window.

Bryce says, You can't win every battle Alexander. Sometimes a man simply has to pick how he will die.

Alexander sees the failed dagger in his mind's eye. Alexnader, you can't be perfect all the time. Even a master smith does not succeed all the time. Yes master, I remeber.

Bryce, should I die in the service of Mynbruje, then my death is worthy. I will do the best I can.

With that, he is off to the tree in question.

Alexander
It takes quite an amout of self control for Alexander to simply walk calmly out of town .Years at the fogre have taught him patience however, and so, concentrating on simply putting one foot in front of the otherm he walks in to the sunset, and out of Coel.
Thiry minutes later he finds the blasted elm. Just as Bryce said, under one of it's exposed roots holds a bundle with his personal belongings, as well as his sword and mail. No sign of the elf girl though.