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Turn 136.0: Confronting Robert Wade IV

Posted: 1/11/01

'So many questions...so many risks and unknowns,' Emma thinks to herself, 'There's an Anhurian proverb about that, but I don't remember it right now. Odd that I don't recall using very many of those lately. Certainly not as much as I used to...' She turns her eyes back to Robert's lifeless form, shrugging off her uneasy thoughts about her faith.

She sighs and closes her eyes for a moment, not wanting to notice the nasty bump on the nobleman's head. It angered her to see him like that, but the rational side of her admits that it was probably necessary or they would have had the whole Caerloon battalion after them. It was Storm's handiwork, no doubt...or possibly Hannibal's? He'd been the one to suggest slaying Robert if he proved uncooperative. And the thief might still press for such a tactic if she didn't do something to open Robert's eyes, to help him see for himself the evil behind his father's actions and those of the Red Dragon renegades.

She blinks and turns away, moving off a short distance from everyone, intending to pray for Anhur's guidance...and especially his assistance in preparing her for summoning the Coreognate's spirit. For that would have to be their next step. Dodgen, the Hathean priest, had been kind enough to tell them where to look for the body...a half an hour's ride to the west. And, questioning the Coreognate's spirit might be the only way to sway Robert to their side.

'And what if that happens?' she mentally asks herself, 'He can't just join Rinder's Six, can he? Or the Rinder army? Or raise a resistance force in Caerloon? Or even sway his father's men to give up their goal of conquest? If we're successful in convincing him, he might try to do something very much along those lines. And then he'll be viewed as a traitor to his countrymen...to his family name...and to the soldiers that put their trust in him. He'll have enemies on all sides, and place himself in mortal danger. Why would he risk all of that? Because he has a good heart? Because he cares about waging only a just war? And what justifies war for him and Caerloon? How do I get him to see my own personal philosophy on such matters? And not only see it, but adopt it?'

She sighs again and then announces, "I'm going to pray for a few minutes. Wait for me. Guard him. And be gentle...he's caused us no direct harm. And neither should we do harm to him without just cause for it." Then she retreats further into the darkness to be alone with her thoughts and her god.

Upon returning to their hidden sanctuary, Skandor assists Storm and Hannibal in anyway he can. This Robert was a well-built man, and Skandor was appreciative of how Storm, Hannibal, Crayne, and El were so easily able to subdue and apprehend him. "Should we tie him up somehow, restrain him in some manner? Even if he is outnumbered here, he might make a foolish attempt to escape, and something most unfortunate might happen if that occurs." With that, the paladin steps back, crossing his arms and watches, and waits, for Robert to awaken.

As Rinder’s Six regroup back at the study Crayne remains a little subdued. In his eyes the course of action that the group was taking was risky indeed. He really hoped that Emma knew what she was doing and that this Robert could be persuaded to see that his father was evil and misguided. If Emma pulled it off, Crayne knew that Robert would a very useful ally. If she couldn't pull it off then the Six would be in trouble. As a last resort Crayne knew he could use Charm Person. He just hoped that he wouldn't have to.

As the last back into the study, Elloharin pauses to make sure the door is well-closed, even going so far as to look for something to prop against it. In the end, he takes a few books from the downstairs study and sets them against the door. Thinking that should the door open, the books would fall down, and alert them of any presence, good or ill. He can't be sure how effective the measure will be, considering this is no normal door. No normal door requires priestly magic to open it!

Looking at the unconscious body of Wade, he does not seem so powerful as he did so far. A large welt is beginning to rise from his head. Some small streaks of blood are in his hair, from where Storm's heavy sword fell. Elloharin is surprised at the Six's actions. Though perhaps it was in some way his own doing, his own suggestion, he is very alarmed at the rapidity and ease with which the plan was executed. He regards his hands for a moment, wondering if the rage were to come upon him again--in the presence of Wade--what would happen. Would he be able to control himself? He remembers with pain the slit throats of the thugs on the trail. The cry of anguish and shock in Emma's eyes, and the look of hurt and disdain in Alara's. He clenches his fist and looks up.

