[Quest] Recovery and Retreat (Harlequill)

[Jaquise Emittere]

84th day of Spring 510 AV The pain when he first woken had been unbearable, keeping him bed ridden for another couple of days. Zagarek had a few choice words for Jaq, and the pale mercenary was to weak to put up much an argument. To those listening, Jaq merely talked to himself. Perhaps they though him mad. Who wouldn't though, with what had happened to him. Still Jaq was very sane. Thankfully in his sleep the pain was almost nil, and every time he woke up he seemed to have grown more used to the cold creeping feel in his head. It got to the point where he could be annoyed that is eyebrow was frosting over as whatever moisture that settled on them froze from being so close to his eye. By the time he was fit enough to complain about not having enough pillows, Shi'ala gave the thinking part of the captains job back to him. Jaq reworked the teams so that now each group included four people, and now there were only three teams. Hopefully the numbers would provide saftey. Each team was to remain together at all times, to prevent single people from being caught unawares like poor Michael had. Zagarek had acceded to Jaq's side of the argument. He had heard the warning but had been to injure dot respond quickly enough. The familiar then went on to blame Roland for ignoring the charge given to him. Thankfully none of the wolves were around when Jaq agreed wholeheartedly with this. Eventually, Jaq couldn't even venture a guess at to how many days had passed, one of the sisters began asking Jaq about who he was talking to. Jaq almost responded sarcastically by saying a voice in his head, but instead said he must have been dreaming. The sister, Jaq couldn't remember which one, frowned as she nodded add this. She did not mention that every once in a while she felt a cold anger from another party emanating form within the tent. It had almost been unnoticeable considering how little the emotion was actually being felt, but it was there. Finally on the 27th day of being camped out, V delivered onto Jaq the chain mail suit bearing the tabard of Alahea. That day Jaq also got his share of the bloodied gems pulled from the Yukmen. Jaq thought it a satisfying thing that the things would literally pay for what they had done with their blood. Still injured, bandages wrapped underneath his shirt, Jaq moved slowly and only with the aid of Alicob. They had formed a loose friendship during Jaq's infirmary, but Jaq noticed the fear that everyone felt when he looked to them and his new friend was no exception. Jaq moved to where Allen and his brother Ben were situated. It took a little while with his slow movement and he ended up passing a great many of the surviving laborers. All appeared happy to see him awake, but all of them shivered a little upon seeing his right eye. Eventually he found Allen, and with Alicob's help Jaq maneuvered closer to him. "Hail Allen. How goes it? Have we been successful in our endeavors? Was what you searched for in the tomb?"

[Harlequill]

"We found what we were looking for an more. This will give the people of Syliras a great insight into the workings of the mind of a genius. A piece of lost culture had been restored." Allen spoke with a smile on his face. By the time Jaq had been free to get up and move around Allen had been well on his way to a full recovery. Moving too suddenly still gave him pause, and he would not be up to any strenuous physical activity for another ten or fifteen days, but he was back at the reins of his wagon. Ben had stopped drinking since the battle. Pouches had appeared under his eyes and he could often be seen shivering of fidgeting with his hands. He remained determined to avoid alcohol for as long as his brother was injured. The man of so few words spoke volumes with such an act. Though his brother made all the decisions Ben did not resent him for it. He preferred it that way, and did not wish for his brother to come to any further harm while he was too drunk to help. While the weather was no more pleasant on this return trip than it had been upon arriving, it was at least different. The air had begun to heat with the promise of summer and men were now sweating rather than shivering. There was no more mist, but Jade could be heard commenting wistfully on how he would give anything for a good breeze or a little more rain. Morale was low, but each day gave the men a little more hope. If they could return home without any further disasters befalling the company then they could begin to call this a victory. Until then it was all too fresh in their minds how many men had already died, and how many more could die if another monster were to find their trail.

