Repercussions

Repercussions is the third episode of The Broadswords.

Summary

Synopsis
The caravan sustained some damage during the fight with the Magmin, and need to repair a wagon wheel, so our Broads take a short rest. Yllairies also took some damage and is frustrated that she hasn't received a healing hand from Keilah, and begrudgingly makes the most of the short rest to tend to her wound herself, as does Mépris, though without any resentment.

Yllairies attempts to climb back into the wagon at the head of the caravan, but one fo the guards tells her to get into the further back caravans with everyone else. She protests this, but the guards insist that it is on Gris' orders that she be placed to the back. She flails ineffectively against them as they forcibly remove her.

"I'll find my own place!" Yllairies says petulantly as she fires a little firebolt to the side just to intimidate them. Gris, seeing this, demands her removal from the caravan for their own safety. Yllairies is upset but can't do anything and watches as the caravan prepares to leave without her.

Mepris feels a bit bad for her, as she has built up some respect for the half-elf, but she continues to help the caravan pack up.

Keilah still has a pouch that she stole a while ago, however she hasn't had time to look at it. Seeing Yllairies' plight, she chuckles to herself, heads up to the front caravan and asks if there's a free seat.

Gris recognizes her from her help earlier and lets her join him.

Yllairies yells after them as they head off "I don't need you anyway! And I also need a refund!" Yllairies abandons some less beloved books from her belongings in order for her unseen servant to carry her luggage, and they begin walking along the road.

After 4-5 hours, the caravan arrives at The Moss Stones.

The pilgrims are greatly excited to have reached their destination. The Moss Stones seem to be related to a woman whose lover went missing and her spirit lingers around here. Keilah has been chatting to Gris and the others from the front cart. They have been telling her that when you sleep at the foot of the stones you are given prophetic dreams. Sometimes a woman will show in them, but it is more of a folklore story than something people fully believe however they give honour to her anyway. All of the pilgrims who traveled with them have come to sleep at the foot of the stones.

Mépris helps the other campers unpack and set up.

Keilah finds a place to check the contents of the pouch she stole earlier and finds ten blue stones. She can't tell much about them but they sure are pretty and blue.

Yllairies, trailing behind and hair askew, arrives an hour or so later to find that the caravan has finished making camp. She walks proudly through the camp to the far side closest to the stones and begins setting a place for herself. Mépris guiltily watches her for a bit before going over and asking if Yllairies needs help to which Yllairies curtly responds "I think the servant has got it. But thank you. I appreciate the offer." Rebuffed, Mépris goes back to helping the others.

Keilah smiles and waves at Yllairies from the top of the wagon she was riding with Gris.

As evening falls the mist returns slowly. The lilting song too, drifts and winds through the trees. Sometimes it sounds right next to you, a moment later it is distant. The fire flickers erratically and the same men as before shiver beneath their coats. Mépris, sensing something amiss, gets information from Gris. "When you're here, this is the sort of thing you should expect," he says.

Yllairies huddles miserably but pretends confidence in her perception of being in the right. The evening winds down and everyone settles in to sleep as best they can. For our three Broadswords the night is restless. At some point they settle into a half-doze, and they each dream.

They see a woman coming from the mist, wearing riding leathers and a red tunic. She says to each of them "You will help me. Get him home." In the morning they wake, just as exhausted as the yesterday.

Coming out of their tents they hear a gasp and, looking over, see the same woman from their dreams sqautting near a fire. She warms her hands. Near her is the figure of a young man sleeping, dressed in slightly outdated clothes. He has dark hair and a bushy beard. Mepris goes over and grabs the woman's shoulder asking who she is. The matron of the pilgrims speaks; "Mépris, that is Hamara Monyetta." When Hamara speaks, the voice is distorted. She says "The grandmother speaks true." Gris places his hand on Mépris' shoulder as if to say 'come away from her'. The woman nods at Gris and rises to her feet. "Make sure he gets home." The matron reponds that he will. Hamara nods with a small smile and her form blurs and fades into the mist.

Locations

 * the Moss Stones

Main

 * Yllairies
 * Mépris
 * Keilah

New

 * Hamara Monyetta

Returning

 * Gris
 * Pilgrim Matron