When Emma leaves, the elf looks at Wade and kneels by him. Listening to his breath, still even, El determines the man sleeps soundly enough. Then gesturing to the rest of the Six, he says: "Look, far be it for me, an outsider, to question the motives of one of the eldest and most respected members of the group, but...has Emma's actions, her words, seemed a little...out of place? I don't know what happened the last time you met Wade, and I don't care, so long as I am safe. However, I rather suspect that Emma left something out of her account. She seems troubled by the prospect of confronting the man."

El pauses and regards Skandor, hoping his words are not offending the loyal priest. "I don't mean to suggest that Emma is a traitor--far from it--but I think her motives may be a little more personal than she's letting on. A good heart is a good heart, but hearts change with time, and with the company they keep, no? Faith in Anhur is one thing, faith in Wade is completely different. We must proceed with caution."

"I agree we must proceed with caution," Canter replies to El with a nod. "But I have faith in Emma. I believe those of us who have known her longer can attest to her worth. It is true, I too have noticed a more personal air about her words and actions regarding this man. But I have a hard time believing that Emma is deceiving us, or that there is anything more here than simply a misguided--but not evil--enemy."

Emma follows the second door from the room, the one that does not begin the staircase up. She finds herself in a darkened tunnel. Perhaps there were additional libraries, or private meditation chambers, like in the Temple of Anhur when she experienced her first Commune with Anhur. But now is not the time to explore, so she quickly clears a place on the floor far enough away so as not to be distracted, but close enough so that the light from the fire in the study can still be of some use.

"Anhur give me strength of heart," Emma begins her prayer, "I'm at a loss for what to do and I need the guidance of my most holy of generals. You seem so very distant to me now...and here I am in my hour of greatest need.

"We have captured the son of our enemy," she continues, "A soul that hangs precariously upon the Scales of Justice. How do I urge him to weigh them more heavily with good and noble deeds? How do I convince him of the sins of his father? How do I show him the evil of the Red Dragon renegades? Help me, Anhur. Help me to summon the Hathean Coreognate's spirit so he may describe the manner of his death to Robert Wade the Fourth. And open Robert's mind so he might hear and understand the truth.

"And, finally after having done so," she finishes, "Tell me, in your good judgment, if this path I journey upon will lead me to success. Will we be more successful in our mission if we convince Robert of the truth? Guide us, Anhur, and bless our actions to achieve victory for Rinder."

Emma closes her eyes in the familiar fashion, calling upon her god for his divine wisdom. For a moment there is no response, and she grows worried--anxious--that he has forsaken her. But slowly the voice can be heard, that familiar soothing tone. It is distant, but clear enough: "He will hear the truth of his actions at one time. He will understand the words at another. And he will act upon them with understanding when the time is right."

After finishing, Emma makes her way back to the group. She is quiet and withdrawn, still reflecting upon her prayers and divinations to Anhur. As she reemerges into the firelight, her eyes hauntingly meet Robert's, cutting short whatever conversation he had been engaged upon with the others.

Again, she feels the wave of guilt wash over her. He would probably never know how she felt about deceiving him as Lady Hannah. 'Should I tell him?' she wonders, but remains silent about the issue for now. He might have an opportunity to get to know the real Emma later...if there ever was a later.

Crayne looks to Emma as she enters the room, just when Robert begins stir. "Come we must hurry before the Temple becomes alerted to Roberts missing presence!" Crayne pauses then nods in a respectful manner, "Best of luck Emma! Your faith in people never fails to astound me. Let us hope that you can astound me again tonight!"

Slowly the priestess steps into the chamber and toward their prisoner, Robert Wade IV. "I apologize for your rough handling," Emma begins, "But we needed to speak with you alone...away from your men and any Red Dragon advisors that might remain with your battalion. When we last met you mistook me for someone else..."