[Jaquise Emittere]

With Alicob's help Jaq was able to sit himself int he wagon Allen was driving. It was the seat Allen had first offered to Jaq the first time they had spoken at the start of the expedition. The pale mercenary, to keep himself from taking advantage of his position, had declined in favor of walking with his team. Now he had no such luxury. He wouldn't be able to keep pace with the force on his own two feet. Jaq looked to Alicob, still towering over him even with his new seat, and nodded his thanks. The Akalak avoided Jaq's eyes by looking at his temple, but did so not out of fear but simply out of respect. He had learned how much it bothered Jaq that his eye scared people, and involuntarily caused a great many to feel a shiver up their spine, so to a cold doing so he looked to Jaq's temple when the time called for them to face each other. It hurt Jaq that his new friend felt like he had to do this, but he kept it to himself and smiled his wry smile instead. "You best be getting back to your team, lest the others think I'm giving you special treatment." The Akalak laughed and moved tot he position his team had been assigned. "Its good to hear the sacrifices were not wasted." Jaq looked around to see if any others were close by. There was only Ben and Allen at the moment. It seemed everyone else was making last minute preparations before they moved out. Zagarek's voice trailed through Jaq's mind. 'Are you certain you wish to ask him? Even if he says yes there is little you can do.' Jaq kept himself from audibly cursing the familiar and instead returned the thought with one of his own. 'It's because of those fowl beasts that so many lost their lives. Its the reason I lost my eye. If he knew then he must share some of the blame.' 'Correction, it is because of your own foolishness that your eye has changed, and it is also because of you that we suffered so for days. We will speak more of that when we are out of this forest and in a reasonably more secure area.' Zagarek had brought this up before, but it had been around the time Jaq had learned about his eye, and he had been in no mood to here it. The familiar still sounded angry, but it was hard to tell with his almost emotionless tone. 'Aside from the pain I see little problem in the change. You will grow used to the feeling of cold, just as you have grown used to my temperature around your neck.' In truth Jaq had never grown used to the cold necklace he wore. Even now it was only other thoughts that kept him from cringing every time the crystal that was Zagarek at the end of his string touched his bare skin. He did not say anything in hopes that he might one day grow used to it, making the point moot. 'It was either kill the Yukmen or risk more lives lost. This expedition needs as many hands as it can get to make it back to the saftey of Syliras.' 'It sound logical, but you could have simply let the crossbows do all the culling. It would have taken longer, and certainly another sacrifice or two would have been made but you would be in much better shape. With your skill set you count for a great deal more then any of the laborers that would have been lost.' The cold, emotionless voice sounded even colder as Zagarek spoke. It seemed to have taken on a new element of disinterest that shook Jaq to his core. The uncaring and disinterest in the familiar's voice was real, and Jaq wondered for a moment if the familiar would feel the same way about Jaq were they not linked. They were though, which meant Jaq would live with this being for the rest of his life. Jaq didn't exactly value life as much as his friend Stitch did but he often felt obligated to do what he could to help those in harms way. It might be difficult dealing with a familiar who cared only for his own, and to that extent, Jaq's survival and well being. Jaq might be able to change Zagarek's opinion, but if their relationship got to the point where he had that much influence, such a thing would work both ways. The pale wizard shivered at the thought of becoming so cold, willing to sacrifice lives just so his would be a little better. He'd take the nightmares that plagued him any day. 'That plan had not come to mind. I will keep your thoughts in mind the next time danger arises.' Jaq took a deep breath as he sent this though in order to calm himself. The breath only caused a stab of pain in his side though, and offered no solace for his mind. The equivalent of a nod of the head was the only thing Jaq got in response. [i]'Before anyone else arrives I plan on asking Allen. Do you have any objections?'[/b] 'I just ask you to be cautious. If it sounds like an accusation they may think it to much trouble to keep you and if it is true there will be none of your human morals to keep them from doing away with you.' Jaq silently agreed and turned to look at Allen from his seat in the back of the wagon. He thought carefully over what he was going to say and discarded several trains of thoughts before settling on one that sounded more curious then accusatory. "How did you know about the danger so soon?"

