[HQ Ignorance] Scene 72: The Iron Ring

[Lev Lafayette]

Scene 72: The Iron Ring

Acting as protectors to the Orlanthi refugees and keeping the Telmori
leashed in order to maintain the peace, the Fellowship takes a leading
role in the journey to the Auroch Hills, where the last rebels have
holed up. Miryanth The Purple explains that this location is where the
Last Free King, Broyan, has set himself against the Lunar Forces.
Although but a few day's journey, it is ardorous through the thick snow
and incredibly still air.

Eventually however the party arrives at the campsite. It is small by the
standards seen by the Fellowship in the past. Barely several hundred
warriors, if that, and probably only a third of those truly capable. The
rest are barely men, brave but impetuous, full of youthful energy and
ideas of rebellion - or they are old, slow of sinew, but relishing the
opportunity for one good fight before they join the ranks of their dead
god.

Miryanth strides with direction, straight to the tents of his King,
bringing the Fellowship with him, along with the leashed Telmori and the
Storm Bull (who, finally revealed his name as Alyrard). Upon witnessing
the group, King Broyan, dressed in helm and chain hauberk and with sword
and shield by his side, rises to converse with Miryanth who explains
that this group are most seasoned adventurers, many of them from the far
west and even beyond and that they come with a recommendation from
Nauticles in Esrolia. They seek to journey to the East, and are unable
to do as Orlanth is bound in death. With their assistance, we may win
this battle, the Purple Sage explains - but they will only do so with
the promise that a revived Orlanth provides great winds to aid their
journey.

"They seek...", says Miryanth with a pause, "Many strange things that I
have gleaned from conversation. The shamaness claims that she is weirded
to remove the stain of Chaos from the Telmori - and strangely so she
does have a certain sway with said beings". Hiding his shame with a
cough, "She managed to convince the Telmori to join the rebellion at the
Wild Temple. Those present are representatives of their people."

"The disparate group claim that they are seeking the weapons of Talor's
Companions to defeat an evil called The Kingdom of War which threatens
their borders. They have one of these weapons; the axe borne by the
shaman. The others are to the east and north. One of their number claims
to the new crowned king of Seshnela, and I have found no reason to
disbelieve him yet."

"The Storm Bull, Alyrard, confirms that some indeed fought against a
Lunar patrol which ambushed his clan - but demands the right to execute
the Telmori as Chaotic prisoners."

Broyan spends a moment deep in thought. "So... the Telmori no longer to
wish to howl at the moon in friendship? That is indeed good news. We may
not be friends yet, but for the time being we may not be enemies.
Alyrard, you did well to capture such a large number of werewolves, and
seemingly single-handedly. Our numbers are few however and rather than
immediate execution, perhaps some indentured labour would be more
appropriate first. You also acted wisely bringing them to me before
slaughtering them; for if what the foreigner says is true, you may have,
in your own way, destroyed Chaos in greater numbers than you can
imagine.... Go join your clan and prepare for the upcoming battle.
Prepare for the Hurricane."

With the departure of the Storm Bull the King becomes visibly more
relaxed. First he bows to King Azhur, as one king to another. He
inquires to each member of the Fellowship what their story is, and how
they came to be so far from home, and what the revival of the dead god
Orlanth could do for them. And he introduces the members of the
Fellowship to the Iron Ring itself. "When in battle", the King remarks,
each member of the Ring has been allocated a force. You foreigners may
choose who you wish to attach yourself with."

"The assault is led by spear and sword, on the left and right wings, by
Dernu and Gernu on the left and Elalanditi Wild Wind." You cannot help
be surprised by Dernu, a large spotted cat with long sharp ears, who
does the talking for his silent human partner. Elmalandtri on the other
hand is somewhat shocking in his own right. Despite the cold, he is
totally naked, with numerous Wind runes in blue dye over his body. His
dark hair and beard are wild and unkempt. 

"Our missile force is led by Gyffur Ulfsonn, they will take the centre
front." Gyffur is a grim man which speaks with a voice that has seen too
much already. There is more than a slightly crazed look in his eye.

"The central force is myself and Orlastor Spearlord." Orlastor is a
middle-aged man, balding, fat but one who gives the appearance of a
professional soldier, albeit long retired."

"And Miryanth.. you can bring up the rear and organise support for this
battle."

Miryanth seems concerned; "Where is Queen Kallyr Starbow, leader of the
rebellion?"

The King shook his head sadly. "Missing. Not seen for many days."

After the introductions are complete, the King gathers some wild, naked,
priestesses with him. They sacrifice a sacred Auroch Bull upon a stone
altar and begin a chant, and just like the battle with the Lunars a
ghostly apparition appears. For a moment it hovers above the campsite
and then, with incredible speed, it rushes northwards. The chanting
continues, and shows no sign of stopping.

Once again Jareena recognises the magic. "They are serious about this.
That bull was not so much a sacrifice to their Gods, but laying a scent
trial for their enemy."

"They are summoning the Lunars." 

[Icthya's scene next...]