She pauses and looks downward. Then her head snaps up again to meet his eyes and hold them. "I tell you now that I am Emmalya Serralund, a priestess of Anhur and a Shield Maiden to those who fight for Rinder. As you are from Caerloon, I can only assume that must cause you to view me as your enemy...but that need not be so, Robert.

"We are a peaceful nation...and I am a peaceful person. But Rinder is strong in the defense of its freedom," she explains, "And when justice demands it, we will strike down those that stand for evil and tyranny. The Red Dragon mages which surround your father and advise him on this quest to conquer us are those kind of people. But I sense that you are not. And so, we've brought you here in an attempt to open your eyes...to give you a chance to see the truth behind the actions of those you have supported.

"We spoke once before, you and I," she says, her eyes looking into the smokeless flame, and remembering her time with him in his father's encampment, "Not so long ago. You spoke of the glory in conquering what you perceive to be a less civilized nation...of enlightening its people to the benefits of Caerloon society. Of bringing them joy rather than misery. That the ends justifies the means. But I tell you now that this is not the dream your advisors seek."

Hannibal rests easy in the chamber. He takes a backseat as Emma confronts and challenges Wade. He finds himself edging closer and closer to the conversation, within just a few feet even. His interest is not in Wade, however, but rather the protection of Emma. Should Wade make a hostile move, or grab at Emma in anger, he is well prepared to lash out with the pommel of his dagger.

As Emma continues on though, it becomes apparent her feelings for Wade are stronger than he had originally thought. What had happened in that tent so many nights ago? Did she truly have feelings for this man? Hannibal seems suddenly embarrased, a little ashamed even for not allowing them space, but he yields no room. "I promised you Shield Maiden," he thinks to himself, "that I will protect you with all I have and I intend to keep that promise!"

"These wizards of the Red Dragon School," Emma tells Wade, "They are renegades that have willingly separated themselves from that neutral organization for selfish reasons. They have their own dreams, Robert. And they don't coincide with your's or your father's. They seek to rule as tyrants, wielding a power so great as to consume entire armies in the blink of an eye. They will seek to control your father, like a puppet on their strings. We know this because we've seen the treachery in their hearts with our own eyes. We've seen them do the same to others here in our land.

"We've spoken with Dire Luthor, an innocent mage whom they sought to discredit and have murdered because of his opposition to their plans. We've consulted with sages, high priests, nobleman and commoner alike, in our efforts to learn their objectives. And now we know. They seek the Rings of Damacht. The magical bands give their wielder control over the elements themselves...and they have a history full of misery, greed, and of being used to wipe out whole armies upon the battlefield. To unite those rings will call upon the gods to come and judge the wielder...and in that time, they will either destroy him, along with a large portion of our world, or he will ascend to take his place among them, twisted by the power at his command. Is that the future you want for your people and mine? If so, then who's the barbarian now, Robert?"

The Sword Bearer listens to Emma's speech, listening with great interest to the parts about her past. Upon mention of the Red Dragon Mages, Skandor feels a chill run up his spine. Would they be safe here? Would any wizard still left in the sanctuary be able to locate Robert's position by magical means?

He breathes steadily, his years of training preventing him from panic. The most immediate threat was still from Robert, himself. Skandor focuses his attention back on the nobleman, and he makes a small step forward. If Robert were going to lash out, or attack Emma in some way, he would have to go through the Sword Bearer, first.

The paladin notices with interest, too, that Hannibal has crept up on the other side, also in a defensive posture. 'So much the better, I suppose', he thinks to himself.

Robert does not respond to Emma's accusations, merely narrowing his eyes, clenching his jaw, and examining her face. He notices two others step closer, a rugged man and some kind of holy warrior. Exhaling slowly, he continues to regard this woman, Emmalya, who deceived him weeks before. Had she any idea the trouble she'd caused?

El is completely composed. He stays near the door throughout most of the demonstration, listening for intruders with his acute elven ears. 'Why is she so concerned with apologizing to him?' El thinks, 'what's the big deal? Wade is a soldier. Soldiers understand necessity, even if priests do not? You will only make him more suspicious in this way!'