[Harlequill]

"The sisters felt strong hateful emotions emanating from outside my tent. As they stepped outside with Ben I armed myself." This response was neither hasty nor delayed. It was delivered with the same precision as all of Allen's statements. Ben did not speak, he only moved back deeper into the wagon and busied himself with checking the inventory. Reaching up to touch the bandage which was now barely needed, Allen released a heavy sigh. His right hand gripped the reins firmly even though his attention seemed to wander. When next Jaq looked ready to speak Allen beat him to it. Rather than speaking over him, Allen spoke before the mercenary captain could manage the words. "You performed some impressive feats of magic during our travels. Your payment will be well deserved. I've taken the liberty of having the boy Jade collect a horse for you, so that you will not be required to walk with your injuries. I hope that the animal is to your liking." A faint smile brightened the man's face, but his statement was both a kindness and a dismissal. A chestnut stallion was being led up next to the wagon by a brightly smiling Jade. If the boy knew that he was being used to get rid of Jaq, he did not show it. He looked very proud of the horse he had found for his hero to ride on the journey home.

[Jaquise Emittere]

Jaq looked warily from Allen to the animal and decided there was no possible way the man knew about Jaq's fear of horses. It was an old story, older then most of the mercenaries, in which a 9 year old Jaq tried to pet the horses that pulled his father's carriage. Being under foot of a horse unsupervised is no where for such a young child to be, and after accidentally spooking the horse Jaq was nearly killed. It was only the quick action taken by Raziel that had kept him alive. Since then he has been at the very least wary of horses. Still it was clear Allen didn't want Jaq around, and whether or not Jade understood that, the boy thought he was doing the pale man a favor. Jaq thanked both Allen and Jade profusely and had the boy bring the horse over to the wagon and carefully, both out of fear of upsetting his injury and out of fear of recreating a child hood nightmare, Jaq mounted the horse. The boy gave Jaq a quick instruction on how to make it go forward, how to turn it to the right and left, and how to make it stop. Only time would tell if Jaq would manage to ride the horse. 'Your fears are illogical. You are surrounded by people who can assist you.' With a smile Jaq told the familiar he had no idea what he was talking about. Just as Jaq was settled his team came up from behind. The new addition to the team, the quiet sister Niva, walked beside V in human form. V was talking animatedly about something, but when she got close enough to see Jaq she shivered upon seeing his gaze. Jaq ignored the reaction and with a smile attempted to lead the horse up ahead of Allen's wagon, where he would try and join his team. The horse misunderstood Jaq's intentions and almost started turning around. Shi'ala moved quickly and grabbed the reigns of the horse and began gently leading the beast forward. As they moved the Wolf leader explained to Jaq what Jade already had. Jaq paid closer attention this time. When they reached point Jaq spoke to Zagarek. 'Why do you think I was chased away?' 'Judging from the other human's reaction it might just be your new eye.' Zagarek's cool voice gave no hint of sarcasm or criticism, but Jaq didn't know the being well enough to assume he wasn't capable of such things. 'The only way to confirm or deny his story is to ask one of the medics. I ask you again though, are you sure you should? All you might end up doing is upsetting the one who has yet to pay you for your role in this force's defense.' Jaq had no answer for the being though and decided to think more on it through out the day. That turned out to be easier said then done. Travel was weary work for Jaq, who was still injured, and he had not the luxury Allen had of a stable bed to recover in. A horse was not the best place to be recovering on either. The jostling was a painful experience that sometimes even took the mans breath away. Dwelling on what ifs with Allen was to depressing and to exhausting at the moment. Instead he kept himself busy by speaking to Shi'ala. Apparently in his pain he had missed several important events. Among the survivors of the mercenary force, all but the d'hani planned on joining the wolves. Even Jade, who was for some reason up at point with Jaq's team, expressed a desire of joining them. Jaq feared this might because of the boys hero worship, and decided that if he got the chance he would speak with the boy more on this decision. Being in the company of the wolves wasn't the worst place he could end up, but a life of constant battle was not for a child. It seems that in hoping to avoid tiring himself out on morally ambiguous topics, Jaq had gound another such topic to further exhaust him. The rest of the day was a long one, and Jaq often found himself slipping in and out of sleep. On one such occasion he actually almost fell off the horse. Thankfully Zagarek had been correct and with some assistance he remained in the saddle till night fall and the setting of the camp. The bad side to this was he was quite sore by the end of the day. That's not something people mention when they talk about horses and Jaq couldn't blame them. Sore, injured, and filled with thoughts that were more depressing then uplifting Jaq fell into a troubled sleep.

[Jaquise Emittere]

The next three days were uneventful, making Jaq feel like the rest of the adventure had been nothing more then a bad dream. To much was missing or was wrong with the force and the people with in for this illusion to last long, but while under its spell Jaq felt a bit disquieted. On the second day of their return home Jaq found his chance to speak to Shi'ala and Jade about the boys decision to become a wolf. Apparently the child had been adamant in his choice and no promises of a nice home in Syliras would change his mind. After the boy had run of Shi'ala turned to Jaq. "I know what your thinking, but the boy doesn't have much of a future being raised in an orphanage." "A life of battle and blood is not the life for a child, especially one so young." Jaq was angry that Shi'ala had even let the boy think of such an idea. The anger was evident in his voice. Shi'ala did not back down and not a hint of shame crossed her features. "You think after that boy's experience with you, he'll want to be anything but a mercenary when he grows older? And do not lie to me, all of our training started young. He's near the age where a sword is not so odd of an idea. At least with the wolves he will have a family." The anger in Shi'ala's voice actually made her fists shake a little. Jaq bowed his head in shame as he realized that none of what she said was a lie. What kind of a world was this that a child such as Jade could expect to grow up killing and be happy about it. "You could join us to. The wolves, new and old, would welcome you." Jaq shook his head at the offer. He had been in another mercenary group once, they had been his new brothers and sisters. Their deaths still had the power to grip his heart to this day. And besides, even now Jaq could see that Shi'ala was struggling to look into Jaq's eyes. They would never fully trust him. 'I agree. Even though it is not obvious to them, I see fear in their eyes.' The second day was uneventful, and the third day following was only interrupted as the group passed by the very spot they had fought the wolverine. It seemed the wildlife still hadn't returned to normal in what had once been is territory. The group moved on unimpeded. On the fourth night Jaq got one more chance to speak with Allen. This time he did not allude to anything involving the Yukmen. There was nothing he could do even if his suspicions were right, and the more he and Zagarek discussed the possibility, the more unreal it seemed. Instead he decided to ask toward what they had found int he tomb. "Allen, i was hoping I might learn more about what you found. It might ease the burden on my heart a bit if I knew the true value of your discovery."

[Harlequill]

Allen looked rather excited to share the news of their discovery. Motioning for his brother to bring something forth, Ben moved back into the wagon for a moment. When he returned he carried in his hands a golden box. After placing it next to his brother on the seat he moved back once more. "Korinel Jerva was an accomplished philterer, and he may have had several other skills we are unaware of. Shortly after the death of Emperor Atarax Nymkarta of Alahea, the Emperor's twenty year old son was crowned." "This son, Emperor Kovinus, was one of the most remarkable men in the history of the nation. We know that he was the first Emperor of Alahea to lack magical prowess, which made his success as a ruler all the more impressive. During his coronation he gave a speech, known as the Grand Address. Using this speech he instilled new life into a nation on the brink of collapse. In spite of all of the failures that had come before, their enemies conquered not one more step of Alahean soil after this speech was uttered, until the time of Kovinus' death." "Kovinus is partially responsible for the modern code adhered to by the Syliran knights, and scholars still study his moving speeches to this day. Until now no one has uncovered what we have in our possession." Allen smiled and patted the golden box with his free hand, the other gesturing to Jaq as he spoke. The firelight from the camps of the men gave the box a stirring glow. "It is unclear whether Korinel Jerva stole these notes, or if he was gifted them by Kovinus himself. Jerva would certainly have known the young emperor, being a close advisor to his father. It is possible that he cared for the emperor as a child. Whatever the case, when he left the castle shortly after the Grand Address was given, he had in his possession this box. This box which contains the original notes created when Emperor Kovinus was crafting one of the most influential speeches in history. There is much that we can learn about the mind of a genius, hidden within these papers." "I had mentioned the skills of Jerva in philtering, and now I come back to them. We are not sure what concoction he used to preserve both the paper and the storage case, but both appear to be in excellent condition. There is little doubt that they were created many hundreds of years ago, and yet they are undamaged by the long passage of time. It is doubtful that this protection is permanent, but it has allowed us our chance to examine the documents." As he finished speaking he smiled again and gave the golden box one last pat. They may have found more in the tomb, and they may not have. Information about anything else they found was not forthcoming. If questioned any further the brothers would insist that this had been the only item of consequence found within the tomb. It seemed clear that this had been their main goal. A priceless piece of history, gilded in gold and carried through time.