"All of that is just a possible future," Emma states, "Nire hasn't quite placed those stars in the sky. What we do know is that your Red Dragon advisors murdered the Hathean Coreognate in this very temple. They questioned him for clues to the whereabouts of the Rings of Damacht and then they executed him as an example of their power and commitment to ruling through fear and tyranny.

"Now I've looked into your heart before, Robert Wade. It's a gift granted by my god to his priestesses," she says, "And I did not see someone that would be party to such tactics...to such a crime against human life in any society, yours or mine. So am I to presume you were unaware of the real reasons surrounding the Coreognate's death?"

At the mention of looking into Robert's heart, Skandor's eyes narrow. This seems the perfect opportunity to do the same, himself. Had the man's disposition changed since the first time Emma had met him? Perhaps. Or, could Emma have seen what she *wanted* to see, or had she seen Robert's true nature? Robert was confronted with not-so-friendly forces. His mind had to be on the current situation as Emma described it. If he bore any ill-will, or possessed an evil heart...he would not be able to hide it from Anhur's scrutiny. Focusing his mind, pushing all other thoughts out of his consciousness, Skandor seeks to judge Robert's soul.

As he feels the power of Anhur rush into his mind, Skandor's consciousness moves forward toward Robert's. The feeling was the thing. What was the feeling he'd get? Soon enough he can tell. He senses faith and commitment, a sense of duty and honor--but also the seeds of doubt. He senses fear and aprehension. But significantly, he senses no evil. No clear good, perhaps, but definitely no clear evil.

For the rest of the interrogation, Skandor stands readily next to Emma. He expects Robert to make an attempt at her, or at least an attempt to flee. If so, the paladin is ready.

"Priestess," Robert begins, feigning a smile, "you vastly underestimate the honor of the men my father has chosen to--"

"What did they say to you?" Emma scoffs, interrupting Robert mid-thought. "That the Coreognate was an active participant in the war? How could that be? El-Balans is too far removed to be a battlefield in the honorable war you seek to wage. Did they tell you he resisted them and tried to escape...maybe even tried to attack them? Why would he do that? You already held every member of his caste prisoner. To lash out at them he would have known he would condemn his faithful followers. So you tell me, Robert. What reason did the wizards give to you when they desired an innocent man's execution? What purpose did it serve but to frighten those that were left behind? To give them a taste of what will become commonplace once they've found the rings..."

El he grimaces angrily. 'Emma,' he thinks, 'you can be so condescending! If I were Wade, I'd slap that smile right off your conceited face.' Suddenly he colors, regretting his thoughts. However, he can't help but watch her in consternation. 'What is your game, girl?'

"I trust the word of my advisors! I trust in the faith my father affords them! And I resent your implication, 'Lady' Emmalya," he twists her name almost condescendingly. "True aristocracy behaves like aristocracy, my father says. You may call yourself 'Lady,' priestess, but I shall be party to that no more than I shall accept your wordy accusations."

"Well, we shall see whose interpretation of these events is correct," Emma responds, "The Coreognate's body was taken a half-hour's ride to the west and left to rot in the cold desert sands. I don't know if you were a part of the horsemen that carried it there, but you will be a part of the ones who bring it back. And when we find it, you will stand before its spirit as Anhur summons the Coreognate once more into this realm...and you will listen to what he has to say about what really happened."

Her gaze softens a little as she tilts her head to look at him. "I do this as a gift to you, Robert Wade the Fourth," she says almost wistfully, "It is quite draining for me personally to call upon such a divine favor. But I don't wish to see you make a mistake that will ruin all of our lives...and condemn your soul as well. You can be angry at this turn of events, but be so only with me if you must. But know that your anger goes unreturned for I bear you no spite. I never have. And I never will. I just want you to open your eyes. Understand the truth...and the dangers that lie before you. I deceived you once before. Allow me this chance to redeem myself in your eyes. As a noble lady to a gentleman, I ask this of you..."