[Jaquise Emittere]

Jaq's new chain shirt was evidence that they had probably found more in the tomb, but he didn't want to push. The mention of Syliran Knights made him wary, and Jaq wanted too avoid bothering anyone with an affiliation with that particular group. Not to mention they might try and skimp out on the payment if Jaq made to much of a fuss. So Jaq nodded in appreciation at being told about the Address and went back to minding his own business. The next day met with a broken wagon wheel, but thankfully it was a quick fix and the party was only slowed by a few hours. Finally, the sixth day of the return home brought the sight of Syliras on the horizon. The city never looked so good as it did then, and a cheer went up amongst the mercenaries as the task they had been assigned to was nearly completed. Even Jaq, still in a dour mood and still feeling his injury, could not help but smile a little at the sight of it. Zagarek seemed to barley notice, only making a brief comment about not getting drunk when all accounts were settled with the brothers. Jaq made no promises. When the expedition force, or what was left of it, finally made it to the gates that evening, people began lining up for their pay. Some were surprised when Jaq got in line as well. For most it was probably that he deigned to weight in line, for some it was because he was still on the horse which was a bit annoying, and for a few it was that he was getting paid gold mizas. The last were not of the mind set that he didn't deserve it, they probably just thought he took souls as payment. When it came to be Jaq's turn he got down from the horse, with the help of Alicob, and offered the reigns back to the brothers. "Thanks for the ride. Made things easier on my injury." In truth it actually made his injury hurt more, but perhaps not as much as it would of been had he been made to walk. And it seemed he had gotten over his fears of horses. Just as this thought crossed his mind the chestnut stallion sneezed in Jaq's direction. The mercenary jumped back, causing his stab wound to flare up in pain. Jaq spent the next minute doubled over as Alicob and most everyone around laughed. They had learned of his fear of horses and thought it funny.

[Harlequill]

The pay that Jaq received was gathered neatly in a heavy leather sack, similar to the one that the Yukmen parts had been placed in. Once he had counted it out and had the opportunity to shake hands with Allen, the archeologist moved on to pay the last few laborers and mercenaries that had been slow in arriving to the front of the line. Jade came to Jaq briefly to get a hug, and to wave farewell to him. The boy still did not speak, but no one could blame him. Whatever strangeness plagued him before the death of his caretaker, it could not be expected to get better after witnessing his brutal death. As he walked away he pressed something into the palm of the mercenary. The wolves came to say their farewells immediately after. Though the lot of them were sad that Jaq would not join them, they still had some difficulty looking him in the eyes. His decision had been for the best. Perhaps if they worked with him again in the future then they would grow more accustomed to his new oddity. Only time would tell. Syliran Knights checked each individual member of the train, though the check was brief and cursory. It was more from the habit of speaking to every person who walked through the gates than a need to police this caravan in particular. When the knights were told by Allen what had been unearthed they showed great enthusiasm, and word passed quickly among them. This journey had proven to be profitable, but also long and painful for all of those involved. Allen and Ben were deep in their own thoughts when they finally bid farewell to Jaq. "You did well Captain. I'd say you saved our lives." With a gruff handshake they each moved into the city with their prize. As they left Jaq finally had time, after the constant rush of people, to look down at what Jade had given him. It was a simply carved wooden sword, shaped like a katana, slightly smaller than a letter opener. One last memento of a journey which would leave scars upon him for the rest of his life.

[Harlequill]

Weighing in... XP Awarded Character: Jaquise Emittere Experience: 1xp Interrogation, 1xp Familiary Lore: The Treachery of Archeologists, Jade's Love, The Mercenary Wolves Reward: Miniature wooden Katana. All other related rewards were covered in your quest thread.