The night is still quite dark, though it is closer to dawn than it is to dusk. Quietly, Rinder's Six move out of the study--along with the young priestess Illena and the Caerloon nobleman (?) Robert Wade IV--emerge from the sanctuary, and (with the help of Hannibal and Storm) grab enough horses for them to ride west as Emma plans. It is fortunate that the guards outside the stable are too sleepy to notice what is really going on, and some small noises from the Hatheans helps to distract them further. Of course, Robert is not too pleased with the performance of his soldiers, but between his gag and his bindings, he is unable to act.

The winter's night on the edge of the Endless Desert is cold and crisp. True, there were nights farther east that were colder and stiffer, but the ride is strenuous, especially with two per mount. Robert struggles at first, but after a while he stops, realizing it to a fruitless waste of energy, especially considering he rides with the strong and able holy warrior-man.

Emma's horse leads; Canter rides with her. The leatherman's son can feel the tension in her body as he sits mounted behind her. Had Robert's words stung that much? Or was this more than just his words at work? Indeed, she was not entirely herself around this particular foe.

The prescribed half an hour passes, and sure enough, Emma can see the spot. Even though the winds had smoothed the sands over, they could not conceal fully the rotting flesh of a man. Quickly Emma brings her horse to a halt, a few yards away from the Coreognate's body. She dismounts, leaving Canter with the reins, and marches over to the spot. Kneeling in the dusty sand, she looks down upon this man. Though no priest of Anhur, this man had been a brother in spirit. She may not have known him, but his death was untimely. 'Hathe knows this,' Dodgen had said. She could be sure that Anhur knew it as well.

Soon the others have dismounted. Canter ties all the reins together and to one of his leather tools. He drives the tool into sand, securing the horses so they will not wander off. He also removes his new hooded lantern and a flask of oil from his pack, lighting the lantern so as to provide some illumination for the area. 'We are far enough away so that the soldiers at El-Balans won't see the light. Let's just hope there are no wandering tribes or highway robbers to notice and come looking for trouble...' he thinks to himself.

After looking out upon the darkened horizon, Canter turns around to look toward the center of the circle forming around the Coreognate's lifeless, sand-covered body. He must have been near fifty years of age, very old, indeed. His beard is short and gray, his clothes nondescript except for a small standard of Hathe over his heart.

Canter's eyes wander to the new girl, Illena. She is clutching Alara's hand, occasionally looking up to to fighter. A small smiles crosses Canter's lips. Alara hadn't been with the group very long, certainly not time enough for him to feel as if he really knows her. But there is a calming effect of the sight of those two together. Indeed, Canter wonders if their pasts were not so different. Alara had once spoken with Canter about her past, telling him in vague terms about her flight from an enslaved mother, murdered by a ruthless father. Her mixed blood had been a curse, making her an outsider to both humans and elves. Perhaps, Canter wonders, Alara sees in this young half-elf (who was brought to El-Balans by traders from the south, Dodgen had said) the little girl she once was, and chance to make this little girl's life turn out better than her own.

His moment of calmed observation is ended, however, as he notices Emma preparing to summon the spirit of the Coreognate. Dutifully, he focuses his attention on the task at hand, intending to help his friend the Shield Maiden in any way he can.

El stands within the circle as well, looking to the body at his feet. His eyes then briefly meet with Skandor's and Hannibal's, as they too stand near. But as his eyes pass between the two, something else catches his attention. It is difficult to see exactly what. Whatever it is is far enough out in the desert, and away from the clarifying light of Canter's lantern, so as not to be clearly visible--even with his enhanced elven vision. Some kind of shimmering, shifting image. Something moving. Was he going mad? First he was suspecting Emma of hiding things, now was he plainly seeing things? No one else seems to notice, but then again, no one else has his vision and no one else is paying much attention to the horizon in that direction.

Soon, however, Emma has begun the prayer, a task of the utmost importance. Not wanting to interrupt, especially for a mere hallucination, El bites his tongue...for now.

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